Pasadena City Council last week voted unanimously to approve an amended set of the minutes for the council’s June 5 meeting, following lengthy discussion that involved Mayor Johnny Isbell calling police officers forward with the intent to remove Council Member Don Harrison from the meeting.
The discussion began on consideration of the minutes, after Council Member Pat Van Houte moved to amend the minutes to reflect a vote regarding a contract with Zarinkelk Engineering as an abstention rather than a “nay” vote.
Harrison discussed the amendment, and further discussed concerns pertaining to “potential conflict of interest” related to council members and “how such conflict may jeopardize federal funding to the city”. He also said his requests for an investigative body or executive session to discuss the concerns had “fallen on deaf ears”. Minutes
Isbell stated that he did not recall any council member coming to him with any allegations of conflicts of interest. He advised that the Texas General Land Office has been contacted and is looking into any potential conflicts of interest.
Council Member Ornaldo Ybarra issued a motion to appoint an investigative committee and schedule a meeting following the June 19 city council meeting. Isbell said the Ybarra could not make a motion that could be voted upon at that time.
Harrison interrupted Isbell, and after further exchanges, Isbell asked a police officer to come forward and remove Harrison from the chambers. After further exchanges between the council, Isbell asked Harrison if he would “please abide by the rules and refrain from interrupting people”. Harrison agreed, and the officers were requested to return to the back of the chambers, leaving Harrison at his seat.
Ybarra issued a motion to hold an executive session on June 19.
The city council voted unanimously to approve Ybarra’s motion to hold an executive session.
The city council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 5 meeting, as amended.
The city council deferred action on the first reading of an ordinance authorizing an agreement for the disbursement of Community Development Block Grant funds in connection with a low-cost spay and neuter program operated by the Animal Services Department.
The city council deferred action on the first reading of an ordinance to distribute $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for a program by the Pasadena Community Ministry to provide rent and utility assistance for low-to-moderate income persons.
The city council deferred action on the first reading of a disbursement of $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to Twin Oaks Mutual Housing Literacy Program for a public service that provides general equivalency diplomas and English as a Second Language classes.
The city council deferred action regarding the first reading of a disbursement of $45,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for a program operated by the Madison Jobe Senior Center to provide taxi vouchers to low income elderly and disabled persons.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda
During the meeting, Council Member Erv Brannon, during his comments at the close of the meeting, said he would be leaving his position on the council, effective July 31.