Note: This story has been updated to include dial-in information and to  clarify the reinstatement request on the agenda.

The Katy City Council will meet for their regular session March 23 at 6:30 p.m. via telephone conferencing according to an agenda posted to the city’s website. The public will be able to call in and participate in the open comments section of the meeting via telephone as well.

The announcement comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted some restrictions of the Texas Open Meetings Act in order to facilitate public safety and allow governmental bodies to meet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two COVID-19-related agenda items are scheduled to be discussed during the meeting.

The first item is a vote for the council to declare a public health emergency and prohibit community gatherings with an associated fine to help with enforcement of the health-related crisis intervention step.

The second is an ordinance “postponing the May 2 2020 General Officers’ Election in the City of Katy, Texas to November 3, 2020 Univorm Election Date.” This action comes after Abbott signed a proclamation allowing such a delay in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Other items on the agenda include the loan of a fire truck to Martin Emergency Group, the award of a $312,000 contract to renovate a sewage lift station, approval of a plat associated with Pedersen Road and reinstatement of an employee under Article IV, Section 7 of the city’s Home Rule Charter.

Article IV, Section 7 of Katy’s city charter covers the ability of city employees suspended without pay to appeal that suspension in writing to the Katy City Council.

Katy residents may dial into the meeting by calling 281-503-8022 and entering participant ID 30#.