City Council Approved the City of Baytown's 2020-21 Tourism Partnership Grant Program Allocations

City Council approved the proposed ordinance establishes the City of Baytown's 2020-21 Tourism Partnership Grant Program allocations.

In 2012, Council adopted a procedure for allocating funds for the City's Tourism Partnership Grant Program.  This process requires organizations seeking Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to submit an application that describes their event or project and how HOT funds supporting the event or project will comply with state law.  Applications for FY 2020-21 were received on or by August 21, 2020.  In the City's FY 2020-21 budget, a Hotel/Motel Fund budget is allocated for the Tourism Partnership Grant Program.  Staff's recommendations to Council, on which organizations should be funded and at what levels they should be funded, are based on the criteria set forth by Council and in accordance with State law, which governs how HOT revenues may be used.  The monies are required to be used to bring visitors to Baytown and promote the hotel and convention industry.

Staff recommendations were based on the ability of an applicant to document the number of visitors it is bringing to town and the number of people its event or project is putting in hotels.  Below are staff's recommendations on the allocation of funds to most effectively promote tourism in Baytown and bring visitors to our community.  The attachments include each entity’s application, the requested level of funding and the funding amount recommended. 

2020-21 Funding Recommendations:

Organization	Event	Amount
Art League of Baytown	Culture of Tea, Jan 9 - Feb 13, 2021	$4,500
Art League of Baytown	Regional Art Show and Workshop, March 11 - 14, 2021	$2,500
Bay Area Heritage Society	Project, All Year	$5,000
Baytown Family YMCA	Gator Ride, March 20, 2021	$2,500
Baytown Historical Preservation Association	Historical Preservation Project, Brown-McKay Farmhouse, All Year	$15,000
Baytown Little Theater	Summer Musical, July 30-31, August 1 &  August 6-8, 2021	$10,000
Baytown Youth Fair and Rodeo	Concert and Rodeo, April 26 - May 1, 2021	$10,000
Greater Houston Football Coaches Association	Bayou Bowl, June 9 - 12, 2021	$12,000
Historic Baytown's Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Council	Christmas on Texas Avenue, December 5, 2021	$6,000
Project Blue	Jail Break Run, February 27, 2021	$15,000
Promise Center	Eastern Rim Funny Book and Vintage Con, September 11 - 12, 2021	$12,000
Rowdy Foundation	Winslow Baytown Basketball Tournament, April 23-25, 2021	$8,000
Total Recommended Grant Allocations	$102,500

City Council Approved the Proposed Ordinance that Authorizes an Earnest Money Contract with GCCISD concerning 2.17 acres along Market Street

City Council approved the proposed ordinance that authorizes an Earnest Money Contract with Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District ("GCCISD") concerning approximately 2.17 acres along Market Street, which is depicted as follows: There are some environmental conditions at the site due to the site's previous uses, which resulted in chemical and petroleum releases.  GCCISD has agreed to do all of the necessary remediation work, which is expected to be in the range of approximately $235,992 to $291,977.  The property to be conveyed, including the rights-of-way, is valued at $240,000, based upon the appraisal attached to this item.  Therefore, the consideration for the conveyance is GCCISD's remediation of the site and GCCISD's releasing the City from all associated liability.

City Council Approve the First Amendment to the Baytown Area Water Authority 6MGD SWTP

City Council approved the First Amendment to the Consulting Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., for the Baytown Area Water Authority (BAWA) East Surface Water Treatment Plant Project in an amount not to exceed $72,000.00. 

In April 2020, BAWA approved a contract for professional services with Carollo Engineers to provide operational assistance, training and start-up support services.  This work included support for operations based on training provided by the Engineer of Record, contractor and equipment manufacturers.  Operational support including support of facility testing, start up and commissioning activities and independent review of test and start up plans, operations and maintenance manuals and support for regulatory approvals with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). 

The amendment provides for the following tasks: an Operations Training Workshop for operations staff, on-going Start-up and Commissioning Support with the Engineer of Record, continued TCEQ coordination, and support through the plant commissioning and full-scale testing period. The original contract amount of $49,000, and the proposed amendment of $72,000 bring the contract to a total amount of $121,000.00.

This item was approved by the Baytown Area Water Authority at its September 30, 2020 meeting.

City Council Authorized a Standard Utility Agreement with TxDOT for the Relocation of City Utilities

City Council approved the proposed ordinance authorizes a Standard Utility Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the relocation of City maintained utilities along the eastbound and westbound Interstate 10 frontage road between Spur 330 and Thompson Road.

TxDOT is making improvements to the Interstate 10 and Spur 330 interchange which necessitate the construction of sound barrier walls along both the eastbound and westbound frontage roads to Interstate 10. The location and depth of the foundations for the sound barrier are in conflict with approximately 3,000 linear feet of City-maintained waterline, 80 linear feet of sanitary sewer, and 13 sanitary sewer manholes.

