[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6545611,"mediaKeyId","3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a","parentId",3533877,"title","Council debate on evening and off‑site public meetings highlights legal, logistical hurdles and options","audioSeconds",3115,"startMs",3453000,"endMs",6568000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a&start=3453&end=6568","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a/thumbnail_3453000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6545611/Houston/Harris-County/Texas/Council-debate-on-evening-and-offsite-public-meetings-highlights-legal-logistical-hurdles-and-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545611-f0fbf4602910859dc219454049b585b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155100&Signature=I1xV4EuQCXnYqkLMdeJKrinQKTuHCVVayb84pB-RVB2WmeysBZqOauWlDSJj5dQOrx9c5--r1uaaPStYxj8KfUnJwa~NMkUmi0ugUKXd~UgpWbjQGYwDpSnWn9Arkxx2ee~QeZ4R2kzDL-8di776MBTyL6X~oKbvE~usCAd5bnw39FepEfFHDJfmZmy44e5XgDaJ0R06oRWmQ6U5sdsG5PVrL2oC0SubDTdJA1sTxcD~augfza7VVrr4I5p5rhryNVDVfqkK7NSR1SbwYvDyQxTZO5umQweE01mH2xO5yONnu~2UcIsykGLhjhm7uSLMeSs6zNscswRZvy2SSVgOpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Houston","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Council members and city staff on May 27 debated a proposal to hold at least some regular council public sessions in the evening — and to explore rotating off‑site meetings in council districts — as a way to improve public access and participation.

Council Member Castillo described the idea as a response to constituents who cannot attend weekday afternoon sessions and proposed moving one meeting per month to an evening start (proposed 6:00–6:30 p.m.) with the district council member hosting on rotation. Stephen David and mayoral staff presented legal and operational constraints, including a city charter provision that states council meetings “shall be held in city hall,” and the council rules (Code of Ordinances §2‑2) that specify regular meeting start times. Because the charter would require a voter‑approved amendment to change the official meeting location, staff proposed a workaround: hold off‑site sessions but ratify the off‑site meeting actions at the subsequent council meeting in City Hall.

Staff also outlined operational considerations for off‑site meetings: broadcast and closed‑captioning capabilities, translation services, ADA compliance, security (estimated at roughly $700 per meeting for off‑hour security), audiovisual and staging costs (informally estimated at $25,000–$30,000 per fully supported off‑site meeting), and transportation/accessibility plans (possible coordinated Metro or Z‑Trip options). Staff recommended piloting evening meetings at City Hall first to work through technical and procedural issues before moving into the community.

Council members and public speakers suggested a range of options: holding evening meetings in City Hall as a near‑term step; creating district “hub” sites where residents could gather and connect to the central meeting by Teams; using Teams/virtual participation while requiring city residency verification for public‑session speakers; and negotiating interlocal arrangements with public partners (HISD, community colleges) to use larger local facilities and lower costs. Several council members and members of the public said they supported evening meetings at City Hall as a first step; some expressed concern about rotating meetings across a sprawling city given travel, parking and accessibility disparities.

Why it matters: The proposal seeks to reduce barriers to civic participation for residents who cannot attend afternoon meetings. Its success depends on technology, budget, legal review and planning for ADA and translation services.

What’s next: Staff will refine options and cost estimates. Committee members endorsed the idea of starting with evening sessions at City Hall (no ordinance was passed in committee at this meeting) and directed staff to continue interdepartmental planning on technical, legal and accessibility issues.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Houston - Proposition A Committee - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members debated moving one regular meeting per month to the evening and piloting off‑site district sessions to boost public participation, while staff warned of charter constraints on meeting location and outlined significant operational costs.","taxTitle","Houston, Harris County, Texas","taxId",2797,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545614,"Committee discusses free city garage parking for disabled veterans; no vote due to lack of quorum",236,3170000,3406000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a&start=3170&end=3406","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a/thumbnail_3170000.jpg","/articles/6545614/Houston/Harris-County/Texas/Committee-discusses-free-city-garage-parking-for-disabled-veterans-no-vote-due-to-lack-of-quorum","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545614-1b5340ee05e48ae7ab10c9fa6c44b469/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155100&Signature=MVkU~-VdwnzKwLtuZMmnhhSl0sHO84xghhwhcZpaw0Disyt-WGa3RJ5OQwO2fI8N2EC~LhgvNmwXhI4wKWLKzDIdch4ZdDlWflx9oBLky7G953a7zdw3Rk9UtF1rl~GFNMSBWqkGuvDD~rPZbrc0LFVywy7SdvBxTWsdDW2nJu2-lr3fHPrTERFN6~tjwW2DTyGW9Yx~nVqhJhfw2HeJZL78SWpaeYj0oA-o67~z4n2~kYSi~cKeW2dwp0bL4Tr49v3MiAu018s5B3ica8Q~WhxdkL0D0JPZjeCIPgquFzQWaLXbaaZVTzv2Ob7lfUoMwIrwzm2E8sDxGDsCZrEc8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A proposal to allow disabled veterans to park free at city‑owned off‑street facilities — excluding airport garages — drew support and implementation questions during the Proposition A Committee meeting on May 27, but the committee did not take a vote because it lacked a quorum for that item.

