Council tables mass-gathering task force proposal as members seek review and university coordination

Councilmember Virgil Cuevas Doucette brought forward a resolution to establish a mass-gatherings and special-events task force, saying coordinated planning is essential as Prairie View grows and hosts more large events.

Doucette told colleagues he had circulated a draft resolution from the city attorney but that many members and staff had not yet reviewed it. He said the group’s intent was to bring stakeholders — the city, Prairie View A&M University, Waller County, utilities and event organizers — together to develop a proactive safety and governance framework. Doucette emphasized that the item is about public safety and not politics: "...it's our responsibility to ensure that we have a coordinated, proactive approach that protects our residents, supports event organizers, and allows our public-safety personnel and city staff to effectively carry out their duties," he said.

Councilmembers discussed whether a prior mass-gathering ordinance and committee already addressed the concern. Several members urged consulting existing documents and involving residents from neighborhoods expected to be affected; others noted the urgency with homecoming and anniversary events approaching. The mayor and staff said they will reestablish the prior committee as a working group, add new perspectives, and coordinate with councilmember Doucette before returning the item to the council.

The council did not adopt the resolution on July 13; Doucette tabled the item to allow time for review and collaboration with stakeholders, and staff said they will circulate the draft ordinance and convene preliminary conversations.