Announcements/Presentations:

Parks and Recreation manager Debbie Hoffman announced the July 4th Walking Beach Parade. The event will occur at Beach Access #21 (Carolyn and Cora Lee) starting at 9:30 AM.
A Proclamation to declare SPI the special needs Sportfishing Capital of Texas in honor of the Fishing's Future organization was announced by Mayor Patrick McNulty. Fishing's Future dedicates its time to helping families build stronger bonds and offers fishing services for persons with disabilities.
Councilmen Ken Medders and Kerry Schwartz presented by the rotary club of Port Isabel first responders of the year award to Lance Hobbs with City Code Enforcement and Firefighter Lieutenant Jose Treviño Jr.
Jason Thies, with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, presented the Regional Sediment Management Plan. The plan is partially funded through Planning Assistance to the States Program. Their presentation gave seasonal recommendations for beach placement after tracking Sand placement over time.
Fire Chief Jim Pigg gave a presentation on badge pinning for promoted Firefighter/Paramedics. Neil Waters, Chris de Leon, Oscar Gonzalez, and Emilio Hinojosa.
- Neil Waters: Promoted to Captain.
- Chris De Leon: Promoted to Lieutenant.
- Emilio Hinojosa: Promoted to Engineer Driver Operator.
- Oscar Gonzalez: Engineer Driver Operator.

Consent Agenda

Approve the second and final reading of Ordinance No 22-02 repealing sections 3-23 regarding Cats at Large.

Approve the second and final reading of Ordinances No 22-03, amending sections 12-20 regarding alcoholic beverages in the central district.

Consent agenda approved.

Regular agenda

6.1

What happened: A motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the Early Final Completion Incentive addendum with Clore Equipment for the Laguna Boulevard Construction Service Agreement.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: Public Works Director Alex Sanchez announced to the council the incentive is to finish the project sooner. "It's a $500 a day for each day they finish early."

6.2

What happened: A motion made by Mayor Patrick McNulty to approve the contract with Hanson Services Inc for the Wind and Water Park subject to the landowner’s approval for an additional 24 months to take that deal or to terminate the amendment.

The motion was withdrawn at the request of Councilman Joseph Ricco, who made a motion to table the item. "I'd like to hear from Hanson this week. I'd like to meet with them if they value our business," said Ricco.

Motion tabled.

Why it matters: Hanson Professional Services Inc, Project Manager Paulina Vega announced to the board that the new requests from the City would take up to 24 months depending on the processing time of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, Vega stated that the Corps has not been satisfied with how the project was presented. "The mitigation plan has to be redone; the biological assessment has to be rewritten; and there needs to be some changes to the original submittal for the 404 permit."

Councilman Ricco and Mayor McNulty expressed their disappointment with Hanson Services, concluding that the board lacks confidence in the organization. McNulty compared the process to a 60-mile journey with not even half a mile done. "We're going to spend another $90,000 when we already spent half a million on this project, and we haven't gotten any movement forward from zero," said McNulty.

Councilwoman Eva-Jean Dalton mentioned asking the property owners, to which Ricco responded his biggest grievance was not the time, but the number of times the City had to resubmit their plans. "I believe we are on our fifth or sixth now, and their fourth submittal is when we find out about the mitigation land? I'm disappointed, and I don't have a lot of confidence in you all."

What now: As of now, there is no public date set for the meeting between the City and Hanson, and it is unclear if any updates for the public will be available. Further, there has been no progress on the Wind and Water Sports Park.

6.3

What happened: A motion to authorize 310 Padre Blvd. (The Pearl/Margaritaville) as a designated area that allows mobile food units under Sec. 10-31.

Motion approved.

Why it matters: Representative Angela Mitchen explained to the council that her team chose a food truck instead of a restaurant to complement the escapism element of Margaritaville's mission statement: "Create and deliver fun and escapism."

What now: Mitchen added the mobile unit would be connected to freshwater, city water, electricity, and sewage. She also mentioned the unit has a self-contained grease trap, and the kitchen will remove all the grease at the Pearl.

When I asked if it was a smooth process by Councilman Schwartz, she replied, "It has been very smooth and the island has been very good to us."