Council members debated whether the mayor or the full council controls scheduling and oversight of the Port Arthur Coalition for the Homeless, with several members urging immediate meetings while the mayor indicated he had withheld a formal organizational meeting pending state and federal directives.

At the start of the discussion Mayor Pro Tem (Councilwoman) Beckham said the coalition need not wait for state or federal guidance and urged an immediate convening to brainstorm services, locations and wraparound supports. She said several coalition members had asked how and when they could meet and reported they had been told they could not meet because only the mayor can call the group.

Mayor Barty (reported in the transcript as the mayor) said he had sought model programs and awaited state or federal guidance and that uncertainty about funding impeded creating permanent structures. He also said he favors the coalition’s mission to address homelessness and had sought input from other cities.

Council members Doucette, Kinlaw and McKinlaw argued the coalition is an advisory body to the council and should be able to meet and begin work regardless of the mayor’s position. Doucette said the council should determine meeting cadence (monthly or quarterly) and clear reporting to the council so the full council can approve any funding or policy recommendations.

Councilwoman Beckham asked the city attorney to review the ordinance establishing the coalition to confirm whether authority to convene rests solely with the mayor. The city attorney said he would add the matter to the Jan. 14, 2025 city council meeting for advisement and discussion.

Council members signaled interest in clarifying the coalition’s structure, membership meeting frequency and reporting procedures — and, if necessary, amending the ordinance to reflect council oversight rather than sole mayoral control.

No formal vote was taken; the direction to the city attorney establishes the follow‑up agenda item for the Jan. 14 meeting.