At the June 9 meeting of Katy’s city council, members voted unanimously to approve a change which will result in not just one – but two – traffic signals being installed at key intersections along Morton Road.

The move authorizes the Katy Development Authority to use up to $77,500.00 in METRO funds for the installation of a temporary traffic signal at Pitts Road and Morton. The temporary signal will be in place for about two years while road widening is completed, said David Kasper, City Engineer. The temporary signal is expected to be operational by the end of July 15, he said. The vote amended a previous authorization in August 2024 which allocated $310,310.00 for the installation of a permanent traffic signal at Morton and Katy Hockley Road, which is also expected to be complete by the end of July.

Following a nomination by Mayor Dusty Thiele, council members unanimously confirmed Chris Harris as Mayor Pro Tem. Harris was elected to the Katy City Council in 2018, 2020 and 2023, and has served as Mayor Pro Tem since September 2019 under Mayors Bill Hastings and Dusty Thiele.

Council also voted to move forward in supporting the city’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives call for projects, which Councilmember Gina Hicks said was more of a “mobility project than a trails pathway project” which could eventually connect the community to the Katy Mills area via sidewalks and would be “a wise use of funds.”

Brenda Hunter Martin was also recognized as the city’s 2024-2025 Senior Volunteer of the Year.

City council will meet next on June 23 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.