City Commission - Regular Meeting

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would you handle that? We're going to begin. Uh, Mayor Pro Tim, may we start the meeting? Uh pursuant to chapter 551 title five of the Texas government code uh that the Texas open meetings notice is hereby given uh that the city commission of the city of Brownsville, Texas in accordance with article 5 section 12 of the said city uh will convene at a regular meeting on April 21st, 2026. The time is 5:00 pm here uh in the commission chambers on the second floor of the Brownsville City Hall Old Federal Building located at 10001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas 78520. May we begin with the roll call?

Yes, please. We'll start with Mayor John Cowan Jr. Commissioner Theo Varal, Commissioner Ninth Galonski. Uh Mayor Prom Brian Martinez present. Commissioner Linda Masias present. Commissioner Austavo DeLeon, Commissioner Pedro Cardinas present.

We do have a quorum to start the regular meeting. We will have the invocation led by Miss Rosalie Fernandez and following we will have the pledge of allegiance to the flags of the United States of America in the state of Texas. Yes. Good evening everyone. If we would all stand and bow our heads, just gather our thoughts. A lot happened today in our city. We gathered together, heavenly father, giving you and only you thanks and praise. In one accord, we continue to pray for all our military as they serve and stand for the red, white, and blue. Protect them and their families. We lift up President Trump, all in Congress and in the Senate. That they make the best decisions for the United States of America. We ask Lord for a Holy Ghost protection for our country. Protect our borders. May no weapon formed against us ever prosper. We lift up the elections in November for our country and local elections as well. Bless our city, the entire RGV along with everyone serving in public service. Let us thank a police a police officer especially today this week or a fireman or maybe an EMT or paramedic for the their hard work. the numerous volunteers. Thank you for your time and dedication and those that bring good to our community. Keep going. You are not unseen. Remove stumbling blocks so that Brownsville and Cameron County can bloom with beauty. Thank you for the rain we have been receiving. May this drought end as citizens of Cameron County. Lord, continue to mold us into the individuals you designed us to be. We pray for a better future for our children and grandchildren. We pray that Brownsville Cameron County will have an overflow of abundance and never lack for anything. May each of us who have stepped up to service to serve in our community shine in a way and shine in

what we are doing. If we can remember scripture Matthew 5:14, you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. So as we continue to build with a pure heart, let our work shine and bring a smile to your face. Numbers 6:24, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. We always end with in God we trust and just Lord protect Brownsville. Protect us from anything and everything that is not good, Father. and we always and always will give you the glory and always we will pray pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Texas into this.

Uh, Mayor Proim, uh, may we alter the order of the agenda, skip the special work session, jump into public comment for business? Yes. Thank you, Myro. Uh at this time I'll entertain a motion to suspend the rules as to the order of items. So moved. We have a motion on the floor. Do we have a second? Second. We have a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. Those against? Motion passes.

Thank you. So we will enter into the public comment period. All registered um uh public speakers have acknowledged that the city uh public comment rules which is displayed on the screen that was amended uh this year. As a reminder for the speakers that all comments shall be made to the mayor and the city commission as a whole and not to an individual commission member or city staff. Speakers are allowed to or are not allowed to use their time for a moment of silence or may not conduct a a filibuster. Speakers will be allowed to speak up to uh up to three minutes. You shall state your name and your address for the record. We did receive five pre-registered speakers. We'll start with uh Fabian uh Nero. You'll have three minutes. Please state your name and your address for the record.

Good afternoon, city commissioner. Thank you.