Public Works & Engineering staff has been involved in the design of the utility relocations, has reviewed the final designs, and is satisfied with the relocation design.  This agreement with TxDOT authorizes the state, at its direct cost, to relocate the conflicting utilities. TxDOT estimates the construction cost for the relocation to be $571,385,52 and the engineering costs for the relocation to be $149,782.58. The City of Baytown (the "City") will not be responsible for the engineering or construction costs, nor will it be required to seek reimbursement for these costs. The City will be eligible for reimbursement for its direct costs related to the effort expended for plan reviews, coordination meetings, design support, agreement review, field inspection, and testing associated with this relocation project up to $30,300.

TxDOT is paying for the engineering and construction costs for this project.
Additionally, TxDOT will reimburse the COB for staff effort and reimbursements associated with this project up to $30,300.

City Council Considered an Ordinance Rejects all Bids Received for the Annual Sludge Disposal Contract

City Council considered an ordinance rejects all bids received for the Annual Sludge Disposal Contract.

City staff is recommending that all bids be rejected.  Bids received were in excess of the department budget, and the staff believes that is in the best interest of the City to rebid the contract with revised quantity amounts to stay within their budget.  Staff will rebid the contract and present it to the City Council for an award at a later date.

City Council awarded the second renewal of the Annual Repair Clamps Contract with ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc.

City Council awarded the second renewal of the Annual Repair Clamps Contract with ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc., in the amount of $98,808.07.  ACT Pipe and Supply, Inc., did not request the CPI increase for this contract term.

Supplies provided under this contract will be used for water rehabilitation and water distribution projects and repairs, water taps, and other utility construction projects.

CoB CC Approved the Proposed Ordinance Approves a Pool Usage Agreement for Use of the Lee College Natatorium for the 2021 Swim Season

City Council approved the proposed ordinance approves a pool usage agreement for use of the Lee College Natatorium for the 2021 swim season.  The Parks and Recreation Department plans to use the Lee College pool for lifeguard training during the winter months in preparation of the 2021 swim season.

The City's aquatics staff has asked to utilize Lee College during the offseason to help with the lifeguard training. At our current facility, we do not have the ability to host classes that would meet the requirements for deepwater certification; and after a certain time of year, we cannot in good conscious hold classes outside. The agreement between Lee College and the City ensures that we have enough lifeguards trained and ready to serve the community by May. We hope to continue fostering this partnership for many years to come.

City Council approved a proposed ordinance authorizes an Industrial District Agreement with Borusan Mannesmann Pipe U.S. Inc

City Council approved a proposed ordinance authorizes an Industrial District Agreement with Borusan Mannesmann Pipe U.S., Inc., for tax years 2020 through 2026 with the following base values:

Year	Base Value
2020	$80,000,000.00
2021	$80,000,000.00
2022	$129,263,041.00
2023	$129,263,041.00
2024	$129,263,041.00
2025	$129,263,041.00
2026	$129,263,041.00

The first payment pursuant to this agreement will be for the tax year 2020 based upon a yearly payment rate of .727822, which rate will increase to a rate of .786749 for tax years 2024-2026.

Pirates Bay Waterpark Recognized by the World Waterpark Association for the NinjaCross System and won an award

Pirates Bay Waterpark was selected by the World Waterpark Association to receive the September 2020 feature in the World Waterpark magazine in recognition of the NinjaCross System and its 10-year Anniversary.

The Aquatics Department won a leading-edge award for the Ninja Cross Feature by theWorld Waterpark Association. Baytown has 1 of the 7 Ninja Cross Features in the World. This is a developing story! More to come!

Mayor Presented a Proclamation to Chief Dobson on Designating October 4-10, 2020, as Fire Prevention Week

BFD along with thousands of fire departments and safety advocates across North America, are joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to commemorate Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, 2020. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during this week every year since 1925.  the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme ^TM, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!!” effectively serves to remind us to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

City Council Approved the Interlocal Agreement with Lee College District for use of the Wellness Center and Swimming

 On Thursday, the city council authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Lee College District for the use of its Wellness Center and Swimming Pool by the City Council Members and City employees.  The term of the agreement is for one (1) year at a cost of:

• $158 per person, per year, for a (1) one-year gym membership or 
• $79 per person, per year, for a six (6) month gym membership.

This agreement is similar to the one into which the City entered in September 2017, April 2018, September 2018, and September 2019.

City Council Approved the Annual Bay Area Rehabilitation Center Contract

On Thursday, the City Council approved the contract with the Bay Area Rehabilitation Center ("BARC") for park cleaning, janitorial services, and litter removal in the amount of $135,606.00.

The contract covers a 12-month period of park cleanup and janitorial services, including park cleanup at Bicentennial Park following the July 4th Celebration; weekday janitorial services of the public restrooms at Roseland Park for twelve (12)  months; along with litter removal and park cleanup at the Baytown Skate Park 2 and Unidad Park.  The contract requires 8 months of litter removal at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex (N. Main side) and 12 months of litter removal and janitorial service at McElroy Park Spray Park, as well as janitorial services at the Baytown Soccer Park.  The contract includes janitorial services for the restrooms at Jenkins Park and litter removal at the Jenkins Park skate park and spray park.  Lastly, the contract includes two (2) months of litter removal and park cleanup along with janitorial service at the Town Square Ice Rink.

