RECOMMENDATION (Summary):
Approve an ordinance ratifying Council actions taken on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, by reapproving, passing, confirming, validating, and adopting certain ordinances, motions, and resolutions.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
On Friday, January 12, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m., the City posted the Agenda for the Consolidated City Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 9 a.m. in Council’s Chambers at City Hall. In preparation for a severe winter storm, the Mayor directed non-essential personnel to remain at home on January 16 and 17 for duty recall should conditions allow. Severe winter weather impacted the Houston area, including below freezing temperatures and a wintry mix of precipitation, resulting in ice accumulating on various roadways, highways, elevated surfaces, bridges and overpasses. The severe winter weather caused icy roads and hazardous conditions (including numerous street and highway closures) in Houston that prevented City Council from convening or conducting its open meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 9 or 10 a.m.
Due to the severe weather and hazardous road conditions, pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, notice was given and a posting was made that the previously noticed Consolidated City Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 9 a.m. was postponed to 10 a.m. and later further postponed to Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 1 p.m. City Council convened the consolidated council session on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 1 p.m., and adopted several ordinances and motions. The ordinances and motions involved the recommendation to accept work for various contracts, the appropriation and expenditure of funds, the creation of an obligation or a contract or the granting of a right, and other Agenda items.
The actions taken at the meeting convened on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at 1 p.m., were lawful, authorized by and consistent with applicable laws, and became effective as of the dates stated therein for each ordinance and motion. However, out of an abundance of caution and to avoid any need to defend the City in possibly protracted, though meritless, litigation, City Council should reapprove, pass, confirm, validate, approve and adopt the affected ordinances and motions again.