[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:01] That's right. All right. Welcome, everybody. Good evening. And welcome to the June 15, 2026
[0:10] meeting of the city council of the city of Bel Air. And as I look around, I can happy to
[0:17] announce that not only do I call this meeting to order, but I announce that we have a full
[0:22] quorum with all members of council present. And so as we always do, as you all know,
[0:28] we have our inspirational reading and or invocation and the honor this meeting
[0:33] goes to council member Brian Witt. Thank you very much I want to thank everyone
[0:38] for coming out tonight especially Julie and baby Jack in the background I
[0:42] thought at one point we're gonna have to have a boat.
[0:47] Tonight I want to talk
[0:47] about two things one two events that are happening this weekend one as you
[0:52] might have noticed is Father's Day is coming up and we'll get to the
[0:57] other one in a second, but Father's Day.
[0:59] Father's Day is a chance to honor the men
[1:01] who have helped shaped our lives,
[1:03] not only the fathers, but also the grandfathers,
[1:05] step fathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, teachers,
[1:09] and friends who have helped stepped into a role
[1:11] when it was needed most.
[1:12] Many of us can think of lessons
[1:14] that we learned from our father or father figures.
[1:16] Some were taught with words,
[1:18] but many were taught through examples.
[1:21] We learned the importance of showing up,
[1:23] up, keeping our commitments, treating people with respect, and doing the right thing even
[1:30] when no one was looking.
[1:32] The qualities we admire most in fathers are the same qualities that help build a strong
[1:37] community.
[1:38] Responsibility, service, patience, sacrifice, and the willing to put others before ourselves.
[1:46] Fatherhood reminds us that leadership is often found in small everyday moments.
[1:51] It's helping with homework after a long day at work.
[1:55] It's attending a game or recital or an event.
[1:59] It's teaching a child how to ride a bike to drive a car.
[2:02] That's actually coming up, by the way.
[2:04] Not with this one.
[2:07] Balance a checkbook or simply navigating life's challenges.
[2:12] These moments may seem ordinary at the time, but they can leave a lasting impact.
[2:17] Leave a lasting impact.
[2:22] As members of this community, we benefit every day from fathers and father figures who invest their time, energy and love into raising the next generation.
[2:32] Their influence extends far beyond their own families and help shape the character and future of our city.
[2:42] Sorry, for those not on the camera, there's a little distraction in the background.
[2:47] But the other thing I want to bring up is something, a new holiday for the city, which is Juneteenth.
[2:52] Juneteenth is a holiday that has deep Texas roots.
[2:56] It was this week in 1865, the word of emancipation proclamation reached Texas, almost two years
[3:03] after the fact.
[3:05] Juneteenth has become a time for communities to come together through celebrations and
[3:10] music and food and fellowship, it reminds us that understanding our history helps
[3:18] us appreciate how far we've come and inspire us to continue building communities where
[3:24] everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I think it's fitting that both of these observance
[3:29] fall so closely together because in their own way they're both about legacy. They're
[3:34] both about passing knowledge down to future generations. Whether it's lessons we learn
[3:39] from our father or the hard-earned freedoms and opportunities secured by those who
[3:44] came before us, we all benefit from the efforts of previous generations. So this
[3:49] week, I hope everyone gets to spend some time with their family, enjoy a good meal,
[3:54] maybe enjoy a few grown, morally father's day jokes, and for me I hope I get a nap.
[4:00] But I also hope we get a chance to reflect on the people and events that
[4:03] helped shape our community. With that, happy Father's Day, happy Juneteenth. Please
[4:08] Please join me in the Pledge of
[4:11] Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
[4:17] and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and
[4:23] justice for all.
[4:26] The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States, one nation under God, one indivisible.
[4:44] That isn't a distraction.
[4:45] No question about that.
[4:47] What a handsome fellow.
[4:51] Well, thank you, Brian, and congratulations will be another special Father's Day for you.
[4:57] And the driving thing, good luck.
[5:02] So we move along on our agenda to the recognition of proclamations, and we have a proclamation
[5:08] this evening with regard to National Park and Recreation Month in the city, in recognition
[5:17] recognition of the benefits derived from Parks and Recreation resources and encouraging all
[5:21] residents to get out this month and enjoy them.
[5:25] Whereas Parks and Recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country,
[5:31] including the city of Bel Air, and whereas Parks and Recreation promotes health and
[5:36] wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks, and
[5:40] whereas Parks and Recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for
[5:46] popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools, and many other activities designed to promote
[5:52] active lifestyles.
[5:54] And whereas parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community,
[5:59] and whereas the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as National Parks and
[6:05] Recreation Month, now, therefore, I guess, Pappas, Mayor of the City of Bel Air, Texas,
[6:10] do hereby proclaim the month of July 2026 as National Park and Recreation Month in the City
[6:16] of Bel Air, Texas, in recognition of the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources and
[6:21] encourage all residents to get out this month and enjoy them and witness wherever I have here
[6:27] them to set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Bel Air, Texas to be affixed this 15th
[6:32] day of June 2026. And as most of you all know, the next time we meet, July and Parks and Recreation
[6:46] Month will have already started and we will have given it a big welcome with our July 4th
[6:52] grade and so any further way we do this in anticipation of July. So come forward.
[7:45] All
[7:52] right, next on our agenda is the approval of the minutes.
[7:56] We have the minutes from the City Council of April 13th and April 20th.
[8:04] And so is anybody on Council have any comments, corrections, suggestions, what have you?
[8:10] Okay, good.
[8:10] So by virtue of a nod of a head, I will consider those approved.
[8:14] Very well.
[8:15] Okay.
[8:15] Thank you all for that.
[8:17] Tracy, as always.
[8:20] Moving right down.
[8:21] And we move on to personal audience comments.
[8:24] I noticed that we do have one written comment, but I think we also – Mr. Tran, are you
[8:32] there?
[8:33] Okay.
[8:33] I knew that you were thinking about coming and speaking to us about that matter of interest
[8:38] to you.
[8:38] And even though you've made a written comment, by all means please come forward
[8:43] and speak.
[8:44] You've got five minutes and we'll tell you to stop when it's ready, okay?
[11:07] Well,
[11:13] thank you so much. I can assure you it is problematic. I go by it every single day,
[11:18] but so I'm not sure what we can do about it, but we certainly will take it up. So thank
[11:22] you. And Mr. Strang, you've given us a written comment is that we'll make it a part of the
[11:30] record but I presume that I haven't read it entirely yet but I presume everything
[11:35] that you said in here you've shared with us okay
[11:43] absolutely well thank you so
[11:45] much
[11:48] is there I don't think there's anybody else I don't think we either have
[11:52] any other written comments and I don't think anyone else is signed up is
[11:56] anybody else want to speak please of course I
[12:13] think that's I think that's
[12:14] your pet peeve. Laura Zito, longtime resident, longtime commenter. So I know tonight there's
[12:28] something on the agenda about a logo and I know years ago when we were in the other building
[12:36] that the logo was a topic of hot contention. And it was also, or Tracy got lots and lots
[12:48] of emails because people were directed to her with comments regarding the proposed logo
[12:55] after a study was done. At that time, lots of people on social media, on Nextdoor
[13:01] in particular, voiced a lot of opinions about the logo that
[13:07] was being proposed.
[13:09] And I see that we've come full circle,
[13:12] and we're back here discussing it again.
[13:16] I would have thought that with the interest in the logo
[13:22] from people years ago that that might be something that
[13:26] would have been put out more so to residents
[13:28] It's a comment to weigh in on, you know, and I didn't see anything.
[13:34] I happened in on the cultural art board meeting where they were voting on the top three, maybe
[13:40] it ended up being four logo designs that they came up with.
[13:47] All looked interesting, but I just wondered why this is being put forth to council today
[13:54] with a singular design being presented and yet I haven't seen anything in the
[14:01] community to get others to be able to be a part of at least voice their opinion.
[14:08] So that was a concern of mine.
[14:12] Then moving on to the banners that in the
[14:20] In the past, there was concern about the cost, and previous counsel did not fund that.
[14:28] They've now been funded.
[14:29] I had the opportunity to see them in place as I drove this weekend through Bel Air on
[14:35] Bel Air Boulevard.
[14:36] They look nice.
[14:38] They look nice, and especially coming along with the 250th anniversary of the founding
[14:46] of America.
[14:47] I think it's timely.
[14:48] Finally, on my drive downtown to work, the city of Houston has some banners up as well.
[14:57] And one thing I noticed that
[15:00] That when there was a tree whose limbs interfered with being able to see the banner, they simply
[15:06] didn't put it up, even though there was a post for it.
[15:09] And one thing I did notice was a banner that we have up that is being obstructed by tree
[15:21] limbs.
[15:21] And so we've gone to the effort to purchase these and to have them in place.
[15:28] I think they all need to be seen. So if there's something that can be done, I'm not sure
[15:36] if it's a residence or a commercial property, but there are tree branches that interfere with that banner being seen.
[15:45] So I'm wondering if
[15:46] somehow someone at the city can go and make sure that these are all visible, highly visible, and
[15:53] would ask that
[15:55] that be done. Thank you.
[15:58] Well, thank you, Laura. Appreciate it. Is there anyone else that wants to speak? Okay.
[16:07] Well, then we will then move on to our reports and presentations, and we start generally with
[16:14] our city manager, and tonight is no different. So, Sharon?
[16:18] Good evening. I'm pleased Mayor and Council to present tonight's city manager report.
[16:23] We wanted to start with a note about the weather. Of course, it's been raining for
[16:26] or anybody who's been outside, inside listening,
[16:29] you can tell that there's a lot of rainfall
[16:30] that's already come and that's predicted to come.
[16:32] So we wanted to assure you in the community
[16:34] that our emergency management team
[16:36] is watching the weather closely.
[16:38] We are receiving updates daily and more often than that
[16:42] to make sure we stay on top of that.
[16:44] And we are prepared to respond if needed.
[16:47] We wanted to remind the community to drive
[16:49] with caution, never drive in high water,
[16:52] flooded roadways, turn around, don't drown.
[16:55] Part vehicles in your driveway or in your garage and bring in small items that
[17:00] could blow away in strong winds and stay tuned to your local media for updated
[17:04] forecasts. So we will be sharing information and the best way for you to
[17:09] receive information from the city of course is to stay updated through all
[17:13] of our media. You can sign up for Prepare Bel Air and notify me alerts.
[17:18] You can check our website for current information and you can follow our
[17:22] social media platforms on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
[17:28] We wanted to welcome a couple new staff members.
[17:31] We have Mario Scott, who's our equipment operator with our Public Work Solid Waste Division.
[17:36] We also have Jessica Lerma, a project manager with our Capital Projects Group, so we're
[17:40] really happy to have them.
[17:41] We also wanted to share with you information about a couple of our staff members who
[17:46] received certifications recently.
[17:48] Carl Netzel, our fire captain, obtained his Fire Instructor 3 certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
[17:55] And Austin Wilson received his credentials as a paramedic. It's advanced paramedic credentials.
[18:02] From the city's medical director, he's one of our firefighter paramedics.
[18:05] So we wanted to acknowledge that because those folks are the ones who keep us safe.
[18:09] And those credentials mean that we are prepared to provide that high level of service to this community that they expect and deserve and that we want to deliver.
[18:17] A few upcoming events to share with you, of course, you mentioned Juneteenth. We will
[18:22] be closed on Juneteenth, that's June 19th, and Friday, July 3rd, both for Independence
[18:27] Day. City offices will be closed, no solid waste or recycling pickup. Bel Air City Library
[18:34] will be closed, but the Bel Air Recreation Center will be open on both holidays. Celebration
[18:40] of Independence Parade and Festival on Saturday, July 4th, 9 a.m. to noon. The parade
[18:44] The parade starts at 9 a.m. at South Rice and Valerie, that's the same location that
[18:48] we have been in the last several years, and ends at South Rice and Linden.
[18:52] The festival begins after the parade at the Great Lawn and Lofton Park, and for more
[18:56] information you can contact our Recreation Center.
[19:00] Also upcoming, we have our dive-in movie night on Thursday, August 6th at 7 p.m. at
[19:06] the Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center.
[19:08] The featured movie this year is How to Train Your Dragon.
[19:10] You can bring your family friends, towels and get ready for an unforgettable night.
[19:14] Those are really fun events for you and your family.
