Image

City Council Report

Announcements

The Council stood in silence and recognized the Uvalde victims.

 

Public comment

Resident Randy Algoe made a public comment. Mayor Patrick McNulty reiterated the City Ordinance for Algoe, in which Algoe claims McNulty left out subsection (e) in the Texas Open Meetings Act, where a governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body.

 

In previous Council meetings, Algoe was asked to leave on three separate instances during his public comment period critiquing the Council and being escorted out by police, Algoe notified the Council of claims he filed against Ken Medders, Joe Ricco, Patrick McNulty, and Kerry Schwartz.

 

At Wednesday’s meeting, Algoe stated, “The last time I talked to the Sheriff (Eric Garza), Randy Smith had not filed the documents as I requested. I wanted to announce that each of you is not lawfully in office because you’ve contributed to each other’s campaigns and solicited votes for each other.”

 

Consent agenda

 

4.1

 

What happened: The Council approved a budget ammendment for $676.87 for PW – 15 vehicle repairs.

 

Why it matters: Due to an auto accident, the City’s insurance with TML will cover the $676.87 repair.

 

4.2

 

What happened: The Council approved a budget amendment from the general fund excess reserves of $11,717.19 for motor vehicles.

 

Why it matters: The general fund will be used to install radios, emergency lights, apply logos, and reflective stripping on the three new first responder trucks for the fire department.

 

Regular agenda

 

5.1

 

What happened: A motion to repeal Section 3–23 of Article 3 in Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances regarding cats at large.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: This ordinance requires cats in the City to be fenced, leashed, or tethered. “I just figured we’ll take it off the books. We’ve never enforced it,” said City Manager Randy Smith.

 

5.2

 

What happened: A motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance 22–03 amending Section 12–20 Article 1 of Chapter 12 by repealing section 12–20 possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Central Business District and authorize the publication and caption form.

 

Motion passed.

Excerpt presented during City Council Meeting, June 1.

Why it matters: Previously, it was unlawful for a pedestrian to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage or to consume an alcoholic beverage in the Central District area.

 

Smith explained the law against public intoxication and that this “red rope” is unnecessary. “If you were walking from one block to the other, you might, unbeknownst as a tourist, walk into an area where you walk yourself into an additional violation. It’s not fair, and there are no signs of warning anybody about it. After 13 years, we’ve never enforced it,” said Smith.

 

What now: The City Ordinance will require a second reading of this draft ordinance.

 

5.4

 

What happened: A motion to approve the memorandum of understanding between Cameron County and the City of South Padre Island to continue to provide law-enforcement assistance for Operation Stone Garden (OSG).

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: The memorandum authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Police, etc., to provide for its regularly employed law-enforcement officers to assist another county, municipality, or joint airport. The goal of OSG is to reduce border-related criminal activity, including possible drug smuggling.

 

5.5

 

What happened: A motion to table the item until the first meeting in July with the new CVB Director to decide.

 

Why it matters: The request ($49,900) from Interim CVB Director Lori Moore is to extend the term of this agreement for three additional one-year terms. Moore concluded that the City has access to the float for other parades.

 

What now: The City assured the City of McAllen of the approval, but wants to let the new CVB Director review the float.

 

5.6

 

What happened: A motion for the designs to return to the Developmental Standard Review Task Force (DSTRF) with a waived application fee.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Both DSTRF and Planning and zoning died the applicant. Councilman Joseph Ricco displayed several pictures of paintings on walls as murals, including the City’s community center, and for the sizing to be corrected by staff for the applicant. “This isn’t a taste issue. We’re not voting them on taste.”

 

5.7

 

What happened: A motion to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. for additional services related to the Wind and Water Sports Venue biological assessment and the United States Army Corps of Engineers permitting.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: The contract provides additional funds to revise the biological assessment and resubmit for necessary permits.

 

5.8

 

What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment from the venue tax fund of $99,800 to cover additional services for the Wind and Water Sports Venue.

 

Motion passed.

 

5.9

 

What happened: A motion to extend the city declaration of the local state of disaster due to the COVID-19 virus epidemic to 11:59 PM on Friday, July 8, 2022.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: South Padre Island files its paperwork following the State of Texas.

 

What now: Island Matters reached out to Mayor Patrick McNulty for comment concerning this matter.

 

According to the Governor's orders, "Pursuant to Section 418.017, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster."

 

Island Matters asked the mayor for clarification on this state of emergency. Mayor Patrick McNulty has not responded. 

 

7.1

 

What happened: A motion to extend a 4% pay increase and an 18-month extension on City Manager Randy Smith’s contract.

 

Motion passed.

 

Mayor McNulty expressed his gratitude by thanking Mr. Smith, “We appreciate everything you have done as a City Manager. You’re doing a great job being the captain of our ship.”

 
Facebook TwitterE-Mail


Click here to unsubscribe. | Click here to forward
View this email as a web page
Message sent by Island Matters , sarah@islandmatters.org
Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597