[{"_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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6590844,"mediaKeyId","5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b","parentId",5559920,"title","Katy City Council approves construction contracts, change orders and city appointments; several grant and procurement items cleared","audioSeconds",2066,"startMs",571000,"endMs",2637000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b&start=571&end=2637","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b/thumbnail_571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590844/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-City-Council-approves-construction-contracts-change-orders-and-city-appointments-several-grant-and-procurement-items-cleared","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590844-5b3b98354eb97abc3cff187d2c854e3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770987229&Signature=mlG36lu9uApY3axl4zd-VaK-b30gbYj61wODVDq2RYRWDDXpesZ9UcJcypmYSKUJ~O7n57eyzGxqZ57qiKkEjJA51xjh9r5hYJX~WbIxbe77SEGMaWXicFy9y6o9HpXBdyMAYyAHZwH5g4L7j5J5TVfKcPyQxiIJqyuTMvZyxfbNP2SUXrcV7Zxnqj56y96cVzFccOdxRq41d0180h0gxV9vMOLwNHQsYY0GlW~jKqBGozNiW713ARpnrccH17RLyG2eV0LaC736hfsU771ks6X4GFWQHjYnwPCRocOzshgWL-UvPvZlw9utQILBCKy4VagHF3wwQxddtyt7rW~cXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Katy","date","2025-08-11T00:00:00Z","article","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Aug. 11 approved a series of construction contracts, change orders and administrative measures and confirmed a three‑year employment agreement for the city administrator.

The council awarded a construction contract for rehabilitation work at Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2, approved multiple change orders on ongoing public‑works projects, authorized METRO funds and other project funding, and adopted amendments to the city budget and personnel policies. Council also approved a contract to manage a potential Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster recovery application and confirmed two senior city management appointments.

The actions matter because they advance several long‑running capital projects in Katy — including drainage, street and bridge work — settle final costs on completed work and create the funding and administrative authorizations needed to pursue federal and state disaster recovery grants and related administrative services.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution awarding the bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2 rehabilitation to C3 Constructors LLC (Willis, Texas) for $1,917,000; total project cost listed as $2,504,320 (funded in part by 2019 bonds). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution awarding the 2025–2027 parks ground maintenance and mowing contract (city parks and entrance features). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 1 for Pine Meadows Drainage Improvements (adjustment $36,067; total project cost reported $586,164). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 1 with Hayden Paving Inc. for Town Park subdivision street improvements (change order $120,312.09; revised total $1,360,921.59). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 2 reducing the Pitts Road at Morton Road detention pond contract by $21,903.50 (total with change order $1,593,560.20). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing Change Order No. 3 reducing the Tenth Street Bridge contract by $125,071.80 (total listed $2,765,132.56). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing KDA use of METRO funds for construction of roadway improvements and traffic signal modifications for The Green at Katy Park (up to $1,909,995.83). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing KDA use of METRO funds for construction of drainage and paving for The Green at Katy Burke (up to $2,160,749.34). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing a CPI‑based annual price adjustment with Texas Pride Disposal LLC per the contract (effective Sept. 1, 2025). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution accepting an access easement/public right‑of‑way donation on Katy Hockley Road from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC (0.041 acres) to finish a sidewalk project. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing an application to the Texas General Land Office CDBG Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (Rexora and Katy Hockley Cutoff). Outcome: hearing opened and closed; application authorized.

- Resolution authorizing a statement of work with Public Management Inc. to prepare and administer the CDBG DRRP application (up to $80,000; source: enterprise fund reserves). Outcome: approved.

- Resolution authorizing a statement of work with CivicPlus for Municode codification services. Outcome: approved.

- Quote‑request/contract award for CrowdStrike Falcon endpoint protection (quoted item approved). Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance adopting Budget Amendment No. 12 (to account for use of enterprise reserves related to the CDBG item). Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance amending personnel policies and the employee classification plan (including adding assistant city administrator job description and updating controller title). Outcome: approved.

Administrative appointments and personnel

- Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter an agreement with Byron J. Abare to serve as city administrator for Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2028. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance appointing Joey Killian as assistant city administrator. Outcome: approved; oath administered.

Council commentary and staff clarifications

Mayor Dusty Theo thanked volunteers and appointees following board confirmations: “I do wanna recognize all of y’all for our volunteering…we do appreciate you and the time that you’re donating to the city,” he said after the commission and advisory‑board appointments passed.

City staff provided project‑level clarifications in several items. For the Pitts Road detention pond, staff said the contract was a General Land Office (GLO) project and local funds that were not spent would return to local reserves rather than remain as grant funds. Megan of Public Management explained that the $80,000 for application preparation and administration covers services “throughout the life of the grant — full application to closeout.”

