City Council Report

Presentations

The City of South Padre Island swore in the chaplain of the Chapel by the Sea, David Boughter, as the Police Department Chaplain.  

Dr. Joe Ybarra presented an update on the SPI Med-Center and brought Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC) CEO Jason Paret, who gave a presentation on the Catalina hospital.  According to Ybarra, the feasibility study for the Med Center had three comparison hospitals, one of them being the Catalina Island Medical Center.

He reminded the council of the business support, fair employment laws, and less regulation that Texas offers compared to California.  According to financial studies, he guaranteed the council that they would not be disappointed.  "Your expectations will be exceeded by how big of a role healthcare can play in the community."

Consent Agenda – Total Spent = $58,000

5.1) Approved resolution number 2022-23 for a temporary closure of Highway 100 and portion of queen Isabella Causeway Memorial Bridge for the 38th Annual Longest Causeway Run and Fitness Walk on April 9, 2022.

5.4) Approved $53,000 towards upgrading the pedestrian walk crosswalks and PR 100 median boardwalk and sidewalk improvements

5.5) Approved $5,000 from the General Fund excess reserves from the supplemental services for crosswalk upgrades along PR 100 Padre Blvd. on the north side of the island. 

Motion passed.

Regular Agenda

6.1) 

What happened: A motion to approve the resolution number 2022-04 for a historical foundation Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant.

Motion passed. 

Why it matters: Under the Rules and Regulation of the US Department of Commerce, EDA, American Rescue Plan Act 2021 under Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Program, the city applied and obtained a grant to fund the SPI Historical Foundation.

What now: According to Section 3 of the document, the city will commit to the required 20% to match funds.  Councilman Ricco thanked those involved, “Great job to Mr. Franke and City Manager Randy Smith for putting this together.  It’s going to be a great addition to the community.”

6.2)

What happened: A motion to approve resolution number 2022–05 approving submission of the grant application for the Operation Stone Garden to the Office of the Governor (OPSG) to help prevent and reduce border-related criminal activity.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: According to FEMA, this program provides funds to enhance state, local, and federal coordination. OPSG also funds enhancement to law enforcement agencies and security along the United States’ land and water borders.

6.3)

What happened: A motion to approve the City of South Padre Island Comprehensive Plan.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: Mayor Patrick McNulty reiterated that the plan is a living document required by law. “This is required by state law. Every city is asked to have a comprehensive plan.  We’re replacing a 2008 comprehensive plan."

6.4)

What happened: Motion to approve directing staff to start working on the $3 million bond seven-year amortization.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: Top 5 priority streets for improvement are:

West Morningside

East Mars

Center Lantana

East Bahama

Center Capricorn

What now: The city will work toward borrowing three million dollars for seven years to build thirteen streets or as many as possible.

6.5)

What happened: Public Works Director Alex Sanchez and Assistant Public Works Director Jon Wilson updated the Laguna Blvd., Street and Drainage Improvement Project.

Why it matters: In Wilson’s presentation, phase one of the project will be from Morningside St. to Aries St. (Six blocks). 

Wilson also broke down the reconstruction process by letting the public know the SPI Public Works Department has been working with the Laguna Madre Water District to install a new eight-inch waterline on February 1, 2022. 

“The goal is to diligently work so that everything is done correctly and safely,” said Wilson. He also announced a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 AM on Monday at The Green on Whiting St and Laguna Blvd.

6.7

What happened: A motion to extend the City’s Declaration of a Local State of Disaster due to COVID- 19 virus epidemic to 11:59 PM on Friday, April 8, 2022. 

Motion passed.

Why it matters: South Padre Island files its paperwork following the State of Texas.

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