City Council Report

Public announcements

• SPI Environmental Health Director Victor Baldovinos invited everyone to participate in Earth Hour this Saturday (3/25/23) by turning lights off from 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The goal is to raise awareness about climate change.  

Regular Agenda

5.3

What happened: A motion to approve Resolution 2023-04 supporting a local option on casino gaming foster tourism, economic development, and job growth.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: A resident spoke during public comments asking the council to consider not engaging in legalized gambling as she believes, according to past experiences, it would not help local businesses.

Mayor Patrick McNulty explained during the item that the resolution does not approve gambling but allows the opportunity to be a part of the bill.

"This is just a resolution to put on here whether or not we want to lobby our senators and representatives to allow us to have the opportunity to be on this bill. It does not mean it will be legalizing gambling on South Padre Island," said McNulty.

Cameron County will also decide whether to approve a resolution. Approving the resolution will have the ability to affect the island in county-owned areas.

[Island Matters is following HB 2843]

5.6

What happened: The council either tabled, postponed or was semi-undecided on the five (5) motions below.

1. Tabled: To require two (2) trash cans for properties registered as short-term rentals.
2. Postponed to the May 3 council meeting: To require one (1) parking space per bedroom effective (DATE) for all newly registered short-term rentals.
3. Passed: To require a sign to be placed outside of each short-term rental unit that has the permit #, max occupancy limits, and the manager's contact information
4. No action: To require a sign inside each short-term rental unit that has the permit number, max occupancy listed, noise ordinance restrictions, parking restrictions (max number of cars per permit), and any other restrictions that may be useful.
5. No recommendation from the Planning & Zoning commission: To recommend any other changes to the City Council regarding Article VII – Short Term Rental Ordinance that may be related.

What next: The Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council will revisit the issues of trash cans, parking spaces, and indoor signage at their next meetings.

P&Z will meet on April 20, while the next City Council meeting is May 3.

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