Good afternoon, uh, city commission members. My name is Fabian Eddio. My residence is 145 Gonessa. I am under district 4 and so I just wanted to come before you. Well, first of all, thank you for being here uh listening to us citizens. We appreciate it. I do. Um, I just want to bring up a traffic concern in my residence. So my neighborhood is right next to El Paso Road and that El Paso Road is right next to James Pace High School and Oliva Park which are both two areas highly populated with people. And for a long while now there's been a lot of uh reckless driving occurring in on El Paso Road. Uh cars are just speeding on by driving at excessive rates of speed during like uh dismissal times. So that poses a a danger to kids, also poses a danger to people who um people who live in the area and who go to the park. And the thing about El Paso Road, it only has one existing speed bump. So that gives um reckless drivers the advantage to just go over the speed limit, which is uh past 20. And so ways I was hoping you guys could like improve the road is just by adding more speed bumps or speed dips or just any um anything to like prevent the drivers from driving at excessive speeds. The reason this is such like a big issue for me because um in still in District 4 in Honeydale Road like back in 2023, there was a reckless driver who crashed into one of the trees in the one of the houses and he lost his life and it was just a tragic situation for everyone involved. And um you the city did did make improvements to Honeydale Road. It had the similar problem with um El Paso Road. They added speed dips. So when I go down there and we all go down there, it causes us to slow down and that's good, but I don't think it should take a tragedy for the city to act. So I would just highly recommend you guys take my words into consideration. That'll be all. Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Perfect. Thank you. I do want to acknowledge that we have Mayor Cowan on online as well as Commissioner Varal. We will move on to the second speaker on the list which is Yolanda Spece. Elena Space, Bronzville, Texas. Toxic and dysfunctional. Last night, I went to a meet and greet for Adela Gara and Sheriff Sheriff Sherief Gonella. The event was refreshing. Neither focused on who they knew or who they were related to. They made no mention of family history. They focused on what they knew and didn't mention who their family was. They didn't even exploit their family by parading them around for us to vis to meet them. They showed their plans for the port and their plans were sharp and forward thinking. Gara was always talking about things that they wanted to do for TSC. They presented a lot of data off the top of their heads. They didn't focus on the family history or who their compadres were. That's what a politician in this area needs to do to attract people who are going to move our community forward in the 21st century and for centuries to come without any serious pollution or carinogens released into the air for us to breathe. As I mentioned in the last meeting, my mother was sick and now she has passed. During this experience, I made an observation. There were about a dozen people in the hospital undergoing thorosentesis. For those of you that don't know what that is, they it's where they take a big needle and they stick it in your lungs. They numb you a little bit and they take out the fluid while you're conscious. They do it so they could breathe easier. It is a painful experience, but I think people need to know that this sort of procedure is not common, especially that many in that short period of time. So, I was speaking to somebody and the first thing out of his mouth was cancer alley. This is what happens with this type of

progress that Brownsville and the surrounding areas have seen lately because someone ran for public office and they wanted more money in their bank account at our expense. So, while you're getting richer, the rest of us are getting sicker and unable to cover our medical costs. We even have to bury our loved ones with no major fanfare. So, here I am on April 21st, 2026 asking you, why are you running? I believe my question is valid and appropriate. Is your run for unilateral reasons? Why are you running? Are you running to run next? Are you planning on running for election next year? If your answer is yes, please don't do that. Don't run for reelection. Between the blatant racism, the complicity you all have demonstrated, and the inappropriate behavior, Brownsville deserves better representation. And it's like when you have an attorney who is poorly representing you. It's best to get a new attorney and fire the old one if they aren't doing their job. The city needs more than new bars and nightclubs. They need to make Brownsville safe, environmentally friendly, and a lot less self-destructive. Please do us a favor. Don't run because at this stage of the game, it isn't safe for us. What you all have done and continue to do is more destructive than anything any former commissioner ever did. Just step down. We don't need this. Your behavior is not only inappropriate, it's heavily, and I mean heavily, unacceptable. Antonio Morales, Antonio Morales, San Shakira Martinez. Please state your name and your address for the record. Forest Pansa Lane under district 3. I

live in a neighborhood of elderly people, so it's calm and quiet. Um, I enjoy seeing them outside in nice weather, but when it's rainy like this, sometimes there's an issue of flooding that could happen or still water that just sits there and it's more difficult for them to be walking around due to the wet pa wet pavement. Um, and this brings me to the concern of the flooding issues that we've had in September 2024 and March of 2025. The residents have a hard time walking around and well, if it's wet, they're going to either slip or fall and it will be harder for people to reach them or for the emergency response to make it on time for them. and observing this um while I was walking around my neighborhood and speaking to residents, I noticed a small Sorry. Um there was a time sorry I noticed small and meaningful things I reflect in our community but I also started to see a pattern of concern. Some residents found that flooding was hard for them to re to go on about their day. And this with this article that I had read under uh understanding psych psychological impact floodings of older adults and scoping views. It states that flooding can affect mental health or elderly people and that flooding uh can lead to anxiety and

post-traumatic stress, depression, elderly and maybe like they struggle during disasters. I would hate for my community to continue uh and feel that. Uh, so I would like for the drainage issues to be addressed uh to be viewed in that area so there's less accidents for my my residents that are more elderly. Thank you. The next speaker is uh Diablo. Please state your name and and your address for the record.