The proposal, introduced in committee, would permit vehicles displaying state disabled‑veteran (DV) license plates to park in city‑owned off‑street parking facilities without charge, excluding airport facilities that operate under separate rules. The mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and several public‑sector speakers backed the concept while urging clear signage and an on‑site verification process to avoid abuse.

Dr. Lashandra Jones of the mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs said confusion about where the DV designation applies is common and recommended prominent signage so veterans know rules “prior to going in, not upon exit.” She noted the DV plate is issued after a Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (generally 50% or higher) and said the city should make hourly or duration rules clear.

Representatives of Houston First, which operates several downtown parking facilities, voiced support for free parking for disabled veterans but asked for verification safeguards. John Gonzales, senior vice president of operations at Houston First, said the privilege should be limited to the disabled veteran themself and recommended the veteran be present and able to show government ID or a copy of Form 214 at validation; Houston First described a prior practice of allowing verification at its parking offices when attendants are available.

During the discussion officials gave preliminary usage estimates: the mayor’s office estimated roughly 2,800–3,500 non‑city veterans park in city garages to attend events annually; about 38 city employees with DV tags currently park in city facilities (the presenter estimated the value of those employee parking tags at roughly $96,000 per year). Committee members and staff discussed signage, the need for a consistent citywide rule, and whether airport facilities should remain exempt. The meeting record shows no committee vote on the item because of insufficient quorum; staff indicated further interdepartmental work and drafting would continue.

Why it matters: Citywide uniformity would reduce confusion for veterans who travel to city facilities for services and events. Implementation choices — signage, verification (veteran present vs. delegation), and enforcement — will determine how the privilege operates in automated garages and during large events.

What’s next: Committee staff said they will continue drafting and coordinating with relevant departments (Houston First, Houston Airport System, city legal and the mayor’s veterans office) and will bring the ordinance back for consideration when quorum and interdepartmental details are resolved.","An ordinance to allow free off‑street city parking for state disabled‑veteran plate holders was discussed. Supporters urged clear signage and verification; Houston First and the mayor’s veterans office offered implementation concerns and suggested the veteran be present for validation. No committee vote was taken because of quorum constraints.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545617,"Committee refers apartment inspection ordinance to full council after broad debate; vote 10-0",5017,171000,5188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a&start=171&end=5188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6545617/Houston/Harris-County/Texas/Committee-refers-apartment-inspection-ordinance-to-full-council-after-broad-debate-vote-10-0","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545617-7809744fc92051b5253fce933c5d4afb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155100&Signature=P3VtUgM6~W1AdOmWm63E86MJHDjHlfqki~INTfsf7Q-ccYkRSNNHyOWNo0EGwhCOzjNELr9Ijjx-kfv-38~X4lWajKq2PqhTjZ09p7QPAEwWszGeZz5cvxLSVf8D30tkyEH36ykVQbS6AlAa86nPlr7bKYR~FRkOAui2kmkop2Pa6vzVDa8sjZg6APzQlXBg~zU~5h9yeol495Xi15oK4C-Lh5kXcJWX85eh5292rw3nq~7GVe-IBAE0k8UqQln7sc-xALfUuucPKVCz7fxyjKHgLQyT3BAYFKZZFje2KUR00dymqN9bVpU2B5oSRVkQfeodr2eo2RF~zIYKMNKo~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Houston’s Proposition A Committee voted 10-0 on May 27 to recommend for full‑council consideration an ordinance aimed at addressing substandard conditions in multifamily housing through a high‑risk apartment inspection program, a reconstituted Apartment Standards Enforcement Committee and new tenant and landlord support measures.

