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Council approves settlement over Ritchie Street improvements and clears a slate of ordinances and resolutions
Summary
After an executive session, the council approved a settlement agreement with Ritchie Street owners and passed multiple ordinances and resolutions — including procurement and grant-authorizing measures — covering park fees, maintenance contracts, road projects and FEMA UASI grant applications.
The Pasadena City Council voted March 17 to approve an ordinance authorizing a settlement agreement and general release between the Ritchie Street owners, the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation and the city to resolve claims tied to roadway and pedestrian improvements for EDC project S110. The item was discussed in executive session under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071 and was approved on reconvening; the motion was made by Councilman Styron and seconded by Councilman Fuschler.
Council also approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions read earlier in the meeting. The secretary read several first-reading and final-reading ordinances covering items such as: a Tyler Technologies annual maintenance agreement for in‑court software (amount appropriated $129,695.75); an asbestos consulting contract for AT&T building demolition with a $15,550 appropriation; capital equipment purchases (John Deere mowers and utility vehicles); an Everbridge three‑year mass notification agreement for emergency messaging; and an emergency ordinance contracting ambulance services (reported separately). The council passed motions to approve the listed ordinances and resolutions by voice vote where recorded.
On resolutions, the council authorized multiple grant applications including several FEMA Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) proposals for soft‑target protection equipment, regional intelligence analyst funding, SWAT support, and bomb‑squad funding, with grant amounts read into the record (for example: $240,000; $153,406; $140,415; $237,889; $35,000). The council also authorized Public Works to apply for Harris County partnership grants for Southmore Avenue reconstruction design and Perez Road reconstruction projects and approved submitting an application for a $1.1 million Community Development Block Grant for Lawrence Avenue Phase 2 (CIP S213), identified as a flood‑prone disadvantaged community project.
Council members acknowledged that grant-funded roadwork (including the Perez Road project) may take time and that construction might not begin immediately; Mayor Pro Tem Tim Van Hout noted the Perez Road grant could help the Skylark/Mount Vernon flooding issue raised during public comment but cautioned that government projects are slow and benefits may appear next year.
Next steps: the settlement ordinance is effective per the approved ordinance; the city will proceed with contract execution and grant-application submittals as authorized. Specific contract amounts and implementation schedules were provided for some procurement items and grant requests but not for all items; readers should consult the city clerk’s office or posted agenda documents for full contract details.
