Human Resources Annual Update

Jennifer Hendershot, Human Resources Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation.

Approve City Commission Minutes for February 18, 2026, meeting. (City Secretary)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2026-025, approving Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with ARKK Engineers, LLC for the Central Park Blvd Project. (Engineering)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2025-026, approving the Submission of FY 2026 H-GAC State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Application. (Community Development & Grants Administartion)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2026-027, awarding the contract for Construction Manager at Risk for the Texas City Fire Station Five project. (Public Works)

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2026-028, appointing a Fair Housing Administrator in accordance with Texas City's Code of Ordinance Chapter 93, Section 24. (Mayor's Office)

Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 2026-04, approving the permanent zoning change of 917 8th Ave North, currently zoned as District "F" (Light Industrial), to be rezoned as District "S-P" (Site Plan). (Enginnering)

Kim Golden, City Engineer, recommends approving the ordinance to finalize the approval to allow the Come and See Ministry's Men's Discipleship Housing Facility to operate a halfway house.

Consider and take action on Resolution No. 2026-029, accepting the petition filed by Texas City Police Association for representation as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all police officers employed by the municipality, excluding the head of the police department, for collective bargaining with the City in accordance with Texas Local Govt. Code Section 174.103. (Legal)

Kyle Dickson, the City Attorney, stated that the City had no involvement in the petition, which was signed by 50 out of 76 officers, representing 65.8% of our civil service officers. Kyle explained that under state code 174.102, the City is required to acknowledge the petition. According to this code, a public employer shall recognize an association selected by a majority of the department's police officers as the exclusive bargaining agent. There have been no allegations of fraud or involvement by supervisors, and we have not received any requests from officers to withdraw their signatures.

Keith Love, Commissioner of District 2, stated that the City has a CBA with the Texas City Municipal Police Association, effective until September 30, 2026. He questioned Mr. Dickson about the Texas City Police Association's formation, the city's use of state code 174.04, and relevant case studies. Commissioner Love also asked if the issue could be discussed after the May 2 election and suggested the association may not have followed proper guidelines in the state code. He stated that as a member of an association that also a part of Texas Municipal Police Association, he believes the associations should address the issues with its members and does not think the City Commission has a place in this process.

Abel Garza, Jr., Commissioner At-Large, asked Mr. Dickson for his legal opinion on whether a change in the background of the agenda item would be enough to render the agenda item invalid. Kyle Dickson, City Attorney, answered no, under the Texas Open Meeting Act, the attachments are not required by the Texas Government Code. Then Abel questioned City Charter Article 9 and asked whether Kyle had received any request to get involved in this matter. Mr. Dickson answered that he did not get involved until the petition was delivered to the City Secretary's Office. Abel announced that the City Charter states that the City Attorney provides written advice upon request by the commission, the mayor, or a department director. Kyle answered yes. Dedrick D. Johnson, Mayor, interjected to say that when we receive petitions, contracts, or any other city-related materials, we consult with our legal counsel to ensure we are adhering to state statutes. Commissioner At-Large Abel states he agrees with Commissioner Love and feels that, with the May Election coming up, this item should be discussed later. Commissioner Garza stated he felt like the Police Department is too divided, and this new association will only worsen the divide. Mr. Abel announced that he had talked to both sides and, as a trained mediator, he believes this can be resolved.

Thelma Bowie, Commissioner At-Large and Mayor Pro Tem, stated that we have heard from officers who initiated the petition and that the city had nothing to do with its initiation. They want their voices to be heard. 

Jami Clark, Commissioner District 4, stated that even if we gave the Police Department 2–3 more months, she cannot see this issue being resolved, and she feels strongly that she cannot go against the majority of any organization.

DeAndre Knoxson, Commissioner District 1, asked if the new association is following the correct process for the petition and if any additional steps are needed. Mr. Dickson confirmed that no further actions are required. Commissioner Knoxson noted that if the motion passes, the current union's contract will remain valid until September, after which the new association will take over. He emphasized that the majority of officers want change, and ignoring this could lead to problems in the future.

Dedrick D. Johnson, Mayor, stated that the City of Texas City Administration made efforts to work with the current Texas City Municipal Police Association for quite some time. Mayor Johnson stated that the City has provided documentation to the media where meetings were set up, and those meetings were refused attendance by the current TCMPA leadership. Mayor commented that "this is a right here, right now situation, and it deserves a right here, right now response. Contrary to intentional disinformation, this was not a petition started by the mayor. By the City Charter and the State Statutes, the employer is the City of Texas City, which is led by the CEO, the Mayor, but I did not want to make a unilateral decision." The Mayor went on to say he wanted this item to come before the Commission so that they could have a voice in the decision, as well, because collectively this body represents the employer. Mayor stated that there is an obligation and a duty to adhere to what the majority of the Police Department has submitted before us; to do anything else would be a dereliction.