I'm going to talk about Yolanda against the city of Branson. My name is Diablo. Can I start my time, please? Okay. 12:54. Tyler,

can you begin my time, please? I want you to remind you commissioners and you need to understand that Yolanda she is a home owner. She paid taxes, property taxes, school taxes, all of the taxes. And her problems commissioners are your problem. Sitting in those chairs there is a commissioner that was elected from Yolanda district and her problems commissioner whoever are you are your problems. These arguments this confrontations between Yolanda and the city mayor Mr. Cohen got nothing to do with public policies or constitutional rights. It is only about blood between Yolanda and the city mayor and is forcing the city to take decisions that are controversial and problematics such as putting a ban on the moment of silence only because Mayor Cohen can no longer stand that Yolanda is staring at him. I wanted to recommend the commission as police chief Mrs. Saler to brief the commission on Yolanda's police file on harassment and police abuse and also according to Yolanda when she asked for her daughter whereabouts she was told that the police lost the dog I want in any event that the police killed the dog euthanized the dog it have to be an investigation by who or why this dog was pulled to death I also wanted to recommend to the commission to subpoena

Mayor Cohen so he can testify about a meeting that he has with Yolanda prior to the mayor become the mayor. What happened in that meeting? That's a turning point in this argument. I also wanted to ask the city manager, Mr. Allan, to explain to the public about the moment of silence. What happened about the moment of silence and ra the ramification for heaven and the city saban? This argument, this confrontation between Yolanda and the city mayor got nothing to do with public policies, constitutional rights, freedom of expression or freedom of religion. It is only bad blood between Yolanda and the city mayor and it needs to stop. That concludes the public comment portion of the meeting. We will enter into the consent agenda items for your consideration.

Thank you, Myra. This moment, I'll entertain a motion to approve consent item agendas. So moved. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. Those against? Motion passes.

Now we will enter into the public hearing portion of the meeting. Each item will have a I'm a a public hearing component to it. Uh starting with item number one, it's a public hearing and action on the first reading on ordinance number 2026-18000 to annex into the city of Brownsville the boundary limits of property described as being 3.23 acres out of a 53.09 acre track comprised of the west 20.47 47 acres of block 179 of Fresno's land and in the irrigation company a subdivision and 326 acres out of block 178 and 179 of said Fresno's land and the irrigation company's subdivision in share 22 the uh the Eastto Santo grant according to the plant of said uh subdivision that was recorded on on volume 3 page 9A the map records of Camar County Texas located on Ode Alice Roadsville Texas 785 526. I will turn it over to staff for comments.

Thank you. Good evening, uh, city commission and members of the general public. My name is Sam Nunes, city planner working out of the planning and redevelopment department. As mentioned, uh, this is a request for voluntary city or annexation into the city of Bronzeville. Uh, this petition comes uh from owners Roselin Alfado and Juan Miguel Torres to annex a total of 3.23 23 acres into our city limits. Uh this is intended for the future development of a single family residence at this location and currently the property is fronting old Atlas Road. It should be mentioned that the parcel in total is 5 acres around a little over one acres already within city limits. So we're trying to bring the complete parcel into Bronzville which is that 3.23 23 acres that's currently in the county's jurisdiction. Our Texas Local Government Code Chapter 43 states that there are certain requirements to be met uh for a voluntary annexation petition. First of all, a written petition given from the property owners. There's also a written service agreement that must be provided between the city and the property owner. uh public hearings such as this one, a proper notice of annexation to our local newspaper, and proper noticing to the school districts and public entities such as the taxing jurisdictions. And all of these requirements were met by city staff and the property owner. This is a map showing the boundary of what we're trying to bring in uh as part of this volinger petition to annex these three point uh acres. Uh as you can see that blue boundary uh is depicting that acreage that is within the city limits and the boundary in yellow would depict

what we're trying to bring in through this voluntary petition. This is a survey that was provided to city staff measuring the boundaries uh that we're bringing in in this voluntary annexation. Based on the analysis and what was presented, staff is now recommending approval to annex 3.23 acres of land into the city of Bronzeville.

Thank you. Is that the only entrance that I see there? It's one way in, one way out. Yes. into Old Alice Road. Uh this property will still be subject to any subdivision uh requirements that would then determine the main access to this property. Yes. But as of now, it's through all Old Alice Road. Sir, this is a public hearing. Is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this item? Not. I'll entertain a motion. Move to close public hearing. Second. We have a motion and a second to close public hearing. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor please say I. I. Those against. To approve. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve. If any further discussion, if not, all those in favor, please say I.

