[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6671711,"mediaKeyId","2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc","parentId",2154655,"title","Votes at a glance: Bellaire council approves grant application, security contract, debris agreements and other items","audioSeconds",3249,"startMs",4622000,"endMs",7871000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc&start=4622&end=7871","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc/thumbnail_4622000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6671711/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Bellaire-council-approves-grant-application-security-contract-debris-agreements-and-other-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671711-6e320fae9a52ca96c1bf03799b12d38c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158182&Signature=mSjGLF4b88ymN6gXQbxG3oduzqkfQujyCQ6wAUuRK0Jtn3-8AdrTpAsHZNlGWUd8118MDG7~saoj9luNQ~j~PLDuIufkR2OuNMfI6y7XMQT98SQN6zBOH0i9HRZCyoCjYTT14mCw6chNAslmKpj94WZPUAPkVwbVM2A0NAm91NFOoIKQI5VgDNaMKTiXvzBOCGU0O0XWN0OLL1wLnoPAvSywtm9gyyDGu1CeG~x8Xg7p8H1-nN78XNRcZJocduT~9yD1zM09X0DHPmjyX5Y4JrH15I-ey6ORrIzROBSA6zAT5aSTpjO3JKbd0cg5M9BqqL-NC4RuqBQZnggEKWTmTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","Bellaire City Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions at its Jan. 27 meeting. Most items passed unanimously; one contract authorization (HDR work order) passed 6-0 after a councilmember recused.

Key votes and outcomes (motions recorded during the meeting):

- Victim assistance grant resolution: Council authorized the city manager to apply for and accept grant funds through the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, General Victim Assistance direct services grant program and designated the city manager as the authorized official with authority to apply for, accept, reject, alter or terminate grant funding. Motion passed unanimously by voice.

- Security improvements contract (Public Works/Building security): Council authorized the city manager to execute documentation for building security improvements (Bel Air Family Aquatic Center, library, rec center, fire department) with Mobile Communications of America Inc. in an amount not to exceed $264,008.08. Motion approved by roll call; result recorded as seven in favor.

- Emergency debris-removal agreements (items F, G, H, I): Council authorized the city manager to execute standard-form agreements with multiple contractors for emergency debris removal and related services. The ordinances set not-to-exceed amounts of $3,000,000 for items F and G and $300,000 each for items H and I. Council voted unanimously to approve the package.

- Fiscal sponsorship for Evergreen fundraising: Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a fiscal sponsorship agreement with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) Corporation for Regional Excellence to receive tax-deductible donations for the We Are Evergreen fundraising effort. The nonprofit sponsor will retain a 3% administrative fee on donations. Motion passed unanimously.

- Fee schedule changes: Council adopted an ordinance adding an annual grease-trap registration fee (mirroring a $150 annual model referenced in staff materials) and establishing tiered floodplain development permit fees with smaller tiers for minor projects. Motion passed unanimously.

- Alarm ordinance and vendor administration: Council adopted amendments to Chapter 9.5 to require annual alarm permits, renewal fees and false-alarm penalties and authorized outsourcing administration to a vendor. Motion passed unanimously after a failed amendment to raise fine levels.

- HDR work order, wastewater engineering support: Council authorized work order number 2 with HDR Inc. for wastewater facilities engineering support in an amount not to exceed $26,400. Councilmember David Gordon recused from this vote; motion passed 6-0.

- Youth Advisory Board appointment: Council appointed Kashika Adhikari to fill a partial unexpired term on the Youth Advisory Board (term ending Aug. 2025). Motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The package combines operational measures (alarm administration, building security upgrades), emergency preparedness steps (debris-removal contracts), funding and fundraising decisions (grant application and fiscal sponsorship), and study work that will inform a major infrastructure decision (wastewater analysis). Several items have near-term budget implications or will affect public services and vendor relationships.

Meeting mechanics: Items in the consent agenda were approved by general consent where noted; several items were removed from consent for separate discussion before being approved. The meeting included public comment on the wastewater plant and extended council debate on alarm fees and vendor options.

