Council approves boat-ramp contract, dune-restoration grant application, fee changes and $6 million tax note; directs TxDOT and authorizes land purchase for a "

The City Council approved a package of project contracts, grant applications and financing measures during a meeting that included an award of a construction contract for the Marisol Laguna Madre boat ramp, approval to submit a coastal-resiliency grant, first reading of a citywide fee ordinance, authorization of $6 million in tax notes for streets and public-safety vehicles and equipment, direction to seek solar crosswalk indicators from TxDOT, and authorization to proceed with a land purchase for a venue-tax project.

Boat ramp contract: The council authorized the city manager to enter a contract with the lowest, best-qualified bidder, Bridal Industrial Services (BIS), for the Marisol Laguna Madre boat ramp and approved a budget amendment for up to $1,760,917.83 from the convention-center fund's excess reserves. Christina Baburka, shoreline director, said three bids were received: BIS at $1,760,917.83 (projected 240 days), Foremost Paving at about $2,100,000 (about one year) and Durden Enterprise at about $2,300,000 (about 280 days). Baburka said the project is partially funded through a Restore Act grant and that the total grant amount to be reimbursed is "1,000,125, and $729," with the city's match on the low bid estimated at $635,189 for construction. Baburka said convention-center fund excess reserves total…