City Council Report

Announcements

After visiting the Capitol in Austin, Mayor Patrick McNulty told the public to watch Senate Bill 434. “It’s getting into the privatization of beaches,” said McNulty.
The city received a notice from TXDOT the causeway should be finished by Mar. 7. McNulty encouraged reaching out to TXDOT for a second causeway. “If you have any complaints, reach out about a second access.”
Resident Barry Sullivan made a public comment concerning pedestrian crosswalks. “I witnessed two pedestrians getting knocked down.” For weeks the council has reminded citizens to stop at the flashing lights for pedestrians.

Presentations

Republic Services (Water/Sewer/Trash) presented to City Council on the annual price increase that rose 4% this year.

Regular Agenda

6.1

What happened: The Akins Group presented its Branding Refresh Project to renew SPI’s visual and verbal identity. (No action item)

Why it matters: The branding plans to make SPI the jewel of the Gulf Coast and redefine the island’s story adding “Your Island Escape” as SPI’s new tagline.

What now: The island’s new logo called for a new color palette giving the three famous island umbrellas names like ocean blue, vibe pink, and sunshine yellow.

Courtesy of the Atkins Group

6.8

What happened: The council made a motion to table this item.

Why it matters: Confusion on whether the Form-Based Code allowed the sign for the property (former Chaos building) after previous building officials permitted it. His sign was supposed to go up Mar. 1.

“I’m not complaining, but in the past two years, there was a lot of change in people in the building department. It got confusing,” said Amoyal.

Business monument signage for 1601 Padre Blvd.

Amoyal’s first submission for a variance was to the Development Standards Review Task Force (DSRTF) on Dec. 13, 2022. The variance was denied due to lack of hardship. When Amoyal appealed to the DSRTF and submitted a hardship it was also denied. The next step for Amoyal was to request the variance from City Council.

In 2020, the planning department was eliminated by the City Council. This leaves city committee boards/city staff with less direction and more work.

What now: Mayor McNulty and Councilman Ricco volunteered to investigate the signage and the property.

“I would want to see what all the signage is so we can properly consider this,” said McNulty.

“I’d like to go down there and see it,” said Ricco.

Hardship form submitted by Menny Amoyal

6.17

What happened: A motion to authorize an RFQ for Convention Center expansion for design services.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: According to CVB Director Blake Henry, the expansion will allow SPI to stay competitive with other facilities and meet the demands of regional conferences.

“Tourism has increased, but the current state of our facility does not meet the demands of major state regional conferences compared to other facilities,” said Henry.

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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597