By Karolyn Gephart
Pearland Council met Monday, February 10 for its regular meeting at City Hall.
In new business, Council discussed a resolution calling for a General Municipal Election to be held on May 2, 2020 for the purpose of electing the Mayor and two (2) Councilmembers, providing that a Special Election on the same date for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of the City certain proposed amendments to the existing Charter of the City, stating the subject matter of the proposed amendments to the City Charter to be voted upon at said election, providing the form of the ballot for such election, designating the polling places, providing the form of the ballot for such election, directing and giving notice of such election, and providing details relating to the holding of such election.
According to Mayor Tom Reid, the Charter Review Commission worked for six months to determine proposed amendments.
Before a vote could be taken, Council member Orlando added an amendment to limit the term of mayor to three consecutive terms.
Orlando felt the Council had a unique opportunity in a generation to review proposals for mayoral term limits and felt the time was right for the three-term limit to be added as a proposal for voters to determine.
After discussion and vote, the motion to amend the earlier motion was voted down 6-1. The original motion to call the election with proposals as well as election of mayor and two council members passed.
The next Charter Review Commission will work on changes in six years.
In other action, Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning map of the City of Pearland for the purpose of changing the classification of certain property as well as resolutions to award construction services contract for the Hughes Ranch Road Gravity Trunk Sewer Project (Brookeny Street to Cullen Blvd) to Reddico Construction.
Council also amended the Construction Manager at Risk contract for the Surface Water Treatment Plant Project to include Early Work Package No. 1, in the amount of $7,479,256.00 for construction services.
Following executive session, the Council approved 7-0 ratifying the City Manager’s appointment of the new Director of the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau.