What the council did not decide

Council tabled two policy items (see separate report): an information security policy and a generative artificial intelligence policy were both sent to a future meeting for further tailoring to the city’s operations.

Next steps and implementation notes

Staff will finalize contract documents and return as required for project notices, scope updates and closeouts. The Public Management contract authorizes pre‑award work and grant administration should the CDBG application be successful. The appointments and personnel plan changes become effective per the adopted ordinances.

Votes and records

Council conducted voice votes on the listed items and generally approved the measures by the assembly’s voice vote. Formal roll call counts were not provided in the meeting packet; council proceedings recorded unanimous “ayes” on the passed motions.

(For a detailed list of each resolution/ordinance, linked contract numbers and the portions of the transcript that introduce and conclude each agenda item, see the provenance section below.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Katy - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Aug. 11 approved a series of construction contracts, change orders and administrative measures and confirmed a three‑year employment agreement for the city administrator.","taxTitle","Katy, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",64475,"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},6590824,"Katy council confirms Byron Abare as city administrator and appoints Joey Killian as assistant city administrator",241,3319000,3560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b&start=3319&end=3560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b/thumbnail_3319000.jpg","/articles/6590824/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-council-confirms-Byron-Abare-as-city-administrator-and-appoints-Joey-Killian-as-assistant-city-administrator","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590824-d60040c6a9ab67a380305b7c798a3e59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770987229&Signature=PUg2LE28GeQbWJL9BS8au-RJEvQxlaWsqaN5aUgutwK7NEW6P~6F1E0SGn0zOeSQgxlHOzfK8-Dy59V1FIdtzfY1B-bHmodSfvCIeXrbDEfq9JC8H~7PpwhDEqNIIITepAZAEiMz4qpbSxM6p~1DXCi5BgKMwY3CWVVQigNflaRw7pprp1p9jSL3pimNMQcWVMz9C480Bf3Hl7CV19feKtac8ped5vVAGo-exIRZFEgL0Y2m69YOcndjWJ7NPBN9JeabZxL0dkwbBusu2xp6Jx~FJ0r92hjkk6XEYvFOb2CWGWN8WdHeBcCSI474wC01n5TDyztE9tJjOXZtDtIQUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — After reconvening from executive session at 7:51 p.m., the Katy City Council on Aug. 11 approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter an employment agreement with Byron J. Abare to serve as city administrator from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028. The council also approved an ordinance appointing Joey Killian as assistant city administrator and administered his oath of office at the meeting.

Councilmembers praised Abare for his city leadership and experience. Councilmember Gina Hicks said she appreciated the continuity he provides and thanked him for agreeing to continue serving. Councilmember Janet Court said she has enjoyed long conversations and ideas developed under his leadership. Councilmember Dan Smith described Abare’s knowledge and judgment as “very meaningful” personally and professionally.

“Thank you for staying on and looking forward to it,” Court said during the meeting.

Why it matters

The timed appointments set the city administrator role and the assistant city administrator position through the next few years and implement personnel and classification updates the council adopted in the same meeting.

What council decided

The resolution and ordinances were approved by voice vote. City staff will execute the employment agreement and complete onboarding steps for the effective dates specified in the documents.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)

- Executive session announced at 07:24 p.m.; council reconvened and took action to authorize the employment agreement with Byron J. Abare (transcript 07:24–07:51).

- Motion and confirmation of Joey Killian as assistant city administrator and oath administered (transcript 07:51–08:06).","Following executive session, council approved a three‑year agreement with Byron J. Abare as city administrator and appointed Joey Killian as assistant city administrator; Killian was sworn in at the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590829,"Katy City Council tables information security and generative AI policies for further tailoring",308,2892000,3200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b&start=2892&end=3200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b/thumbnail_2892000.jpg","/articles/6590829/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Katy-City-Council-tables-information-security-and-generative-AI-policies-for-further-tailoring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590829-b0389228bfe4cbcdc3c9896202a64d7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770987229&Signature=cD0CLQrzGwgOYQYa5iwP2G5UI5B7FssAWBb7ZzGYhSyEJdfE65yD4AwxKa21TXosT5H2FhGzQI5yGEUY0iDk2qRig9Khvzoxt-rQOXdvmZ8EmVFsb9g3v~61t67RSKhu5PMFPTfxrvcNZBJAIuVKWoIGeeEZOTYLtqkLjdoV9wl605M8m-B18LgfY0gqhpXAd2vCe5dUJKDEvs0IPvd7Pg8P1C3a20iWCLSZBkui4J4U0Oc3llzGchNMpBDYzPps4EwYIzh~vl6WQiCXaJWQBxKFvH8E~-tpx5U89sbkwrkwte5ap4fPsDMUXBT6jNEvb81iYUVFh1dJUiGhfHeORw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — Two administrative policies related to technology were tabled by the Katy City Council on Aug. 11 after members asked staff and the city’s virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) to make the documents more specific to Katy’s operations.

