City of Baytown – City Council Meeting Preview

City Hall Council Chambers

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Work Session: 5:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting: 6:30 p.m.

Work Session

What’s Being Discussed?

• Solid Waste Franchise Fee Presentation: Council will receive proposed amendments to Chapter 86, Article IV of Baytown’s Code of Ordinances related to solid waste franchise permits, first adopted in 2013. Proposed changes include a uniform franchise permit, quarterly activity reports, clarified audit and confidentiality provisions, and guidance on sales tax reporting.

Why It Matters: Provides consistent rules for all haulers, better accountability, and helps ensure accurate fee collection for core city services.

• Alcohol Beverages Ordinance Discussion: Staff will discuss amending Section 70-8 of the Code of Ordinances to allow alcohol service at City-owned or controlled properties for approved tourism and sports tourism events, subject to permits and site restrictions.

Why It Matters: The amendment supports Baytown’s efforts to attract regional tourism and sports events, creating new opportunities for economic growth while keeping safety and permitting controls in place.

Regular Meeting

Municipal Development District (MDD) Discussion

What’s Being Decided?

• Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: The Municipal Development District will consider approving the minutes of the joint meetings held on September 25, 2025 and October 23, 2025.
• Contract Discussion involving Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation: The Municipal Development District will consider a $350,000 economic development contract with the Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation. The agreement combines two existing contracts into one for FY 2026 and continues Baytown’s partnership with the Foundation to support business recruitment, redevelopment, and policy initiatives.

Why It Matters: This contract strengthens Baytown’s regional partnerships and drives new investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth.

City Council Discussion

Community Highlights and Recognitions

Council will honor City of Baytown employees for their years of service, receive the Emergency Management Accreditation Award, and present a proclamation designating November 8, 2025, as Brickyards on Cedar Bayou Day.

Election Canvass and Certification of Results

Council will consider the official canvass and certification of the November 4, 2025 General Election, which included council races for Districts 1 and 3, General Obligation bonds, and the renewal of the Crime Control (CCPD) and Fire Control (FCPEMSD) Districts.

What’s Being Decided?

• Special Use Permit (SUP) for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Council will consider granting a Special Use Permit for a Battery Energy Storage System across four parcels on Bob Smith Road and Walker Road totaling approximately 9.26 acres.

Why It Matters: The permit would allow renewable energy storage within zoning guidelines.

• Additional Special Use Permits (SUPs): Council to discuss other Special Use Permit requests for property uses consistent with zoning standards.
• Reinvestment Zone Ordinance: Discussion of an ordinance related to the administration of a designated Reinvestment Zone (RIZ).

Why It Matters: Ensures the continued oversight and accountability of Baytown’s reinvestment zones, which help guide economic and infrastructure improvements in specific areas of the city.

• Ordinance to Reject Bids for Regular Light Towing and Storage Services: Council will consider rejecting all bids received for regular light towing and storage services due to incomplete submissions that did not meet City requirements.

Why It Matters: Re-bidding ensures Baytown’s towing contracts meet service standards and compliance needs before awarding taxpayer-funded contracts.

• Ordinance Ratifying Compromise Settlement Agreement and Release (Del Sol): Council will discuss ratifying a settlement agreement and release between Del Sol and the City of Baytown.

Why It Matters: Resolving this matter through settlement avoids prolonged litigation, protects taxpayer interests, and ensures closure on financial claims.

• Resolution Adopting Annexes to the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): Council will consider adopting several annexes to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, including those covering mass care, public safety, disaster finance, recovery, and volunteer coordination.

Why It Matters: Updating these annexes ensures Baytown remains compliant with state emergency management standards and ready for coordinated disaster response.

• Consent Agenda Items: Routine items include contracts, purchases, budget adjustments, and authorizations supporting day-to-day City operations.
• Appointments: Council will consider appointments for Chambers County Appraisal District, Harris Central Appraisal District, and Harris-Galveston Subsidence District.

Get Involved

• Attend in person at City Hall Council Chambers.
• Watch live on Xfinity Channel 16.
• Livestream available on baytown.org.
• Share your comments during the Public Input Session.