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.