City Council Report

Announcements:

Mayor Patrick McNulty thanked staff for their hard work during Spring Break. “I think we had a good Texas Week, and I’m grateful for all the hard work everybody put in.”

Assistant Public Works Director Jon Wilson presented an update for the Council on the Bike & Walking Lane Safety Improvements. According to Jon Wilson, installing new reflectors on Gulf Blvd is in process, and the department will work in phases of 6-8 blocks at a time. The estimated time for the project will be about three and a half months.

Consent Agenda: Total spent = $96,570

4.1)

Approve a budget amendment up to $3,000 from General Fund Excess Reserves Fund to increase the planning department overtime (line item 01-514–0060).

4.4)

Approve acceptance of the Texas Department of Transportation Project grant agreement amendment #2 to transfer residual funds $93,570 from project administration to construct bus shelters and 222,500-6200 from operating to construction build bus shelters and authorize the City Manager or CFO to enter grant agreement.

Why it matters: The Transit Department requested amendment #2 to complete the bus shelter project and explore the feasibility of a multi-use facility. The facility may serve as vehicle storage for the WAVE buses, public parking garage, and a mixed-use retail office.  

Motion to approve consent agenda passed.

Regular agenda

5.2)

What happened: A motion to approve the annual comprehensive financial report for FY 2020-21.

Motion passed.

Why it matters: According to Matthew Montemayor, CRI (Carr, Riggs, and Ingram) representative, the City received an unmodified opinion from the CPA firm. “Some may consider that a clean-cut opinion and something as a council in charge of government would be expecting or wanting to receive.”

5.3)

What happened: A motion to direct the Shoreline Department to proceed with the preliminary design of Sea Island Circle (Beach Access #5).

Motion passed.

Courtesy of City of South Padre Island, and LJA Engineering.

Why it matters: Shoreline Director Kristina Boburka presented the designs to the Council with the Shoreline Task Force recommended approval of the layout. “Then we can bring further designs as they come along. With this grant, we focused on adding amenities.” Said Boburka.

Courtesy of City of South Padre Island, and LJA Engineering.

5.4)

What happened: A motion to proceed with the preliminary design of the boat ramp at Marisol with the following recommendations:

• Look into moving the boat ramp to the east side.

• Look at island center parking.

• Present it back to the Shoreline Task Force for another preliminary review to be presented to Council.

Why it matters: Councilman Joseph Ricco voiced concern about whether the size of the boat ramp would cause frustration for boat owners. “Claudine is going to spend half her day out there with accident reports.”

“It’s pretty tight,” agreed Councilman Ken Medders Jr.

“This layout will be very tough for someone who knows how to drive a boat and park a trailer.” Said Ricco. “I know this is preliminary, but I think you should be looking at that right now.”

What now: Boburka advised the Council that she will take note and relay it back to the Shoreline Task Force and come back to present at the next City Council meeting.

5.5)

What happened: A motion to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System.

Why it matters: Police Chief Claudine O’Carroll explained to the Council that the Memorandum (MOU) would aid with the health and welfare checks of Veterans living in the community in crisis or who need assistance. It also offers an agreement for mutual support in a critical incident. O’Carroll added that MOU would also provide some training. “It’s a win-win all the way around.”

5.6)

What happened: A motion to accept the award amount and $83,140.38 from the U.S Department of Homeland Security Operation Stone Garden grant application.

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.

The funds are for equipment Police Chief Claudine O’Carroll mentioned the force has needed in the past. “This is for equipment that we want to put on our boat to make us more viable when we are conducting operations.”

What now: Below is a list of equipment provided in the Council’s agenda.

Courtesy of City of South Padre Island

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