I.

Against. Motion passes. Thank you, Sam. Moving on to the second public hearing uh which is the public hearing and action on the first reading on ordinance number 235-2026-00004 to reszone from the uh from the residential single family R1 to the residential uh transition R3 to allow a multifamily development for 0.87 acre track of land out of the north 1450 acres out of the south 24.03 03 acres of block 115 l Hardin a subdivision shares 19 and 27 of of the uh of the Espirito Santo Grant Cameron County, Texas located at 10005 Robindelle Road here in Brownsville, Texas 78521 as shown in exhibit A located in district 2. Turn it over to staff.

Thank you. Uh good evening uh Mr. uh mayor and and commissioners. Uh this request is to reszone uh from residential single family to R3 residential transition um to allow for a multifamily development at 105 Robinddale Road. Um the some background on this um the case was tabled by the planning and zoning commission on March the 5th of 2026 and then it was represented to the planning and zoning commission once again on April the 2nd of 2026. Um the commission voted to approve the reasonzoning request contrary to staff's recommendation of denial. Um the proposed use is for a multif family development for six units, well five to six units um on Robinddale Road. Uh during the meeting, one neighbor or during both meetings, excuse me, one neighbor expressed concerns of the change in the neighborhood character and our concern that uh it could constitute a spot zone. So as required by state law, we uh sent out public notices uh to 33 property owners within a 200t radius. We received no written opposition to the request. This is an a copy of the sign that were required by state law. It stayed up, you know, even though the case was tabled. It stayed up for the next month. Again, uh 33 mailouts were sent out within a 200 foot radius, and we received zero opposition to the request. The area is surrounded by residential single family uses, uh predominantly one-story single family detached units, um and it's zoned residential, single family in all directions. The uh nearest R3 zoning designation is located approximately a half mile to the south along Robinddale Road and that's used for a children's learning academy. The next uh non-residential uh zoning designation is corridor commercial and that one is approximately 400 ft north of the subject property. Again, the area is predominantly residential single family detached homes. And this is a better idea. Ramadale Road

is an urban collector street with an 80 foot rideway. The uh future land use plan also designates the subject property as in the transition central district. Residential land uses in that district should be primarily single family with an average density of two dwelling units per acre on a variety of lot sizes and encourage the formation of distinct neighborhoods. The applicant also provided a survey. Um, the property has a depth of 254 feet and a frontage of 149 ft along Robinddale Road. There is a one-story home on the property. Uh, this property is unsubdivided, so that is considered legally non-conforming. Um, and there is an existing driveway on the property. Um, and then again, you know, since the property is unsubdivided, in order to obtain a building permit, uh, there would be required to, uh, be subdivided, um, and legally recorded before the issuance of any building permit. So, like I mentioned, the uh applicant provided a few uh proposals. Um, you know, and just, you know, as a reminder, you know, we're not here to determine the site plan. We're not reviewing the site plan at this moment. We are, uh, voting on the request to reszone to R3. Uh, it's staff's concern that the area is zoned predominantly residential, single family, R1, and then we're going to a more drastic change to the R3. Uh, the first proposal that was submitted shows six units, uh, both of them two-story units. are uh detached units. Uh the second proposal showed five units with an entrance off Robinddale Road. And then the third proposal also showed uh five single family lots uh coming off Robinddale Road with a culde-sac. Um you know, for example, you know, again, we're not voting on the site plan. Um this third proposal, for example, is not compliant with uh setbacks. Um it would not meet the minimum lot standards for a single family subdivision. And uh we also uh you know kind of doing our due diligence with the other city departments, you know, one of the things that came up uh with the planning and zoning commission was if that there

would ever be a driveway allowed off Robinddale Road to access the property. Um so we did request a trip generation projection. Um and according to the engineer, uh there's, you know, approximately four to eight trips during the morning, approximately 5 to 10 trips during the afternoon. So that would not be significant enough to deny the request for a driveway on the property. Um and a traffic impact analysis would not be required. Um so just kind of recapping, the property is unsubdivided, right? So in order to get any building permit, they would have to go through the subdivision process and then comply with the driveway requirements for either a single family or you know any multif family type use. Um here's a few numbers uh just kind of justifying their findings and showing that no traffic impact analysis is required. Uh we did also speak with the engineering department and they said they would have no issue with the driveway coming in off Robinale subject to proper uh subdivision requirements. But again, you know, uh the planning and zoning departments or planning and redevelopment department's uh position is that this is not consistent with the existing comprehensive plan or the future land use east plan. Uh we're still recommending denial from residential single family to residential transition. Again, our concern is that this could constitute a spot zone. Um we're looking at areas that are predominantly single family. Um and we feel like this could significantly alter the character of the existing neighborhood by going to such a drastic uh zoning designation. So again, uh we are recommending denial and the applicant is here if you all have any questions.

