Freeport public meetings in 2023

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission will meet to approve minutes from December 6 and consider final redline recommendations for charter changes to present to the City Council. This is a working session focused on finalizing proposed amendments.

• Approval of December 6, 2023 meeting minutes
• Final redline and recommendations of charter changes to present to Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and consider action on two items: a re-plat for the Rivera Subdivision (combining Lots 20 and 21 of Gulf Park Subdivision) and a proposed amendment to City Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family residences and carports on single 25-foot lots. The commission will also approve minutes from the November 28, 2023 meeting. Public comments are limited to 4 minutes per speaker.

• Public hearing and possible action on Rivera Subdivision re-plat (Lots 20 and 21, Gulf Park Subdivision, Brazoria County)
• Public hearing and possible action on amending Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family homes and carports on 25-foot lots
• Approval of minutes from November 28, 2023 meeting
• Citizens' comments period (4-minute limit per speaker)

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a re-plat for the Rivera Subdivision and approved changes to Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family residences and carports on single 25-foot lots, with specific requirements. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no citizen comments.

• Approved minutes of November 28, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved Rivera Subdivision re-plat (3-0)
• Approved changes to Ordinance 155.501 for 25-foot lots (3-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider multiple budget amendments for fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The meeting also includes discussions on a property sale to Lucy Ware and the awarding of a bid for the Fire Station #2 Apparatus Building.

• Awarding bid proposal for Fire Station #2 Apparatus Building
• Sale of parcel one and parcel two to Lucy Ware for $71,600.00
• Ordinance 2023-2714 for Budget Amendment #2 (FY 2024)
• Ordinance 2023-2715 for Budget Amendment #3 (FY 2023)
• Windstorm Insurance Policy Renewal

The City Council unanimously approved naming Lance Petty as the permanent City Manager with a salary of $160,000, effective from the date he assumed the role. The Council also approved a mutual dismissal of the lawsuit against Braztex Development, LLC, with each side bearing its own costs. Several other items were approved, including the Fire Station #2 Apparatus Building bid, budget amendments, and bank account signatory changes. The Council removed two board members and the council liaison from the Historical Commission & Main Street Advisory Board, and appointed new members.

• Approved naming Lance Petty as City Manager at $160,000 salary (5-0)
• Approved mutual dismissal of lawsuit against Braztex Development (4-1)
• Approved Fire Station #2 Apparatus Building bid to M2 Steel Systems for $223,003 (5-0)
• Approved removal of two board members and liaison from Historical Commission & Main Street Advisory Board (4-0)
• Appointed Melanie Oldham and Edith Fisher to Historical Commission & Main Street Advisory Board (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 2023-2828 designating bank account signatories (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2023-2714 for Budget Amendment #2 FY2024 (5-0)
• Approved Windstorm Insurance Policy Renewal at $84,332 (5-0)

Senior Citizens Commission

This is a routine monthly meeting of the Senior Citizens Commission. The agenda includes approval of minutes, a chairman's report, and sub-committee reports on activities like bingo, game day, trips, food, arts and crafts, and special programs. No major decisions or public hearings are listed; the meeting is primarily for updates and discussion.

• Approval/correction of minutes
• Chairman report
• Sub-committee reports: advertising, bingo, game day, trips, food, arts & crafts, special programs, phone list
• Motion to adjourn

The Freeport Senior Citizens Commission met Dec. 18, 2023, with a quorum present. The commission approved the prior meeting's minutes. The chairman reported Christmas party attendance of 110 and announced schedule changes: January Bingo will be held at Velasco, and October's meeting moves to Monday, Oct. 14. A potential spring trip to the Painted Churches was discussed but not decided.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by Linda, second by Brenda)
• Announced January Bingo will be held at Velasco
• Announced October meeting moved to Monday, Oct. 14
• Discussed potential spring trip to Painted Churches (no decision)

City Council

The Freeport City Council is holding a special meeting with a closed executive session to consult with the attorney about the City Hall remodel and discuss personnel matters regarding City Manager Tim Kelty. Following the closed session, the council may take action on any items discussed. The meeting also includes public comments and routine procedural items.

