[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6116945,"mediaKeyId","2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738","parentId",2731401,"title","City awards Australia-Solomon reconstruction to Ballast Point after residents complain about prior contractor work","audioSeconds",64,"startMs",4142000,"endMs",4206000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738&start=4142&end=4206","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738/thumbnail_4142000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116945/Texas/City-awards-Australia-Solomon-reconstruction-to-Ballast-Point-after-residents-complain-about-prior-contractor-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116945-467ff8c484f81fd79962ca5095425242/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845010&Signature=hn5hO7J~Z97-gkDka~lz6CN~-S2v~qFZfb5Ig1NrElTaewVBa6qUNEAPh-Xl1IB-LYcpqD8xkqBLSIIM4eth1qPOZMhQvm5XqoTie~Lpjmb-HTiOsU53JPyWoZIkq-vCXh5ElQ~rN0HOM9EDAOtLaXwrB6mQF~aisVZ7nUo9r9dHHYy1YBAD3Q069yIYDyVETgD7Cx0ztacOW8P6KVvgifLHY0N9eFW3Yr7Ru6xZG2JnKSp8g3iAZKj9~DyPplqd1AFy3d1TeHqYBn60aUQeyzFO0sISGR1RD7~m0ZAUmnf8kcBG0SwopTAjlhJ5N1dWtN1BwAs3K0uDFrjEXGKNXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Jersey Village TX","date","2025-03-22T00:54:17.12Z","article","Jersey Village City Council voted unanimously to award the Australia Street and Solomon Street reconstruction contract to Ballast Point Construction Inc., citing past performance concerns with the lowest bidder, Environmental Allies. The council approved Resolution 2025-15 after staff and the city\u001fs engineering consultant, Gage Engineering, recommended Ballast Point despite a higher bid.

Council members and staff said the decision weighs the risk of a lower price against the likelihood of successful, timely completion. Assistant City Manager Robert Bassford told the council that Environmental Allies submitted the lowest bid at just over $5,000,000 but that staff and Gage Engineering had identified problems on previous projects including pavement issues, stormwater compliance concerns, construction sequencing problems and residential disruptions. Bassford said Ballast Point\u001fs bid of $5,249,430 offered more reliable project management and fewer anticipated change orders.

Residents at the council meeting described continuing problems on the nearby Congo Street project, which is under a different contract. Multiple speakers said crews left punch-list items undone, used resident driveways for staging, left topsoil insufficient for replanting and delivered bricks that did not match home exteriors. Jackie Baba told the council the Congo Lane project \"has been a nightmare\" and asked the city to require staging away from homes. Cheryl Berges said laborers had used her outside water faucet without permission and that trucks were blocking drives.

Staff said project managers Tim and Bob are tracking resident reports and that a formal punch-list walkthrough will be required before final payment. Bassford said all street panels for Congo are poured and staff will hold a detailed punch-list inspection with the engineer, inspector and contractor. Council members asked staff to document pre-project photos so contractors cannot dispute claims of damage.

Votes and motions: Council Member Sheppard moved to approve Resolution 2025-15 awarding the Australia and Solomon reconstruction contract to Ballast Point Construction Inc.; Council Member McCrae seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The reconstruction projects are part of the city\u001fs 2023 bond program. Council emphasized avoiding a repeat of perceived deficiencies on earlier work even if that means paying a higher price now to limit future costs and resident disruptions.

