[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6479149,"mediaKeyId","5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a","parentId",5706817,"title","Votes at a glance: Council advances utility-rate and massage-establishment ordinances, approves several routine items","audioSeconds",841,"startMs",3798000,"endMs",4639000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a&start=3798&end=4639","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a/thumbnail_3798000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479149/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-advances-utility-rate-and-massage-establishment-ordinances-approves-several-routine-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479149-291d6a5a6572eff13542e4e96b39a3f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125218&Signature=MuVLMQ9qqL9dOOhx5kVYEIoUBGPd0v5ul0sZpRw0SJZcUDbh8mLIUl2~WZCXQt~MSnMNBJ-SlhTAvRm~1Z~ti5mDbduaoZpA5GfYCiHusI-HwkNkyHIUTXMfZ0LUjmNkaVDxdyTAVDBrTrmCXIeavW8xlr3Ukp3M~EjLIsogfm-hcClB-3BTpNpWUCBE6lpO-BhqzdeVZQ67ZX06-EcuIRQwtzBKv2l3hNWGDc4ZnlB~mwQZI6bcBns38flz~rBhV-r0668u2o-jJCZV~f7aP~xQOwtKMZtdisfJTP-DZ3x4kA68qfUD2-CnsPWibGg~ulRuvYj8hOSiIHE2XFD41Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lake Jackson","date","2025-09-02T00:00:00Z","article","Lake Jackson — The City Council took several routine and first-reading actions at its Sept. 2 regular meeting.

Key outcomes announced at the meeting:

- Utility rates (Ordinance No. 2307): Council completed the first reading of Ordinance 2307, which revises fees charged for water, sewer, garbage and dumpster services and water/sewer tap fees. The motion for first reading carried. Staff said the ordinance is based on a utility rate study to cover debt service and reserve requirements.

- Massage-establishment restrictions (Ordinance No. 2308): Council completed the first reading of Ordinance 2308, amending Chapter 50 (Health and Sanitation) to prohibit massage establishments, owners or operators from operating in the city if they have been charged multiple times or convicted of certain crimes under state law. The first reading carried unanimously.

- Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda, with item 4 removed for discussion (see separate article on the contractor protest). The approved consent items were 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as presented.

- Other follow-up: Staff said it will: 1) call the references listed in the GCP Contractors protest and return with a recommendation on the bunker-repair contract; 2) collect data and propose policy options for the Customer Convenience Center; and 3) move forward with drafting a zoning text amendment on accessory structures and building lines for Planning & Zoning Commission consideration.

All motions and first readings noted above were recorded as carried at the meeting’s first reading stage; final adoption for ordinances will follow the city’s public-hearing and second-reading procedures where required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lake Jackson - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","At its Sept. 2 meeting the Lake Jackson City Council approved first readings of utility-rate and massage-establishment ordinances and approved the consent agenda; staff to follow up on several items described below.","taxTitle","City of Lake Jackson, Brazoria County, Texas","taxId",3533,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479154,"Council approves 48-month lease and 36-month buyout for Toro equipment for Wilderness Golf Course",226,3734000,3960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a&start=3734&end=3960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a/thumbnail_3734000.jpg","/articles/6479154/Texas/Council-approves-48-month-lease-and-36-month-buyout-for-Toro-equipment-for-Wilderness-Golf-Course","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479154-1d70f1bf92f35d0f682882b8e3718413/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125218&Signature=DgSMr2fUVxhSa-AgGWtFgKn7y8TGNhbo6Yoia6iZjC1EpBNSWKzB85j6BayQaEbfjF9I9UJGDSuWAd7iAQJ20uyIBqNJdAunUNX0Cs~dYgLkbjJIneLdkp6cYjYxmHC2Yvdp-0olig8p5pw5zw2L-pfe9E-ztJm3xZfq2CU7oYz4-LvD6Z~7ghctHz9KdRhnNtdEF1bgOY0I7GPqtZE~YbrTgVEOPowLRN~8yPgsEMW024FnGFigp2qAqjWzTpDHoY5pe~GXeYHrv6ZE~yfGhGsXmtujCKR~zzAw0eILFpSexJJQQzE45Y9oB68-tvYvg5Gvw70HotQxXHajEivxcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Jackson — The City Council approved a 48-month lease agreement and a 36-month buyout option for Toro Groundmaster equipment used by the Wilderness Golf Course.

Robin (presenter for the golf course) told council the golf course’s existing equipment lease was ending and that equipment prices have increased. The golf course presented a financing package through Professional Turf Products, United Ag and P & C Equipment Finance; one piece of equipment on the list would be bought out at the end of the term because it remains essential to operations.

Council discussed maintenance and warranty terms; staff said a three-year maintenance warranty is included and that the golf-course garage staff will continue day-to-day upkeep. The expense is budgeted in the golf course operating budget and will not be a separate city-wide expenditure.

