The City of Katy’s city council moved forward with plans for the widening of Pin Oak Road from the Katy Freeway to Katy-Flewellen Road, authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the Katy Development Authority for right-of-way acquisition and other services. The project will be funded with METRO funds.

An ordinance governing “special hazard intersections controlled by u-turn signs” was also unanimously given the green light. The new law will prohibit u-turns along Morton Road between Elder Road and Patna Drive, near Aristoi Classical Academy. City officials said that the Katy Police Department currently provides traffic control on the roadway before and after school, directing parents to turn right and go west on Morton as they exit the campus. KPD Chief Bryon Woytek said that the additional step prohibiting u-turns was needed due to several “near misses” in the area.

Also approved during the meeting was an agreement with Slattery Tackett Architects, LLP for architectural services for the new fire and police substation at Texas Heritage Marketplace.

Mayor Dusty Thiele presented a special proclamation to members of Keep Katy Beautiful, recognizing April 11 as the organization’s “Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off Day.”

Via consent agenda, council approved grant applications for hotel occupancy tax funds for two projects:

· A professional services agreement with Southwest Sports Partners, LLC, was approved for $12,000 for tourism-related advertising and promoting the City of Katy for future sporting events.

· Expenses of $20,000 to the Katy Heritage Society for repairs and improvements to the historic mess hall at Katy Heritage Park, 5990 George Bush in Katy.

City Administrator Byron Hebert was absent from the meeting due to jury service in Waller County.

The next meeting of Katy’s city council will be held on April 13 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.