Thank you. And did I hear that closely? It's it's going to have a gate. Um it could possibly um you know again we're not approving the site plan so uh you know we can't say for sure. Um our our our initial concern was that if this development was not feasible you know because of the driveway requirements for example that they would kind of be stuck with this R3 zoning designation and that could allow for a more dense um right building you know subject to any building permit requirements beyond what they're proposing right now. When we talk about the units what type of characteristics would it have? Is it a three-bedroom, two bathroom? Are they duplexes? Are they apartment complexes? Could you elaborate more on that piece?

Yes. Um I believe they're three bedroomedroom uh three-bedroom, two bath units. Um they're all detached uh twotory units. So it wouldn't fit like the definition of say like an apartment complex because they're not attached. They're detached, but they're considered multif family because of the zone of the density of the zoning. For example, the R3 zoning designation allows for up to 32 units per acre. That's not to say that someone can uh realistically put 32 units on there. Um there are parking requirements, there are landscaping requirements to be met. Um but again, you know, this is just kind of looking out for the character of the existing neighborhood um and the surrounding R1 zonings.

So, it's compacting as many properties as possible in a single area, as many buildings as possible. Yes, ma'am. Well, my areas of concern here are that it is a small road. The road is already deteriorating outward. I have received many complaints about that. Secondly, it's the drainage area in that corner. It floods every single time it rains, which is another area of concern. Um, I have seen BPUB as well as our public works try their best to go ahead and work out as much as possible, but the road is a major concern. The density is also a major concern, the traffic is a major concern. So, I do have many concerns when it comes around this proposal and I can see why staff is recommending denial. Thank

comments or questions? Okay. This is a public hearing. Is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this item? Good evening, sir. Please state your name for the record. You have three minutes. student. Fore minimum. corruption.

Robinddale. Director. traffic. Mr. Rivera. Anybody

else have any other questions? or comments. Is it okay? We can think about it. I don't want to say no, but then I don't want to say yes to. I think this is something that I would like to think further about because if we open this up to them at this moment, then it also it opens up the leeway to businesses along the lane as well. So, I just kind of want to see what the plans are for development around this area. And I want to think at thorly especially with the road being so small and the drainage um having issues with drainage as well and traffic. Yeah. Okay.

If I may, you know, we we can also propose alternatives. Um you know, now that we have the driveway question answered, which was kind of like the the big thing. Um you know, there is the option to reszone to R2. Um so R2 would allow for a duplex plus an additional unit. um you know it's not the five or six units that um that the applicant is requesting but you know it is more dense you know it's a better more intense use of the property um you know for their investment um and you know it won't be as many units right in in the proximity of a single family home so again you know there is the alternate recommendation to reszone to art to residential suburban

and do we know how many duplexes because then it could also go into the same situation of the density issue Right. Um, let me just with an R2, it would be if if they keep the same lot. So that's, you know, it does have to go through the subdivision process, right? So if they were to cut the lots into smaller portions that meet the minimum lot size standards, then in theory, you know, it could allow a duplex on each of those lots. So, um, I don't want to throw out numbers to be inaccurate, right? but it could kind of maximize the potential of that property

because I do see how he explains that what is there a usage for this and I do see how maybe one house may not be a usage for as a business perspective. So I do want to meet somewhere in the middle but I also want to keep both in mind the business aspect and the community aspect. Um so I'm I'm going to make a motion. Are we done? No, we have a comment is still open. motion. Is there anybody else who wishes to speak on this topic? Please step forward.

Please state your name and your address and the time will begin after the after you state your address.

Uh my name is Jessica. I represent 1005 Robinddale Road. Um I'm a real estate agent and I've been a property manager for over 10 years. I would like to propose these five units that maintain the style of a residential home. It's not a large development. It's a small project that would provide options for more families. Um, I just want to say that I am committed in doing something well planned that would add value to the neighborhood and maintain the residential style. As you can see, and we had it already shown, the square footage is like a reg a regular um residential home. And based on the property and its uniqueness and what can be done with it, I believe that it's its best use in creating this investment project and keeping the surrounding area the same. Um, I want to thank you for your time and your consideration.