Full action details, vote tallies and provenance for each voted item are listed below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - City Council - Jan 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Bellaire City Council approved a package of grants, contracts and ordinances at its Jan. 27 meeting, including a victim assistance grant application, a $264,008 building security contract, four emergency debris agreements, and a $26,400 HDR engineering work order to refine wastewater cost estimates.","taxTitle","Bellaire, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671715,"Bellaire council adopts alarm-permit renewals, false-alarm fee schedule and outsources administration",2635,4649000,7284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc&start=4649&end=7284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc/thumbnail_4649000.jpg","/articles/6671715/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-council-adopts-alarm-permit-renewals-false-alarm-fee-schedule-and-outsources-administration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671715-54383f0d327c8b056a6e03906b46fa83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158182&Signature=TylQTX6eYmBtdrSXp0R9ow2G8jGD7LvaDQoDCgqDvSmQwq8j4Ufh4OttVCKgRvcBD5V-GAdkt~3S8lwrNcQFmx9oQ170Wzk878BXgxp59bPFSn3vlu67M9-uSqpnw~hdt11ZKnvTiGq4vPJNzace2VX6d77260D-cxJjlwg0tFOcGM12YpnuMpDHgAezEYz90GkNwuw2YN6U96WXjGkPqAeeEOGfMD7Q-6PROkpCLhXau3DmO~CulHHkJoCVQcwMHDudL7vc0xkUv~x1GYYQqDO40P5sln~CPvO-2WBskbIB16dkp-FfLxpn13ivF9wH~nxwMcSokqbWb1BOWD2Jzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire City Council voted unanimously Jan. 27 to adopt changes to Chapter 9.5 of the city code that will require annual alarm permits, set renewal fees and establish a tiered penalty schedule for repeated false alarms. The ordinance also authorizes the city to contract with a third-party vendor to administer permit registration, billing and outreach.

Why it matters: Bellaire's police department reported thousands of alarm responses in the last year, nearly all false; the city estimates the cost of responding to false alarms ran into the tens of thousands of dollars. Council's change is intended to ensure accurate contact information, reduce repeat false alarms, and recoup some of the city's costs.

Chief Lynn Lopez told council that in calendar 2024 Bellaire recorded 1,831 alarm responses of which only seven were valid and that using the city's response-cost formula the cost to respond to false alarms was \"approximately $108,000.\" The proposed ordinance creates a registration and renewal regime (staff recommended $25 annually for residential permits and $50 for commercial), establishes a fine schedule for repeat false alarms and allows the city manager to contract for a vendor-managed program.

Council also reviewed three vendor models. Staff recommended a revenue-sharing vendor arrangement (an approximately 80/20 split referenced in the meeting) instead of a flat fee, because the vendor would absorb setup and day-to-day administrative burden and would handle renewals, online portals, mailed notices and appeals processing. The vendor demonstration described an online portal where residents can register, update contact information, track invoices and pay fees.

A council amendment proposing higher fines failed on a 4-3 roll call. The council then approved the ordinance as presented and directed staff to implement the vendor-administered registration and renewal program. Chief Lopez said the city will use officer discretion in classifying and coding calls that arise from major power outages or regionwide events so residents are not unfairly penalized.

Quotes from the meeting include the chief's explanation of administrative cost and the program: \"...the cost to the city to respond to those false alarms was approximately, hundred and $8,000,\" and later, when discussing vendor options, staff referenced a revenue-sharing model of \"80/20.\" Several council members said they will review impacts after a year and may revisit fine levels if the program does not reduce repeat false alarms.