[19:17] Tickets are coming soon. You can visit LRParks.org for more information.
[19:22] Also, another really fun event for families are cardboard boat regatta and duck derby.
[19:26] This year they'll be combined.
[19:28] That occurs on Saturday, August 22nd from 9 a.m.
[19:31] and that's when the boat regatta begins and at 10 a.m. the duck derby.
[19:36] Both will take place at Evergreen Pool at 4500 Evergreen Street
[19:40] And anyone can participate in the cardboard boat regatta.
[19:44] All you need is some cardboard and duct tape.
[19:46] And the duct tape might even be optional, I'm not sure,
[19:48] but definitely cardboard.
[19:49] You can purchase your ducks at wearevergreen.org
[19:53] backslashduckderby.
[19:53] And you can also contact the Bel Air Rec Center
[19:55] for more information.
[19:58] So some agenda items that we're prepared to bring to you,
[20:01] and these may make the July 6th agenda.
[20:03] We are still working on them, so if they don't,
[20:05] they'll just have to go pushback.
[20:07] But we've got an appropriation of metro funds for streets maintenance to bring that into the current budget of public works
[20:13] Some amendments to chapter 2 article 7 for boards and commissions related to our workshop that we had last week and
[20:20] also citation authority for our fire code violations seeking permission to
[20:26] Authorize our fire marshal to issue citations for non-compliance with the code
[20:30] Then on June 13th. We'll be doing a workshop regarding user fees
[20:34] These are our non-enterprise fees for our other services that we provide through Parks of Rec and
[20:39] through development services. We have a consultant, Will Dan, who also prepared our enterprise fees
[20:44] a few years back. You may remember them. They'll be here on the 13th to provide that information.
[20:50] Then looking ahead on July 20th, we'll be presenting the fiscal year 2027 proposed budget.
[20:56] We'll also have a public hearing called for fiscal year 2027 proposed budget,
[21:00] the truth and taxation information, as well as an agreement with Harris Galveston
[21:05] Subsidence District for the groundwater credits that we do annually and Board
[21:09] and Commission appointments. And so with that, that concludes my report and I'm
[21:13] happy to take any questions you may have. All right, does anybody have any
[21:17] questions for the city manager?
[21:22] None. Wow, look at you. Ross, I feel it
[21:26] coming. Yeah, and I would just note in regard to our speaker's question on
[21:31] On the intersection of Fornes and South Rice, folks should be aware that as part of the proposed
[21:38] development of that location, the developer was working with the city of Houston to try
[21:43] and widen South Rice at that location, moving street lights and so on.
[21:48] The actual widening has not happened yet, but as the mayor said, we're very aware
[21:54] of how narrow that street is.
[21:55] What's very interesting there is that north of Fornes is City of Houston.
[22:02] And so it's taken a lot of effort from multiple parties to start the process of trying to
[22:07] get that fixed.
[22:08] But I don't know if you had any updates on where that stands, beyond that it's still
[22:14] working its way through.
[22:15] No, I think you're right, Council Member Gordon, that is a complicated project.
[22:19] But now that I have that information, we'll take that back to both our public works
[22:23] folks as well as our development services folks to understand kind of that the relationship
[22:28] with Houston and the developer and who's responsible for what to make sure that we if we have a
[22:33] safety out there that issue that we can address as a city that we address it or if it's Houston's
[22:38] issue to address that we follow up with them and try to stay diligent. So we appreciate
[22:41] you bringing that forward. If I may. Yes. Council member. I would also add that
[22:46] yes you're right. The curves here are fairly recent because fairly recently I think
[22:52] They updated the traffic signals, they were working on that box, and they also were working
[22:59] on the wheelchair access, but yeah, it's been done very recently.
[23:05] But it is city of Houston, that intersection, that part, that belongs to the city of Houston.
[23:10] We were told years ago that the city of Houston right away is all the way to the
[23:15] other side of that sidewalk on the east side.
[23:20] So that's why City of Bel Air is not doing any major construction out there.
[23:26] It would be lovely.
[23:27] I did advise.
[23:28] I did ask the Public Works Director if he would at least notify City of Houston that there is an issue.
[23:37] Yeah, I think the curb is constantly being repaired based on everything I can see as I go.
[23:44] Yeah, it's very obvious because all the trucks, particularly with those big huge trailers on them are going right over it.
[23:52] And that's why you see all the tire tracks there because every day that happens.
[23:56] I sit in that left turn lane and cringe just, you know, please don't.
[24:02] I'm even thinking about just moving in my mirrors just so, you know, anyway.
[24:08] No, it's a problem and the development does require there to be some expanded lanes over
[24:14] there if they ultimately get to that point.
[24:16] So maybe there'll be some relief then, but thanks so much.
[24:19] We'll say what we can.
[24:21] I recently got a request for somebody that should be in Bel Air, but they're not.
[24:27] They're in the city of Houston, and they wanted some help on some speed bumps, and
[24:31] And unfortunately, we really couldn't do much about it, although, you know, we can advise
[24:38] or we can make a recommendation or we can ask for some help, but oftentimes they've got
[24:44] their own agenda and timetable and budgets that dictate their actions.
[24:51] So any of that.
[24:51] But thank you for bringing that up and we'll do what we can.
[24:54] Can I bring something up?
[24:56] Of course.
[24:56] I don't know if this is the appropriate time, but something that's been happening
[25:00] in our neighborhood, and I just came to my mind, so I just want to ask if this is common.
[25:05] We have been seeing a lot of squirrels that are dead. Yeah, it's in a cat. And so some weird
[25:13] things have been happening enough that the neighbors are commenting on the chat. So
[25:19] is that something? We are having a lot of construction. Is that something that commonly
[25:24] happens when construction is going on, or do you think that someone is poisoning these
[25:29] Poor little animals or how do we go about finding out what's going on because it's like six or seven. Hmm. It's a lot
[25:38] We do have Hawks
[25:40] I mean, I have no idea. Okay. Are they falling from trees? I mean is it
[25:47] People are just finding them. Yeah finding them. Yeah, I have a comment
[25:50] Okay, I do know this associate with a construction site. I beg my neighbor not to put out
[25:56] rat poison. She didn't like the dumpsters. They throw their food in the
[26:00] dumpsters as well as everything else and had a rat problem. I begged her not to
[26:05] put out the rat poison and unfortunately I had a cat who liked to eat the rats.
[26:11] So he's gone. He was an older cat so I don't blame her. He could have
[26:16] had kidney failure for all I know but yeah it's very likely that someone
[26:22] put out poison and if they put out poison for the rats then the cat
[26:26] we'll get it. I also think there's just been a boon of squirrels. I know in my
[26:31] yard now I have eight that live in my front yard and they've started sitting
[26:35] on my porch swing like there's so many of them. Yeah they talk to me too but I
[26:41] think it's also possible just that we had a boom of animals because
[26:45] yeah it's I've never seen as many squirrels as I've seen on our block
[26:48] in years. Well when the wind blows the possums fall out of the trees and so
[26:53] you see them in the streets as well at that point.
[26:56] No, that's a real thing.
[26:58] That's a real thing.
[27:03] Sad, true, but that's a real thing.
[27:06] Now, we're just playing with the jacket.
[27:07] None of that's good enough.
[27:18] So anything else by anybody for the city manager?
[27:23] Okay. I know that we've got our July 4th parade coming and I know that all of us will be involved
[27:30] in that to the extent that we're here. I know that we have a time capsule and Cheryl tells
[27:37] me that time has not been good to the capsule.
[27:43] But we did find it. We found it. So anyway,
[27:48] way, we're working on that. We're working on that. With regard to, you know, with regard
[27:54] to Laura's comment about the signs there, yeah, it'd be nice if all of them were seen.
[28:01] I mean, I guess it's something that I'm not sure exactly. Laura, if you could pass along
[28:06] where you saw, where you saw that you couldn't see it, you know, to give that to Sharon
[28:11] or somebody and maybe they can go take a look at it, or Cheryl. Cheryl. So, okay,
[28:17] Okay, thank you for letting us on that.
[28:20] All right, anything else?
[28:23] Well, great, then we will move on.
[28:26] I think that's it for reports on the agenda tonight.
[28:31] We'll move into our consent agenda,
[28:33] and we've only got one item on our consent agenda,
[28:36] and as all of y'all know,
[28:38] it seems kind of silly with one item,
[28:40] but anyway, we don't really debate this one.
[28:45] It's just simply an up or down vote unless somebody else wants to say, hey, let's discuss
[28:49] it and vote on this one.
[28:50] But it's a recommendation from Capital Projects to award bid number 26-006 bonds for better
[28:59] Bel Air 216 Group A Phase III water and wastewater improvements project to ISJ Underground Utilities
[29:09] LLC.
[29:10] Could we do more of that in an effort not to exceed 3,941,163, and on the adoption of
[29:20] an ordinance authorizing City Manager to execute a construction agreement with ISJ Underground
[29:25] Utilities LLC for the replacement of existing water distribution lines with approximately
[29:31] 24,120 linear feet of new water lines in the size ranges of 2 inch to 12 inch in diameter
[29:38] along with fire hydrants, valve services, and all labor equipment materials and incidentals
[29:44] required for the project in an amount not to exceed $3,941,163.
[29:51] So does anybody want to separately discuss that item?
[29:55] No?
[29:56] All right.
[29:56] than all those in favor of our loan consent.
[30:01] Please signify by raising your right hand. Thank you very much. It passes unanimously.
[30:07] I would just say there are big things to city staff. You guys put together a fantastic packet
[30:10] of information on the whole procurement process and bidding. It was really excellent, so thank you.
[30:16] Right. I think you did send out, Tracy, you did send out a little notification on that that we went with regard to picking the lowest bid on that as well.
[30:24] so thank you for that as well. Okay, we move on to number two, adoption of
[30:29] ordinances and resolutions, but before we do that, or do any of y'all have a
[30:35] problem if we move up the local discussion before? Okay, it's set on
[30:41] number three in the A, items for individual consideration, but let's
[30:47] let's go ahead and move that one up and we'll take that one first out of
[30:51] turn and with that, what we're talking about is a presentation, discussion, and possible
[30:56] action on a recommendation by the Beller Culture and Arts Board for a conceptual design of
[31:02] a city logo.
[31:04] So anyway, hi Cheryl.
[31:06] Hi.
[31:07] Okay.
[31:07] Cheryl Bright.
[31:07] Tell us about this.
[31:08] Yeah, Community Relations Administrator.
[31:10] And I'm here to introduce Gay May you, the chair of the Culture and Arts Board and
[31:15] Christy Coffey who will be presenting the conceptual logo to you and asking for feedback
[31:22] and direction.
[31:24] So, here they are.
[31:26] Oh, and it will also be available for questions after.
[31:31] Hello.
[31:33] I got to get organized here.
[31:35] Let me just make room for Christy.
[31:38] You want to come over here?
[31:45] I don't think that one is working.
[31:48] Good
[31:54] evening.
[31:55] Mayor Pappas, city council, city staff.
[31:58] I will tell you I'm thrilled to be here and I know Christy is too. This is something we've worked on for a while
[32:02] I know the city has worked on it for a while and so we're thrilled to be here to make this presentation
[32:08] Now Christy is one of our board members, but she's also one of our creative people her creativity and dedication
[32:16] Have been instrumental in creating this logo concept
[32:19] And this is a concept of the logo and that's what we're presenting is the concept of logo
[32:24] We have a ways to go yet
[32:25] Tonight we're not simply discussing a logo, we're discussing how Bel Air presents itself to residents, visitors, and future generations.
[32:45] So purpose of today's discussion, the purpose of our discussion is pretty straightforward.
[32:51] We want to share the logo concept that we've developed, explain why we believe it reflects Bel Air's identity, and receive feedback on the proposed path forward.
[33:01] The recommendation is a result of research, discussions, lots of discussions, and thoughtful consideration by the culture and arts board.
[33:09] Our goal is to create a symbol that honors Belair's history, but also representing the community we are today and the future we hope to build.
[33:22] I'll get this right in a minute. There you go.
[33:24] Yeah. So why does the city need a logo? A city logo is more than a graphic. It serves as a recognizable visual identity or the community. It creates consistency across city communications. It helps residents and visitors instantly recognize Belair and reinforces our community pride.
[33:47] Many cities have logos, and they've come inseparable from their identity.
[33:52] San Francisco has its cable cars, New Orleans has its street cars.