The first item was an information security policy presented by staff and a third‑party consultant. Councilmembers said the draft followed common frameworks but included roles and responsibilities (such as an ISO position) that the city currently covers through its vCISO contract rather than an on‑staff position. A councilmember asked whether adopting the general policy would in effect create new staff obligations. Staff replied the roles can be covered by existing contracts and dual‑hatting by current staff and that the document is intended as an overarching policy to give future, more specific policies “teeth.” Council voted to table the information security policy to the Aug. 25 meeting for further refinement.

Council then considered a generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy. Members welcomed a framework but asked for clearer guidance on implementation, enforcement and whether elected officials’ communications would be covered. City staff said the policy is intended as a general control framework and that implementation details — for example, how approvals and auditing would be handled — would be brought back once roles are clarified. Council voted to table the generative AI policy to Aug. 25.

Why it matters

Both policies would affect how city staff and elected officials use and manage IT systems and AI tools. Councilmembers emphasized the need for policies tailored to the city’s operational structure, existing contracts and resources so that responsibilities are clear and enforcement is practicable.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)

- Information security policy introduced (agenda item 7mi) and tabled after staff and council discussion (transcript ~00:48:12–00:50:33).

- Generative AI policy introduced and tabled after discussion about implementation and coverage for elected officials (agenda item 7mii, transcript ~00:50:44–00:53:20).","Councilmembers asked for more specificity and implementation details; both an information security policy and a generative AI policy were moved to a future meeting for revision.",{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590834,"Council closes out Tenth Street Bridge with final change order after months of delay; officials cite material procurement and utility conflicts",207,1167000,1374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b&start=1167&end=1374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b/thumbnail_1167000.jpg","/articles/6590834/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Council-closes-out-Tenth-Street-Bridge-with-final-change-order-after-months-of-delay-officials-cite-material-procurement-and-utility-conflicts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590834-1aec94e314a6f59642e2fed9fe9080ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770987229&Signature=Z-uHgKOEuYxSENsU6RPUvHrFoB0AaJiMaVINlmd7l3cGQQ~rx0PkB2FyEEJkpNeTygYqlzPy69LC~cMDs2KPMkg2jlzprXhMDxu7QM58Npf9L0hPVzW0IpdhJobhNNLHnTtZkd8sB5-IZ227VageE3UubcKr1lXmwJ0FFLZJ3e2AcMtdbgsepmUGBmwWSJtpr4A-QxIW6sBljX61CfJFnHU~cgLT132abIZRxmiS9vloqgdKueQokA2ShOLMeAgV6~nPIGtY~hCQCaD~YvdNV0S-LZ4RCTpTDz2RC26hnU5HbAXiZvnXk1V5wcBRxr3ju9koYKqOTNeQy9VD3dGC-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on Aug. 11 approved Change Order No. 3 on the Tenth Street Bridge replacement project, a reduction of $125,071.80 that brought the contract total to $2,765,132.56 and moved the work into a one‑year warranty period.

Council members pressed staff about the months‑long delays that stretched the project schedule. City staff and the contractor cited several drivers: difficulty procuring specialized materials (retaining‑wall materials and bridge deck beams), field conflicts that required the city water line to be replaced, utility relocations by private companies and weather days. Staff said the contractor frequently had personnel on site but that procurement and scheduling constraints slowed progress.

“They were given a very short time frame to do the job,” a city staff member said. “Given the state we’re in with procuring materials, it’s very difficult these days…but it’s not a hundred percent one way or the other.”

Councilmember Janet Court pressed for assurance that outstanding punch‑list items would be tracked. City staff said the construction contractor’s punch list has been completed for contract closeout, but additional resident requests remain and staff will pursue those items separately and will require the contractor to return under the one‑year warranty if needed.

Officials also discussed previously required rework and additional corrective efforts that contributed to delay and cost adjustments. Councilmember Roy Robertson asked how much of the delay was controllable; staff answered that some elements could have been handled differently by contractor and owner scheduling and that the lesson will inform future project timelines.

Why it matters

The Tenth Street Bridge project has been a multi‑year, high‑profile capital undertaking for the city. Closing the construction contract and entering the warranty phase is a key administrative step that transfers remaining corrective responsibilities to warranty enforcement rather than active construction management.

What council decided

Council approved the change order and authorized the project closeout accounting as presented. Staff will continue to monitor and require warranty work for any remaining or future defects.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)

- Topic introduced and project totals recited in the agenda item description (transcript ~00:19:27–00:20:05).

- Council discussion and staff responses on procurement, utility relocations and warranty phase (transcript ~00:20:50–00:27:00).","The council approved a change order that reduces the Tenth Street Bridge contract and moved the project into a one‑year warranty period. Council members expressed frustration at delays and discussed lessons for future scheduling and contractor oversight.",{"_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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590839,"Council authorizes METRO funds for new Morton Road intersection signal despite timing concerns from members",213,1613000,1826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b&start=1613&end=1826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5559920-fccf6f11283725594d1d10b218c60a8b/thumbnail_1613000.jpg","/articles/6590839/Katy/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Council-authorizes-METRO-funds-for-new-Morton-Road-intersection-signal-despite-timing-concerns-from-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590839-089dc5eac4a136a6be5be46844a2c940/orig.mp4?Expires=1770987229&Signature=nGGnvQ1hZh5nclsuDZgh7DPFIKe36s8A30tVXpRgm3zDNqpLNdC4VnOtgOk5yBagadBCTI95FUougKo0kUVWW2rXkaqbb-rd9sKf-VLPRO-Xk-hHpMTgh~9B082n-asjfzLCs2w0ozoRb01BSU72sMcd1ENFQpRSU4knoYCvAmNq5hibcVwnUkcHsZ~7jL2varUeMamdtghwPr1rdgrsnnLFAs5AMtGJ249ybetu3SSAI8xYEq8GwU41wMdpBafAPwFpB9XTQTjio8irpfNv4WRWx0WOoCMegQwCeqxThWn4-c5azT4dfBLrP3L8XdRGKRasCJ2aJYoi8jcp24zlTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council voted Aug. 11 to authorize KDA to use up to $1,909,995.83 in METRO funds for roadway improvements and a traffic signal at the new intersection serving The Green at Katy Park and a developer roadway off Morton Road.

The council discussion focused on motorists’ experience, the proximity of multiple signals along Morton Road and how the new intersection will be coordinated with nearby signals owned and operated by Harris County.

“There's another trust,” Councilmember Dan Smith moved the item and the motion was seconded and approved. Staff described the proposed location as the intersection of Katy Hockley Cutoff and a new road that will extend north into the development near Morton Road and said a warrant study supports a new signal.

“...it has been a warrant study,” a staff member said, confirming the signal is supported by an engineering traffic study. Staff also said the new signal will be Harris County‑owned and maintained and that county ownership makes it easier to time the signal with neighboring county signals.

Several council members said they drive the corridor regularly and are wary of adding more signals where several are already within a short distance. Councilmember Roy Robertson said adding another signal “is just going to be a hindrance” and described long travel times through the corridor. Councilmember Gina Hicks questioned whether existing signals are timed effectively and urged staff to press Harris County for coordinated timing.

Staff described the technical approach to coordination: county signals can be linked by fiber or timing feeds so one signal’s cycle cues the next; staff said that will be requested for this intersection so that traffic progression can be improved.

Why it matters

The intersection will serve a large commercial development and a new north‑south road that city engineers said could divert traffic away from the Katy‑Fort Bend Road intersection. Council members noted the potential for the new signal both to relieve congestion at other intersections and to create new delay points if timing is not handled correctly.

What council decided

Council approved using METRO funds for the roadway and signal work. Staff will coordinate with Harris County on ownership, timing and signal integration.

Provenance (transcript excerpts)

- Topic introduced: “Consider resolution authorizing KDA to use METRO funds for construction of roadway improvements and traffic signal modifications in an amount up to $1,909,995.83 for the green at Katy Park.” (transcript at 00:26:53–00:27:07 agenda item 7gi)

- Discussion and final approval: council debate and voice vote recorded following staff explanation of the warrant study and Harris County ownership (transcript 00:27:36–00:36:00).","Council approved up to $1.91 million in METRO funds for roadway improvements and a new signal at the Green at Katy Park; members questioned timing, nearby signal coordination and traffic impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Katy City Council approves construction contracts, change orders and city appointments; several grant and procurement items cleared

Katy council confirms Byron Abare as city administrator and appoints Joey Killian as assistant city administrator

Katy City Council tables information security and generative AI policies for further tailoring

Council closes out Tenth Street Bridge with final change order after months of delay; officials cite material procurement and utility conflicts

Council authorizes METRO funds for new Morton Road intersection signal despite timing concerns from members