Council approves resolution backing BISD parade after debate over Major Drive closure

Beaumont City Council voted to approve a resolution endorsing a Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) parade route that included a temporary closure of Major Drive, after extended debate over whether the city should have authorized a shutdown of a major state roadway.

Councilman Getz said shutting Major Drive at 6 p.m. on a weekday “was not a good idea,” describing traffic backups that blocked intersections and impeded residents from reaching homes and driveways. He said police and TxDOT had advised against the closure but the school district pressed to use the route.

The resolution before the council formalized support for the parade after the event had already occurred. Council members debated whether the mayor acted appropriately when a letter of support was sent to TxDOT before the resolution was placed on a council agenda. Several council members said the mayor has authority under the city charter to issue statements on the city’s behalf; others said the council should be consulted for such route approvals in the future.

Mayor West, who authorized a letter of support to TxDOT after receiving a late request, defended his decision. “I certainly stand by my decision,” he said during debate, noting the event had been postponed previously and organizers wanted to proceed without further delay.

Council members pressed for a clearer, proactive policy for future victory parades and similar events so safety, emergency access and interagency coordination are handled in advance. Councilman Getz recommended that BISD and city staff develop a preapproved parade plan — including routes vetted with Beaumont Police Department and TxDOT — so future celebrations can proceed without last-minute disruptions.

City staff and council members also noted that TxDOT parade-permit requirements can vary by district engineer and that early coordination among BISD, the city and TxDOT would reduce confusion.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote after the discussion. Supporters said the vote was a formality acknowledging an event that had already occurred; opponents said they feared the resolution could be interpreted by TxDOT as permission to repeat the same Major Drive closure without additional safeguards.

The council asked staff to draft a policy or checklist for future parades that would address route selection, agency approvals, emergency access and approved alternative routes that would minimize closures of state highways.

Votes at the meeting on this item were taken by voice; the formal resolution passed.