[33:57] Belair has a story of its own, and we believe that story deserves a symbol that is uniquely ours.
[34:04] With that in mind, I'm going to turn it over, turn the presentation over to Christie,
[34:09] who's going to discuss what a city logo should represent and how we arrived at our recommendation.
[34:14] This
[34:20] is the top button, right? That's what I've been hinting.
[34:24] Thank you. They're the creative part in the tech.
[34:29] Okay, all righty.
[34:31] So what should Bel Air's logo represent?
[34:34] Simply put, it should tell our story.
[34:36] It should tell the story of our history and the qualities of our city
[34:39] that our residents value the most.
[34:41] It should be memorable.
[34:43] It should be unique.
[34:45] It should be simple to appoint.
[34:47] It should be appropriate for municipality and it should be a visual symbol that incites a sense of pride amongst our residents.
[34:54] And as we began this process, we asked ourselves a few questions.
[34:58] How can we capture some of these elements in a single identity? That is a challenge.
[35:02] So we have our history and our heritage, our trees and green space that residents really value, our community character,
[35:09] and also something that while including history is a forward-looking vision for the city of Bel Air.
[35:15] And as our city continues to involve what visual symbol can be a constant and really
[35:20] stand the test of time, so we're not back up here every 10 years or so revisiting this.
[35:25] So to be a good steward of public funds, the Culture and Arts Board, instead of recommending
[35:31] commissioning news research around this, we looked to some of the research conducted
[35:37] by residents as part of prior initiatives.
[35:39] Many of you remember in 2016, there was a visioning Bel Air study as part of a beautification
[35:45] effort conducted by Terrain Studio, 2017-2018 rebranding initiative conducted by Design
[35:53] By Principal.
[35:55] Sorry.
[35:57] Oh, thank you.
[35:58] Thank you.
[35:58] Design By Principal, 2023, there was a community survey done as part of the research for
[36:04] the Comprehensive Plan, and then in 2024, a citizen survey.
[36:11] So some consistent themes emerged.
[36:14] Residents repeatedly described Bel Air
[36:16] as a true small-town community in the heart of Houston,
[36:19] a city with beautiful tree-lined streets
[36:21] and iconic live oak arches, a community known
[36:24] for safety, strong neighborhoods, and civic pride,
[36:27] a place with a strong sense of history and identity.
[36:31] It was interesting, the 2024 Citizen Engagement Survey
[36:34] They found that 78% of Bel Air residents
[36:36] believe that Bel Air is better than surrounding communities.
[36:39] And I think that's meaningful because it's not just saying
[36:41] that 78% of people are satisfied to live here.
[36:44] They truly believe that Bel Air is superior
[36:46] to surrounding communities.
[36:47] They chose to live here.
[36:49] They continue to choose to make a home here.
[36:51] And so that alone shows this overwhelming sense
[36:54] of civic pride.
[36:56] We looked at neighborhoods like Westview
[36:57] or Southside Place that do have visual representations
[37:00] and a seal or logo.
[37:01] And there's been some things like state loyal local campaign where we've had a city of Bel Air up here next to those and we've just had a typography
[37:09] So I'm overjoyed that you all have asked the arts board trees to revisit this and
[37:15] So let's see practical design considerations. Oh, no, I'm sorry. I was just showing in the logo. Oh, sorry
[37:22] I'm sorry. Okay. Okay. So practical design considerations and these are really important as far as
[37:29] the logo is not just being an attractive visual identity, but are they effective, are they
[37:34] functional, are they cost effective for the city? And I think there's probably no better
[37:38] space than this building because you will see, you know, a logo would be on an agenda,
[37:43] business cards, staff shirts, outdoor signage, vehicles. I mean, there's a million different
[37:50] applications just within this building alone of different ways the logo will need to
[37:55] represent itself. So it should be able to present them all in one color, have enough
[37:59] contrast, because one color is going to be a lot more cost-effective than four
[38:03] color. And most of the time in printouts and things like that you will need a one color logo.
[38:07] So not too many gradients, not too many colors. Should work on
[38:11] the signage vehicles, embroidery, digital media, the website, city social media,
[38:15] city communications, our public works vehicles, anything like that.
[38:19] Must remain readable at small sizes. So if you're seeing a business card
[38:23] or a smaller piece of paper, social media icons,
[38:27] you should still be able to recognize
[38:28] the city of Bel Air logo and then avoid too much detail
[38:32] because that will make it harder
[38:33] and more expensive to reproduce.
[38:35] We want something that is cost-effective
[38:36] to reproduce at scale.
[38:38] And we don't want something that's too trendy
[38:39] that we are revisiting it every few years.
[38:43] All right, now we can,
[38:44] the next one, did you want to go over that?
[38:46] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[38:47] Okay, so I actually hadn't seen some of these before.
[38:50] Cheryl showed them in our last
[38:52] Coltern Arts Board meeting.
[38:53] I'd seen the prior city logo and some of the things we looked at when we were conducting research on the cookbook
[38:58] And many of these former seals I have not seen before and it's kind of interesting to look at them because from farther away
[39:04] There's certain elements that you really can't make out
[39:07] I mean or that are not unique to the city of Bel Air and they some of them have common elements of municipalities such as people trees buildings
[39:15] places of worship and
[39:17] And then some of them it's really honestly hard to tell
[39:21] what's there at all. So it's a good time to kind of revisit this project. So we
[39:27] were thinking, as a board, what symbol is more unique to Bel Air? What kind of sets
[39:31] us apart in the Houston region? And so one symbol that's unique to
[39:37] Bel Air that we found within all of the past studies I mentioned on the
[39:42] earlier slide is the trolley. The trolley, for the most part, made it
[39:46] possible for us to connect to greater downtown to grow as a community for our
[39:52] businesses to grow. When William Wright Ball when established Bell Air 1908
[39:56] the trolley connected it connected residents to downtown and help support
[39:59] the growth of Bell Air which is one of Houston's earliest planned residential
[40:03] communities. And so now we're gonna go forward to the next slide which I will
[40:09] Just the top button.
[40:10] Top button.
[40:11] Thank you.
[40:12] Okay.
[40:13] All right.
[40:13] So we worked on probably 50, I mean at least a minimum of logo concepts.
[40:20] We are asked to come forward with one concept, not a final logo, a concept as far as what
[40:25] elements we recommend be included in this logo.
[40:29] The trolley.
[40:30] That was, again, one of the most enduring elements and also an element that came up
[40:35] again and again and again in our past research. It really isn't just a decorative piece on
[40:40] Bel Air Boulevard. It kind of is why Bel Air exists today. The live oak arch is something
[40:45] that residents continue to identify as one of the most beautiful elements within our
[40:51] city. So we have the, and then how the trolley is enclosed to communicate a sense of safety
[40:56] because residents value safety and that's one of the top reasons that they love living
[41:02] in this city, the city does a tremendous job with public safety.
[41:05] So we recommended a main trolley element enclosed by a live oak arch with the city typography
[41:13] and year of establishment around as our primary, I'm sorry, a recommendation.
[41:20] And why we like it, we feel that it's unique to Bel Air.
[41:23] There's not many cities that have a trolley car in their logo.
[41:27] It's definitely different than any logo you would see in the surrounding area.
[41:30] It's distinctive, recognizable, it symbolizes connectivity, accessibility, community, and
[41:39] it's forward-facing progress.
[41:41] So it reflects really both our origins and our future, and it's something that is not
[41:46] going to change.
[41:46] This trolley car is as an element of really one of the founding distinctive icons of
[41:53] the city is something that will not change over time.
[41:56] So, it connects us to where we came from by providing a symbol of what moves us forward.
[42:03] And then, sorry, I keep forgetting that I'm doing this, I'm sorry.
[42:07] Well, I don't want to do it because I'm not sure when you're ready.
[42:09] No, no, no, you're good.
[42:10] Okay, so, Gay, thank you for putting this together.
[42:13] She put together a variety of mock-ups, if you will, because it's really important
[42:17] to see how a logo will look on different pieces of material.
[42:21] What I like to do is print a bunch of them side by side, hang them, look at
[42:24] them from far away because the farther back you move, you lose certain elements depending
[42:28] on how complex they are. So these, again, are just mock-ups of how this logo could look
[42:34] on items such as, you know, city hats, shirts, signage, website, all of that. So because,
[42:43] you know, Bel Air means so much to so many people who call it home, our visual identity
[42:48] really should be, you know, more of a logo. It should be a symbol that residents recognize
[42:52] and one that they are proud of.
[42:56] Thank you.
[42:57] Sorry.
[42:58] I do want to point out the shirt with the big one.
[43:01] We aren't saying that the logo should be that big on a shirt.
[43:05] I just want to make sure y'all knew that.
[43:06] And then the other thing I would like to point out on the lower right-hand corner,
[43:10] there's a logo and then there's also like a cutout.
[43:14] Those wouldn't be on the same sign,
[43:17] but you can see how the logo would look if it's the logo.
[43:19] And you can kind of see how it looked if it was just a cutout of a metal.
[43:23] So we just wanted you all to get an idea of how it would reproduce.
[43:29] Okay, so tonight what we're requesting, we're requesting approval to move forward with the logo design concept
[43:37] and to authorize funding of up to $25,000 for professional design services.
[43:43] After approval, we would hand this off, the implementation of the new logo to city staff.
[43:50] And based on your feedback, city staff may coordinate community engagement and gather stakeholder input.
[43:59] A professional brand designer would then refine the approved logo concept,
[44:04] translate it into a final design package suitable for implementation across city communications,
[44:11] signage and materials.
[44:17] So just, oh sorry, I got to press both of them. They aren't
[44:20] connected. All right. And these are just some closing thoughts. We chose, as
[44:27] Christy has already mentioned, we chose the trolley as a centerpiece for our
[44:32] logo because it did help connect Bel Air to opportunity and played a
[44:39] defining role in the city's early growth. By incorporating this historic symbol
[44:45] into our logo, we honor Belair's past, celebrate its unique identity, and create
[44:51] a timeless image that can represent our community for generations to come. And
[44:57] we are very keen on trying to
[45:00] We're working on trying to come up with something that would be lasting. So, again, I mean, we
[45:04] hope 10 years from now, we still have the logo assuming it's the one that's adopted.
[45:10] So, thank you for your kind attention. Questions, feedback?
[45:15] All right. Well, thank you so much, Gaye Christie. Thank you for all the work that
[45:19] y'all put into this. I know that y'all came a few months back and had several different,
[45:28] a few different options similar but a few different options my first question
[45:32] right off the bat was was was this the color scheme and what have it was this
[45:37] one of them one of the ones that you'll showed to us okay how did you guys narrow
[45:41] it down and say hey this was the one we like versus some of the other ones that
[45:45] were there well we had a lot of discussions about it and we had all the
[45:49] ones we liked had the trolley in it let me just say that and there's lots
[45:52] of different ways to display the trolley we like this one because the
[45:56] trolleys going forward, which indicates progress.
[45:59] We wanted to show some progress, not just tie it to history,
[46:02] but tie it to what the city can become down the road.
[46:07] Would you like to add anything?
[46:09] We did try, Professor.
[46:11] We did lay out a bunch of other logos.
[46:13] Some had people, some had a water tower,
[46:15] some had gazebo, and when you would lay them all out
[46:18] next to each other and kind of move farther back
[46:19] and then also muck them up on various materials,
[46:23] some of them became almost a little too busy
[46:25] to reproduce, well, and you kind of almost lost the local center, in a sense.
[46:32] So the trolley, again, and we went back through the research and it showed that, you know,
[46:35] the trolley was really something that people identified with historically, sense of pride,
[46:42] and then the live vote canopy.
[46:44] And adding park elements, green space elements that people also really enjoyed, did make
[46:49] it too busy.
[46:51] the people, I think there is an issue, potentially in the last logo, about having a four-person
[46:58] family or different family types, not necessarily representing all of Bel Air. So this is how
[47:04] we ended up with this.
[47:06] Go back, if you wouldn't mind, to your process or what you're asking us. There you go.
[47:14] We're going to process the next step.
[47:16] So tonight, are you asking us for the actually approve this or just simply say go to the
[47:26] next step?
[47:28] Well, I think going to the next step would indicate approval.
[47:31] That's what we're saying.
[47:31] We don't feel like we can go to the next step until we have some type of direction
[47:36] from City Council.