What comes next: Staff will finalize the contract with Ballast Point and schedule a pre-construction meeting so work can begin with summer scheduling in mind. City staff said they will continue to track and address Congo project punch-list items before final closeout.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 17, 2025 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Jersey Village City Council voted unanimously to award the Australia and Solomon Street reconstruction contract to Ballast Point Construction Inc., citing prior quality concerns with the lowest bidder and extensive resident complaints about an ongoing neighboring project.","taxTitle","Jersey Village City Council, Jersey Village, Harris County, Texas","taxId",72994,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116928,"Property Standards Board reclassifies two hotels as Tier 2 after hearing; appeals and next steps explained",277,363000,640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738&start=363&end=640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738/thumbnail_363000.jpg","/articles/6116928/Texas/Property-Standards-Board-reclassifies-two-hotels-as-Tier-2-after-hearing-appeals-and-next-steps-explained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116928-ec5a4f725d8618dcdd413ffc5ffb99a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845010&Signature=d59BimvuxQiZbH5vhm5SOphNu5uJv51Q3cM1PaKPrcZ4yGYsEHrCLNKlzo~bT0WSCeQIlrlTnJXpF6NlSGzbj5~d6xosH9hNdGZoEw0I~5oitoT7LsefiGq2fkHFQ77JlSCFtqSN4SpbItRXEtD75UzwAa7D9AOtsEWqCs7KDbTFBpTTBNpRHY4jE-ZTJWTryUUziiM-1502~CYicEtmTKQEs6wIVKtBFdWv--ZUCOaHACp~XHsxZylw1Wlka5SKJ0s3w79Do2DC3CXN5caLqH1OzsPc9~stYjlK0S30xuiZBRnFG3AcFgAsapzOLj8GNixc9CFuZCV~IusAGlNFCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jersey Village Property Standards Board approved orders that reclassify two hotels as Tier 2 following public hearings and staff presentations on call volumes and crime-prevention activity.

At the start of the meeting, board members and the mayor referenced high numbers of police calls for some hotel properties. Board members said they were concerned about community safety and resource strain on the police department but also expressed reluctance to cause a business to close. One board member noted that the hotel's operations had changed ownership and brand over the years and that some calls were welfare checks or citizen-initiated.

For My Vahan LLC doing business as Red Roof Inn, the board voted unanimously to approve Order 2025-02, classifying the property as a Tier 2 hotel. The motion to approve the proposed order was made, seconded, and the vote was recorded as unanimous.

For Vitol 4 LLC doing business as Quality Suites at 17550 Northwest Freeway, the board likewise approved a proposed order finding the property classified as Tier 2; the board recorded a unanimous vote on the order referenced as Order 2025-01.

Staff told the board that call and crime-prevention statistics were part of the analysis. The police department reported an increase in logged crime-prevention incidents at one location from 72 in 2023 to 333 in 2024 and 55 so far in 2025; staff said classification tiers are reviewed annually and would be re-evaluated next January.

The board noted that further appeals of the classification decisions would go to the courts. During the hearing, the property owner indicated an attorney was expected but not available and that written appeals had been filed.

Why it matters: Tier 2 classification carries regulatory consequences under the city's property standards and licensing scheme; it is intended to require additional mitigation measures at properties deemed to impose above-normal calls on police and code resources.

What comes next: The classifications will be effective per the adopted orders and automatically reviewed during the city's annual analysis; additional enforcement or conditions may follow depending on compliance and future call counts. Appeals are available to the property owners through judicial channels.","The Property Standards Board approved proposed orders reclassifying My Vahan LLC (Red Roof Inn) and Vitol 4 LLC (Quality Suites) as Tier 2 hotels after staff and police presented call and crime-prevention data. Both orders were approved unanimously; further appeals may be directed to the courts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116932,"Council amends water rates: irrigation meter service charge eliminated, residential monthly fee increased",0,4980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738&start=4980&end=4980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738/thumbnail_4980000.jpg","/articles/6116932/Texas/Council-amends-water-rates-irrigation-meter-service-charge-eliminated-residential-monthly-fee-increased","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116932-43d63702a4881873137cc44d142f3248/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845010&Signature=NqORRBn4OOn-rCTGz6u3HrFyuviX2Di-W9n9vtnyldh8lo9Gb7v8SppiodeGWtTgiz1-Vwg9xxfJYDHly1f6nPwt0p2DZHFFlgO15x-uKd4JP7b~lM5JJ9OkLgbIYMk0ASvMAvFi51w4AZP~36NTv196deo-35wilWTkF36icQLmcHx73rmzx76rqb6HI4SE8UISwaFt9MwI2cg7lDpDaTDr8roYg27GZdYz7FTfI4Zx8jQODdf-HEbOFpt7YgpPOL~p7HCAxfkr9jzoQayhq~nO7gTTdxI8gXhjF3kK0wtFdAIkyJvCT5spXYWpV3CX-TA3RTNj8eNSPGaoQCHzog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jersey Village City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-08 to change the city's water-rate schedule. The ordinance eliminates the basic monthly service charge for residential irrigation accounts and sets a single monthly service charge for each residential address.

