[{"_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",6475513,"mediaKeyId","5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02","parentId",5733759,"title","Votes at a glance: Bel Air City Council approves grants, purchases, personnel changes and nominations","audioSeconds",476,"startMs",1080000,"endMs",1556000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02&start=1080&end=1556","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02/thumbnail_1080000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475513/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Bel-Air-City-Council-approves-grants-purchases-personnel-changes-and-nominations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475513-6bdf0d92111c1a367b47266b7da80681/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004545&Signature=N5smCHlsonfxSaLcxiyL31tL1ksSJbLt--Lr2PDduWCfWcktNECtNrl9jRWSGy5Lm3DaZom9JKoAdFZWjj~gA075AkA8SUZXxf3BPY4d-M-Ev~HB1BXJwJKvGGWVOxMwekqTwFAjFyVkeW8GY-6FAN4mOiUwJIbEhDAG-RxecJiIPIn9i6m9bTWCmoPrPH0ny3m~pX9K-ScoNV3LsZcyKzVMnLZKDKdu3h~~0ktOU-PMN0I4dW6X5MrHBkgHde0dfrt8GoWBWPpqnfyBAK8G81u4dRxnxoMLgmL53IO2j9iKH0GWLRL3k4rutymD8ia-toqB-qsiZVj2Wce7~lojbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-09-08T00:00:00Z","article","Bel Air — Below is a concise summary of formal votes taken by the Bel Air City Council on Sept. 8 that were brief or part of consent and administrative business.

- Impact Promotional Services LLC (uniforms) — Ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documentation for uniform purchases and related services in an amount not to exceed $70,000 for the remainder of FY2025. Status: Approved on the consent agenda by general acclamation.

- Youth Advisory Board appointments — Ordinance extending appointment of 13 members for terms beginning Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026; council discussed increasing the board to 16 and soliciting applications later this fall. Motion to approve the extension passed unanimously by voice vote; staff will follow with a code amendment to increase the authorized membership and advertise openings.

- Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) board nomination — Council nominated Bill Frasier to fill a vacancy on the Harris Central Appraisal District board of directors for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Council’s nomination vote was 6–1 in favor with one vote opposed.

- Ballistic glass for patrol vehicles — Council approved a request to amend the proposed FY2026 budget to retrofit selected existing patrol vehicles with rifle-resistant ballistic windshields (level rifle protection described by staff) using existing vehicle and equipment allocations (estimated cost under $65,000). Council approved the budget amendment unanimously. Staff said the Legislature authorized a state grant program but application timing was unknown; staff will pursue grant funding if it becomes available and eligible.

- Reclassification to Director of Capital Projects — Council approved reclassifying the capital projects and grants manager to a director of capital projects and amending the proposed FY2026 budget to fund the change (estimated $11,000 fully loaded increase) after staff said the current manager resigned and the city needs senior leadership to deliver a large capital program. Vote: unanimous.

- City-manager compensation changes (closed session result) — After a closed-session performance review of the city manager, council voted to modify the city manager’s contract: a 2% salary increase and an employer retirement contribution increase from 4% to 5%. Motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: These administrative votes adjust staffing and equipment to match a busy capital and public-safety agenda, confirm a local nominee for the regional appraisal district board and set the city’s internal leadership priorities for FY2026.

Records: The formal ordinances and the nomination will be filed with the city clerk and posted in meeting records.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","At its Sept. 8 meeting the Bel Air City Council approved consent purchases, youth advisory board appointments, a ballistic-glass retrofit for patrol vehicles, a reclassification of a capital-projects position, a nomination to the Harris Central Appraisal District board and other formal actions.","taxTitle","Bellaire, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69496,"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},6475518,"Council adopts amended Urban Village (UVD) zoning rules after lengthy debate; density reduced, several design changes considered",3055,2195000,5250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02&start=2195&end=5250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02/thumbnail_2195000.jpg","/articles/6475518/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Council-adopts-amended-Urban-Village-UVD-zoning-rules-after-lengthy-debate-density-reduced-several-design-changes-considered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475518-bded800957ac09474924c66be2cd809a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004545&Signature=INa7FYe9FhpIV-Hqj5ETYxr8YbPA7~z3ZwlgsSYi0fpMJEV23PHrRk~HjdWss2t8d9GGpiVKsGhHxrh-8rs~lq1pgB~5jlPWn-eObDj3UvKsqRJj4iEKlOXk1jx3PGZUa3gY14fY-o1aWPJAyOUvTPCkraxjFggs6c7A3ixKzpJlGN-Jr9WHSZqXXHBlerP6sWX2hd8w1L2DJnyPLarVW1nbIZs0MRxmpdAOR5TIWPT8EIzK4SRi6V71AXpegqnOz98mPsVqjka4UDrB1ZX5xZIOxU0jcTRgb0KjrscYhT-6Cb1FG7ZIHgE3ReyjWb~Qyu4BbGDuW2oqraKqJIf-Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — The City Council on Sept. 8 approved an ordinance amending Article 5, Chapter 24 (planning and zoning) to revise development standards for the Urban Village Downtown (UVD) district following extended public comment and council debate.