[47:37] Well, the reason I ask is that, and I get that, and that makes perfect sense, but
[47:42] But you've got community workshop and stakeholder input on the third line.
[47:46] So my question would be, what are you looking to accomplish through that process?
[47:51] So the way this works or the way I was explained, the way they explained it to me, is that
[47:57] our job was simply to put forth a recommendation.
[48:01] From that point over, city staff would take over and they would do the implementation.
[48:06] Part of that implementation could be a community workshop or stakeholder input.
[48:10] So that would come after we agree on something to present to them.
[48:16] And overall, it's a kind of overall direction on the concept, not a final logo.
[48:22] So we're not necessarily looking for city council approval.
[48:25] This is going to be the city of Bel Air logo.
[48:28] This, we're looking for like feedback on the concept as far as the trolley, the canopy,
[48:35] which then after this point, we're also looking for approval for funds
[48:39] that the city would manage as far as going to a graphic designer who would then develop
[48:44] iterations of this logo. Then those iterations would come to the community in the workshop
[48:49] period as a final logo is selected during that part.
[48:52] And I appreciate that. It seems to me just having been part of this historically and
[48:59] particularly some of the efforts in the past, there was a fair amount of work that was
[49:06] done with regard to the issue of replication, how would it appear on trucks, what it would
[49:12] look like. It seems like there had to be a little bit of work involved in those to determine
[49:18] whether or not this could work. And so it sounds to me like, and I want to be clear
[49:22] because I think it's important for us, is if we said, okay, we like this well enough
[49:29] to where go forward make all that possible to see if we could even if we
[49:36] could even actually implement it. That's what I'm hearing and then at the same
[49:41] point time after you get all of that input then of course if it works
[49:46] ultimately then that would come back to us and say yes let's do it. Does that
[49:52] make sense? Yes, but I just wanted to add we did show this to a professional
[49:56] a professional graphics person who does logos and a lot of different like for, I mean, like
[50:03] HEB and some Coca-Cola.
[50:05] And we showed it to her and she said that this should be very easy to replicate.
[50:11] We didn't go so far as to get her to do anything because we didn't want to extend any funds
[50:16] until we knew this is the direction we wanted to go in.
[50:19] And again, you know, when you get a professional involved in that, maybe the colors are
[50:23] a little different, maybe things are a little different, whatever.
[50:25] but like Christy's saying, this is the concept.
[50:29] These are the features that we want to have in it,
[50:31] which is the trolley and the trees.
[50:33] And the amount we're proposing that we've asked for
[50:38] would go towards development of a brand standards guide.
[50:41] So all the pieces you referenced, Mayor,
[50:44] and those would be part of that.
[50:45] So they would, the designer, once they refine the logo,
[50:49] and we've heard from the community,
[50:50] this is a final logo, that final logo would then be taken
[50:53] And it would be put into a pamphlet, a PDF document of,
[50:57] here's exactly how it's going to look on a city t-shirt,
[51:00] on city vehicles, what scale,
[51:03] the exact pantone colors,
[51:05] the space that it should reproduce
[51:07] so you don't get too close to the edge.
[51:09] All of those things will be part of a brand standards guide
[51:12] which is very typical of what any city would undertake
[51:16] when adopting a logo or any kind of branding.
[51:18] So that fee, the 25,000, that would cover all of that.
[51:22] Oh, yeah, that's the amount we have in mind is up to $25,000 would we need a budget amendment for that?
[51:30] Or what what is where do we stand on that? I know we apportioned some certain amounts of money
[51:37] Toward the signage and sort of the entrance way markers and things such as that is would this be within that
[51:44] I think staff has been discussing that in conjunction with knowing this project was coming and with the budget preparation
[51:49] under way. We were going to tentatively schedule into the budget so that the funds would be
[51:54] there on October 1st, some to cover this graphic designer. So depending on the direction, just
[52:00] as the art board said, if council is agrees to the concept and the features of the logo,
[52:06] then we can advance that come October 1st. And I don't know where all the public engagement
[52:13] depending on the direction of council and what that might look like, but we could
[52:16] be undertaking some activities before them, but that was our thought.
[52:19] Of course, if Council decided they wanted to go ahead and move, it is June now.
[52:24] We couldn't move that, you know, it would take, we would get a couple months' jump,
[52:27] but we could always amend the budget now.
[52:30] If we needed to.
[52:31] If you would like to, correct?
[52:32] Okay.
[52:32] Okay, gotcha.
[52:34] Council Member Gordon.
[52:36] Well, first off, I think you guys said the most important word, which is pride.
[52:40] And I am very, very proud of you guys, of the work that the Culture and Arts Board
[52:45] did. It was a community effort by the community, for the community, and I just really couldn't
[52:51] be more impressed with the process you guys employed, the ideas you came up with, and
[52:56] the recommendation that you have. And I go back to pride. When you see something like
[53:01] that, it makes you proud to be in Bel Air. It makes you excited to be in Bel Air. I
[53:07] think we run in fear from our logo for too long instead of embracing something that
[53:13] That is modern, that is beautiful, that is crisp, that is simple, that's forward looking.
[53:18] So I'm just really pumped.
[53:20] I think this is a fantastic step in the right direction.
[53:23] I for one think the decided upon logo is great.
[53:28] I do have concerns with a design by community approach because it's really hard to please
[53:36] every single person and if you take a hundred elements from a hundred different people
[53:40] and try and merge them together, it becomes a nightmare and so I think what you guys have
[53:45] done is given us such a big head start. You've synthesized it all. You've got us somewhere
[53:50] that I think the community can really step behind it and have that pride in it and
[53:55] so I'm just very excited. I don't have a lot of comments. I think it's beautiful.
[53:59] I think it reproduces and wayfinding, all this stuff. It's something that if I were
[54:04] driving down the street and I entered Bel Air and saw that on a pedestal, I'd
[54:09] be like, man, our city is on top of it.
[54:11] We are a great place to live.
[54:13] And it's just very exciting.
[54:14] So I'm really pumped about it.
[54:16] I think it's time for us to do this.
[54:19] I think you see that community pride across the board.
[54:23] Our banners, like we talked about, we're in Bel Air now.
[54:26] You see you're in Bel Air.
[54:27] You feel you're in Bel Air.
[54:29] You have pride to be in Bel Air.
[54:30] I think this just continues that piece.
[54:33] For me, I think that number one,
[54:35] I think the hiring of a professional, very important, you know, it's easy to try, number
[54:42] one we should say thank you Christy for all the work that you've done.
[54:45] You've done so much pro bono work for this, but that being said I think hiring somebody
[54:50] to make sure that we have the right brand guidelines that everything works out perfectly
[54:54] that the implementation is seamless is really important.
[54:57] So it seems like a lot of money but it's really worth it because it'll be there
[55:01] across everything we do.
[55:02] So I support the money as far as the process goes. I really like the way that we laid this out
[55:08] I think we do need to give
[55:10] The opportunity for feedback what I don't necessarily want to do is open up for a let's start from scratch again
[55:18] Because you know, I think we're really heading in the right direction
[55:20] So at this point I think you know having an opportunity to be able to see it people to comment on it
[55:26] You know if we have feedback that pushes us in a different direction
[55:30] So be it, you know, but we've got a guiding light here that I think is perfect and I'm just really excited. So thank you guys
[55:36] I'm really really excited. We're excited to
[55:41] Councilmember Lewis and then I'll go over there. Oh
[55:43] Well, thank you. Councilmember Gordon. Well said very much. Well said
[55:47] I do like the logo as it stands as it is and I speak from the position a unique position here
[55:54] I have a BFA in studio arts and graphic design, and I am not nearly as talented as you are.
[56:01] You have done, I couldn't conceive, I mean my training was how to design logos, and
[56:08] I couldn't do this.
[56:10] This is terrific.
[56:12] I am a little bit leery about the professional brand designer.
[56:16] I don't want to see this thing redesigned.
[56:18] I like it.
[56:20] Now, you know, if colors works, the stitching, you know, as far as the stitching on shirts
[56:27] and all, that's another issue, but I like it.
[56:32] And again, yes, I agree, yeah, we want to present this very well to the community, but
[56:39] I'm not putting it out there.
[56:41] We have been through years of talking about bringing back the old logo.
[56:46] and the thing is that you know there was a church and there was a bungalow house
[56:53] which many people don't live in bungalow houses anymore some of us do and what
[57:01] and then the small family you know and it's different now Bella it's just it's
[57:06] just better and I like I like the concept I like what it looks like I like
[57:11] the trolley, the connection to history, I like the way you presented it, and hang on
[57:16] to that. We're not going to sell that out. A professional can do whatever he has to do
[57:22] to make it reproducible, but I wouldn't change it. And no, I wouldn't go back to the – I
[57:27] would rather present it to the community and say, this has council's endorsement,
[57:32] this is our history, and this is our green canopy, just as you presented it to us.
[57:37] And I wouldn't open it up like you like councilmember Gordon said I wouldn't open it up to
[57:45] People who want to bungle a house or you know something else on there
[57:49] Thank you
[57:50] Well, I love it. I and I can even tell by the way you're talking about it
[57:56] I see you know what you're talking about the terminology you're using like I'm like well
[58:00] I could I just could hear every word you said and I was like just so amazed by it
[58:04] But I think you are nailing,
[58:08] you're hitting the nail on the head
[58:10] because one thing that keeps coming up
[58:12] even from like people from my industry
[58:15] that live in this city, they'll call me,
[58:17] they'll say, the trolley has a broken window.
[58:20] Can we repaint the trolley like it's important to people
[58:24] that the trolley looks good?
[58:25] I personally wanna bring the trolley back.
[58:27] Sharon knows that.
[58:28] I want it to like transport people between our businesses.
[58:31] Go to the 401.
[58:32] One, if you get drunk, the trolley will take you home.
[58:35] I mean, that's what I want to see happen.
[58:38] But I also totally agree.
[58:41] They never over-serve.
[58:42] What are you talking about?
[58:44] Right?
[58:44] Have you ever been there with the winnings?
[58:46] I'm sorry.
[58:48] OK, so I also agree on the community.
[58:53] I feel like you guys did your homework.
[58:57] We've done this 1,000 times.
[58:59] We keep going back to the community.
[59:01] The one thing that keeps coming back up is the trolley, the trees, the green space.
[59:06] I'm not saying don't take it to the community.
[59:08] Laura, I agree.
[59:10] We can do it in a way, but we've kind of taken it to the community,
[59:15] and we're trying to take that information and do something with it.
[59:19] We will get lost in a thousand opinions if we try to get too many people's thoughts on this.
[59:25] And I feel like you are the expert.
[59:28] You guys yeah, you're hardly experts you're taking it one level up to say like let's take it to one more expert
[59:34] And it may not be the full $25,000 but personally, I know I'm gonna I'm gonna say give you the money because I want to see
[59:42] This happen. I also love it as an entry point. I really like the metal
[59:48] Carby whatever that's called like on a on something like that that looks so good
[59:56] So, I am 100% supportive and I
[1:00:00] I'm even supportive of giving you guys money, so thank you guys. Y'all did a great job, really.
[1:00:05] Mayor Broadtem. Thank you, Your Honor. So last week in our
[1:00:11] board meeting for this group, I think I told each one of them how awfully pride, proud I
[1:00:17] was of them. That board consists of some very, very talented people who, if you looked
[1:00:24] at their CVs, you would be impressed at the people who are on that board. It's amazing
[1:00:29] what their professional lives are.
[1:00:32] This is a job that you guys spent a lot of time working on.
[1:00:36] You didn't just walk up here to council meeting,
[1:00:39] oh, let's do something Monday night.
[1:00:41] No, you guys spent a lot of time working on this, a lot.
[1:00:45] You looked at the history of our city,
[1:00:46] you looked at what has been done in the past.
[1:00:49] I'm just very proud of what you've come to the council with.
[1:00:53] And I think when our residents see the plan,
[1:00:56] It's not found, there are some other steps that I know you've clearly articulated, but
[1:01:02] at least you've come up with a plan that really looks good.
[1:01:05] And it's a result of a lot of hard work.
[1:01:09] In between the cultural arts board doing the cookbooks and doing our last show in the
[1:01:18] Presale Park and working on another one, I tell you what, this is amazing what you
[1:01:23] guys have accomplished.
[1:01:24] Well done.
[1:01:25] Thank you, Your Honor.
[1:01:27] Thank you.
[1:01:29] No, I just hope you all just take a minute and just appreciate the feedback you're hearing.
[1:01:33] I mean, I know, like you've heard, this is not something that happened in one night.
[1:01:37] It happened over a long period of time.
[1:01:38] But if you listen to what everyone's saying, including myself, I think this is phenomenal.
[1:01:43] And I think that when we submit it to the public, I mean, we have 100% of support.
[1:01:48] No, but I think there's a vast majority of people will appreciate what y'all have done
[1:01:53] and and how you've hit all the marks so I just say thank you and I hope you
[1:01:56] appreciate the goodwill that you're you're hearing from from up here you
[1:02:01] appreciate it thank you all so much yeah thank you and I'll make sure that the
[1:02:04] entire board hears all your comments so thank you councilmember Thurberman and
[1:02:09] I'm I agree with everybody so far the one thing again as a newcomer and I
[1:02:14] think this was important one of the things that you did Christy is a lot
[1:02:17] of times the public comments that you get are because the people don't
[1:02:21] residents or anybody don't know the history of it. I thought when you went
[1:02:26] through that again reminding these were the things that you've done work you
[1:02:30] looked at all these things I don't know how to get that out to the public because
[1:02:34] I agree is when you're at this point you don't go back to score one this is
[1:02:38] building off of everything and so half of it is just letting the public know
[1:02:42] that this is what we came up with this is what you looked at because yeah
[1:02:46] I was thinking about there's to me I can't imagine what else you would do
[1:02:50] for Bel Air. I mean, you're not going to put a, I mean, the water terrace nice, but
[1:02:55] this is something that is nicer. Yeah, this is unique. And this is something that is Bel
[1:03:01] Air. And actually, it's funny, it ties kind of to the city Houston's logo, too, with
[1:03:05] the trains. I mean, there's a little bit of history there, you know, regionally.
[1:03:10] And so this is important to me, but there's a way just to get that out in terms of
[1:03:14] the public community work and, you know, the input.
[1:03:18] If you just let them know what has been done up to the all,
[1:03:23] you know, throw out there a couple of the alternatives
[1:03:24] that you did have.
[1:03:26] And yes, the key is focus on this concept
[1:03:30] and now improve upon this concept.
[1:03:32] I think that's the key.
[1:03:33] So I agree.
[1:03:34] I mean, just watching this kind of from the periphery,
[1:03:37] this is the kind of process I love
[1:03:39] and because you did get input.
[1:03:41] And I think you've come up with something
[1:03:42] that's pretty cool and the good thing is
[1:03:44] It was done by residents so far though as far as I know very little dollars have been expended to this point
[1:03:51] Just to get to here. There was a lot of sweat equity in and that's important to me. So good job
[1:03:58] On the idea of
[1:04:00] Commit getting this out to the community sure
[1:04:02] I know you have lots of stuff to do but is this something that you have we have a
[1:04:06] Website said logo and like a little tab on our landing page that
[1:04:11] Well, not even but that too, but also to the point where the history will come up with a
[1:04:21] with a plan to put it out there. We can put it on the website. We can explain the history
[1:04:25] of it. We can figure out a way to receive community feedback, whether it be in a workshop
[1:04:32] or online. So we'll discuss that and work through it and move forward.
[1:04:40] I mean, I think what I'm hearing is that what y'all have presented is something that I think Council has found to be worthy of pushing it to the next step.
[1:04:50] And I think that's what you're asking for. I think to the extent that your recommendation is, look, we've done, we've taken it, we think that it makes sense.
[1:04:59] We think that it's going to translate.
[1:05:01] We think that it's going to be able to be reproducible in the forms that we need it,
[1:05:08] but we ultimately need it in such a way to where a professional needs to make sure that
[1:05:13] that happens.
[1:05:13] And I think that's what you're ultimately asking for, and then the rest of that.
[1:05:18] So I think you've heard from counsel that I think by general consent we can say – unless
[1:05:24] you have something –
[1:05:25] I just wanted to add, but go ahead.
[1:05:26] Sure.
[1:05:26] Well, all I was going to say is I think by general consent that we can tell you, yes,
[1:05:31] I think that we want to move forward with what you have presented in the manner in which
[1:05:36] you have presented in the process that you have suggested.
[1:05:40] And I'm comfortable that the money can either, depending upon the, I think, the timing
[1:05:46] of it all, I think we can either amend our budget or it'll be coming up in our
[1:05:51] budget starting on October 1st.
[1:05:52] And so it sounds like we'll be able to handle that one way or the other in that regard.
[1:05:57] Thank you.
[1:05:57] Thank you very much.
[1:05:58] Yeah.
[1:05:59] I was just speaking in terms of process and the same thing.
[1:06:01] I think we're at a good time as we're preparing the budget.
[1:06:04] Like October 1st is just not that far away in this, and so I think it lines up very
[1:06:09] well for us to plan for budgeting these funds in FY 27.
[1:06:14] That doesn't mean that Cheryl couldn't get a head start on notifying the community
[1:06:18] and so on.
[1:06:20] There's a lot of excitement.
[1:06:21] I mean, I'd love to see this on everything in the next two months, but you know what?
[1:06:26] It's okay for it to take a little bit of time.
[1:06:28] I think it's good for us to set some schedule expectations, which would be we'll have outreach
[1:06:35] and engagement over the next couple of months, we'll award a contract January 1st, we'll
[1:06:42] have final by March.
[1:06:43] By the end of FY 27, it's sealed, done, ready to implement or something like that.
[1:06:48] And we can debate the specifics of the timeline, but like I said, it's easy to say do it immediately
[1:06:54] or it's also easy to drag it out forever.
[1:06:57] I think we find the proper middle ground where we're doing it right, but we have schedule
[1:07:01] expectations and we can know that in about a year from now, you know, this process will
[1:07:06] be done and we're ready to move forward.
[1:07:09] All right.
[1:07:11] Is that, first of all, Cheryl, do you have enough and, again, Christie, do you
[1:07:18] We all have enough to be able to move forward.
[1:07:22] Okay.
[1:07:23] Alan, the agenda item said discussion, presentation discussion and possible action.
[1:07:31] I think our possible action doesn't mean approving that, means giving them the go-ahead to move
[1:07:36] forward.
[1:07:36] Is that from a legal perspective?
[1:07:40] Are we okay with that?
[1:07:42] Yes.
[1:07:43] Yes, we are.
[1:07:44] Okay.
[1:07:44] All right.
[1:07:45] Okay.
[1:07:46] Can't take a unanimous vote, that would be fun.
[1:07:49] Hey, all those in favor of moving forward,
[1:07:51] please signify by raising your right hand.
[1:07:54] Yes, there we go.
[1:07:55] Okay.
[1:07:56] Thank you.
[1:07:57] Thank you.
[1:08:03] I will tell y'all, I was the liaison
[1:08:06] for Culture and Arts back in 2014
[1:08:09] when that version first came up
[1:08:12] with a lot of work back in those days
[1:08:15] And then there was, as Christy said, there were several efforts that have come forward.
[1:08:22] And so I think the time is right for us to do something.
[1:08:25] I guess none of those were right, and that makes sense, but it seems like today is we're
[1:08:31] getting to that point.
[1:08:32] So thank you, Paul, for your comments and input, and also for the support you all
[1:08:36] showed at the Coulter and Arts Board.
[1:08:39] That gets them another 40 yards, I think, right there.
[1:08:44] Okay. We will go back on our agenda to where we left off at item number 2, H2, which would
[1:08:55] be an ordinance authorizing publication of a notice of intention to issue certificates
[1:09:01] of obligation, authorizing the preparation of a preliminary official statement, and
[1:09:06] notice of sale and providing for other matters incidental there, too.
[1:09:12] So with that, tell us about that.
[1:09:15] So before we start, Mayor, I wanted to mention we had a couple of errors on this item and
[1:09:20] the next item, and I wanted to take ownership and responsibility for that.
[1:09:24] We had uploaded some agenda materials that didn't really belong there, and staff will
[1:09:29] talk more in detail.
[1:09:31] We also had a couple of errors in the next item, and so I wanted to call that to
[1:09:34] your attention.
[1:09:35] Apologize for it.
[1:09:35] Let you know that we're working on improving our process to ensure that you don't see those again
[1:09:40] So with that I'm going to pass it over to Beth Jones and to Jim Harrison from finance
[1:09:45] But just to follow up on that
[1:09:47] There's nothing in in those in those errors that prohibited us from dealing with it and addressing it
[1:09:53] No, absolutely not. They were just typographical and just a poor craftsmanship on our part in getting that to you
[1:09:59] So I apologize. We appreciate we appreciate the the heads up
[1:10:04] and your attention to detail.
[1:10:07] Thank you.
[1:10:08] Good evening, Mayor and Council.
[1:10:09] Beth Jones, Assistant City Manager and City Engineer.
[1:10:12] And Jim Harrison, Assistant Director of Finance.
[1:10:16] Terence Beeman is unable to be here tonight,
[1:10:18] so you have the B team.
[1:10:19] I apologize.
[1:10:21] This agenda item is for the first step
[1:10:24] in issuing certificates of obligation.
[1:10:26] As you know, I updated you in April
[1:10:29] regarding our Glenmont property for public works.
[1:10:33] This certificate of obligation is for $8.7 million.
[1:10:38] When I spoke to you in April, I talked about the update of the process.
[1:10:42] Originally, we had talked about $7 million.
[1:10:45] And that was the original estimate as we went through the design process
[1:10:48] and landed the plane and made several decisions about what exactly would need to be there.
[1:10:54] The budget amount moved to $8.7 million.
[1:10:57] So this item is for that bond issuance, excuse me, the certificate of obligation.
[1:11:03] There were a few questions that were raised in the supporting documents by Councilman Gordon.
[1:11:08] A standard language of attachment A to the ordinance.
[1:11:13] If you'll go there, it was questioning about the reference to ad valorem taxes to pay for this,
[1:11:20] as well as the language that it specifies a building and related facilities for the public works department.
[1:11:27] There were two questions of the first one being how do we intend to pay for these certificates of obligation?
[1:11:33] And then the second question being that as I mentioned in April, it's not just a public works facility.
[1:11:39] There will be the police impound lot.
[1:11:43] Several divisions of the parks department will be there too.
[1:11:46] per Allen's guidance. Attachment A is more of a standardized language that when you issue
[1:11:55] the certificates of obligation and the sale of it, it's a very formulaic language. And
[1:12:02] so, yes, we could be more specific regarding what exactly will be there, but it's not
[1:12:07] necessary and there's not too much of a pro to it. But the recommendation from Allen
[1:12:13] was to keep the language more simple. As far as paying for it, the language, again, is a bit
[1:12:20] standard, but so that you understand, because there is a shared use between Enterprise and
[1:12:27] General Fund facilities there in our bookkeeping side of things, we're splitting those costs in
[1:12:33] a 60-40, 60% Enterprise, 40% General Fund. So we anticipate that utility rates and the
[1:12:42] enterprise fund would support 60% of that expense, and then the general fund, property
[1:12:48] tax and so forth, would support 40% of that. So that's the idea behind that. And then
[1:12:55] there was a question regarding the $12.5 million in bonds that we'll talk about next.
[1:13:01] Should that be an attachment B? And the answer from Council is no, we don't need to,
[1:13:07] because we're going to issue the certificates of obligation first. That will be sold
[1:13:12] in August and the general obligation bonds the water wastewater bonds will be
[1:13:16] sold in September. So this attachment is what exists today at the sale of these
[1:13:23] certificates of obligation. So I hope I've cleared up some questions and I'm
[1:13:28] happy to answer more and I really want to give Jim an opportunity to talk so
[1:13:32] ask something hard please.
[1:13:36] Any questions? Council Member Thurber.
[1:13:42] While you're
[1:13:42] not including the 12.5 are the other bond in here. You have considered those together
[1:13:48] from just a financial standpoint. So that was part of the reason we wanted to bring
[1:13:54] these two items on the same night so that you can look at it holistically and we can
[1:13:59] have a discussion about the two different kinds of debt that we're going to be issuing
[1:14:02] almost at the same time and have a holistic view. So while it's not listed in Attachment
[1:14:08] We did talk about the preliminary official statement that was erroneously attached to the agenda item.
[1:14:17] That's a working document. That's what you're actually granting us permission to start working on.
