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City Council Report

Announcements:

Mayor Patrick McNulty announced a groundbreaking at the Cameron County-Port Isabel Airport, through TxDOT, for a $1.3 million grant to build 5 miles of fencing around the airport. McNulty also relayed the increasing interest in supporting a second causeway from TxDOT.

 

McNulty added a pre-construction meeting for Laguna Boulevard between the Laguna Madre District, Clore, and Public Works. “Hopefully, there will be a notice to proceed being sent out soon and will have a groundbreaking ceremony.”

 

The Environmental Health Director, Victor Baldovinos, invites everyone to participate in the I Love SPI campaign. “I hope our wonderful residents are in the loving spirit and love their island, their property, including their utility easement that is behind the property.” Baldovinos asks residents to bring their items to the front to the right of way where island partners with public services will haul them away. Participating individuals will get a custom-made I love SPI T-shirt.

 

Chamber President Alita Bagley thanked the city, Wendy Delgado (Director of Operations), and Lori Moore (CVB Interim Director) for the job fair on Wednesday morning. “I want to thank the city and the CVB for helping.” Bagley also announced the member showcase that will also be taking place in the SPI Convention Center on February 10 at 5:30 PM.

 

Presentation: Angelique “Nikki” Soto

Soto briefed the council on the paused Comprehensive Plan Project started in 2019. Due to changes in most staff, and the pandemic in 2020, Soto is glad to have the project back on course. Soto notified the council of their approval needed next month.

 

Open house for the Comprehensive Plan Project will be on February 28 from 4 PM to 7 PM to review the plan again. This comprehensive plan will go before City Council in May. "The purpose of the comprehensive plan is a living document that will help guide the future development of South Padre Island," says Soto.

 

Consent Agenda

 

The consent agenda approved $23,275 from the beach maintenance fund for portable restrooms.

 

Regular Agenda

 

6.1 Presentation

 

What happened: A motion to approve City Manager Randy Smith to execute a license agreement with the RGV Chapter Texas Master Naturalist at the SPI Convention Centre for $10,000.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Current president of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Roberto Gaitan, proposed a plan to enhance the ecosystem around the Convention Centre. Gaitan recommended the possibility of enhancement to complement the surrounding area with native plants.

 

Gaitan introduced after the enhancement to the area the city could apply to be designated as a monarch city. "This would be the only monarch city in the valley and the only one to exist on the longest barrier island in the world."

 

What now: The scouting process is said to begin this coming week, along with plans for an educational platform for the community, visitors, and everyone else.

 

6.2

 

What happened: A motion to Authorize the City Manager to enter an agreement with Planning Assistance to State Information for South Padre Island Flood Risk and Water Quality Agreement, and authorize the Mayor for the certificates. 

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Public Works Director, Alex Sanchez, told the council the agreement with the Army Corps is for a comprehensive drainage study. The estimate is $265,000, and a city contribution of $132,500. McNulty expressed his delight as this is a big step and appreciates the support from the Amy Corps of Engineers.

 

6.3

 

What happened: A motion to approve the budget amendment of $132,502 from the general fund to fund the Planning Assistant to State Planning Information for South Padre Island on Flood Risk and Water Quality Agreement.

 

6.4

 

What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment to $24,800 from general fund excess reserves to synchronize the traffic signals along with PR 100 Padre Blvd. on the north side of the island.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Kimley Horn's representative Tom Grant assured the council the synchronization would be ready by Spring Break. He also let the board know the company is aware of the Esperanza St. intersection, and the traffic will not have to wait on Esperanza St.

6.5

 

What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment of $200,000 from excess reserve general fund to install new reflectors and armadillos (pictured on the right) for pedestrian safety and high traffic areas along Gulf Boulevard.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Assistant Public Works Director John Wilson explained to the council that in 2017 highway liners were installed and required too much maintenance. "We're going to improve the pedestrian crosswalks by adding signage and reflectors. The material cost comes up to about $100,000, and this will also include repainting the white lines."

 

What now: When asked about the start of this project, Wilson let the council know the department would order the equipment starting the next day.

Photo: Courtesy of the City of SPI

6.6

 

What happened: A motion to approve a budget amendment for $139,055 from excess reserve general fund to upgrade the city's network infrastructure. 

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: IT Director Victor Martinez explained to the council the need to replace ten-year-old equipment. "Our main goal is not only to replace it but also make room for expansion. McNulty voiced that, unfortunately, this can be a security concern for the city and recommended planning. "Unfortunately, it's a very needed spending to maintain our network security and our future growth," said McNulty.

 

What now: McNulty further stated that hopefully, expenses like these would be built into a budget moving forward.

 

6.7

 

What happened: A motion to approve the funding request of $50,000 for the Roar by the Shore air show in August 2022.

 

Motion passed.

 

Why it matters: Special Events Manager April Brown announced the Roar by the Shore event scheduled for August 28, 2022, at the Holiday Inn Beach Resort. The show will be north of Isla Grand Beach Resort and south towards Isla Blanca. Brown expressed concerns brought up by the SEC and CVAB that the business owners who own the jet skis and banana boat rentals would not run because there must be a certain amount of clearance. 

 

6.8

 

What happened: A motion to approve the KVUE/TENGA and a three-month marketing campaign for $69,000 for taxes for FY 2021/2022

 

Why it matters: Senior Marketing Communications Manager Teresa Rodriguez told the council she was pleased with the previous results of the campaign and wished to continue another three-month campaign from June to August.

 

6.10

 

What happened: Two motions failed to approve a budget amendment of $800,000 from Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) excess reserves fund to be used for media placement in FY 21/22. 

 

The first motion for $300,000 died.

 

The second motion for $100,000 died.

 

No action was taken on this item.

 

Why it matters: According to McNulty, this past September, a media plan was set in place and asked why the need for an additional $800,000 while finalizing a marketing plan. Councilman Joseph Ricco also asked, "Why are we moving funds right now when we just started the plan that has been budgeted?"

 

What now: With concern from the council about prudent spending, the CVB Department will be back in the next council meeting with an update.

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