City Council convened on Wednesday, May 1, passing notable proposals and hearing more voices regarding the Convention Center expansion. Council members Rees Langston and Joe Ricco were absent.
During public comments and announcements, Mayor Patrick McNulty led a moment of silence for the passing of SPI Fire Dispatcher Ernesto Delgado. Delgado served for the last 11 years, and is survived by his wife and two children.
Following the previous meeting regarding the Birding and Nature Center, McNulty clarified that the slides presented last week were seen by the council for the first time as a work in progress. He emphasized the administration's awareness of the environmental impacts and assured no development plans for Orca Circle. McNulty reminded the audience of the 3-minute time limit for public comments and urged them to maintain politeness and respect.
All public comments focused on the preliminary designs for the Convention Center's expansion presented at the last session. Members of the birding community stressed the importance of preserving the birds' habitat and constructing around their living spaces for the benefit of SPI.
5.1
The Council passed an ordinance tasking city attorney Ed Cyganiewicz with drafting a law concerning Political signs, encompassing penalties, fines, and storage fees. Putting up political signs is prohibited until 60 days before an election, and they must be removed no later than ten days after the election concludes. The city will impose a $25 fine for small signs removed, while big signs will incur a $100 penalty.
5.2
The City Council approved the purchase of two new police vehicles and the installation of equipment for up to $164,000. City Fleet Manager Chase Lemons provided insight, highlighting that two of the cars are approximately eight years old, and they prefer to maintain vehicles within the five-year mark.
5.3
The Council withdrew the grant provided by TxDOT for a bike lane because the plans are already included the second causeway construction (starting in 2029).
5.4
City Council approved Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka's plans for grant proposals for CMP (Coastal Management Program's) cycle 30. The proposals include renovations to Beach Access Three - Gulf Circle and Beach Access 11 - Treasure Island, along with funding for channel marking. Boburka emphasized Dune sediment tracking as a priority in her proposals.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for May 15th.
