Council actions — Aug. 26, 2025: grants, contracts, ordinances and tablings

The Port Arthur City Council took the following formal actions at its Aug. 26 meeting. Items are listed by the packet identifiers announced at the meeting; descriptions are drawn from the meeting record and staff materials.

Votes at a glance

- PR 24486 — Resolution ratifying the city manager’s submission of an application for the FY2025 Port Security Grant Program (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) for $173,013.99 and approving a 25% cash match of $43,002.53. Council approved the resolution by voice vote.

- PR 24488 — Resolution ratifying the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation’s acceptance of a proposal by Industrial and Commercial Maintenance (ICM) of Beaumont to furnish and install HVAC components at 501 Procter Street at a cost not to exceed $21,903.09. Approved by council.

- PR (Nonconsent) — Contract with SoCo Group LLC for Port Arthur Transit’s pedestrian access to transit (PAT) planning study: agreement not to exceed $250,000, with an anticipated 80% federal share ($200,000) and a 20% local match ($50,000) subject to FY26 budget approval. Approved; council asked for copies of proposals and scoring information.

- PR 24473 — Resolution nominating members to the Orange County Appraisal District board (term 2026–2029). Council discussed but tabled the item for a future meeting to allow review of nominee lists and timing requirements.

- PR 24474 — Resolution authorizing a contract with SoCo Group LLC for engineering and design services for Phase 4 reconstruction and drainage repairs at H.O. Mills Boulevard in the amount of $137,007.30. Approved.

- PR 24479 — Resolution awarding a bid and authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with PAFCON LTD (BuyBoard contract 700-23) for rehabilitation of Redbird Street (Green Ave to Jefferson Dr.) for an amount not to exceed $678,349.66. Approved; council debate included concerns about use of street capital for underlying water utility replacements.

- PR 24481 — Resolution reporting that six homebuyers were qualified to receive homebuyer assistance benefits under the NSP‑related program; council approved staff reporting and documentation as required by the program guidelines.

- Ordinance PO 7346 — Rescinded Ordinance 25-37 (special warranty deed for side lot dispositions). Adopted.

- Ordinance PO 7353 — Amended Section 2-74 (methods of addressing council) to comply with House Bill 1522 (89th Texas Legislature). Council approved an amendment requested by the city secretary to remove an erroneous sentence and adopted the ordinance; the new posting timelines take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

- Ordinance PO 7362 — Proposed sale and conveyance of several vacant tracts on Freeman Avenue to the Port of Port Arthur Navigation District for a total of $26,100. Council tabled this ordinance to the next meeting for additional information and city manager input.

- Ordinance PO 7363 — Ordinance authorizing a 90‑day suspension of the effective date proposed by Texas Gas Service Company’s rate filing and authorizing city participation before the Railroad Commission of Texas; council adopted the ordinance and authorized hiring rate experts and counsel as needed.

Several items were approved by unanimous or near‑unanimous votes; two items (nominations to the appraisal district and the Freeman Avenue conveyance) were tabled so staff could provide additional information. Several council members requested follow‑up reports on grant tracking, district allocations for street funds, and procurement scoring documents.

No executive‑session votes were recorded on these items at the meeting; the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.