Council members Dan Smith, who represents Ward A, and Gina Hicks, who represents Ward B, were sworn for their new terms at Monday night’s meeting of the Katy City Council. The pair ran unopposed, resulting in the cancellation of the May 4th election.

“I feel blessed to serve alongside this council and this staff, working to improve the city of Katy while preserving that hometown charm,” said Hicks as she reviewed the accomplishments of the past three years and looked ahead to future projects including mobility in the Ward B area.

An “Above and Beyond” recognition, read by Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris was presented to the Katy Fire Department and Katy Police Department Dispatch for actions taken to save a life of a patient in cardiac arrest on March 23, 2024.

The water conservation and drought contingency plan was updated by unanimous vote, which city staff members said would better match standards with local MUDs and other neighboring communities. Councilmember Smith asked about the communication plan for informing the public of the changes to the plan, particularly the changes to Stage 2 which Smith said was significant. City staff responded that there was nothing specific planned but there is general public education out there. The public education plan includes signage that is deployed first before any stages occur, providing a website for reference. Councilmember Rory Robertson asked for a graphic to be created which could be distributed via social media, to ensure that everyone is fully aware of the changes. The new plan provides for a penalty of up to $2000.00 for violations.

Council convened in closed session for deliberations with the city attorney regarding potential action regarding security devices or audits.

In council member reports, Harris commended Katy Police D and Lieutenant John McClure who worked with the offices of State Senator Joan Huffman and State Representative Mike Schofield to secure a STEP grant in the amount of $67,000.00, which Harris said was one of the highest amounts given to a city of Katy’s size in the state. STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) is a program that provides financial awards to states and territories to help small businesses export and grow their sales.

The grant will be used for specialized traffic enforcement, including Impaired Driving Mobilization, Operation Slowdown, and Click It or Ticket, Harris said in a subsequent post on Facebook.

Smith reported that the new lanes of Pitts Road would be opening this week and urged drivers to use caution through the area.

A number of other proclamations were also read by the city leaders at the meeting:

· Recognizing May 12 - 18, 2024 at National Police Week, ready by Mayor Dusty Thiele · Recognizing May 19 - 25, 2024 at National EMS Week, read by Councilmember Janet Corte · Recognizing May 19 - 25, 2024 at National Public Works Week, read by Councilmember Smith · Recognizing May 2024 as Older Americans Month, read by Councilmember Hicks

The next regular meeting of city council will be June 10th at 6:30 at City Hall, 901 Avenue C, Katy.