The City of Katy is moving forward with plans to develop Thomas Park and adjacent city-owned properties into a green space that will connect with City Hall and the historic downtown square. At the March 24 meeting of city council, councilmembers authorized the mayor to enter an agreement with MHS Planning & Design, LLC, for initial plans for the spaces at 5919 Fourth Street and 903 and 907 Avenue D.

MHS Senior Planner Hunter Rush said that the firm would seek feedback from the community through public engagement meetings, an invitation-only focus group and a public survey. “This is the first big step in getting this done,” said Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris who said that the project had been planned since 2019, when the Rylander property was purchased.

Council also approved a plan which will add the new job description and salary range for a “police cadet” position to the city’s list of jobs. City Planner Rachel Lazo said that the city will hire up to three police cadets and pay them to go to the police academy, in return for two years of service when they complete their training.

In other action, council:

· Approved a variance allowing Old Katy Patio, LLP, to serve alcoholic beverages near a church or school. Old Katy Patio, LLP, is located inside the Texas Legacy event venue at 1306 Avenue A, and will primarily serve alcohol at evening and weekend events, owner Keith Jobe said.

· Approved two proposals for projects related to the build-out of the third floor of City Hall, which will house archived documents.

Mayor Thiele issued special proclamations honoring the life of late city attorney Art Lee Pertile III and recognizing April 5 as “Don’t Mess with Txas Trash-off Day.”

Special recognition was awarded to Keep Katy Beautiful, which recently received the 2024 President’s Circle Recognition Award from Keep Texas Beautiful and the Gold Star Recognition from Keep Texas Beautiful. KBB board member Jamie Wolman said that the two awards represent the highest levels of recognition for community affiliates nationwide.

The City of Katy Parks & Recreation Department, displaying their trophies, also received recognition for their recent regional and state TRAPS awards for the 2024Taylor Swift ERAS Tour Karaoke Night.

The next meeting of city council is at 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.