Ma'am, what was your name again? Jessica. Jessie. Okay. And I do mention that you are the realtor and you represent the property. Jessica, do you and I know sometimes when we introduce ourselves, we always also state our address. Where do you live by?

Um, I actually live really close by on Coffeeport, which is maybe around 3 minutes away. Um, I'm also the owner of the property. So, I just want to present myself and say I look as it also as an investment, but as a property manager, I believe the parking space is really important, not just as a tenant, but as an investor. So, we presented a couple of designs, right? We took one unit um away and we just want to present the five units that we are willing to to make to make it work. Thank you. You're welcome.

Good afternoon. My name is Rene from David Lheime Engineering. He from David Lanheime Engineering. So we are here representing state your address for the record your address your delixon

1905 East Losanos street uh unit C Bronzo Texas. Uh we are here representing the client. Um we stand up just basically to see if you all have any questions regarding because I know there was a couple of questions regarding subdividing the property and R3 versus R2. So, we want to answer any questions that you may have regarding a possible, you know, sub subdivision and uh doing R2 versus um R3. Pretty much the the idea of the R3 is to have one lot with a complex with five units. Uh if we, you know, proceed with R2 and subdivide the property, I uh the most that we can get is two lots and it will be two duplex. So, essentially four four units versus five. So it will be one one less. Um so you know we want to answer any questions you may that you may have regarding the project.

I and I also wanted to mention I guess uh there was a concern uh regarding the traffic right I guess as per the study that we did uh it's going to be five they're basically twotory town homes separate right buildings. So I know they call them apartments or multif family right but they're town homes. So, uh, visually wise, they're going to look the same as the houses around the area. Um, there's going to be parking. There's going to be, uh, I guess for fire department, there's going to be hammerheads inside the site. I don't know if you saw the site plan, but and also for for backing, there's going to be four cars. I guess there stacking in case there's any stacking, which there's most likely there's not, right? There's five five uh five buildings. So, it's a big site. It's a 0.9 acre track. So uh regarding traffic in the in the I guess main road I don't I don't see it u has very low I we did the study and it has very low uh I guess traffic counts uh has about a total of 33 and in order for to to conduct a traffic impact analysis we need we need 100 so it's it's way below I just wanted to mention that

thank you and then once again the road is cave leaving out. We don't have plans to restructure that road as of now, but that could be a discussion for engineering and district 2. Right. Okay. Anybody else? No further questions. Gracias. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anybody else here who wish to speak on this item? Please step forward. If no one is uh else a motion to close public hearing. I move to table to the following meeting. We have to close the public hearing first. Is that a motion? I'll make a motion to close public hearing. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second.

We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. Move to table to our next city committ hearing is closed. May 5th. Now I entertain a motion. Move to table to the city commission May 5th. How long has it been on the rotation now? I'm sorry. How long have we been looking at this now?

Uh the first meeting was in March, March 5th at the Planning and Zoning Commission. Uh it was tabled until the April 3rd meeting. Um and then just because you know we didn't this would be the the first reading on April 21st. Uh because because of the holiday, it wouldn't have you know been up on the agenda in time. Uh and so this is the the standard process. But yeah, we've been discussing this since the March 3rd meeting.

Thank you. As mentioned, I do have concerns. I do not want to be in denial of it that I I do want to um educate myself as part of that. I would like to have a meeting with you as well, sir, just to ensure that I'm representing the district as best as possible. Um I know I can see both sides, the business side, but I also see the community side and how we change the characteristic of that area. It is solely residential. And then aside from that, the road, the drainage. Um, I just have some concerns, especially since we're also talking about the future once we open up that door to that characteristics, then that leaves leeway to other properties that are available in that road to open up and they can open up a daycare, convenience store. And is that really what we're trying to aim for? Like I said, I don't want to be on one side. I want to educate myself on both and make a formal decision.

Yes, ma'am. Um, and you know, we're in the business of providing options, right? um and and alternatives, right, when something doesn't work. Uh so we're happy to work with the applicant. We're happy to work with commission uh just to make sure that that um you know, this is best for the future of Brownsville. Thank you. And I know that staff and you mentioned multiple times staff recommends denial. Thank Thank you, Commissioner. We have a motion to table. Do we have a second? We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I. I.

