The Friendswood City Council on May 14 approved a resolution amending the city’s Grand Marshal selection policy to permit the mayor to extend nomination deadlines in years when no nominations are received, and it approved a nomination for Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore as grand marshal for the city’s July 4 celebration.

Staff member Rod told the council that the existing policy included a fixed deadline for nominations and that no applications had been received before that date this year; the amendment allows the mayor to grant an extension in years with no nominations. “We are amending the policy to allow the mayor to give an extension on those years that we don't get nominations,” Rod said. The council then moved to approve the amendment by motion and vote.

Following the policy amendment, the council considered and approved a nomination for Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore, described in the meeting as a retired U.S. Navy captain and NASA astronaut who has flown three space missions. Parks and Recreation staff recommended the nomination. Council members moved and seconded the nomination; the mayor called for the vote and the motion passed.

The policy change is intended to ensure the city can name a grand marshal in years when initial nomination deadlines are missed. The nomination of Wilmore names a high-profile local celebrant for the July 4 event.

The Parks and Recreation Department will coordinate event planning and any logistics associated with the grand marshal appearance.