Katy city council amended a local traffic ordinance to officially establish “no parking” zones near Roberston Elementary in Cane Island. Parking is now officially prohibited on the north side of the 7300-7500 block of Innovation Drive from the intersection of Cypress Cove Lane/Compass Drive to the eastern boundary of Robertson Elementary School at 7400 Innovation Drive and on the south side of the 7400-7500 block of Innovation Drive from the intersection of Cypress Cove Lane/Compass Drive to the intersection of Welwyn Lane. Restrictions are effective during school hours, KPD Chief Noe Diaz said. Signs establishing the “no parking” zones had already been placed in the area by Katy ISD but will be replaced by the city, with the updated hours. The ordinance amendment was necessary in order for Katy Police Department to enforce the “no parking” zone, officials said.

The meeting opened with two recognitions:

· Ashley Lipsman, the city’s tourism and marketing event coordinator, honored Mariam Elsherbiny as the “Best of Show” winner in the 2023 Katy Rice Harvest Festival Art Contest. Elsherbiny’s work, “Wildflowers,” was on display in council chambers.

· Council member Janet Corte read a proclamation declaring November 2023 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

In other action, council:

· Approved a temporary road closure for portions of Highway 90, FM 1463 and Katyland Drive for the annual Katy ISD FFA Parade on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

· Authorized the issuance of unlimited tax bonds series 2023 by Katy West Municipal Utility District (Katy Court, formerly Fort Bend-Waller Counties MUD no. 2) not to exceed $6,620,000.00.

During public comments, American Legion Vice Commander Phil Malsbury provided an update on the “Wreaths Across America” project slated for December 16th at Magnolia Cemetery, stating that the project was falling about 100 wreaths short of the organization’s goal of 600. Council member Rory Robertson posted the need on Facebook and two and a half hours later, the goal was achieved, he said. “I’m just so proud of our community,” Robertson said in his subsequent post. “It is why I love this town. Katy is our home for a reason. Thank you to all who gave.”

The next meeting of city council will be held on December 11, Thiele announced, since the second November meeting of the month has been cancelled due to the Thanksgiving holiday.