By Karolyn Gephart
Pearland City Council held their regular meeting by videoconference April 27, 2020.
Public comments were offered by telephone and video conference in order to advance the public health goal of limiting face-to-face meetings to slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). All speakers had to register by noon on April 27.
In new business, Council approved awarding an installation service contract for the Fiber Optic Backbone Network Project off Magnolia and John Lizer to TDC2 in the amount of $650,147.56. Council reported that this would provide a critical link.
Construction materials testing contract was also new business for Council. The contract with Terracon in the estimated amount of $462,860 for the Surface Water Plant Project was approved unanimously.
Council also discussed and collected input regarding the creation of a Public Health Advisory Committee. The Chamber’s Health Advisory Committee was mentioned and discussed to have a City member possibly join. Some members were concerned to have a health committee without a public health department in the city. Policy, advocacy and land development were their concerns, according to Councilman Luke Orlando. Orlando wants to see a city committee focused more on education.
Councilman Trent Perez responded by saying it was easier to add education to the existing Chamber committee over starting a new committee for the city. Orlando said he would talk to the Chamber more about these ideas.
Consent agenda was approved with one item taken out for discussion and separate vote.
In Consent Agenda, Council was given the second and final reading of an ordinance to approve an amendment to the Stonebridge Planned Development to allow a pet store and care facility. Also approved was a resolution authorizing the city to continue to participate in a coalition of cities known as the Texas Coast Utilities Coalition.
The Council also approved authorizing the City Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with Brazoria County for relocation of a City waterline along County Road 1010 (Bailey Road) and a resolution renewing a unit supply contract for auto parts with Auto Plus in the estimated amount of $90,000 for a one year period beginning April 27 2020 through April 26, 2021.
The item pulled out for discussion regarded authorizing an interlocal cooperative agreement purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment associated with the Fire Station No. 8 Project from The Luck Company in the amount of $50,992.69. Council discussed the cost and quality of furniture. The City Manager reported the station is estimated to be completed in June or July 2020. Following discussion, the resolution passed 5-2 with dissenting votes from Tony Carbone and Woody Owens.