• Closed session: consultation with attorney on City Hall remodel
• Closed session: personnel matter regarding City Manager Tim Kelty
• Possible action resulting from executive session
• Public comments with 4-minute limit per speaker

The Freeport City Council unanimously voted to terminate City Manager Tim Kelty effective December 13, 2023, and approved a separation agreement and general release to be executed by noon on December 14, 2023. The decision followed an executive session on the City Hall remodel and personnel matters. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Terminated City Manager Tim Kelty effective December 13, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved separation agreement and general release for Tim Kelty, to be executed by 12/14/2023 noon (5-0)

Historical Commission And Main Street Advisory Board

This agenda is for a joint training/workshop of the Freeport Historical Commission and Main Street Advisory Board, held on October 19, 2023. The agenda notes that no quorum was present, meaning no official decisions could be made. The meeting was held at Freeport City Hall.

• Joint training/workshop of Historical Commission and Main Street Advisory Board
• No quorum present
• Held at Freeport City Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room, 200 W. Second Street

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission is meeting to approve recommended charter amendments on the number, selection, and term of council members, and to review Articles 10-11. They may also schedule an additional meeting to finalize recommendations for the City Council. The agenda is otherwise routine, with minutes approval and standard procedural items.

• Approve recommendation on Charter changes: Number, Selection, and Term (Article 3, Section 3.01(b) and (d))
• Review Charter Articles 10-11
• Consider scheduling an additional Charter Review meeting
• Approve minutes from October 11, 2023

The commission approved recommendations to update charter sections regarding conflicts of interest, damage suits, and charter amendments, and to delete obsolete sections. A proposal to change the terms of the Council and Mayor failed. The commission scheduled its next meeting for December 20, 2023.

• Approved October 11, 2023 minutes with changes (4-0)
• Recommendation to change Council and Mayor terms failed (2-2)
• Approved recommendation to align Article 11.02 with Texas Local Government Code (4-0)
• Approved recommendation to align Article 11.07 with Texas Torts Claim Act (4-0)
• Approved recommendation to delete Article 11.10 (4-0)
• Approved recommendation to update Article 11.12 regarding DOJ preclearance (4-0)
• Approved recommendation to delete Article 11.14 (4-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for December 20, 2023 (4-0)

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold its regular meeting on December 4, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Police Department Municipal Court Room. The agenda includes several action items: a rezoning request, a property sale, a consent to encroachment agreement, and second readings of resolutions supporting a downtown master plan and kitchen renovations. The council will also consider amending the Drug-Free Workplace policy and may enter executive session to discuss potential litigation regarding a City Hall remodel.

• Rezone from C-1 (Retail Business) to MF (Multiple Family) for part of 1100 Block of N Ave J and N Ave I, including properties with Brazoria County Appraisal District IDs 261265, 261271, 261269, 261264, 259610, 259608
• Second Reading and approval of Resolution No. 2023-2824 supporting downtown master plan and historic district design guidelines
• Second Reading and approval of Resolution No. 2023-2825 for renovations to FMP kitchen
• Approval of consent to encroachment agreement between property owner Pamela Dancy and the City of Freeport
• Approval of sale of property in the 200 Block of South Avenue I (Velasco Townsite, Block 70, Lot 11)

The City Council approved a rezoning request for a potential apartment complex and authorized the termination of a contract with Covarrubias. Council also approved updates to the drug-free workplace policy and funding for downtown design guidelines and park kitchen renovations.

• Approved rezoning of 1100 Block of N Ave J and N Ave I from C-1 to MF (4-0)
• Approved termination of contract with Covarrubias (4-0)
• Approved drug-free workplace policy amendments (4-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2824 for downtown master plan and design guidelines (3-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2825 for $40,000 FMP kitchen renovations (3-1)
• Approved sale of property in 200 Block of South Avenue I (3-1)
• Tabled consent to encroachment agreement for Pamela Dancy
• Approved January 2024 meeting date changes (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Freeport Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider an appeal of a building violation determination for a carport at 313 S. Front St., which was built without permits and violates setback and building line ordinances. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes, hear a Building Official presentation, and receive updates on repair orders and demolitions.

• Appeal of building violation for carport at 313 S. Front St. (violations of Ord. 155.1104(a), 155.403(9), 155.403(B)(8)(b))
• Approval of October 26, 2023 meeting minutes
• Building Official presentation
• Updates on Repair Order and Demos (Kacey Roman)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and consider actions on a rezoning application, a specific use permit modification, and several smaller items. The most consequential item is a request to rezone parts of the 1100 blocks of N Ave J and N Ave I from C-1 (Retail Business) to MF (Multiple Family). The commission will also consider modifying a specific use permit for a mini-storage facility at 1915 N. Brazosport Blvd to allow access via Jones Road/Lafitte and a building plan change.