The ordinance would amend Chapter 10 of the Houston Code of Ordinances to create a High Risk Rental Building (HRRB) registration triggered when a property receives 10 or more habitability citations within a 12‑month period. Registered properties would receive initial and follow‑up inspections by city departments, mandatory landlord training for HRRB owners or agents and expanded enforcement powers, including misdemeanor fines and potential revocation of a certificate of occupancy. Committee members moved the measure to the full council with favorable consideration; the referral passed 10‑0 in roll call.

Council Member Plummer, who presented the ordinance, said the measure is “to protect our residents from substandard and dangerous housing conditions” and described the approach as shifting the city from reactive enforcement to prevention. Plummer also emphasized tenant supports: “This ordinance isn’t about enforcement against bad actors. It’s fundamentally about empowering our tenants so that they can advocate for themselves.”

Key provisions described in the committee discussion and the ordinance text:
- HRRB registration trigger: 10 or more habitability citations within 12 months, targeting repeat, serious offenders.
- Inspections and follow‑up: initial and subsequent inspections by relevant departments as outlined in the proposed Chapter 10 amendments.
- Enforcement: proposed misdemeanor fines (text references fines ranging from $2.50 to $2,000 per violation per day in the draft) and, for persistent violations, potential revocation of certificate of occupancy by Houston Public Works and civil action by the city attorney.
- Tenant supports: a complaint support and referral program to assist tenants in HRRBs and a publicly accessible directory of HRRBs with contact information.
- Landlord requirements: annual BlueStar (HPD) training or equivalent for owners/management of HRRBs — the draft specifies at least 10 hours annually and certification of completion within 30 days of registration.
- Senior living provision: a limited requirement that senior living facilities maintain a single common area with permanent or temporary backup power and a refrigerator capable of storing temperature‑sensitive medication during extreme weather events; the ordinance text frames this as a narrow, targeted requirement.
- ASEC: formal revival and authorization of the Apartment Standards Enforcement Committee (ASEC) — defined in the draft as a multi‑department coordinating body to maintain a citywide enforcement database, protect due process and recommend policy changes.

Presenters cited city data and operational context. Plummer’s office said the city has roughly 5,000 apartment complexes and that about half of Houston residents rent apartments. She and staff reviewed nine years of 311 data (2016–2024) showing steady complaint volumes and a spike in 2024; her staff emphasized the limits of 311 data because many tenants call council offices, tenant advocates or the media instead of 311.

Houston Police Department and apartment enforcement staff spoke about overlapping programs. Matthew Simon, who identified himself as leading HPD’s apartment enforcement unit, told the committee he supports coordinated efforts but warned the city already maintains remedial and crime‑based property lists and suggested harmonizing lists to avoid duplicative enforcement burdens. HPD also advised attention to how the draft would interact with existing municipal code provisions.

Stakeholders at the meeting urged several refinements: industry representatives asked for clearer definitions of “owner” when ownership is through LLCs, developers and affordable‑housing providers asked for careful calibration of the 311‑based trigger so that repeated nuisance calls do not automatically place properties on a high‑risk list, tenant advocates urged strong anti‑retaliation protections and a displaced‑tenant fund, and residents recommended using fines to help tenants relocate when safety risks force displacement.

The presenter acknowledged remaining procedural steps. Committee members and staff discussed scheduled next steps: the sponsor requested amendments and comments by June 13 and aimed to submit a final version to the mayor’s agenda office for possible full‑council consideration later in June.

Votes at a glance
Motion: refer the apartment inspection ordinance to the full city council agenda with favorable consideration.
Mover: Council Member Plummer.
Second: not specified in the transcript.
Vote (roll call): Huffman — yes; Peck — yes; Jackson — yes; Evan Shabazz — yes; Flickinger — yes; Castillo — yes; Martinez — yes; Ramirez — yes; Carter — yes; Plummer — yes; Alcorn — yes. Tally recorded in the transcript as 10 yes, 0 no.