New this year is Monday-Friday janitorial service of the restrooms at Evergreen Park.

Contract is effective October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021.

City Council Approved the Professional Services Agreement for the Houston High-Intensity DrugTrafficking Area Program with MSM Resources Corporation

On Thursday, the City Council authorized a Professional Services Agreement for the Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program with MSM Resources Corporation.

Since September 1995, the City has administered federal funds designated for the operation of the Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ("HIDTA") Major Offender Project. This agreement is similar to that which was entered into in past years with Stanley E. Furce, and is the ninth year of the agreement with MSM Resources Corporation.  The agreement is contingent upon funding by grant/award made available through the Office of the National Drug Control Policy ("ONDCP") and obligates the contractor to provide professional services as directed by HIDTA Executive Committee and ONDCP.  No City funds will be used.

City Council Renewed the Annual Police Uniforms Contract with Galls, LLC, formally known as Red the Uniform Tailor

On Thursday, the city council renewed the Annual Police Uniforms Contract with Galls, LLC, formally known as Red the Uniform Tailor, through a cooperative agreement with the City of Frisco, for the purchase of police uniforms and body armor in the amount of $90,000. The source of funds will come out of the operations budget for the Fiscal Year of 2021.

City Council Approved the Agreement with Labor First LLC, dba Retiree First for Retiree Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance under the medical carrier Humana

On Thursday, city council authorized an agreement with Labor First LLC, dba Retire First for Retiree Medicare Supplemental Insurance under the carrier Humana in an amount not to exceed $745,000 for the calendar year of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.  This reflects a premium decrease of 13.99% or $107,182 compared to current. This plan provides medical and prescription coverage for City retirees over the age of 65. The City has been partnered with Labor First since January 1, 2019. The source of funds is will come out of the Fiscal Year 2021 of the operations budget

City Council authorized the payment with United Healthcare of Texas, Inc

On Thursday, the City Council authorized the payment with United Healthcare of Texas, Inc. (UHC) as the Administrator for the City of Baytown's (the "City") medical and pharmaceutical claims in an amount not to exceed $396,000.  There is no rate increase for FY2021.

The City is self-insured; and, as a political subdivision, it may not self-administer claims, and therefore utilizes an administrator in managing the plan and in processing medical and pharmaceutical claims, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), PPO network fees, RX fees, stop loss fees, and legislative fees mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The City has implemented a long-term strategy designed to encourage employees to make healthy lifestyle choices as well as effectively utilize their healthcare coverage and the City of Baytown Employee Wellness Center. The long-standing relationship with UHC has proven to be effective and efficient with respect to re-pricing, network access, provider discounts, customer service, and partnering to improve the health and wellness of our employees.  

The funds will come out of the Operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021.

Mrs. Karen L. Horner Named as the City Attorney for the City of Baytown

On Thursday the city council named Ms. Horner as the new City Attorney for the City of Baytown. She is replacing Ignacio Ramirez, Sr.

City Council authorized the Closeout of San Jacinto Blvd., Phase 2

The City Council approved the proposed ordinance provides for the closeout, acceptance and final payment for the release of retainage in the amount of $372,360.44 to Angel Brothers Enterprises, LTD, for the San Jacinto Blvd, Phase 2 Project.

This project completes the San Jacinto Blvd, Phase 2 Project.  The limits of the project are approximately 500 feet south of Santavy St. to W. Cedar Bayou Lynchburg intersection.  The scope of construction included a four-lane concrete boulevard with underground drainage, utilities, landscaped median, and roadway illumination. The original contract price was $7,941,109.20. There was one deductive change order in the amount of $61,200 resulting in a revised contract amount of $7,879,909.20.

The project was completed for a total amount of $7,447,208.74 and returns $432,700.46 in unused funds to fund balance.

City Council Approved the Payment to Olson & Olson, LLP for Legal Services in Connection with APTLA v. City of Baytown

City Council authorized the payment in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to Olson & Olson, LLP, for legal services in connection with APTLA v. City of Baytown; Cause No. 1156692, in the County Civil Court at Law No. 1, Harris County, Texas.  Because of the various filings and discovery matters concerning this lawsuit, additional funds are needed in order to bring this case to conclusion.

City Council Approved the naming the 8.6-acre park property dedicated by the Dittman Family as the Dittman Family Park

City Council approved the proposed resolution on Thursday the names the 8.6-acre park property dedicated by the Dittman Family as the Dittman Family Park.  The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board considered this action at its August 5th meeting and unanimously recommended approval. Scott Johnson released a statement, he said; "Fred Dittman owned the property.  The 8.6-acre tract is located on Kilgore Road. Starts at the intersection of East James and Kilgore runs north of that intersection.  Cedar Bayou is on the other side. Long and narrow tract."