Under the ordinance, the monthly service charge applied per meter will be restructured so that residential properties pay one charge per residence instead of paying separate basic service charges for each water meter, including irrigation meters. As discussed at prior workshops, the change increases the monthly residential charge by $5.05; staff said the revised per-residence monthly service charge will be $20.05 and the separate irrigation-meter monthly fee will be removed.

Assistant City Manager Austin Blease and staff told council the change aims to encourage irrigation meters (by removing a duplicative monthly charge) while simplifying billing and better matching costs to customers. Council had reviewed options at a February work session and directed staff to prepare the ordinance.

Votes and motions: Council Member moved to approve Ordinance 2025-08 amending Chapter 70 (Utilities), Section 77 (Rate Schedule); motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The change affects residential utility bills and incentives for customers to install dedicated irrigation meters; staff said it encourages irrigation meters by removing a second monthly meter charge while modestly increasing the base monthly fee for each residence.

What comes next: The ordinance takes effect for water used beginning in April and will be reflected in May utility bills.","Ordinance 2025-08 eliminates the basic monthly service charge for residential irrigation meters and raises the single-residence monthly service charge by $5.05 so that each residence pays a single $20.05 monthly service charge. Council discussed the policy in prior workshops and approved the ordinance unanimously.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116937,"Council and residents debate replacement options after city demolishes aging pool; crowdfunding and —replacement-only— proposals emerge",3589,3221000,6810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738&start=3221&end=6810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738/thumbnail_3221000.jpg","/articles/6116937/Texas/Council-and-residents-debate-replacement-options-after-city-demolishes-aging-pool-crowdfunding-and-replacement-only-proposals-emerge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116937-752c6f9cc06e44bc3f5695c21bf652d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845010&Signature=TNuGdIP~pYcU5aEiVAt-ZLhG2wrEJ4EbTzoPKcHf95lC7JGfOwQkEXe4nMm47HC8gST66pjnyHqSjlFTmLwzVfixPodXIAJrPMAEET7fJjD8f4LWJ62TffslnNjT5E6xcLZbu0A5~uvjBv8O7ArfNFBX5Ce5JyQBSQxh52vdIgYaxZa1odMs55PXEfjwviqsOGIavBbAp0v2hygzqattPvmlS9O4qqIK3Vl~5hRpcWSB7J5qYyVQLoifxy6CYlAL9qtHXxk7QpA0a203ypv6I6y4FeMPSim2yHj51LGg624dpzDGoxhNeahXi95EjWnY2xE9gDgYDIVd3gvXldBoUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jersey Village City Council and numerous residents spent more than an hour discussing next steps after the city demolished the community pool. No formal action was taken; council members agreed to continue discussions during the budget process and to explore lower-cost options and private fundraising.

Residents at public comment criticized the decision to demolish the old pool without an approved replacement. Ben Blumenthal told the council he was \"angry\" that the pool was demolished and said he believed tests that could have informed repair decisions had not been completed. Other speakers, including former users and parents, asked the council to expedite a replacement.

Council members and staff outlined possible paths forward. Mayor and other council members said engineering assessments showed renovation would not be cost-effective and that replacement was necessary. Mayor described a proposal, brought forward by Councilmembers and community members, to build a new pool that would closely resemble the previous pool but defer new buildings to lower the total cost; staff estimated a conservative range of $5 million to $6 million for a replacement-only option (pool, piping and mechanical systems, but not new clubhouse-type buildings).

A resident, Brian McCauley, proposed forming a community crowdfunding committee to raise private funds and solicit business sponsorships for a smaller, volunteer-driven campaign. McCauley pledged $3,000 personally and suggested incentives such as naming rights, lifetime memberships for major donors, and plaques. Council members asked staff to research legal and operational constraints and to clarify whether crowdfunding donations could be accepted and how they would be handled.

Council emphasized that the city has limited grant options for pools and that most funding would likely be through bonds or private funds. Staff noted that any bond proceeds must be spent on authorized bond purposes and warned about timing: projects planned for the bond program could be delayed if cash flow or reserves are constrained.

Votes and motions: No formal motions were made on a replacement plan at the meeting. Council asked staff to include the pool discussion in upcoming budget work and to explore a lower-cost replacement-only option and crowdfunding/donation legal constraints.

Why it matters: The pool serves many families and youth programs; replacing the facility quickly is a priority for many residents. However, funding choices could influence whether a replacement is feasible this year or is delayed for several years.