• Rezoning application by Daniel M. Morgan, Jr. from C-1 to MF for parts of 1100 blocks of N Ave J and N Ave I (BCAD Property IDs 261265, 261271, 261269, 261264, 259610, 259608)
• Modification of Specific Use Permit for mini-storage at 1915 N. Brazosport Blvd to add access via Jones Road/Lafitte and alter building plan
• Removal of a No Parking sign on the 1700 block of 8th Street
• Change a Stop sign to a Yield sign at Varner and Ave G
• Approval of minutes from September 26 and October 24, 2023 meetings

City Council

The Freeport City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the job performance of City Manager Timothy Kelty and consider terminating his employment. The council will also enter executive session to consult with attorneys about the City Manager's employment terms, potential litigation, and the Covarubias contract. After the closed session, the council may take action on any matters discussed.

• Discussion and possible action on City Manager Timothy Kelty's job performance and possible termination
• Executive session on personnel and attorney consultation regarding City Manager terms and potential litigation
• Executive session regarding Covarubias contract and potential litigation
• Possible action resulting from executive session

The Freeport City Council held a regular meeting featuring extensive public comments regarding city management, code enforcement, and financial concerns. Following a closed executive session, the council voted to suspend City Manager Tim Kelty with pay pending a full council resolution and appointed Lance Petty as Interim City Manager. The meeting concluded after approving the leadership change.

• Invited Assistant City Manager/PWD Lance Petty into executive session as needed (4-0)
• Suspended City Manager Tim Kelty with pay pending a full council resolution (4-1, Councilman Rossow voted nay)
• Appointed Lance Petty as Interim City Manager (4-0)
• Adjourned the meeting

Senior Citizens Commission

The Senior Citizens Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear the chairman’s report, finalize the 2024 calendar, and receive updates from eight sub-committees covering activities such as bingo, trips, and arts & crafts.

City Council

The Freeport City Council is meeting to handle routine consent items, award a janitorial services contract, approve a streets project interlocal agreement with Brazoria County, and hold first readings on economic development projects for a downtown master plan and FMP Kitchen renovations. The council will also enter executive session to discuss attorney consultation and a personnel complaint against the Building Official regarding 1323 W. 4th Street.

• Award bid and contract to M&R's Elite Janitorial Solutions for city office janitorial services
• Approve Special Interlocal Agreement with Brazoria County for FY 2023-2024 streets project
• First reading of EDC support for downtown master plan and historic district design guidelines
• First reading of EDC project for renovations to FMP Kitchen
• Ratify change order #5 and approve change order #6 to Lucas Construction phase 2 concrete contract

City Council approved a janitorial services contract for city facilities and a special interlocal agreement with Brazoria County for road projects. The council also authorized casting votes for the Brazoria County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

• Approved Consent Agenda including road closures for MLK Jr. Parade and Christmas on the Coast Market (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2823 to split 18 votes between Karla Clark and Eric Hayes for Brazoria County Appraisal District (5-0)
• Approved janitorial services contract for M&R's Elite Janitorial Solutions (4-1)
• Ratified Change Order #5 ($6,802.50) and approved Change Order #6 ($48,775) for Lucas Construction concrete contract (4-1)
• Approved Special Interlocal Agreement for streets project with Brazoria County for $344,663.24 (4-1)

Parks and Rec

The Freeport Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is meeting to discuss the Yard of the Month program, including forming a committee for voting, and creating a plan for flower bed improvements throughout the city. They will also receive updates on recreation center programs and park improvement projects. The meeting includes citizen comments and approval of minutes.

• Discussion of Yard of the Month program (Domingues)
• Discussion to form a committee for voting on Yard of the Month (Petty)
• Discussion to create a plan for flower bed improvements throughout the city (Johnson)
• Update on Recreation Center programs and event schedules (B. Ramirez)
• Update on Park Improvement Projects (Petty)

Historical Commission And Main Street Advisory Board

The meeting consisted of a board training and workshop session. No quorum was present for the meeting.

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission is meeting to consider approving recommended charter changes regarding the number, selection, and term of council members, and to discuss charter articles 10-11. They may also schedule an additional meeting to finalize recommendations for the City Council.

• Approve recommendation on Number, Selection, and Term (Article 3, Section 3.01(b) and (d))
• Discuss and review Charter Articles 10-11
• Consider additional Charter Review Meeting to make recommendations to Council
• Approve minutes from October 11, 2023 meeting

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold public hearings and consider ordinances on residential infill development, budget amendments, and a downtown plan. It will also vote on contracts for janitorial services and a wastewater treatment plant, plus a streets agreement with Brazoria County. The meeting includes a closed session on pending litigation and personnel complaints.