[1:14:23] That's where we'll really get into the meat of that information there.
[1:14:28] I had another question just overall again to explain kind of for the public is kind
[1:14:35] of the bond rate or tax rate and everything just I know they're again they're linked
[1:14:40] together and it's a very general discussion right now but I want to make sure that that's
[1:14:47] been looked at in terms of the rates and our debt overall.
[1:14:52] So, Jim can speak to some specifics, but I can tell you that when Terrence and I worked
[1:14:57] on this, he was worried about...
[1:15:00] You know, the tax rate and how it would hit our budget and so forth, and then I backed
[1:15:04] in from the capital standpoint of when we needed money and how.
[1:15:08] So we work together and the certificates of obligation are one thing that's kind of more
[1:15:13] you issue it as you need it, but the general obligation bonds are a little bit different
[1:15:19] and there are particular times of year that are more preferred to sell them.
[1:15:22] and Terence and Jim can speak to it, but August,
[1:15:28] that timeframe is the more preferred because of how it hits our tax rate.
[1:15:32] So I worked on August, and I backed out those numbers.
[1:15:35] Did you want to speak to what was paid?
[1:15:37] Sure. I'm not sure I fully understand your question.
[1:15:40] Is just without detail, our tax rate with it,
[1:15:45] it's been considered for both of these, the CO and the GO bonds
[1:15:50] bonds has been considered as with our overall tax rate and it's reasonable. I think it's
[1:15:58] just that as you've evaluated that versus our overall debt of the city and so it's
[1:16:04] without getting in the detail because that'll be coming later when you have more detail
[1:16:08] on the bonds, but this is a general statement that to go and just have us to consider
[1:16:14] these now. Y'all have looked at all the detail with the bond rating, the total
[1:16:18] debt. Yeah, a bond rating is not going to be a problem. These will be triple A rated on positive.
[1:16:25] You know, in 2019, I think we had almost $130 million worth of debt. We now have about $91
[1:16:30] million. We were triple A then, and that was, I guess that was 2019. And that was in 2019
[1:16:36] dollars. We've had a lot of inflation since. And I'm confident the bond rating is not going to be
[1:16:40] an issue with this. Our tax rate does have two components. It's got the debt component
[1:16:45] and the general fund operations and maintenance component.
[1:16:49] There won't be a whole lot of this.
[1:16:51] It's really going to be in the debt tax rate.
[1:16:53] 40% of the public works building we're allocating towards that.
[1:16:57] The other 60% is going to be funded through the enterprise fund utility rates.
[1:17:02] The $12.5 million that's all water and wastewater.
[1:17:04] So that's going to be utility rates.
[1:17:06] That's not going to be the tax rate either.
[1:17:09] So we pay down about $8 million of principal every year on the bonds.
[1:17:13] That almost takes care of the CO as far as the trade-off there last year we
[1:17:17] issued 7 million of debt we paid off just over 7 millions of debt so the debt
[1:17:22] didn't overall didn't change last year because of the timing of it so we do
[1:17:25] manage to the extent we can the timing a lot of it's project-based but our
[1:17:30] financial advisor is also always watching you know what's maturing and
[1:17:34] when so we we do try to manage timing somewhat within the parameters of
[1:17:39] the projects we need to get done in order to manage overall you know the
[1:17:43] the debt load. So we do look at all that. The tax rate won't be super impacted by this
[1:17:48] because most of this is going to be funded through utility rates.
[1:17:52] Thank you, Jim. Thank you, Pat.
[1:17:55] Any other questions? Council Member Lewis?
[1:18:00] Yeah. I know this is going to come as a question from the public as they brought
[1:18:05] it up before, but certificates of obligation, they have a certain purpose. I know my
[1:18:11] understanding of it and what I would say to them but they'll say why didn't you
[1:18:17] put this out to the voter for bonds and I figure shall I let you answer that?
[1:18:24] Certificates of obligation are very limited in their nature and so the
[1:18:29] state law has allowed for us to have very specific framework in which to
[1:18:34] work in. It works well for purchase of properties and then the existing
[1:18:39] construction of it or renovation of it.
[1:18:43] So the most conservative answer is you could take it to the voters, however, we had a very
[1:18:50] specific timeline that we needed to continue.
[1:18:53] Ellen, did you want to speak more to that?
[1:18:55] Just also that there is a notice process.
[1:18:59] So the resolution you're authorizing today, if you authorize it, would be for us to
[1:19:06] publish notice of our intent to issue these certificates in August and there's
[1:19:13] a time period where we have to publish notice of that and in fact if sufficient
[1:19:19] people were to file a petition protesting they could force an election so
[1:19:25] there there is a sort of a backstop if the public were to be vehemently opposed
[1:19:32] And my answer would be, what I understood about Certificates of Obligation is they are
[1:19:38] for essential services for the city.
[1:19:41] And I have told people before, you have to provide a place for these people to go to work.
[1:19:46] You want your trash picked up, you want your streets repaired, you got to provide a place
[1:19:50] for them to report to work, take their showers after they've been out on a hot,
[1:19:56] sweaty day, and you have to provide this.
[1:19:59] this is essential. And that was my understanding of certificates of obligation. It's for something
[1:20:05] that is essential to the city. It was, well, we knew eventually we'd have to do something
[1:20:11] about a public works building. And this was, on the radar, we were looking for a warehouse,
[1:20:18] something industrial that was just outside the city of Bel Air, just outside the city
[1:20:25] a bell-air where it's off of Houston's tax base, not off of ours, but that's my understanding
[1:20:33] and that's what I also would tell them, because I know we're going to get some flack. We're
[1:20:38] going to get flack about certificates of obligation. I just want to make sure publicly it's all
[1:20:44] very clear this is a board, we're not doing something behind closed doors, and it is
[1:20:50] essential. It's just essential. If you want your trash picked up, provide a place for
[1:20:55] them to go to work.
[1:21:00] Well,
[1:21:03] first of all, we kind of lucked into this, right? I mean, we were so lucky that
[1:21:07] it even showed up when it did. So that's one thing that I would say publicly also is
[1:21:12] it was the perfect unicorn that we needed. And weren't we leasing, weren't we making
[1:21:18] some money by leasing it also so there was some income coming from it that I
[1:21:23] just want to make sure everybody understands that this isn't just about
[1:21:26] how we're you know increasing any kind of debt which we have to anyway but that
[1:21:32] there was income coming also. Yes we have a tenant until the end of July and
[1:21:37] we've been receiving lease payments for that.
[1:21:43] Mayor for attendance. Thank you
[1:21:45] very much the honor. First of all thank you for the presentation. You
[1:21:48] You mentioned you had consultable counsel, you meant legal counsel, right?
[1:21:52] Yes.
[1:21:53] Thank you.
[1:21:54] The other, a couple of things, when does a 45-day notice trigger?
[1:21:59] Is it?
[1:22:00] It starts the first day of publication, which will be later this week, if approved.
[1:22:08] Okay.
[1:22:09] And you mentioned the uses of these types of the, I think, urgent repairs, utility
[1:22:16] projects, public safety equipment, I think, or a couple of things, project, capital project
[1:22:23] equipment, infrastructure. So these are the things that typically are city, and we are
[1:22:28] one of them that will use certificates of obligation. Thank you, Your Honor.
[1:22:33] Council Member Gordon.
[1:22:35] No, I just wanted to say how excited I am for this facility. We had a great presentation
[1:22:39] a few months ago on an update of the design. The fact that one facility can address
[1:22:45] so many of our city-wide facility needs is just fantastic.
[1:22:50] We really are in a good spot.
[1:22:52] This building will fill so many needs.
[1:22:55] And we're doing it in a way that absent all these other discussions.
[1:22:59] It's also just very financially prudent.
[1:23:01] Like, we're remodeling buildings, we're doing it in a way that we're trading land
[1:23:06] that we can now use for drainage, for land elsewhere.
[1:23:10] So the totality of this, I think, has just been a really well engineered arrangement
[1:23:14] by city staff. And I'm just very proud of how we got here today. And I think it's a big step
[1:23:21] to sell these certificates. And to our construction start date should be...
[1:23:29] Well, I'll be back in, I believe, August to finalize our guaranteed maximum price with our
[1:23:34] CMAR contractor. And that's when we'll have already sold these and be ready to go.
[1:23:40] And hopefully we'll have our permits from Houston permitting. And so we're looking
[1:23:48] We're looking for a groundbreaking this early fall is probably what we have going on.
[1:23:54] So very exciting to have that happen.
[1:23:57] And as always, we're very, very lucky to have Alan, our financial counsel and our whole team here,
[1:24:05] Terence, Jim and everybody to take us through bond sales because they're the experts at it
[1:24:09] and they know how to do it.
[1:24:10] And we've been very lucky with how they've managed them in the last couple of years.
[1:24:14] the past. So thank you guys very much. All right, Council Member Thurber. Just to follow up kind of
[1:24:21] from Council Member Lewis though, we usually don't issue COs that often, correct? It is very rarely.
[1:24:30] This is yeah the second time that okay so again for the public is that very seldom do you utilize
[1:24:37] these things. Well there has not historically used it as a funding mechanism but it is very
[1:24:43] common in other municipalities, especially when it comes to infrastructure and necessary
[1:24:48] equipment. So it is a common tool. Belair has chosen not to use it very often.
[1:24:55] And normally we go to the voters for a bottle of it. That's what I want to make sure of.
[1:25:00] That's right. Just as we did with regard to the Cypress Ditch Project and just like
[1:25:07] we did with regard to the wastewater treatment plant and the water pipes and the sewage
[1:25:12] pipes and what have you. I also think that we've touched upon through some of your comments
[1:25:20] that we've also been paying rent to house a public works building and it's been more
[1:25:27] than a decade that we have been without. We'll be able to use all of the land within
[1:25:34] the city for extremely necessary drainage purposes. It really touches on so many
[1:25:39] different aspects, and then now with regard to the multiple use by crossing department
[1:25:43] sizes as well, we'll also, I think it'll also improve, we'll have a lay down yard there.
[1:25:50] We'll have the ability to house a lot of our vehicles and the maintenance will drop
[1:25:53] because you've got such a big, big building.
[1:25:56] So it provides so many different uses, plus because of the staging of some of the debt
[1:26:02] that we've had, as you've noticed and Jim's outlined, you know, we were, we got down
[1:26:06] about $92 million a couple of years ago, but we have done some significant improvements
[1:26:11] from an infrastructure perspective in this city, and we're still at the same spot.
[1:26:16] And next year we'll likely be close to the same spot because we also have $54 million
[1:26:21] from the state from which to go off from with regard to our Cypress Stitch project,
[1:26:25] which, of course, a lot of this is about timing.
[1:26:28] And I think we have hit about as good a sweet spot as we can with regard to that.
[1:26:35] But I agree with them, we were at $125 million, $130 million in debt, and we were still clicking
[1:26:40] around at a AAA bond rating because of our per capita wealth that exists in this town.
[1:26:48] And so I think we're good there.
[1:26:51] I think your division of the 6040, I think it makes perfect sense and it's excellent.
[1:26:57] I mean, I think it's about being smart.
[1:26:59] I think the timing of this is necessary.
[1:27:01] the certificate of obligation, our important tool in that regard, and I think we are being
[1:27:07] good stewards of that.
[1:27:08] I think, quite frankly, for things just like this, I think we have finally realized that
[1:27:13] there are tools out there, and we should use them, and we have, when appropriate.
[1:27:18] And I think this is one of those occasions.
[1:27:20] So I do not think we have a motion unless anybody else has got anything to say.
[1:27:24] I'll entertain a motion to approve of the ordinance authorizing publication of
[1:27:28] notice of intention to issue a certificate of obligation,
[1:27:31] authorizing the preparation of a preliminary official statement
[1:27:35] and notice of sale and providing for the other matters
[1:27:38] incidental there, too.
[1:27:41] Do I have such a motion?
[1:27:42] Some move.
[1:27:43] Some move by Council Member Witt.
[1:27:46] I was pointing at him, man.
[1:27:48] But you get the second.
[1:27:50] OK.
[1:27:50] Todd's got the second.
[1:27:51] Oh, Todd's got the second, too.
[1:27:53] OK.
[1:27:54] All right, Todd.
[1:27:56] You got the second.
[1:27:56] All right. All right. Is there any further discussion on this particular matter?
