Pasadena City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve, on first reading, an extension of an interlocal agreement with Harris County for bus services in the city through October.

Council Member Steve Cote said that the city had already paid for the bus service through the end of October, and that the extension will “afford the committee additional time to further evaluate the issues in making a decision”.

Several residents spoke in favor of continuing bus transit service in the city, with Patricia Gonzalez presenting a petition to the city signed by those who supported the bus system. Q. Olivia Rivers also spoke in support of the system as a representative of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, stating that clients of the organization depend on the bus system.

The city council voted 7-1, with Pat Van Houte opposed, to approve, on first reading, an agreement with the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program for disbursement of $174,519 in Community Development Block Grant funds for construction of a new public facility to be operated by the organization.

Van Houte said she could not support the ordinance, stating that 2010 funding for a project at Witter Street had been transferred for other projects.

The city council voted unanimously to approve a grant application and agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for $200,000 to conduct a vehicular traffic enforcement program to be administered by the Pasadena Police Department.

The city council voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing for September 4 to receive public comment regarding the FY2013 Budget.

The city council voted unanimously to approve, on final reading, a $193,343 contract with Lone Star Recreation, Inc. for the purchase and installation of playground equipment for Strawberry Park.

All other items were approved by unanimous vote. Council Member Ornaldo Ybarra was absent. Agenda