City of Baytown City Council Meeting Recap
City Hall Council Chambers
February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm
This summary is intended to inform the public of the main topics discussed and actions taken by the Baytown City Council during meetings on February 26. For more detailed information, the full meeting transcript and official minutes are available on the Public Meetings webpage or upon request.
Municipal Development District (MDD) Meeting
What was Discussed?
- Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston Quarterly Update
- MDD received the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston quarterly update.
- The report showed continued strong performance, including increased revenue, improved operating margins, and lower overall expenses. Other highlights included the hotel’s first million-dollar revenue month and continued growth in occupancy and average daily rates. No formal action was taken.
Regular City Council Meeting
Recognitions
Council recognized City of Baytown employees for their years of service, including Officer Russell Krutsinger for 40 years of service with the Baytown Police Department.
What was Decided?
- Development and Permitting Fees
- Council approved an ordinance authorizing updates to the City of Baytown Development and Permitting Fees. The update reflects the first phase of a multi-year effort to move toward approximately 80 percent cost recovery for development-related services. The increase averages approximately 12 percent and will take effect June 1, 2026.
- Child Care Facility Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
- Council considered an ordinance establishing a property tax exemption for qualifying child care facilities. The motion failed on a 3-3 vote.
- March 26, 2026 Meeting Cancellation
- Council approved a resolution canceling the March 26, 2026 City Council meeting. A special meeting is scheduled for March 23 to address the annual audit presentation.
- Racial Profiling Report for Calendar Year 2025
- Council received the annual racial profiling report presented by the Baytown Police Department. In 2025, 13,907 traffic stops were conducted. Of those, 55 percent resulted in warnings, 39 percent resulted in citations, and 6 percent resulted in arrests.
Why It Matters? The report provides transparency and accountability while supporting compliance with state reporting requirements.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included items such as:
- Adoption of an amended tax increment base value and amendments to the Project and Financing Plan for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone TIRZ #2
- Professional services agreement for Fire/Emergency Management Services (EMS) record management software
- Grant-related signatory designations and authorization to submit a Homeland Security HazMat sustainment grant application
- Contract renewals for office supplies, software, utility billing review, flood insurance, and fuel supply
- Lease agreement for Employee Wellness Center office space
- Housing reconstruction project awards under the Community Development Block Grant CDBG Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program
- Ordinance amendment related to Parks Board compliance language
- Budget transfer for Public Safety Building equipment reimbursement and professional services agreements supporting major capital projects
Why It Matters? These items support day-to-day City operations, public safety readiness, infrastructure maintenance, and responsible financial management.
Appointments
- Presiding Judge Municipal Court of Record
- Council appointed Michael Garner to serve a term beginning March 2, 2026 and ending January 31, 2028.
- Baytown Library Board
- Council approved three appointments to the Baytown Library Board.
Reports
- Manager’s Report
- Council received updates recognizing employee achievements.
- Council District Report
- Councilmember Kenrick Griffith provided updates regarding development activity and Baytown Nature Center programming within District 3.
Executive Session
Although listed on the agenda, Executive Session was not conducted.
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