In a 5-0 vote, members of Katy’s city council authorized the Katy Development Authority (KDA) to use $1,424,224.40 in Metro funds for the Pitts Road Boulevard Expansion project, which is slated to begin in December. The initial project will bring Cane Island Boulevard up to Morton Road and a second project will also correct the intersection alignment where Pitts, Morton and Cane Island Boulevard come together, following final acquisition of right-of-way. The initial improvements are projected to be completed by May 2024 and the second project will follow a similar timeline, said City Engineer David Kaspar. The intersection will continue to be a four-way stop, according to Kaspar. A traffic signal may be considered for this intersection at some point in the future, said Kaspar, depending on traffic counts and other factors. Kaspar noted that the cost of a traffic signal could run more than $400,000.00.

In other action, council:

· Approved amendment of the city’s technical codes and construction standards. Community Development Director Ian Clowes said the updates were necessary to maintain the city’s high ISO rating.

· Amended a zoning ordinance affecting parking requirements in the Old Katy District.

· Amended City of Katy personnel policies in accordance with recent legislative updates.

· Via consent agenda, approved street closure of Fourth Street between Ave A and Ave B in October and December for events at the First United Methodist Church.

Mayor Dusty Thiele issued the following proclamations at the meeting:

· Recognizing November 11, 2023 as Veterans Day. The proclamation was accepted by members of the American Legion and the VFW.

· Establishing November 3, 2023, as Texas Arbor Day in Katy. The proclamation was presented to members of Keep Katy Beautiful.

· Establishing November 4, 2023, as America Recycles Day in Katy. The proclamation was presented to members of Keep Katy Beautiful.

· Recognizing November 15, 2023, as GIS Day (Geographic Information Systems) Day. The proclamation was accepted by members of the city planning department.