The City Council convened in the second-floor chambers this Wednesday, Jan. 24. Among the notable items in the consent agenda are the approval of a budget amendment amounting to $15,867, associated with the resident requirement stipend policy 500.26, which received approval during the Dec. 20, 2023, City Council meeting. This policy applies only to specific positions, aiming to encourage key staff members to reside within the City limits. The designated roles include Police Chief, Fire Chief, City Manager, City Secretary (Emergency Public Information Officer), CVB Director, and Fire Marshall.
Additionally, the City approved a budget amendment for $7,500 from Fund 03 for a land acquisition property survey within the Shoreline Department. It also approved an allocation of $52,150 from Fund 60 for Neptune Circle access improvements, with partial funding sourced through the Coastal Management Program's Cycle 28.
The engineering and permitting processes for Cycle 28 will be undertaken by Green, Rubiano & Associates, as discussed during the Shoreline Task Force's meeting on Sept. 20, 2023.
5.4
Since the City Council appointed an Adhoc Committee in 2019 to review the SPI Code of Ordinances, the committee diligently met until 2020, until COVID-19 restricted all in-person meetings.
On Nov. 16, 2022, the committee enacted a substantial amendment for Chapter 12, repealing the entire section and introducing a new one.
During this item, concerned residents, primarily from the Embassy Condos, voiced ongoing issues with noise disturbances originating from Coco Beach. Multiple individuals shared instances of frequently calling the police due to noise disruptions. One resident highlighted the frustration, mentioning that reporting the disturbances to SPIPD has become embarrassing, emphasizing that these incidents are not emergencies. They recounted an instance where a person from the beach bar allegedly responded, "We're a beach bar; we can play as loudly as we want to," causing significant displeasure.
The residents group proposed raising the existing $500 fine, considering the rising costs of various commodities, and suggested ending daytime activities at 9 p.m. or lowering the decibel limit. Expressing concerns about the impact on property values, they stressed the need for better noise regulation, citing instances where condo sales were affected due to loud music. One resident urged the initiation of fines to address the ongoing issue.
In response to the concerns raised, Mayor McNulty motioned to delay the first draft for further review and consideration.
It's unclear if Coco Beach has received fines.
5.6
The City of South Padre Island is partnering with the Lower Rio Grande Flood Planning Region to collectively qualify for the Flood Infrastructure Fund as a regional group.
Public Works Director Alex Sanchez noted, "It provides favorable grant funding" for collaborative regional flood infrastructure projects.
5.7
The South Padre Island Police Department is in the process of seeking a Homeland Security Grant aimed at upgrading the radio system. The objective is to enhance emergency communications within the police department and facilitate seamless communication with surrounding supporting agencies. Police Chief Claudine O'Carroll emphasizes the necessity for this upgrade, citing that the current system is no longer supported, and some of the portables in inventory have reached the end of their operational life. Chief O'Carroll deems this initiative as essential housekeeping, contributing to offsetting the expenses associated with replacing communication systems.
5.8
In the process of appointing members to fill vacancies resulting from expiring terms and resignations, Mayor McNulty has made the following selections:
Board of Adjustments and Appeals:
- Lindy Milner
- David Hickey
- Cheryl Hill (Alternate)
Board of Ethics:
- Bill Best
- Jaron Berman
- James Sullivan
Convention Visitors Advisory Board (CVAB):
- Rene Valdez
- Tom Goodman
- Daniel Salazar
Development Standards Review Task Force (DSRTF):
- Charles Fox
-
Barbara Hayes
- Chris White
Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful:
- Laurie Coker
- Amy Beggs
- Kathryn Willingham
Planning and Zoning (P&Z):
- Chris Hoffman
- Joe Paster
- James Broussard
Shoreline Task Force (STF):
- Todd Williams
- Norma Trevino
- Steven Murphy
Special Events Committee (SEC):
- Lisa Graves
- Meg Clifton
- Scott Hertzog
- Aaron Hartwell
5.9
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is selling tables and seats for the State of the Island Address on Apr. 10.
For inquiries or reservations, please contact EDC Director Darla Lapeyre.