• Ordinance 2023-2712: amend zoning to allow single-family homes and carports on 25-foot lots
• Budget Amendment #1 for FY2024 (Ordinance 2023-2713)
• Award bid to Del Sol Solutions for janitorial services
• Award bid for WWTP to apparent low bidder
• Special Interlocal Agreement with Brazoria County for streets project FY2023-2024

The Freeport City Council approved several plats, budget amendments, and a downtown planning agreement with the University of Texas at San Antonio. A proposed ordinance regarding residential infill on 25-foot lots was tabled following a failed vote to amend it. Additionally, the council voted to hire an investigator regarding workplace complaints involving a council member.

• Approved October 16, 2023 City Council meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved sale of Trust Property at 1322 West 7th Street (5-0)
• Approved plat of Lot 1a, Block 36 of the Velasco Townsite (5-0)
• Approved replat of Lots 1-8 and Lots 17-20, Block 739 (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance No. 2023-2712 regarding 25-foot lot residential infill development (3-2 vote to table after 3-2 vote to deny amendments)
• Approved research agreement with the University of Texas at San Antonio for downtown design guidelines and comprehensive plan (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2713 for Budget Amendment #1 for Fiscal Year 2024 (5-0)
• Appointed Melanie Oldham as ex officio board member for MUD #1 (5-0)

Parks and Rec

The Freeport Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will meet to review minutes, hear staff and board announcements, and discuss three community improvement proposals: the Yard of the Month program, a committee to vote on it, and citywide flower bed improvements. Updates on recreation center programs and park projects will also be presented.

• Discuss Yard of the Month Program
• Form committee for Yard of the Month voting
• Create plan for citywide flower bed improvements
• Update on recreation center programs and event schedules
• Update on park improvement projects

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings regarding a building appeal at 226 W. Park and a request to declare a residential structure at 415 Velasco dangerous or unsafe. The commission will also receive a building official presentation and updates on repair and demolition orders.

• Appeal of building determination at 226 W. Park (Property ID # 209323)
• Public hearing on declaring 415 Velasco a dangerous/unsafe building
• Potential order to demolish or repair 415 Velasco
• Updates on repair orders and demolitions
• Approval of September 14, 2023, meeting minutes

The Freeport Board of Adjustment denied an appeal regarding a building at 226 W. Park, finding it unsafe and ordering the owner to secure the area within 7 days and repair or submit plans within 30 days. The board also ordered the demolition or repair of a residential structure at 415 Velasco within 30 days. Both decisions passed unanimously (4-0). The board approved the September 14, 2023 meeting minutes.

• Approved September 14, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Denied appeal for 226 W. Park; building found unsafe, 7 days to secure, 30 days to repair or submit plans (4-0)
• Ordered demolition or repair of property at 415 Velasco within 30 days (4-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether to allow single-family homes and carports on 25-foot lots and to approve three re-plats of lots in the Velasco Townsite. The meeting will also consider approval of the previous meeting’s minutes.

• Allow single-family residences and carports on 25-foot lots under revised Ordinance 155.501
• Approve Williams re-plat of Lot 1A, Block 36, Velasco Townsite
• Approve Khan re-plat of Lots 1–8 & 17–20, Block 739, Velasco Townsite
• Approve Lopez re-plat of Lots 1–3, Block 16, Velasco Townsite

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved changes to City Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family homes and carports on 25-foot lots. The commission also approved three separate property re-plats. Minutes from the September 26, 2023, meeting were sent back for amendments.

• Approved changes to City Ordinance 155.501 for 25-foot residential lots (5-0)
• Approved Williams re-plat of Lot 1A, Block 36 of the Velasco Townsite (5-0)
• Approved Khan re-plat of Lots 1-8 and 17-20, Block 739 (5-0)
• Approved Lopez re-plat of Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 16 (5-0)
• Voted to return September 26, 2023, minutes for amendments (5-0)

Historical Commission And Main Street Advisory Board

The Freeport Historical Commission and Main Street Advisory Board will meet to consider approving meeting minutes, a University of Texas at San Antonio proposal for historic design guidelines and a downtown comprehensive plan, and a new museum logo. They will also discuss updating transformation strategies and the Main Street Christmas event. The agenda includes public comments and staff updates.