Travis Tanner, director of development services, said the ordinance incorporates the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation following public hearings and staff responses to questions raised at an August hearing. The city packet included written answers to questions raised previously.

Council debated multiple amendments during the meeting. Notable council actions and votes included:

- Density: Council amended the ordinance to lower the maximum gross residential density for PD (planned development) projects from 30 to 20 units per acre. That amendment passed 6–1 (Councilmember Taylor opposed). Councilmembers said the change was intended to signal local preference and to reduce the scale of potential multifamily proposals.

- Multifamily mix percentage: An amendment to change a required mixed-use threshold (to require that at least 50% of a mixed-use building be nonresidential instead of the proposed 25%) failed. Council members argued the city already retains discretion through the PD process.

- Setbacks on major corridors: A proposal to raise the minimum street-facing setback from 15 to 35 feet for properties fronting key corridors was discussed at length and failed in a roll-call style vote.

- Rooftop parking near residences: Council approved an amendment prohibiting rooftop vehicle parking adjacent to or across an alley from residential properties (passed 5–2). Staff noted the practical likelihood was low because of lot depths and ramp slope constraints, but supporters said it was a protective measure for nearby houses.

- Specific uses and townhouses: Council moved ‘indoor movie theaters’ from a by-right use to a specific-use permit (SUP), a change intended to give council and the commission explicit review authority; that change passed unanimously. Council also aligned townhouse lot, floor-area and height standards with the city’s residential (R6) townhouse standards to ensure consistency; that change was adopted unanimously.

Councilmember debate repeatedly returned to the trade-off between encouraging mixed-use, walkable redevelopment and the community’s preference for smaller-scale development. Some council members said the PD process gives the city discretion to approve or deny proposals even if they meet base criteria; others wanted clearer, predictable caps in the code to avoid “test” proposals that would be turned down later.

The ordinance as amended passed in the final vote with a 6–1 tally. Councilmembers and staff agreed the new rules are intended to give the city clearer guidance for development along Bissonnette Street, Bel Air Boulevard and South Rice Avenue while preserving PD review to vet proposals.

Why it matters: The UVD zoning establishes standards for a core commercial and mixed-use area of Bel Air. Changes to density, allowable uses and development standards will shape what kinds of commercial and multifamily projects are feasible and how they will fit into existing neighborhoods.

What happens next: Staff will finalize ordinance text incorporating adopted amendments, update the zoning code, and publish the ordinance. Development proposals under the UVD district would be reviewed under the amended rules and, where required, as PD or SUP proposals with public hearings.","After extended discussion and eight proposed changes, the Bel Air City Council approved amendments to the Urban Village Downtown (UVD) zoning district. Key changes include lowering the maximum residential density for PD projects from 30 to 20 units per acre and adopting several technical clarifications; several other proposed changes failed.",{"_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},6475522,"Council approves HDR work orders for lift-station relocation and force main routing; reimbursement resolution adopted",79,1803000,1882000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02&start=1803&end=1882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02/thumbnail_1803000.jpg","/articles/6475522/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Council-approves-HDR-work-orders-for-lift-station-relocation-and-force-main-routing-reimbursement-resolution-adopted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475522-f10c7d403006b6618e4499717b426f20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004545&Signature=I424FTENe6RZJ-UsO60znzZxf1SbImZvNf~mdm7~wuMf7-tQ5-LHFIrzeqIYKk4FgKSS4zl7M0NwFsYzV1g6VwypF8Q-UrvYP2rbW9BO5DEllzbyZSUp4ZsPvsVQX95o~4BGYIxodLJj5Fa52p9O-jmGMQvTFZ28oVGR-9rubDxFAMroazzCMhpBkiZ5mUkmCyU7kN3vpfr9~qbHJIAbJEP~SCjgz5GobSlpOT3gAgQMwP7o6GKjHaFh7TRU8bKBc8Qol-UE3XYgTYRVB-k0AmLWT-DgwRc-czY4LgXZkBUkZ1SBW9mR3~2Kc5-GMDkfsN-oH2Qik6D7P6hs9PKkcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — The City Council on Sept. 8 approved two work orders under an existing professional services agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. to advance design and investigation for two major wastewater projects, and adopted a resolution preserving the city’s option to reimburse eligible project costs from future tax-exempt bond proceeds.

City staff and engineering consultant Beth Jones described work order No. 3 (not to exceed $62,000) as a site investigation and utility coordination to relocate the existing Bel Air lift station that currently sits in a median. The work will include underground utility investigations, site options and recommendations; easements or land acquisition may be required depending on findings.

