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Nine public service organizations in Port Arthur will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after the city was awarded $1,152,703 in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Of that, the city will allocate $172,900 to the following service organizations, including $40,000 each for Catholic Charities and the Port Cities Rescue Mission; $27,000 to Legacy Community Development Corporation; $20,000 for Nutrition and Services for Seniors; $15,000 to the Program of Health Excellence; $12,000 for the Willie Carter Community Outreach; $9,900 for First Baptist Outreach Center; $6,000 for the Ibn Sina Foundation and $3,000 for Liberty Heights.

Four interoffice agreements between the city and its departments total $979,803 and include a Downtown Housing Revitalization Program payment of $100,000, down payment and closing cost assistance of $200,000 and housing administration of $180,000; Grants Management Administration funding of $80,000; Public Works street reconstruction funding of $301,870; and Public Works sidewalk repair/Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for $117,933.

In other city business:

• The historic Department Club in Port Arthur will undergo a second phase of repairs to seal the building and prevent any further deterioration.

The city owns the building at 1924 Lakeshore Dr., which has been in existence for nearly a century and has been used to hold meetings and receptions.

Hurricane Harvey damaged some parts of the club in 2017.

The council awarded a contract to McInnis Construction of Silsbee worth $224,000 to commence the phase.

Phase I addressed repairs, maintenance and abatement of asbestos, lead and mold.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been granted temporary right of access to submerged lands on Pleasure Island in preparation of dredging and maintenance there.
• A total of 2,000 Itron residential and small commercial water meter electronic transmitters will be purchased from Republic Meter of Dallas for $146,500.
• Section 70-60 of the city code regarding vehicles in public parks has been amended. The ordinance bans vehicles from being permitted in a city park after hours, which are posted in each location.

Privately owned commercial vehicles are not allowed in a city park at any time unless a permit has been issued by the parks director or a designee.

Violation could result in a fine of up to $500.