[1:28:05] Anything further? All right. Thank you.
[1:28:07] Well, then, all those in favor of the ordinance as so stated and moved and seconded,
[1:28:11] please signify by raising your right hands.
[1:28:14] Thank you very much. It passes unanimously.
[1:28:16] Thank you, Beth.
[1:28:17] All right. Good job, guys.
[1:28:18] Thank you.
[1:28:19] Excellent. Let's move forward.
[1:28:23] Not going anywhere.
[1:28:24] Okay, we've got one more item, I believe, on our agenda.
[1:28:30] I've got so much stuff on here now.
[1:28:32] Let's see.
[1:28:32] I think it's direction to the city manager to proceed with Preparation 4
[1:28:37] in the acceptance of a preliminary official statement in bond sale,
[1:28:41] timetable for the sale of $12.5 million in general obligation bonds,
[1:28:46] Series 2026.
[1:28:49] All right.
[1:28:50] Why don't you take that forward, please?
[1:28:53] This item is for general obligation bonds for the sale of water and wastewater bonds.
[1:29:00] As many of you recall, a couple of November's ago, we went to the voters with a referendum
[1:29:05] for $30 million in water wastewater bonds and then $40 million in drainage bonds.
[1:29:12] Luckily, we don't need those drainage bonds just yet, but we are going to need some of the water wastewater bonds.
[1:29:17] And in the agenda statement, we discussed how we arrived at the $12.5 million.
[1:29:22] It's worth noting that it's our intention to sell about exactly $12.5 million this August-September.
[1:29:33] And then we intend to come back and do another sale in August of 2017 for an approximate
[1:29:39] $13 million, but we'll know better how much we spend out of the first tranche as to
[1:29:47] For this first tranche, how we plan on spending that is we're going to refund three work orders
[1:29:55] that we previously issued for HDR work when we took that
[1:30:00] Allowing us that if we chose to in the future to repay ourselves with bond money, so that's
[1:30:06] that first bullet. And then we also need to fund the engineering and professional services
[1:30:13] for decommissioning of the wastewater treatment plant, the lift station and force main connection
[1:30:19] to Houston, demolition of the public works lay down yard and buildings, and then some
[1:30:26] smaller CIP projects for FY 27, including next steps in SCADA, water storage tank rehab,
[1:30:35] alternative analysis for the Bel Air lift station, and the Feldpark water plant generator.
[1:30:41] So these are just a few of our capital projects that we'll be rolling out in FY 27, but these
[1:30:47] are the projects that we anticipate meeting bond funding for.
[1:30:54] why don't we do this why don't we get a motion on the floor and then the second
[1:30:58] and then we can discuss it make a motion so moved second you honor seconded by
[1:31:07] the mayor see how easy that was amazing mayor all right councilman Gordon did
[1:31:17] send over a few questions and if I may address those for and
[1:31:20] others. Part of the question was the fiscal impact of this, because these are the water
[1:31:26] wastewater bonds. Any impact would be seen in our rates. However, this issuance was not
[1:31:33] originally incorporated into our current rate structure, so our enterprise fund will
[1:31:39] handle it until we do an update of our rate study, which we anticipate doing in
[1:31:44] a couple of years. So then that will be baked into that amount. But in this current
[1:31:50] state, it'll be absorbed in the enterprise fund balance. And then, again, as I mentioned,
[1:31:57] we'll probably do another sale in August of 27 for approximately the same amount, another
[1:32:03] $13 million. And in that, we anticipate paying impact fees to Houston, among other capital
[1:32:10] projects that we'll be moving forward.
[1:32:13] All right. Questions? Councillor Berlis.
[1:32:16] Were you trying to address one of my questions?
[1:32:18] I believe you asked about drainage. Unfortunately, the agenda statement erroneously referenced
[1:32:25] the drainage impact fee. These aren't going to be drainage bonds, so they will be funded
[1:32:32] and paid from wastewater and enterprise funds. So when we do our rate study again, the water
[1:32:38] wastewater rates will incorporate these bonds.
[1:32:41] Okay.
[1:32:43] All right. Anything else?
[1:32:47] I would just say I know I appreciate the way this is presented. I appreciate the collection
[1:32:51] of projects that we're looking at. We mentioned before these are all part of a lot of different
[1:32:55] things coming together and making sure they're aligned at the right time. And so you see
[1:32:58] you know demolition planning force mains and all that. That's all geared towards the
[1:33:03] broader piece. I guess just a quick question, Alan, when we sell these bonds, they if
[1:33:11] different water wastewater project comes up or we need to tweak something we can
[1:33:17] reprogram inside the water wastewater world we're not specifically tied to
[1:33:22] these dollar amounts or these projects if we need to adjust that that is correct
[1:33:28] as long as we stay within the water wastewater category okay and I bring
[1:33:32] that just because let's say for example the city of Houston demands impact
[1:33:35] repayment earlier than we thought we could still do that here and then
[1:33:39] shuffle on the back end and so on which is good flexibility to be able to handle
[1:33:44] these changing demands. So no, I really appreciate the work and
[1:33:51] it's good to get all these projects moving. This list was meant to just be
[1:33:56] transparent with how we arrived at the 12.5 so that council knew and
[1:34:01] understood where we got there. So it's not written in stone as you mentioned,
[1:34:04] but it's it's how we got to the 12.5 and just quickly you said we were this
[1:34:10] was going to be paid through the enterprise fund and we and we're in
[1:34:17] good shape yes okay and I would just say that the biggest component of this is
[1:34:22] the lift station and force main connection to the city of Houston which
[1:34:25] that is our critical path towards all the things that we're doing because
[1:34:29] that has to be done before we can decommission the wastewater plant and
[1:34:33] that has to be done before we can build out the detention and so the most
[1:34:37] important piece is is in here for funding so that's great.
[1:34:43] Alright anything
[1:34:45] further on this particular item? Okay we have a motion on the floor it's been
[1:34:52] seconded we've had discussion on the item and so unless there's anything
[1:34:56] further we'll have a vote on the direction to the city manager proceed
[1:35:00] with the preparation for and the acceptance of a preliminary official
[1:35:03] statement and bond sale timetable for the sale of $12.5 million in general obligation
[1:35:09] bond series 2026. All those in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Thank
[1:35:15] you. It passes unanimously. Thank you all very much for all the work that you've done
[1:35:21] on that. All right, big moves folks in the city. I guess we are looking through
[1:35:32] through all of this. I've scratched through a lot of things here, but I think we've come
[1:35:35] to the end of our agenda. Anybody see anything we've missed? I think we're good, okay.
[1:35:42] And so we come to community interest and items of the Mayor and City Council, and Council
[1:35:47] Member Witt talked to us about Juneteenth and Fathers, and it just teared me up
[1:35:52] and it did. It did. I think of my dad, and that always makes me smile and cry
[1:35:59] at the same time. So, in any event, thanks for those wonderful words and we'll let you start
[1:36:04] it off.
[1:36:05] Man, after that, I don't know if I should just like walk away.
[1:36:08] Yeah, exactly.
[1:36:09] You're on a high?
[1:36:10] Yeah, it's on a high. The last thing I will say is that it's hard to believe that we're
[1:36:14] not going to meet until after July 4th. And it's 250 years for an experiment that
[1:36:19] turns out has lasted. And I think the amazing thing about our country is that we are
[1:36:24] not perfect, but it's our ability to change over time. I was looking for quotes
[1:36:29] and one of the things that Winston Churchill – well, it's a tribute to him, but lots
[1:36:33] of people may have said it before that – was democracy has been the – it has been said
[1:36:38] that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the reforms that have been
[1:36:41] tried from time to time. And, admittedly, we have a constitutional republic. I mean,
[1:36:46] it's a little different. But I do think it's amazing that as we celebrate 250 years,
[1:36:50] we have to celebrate that we are part of a country that knows that we're not
[1:36:54] perfect and we can change over time. And that's, I think, what leads to us
[1:36:58] being the country that we are. Yeah I love that. It's not perfect but it's the best step that's out
[1:37:04] there. Okay I really just want to a couple things that are just I love that we're you know you mentioned
[1:37:11] the appropriation of the metro funds for the street maintenance I mean I'm so glad we're doing that.
[1:37:16] The culture and art boards I just want to again thank you guys so much like I can't believe
[1:37:21] how much work you guys did and that is coming from our residents you know it's coming
[1:37:26] from a board, like I just really appreciate what you guys did and we need it so bad.
[1:37:31] And I also want to just again point out, and the mayor was making the point here, but the
[1:37:37] holistic approach to the bonds for the public works, like I really want everybody to think
[1:37:45] about that from a very high level financial point of view where we're not just increasing
[1:37:51] debt.
[1:37:51] we are increasing debt because we have to, but it's also because that was the perfect scenario
[1:37:56] and we had to take advantage of it. But in addition to that, we have been increasing income
[1:38:02] from this leasing to our tenant, and also we are decreasing expenses because we are
[1:38:11] eliminating some costs that we have on our books. So everybody needs to think about it from that
[1:38:15] perspective, don't get too caught up in the, you know, lose the force for the trees.
[1:38:20] So, and then I love that we have worked so hard, our enterprise fund is healthy, and here
[1:38:28] we are in a scenario where we need to, this project, to kick off the really big water
[1:38:35] project that we've been trying to work on for so long, and we took steps early on
[1:38:40] to make our enterprise fund, maybe not knowing what we would need that for, but
[1:38:45] But here it is.
[1:38:46] We need it.
[1:38:46] So these are the things that make us solvent.
[1:38:49] These are the things that make us a healthy, financially healthy for, you know, our government.
[1:38:54] And so I hope everybody can appreciate that.
[1:38:56] And, you know, as we get kind of, you know, pushed back on certain scenarios, this is
[1:39:02] what we're doing.
[1:39:02] It's a big picture perspective.
[1:39:05] So I'm leaving for Greece in two days, so see you later.
[1:39:09] but everybody enjoyed their summer.
[1:39:15] Thank you.
[1:39:18] Yeah, now she'll be back.
[1:39:20] She'll be back.
[1:39:23] First of all, I want to say comes from Whit.
[1:39:27] I enjoyed your comments tonight.
[1:39:28] Both about Father's Day and also about Juneteenth.
[1:39:32] You know, two of the top eight Juneteenth celebrations
[1:39:36] in our country are in the state of Texas,
[1:39:39] the Galveston and the Houston area.
[1:39:41] So it is a big deal for our state and thank you very much for bringing it up in your comments tonight along with Father's Day.
[1:39:48] So happy Father's Day as you wish for all the fathers out there.
[1:39:52] Secondly, I wanted to compliment our staff also a lot of a lot is happening between budgets and the presentations that they've made that they may give every council meeting.
[1:40:03] It's a lot of work.
[1:40:03] And clearly, we have a great team that's working well together and witness these documents.
[1:40:10] If you read through these documents, I encourage our residents to take the time to go into the
[1:40:16] files.
[1:40:17] All of it's published.
[1:40:18] You can read about it, but there's a lot of work that they've put into these.
[1:40:22] It may take a few minutes to present, but it's days and weeks of preparation to get
[1:40:27] to this point.
[1:40:29] Thirdly, we had a meeting last week, Cheryl.
[1:40:32] Cheryl, your community close-up meeting, where many organizations, your honor, came together
[1:40:38] and listed all of the great things that they're doing almost for the next year.
[1:40:43] I think that's a good thing because if you sit there and you witness, you see how much
[1:40:48] is happening in our city.
[1:40:49] We may only go to a couple of these things, but when you get to those meetings, you
[1:40:52] realize every week there's something going on in our city.
[1:40:56] We live in a great city between our schools and other organizations.
[1:41:00] There's a lot going on.
[1:41:01] So Cheryl, thank you for putting that together.
[1:41:05] And finally, and I said it earlier,
[1:41:08] but this board, the fabulous job you guys did,
[1:41:11] a lot of work went to this, a lot.
[1:41:14] Weeks and weeks of work and meetings,
[1:41:16] and meeting even when you were not in board meeting,
[1:41:20] I know you guys had sub-meetings
[1:41:22] with individuals working at home,
[1:41:24] a lot of work went to this.
[1:41:25] And the reason you're on a mission at this time,
[1:41:28] because obviously we're about to approach
[1:41:32] assignments of boards and commissions.
[1:41:34] And so these organizations, we witness what they present
[1:41:37] tonight and what planning and zoning does.
