by: Tom Behrens Special session called May 24, 2022 to discuss and explain the Kendig Keast Collaboration Plan for the City of Katy. Kendig Keast Collaborative is a multidisciplinary planning consultancy composed of seasoned professionals who specialize in assisting towns in planning for and realizing their preferred future, providing necessary policy and spatial planning strategies, tools, and techniques. Council members present: Mayor Dusty Thiele, Mayor ProTem Chris Harris, Council Member, Council Member Gina Corte, Council […]
City Council
City Council Solidifies Plans for 3B Learning Center
By Terry Carter Several years ago, Katy City Administrator Byron Hebert strolled through a five-acre, wooded area the city had recently purchased. And he began to create a vision that is now designated as The 3B Learning Center. On Monday, Hebert updated Katy City Council members on the plans for an interactive learning center focused on birds, bees and butterflies. The logo and design will be ideal for school field trips and children/students, families and […]
Katy City Council Postpones Mayor Pro Tem Vote
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday postponed a vote on Mayor Bill Hastings’s choice of Council Member-at-Large Chris Harris to serve as mayor pro tem. Ward A Council Member Frank Carroll tagged, or postponed, the item until the next council meeting, set for August 12. Carroll’s move came after proposing that the current mayor pro tem, Ward B Council Member Durran Dowdle, remain in that role until after the city budget process in […]
Council Members Sworn into Office
CITY OF KATY (Covering Katy News)—Chris Harris, Janet Corte, and Durran Dowdle were sworn into office Monday night at the Katy City Council meeting. Harris defeated former Council Member Larry Gore for the at-large seat, which was vacated by incumbent Steve Pierson under term limits. Corte defeated incumbent Ray Boothe for her Ward A seat. Dowdle won re-election against challenger Sam Pearson for his Ward B seat. Harris and Corte are beginning their first terms […]
City Updates Its Garbage Collection Policy to Include Yard Waste
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday night updated its garbage collection policy to include yard waste pickup twice a month. Under the new policy, the city will pick up yard waste, which includes leaves, grass clippings, small trimmings, and so forth, on the twice-monthly heavy trash days. In a presentation to the council, Kayce Reina, the city’s director of tourism, marketing, and public relations, said that up to 15 bags of yard waste […]
City Council Considering Garbage Collection Issues
By George Slaughter For the past several years, Republic Services, the City of Katy’s garbage removal contractor, has picked up bags and trash in addition to what would be put in its blue carts. Such bags or personal trash cans might be filled with grass clippings, leaves, or other trash. Ward B Council Member Jimmy Mendez said Republic Services had been doing more than its contract specified in performing this additional work. But with costs […]
City to Apply for Another Fire Department Grant as it Accepts $2 Million Federal Grant
By George Slaughter The Katy City Council Monday night adopted a resolution to formally accept a three-year Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant for the hiring and training of 16 new firefighters. The grant, for $2,181,579, is from the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The grant is a key part of the city’s efforts to build its second fire station, which is to be […]
Katy City Council Creates City Planner Position
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 […]
Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off Katy Style
On Monday, April 24th Mayor Fabol Hughes and the City Council issued a proclamation to help promote the Annual Keep Katy Beautiful Trash Bash & Electronic Recycling Event. Keep America Beautiful has partnered with national sponsors to establish the Great American Cleanup, the largest such grassroots effort in the nation, organize and bring national attention to the community improvement activities undertaken by its participating organizations. Keep Katy Beautiful, a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, […]