• Approve UTSA RFP for Historic Design Guidelines and Downtown Comprehensive Plan
• Approve new Freeport Historical Museum logo
• Approve August 17, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approve September 21, 2023 meeting minutes
• Discussion on Main Street Christmas Event

The board unanimously approved the University of Texas at San Antonio’s proposal for historic design guidelines and a downtown comprehensive plan, which includes a $30,000 investment from the Freeport Economic Development Corporation. They also approved a new logo for the Freeport Historical Museum. Discussion on updating Main Street transformation strategies was tabled for the next meeting.

• Approved August 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 21, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved UTSA RFP for Historic Design Guidelines and Downtown Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Approved new Freeport Historical Museum logo (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on updating Transformation Strategies (unanimous)

Senior Citizens Commission

The Freeport Senior Citizens Commission is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear the chairman's report, and plan the 2024 calendar. Subcommittees covering advertising, bingo, game day, trips, food, arts & crafts, special programs, and the phone list will give reports. The meeting is routine business with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• 2024 calendar planning
• Subcommittee reports: advertising, bingo, game day, trips, food, arts & crafts, special programs, phone list
• Approval/correction of minutes
• Chairman report

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold a regular meeting on October 16, 2023, to consider a range of items including budget amendments, an interlocal road project, a drainage easement, and zoning changes. They will also discuss awarding a bid for the WWTP and repairs to the Municipal Park Kitchen. The agenda includes a closed session for pending litigation and personnel matters.

• Consideration of Ordinance No. 2023-2711 for Budget Amendment #2 for FY 2023
• Approval of Resolution No. 2023-2821 for EDC Budget Amendment #2 for FY 2023
• Approval of proposal from CRG Texas for removal of underground fuel tanks at Service Center
• Granting 4.7-acre drainage easement to Velasco Drainage District along levee from Pocket Park to Riverside Park
• Amending Zoning Ordinance to allow and regulate portable storage containers

City Council approved a Brazoria County interlocal road project and an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding portable storage containers. The council also authorized repairs for the Municipal Park Kitchen and updated the police reserve officer policy. A bid for the wastewater treatment plant was tabled.

• Approved FY 2023/2024 Brazoria County Interlocal Road Project (4-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2822 updating Reserve Officer policy (5-0)
• Approved proposal from CRG Texas to remove underground fuel tanks at Service Center (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2821 for EDC Budget Amendment #2 (4-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2711 for FY 2023 Budget Amendment #2 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2820 limiting Council speech during citizen comments (4-1)
• Approved 4.7 acre drainage easement for Velasco Drainage District (5-0)
• Approved zoning amendment allowing portable storage containers in commercial areas (4-1)

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission will consider approving recommended charter amendments to present to the City Council, including changes to council member selection and terms, and a deadline for publishing financial statements. The commission will also review Charter Articles 8-9. This is a regular working meeting, not a public hearing.

• Approve minutes from September 20, 2023 meeting
• Recommend charter changes on Number, Selection, and Term (Article 3, Section 3.01(b) and (d))
• Recommend changing financial statement publication from 'as soon as possible' to 45 days (Article 3, Section 3.15)
• Discuss and review Charter Articles 8-9

The commission approved the minutes from the September 20, 2023 meeting. Two proposed recommendations for charter changes regarding member selection and financial statement publication were tabled. The board discussed terminology for substandard structures and 380 agreements.

• Approved September 20, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Tabled recommendation on Charter Article 3, Section 3.01(b) and (d) regarding Number, Selection, and Term (4-0)
• Tabled recommendation on Charter Article 3, Section 3.15 regarding Financial Statement publication timeline (4-0)

City Council

This is a notice of a possible quorum of the Freeport City Council at the National Night Out event on October 3, 2023. No official action will be taken during the event. The agenda is purely procedural.

• National Night Out at Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd., 6:00-8:30 pm

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold a regular meeting on October 2, 2023, with public hearings on a replat for Willowbreeze Farm Section II and an ordinance on portable storage containers. The council will also discuss a rental inspection program, consider several resolutions and appointments, and vote on the sale of city-owned levee property and purchases of public safety and public works vehicles.

• Public hearing on replat for Willowbreeze Farm Section II (55.168 acres, SBK Family Homes LLC)
• Public hearing on ordinance amending regulations for portable storage containers
• Discussion on Rental Inspection Program
• Resolution 2023-2819 nominating candidates for Brazoria County Appraisal District Board
• Sale of city-owned levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane to Chris Duncan

The Freeport City Council approved the purchase of public safety and public works vehicles, granted a 2.7-acre drainage easement to the Velasco Drainage District, and appointed new members to the Freeport EDC and Senior Citizen Commission. The council tabled proposed ordinances regarding portable storage containers and amplified sound to allow for further legal review and discussion. Chris Duncan also withdrew his request to purchase city-owned levee property.

