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Houston City Council limits July 4 fireworks to 10 p.m., approves airport and transit ordinances and several local contracts
Summary
At its May 18 meeting the Houston City Council amended local fireworks rules to limit July 4 discharge to 10:00 p.m., approved ordinances enabling a state block grant for runway remarking at Houston Memorial Airport and authorized the mayor to apply for federal transit grants; the council also confirmed a housing authority appointment and approved several bids and payments.
The Houston City Council voted on multiple ordinances, local contracts and an appointment during its May 18, 2026 regular meeting, amending the city’s fireworks rules and advancing two measures to fund local transportation and airport work.
In the meeting’s most notable policy change, the council amended Bill No. 113 to set permissible fireworks discharge on July 4 to end at 10:00 p.m. The amendment carried on the council floor and the bill was placed on second and final reading to become Ordinance 2026-113. The change replaces the earlier time window in the draft ordinance and will restrict when residents may discharge fireworks on the holiday.
Council members also moved forward two measures related to transportation funding. Bill No. 111 was advanced to become Ordinance 2026-111, authorizing an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for a state block grant to fund runway pavement remarking at Houston Memorial Airport. Separately, Bill No. 112 was advanced to become Ordinance 2026-112, authorizing the mayor to apply for federal financial assistance and to execute any resulting contracts for commission-approved transit projects. Both bills were placed on first and then second and final reading by title only and carried on recorded votes.
The council confirmed Rhonda Ledbetter as a Board Commissioner to the Houston Housing Authority with a term through 2029. The appointment was added to the agenda by motion and approved by the council.
On routine municipal business, the council approved payroll for May 4–17, 2026 and authorized payments for invoices totaling $300,448.89. The council approved a pay application (pay ap #1) for CMEC related to the Houston Outdoor Recreational Complex in the amount of $61,709.34.
City leaders awarded several local contracts and bid actions. The council approved a $13,760.00 contract with 417 Gutter Pro to replace shingles on pavilion roofs at Emmett Kelly Park and approved a $25,500.00 contract with Smith Hauling and Excavating to demolish the structure known as the "Old Mill" at 405 Phelps Street. The council also approved going out for bids on demolition at 216 Mill Street and directed that a letter be hand-delivered to the property owner on May 19, 2026.
The council authorized moving a certificate of deposit ending in 4114 from Simmons Bank to West Plains Bank and Trust at an interest rate of 3.80% for 12 months.
Votes at a glance
• Appointment — Rhonda Ledbetter to Houston Housing Authority through 2029: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Invoice payments — $300,448.89: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Payroll — May 4–17, 2026: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Pay application #1 — CMEC (Outdoor Recreational Complex) — $61,709.34: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• 417 Gutter Pro — pavilion roof shingles — $13,760.00: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Smith Hauling & Excavating — demolition of "Old Mill," 405 Phelps St. — $25,500.00: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Bid solicitation — demolition at 216 Mill Street (authorize bids; notify owner): approved (recorded vote; five yes).
• Ordinance 2026-111 — runway pavement remarking (state block grant, Houston Memorial Airport): placed on first and second reading and advanced to become ordinance (recorded votes; carried).
• Ordinance 2026-112 — authorize mayor to apply for federal transit grants: placed on first and second reading and advanced to become ordinance (recorded votes; carried).
• Ordinance 2026-113 — fireworks code amendment (sets July 4 discharge end time at 10:00 p.m.): amended, placed on first and second reading and advanced to become ordinance (recorded votes; carried).
• CD move — Simmons Bank to West Plains Bank and Trust, 3.80% for 12 months: approved (recorded vote; five yes).
What happens next
Ordinances placed on second and final reading will take effect according to the city’s ordinance-adoption rules; the mayor is authorized to pursue any federal transit grants if awarded and to execute resulting contracts. Staff were directed to deliver a letter to the owner of the 216 Mill Street property on May 19, 2026. The council adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
