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.”