• Approved Consent Agenda (5-0)
• Approved replat for Willowbreeze Farm Section II (5-0)
• Tabled ordinance amending regulations on portable storage containers (5-0)
• Nominated Eric Hayes and Karla Clark for Brazoria County Appraisal District Board (5-0)
• Approved up to $20,000 in funding for the 2023 Super Feast (5-0)
• Appointed Mark Parker to the Freeport EDC Board (4-1, Pena nay)
• Appointed Linda Harrison to the Senior Citizen Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Councilman Rossow as representative and Councilman Cain as alternate to HGAC 2024 General Assembly (5-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and consider actions on several items, including a proposed change to Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family residences and carports on 25-foot lots, new regulations for shipping container storage, and multiple subdivision plats. The commission will also vote on replacing a yield sign with a stop sign at Pecan and West 9th St. and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Proposed change to Ordinance 155.501 to allow single-family residences and carports on single 25-foot lots
• Regulations for shipping containers or portable storage units as limited use in C-1, C-2, C-3, W-1, IN, and residential zones
• Replat of Lot 21A, Block 757, Velasco Townsite (Juarez Re-plat)
• One-lot subdivision of Lots 13 and 14, Velasco Heights Annex (Elicerio Re-plat)
• Willowbreeze Farm Section II subdivision of 55.168 acres (Willowbreeze Re-plat)

Parks and Rec

The Freeport Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The board will consider approving the August 18 meeting minutes and discuss the Yard of the Month program, the Main Entry to Freeport, recreation center programs, and park improvement projects.

• Approval of August 18, 2023 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Yard of the Month Program process
• Discussion of Main Entry to Freeport
• Update on Recreation Center Programs and Event Schedules
• Update on Park Improvement Projects

The committee approved the minutes from their August 18, 2023, meeting. Members also discussed potential park improvements, the yard of the month program, and upcoming community events.

• Approved August 18, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Historical Commission And Main Street Advisory Board

The Freeport Historical Commission and Main Street Advisory Board will meet for a training workshop and retreat led by Sarah O'Brien. The agenda includes call to order, public comments, and adjournment, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.

• Board training and retreat by Sarah O'Brien
• Public comments with 4-minute limit
• Meeting at Freeport City Hall, 200 W. Second Street

The board participated in an annual training workshop facilitated by Sarah O’Brien. The session included a review of the Main Street Program approach and a SWOT analysis of the Freeport Main Street Program. No substantive policy decisions or votes were recorded.

City Council

The Freeport City Council may have a quorum present at a training workshop for the Freeport Historical Commission & Main Street Advisory Board. No official decisions or actions will be taken by the City Council during this event.

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider approving minutes from its August 31, 2023 meeting and to discuss and review Charter Articles 4-7. The commission may take action on any listed item.

• Approval of August 31, 2023 meeting minutes
• Discussion and review of Charter Articles 4-7

The Freeport Charter Review Commission unanimously approved several proposed charter amendments to forward to City Council, including residency requirements for the police chief and fire chief, updated Health Officer qualifications, and petition procedures. The commission also discussed but did not act on sections 3.01, 3.15, 5.01, and 7.06, scheduling them for future agendas.

• Approved August 31, 2023 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Section 4.02(a) police residency requirement change to forward to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved Section 4.07(a)(b) Health Officer qualifications update to forward to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved Section 4.08 Fire Chief residency requirement change to forward to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved Section 6.04 petition procedures update to forward to City Council (unanimous)

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold its regular meeting on September 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Municipal Court Room. Key decisions include approving ordinances for alley vacation and subdivision replat, selling city-owned levee property, and awarding a fuel contract. The council will also discuss amendments to amplified sound regulations and an annual investment policy.

• Vacate and sell 20' alley right-of-way in Velasco Townsite, Block 712 (Ordinance 2023-2708)
• Sell city-owned levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane to Chris Duncan
• Award 2023-03 annual fuel and alternative fuel contract to MidTex Oil LP
• Approve replat of Block 712 Subdivision (One Lot Subdivision)
• Amend regulations for amplified sound (Ordinance 2023-2709)

The Freeport City Council unanimously approved the sale of a 20-foot alley right-of-way in Velasco Townsite for $1,850 and a related replat. They also approved a fuel contract with MidTex Oil LP and an amendment to the annual investment policy, both by 4-1 votes. The council tabled decisions on the sale of levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane and a proposed ordinance amending amplified sound regulations.