What comes next: Council will revisit the pool during the May budget meeting and later budget work sessions; staff will investigate donation/crowdfunding legality and costs for a replacement-only design to produce cost estimates.","After the council\u001fs earlier decision to demolish the old city pool, residents and council members discussed options for a replacement. Council members proposed a lower-cost replacement-only bond in the $5\u001f6 million range, and a resident proposed a community crowdfunding campaign to finance a new pool.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116942,"Council approves Ecuador Pedestrian Bridge contract and limited alternates; lighting and painting debated",2930,4870000,7800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738&start=4870&end=7800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2731401-e9ffd0715bb173b2922a17b07a84f738/thumbnail_4870000.jpg","/articles/6116942/Texas/Council-approves-Ecuador-Pedestrian-Bridge-contract-and-limited-alternates-lighting-and-painting-debated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116942-85beb565735f578085a8f76c24e26fa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845010&Signature=UTThmNCG2RM6vGMHS-cABcK2hGBxKU3sIodBTrODKwUNMuKxuVZWWke5TF8QJXxgcsw4EG7tnagOrQcHyy4r4GfS7xIwIULtNFbouoNX4Bluv6yK6lTAokxxgk9z2qmSHZ77n9t82mHmTyTSeh39IK9QkkGP~6DTN8lm1iJY3ThirrE52UXQ0GmWsECr5P7vyTSHuFocksgx9c-03hQbj-ljanxYZzi-dc6Fw9GyE0MsXGcT6ErGWrzwyV12QQWAIWUyQRKy7oLzMEIBgpNvvq7SxpcpjhVUYAj4oUc7UJOjvH3o7oBqJoL5TQUDZN2TrsqpFfWG1E4-XRtFKB-KPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jersey Village Council approved a contract with John Reed and Company to replace the Ecuador Pedestrian Bridge and surrounding site work, accepting the lowest base bid of $688,405 and authorizing selected alternates after debate over cost and aesthetics.

Assistant City Manager Robert Bassford presented the project as part of the 2023 bond program. The council discussed four alternates: a lime-and-fly-ash soil stabilization alternate (recommended by the geotechnical engineer, $3,900), monument gateway columns (about $8,000 each), a lighting allowance to illuminate the bridge at night ($123,000), and bridge painting ($50,000). John Reed submitted the lowest bid both with and without alternates.

Council members raised safety and fiscal questions during extended debate. Some members emphasized the bridge should include lighting for safety and be \"upgradable\" later, while others cautioned against adding aesthetic features now when other bond projects are running above budget. One council member noted interest earned on bond proceeds and warned of possible IRS arbitrage rules if interest is not spent properly.

Two motions were considered. An initial motion to add the lighting and painting failed on a 2-2 vote. A subsequent motion approved the base contract and two items described in the motion as \"lineman flashing\" ($3,900) and a lighting allowance not to exceed $123,000, and set a not-to-exceed total in the motion text; that motion passed 3-1. The council recorded the vote in favor of the final motion and approved Resolution 2025-16.

Votes and motions: Council acted on Resolution 2025-16 to award the Ecuador Pedestrian Bridge project to John Reed and Company. The final motion approved the base bid ($688,405), the soil stabilization alternate ($3,900), and a lighting allowance not to exceed $123,000; the motion passed 3-1. Council directed staff to ensure the bridge can be made upgradable for additional features later.

Why it matters: The bridge links neighborhoods and parkland; council framed most of the lighting debate around safety and long-term maintenance. Staff said the bridge must be fabricated with lead time and that decisions about lighting could be finalized while fabrication proceeds.

What comes next: Staff will finalize a contract with John Reed and Company per the council authorization and will coordinate fabrication, site preparation and installation schedule.","John Reed & Company won the bridge reconstruction contract at a base bid of $688,405. Council approved the base contract plus a soil-stabilization alternate and a lighting allowance after debate about aesthetics, safety and bond interest earnings; final motion passed 3-1.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City awards Australia-Solomon reconstruction to Ballast Point after residents complain about prior contractor work

Property Standards Board reclassifies two hotels as Tier 2 after hearing; appeals and next steps explained

Council amends water rates: irrigation meter service charge eliminated, residential monthly fee increased

Council and residents debate replacement options after city demolishes aging pool; crowdfunding and —replacement-only— proposals emerge

Council approves Ecuador Pedestrian Bridge contract and limited alternates; lighting and painting debated