I. Those against. I'll vote nay. Um I think we have a a board over there that's supposed to do their job and they sent an approval and I understand it was so I'll just vote with them this time. Thank you. Can we do a roll call, Miss Myra, please? Can we do a roll call? We have the mayor online as well, right? Yes, we can. Okay. So, we'll start with my side, which is Commissioner Mas to table. Yes. Yes. Mayor Prom. Hi. Commissioner Deleon and Commissioner Cardinas. Nay. So, it's three to one. And then the ones attending virtually. Hi.

Hi. Okay. I make a note for the record. It'll be 3 to one because of in person but for the for the participation so it passes 3 to one. Thank you to table to May 5th.

We'll bring it back. We'll move on to the public hearing item number three is a public hearing and action on the first reading on ordinance number 235-2026-00005 to reszone from the uh from the residential a single family R1 to the residential a transition R3 to allow a multifamily development for lots 28 29 30 31 32 and 33 Dream of Brownsville uh subdivision Cameron County Texas located at at the Bethlehem uh drive Brownsville Texas 78 A526 as shown in exhibit A district 2. Turn it over to staff. Thank you.

Uh yes. So this is also a request to uh reszone from uh R1 single family to residential transition R3. Uh this proposed use is for a multif family development for 29 units um in total. They're duplexes. Um the property is running in Bethlehem Drive. Um and just as a background, the case was tabled on also on March 5th, but that was at the developer request so that they could provide more information to us. The case was presented for the first time to the planning and zoning commission in April and they voted uh to approve as per staff's recommendations as required by public uh by state law. We sent out a notice to property owners within a 200t radius. Uh there's a we also posted a sign on the uh property. Uh we notified uh 31 total property owners within a 200t radius. We received zero opposition to the request. Um during the presentations to the planning and zoning commission, we did have a neighbor that lives to on uh Monte Crisisto Drive, uh just right there to the uh west. Um that was concerned about some of the dust that the uh adjacent development was uh carrying over into the area. Um the developer was, you know, quick to uh to let us know that that's not part of his development project. It's part of another development project. We also did have another member of the public um have concerns about drainage um with the area. Um, and keep in mind that in order to build this um, development, there will have to be a screening wall. So, a concrete wall will be required at the end of Bethlehem Drive to separate it from that residential single family use along Monte Cristo. Uh, this areas uh, predominantly residential single family um, in all directions except to the south. Um, so you have an R3 zoning designation. So, this is one of the reasons that we don't consider this a spot zoning because those two uh, R3 zones are essentially touching each other, right? So, it's not out of nowhere. Uh, this is a better image of the property. It's located just north of Ruben Torres Boulevard. Um, the what you see here, this street is already

developed. This is just an older uh Google Earth image. Um, and so that's currently being developed with mostly single family homes. Uh, Bethlehem Drive is a local street. It has 70 ft of rideway and it comes off Data Avenue, uh, which has 110 ft of rideway. This is a proposal of the duplexes. Um I believe there's u 12 duplex units and then one one single unit within those four lots. This is a uh more of a better site plan to give you a better idea of how the lots are separated and how the duplexes will be arranged within that property. The developer provided a uh property owners association excerpt. Um so we the city do not enforce property owners or or deed restrictions. that's up to the homeowners association, but this alle concerns that um with the subdivision being predominantly single family. So, this excerpt states that within lots 28 through 33 that these could be used for multif family development. So, whenever someone purchases a single family lot within this subdivision, they're presented with the um property owners association bylaws. Um, and one of these excerpts, article three, states that those properties 28 through 33 can be multif family residences, uh, duplexes, even quadlexes or single family residences. So, based on this information, it's our understanding that if somebody purchases a lot within that subdivision, they're already with that understanding that lots 28 through 33 could be used for multif family uses, including duplexes. So, this alleviates our concerns with uh, property owners determining that it's not compatible with the subdivision. So uh this is consistent with the existing comprehensive plan and future land use plan. Uh staff is recommending approval to reszone from residential single family to residential transition. And again the planning and zoning commission uh recommended approval uh to zone from R1 to R3. And does anybody in the commission have any questions or comments? No. This is a public hearing. Is there

anybody here who wish to speak on this item? Please step forward. Not entertainable. to close public motion and a second to close public hearing. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Public hearing closed. I'm just very excited to say that Dana Avenue, we will be um completely reconstructing that road and paving that road. So, we're very excited for that and the extension of it along with its sidewalks that we're going to be adding there. I do see that PNZ approved it and I do see that our um as well staff approves it. So I move to approve. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second.