• Approved Consent Agenda including road closures for Homecoming Parade, Fall Market, and Dia De Los Muertos (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2708 vacating and selling 20' alley ROW in Velasco Townsite for $1,850 (5-0)
• Approved replat of Block 712 Subdivision in Velasco Townsite (5-0)
• Tabled sale of city-owned levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane to Chris Duncan (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 2023-2709 amending amplified sound regulations (5-0)
• Approved awarding annual fuel and alternative fuel contract to MidTex Oil LP (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2816 amending annual investment policy (4-1)
• Entered Executive Session for City Manager annual review; no action taken upon return to regular session

Senior Citizens Commission

The Senior Citizens Commission is holding a regular meeting to discuss routine business, including approval of minutes, a chairman's report, and updates from various subcommittees. The agenda contains no major decisions or public hearings, only standard administrative items.

• Approval or correction of meeting minutes
• Chairman report
• Subcommittee reports: Advertising, Bingo, Game Day, Trips, Food, Arts & Crafts, Special Programs, Phone List
• Motion to adjourn

Board of Adjustment

The Freeport Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to consider a variance request for a 5-foot interior side setback at 1915 N. Brazosport Blvd and another hearing to decide whether to declare a non-residential building at 215 E. Park as dangerous and order its demolition or repair. The board will also review meeting minutes from August 31, 2023, and receive updates on repair orders and demolitions.

• Consider approval of August 31, 2023 meeting minutes
• Variance request for 5-foot interior side setback at 1915 N. Brazosport Blvd (C-2 Zone)
• Hearing on declaring 215 E. Park a dangerous/unsafe building and potential demolition or repair order

The Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance for a property on N. Brazosport Blvd. It also ordered the owner of a non-residential structure at 215 E. Park to complete roof work within 90 days.

• Approved August 31, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved variance for 5-foot interior side setback at 1915 N. Brazosport Blvd (4-0)
• Ordered roof completion within 90 days and submission of structural repair plans for 215 E. Park (4-0)

City Council

The Freeport City Council is holding a special meeting to consider and possibly adopt the FY 2023-2024 budget and set the property tax rate for 2023. The agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed budget, ordinances to adopt the budget and establish the tax rate, and ratification of increased property tax revenues. The meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Freeport Police Department Municipal Court Room.

• Public hearing on FY 2023-2024 proposed budget
• Ordinance No. 2023-2705 adopting the FY 2023-2024 budget
• Ordinance No. 2023-2706 establishing the 2023 tax rate
• Ratification of increased property tax revenues in the adopted budget

City Council approved the FY 2023-2024 budget and established the 2023 tax year rates. The council also ratified increased property tax revenues reflected in the adopted budget.

• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2705 adopting the FY 2023-2024 Budget (4-1)
• Adopted Maintenance and Operations tax rate of $0.468339 per $100 valuation (4-1)
• Adopted Debt Service tax rate of $0.064661 per $100 valuation (4-1)
• Ratified Increased Property Tax Revenues for the FY 2023-2024 Adopted Budget (4-1)

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold public hearings and consider ordinances to adopt the FY2023-2024 budget and set the property tax rate, along with ratifying increased property tax revenues. Other actions include a bank contract extension, property sales, an emergency road repair, and a grant program resolution.

• Public hearing and ordinance to adopt FY2023-2024 budget (Ordinance No. 2023-2705)
• Public hearing and ordinance to set 2023 tax rate (Ordinance No. 2023-2706)
• Ratification of increased property tax revenues for FY2023-2024
• Sale of city-owned levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane to Chris Duncan
• Emergency road repair at Quintana and Ave D intersection, not to exceed $30,000

The Freeport City Council held public hearings on the FY2023-2024 budget and tax rate but tabled action on both ordinances, along with the ratification of increased property tax revenues, an investment policy amendment, and two property sale items. The council did approve the consent agenda, the EDC Local Business Improvement Grant Program, and an emergency road repair at Quintana and Ave D. A final budget vote is scheduled for September 11, 2023.

• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and bank contract extension (4-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 2023-2705 adopting FY2023-2024 budget
• Tabled Ordinance 2023-2706 establishing 2023 tax rate
• Tabled ratification of increased property tax revenues
• Tabled Resolution 2023-2816 amending investment policy
• Tabled sale of alley right-of-way in Velasco Townsite
• Tabled sale of levee property at 104 Mystery Harbor Lane
• Approved EDC Local Business Improvement Grant Program (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Freeport Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing to decide whether to declare two single-family homes dangerous or unsafe and issue condemnation orders. The board will also consider approving the July 19, 2023 meeting minutes and receive updates on repair orders and demolitions.

• Public hearing on declaring 1130 W 9th St (Property ID #262471) a dangerous/unsafe building and possible condemnation
• Public hearing on declaring 1313 W 10th St (Property ID #262442) a dangerous/unsafe building and possible condemnation
• Consideration of meeting minutes from July 19, 2023
• Updates on repair orders and demolitions

The Freeport Board of Adjustment approved minutes from July 19, 2023, and declared two residential properties as dangerous/unsafe buildings, ordering demolition. The first property at 1130 W 9th received a 30-day notice to demolish, while the second at 1313 W 10th was ordered to have the back structure demolished and trash removed within 90 days. Both decisions were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved minutes for July 19, 2023 (5-0)
• Declared 1130 W 9th unsafe, ordered demolition within 30 days (5-0)
• Declared 1313 W 10th unsafe, ordered demolition and trash removal within 90 days (5-0)

Charter Review Commission

The Freeport Charter Review Commission is meeting to review and discuss proposed changes from previous members and to examine Charter Articles 1-3. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the August 10 meeting. This is a working session focused on potential amendments to the city charter.

• Review proposed changes by previous Charter Review Members
• Discuss Charter Articles 1-3
• Approve minutes from August 10, 2023 meeting

The Charter Review Commission unanimously approved the previous commission's proposed changes 1 through 6 to forward to City Council. They also approved corrected minutes from August 11, 2023, with a date fix on page 2. Discussion on Charter articles 1, 2, and 3 was tabled for further review, specifically sections 3.01(b), 3.01(d), and 3.15.

• Approved corrected minutes from August 11, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved previous Charter Review Commission's proposed changes 1-6 to go to City Council (unanimous)
• Tabled discussion on Charter articles 1, 2, and 3, including sections 3.01(b), 3.01(d), and 3.15

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a one-lot subdivision re-plat (Gonzalez Re-plat) in Block 712 of the Velasco Townsite. They will also discuss possible changes to the sign ordinance and approve minutes from the July 25, 2023 meeting.

• Public hearing and possible action on Gonzalez Re-plat: one-lot subdivision of Lots 1-4 and 21-24 plus a portion of a 20-foot alley in Block 712, Velasco Townsite, Brazoria County
• Discussion of possible changes to the Sign ordinance
• Approval of minutes from July 25, 2023 meeting
• Citizens' comments limited to 4 minutes per City Council rule (June 21, 2010)

City Council

The Freeport City Council will hold a regular meeting on August 21, 2023, to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget and consider a resolution amending the Master Fee Schedule for sewer and water rates. They will also consider several other items, including a FEMA grant for portable radios, a modular building purchase for Fire Station #2, and an ordinance releasing ETJ to Brazoria. The meeting includes a closed session for pending litigation.

• Proposed FY 2023-2024 Budget Discussion
• Resolution amending Master Fee Schedule for sewer taps, water rates, sewer rates
• Ordinance releasing ETJ to City of Brazoria for planning and development
• FEMA American Firefighter Grant for portable radios: $216,000
• Purchase of modular building for Fire Station #2

City Council approved rate adjustments for water, sewer, and sewer taps to address fund deficits and unfunded mandates. The council also approved a modular building for Fire Station #2 and released ETJ land to the City of Brazoria.

• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2809 to increase water, sewer, and sewer tap rates (4-1)
• Approved Ordinance No. 2023-2704 releasing ETJ land to the City of Brazoria (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 2023-2814 revising Personnel Policy Manual for mental health leave and other updates (5-0)
• Approved $216,000 FEMA American Firefighter Grant for portable radios (5-0)
• Approved purchase of a modular building for Fire Station #2 from Palmer Modular Building Company (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including August meeting minutes (4-1)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Freeport Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider an ordinance that would convert Karankawa and McNeil Streets to two-way streets between Gulf Blvd. and N Ave B. The commission may take action on this item.

• Ordinance to make Karankawa and McNeil St. two-way between Gulf Blvd. and N Ave B