Lake Jackson council orders May bond election, approves CIP changes and permits early-morning concrete pour

Lake Jackson City Council members on Feb. 3 approved a series of ordinances, funding actions and a construction variance, including an ordinance ordering an $18 million bond election for May 3, acceptance of a $2,138,700 Texas General Land Office mitigation grant for Pine Ditch, amendments to half‑cent tax CIP projects to fund Hurricane Burrell repairs, and a one‑day variance to allow early‑morning concrete pouring at the Brazoria County SPCA shelter site.

The council unanimously approved the second reading of the ordinance ordering a bond election on May 3, 2025, that would place three propositions totaling $18,000,000 before city voters for drainage, street improvements and renovation of public facilities. James (staff) told the council the redlined changes recommended after bond counsel review were included in the packet; Dan Martinez of Winstead, identified at the meeting as bond counsel, had presented at the prior meeting. Councilwoman Seth moved the ordinance; Councilman Baker seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The bond, if approved by voters, would fund capital projects the council identified as priorities for streets, drainage and facility renovations.

The council approved consent-agenda items that included the second reading of Ordinance No. 2296 (an amendment to Chapter 62 to prohibit public urination and defecation in the Lake Jackson Code of Ordinances), acceptance of the Texas General Land Office community development block grant — mitigation (CDBG‑MIT) award of $2,138,700 for improvements to Pine Ditch, and a resolution (No. 968) setting the May 3 election to fill council positions 1, 3 and 5. Councilman Sahana moved approval of the consent items; Councilor Buell seconded. The consent items were adopted by voice vote.

The council also unanimously approved one substantive, discussed motion: a variance request to allow concrete pouring between 2:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. for a single, weather‑dependent pour at the Brazoria County SPCA shelter at 141 Cana Lane. Bowles of IAD Architects, speaking for the contractor, explained that large concrete pours commonly begin very early and that the contractor planned a single pour (weather permitting) with contingency staging and a pump truck; he said the contractor expected the pour to be completed in roughly three hours if everything proceeded as planned. Councilman Hanyan moved approval; Councilor Buell seconded. The council approved the variance by voice vote. The contractor said they would notify staff if the date changed.

CIP amendment for hurricane repairs: The council approved a motion to submit a request to the Lake Jackson Development Corporation to review and amend fiscal year 2025 half‑cent tax CIP projects to fund repairs from Hurricane Burrell. Robert (staff) told the council the city had been approved previously for $1.6 million in hurricane‑related funds but had used $17,720 for tree removal at the golf course; staff said the city needs $250,000 to provide a local match for a generator grant for the recreation center and estimated roughly $847,280 remains to cover repairs at the Civic Center, parks, sports fields and the Wilderness Golf Course. Staff said the golf course work has been submitted to FEMA for possible reimbursement and that FEMA would perform a site inspection. Councilwoman Seth moved the amendment; Councilman Sahana seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

First readings: On first reading the council approved Ordinance No. 2297 (amending Chapter 90, subdivision fees, to allow a 3% annual increase in development procedure fees beginning March 1, 2025, for five years) and Ordinance No. 2298 (amending Chapter 62 to prohibit public consumption and open containers of alcohol in the central business district). Both items were presented as first readings and passed on first reading by voice vote; further readings/publication are required under the city's ordinance process.

Staff updates and follow-ups: In new business and staff reports, city staff (Mr. Walton and others) said they were tracking several development proposals (a proposed shell building at 106 Centrelink, signs advertising a proposed micro hospital at the H‑E‑B area), that construction on some projects was paused or moving slowly after weather impacts, and that staff would follow up on an on‑site fuel tank/underground storage tank question and check state TCEQ records if necessary. Public works and engineering staff described progress and delays on several ongoing street and drainage projects, and the city will schedule required public hearings with the Lake Jackson Development Corporation for any new CIP projects added to the half‑cent plan.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance ordering bond election (second reading): motion to approve ordinance ordering bond election for May 3, 2025 (propositions A–C, total $18,000,000). Mover: Councilwoman Seth. Second: Councilman Baker. Outcome: approved by voice vote; vote recorded as voice vote (no roll‑call tally provided).

- Consent agenda (items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12): included approval of minutes, acceptance of resignation from Dangerous Structures Determination Board member Patricia Dussek, Ordinance No. 2296 (second reading) prohibiting public urination/defecation, Resolution No. 968 calling May 3, 2025 election, and acceptance of GLO CDBG‑MIT grant $2,138,700 for Pine Ditch. Mover: Councilman Sahana. Second: Councilor Buell. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

- Variance for early‑morning concrete pour (Brazoria County SPCA shelter, 141 Cana Lane): motion to approve variance to allow concrete pouring between 2:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. for a single, weather‑dependent pour. Mover: Councilman Hanyan. Second: Councilor Buell. Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: Applicant agreed to notify staff if the date changes and described staging/cleanup plans.

- CIP amendment (half‑cent tax) to fund Hurricane Burrell repairs: motion to submit request to Lake Jackson Development Corporation to review and amend FY2025 projects to fund repairs at the Civic Center, Rec Center, citywide parks and Wilderness Golf Course. Mover: Councilwoman Seth. Second: Councilman Sahana. Outcome: approved by voice vote. Notes: staff estimates $250,000 needed as a local match for a recreation center generator grant and roughly $847,280 for additional repairs; FEMA site inspection pending for golf course reimbursement.

- Ordinance No. 2297 (first reading): amend Chapter 90 to allow 3% annual increases to development procedure fees for five years beginning March 1, 2025. Mover: Councilman Sahana. Outcome: first reading approved; further readings required.

- Ordinance No. 2298 (first reading): amend Chapter 62 to prohibit public consumption and open containers of alcohol in the downtown central business district. Mover: Councilman Buell. Outcome: first reading approved; the ordinance includes provisions for special permits and barriers for organized events.

What the council did not decide: Several items were deferred to the Feb. 17 council meeting (consent agenda items 5–11). No formal roll‑call tallies were recorded on the transcript; actions were adopted by voice vote unless otherwise noted.

Sources: City of Lake Jackson City Council meeting transcript, Feb. 3, 2025 (motions and staff presentations as recorded).