Posted on March 13, 2026 at 4:59 PM by Sheree Cardwell
City of Baytown City Council Meeting Recap
City Hall Council Chambers
Thursday, March 12, 2026
6:30pm
This summary is intended to inform the public of the main topics discussed and actions taken by the Baytown City Council during meetings on March 12. For more detailed information, the full meeting transcript and official minutes are available on the meetings and agendas webpage or upon request.
Municipal Development District (MDD) Meeting
What was Discussed?
- Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston Financial Oversight
- The MDD approved a professional services agreement with Admin CFO, LLC to provide financial oversight services for the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston project in an amount not to exceed $120,000.
Regular City Council Meeting
Recognitions
- ASEZ STAR Community Cleanup Day
- Council presented a proclamation recognizing ASEZ STAR student volunteers for their community cleanup efforts at Britton Park.
- ASEZ WAO Community Cleanup Day
- Council also recognized ASEZ WAO, a global young adult volunteer organization, for conducting a community cleanup effort in Baytown.
Key Actions Taken
- Tourism-Impact Event Ordinance Updates
- Council approved a series of ordinance amendments allowing properly permitted tourism-impact events at City parks to include alcohol service, exemptions from standard park hours, and limited merchandise or vendor sales tied to the event.
- These changes are intended to support sports tourism and attract regional events while maintaining permitting and regulatory oversight.
- Enterprise Zone Nomination for Covestro
- Council approved a resolution nominating Covestro LLC for designation as an Enterprise Project under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. The proposed project includes a $250 million investment in modernization and safety upgrades at the company’s Baytown facility, retaining approximately 490 jobs and creating additional positions.
- Capital Improvement Plan and Finance Committees
- Council approved updates to committee assignments. Laura Alvarado was appointed chair of the Finance Committee with Sarah Graham and James Franco serving as members. Ken Griffith was appointed chair of the Capital Improvement Plan Committee with Mike Lester and Jacob Powell serving as members.
- Mayor Pro Tem Appointment
- Following nominations and a vote of Council, Laura Alvarado was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Consent Agenda
Council approved the consent agenda, which included routine items such as:
- Authorization for aerial mosquito control operations in the Chambers County portion of Baytown
- Professional services agreement for Fire/EMS continuing education software
- Authorization to submit four applications to Harris County Precinct 2’s FY 2026 Call for Partnership Projects, including projects related to the Jenkins Park railroad overpass, Fire Station 4 construction, roadway improvements, and marina infrastructure
- Renewal of the annual HVAC services contract
- Speed limit adjustments on SH 146 between Tompkins Drive and Chambers Town Center
- Construction management services for the Fire Station 2 replacement project
- Change order for the Chambers Commons Lift Station and Gravity Relief Interceptors project
- Lease amendment related to the Baytown Marina at Bayland Island
- Purchase of a telehandler for city operations
Appointments
- Local Health Authority Appointment
- Council approved the appointment of Dr. Neil Gandhi to serve as the City of Baytown’s Local Health Authority for a two-year term. The Local Health Authority advises City officials on public health issues and provides guidance on state and local public health laws affecting the community.
Reports
- Manager’s Report
- City Manager Jason Reynolds highlighted several accomplishments and updates, including:
- Parks Department hosting its first Safety Rodeo training event
- Finance Department receiving national GFOA awards for budgeting and financial reporting
- Public Works staff receiving national recognition through the American Public Works Association
- Tourism initiatives bringing regional sporting events and tournaments to Baytown
- Continued progress toward additional transparency recognition through the Texas Transparency Stars program.
- Council District Report
- Council Member James Franco provided an update on development activity in District 4, including new restaurant openings, medical facilities, commercial projects, and continued recreational activity at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex and Pirates Bay Waterpark.
Executive Session
Council recessed into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code to discuss economic development negotiations. No action was taken during Executive Session.
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