Announcements:

Mayor Patrick McNulty announced postponing item 5.4 to appoint new members to boards.
A moment of silence was held for the loss of City Councilman Kerry Schwartz's daughter, Kristin Elizabeth Schwartz, and Island Native family member Sandra Tarpey. (Councilman Schwartz owns Island Native)
McNulty announced postponing the projects meeting scheduled for Jan. 10 until further notice.
Ken Medders Jr. requested a trailer owner to help with recycling on Saturday.
Dr. Joe Ybarra, Island physician introduced a new healthcare administrator, Mr. West Robinson. Robinson works at Harlingen medical center, lives on the island, and is interested in aiding Ybarra's vision of building an urgent care center.

Regular Agenda

5.1

What happened: A motion to approve and accept the Texas Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division grant award for $83,755.32 to purchase bullet-resistant shields

Motion passed.

Why it matters: The grant allows the police force to purchase 11 ballistic shields, which police have needed to use previously, according to SPI Police Chief Claudine O'Carroll.

5.2

What happened: A motion to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Purdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott LLP – Attorneys at Law for delinquent municipal court fines collections.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: The previous municipal court collection company MSB notified the City that the company would no longer provide services in Texas.

Ranking panelists:

Mayor Pro Tem, Kerry Schwartz

Director of Operations, Wendi Delgado

Court Administrator, Crystal Vasquez

Accountant, Giovanni Bouquet

5.3

What happened: A motion to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Hance Scarborough LLP to provide lobbying services to the City of South Padre Island for the 2023 Texas Legislative session.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: Councilwoman Eva Jean Dalton voiced her concern with the City hiring lobbying services and expressed her vote as no. The council resumed with no comment, and the motion carried.

Ranking Panelists:

Mayor Pro Tem, Kerry Schwartz

Director of Operations, Wendi Delgado

City Manager, Randy Smith,

Police Chief, Claudine O'Carroll