Councilman Sinhania moved the authorization; Councilman Buell seconded. Council called the question, and the motion carried as announced by the mayor. The mayor announced the tally as recorded at the meeting as \"5 yes, 4 no, 1 against,\" and said the motion carried. The lease will increase the golf-course annual payments to an amount not to exceed $215,292 as budgeted for the coming year.

Staff said the lease/finance arrangement was already accounted for in the golf course operating budget and that equipment maintenance remains the responsibility of golf-course staff under the agreement.

The agreement authorizes the city manager to execute the 48-month lease and the buyout option as described in the agenda packet.","Council authorized a 48-month lease with a 36-month buyout option for Toro Groundmaster equipment; council vote was recorded and staff said maintenance/warranty provisions are included.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479158,"City to gather data, consider trailer and contractor rules at Customer Convenience Center",1514,2458000,3972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a&start=2458&end=3972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a/thumbnail_2458000.jpg","/articles/6479158/Texas/City-to-gather-data-consider-trailer-and-contractor-rules-at-Customer-Convenience-Center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479158-0795c1bb31dc8db8eec5a8e00101f14c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125218&Signature=Pdzhern1iPMpNkh9SMHFbeKGsi6RaIdJsNnXcdO4Qqd8FZkOiivqL-i2eOZ1pPTrjsGb1v7uIbqJD-eC9AIxSDaWRVYYUFywyna-2LrGkLk8ltto8XIp4O38GBcjkq6FSM5~Zh6zRxsqPV2FXJyjyoPouhZP38LcvsFBHYdm89DrAhGL9mq1D6azTYrTLtd66Ynn1~ci06Z1QP1QhHLOYSjd2xZUXJ1tp5-miixs8fTJtK4KhhWS425CzV-T3YEfu3T1KZ16XIxSC9xzuKngQ0yHnJcwsw6uMpGq3sWejXl4yLA~uBWao8dNWOTQO-4hId-mPMy5MYR7JckaBIPCZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Jackson — Council asked staff to collect operational data and return with recommendations about whether to allow small trailers and revise building-material restrictions at the city’s Customer Convenience Center (CCC).

Eric (city staff) reviewed background: the CCC opened for public use in July 2021, and while the city code prohibits building materials from roadside pickup without assessment, staff have allowed small quantities at curb pickup and at the CCC as an operational practice. The city’s ordinance currently requires an assessment for building materials picked up curbside at $30 per cubic yard; the CCC signage predates the CCC and some operational rules were never formally added to the ordinance.

Council and staff voiced concern that contractors — particularly contractors who live in the city but work outside — could abuse the facility to avoid landfill fees. Staff said CCC intake is primarily run by temporary contract workers and that the facility lacks a comprehensive tracking system historically. Council asked staff to expand tracking (license plate, water-bill verification, driver's license), display clear pictorial signage showing acceptable and unacceptable loads, and return with data-driven recommendations on whether to allow small trailers and how to treat contractors.

Eric said staff had already begun improved tracking via spreadsheet and would collect enough data before proposing policy changes. Council discussed options including: allowing limited trailer use for small do-it-yourself haulers, establishing account-based invoicing for frequent commercial users, or enforcing assessments for larger loads. No ordinance change was adopted at the Sept. 2 meeting; staff will return with a proposal, informed by collected data.","Council asked staff to collect usage data and return with recommendations after a debate about contractors and small trailers bringing building materials to the city convenience center.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479162,"Council to amend zoning language after front-yard pool exposes ordinance gap on building line",1311,961000,2272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a&start=961&end=2272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a/thumbnail_961000.jpg","/articles/6479162/Texas/Council-to-amend-zoning-language-after-front-yard-pool-exposes-ordinance-gap-on-building-line","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479162-a072e8150b068f9aa443cb707ba9cf08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125218&Signature=RiOopQZVIMoMUhDcrz258qDRnw7QmXB2WeQLZavyezXlcNyWrg3DVgWigo3~iQKXh6FkVtbqJ3XP-tCFlOKEmB~GUhivmArhVB96wuD19hREglGfxaA5Ftr08ko7euYbbphqeGsHqd1zf6aSOso1NqljlB4Wd4FzGb3CU4JT-xw5wAZ7i8j1br4Abn7rk625SZkAgX0ixWm2dPS5S9Xl6sAJ38ofsmJZcvOyC5iEp0i1G8zXV9FLz7umgwkJd88iHhdDnYPyIdC6fVY0IY~hbCdQ48lb7h8EMp~xddftEitKl6u8Y4uYWHR0SAPQtvjPRawbV9k~ntyvsfDDECzNqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Jackson — Councilors discussed revising the city's zoning language after a permitted pool and screened enclosure at 420 Forest Drive highlighted a gap between the defined front-yard setback and the building line.