Why it matters: Committee members and public speakers framed the proposal as a major change in how Houston addresses multifamily habitability — combining enforcement, tenant assistance and landlord training into a centralized, data‑driven program. Supporters said the measure gives the city stronger, coordinated tools to address repeat offenders; critics and industry representatives urged clearer definitions, careful calibration of the trigger and assurance that enforcement will not inadvertently penalize compliant owners.

What’s next: The committee referred the item to the full council with favorable consideration; the sponsor plans to accept amendments and to resubmit a revised draft for the mayor’s agenda office by mid‑June. The ordinance will still require final legal vetting and interdepartmental coordination prior to any implementation.","Houston's Proposition A Committee voted 10-0 to recommend an ordinance that would create a high‑risk rental building (HRRB) registry, revive the Apartment Standards Enforcement Committee (ASEC) and strengthen enforcement, including fines and possible certificate‑of‑occupancy actions, while adding tenant supports and landlord training.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6545606,"Proposal to ban standing on traffic medians draws HPD caution about code overlap",158,6694000,6852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a&start=6694&end=6852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3533877-577b0f64e14823b872808e4929e9cb1a/thumbnail_6694000.jpg","/articles/6545606/Houston/Harris-County/Texas/Proposal-to-ban-standing-on-traffic-medians-draws-HPD-caution-about-code-overlap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6545606-9e5b2ddc48d0a0066433adee83e59d41/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155100&Signature=MKOQ00iTx4X1MIX~xgjb71st3k~fKNUpKtA8n16HNL2rr1Cxfuirt0ndX90GIycv8DJ6~A7L8JsicSkVHPwh0SVZFNCbLbFY4EFjL-yeK0PGAwn3dvG-LbFWgJGoo4XU4btrr00YIZMAjaEtln5KCN1CXpZQVPZrZwrJXbwEl~pug9rF9rIF5UKKI2YN6ub9Yy0cqCu6vVLoh0mMwt5pHx1VN7zM5-z4H7y06sBNlzXyIxH9d~G78Qo9PSbABZHoNbyMK4xPsyi1Ahs53HK6ztpqDqbyOpqOI8UMJ6UXMp40bNYztuK6o8XNe-L4YUlgONcBYiI~us-ki4Vi9twtKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Proposition A Committee considered an amended ordinance on May 27 that would make it an offense to stand or walk on traffic medians, with exemptions for lawful crossing, rendering aid or performing authorized work. Supporters framed the proposal as a public‑safety measure to reduce pedestrian fatalities and driver distractions; law‑enforcement and public‑safety staff advised the committee to reconcile the new language with existing municipal code.

Matt Simon of the Houston Police Department raised a statutory conflict concern: he noted that Section 40‑27 of the municipal code already allows standing in the roadway provided the person does not unreasonably impede traffic, and warned that passing the new ordinance without harmonizing language could create contradictory enforcement standards. \"If you pass this ordinance as is, I will have…a contradiction,\" Simon told the committee.

Sergeant Derek Hall, who oversees crash reconstruction for HPD, and Houston Fire Department representatives discussed pedestrian collisions and fatalities. Fire department staff provided preliminary figures: 117 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, 98 in 2023, and year‑to‑date figures cited by staff indicated 51 pedestrian fatalities in the current year; staff said producing a median‑specific crash report will require more detailed data extraction because incident narratives do not consistently flag median involvement.

The draft ordinance includes exemptions for crossing the roadway, rendering aid, and performing authorized work; committee members asked staff to review the draft alongside Section 40‑27 and other traffic code provisions to avoid duplication or contradiction. Committee members and speakers noted recurring public complaints about people — including people with children or animals — standing on medians near busy intersections and said enforcement tools that focus on safety and protection of vulnerable people would be useful.

What’s next: Staff will reconcile the draft median ordinance language with existing traffic code (Section 40‑27) and provide updated language and supporting crash data for further committee consideration. No vote was taken at the committee meeting.","Council considered an amended ordinance to prohibit standing or walking on traffic medians except to cross the street, render aid, or perform authorized work; HPD warned the proposed rule may conflict with existing municipal code and urged language harmonization. Crash and pedestrian‑fatality figures were cited by public‑safety staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council debate on evening and off‑site public meetings highlights legal, logistical hurdles and options

Committee discusses free city garage parking for disabled veterans; no vote due to lack of quorum

Committee refers apartment inspection ordinance to full council after broad debate; vote 10-0

Proposal to ban standing on traffic medians draws HPD caution about code overlap