Announcements
Councilwoman Eva Jean Dalton announced that Councilwoman Lydia Caballero had a minor stroke. Dalton reported she will miss a few meetings, but she’s been doing well in rehab.
Public Announcement
Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee member Dr. Laurie Coker spoke during the public comment period about potential dog parks on the island and recommended those with input to join the committee on August 17 for their next meeting.
Coker reminded the public finding and purchasing land on the island will be an issue.
Presentations
Police Chief Claudine O’Carroll honored Veteran and Enforcement Officer Michael Schiltz on his retirement and highlighted his service to the U.S. and SPI.
Consent Agenda
5.2
What happened: A motion to approve acceptance of the Texas Department of Transportation Project Grant Agreement.
Motion passed.
Why it matters: The City applied and has been approved for $593,108 for State Rural Transit District Funds.
This project aims to continue the current service (Island Metro) and enhance future services in the rural area. In the future, the funds provided for an Island Metro and a feasibility study for a bus parking garage, retail office space, taxicab/pedicab, water ferry operations, commuter service, and tour operations.
Regular Agenda
6.2
What happened: A motion to approve the order of the general election for new municipalities for the November 8, 2022, general election to elect City Council member positions Place 1 and Place 2.
Motion passed.
Why it matters: It is ordered for an election to be held on November 8, 2022, for Place 1 (Ken Medders) and Place 2 (Kerry Schwartz). The election budget is $5,000.
6.3
What happened: In previous meetings, the Mayor announced the pulling of item 6.3. City Council Members influencing how City Boards vote.
Why it matters: The item has appeared on and has been pulled three times from the previous agendas.
Council members influencing city boards violates good process and procedure. Any new issues should first go to city staff for approval. If approved, it should move to city boards and commissions for their advisory role to the City Council. The City board then presents their recommendations to the Council, and if council members influence either staff or boards, they are in effect advising themselves.
What now: This item will soon come before the City Council.
6.5
What happened: A motion to approve the SPI Holiday Sandcastle Village Special Event Permit for 1 year.
Motion passed. Mayor Patrick McNulty abstained from voting.
Why it matters: Lucinda Wierenga appeared before the Council again after the Council motioned to approve the SPI Holiday Sandcastle Village Special Event permit for one year, subject to maintaining an insurance policy.
Wierenga let the Council know she sent the proof of insurance to Parks Manager Debbie Huffman and Councilman Joseph Ricco.
The Special Events Permit was primarily blank, and insurance proof was not included. The Special Event Permit fee is $250.
