Council approves consent items, vehicle replacement and legal-services authorization; several items tabled for legal review

At its Dec. 15 meeting the Tomball City Council approved the consent agenda and several new-business items by unanimous votes recorded as "motion carries 5-0." Highlights of council action include:

- Consent and New-Business Consent: Multiple consent items were approved unanimously; the council removed several items for separate consideration and approved the remainder by a 5-0 vote.

- Tourism Advisory Committee meeting schedule: Council revised the Tourism Advisory Committee to meet "as needed" for greater flexibility; motion passed 5-0.

- Police vehicle replacements: The police department sought authority to replace two vehicles that were totaled in separate incidents. The council authorized purchase through a cooperative contract (not to exceed the stated contract price of approximately $136,000); the department said insurance reimbursement may reduce the net city cost. The motion passed 5-0.

- Legal services contract: Council approved an expenditure authorization for outside legal services (Olson and Olson LLP) not to exceed $150,000; motion carried unanimously.

- Appointments to Regional Health Foundation: Council removed consideration of two appointments to the Regional Health Foundation from the agenda and then tabled the appointment matter pending legal review; council directed city and foundation attorneys to meet and report back before reappointing members.

- Executive session: Council convened an executive session on legal and real-property matters and returned to open session for the above votes.