Next steps: Staff will finalize vendor negotiations, create the registration portal and begin a public information campaign before the city starts assessing renewal fees and fines. Councilmembers asked staff to return with usage data and implementation details after the first year.","Council passed an amended alarm ordinance that creates annual alarm permits, a renewal fee structure and a tiered false-alarm penalty schedule; members debated fine levels and vendor administration before unanimous approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671720,"Council OKs $26,400 HDR work order to tighten cost estimates for wastewater options",7102,769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc&start=769&end=7871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2154655-1e5b660a88b87239dc733db03510cdfc/thumbnail_769000.jpg","/articles/6671720/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Council-OKs-26400-HDR-work-order-to-tighten-cost-estimates-for-wastewater-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671720-30cca9974db0a0f25da83fc6b6989d5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158182&Signature=KgU7Myj3cs7EfwmWhhHd2OvsRHg6cnqlBf-uTi~xYLqsqXzyyeFyG8UEAa-nWw2cXCbe~GJsB6wLlgbV48xeK9sxjspdx-sw3jyhTMAHMJc-JKyX5FBvlBiUtcMbwgaV6jfCHp-iJ~yggr15kN3QXlF79S-fpotyLJFvgZXZ383HzLp-gPXzHylGhCdtgBwkWylnJ17vS9aEWoX4uykaKatEAEBoTXHmHT0YBAItKuHMtc6cVcwgSm2JVAtEamiKUF-Yf5xzv8uYC7Tr4oo9ly8xZrILwjWsYeRwdnRQ5Az1PLgoK~s5BRPFv1qk5q9k1RF4L3~ob5BBXMYcUz4TPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellaire City Council on Jan. 27 authorized a $26,400 contract amendment with engineering firm HDR Inc. to refine and narrow cost estimates for options related to the city's wastewater treatment plant and related lift-station work.

The action followed public comment urging independent review and a council discussion about the level of detail needed before any long-term decision. The vote passed 6-0; Councilmember David Gordon recused himself because of an unrelated business relationship with HDR.

Why it matters: Council has been weighing whether to repair and modernize the existing plant, rebuild a smaller or different-capacity plant, or decommission the facility and send Bellaire's wastewater to a neighboring system. More precise cost estimates will be used to compare alternatives and inform future budget and policy choices.

The new work order directs HDR to produce tighter Class C estimates for a lowest-cost replacement plant (the staff direction was to model a roughly 2.5 million gallons-per-day baseline), firm up preliminary costs for lift stations and force mains if the city elects to decommission the plant and send flows to the Houston system, and to analyze feasibility and costs for siting a new plant on the city's public works laydown yard across the street from the existing facility. Beth Jones, Bellaire assistant city manager and the city engineer, told council the $26,400 amendment is intended to pull specific \"levers\" in prior HDR analyses so council has clearer, value-engineered numbers.

Public comment had flagged the city's procurement and oversight practices. Dan Sylvester, a longtime Bellaire resident who identified himself as experienced in engineering, urged the council to obtain an independent second opinion rather than rely only on the firm that produced the original report. \"You ought to have an independent review of a second party, not the same firm that did the first one,\" Sylvester said during public comments, arguing that an independent review could have prevented mistakes on other large projects.

Jones reminded council that HDR was selected through a public request-for-qualifications process and that work order one's condition assessment and related studies cost about $285,000 to date. She said the proposed $26,400 work order is narrowly targeted to sharpen the numbers for council deliberations; moving to a full design-level estimate would be substantially more expensive. Jones stressed the work order would produce the least-expensive replacement estimate unless council instructs staff to evaluate higher-performance treatment options.

Council members emphasized the need for better data before making an irreversible long-term decision. Mayor Pro Tem Frazier, Councilmembers Taylor and Witt and others said they supported the additional study to give future votes better factual grounding. Gordon disclosed his professional relationship with HDR and recused himself from the vote; the motion passed 6-0.

Next steps: HDR will return with the tighter estimates and feasibility findings for council review. Council members said they expect the supplemental analysis to inform budget planning, potential grant discussions and any later public outreach about a future decision.","Bellaire City Council authorized a $26,400 work order with HDR to refine cost estimates for replacing or upgrading the city's wastewater treatment plant, after public comment urged an independent review; Councilmember Gordon recused and the measure passed 6-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Bellaire council approves grant application, security contract, debris agreements and other items

Bellaire council adopts alarm-permit renewals, false-alarm fee schedule and outsources administration

Council OKs $26,400 HDR work order to tighten cost estimates for wastewater options