City of Baytown – City Council Meeting Preview
City Hall Council Chambers
December 10-11, 2025
This preview highlights the key topics the Baytown City Council will discuss and consider during its December meetings. For full agenda materials, visit baytown.org.
Special City Council Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2025- 5:00 p.m.
What’s Being Discussed?
- Municipal Court Judge Position: Council will discuss and may take possible action regarding the Municipal Court Judge position.
Why It Matters: The Municipal Court Judge oversees the administration of municipal cases. Council’s review supports accountability, continuity, and effective court operations.
- Council Priorities and Strategic Planning Initiatives: Council will discuss strategic priorities and long-term planning needs as the City prepares for 2026.
Why It Matters: These discussions guide future decision making and set the framework for upcoming initiatives, budgeting, and policy development.
City Council Work Session
Thursday, December 11, 2025- 4:30 p.m.
What’s Being Discussed?
- Legislative Update from Senator Carol Alvarado: Council will receive a briefing on state-level issues and upcoming legislative actions affecting local government.
- Election Process Overview: Staff will review Baytown’s election workflow, coordination with Harris County, and possible improvements.
- Utility Billing Continuous Improvement Team Presentation: An update on customer service improvements, workflow adjustments, and billing system enhancements.
Why It Matters: Work sessions provide background for future decisions and help ensure transparency in service improvements.
Council Swearing-In Ceremony
Thursday, December 11, 2025- 5:30 p.m.
Newly elected Councilmembers will be formally sworn in:
- District 1- Laura Alvarado
- District 2- Sarah Graham
- District 3- Ken Griffith
Why It Matters: The ceremony marks the official start of new council terms and reaffirms the outcome of the election process.
City Council Discussion
Thursday, December 11, 2025- 6:30 p.m.
Community Highlights and Recognitions
- Recognition of City employees for their years of service
- Proclamation recognizing Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Public Hearings and Major Considerations
- ULDC Text Amendment: Council will hold a public hearing and consider an amendment to the City’s development code. Updates include garage offset rules, shipping container regulations, definitions, and alignment with previous code language.
Why It Matters: Code updates ensure consistency, ease of use, and effective development standards for residents and builders.
- Short-Term Rental Special Use Permit at 5111 Ashwood Drive: A public hearing and ordinance listed on the agenda.
Why It Matters: Short-term rental requests can affect neighborhood character, parking, and safety considerations.
Key Discussions and Presentations
- Performance Dashboard and Strategic Measures: Staff will provide an update on the Envisio Performance Dashboard and progress on strategic measures.
Why It Matters: Performance dashboards improve transparency and help the public track city progress.
What’s Being Decided?
- Minutes from Previous Meetings: Council will consider approval of minutes from prior meetings.
- Chapter 212 Agreement with Wal Mart Stores: Council will consider a development agreement that includes payments to the City.
- CenterPoint Temporary Emergency Electric Energy Facilities Settlement: Council will consider a settlement resolution related to emergency electric facilities.
Why It Matters: This settlement supports continued coordination with CenterPoint and helps ensure the City is prepared for power needs during emergencies.
- Petition for Bay Creek Public Improvement District Two: Council will discuss accepting a petition and setting a public hearing.
Why It Matters: Public Improvement Districts help fund the roads, utilities, and public spaces needed for new neighborhoods. Establishing a PID ensures growth pays for itself and supports long-term planning in the Bay Creek area.
- Board and Committee Appointments: Council to consider new appointments or reappointments.
Consent Agenda Summary
The consent agenda includes a wide range of routine, but important items such as:
- Contract renewals for medical, safety, and technology services
- Vehicle and equipment purchases for Police, Parks, and Public Works
- Industrial District Agreements and tax abatement administration
- Agreement supporting emergency operations and disaster recovery
- Professional services for water, wastewater, street, and facility improvements
- Event production and entertainment contracts for major City events
Why It Matters: These items keep City services operating efficiently, maintain infrastructure, and support public safety, economic development, and community events. While considered routine, they represent significant operational work that benefits residents.
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.