[1:41:40] What building standards of ESB, what the parts board,
[1:41:45] every one of them does a lot to enhance our city
[1:41:49] and witness tonight an example of why this board exists
[1:41:53] in the type of effort it takes to put forth the work
[1:41:57] to us.
[1:41:58] So I want to thank everyone who does serve on the Board and Commission. We do take it seriously
[1:42:03] And we're very happy to see our residents be a part of this. Thank you. Thank you
[1:42:07] Councilmember Lewis. Okay with that
[1:42:10] We do want to remind everyone that the deadline to apply for positions on the board and boards and commissions is
[1:42:18] Friday June 26 at 5 p.m. And those are due either online or to Tracy herself
[1:42:27] I believe there's a paper form if you live in the, if you're still living in a cave.
[1:42:34] But anyway, well, anyway, we do hope to have a lot of applicants.
[1:42:42] We've had, why do we have 32 so far?
[1:42:45] Yeah, okay.
[1:42:47] So also, just a note, is that summer solstice is next Sunday, June 21st at 3.25 a.m.
[1:42:56] So technically, at that point, we're halfway through summer.
[1:43:01] Wouldn't it be nice?
[1:43:03] Wouldn't it be nice?
[1:43:04] And happy Fourth of July.
[1:43:05] And thank you for your work on the logo.
[1:43:09] Hal's over, Gordon.
[1:43:10] All right.
[1:43:11] Well, as you can hear tonight, I'm just very excited by all
[1:43:14] the things that we're working on and the progress
[1:43:15] that we're making.
[1:43:16] I think what's important is that it's not just about
[1:43:18] tackling the problems of today and fixing the things that
[1:43:21] come up at us here and there.
[1:43:23] But it's really about chipping away
[1:43:25] at our strategic long-term plans,
[1:43:27] whether it's all the infrastructure things we are doing, or this logo is not just about the logo.
[1:43:33] It's a broader initiative for placemaking, for sense of identity, for community pride.
[1:43:39] It's one of many things that when we work at them together, at the end of the day we're going to be so proud of what we do.
[1:43:45] And that takes great leadership from staff and this council for continuing to make sure that we have our eye on the big picture.
[1:43:51] So I'm just very excited overall and thank you to the Culture and Arts Board for everything
[1:43:55] tonight that was fantastic.
[1:43:57] I did want to use this as a chance to give an update from the Environmental and Sustainability
[1:44:01] Board where I'm the liaison, so I'll pass this out.
[1:44:05] I did send you guys an email summarizing this, but what the Environmental and Sustainability
[1:44:12] Board did at their last meeting was they passed a motion to recommend to staff
[1:44:20] and council how to handle some of the events that have been best known for
[1:44:26] ESB in the past. Part of the challenge that they're working through is how to
[1:44:32] balance volunteer-led efforts versus institutionalized city-led efforts and
[1:44:38] one of the things that they elected to do this year was to essentially try and
[1:44:42] narrow a little bit the number of events that they're taking responsibility for, but as
[1:44:47] part of that is to try and institutionalize those events inside city operations.
[1:44:51] And I think it's a very smart way to try in a...
[1:45:00] Inability in these events. One example, recycling day is an event that ESB, Brian, you've been involved in it, started, pushed forward, and so on.
[1:45:11] And now, I think city staff runs it effectively. It's part of our planning. It's institutionalized.
[1:45:18] It happens every year. It works. And it doesn't require a unique volunteer effort every year to get it done.
[1:45:27] So, what ESB put in this motion, and you'll see here, is that they would like to institutionalize
[1:45:34] the city's involvement in Recycling Day, as it is currently.
[1:45:39] The Pumpkin Recycling Program has also been a high-demand, high-impact effort that they
[1:45:45] would like us to see city staff take on the role of managing that program.
[1:45:50] And the third one is participation at Earth Day, as kind of the showcase environmental
[1:45:56] event for the city. An important note there is that Earth Day is an event that
[1:46:00] actually Evelyn's Park hosts and that ESB has participated in, but the the ask
[1:46:06] here is that we find a way for city staff to augment that and to help make
[1:46:11] that more sustainable and easier. Not that ESB members can't volunteer and
[1:46:16] help with it, but that it's a joint effort of the city to recognize the
[1:46:21] importance of Earth Day and environmental sustainability.
[1:46:25] So this is a recommendation from ESB.
[1:46:29] We've talked about it in the board and Sharon's been there.
[1:46:32] There may be budget implications to some of these.
[1:46:34] When you go through this, institutionalizing it staff time, overtime, and so on.
[1:46:40] And that ultimately, if there's costs associated with institutionalizing these events, that
[1:46:46] will be up to us as part of the budgeting process to decide if we want to allocate
[1:46:50] the resources to do that or not. And so this was really a transmittal from the board to
[1:46:56] kind of tee up that future discussion both with staff and with council about trying to
[1:47:03] clarify our commitment to these programs and work towards a sustainable long-term approach
[1:47:08] to it. So with that, there's no action. I'm just providing it for updated information.
[1:47:14] And if you guys have any questions, you can reach out to Giles or Patricia or anybody
[1:47:20] on the Environmental and Sustainability Board.
[1:47:24] But I wanted you guys to have this and wanted us to make sure that we were considering it
[1:47:29] when we went into the budget cycle so that we could decide how best to support that
[1:47:33] board in pushing forward the things that they think are important for the city.
[1:47:39] So there you go.
[1:47:40] Thank you.
[1:47:41] Thank you.
[1:47:42] Council Member Thurber. Since I'm last, I'm not going to add a whole lot more to
[1:47:46] agree. Again, good comments. I did want to say Cheryl, Gaye, and Christy again.
[1:47:52] Thank y'all because what you do see is the importance of again the residents
[1:47:56] getting engaged in something and falling through and getting the input. Good
[1:48:01] things happen so and because it really does relate to reminding again has
[1:48:07] Councilmember Lewis you said again apply for the boards and commissions it is a
[1:48:13] very important part of what we do as a city everybody up here is volunteers
[1:48:18] everybody on the commissions are volunteers it's very important and you
[1:48:23] do see good results when you get good public participation so thank you again
[1:48:28] for everything thank you thank you all for your comments tonight especially
[1:48:33] good. A couple of things.
[1:48:38] So I guess you'll be gone for July 4, Jackie? Are you going to
[1:48:41] be gone? You're going to be back. You're going to be gone? Gotcha. Okay. Well, I hope to see
[1:48:46] everybody else here on that. That's going to be a wonderful day, particularly since
[1:48:52] the country will be celebrating its 250th anniversary. And I think that's exactly
[1:48:56] right. 250 years, we have pursued under a constitutional that in some instances was
[1:49:03] aspirational and we were lagging a bit behind, but we constantly make an effort to make sure
[1:49:08] that it becomes less and less aspirational as we go along, and I think that's a credit
[1:49:13] to all of us.
[1:49:13] And I hope that we do our part here in the city of Bel Air to make sure that that is
[1:49:18] reality day into day out, and I think we do.
[1:49:23] So as a part of that, I hope you guys are following the U.S. soccer team because they're
[1:49:27] playing a really fantastic soccer at this point in time.
[1:49:29] time, the world cup being here, you know, I know it's not affecting us all that much
[1:49:35] hopefully although 610 may be packed from time to time as a result of that, but it is
[1:49:41] pretty amazing to see the world here in that regard.
[1:49:45] I think we're getting to see it up close because we're so close to energy.
[1:49:51] As far as, and I appreciate you talking about the weather, you know, they were saying
[1:49:57] maybe there's 10 to 14 inches of rain depending upon the timing of it, that can affect things,
[1:50:01] but that's a constant reminder of why we're doing what we're doing, why we are doing
[1:50:05] cyber-stitch, why we are pushing really, really, really hard on these things because when those
[1:50:10] weather forecasts pop out and they say 10 to 14 inches of rain, we understand what that means
[1:50:17] and particularly affects on certain parts of the city. And so I particularly am not bashful
[1:50:24] about the things that we are doing.
[1:50:26] I think we are doing everything we can within our power
[1:50:30] to make sure to protect the city and keep it going
[1:50:32] and keep our infrastructure strong.
[1:50:34] One thing about Bel Air in local governments
[1:50:37] are so many times people spend money,
[1:50:39] cities spend money and they don't even know where it goes.
[1:50:41] They can't see where it goes.
[1:50:43] Our residents can see where our money is going
[1:50:45] every single day.
[1:50:47] They see it in the Dirk work.
[1:50:49] They see it in the infrastructure.
[1:50:51] They see it in the public works building.
[1:50:53] building. They see it in these buildings. They'll see it in the detention ponds and Cypress
[1:50:56] Stitch. They will see that is where our money is going. We are building the foundations of
[1:51:01] our city house and as well as it should be.
[1:51:08] As far as, you know, I think, look, I think,
[1:51:16] you know, with regard to our boards and commissions throughout time, at least in my, you know,
[1:51:23] I don't know 12 14 years of really being a part of the city. I have seen every single one of our boards and commissions excel
[1:51:30] I've seen every single one of them excel in so many different ways even the stat story boards and then the ones that we've created here in
[1:51:38] The city they have all done some really really fabulous things and bar none and right now you guys are at you guys are excelling
[1:51:47] You guys
[1:51:48] You're knocking out of the park
[1:51:50] I mean, you did the banners, you did the arts and crafts, and you're continuing to expand that.
[1:51:55] You did the cookbook to start out, fabulous, fabulous effort.
[1:51:59] And now you've put forward something that really we haven't had this kind of jumpstart and enthusiasm for a long time.
[1:52:07] And so you are a model, you really are.
[1:52:10] And it's a model of dedication to just doing good, solid work, to volunteerism,
[1:52:16] to you can accomplish really, really wonderful things
[1:52:19] if you've gotten, you set your mind to it
[1:52:21] and you keep the heart of the city
[1:52:23] and what it really means at the forefront.
[1:52:26] And so I think a lot of our boards
[1:52:29] and commissions kind of look at that model
[1:52:30] and I think y'all have done it in two ways.
[1:52:32] You've done it because you've received input
[1:52:34] in requests from city council and members of council
[1:52:37] and on your own.
[1:52:38] So you've organically made some of these decisions
[1:52:41] yourself and have pushed these things forward.
[1:52:43] So you've worked in both ways
[1:52:44] But it's also something to help us as counsel to be a little bit better and we've had our conversations about boards and commissions to be a
[1:52:51] Little bit better about maybe how we message things
[1:52:54] What we expect of our boards and commissions what we want out of them and how we can help them help the city
[1:53:01] And so you provide us with a lot of good input on that regard. So I thank you for that as well
[1:53:06] But good job. Well done
[1:53:12] You know, it still amazes me how many people in our city don't really know what's really
[1:53:17] going on here.
[1:53:18] Somebody came up to me the other day and they said, I saw this vehicle, it was really large,
[1:53:22] and it had big huge tires on it, and he said, you mean our high-water vehicle?
[1:53:25] And they go, yeah, is that what it is?
[1:53:28] We have one of those?
[1:53:29] I said, yeah, we got a high-water vehicle.
[1:53:32] It really, really is amazing, and a lot of people don't even know about the events
[1:53:36] that are going on over there with the detention ponds and in cyberstitch and so you know I
[1:53:42] think it's just a function of function of us we're just kind of doing what we're doing
[1:53:46] and we're doing what we're supposed to be doing and letting other people live their
[1:53:49] lives and enjoy their lives the way they're supposed to and so that's what representative
[1:53:53] government is all about so I I think that's a I think that's a good thing we've got
[1:54:06] We'll be seeing all our folks for a board and interviews.
[1:54:10] I think we've agreed to see them all, which is also a good thing, but I think we've got
[1:54:15] a few messages with regard to how we want to do that and what we want out of it.
[1:54:19] I look forward to seeing you guys on July 4th, and for those of you out of the city,
[1:54:24] oh, one more thing.
[1:54:26] For you, this can be good.
[1:54:28] We're going to probably have to take our picture after you come back, because you'll
[1:54:32] be gone in two days, and you'll be tan.
[1:54:34] See, I know.
[1:54:35] I know. It's all about you. I know. So, in any event, so Cheryl, we'll just, we'll get
[1:54:45] it situated after Jackie comes back. Well, with that, I think that does it for the evening.
[1:54:52] that at 755, we are adjourned. Thank you all.