Announcements:
Mayor Patrick McNulty announced cases going through the appeals process that would prevent City’s ability to regulate short-term rentals. In response, McNulty has asked City Manager Randy Smith and Police Chief Claudine O’Carroll to list possible violations regarding short-term rentals. “We might have an agenda item that will discuss levels of enforcement to make sure that we protect our residents and continue the quality of life as best as we can with limitations the state courts have decided to put on municipalities.”
4.1)
Presentation of the Wind and Water Sports Park (Boburka)
Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka gave an update explaining the time taken has been interrupted time by the pandemic and the Army Corps of Engineers. According to the presentation, the project didn’t gain momentum until 2020. McNulty shared that the lack of progress was due to “red tape” with the US Army Corps and Fish and Wildlife.
Councilman Joseph Ricco invited concerned individuals to write to the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Consent Agenda:
5.1)
What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment from the federal forfeiture funds for $10,000 to purchase a canine and training travel.
Motion passed.
Why it matters: The K-9’s purpose is for narcotic detection.
Regular Agenda
6.1)
What happened: Motion to instruct City staff to put together an RFQ for an architectural engineering design to expand the SPI Convention Center for Phase I and II and remove the third floor.
Motion Passed.
Why it matters: This feasibility study was followed by the approved venue tax project voted on in 2016 that includes expanding the convention center. Charlie Johnson presented to the Council on behalf of the Johnson Consulting Group.
Phase I includes a high-quality locally/tourist used theater. Phase II consists of an exhibit hall to host events simultaneously. “This will increase events,” said Johnson. Johnson recommended removing Phase III (an added floor). “It would be a cost-saving opportunity. The third floor is desirable, but not essential.”
After budget discussion, concerned resident and property manager Jason Yetter explained to the Council that the trend of convention centers may not be what it used to be after a personal experience he had. However, Mayor McNulty mentioned some convention centers are booked 8 to 10 years in advance. “I do understand your concerns.”
What now: The following steps, according to Johnson, are tighter definitions of instruction and technical analysis. “We will be preparing that in the next wave of work and helping organize how to execute the project.”
6.3)
What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment from the federal fund excess reserves up to $55,715 for the design concept.
Motion passed.
Why it matters: Assistant Public Works Director Jon Wilson notified the Council of the number of folks asking for a pickleball court. McNulty added that this project did not start in January because of rain and a grant the City, unfortunately, did not get.
What now: After some design work, Wilson concluded the project could be ready to start within a month and possibly be completed within 60 days. For now, the area (behind the visitor's center building) will have portable toilets until phase II of the project builds permanent structures.
6.7)
What happened: A motion to approve the preliminary design for the Marisol boat ramp under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Restore Act Grants.
Motion passed with one nay from Council Joseph Ricco.
Why it matters: Councilman Joseph Ricco noted that these were the same designs brought to Council in the previous meeting.
[Council recommended the Shoreline Department redo the drawings and move the ramp to the east side.]
The main goal for the Shoreline Task Force is to submit the permit application to US Army Corps concerning only the 13% slope and extended dock.
Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka assured the Council that the department wants to do this right, “They only need to be okay with where the boat ramp is. Then, we can have more public outreach on the layout and the design.”
What now: SPI Business owners Ronald and Virginia Guillot expressed their concerns with the boat ramp. “Bay access is crucial for our fisherman and boaters. There is a lack of bay access, amenities, bathrooms, lighting, and fish cleaning stations. It’s too small.”
This is not a good spot for big trucks pulling big boats,” said Ronald Guillot.