City planner David told council staff discovered, during a recent permit appeal, that the city code prohibits a fence in front of the building line but does not explicitly bar other detached accessory structures — such as pools, sheds, garages or fenced courtyards — from extending past that building line. Because of that wording gap, a homeowner obtained a permit for a pool that sits inside a screened enclosure and extends about 8 to 8½ feet beyond the property’s building line.

Neighbors spoke at the meeting. Eric, who lives across the street, said the structure is “big enough” to attract neighborhood children and expressed concern about security and noise. Jeri Masterson, who lives next door at 421 Forest Drive, said she supports changing the ordinance to keep accessory structures at or behind the building line and suggested a one-time variance allowing a matching brick wall at the specific property to provide privacy, security and sound attenuation.

Staff and council discussed options. Staff said the pool itself meets state enclosure requirements but that screens can be more easily damaged than a fence or masonry wall. City staff recommended a text amendment clarifying that the building line is the furthest forward point on the property for all accessory structures, not just fences.

Council directed staff to prepare the zoning text amendment for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission and then council. Planners are scheduled to meet in October; staff said the change could reach final adoption in November if council and planners move expeditiously. Meanwhile, staff said the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment retains authority over one-time variances if the homeowner requests one.

No retroactive enforcement against the already-permitted pool was enacted at the Sept. 2 meeting; staff said the permit was approved under the existing code language and the upcoming ordinance change is intended to prevent future similar permits.","A permit for a pool that extends about 8½ feet past a property's building line exposed inconsistent ordinance language. Staff will draft a zoning text amendment and take it through planning commission and council this fall.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479166,"Contract for Wilderness Golf Course bunker repairs pulled after bidder raises concerns about vetting",1156,464000,1620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a&start=464&end=1620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706817-75a33afd27b54aaaea3119cb2fc9440a/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6479166/Texas/Contract-for-Wilderness-Golf-Course-bunker-repairs-pulled-after-bidder-raises-concerns-about-vetting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479166-25adcd188fd466ee3b6c0f37d86249ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125218&Signature=WKSuRBm78Ydfi7C6gfBRH1RBuIquQjtCEmLLD-wzwJc0GxOBkwGyAOAEOFZy1EFnRP3lcE~iEeeWKX2aGYaKxesVn~LgXLo3mtzVb14fqIop2vQhJShztQON-9finvg7oh44GyM2OhODY3PW5MhuoYRltVlJ3GVVknnsKRVYpSDLJXbI-nfAEDjWhKB8Etq8yAtylrJc8nFByMx8sgt9iFj3Nxzzfkk2kFlMWcmw92pyMrAb4B0TdEPFyUQCQntgJyOhF7-YkzhqywL3roXUpj-gJeqm8NDZ-WwUlNyblYozqmclLlptXwM7T84LPFfKA8qxeMtUEr4BLDM5PlkZUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Jackson — City staff deferred final action on a proposed $347,386 contract for bunker repairs at Wilderness Golf Course after a bidder disputed the procurement process during public comment at the Sept. 2 City Council meeting.

The council item as posted sought authority to award a contract to RGR Golf Services LLC and authorize the city manager to execute the agreement. Carl Pond, who identified himself as owner of GCP Contractors, told council that his company — a local general contractor that submitted a lower bid — was told it “was not qualified” and said none of his listed references had been contacted.

City staff responded that they had reviewed references and procurement materials and that the city sought a contractor with specific golf-course bunker experience and specialized equipment. Staff said some references provided by GCP appeared to be employees or otherwise not directly relevant to prior bunker work. Blaine (staff) and others explained that bunker work requires particular drain and contour expertise and specialized articulated equipment to avoid damaging bunker bottoms.

After an extended exchange, Mayor Gerald Roslowski said staff would “reevaluate” the procurement, call listed references, and return to council with either the same recommendation or a revised recommendation. No contract was executed at the meeting and staff deferred final award pending the reference checks.

City staff told council they had reached their decision based on qualification details in the bid packages and said they had two bidders with golf-course experience on the solicitation. Carl Pond disputed that his bid had been fairly vetted and asked staff to consult his references and the city attorney; staff agreed to do so.

The discussion arose after council removed the item from the consent agenda for public comment. Council did not vote to approve the contract on Sept. 2.

Staff said they would follow up with reference checks and present any new recommendation to council at a later meeting.","Council paused final approval of a $347,386 bunker-repair contract after the unsuccessful bidder, GCP Contractors, said references were not contacted. Staff said they will recheck references and return with a recommendation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council advances utility-rate and massage-establishment ordinances, approves several routine items

Council approves 48-month lease and 36-month buyout for Toro equipment for Wilderness Golf Course

City to gather data, consider trailer and contractor rules at Customer Convenience Center

Council to amend zoning language after front-yard pool exposes ordinance gap on building line

Contract for Wilderness Golf Course bunker repairs pulled after bidder raises concerns about vetting