Council approves steps for new ‘Katy Exchange’ city-run market event Petition to leave Katy’s ETJ also presented by landowner

By Susan Rovegno, Publisher
Posted 1/16/25

At the January 13 meeting of Katy’s city council, council members approved a number of steps toward implementation of the new city-run “Katy Exchange” market event.

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Council approves steps for new ‘Katy Exchange’ city-run market event Petition to leave Katy’s ETJ also presented by landowner

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At the January 13 meeting of Katy’s city council, council members approved a number of steps toward implementation of the new city-run “Katy Exchange” market event. Dates for the five market events have been set as the third Saturday in March, April, May, August, and November. The events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for the inaugural event on March 15, which will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Following a closed executive session near the end of the meeting, council members also gave a 5-0 vote of approval for the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce for the Katy Exchange. The purpose of the MOU was not disclosed.

Additionally, dates have been set for other city-sponsored events in the historic town square at Avenue C and Second Street:

· March 8, 5 to 8 p.m.: Great 80s! celebrating the 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Katy

· April 5, 4 to 7 p.m.: Taylor Swift ERAS Night

· May 10, 7 to 10 p.m.: Beatz the Heat Beach Bash on the Square

· June 13, 7 to 10 p.m.: The Greatest Showman

· August 9, 8 to 11 a.m.: Classic Cars and Coffee

· September 13, 4 to 7 p.m.: Blues and Brews

· October 4: Katy Rice Harvest Festival Parade, 8 to 11 a.m.

Street closures were approved for all events.

In an unusual request, landowner Katy Trees, LLC, petitioned to exit the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The 81-acre property in Harris and Waller Counties, located west of Eula Morgan Road and south of Clay Road, is planned for residential development, Mayor Dusty Thiele said. City Administrator Byron Hebert said that the request to leave the city’s ETJ was the first such request to exit Katy’s ETJ that he could remember since coming to work for the city. The city and the landowner were not able to come to agreement on issues of residential lot sizes and detention measures, Hebert said. The landowner sought to build 45-foot lots, which is a smaller footprint than permitted by the City of Katy. Hebert said that the landowner also wanted to work through the detention issues with a MUD located closer to their property, and that the landowner would have to work with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District and the Harris County Flood Control District on drainage issues.. Emergency services to the area will be provided through ESD #200, Hebert said. Although council members voted against granting the request to exit the ETJ, city staff said that the request would become effective in 45 days from the date of the request, under existing law.

In other action, council:

· Approved 5-0 the appointments of Jaime Corona to a seat on the Katy Management District No. 1, and of Durran Dowdle to fill a seat on the Village of Katy Development District. Corona, a local realtor and past president of the Rotary Club of Katy, previously held the seat on the Katy Management District No. 1 which will now be filled by Dowdle, former city council member and mayor pro tem for the City of Katy. Corona is filling the seat on the Katy Management District No. 1 which was vacated by Bob Hargarther.

· On a 4-1 vote, approved the purchase of property at 903 D in Katy. Councilmember Dan Smith dissented, stating that the property was not part of the city’s long-term strategic plan and that property should not be purchased “on a whim” without a distinct purpose in mind. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris said that the property would add green space to Thomas Park and would provide facilities and storage for Keep Katy Beautiful.

Mayor Dusty Thiele also welcomed new city staff members Anthony Bond, who is the city’s new IT director and Katie Lowen, who takes over Animal Control Supervisor, following the retirement of David Brown.

Thiele also announced that city offices would be closed on January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

The next meeting of Katy’s city council will be January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.

Katy’s city council, council members, “Katy Exchange”, memorandum of understanding (MOU), Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Avenue C and Second Street, 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Katy, Katy Trees, LLC, Mayor Dusty Thiele, City Administrator Byron Hebert, Brookshire-Katy Drainage District, Harris County Flood Control District, ESD #200, Jaime Corona, Katy Management District No. 1, Durran Dowdle, Village of Katy Development District, Rotary Club of Katy, Bob Hargarther, Councilmember Dan Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Harris, Thomas Park, Keep Katy Beautiful, Anthony Bond, Katie Lowen, Animal Control Supervisor, David Brown, Martin Luther King Day, City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy