By George Slaughter
The Katy City Council Monday night passed an ordinance creating a new city planner position.
By creating the position, City Administrator Byron Hebert said the city would have a “one-stop shop” for developers who want to pursue development projects. The planner would report to Public Works Director Elaine Lutringer.
According to the job description, the city planner:
- Provides technical and administrative support to developers and citizens proposing development in the City of Katy.
- Accepts and reviews zoning applications, residential/commercial development proposals and subdivision plans.
- Reviews and compiles all items for the planning and zoning commission and the board of adjustment.
Hebert said that a planning technician that works in the city secretary’s office now does much of the work that the planner would do. He said some of this work is also performed by staff in the permits department.
“It’s designed to help you plan your city,” Hebert told the council. Upon questioning by council members, Heber said the council would have the final say on who is actually hired for the position, as it is for other positions.
The ordinance takes effect immediately.
In other action Monday, the council:
- Passed an ordinance that amends the city code of ordinances by adding a new article on temporary structures used for commercial or retail purposes. The article is part of the building and construction chapter of the code of ordinances. The council passed this ordinance after holding a public hearing on the matter.
- Issued a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in Katy.
- Issued a proclamation recognizing the Katy Police Department for 50 years of service.
- Reviewed the city’s bank statement and check register.
- Approved meeting minutes for the May 8, May 15, May 22 and the June 1 council meetings.
- Approved street closure requests for the annual Katy Old-Fashioned Christmas, which is set for Saturday, December 2. Street closures will be on Avenues B and C between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Additional street closures will be on 2nd Street between Avenues A and D, and 3rd Street between Avenues B and C.
- Accepted water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and paving improvements for Section 6 at the Reserve at Katy.
- Approved water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and paving improvements for Phase 3 at the Cane Island Parkway.
- Awarded a $497,000 bid to AAA Asphalt Paving, Inc., of Houston, for the 2017 Street Rehabilitation Project. The total project cost is $595,065, which includes the bid amount, contingencies, engineering, surveying and inspection.
- Awarded a $365,477.50 bid to IPR South Central, of Houston, for the Pin Oak sanitary sewer line. The total project cost is $442,498.50, which includes the bid amount, contingencies, engineering, surveying and inspection.
- Awarded a $161,131 bid to MMG Contractor, of Houston, for a waterline replacement project. The total project cost is $197,875, which includes the bid amount, contingencies, engineering, surveying and inspection.
- Adopted two resolutions authorizing Mayor Chuck Brawner to sign an interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County for the construction of the Texas Heritage Parkway within the jurisdiction of the City of Katy. Two agreements required Brawner’s signature, thus requiring separate votes.