Work order No. 4 (not to exceed $83,700) funds preliminary engineering to pin down the route and force-main alignment needed to connect Bel Air’s wastewater facility to the Houston Southwest Wastewater Treatment Plant. Jones said HDR cannot complete final design until the city and the downstream utility agree on the connection alignment.

Councilmember Gordon declared a recusal on these items because he said he had an unrelated business matter with HDR; the recusal was noted on the record and he did not participate in the votes on HDR items. The council approved work order No. 3 by those eligible to vote; later work order No. 4 also passed. The council then adopted a resolution declaring its official intent under federal tax rules to reimburse project expenditures with proceeds of tax-exempt bonds should the city choose to issue bonds later.

Why it matters: The lift-station relocation could require easements or land purchase but would move critical wastewater infrastructure out of a traffic median; the force-main route decision is the prerequisite for final design and construction of a significant regional connection.

What happens next: HDR will perform the subsurface investigations and alignment studies; staff will return with recommendations, cost estimates and, if appropriate, requests for easements or property acquisitions. The reimbursement resolution allows the city to consider bonding later and to retroactively designate prior expenditures as bond-funded under IRS rules if the city sells bonds.

Votes and formal actions: Work order No. 3 (HDR) approved (6–0 with one recusal); work order No. 4 (HDR) approved (6–0); resolution declaring intent to reimburse expenditures from tax-exempt bond proceeds approved (unanimous).","The council approved two HDR Engineering work orders — $62,000 for lift-station site assessment and $83,700 for force-main routing to Houston Southwest Wastewater Plant — and adopted a resolution declaring intent to reimburse expenditures from future tax-exempt bonds.",{"_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},6475527,"City accepts TDEM hazard-mitigation grant for Renwick well generator; budget amended",86,1425000,1511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02&start=1425&end=1511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5733759-ebaf3ac938b5329daf37ddffe5d4ed02/thumbnail_1425000.jpg","/articles/6475527/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/City-accepts-TDEM-hazard-mitigation-grant-for-Renwick-well-generator-budget-amended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475527-252f7eee80b13cd9a72a6f9ed3e6d20b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771004545&Signature=Cd815odLXPmr3KkIf43g0dQ2hcf8iIscNWJKvGuFWmAdTMxrS48hF1KkD1oYN-fdRds-MR8ybglndKi~~xhXZVNRiyiqZpgGGDhjF7odmslBSvGW-0mexiyl7-1UiRa1BsO25qd1zhsBDtzJGLQW8jkk3ufZcSXslgOEtKe0Xr1KN-OtNhtdMkCnUeA0rw2p31gNt8zhsbEIWXNJkEpqCQV39kMzjICb0n4xoUGCS7apwYmrdCQqJpjm6osgl3ANEjUV6p2fHkchwYjX1l3fRptKJui0c6nw1ymHIqmNoaipOVll4z~Rce~G9W~ulDrSqrBOtP1Wce7ETHZr0uQx0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — The City Council on Sept. 8 voted to accept a hazard mitigation subgrant from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to fund a backup generator at the Renwick Drive groundwater well and approved a companion budget amendment to record the grant and adjust appropriations.

City engineer Beth Jones told council the award covers most of the generator cost and that the city had already appropriated the required local match. Jones said engineering design is not included in the grant and the city will need to procure engineering services separately before ordering equipment.

The grant acceptance ordinance was moved, seconded and approved by council. Council members discussed the possibility of escalation due to inflation; Councilmember Gordon asked whether the award would cover future price increases and Jones said the city would ask TDEM for an increase if costs rose, but currently the award and the city’s 10% local match made the project financially favorable.

Council also approved a budget amendment to record the grant funding and appropriate it to the capital and enterprise funds. The council chair called the votes by hand; both the grant-acceptance ordinance and the budget amendment passed on voice votes with no recorded no votes.

Why it matters: The Renwick well had been out of service for structural reasons and was recently returned to service after repairs; a dedicated generator will keep the well pumping during power outages or emergencies and is being funded largely through the TDEM mitigation program.

What happens next: Jones said the city still needs to procure preliminary or final engineering services, and because of procurement timelines and grant administration the city does not expect to place a generator order immediately; staff estimated it may be several months before ordering.

Votes and formal actions: The council approved the ordinance authorizing the city manager to accept the TDEM subgrant and the ordinance amending the FY2025 budget to recognize and appropriate the grant funds. Both measures passed by the council vote called at the meeting.","The Bel Air City Council accepted a Texas Division of Emergency Management hazard-mitigation grant to fund a backup generator for the Renwick groundwater well and amended the FY2025 budget to record the grant revenue and appropriations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Bel Air City Council approves grants, purchases, personnel changes and nominations

Council adopts amended Urban Village (UVD) zoning rules after lengthy debate; density reduced, several design changes considered

Council approves HDR work orders for lift-station relocation and force main routing; reimbursement resolution adopted

City accepts TDEM hazard-mitigation grant for Renwick well generator; budget amended