We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor please say I. I. Those against? Motion passes. Perfect. And I do want to clarify for the motion the previous one to table. I stated 3 to one. It was 5 to one since the attendees does have their cameras on. So it does count 5 to one. Just for the record for clarification.

So we will move on to the next public hearing item number four. The public hearing and action on the first reading on ordinance number 235-2026-00007 to reszone from the residential estate to the commercial corridor to allow an HVAC office in the warehouse for 4.526 acres of land gross more or less at a block 180 Hardin uh subdivision Cameron County Texas located at 2500 Dr. Hugh uh Emerson Road, Brownsville, Texas 78526 as shown in exhibit A located in district 3. turn it over to staff.

Thank you. As mentioned, this is a reszone case. Uh currently the property is zoned for residential estate primarily for residential rights. So now this proposal is for a commercial corridor to allow an HVAC office with a warehouse component. It should be mentioned that that warehouse component could only allow complete uh air conditioning unit. So, it can't be used as a salvage yard or a workshop kind of station for the HVAC office. Again, the property is fronting on Dr. Hugh Emerson Road. We did send a notice of this public hearing on a map and placed a physical sign at the property for the community there. This is a 200T buffer map showing the location of the requested property for Corridor Commercial. 31 mailouts were sent to adjacent owners and zero letters were returned in opposition to city staff. This is the zoning map showing the adjacent zoning districts. North of here is our an R1 zone district for single family residential. There's also a light industrial district and a corridor commercial northeast of the property. West of this property is an R3 for transitional residential. Uh east is also an RE uh district for residential estate and further east is also an R1 uh for single family south of the properties outside of city of Brownsville's jurisdiction in the Cameron County. This is an overall map showing the location fronting Dr. Hugh Emerson Road. As we can see, most of what surrounds it is either undeveloped land or single family uses with some scattered religious land uses and single family or vacant land as well.

Northeast of the property as you can see is uh highway 550 uh on the frontage road there. Again, Dr. Hugh Emerson Road being showed here as a primary arterial at 120 ft of rideway. This is a rendering of what the front of that HVAC office would look like there for Fox Mechanical provided by the applicant. This is a site plan that we reviewed just preliminary. Again, this is a zoning uh case, so we aren't uh holding the site plan. It's subject to change. once we begin building permit review. This request was found consistent with our existing comprehensive plan and our future land use uh plan. Uh staff recommends approval of the reszone to residential estate or from residential estate to commercial corridor and our PNZ board also recommended approval of this resoning request.

Very good. Thank you. Does anybody from the commission have any questions or comments? This is a public hearing. Is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this item? Please step forward. Move to close public hearing. We have a motion to close and a second to close public hearing. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Motion passes. Move to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Those against. Motion passes. Perfect. Moving on to public hearing number five. Staff has requested to table this item. If we may entertain a motion to table to May 5th. Hey, I'll entertain a motion to table.

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I those against. Motion is tabled. Perfect. Moving on to public hearing number six is the consideration and action on ordinance number 2026-1804. Uh I'm amending chapter 22 the businesses to add article 15 mobile uh uh billboards to regulate the mobile of billboards within the city. We'll turn it over to staff.

Good evening Mayor Prom mayor and city commission. Um next slide please. The purpose of this art this uh new amendment to the code of ordinances is to regulate the type of uh mobile billboards that you see on the presentation board. These are essentially vehicles that um will drive Thank you. will drive through um the city streets with uh the lights on changing um the the picture that you see there. um with music and and and and um we have seen this recently with the most recent um primary election. And so while the city does have a unified development code that addresses off- premise signs and temporary signs, this one is one that has been uh moving through the road. Right. So this will help prevent uh and authorize the Browns Police Department to make traffic stops on this uh type of vehicles. So it does not supplement it's supplementing the unified development code is not replacing it. Um I do see these as temporary signs. So if a vendor were to park this at um let's say their business, I would see it as a temporary sign just because it's on wheels. Um, and so that's where the unified development code would kick in. This particular one has been driving through uh the roads. And so the key definition for this is the vehicle for hire with illuminated or non-illuminated advertising display uh for the purpose of advertising something that's unrelated to the vehicle owner's business. Right? And so within the definition, we are excluding non-motorized vehicles like pettic cabs. I I found this one here. I know we don't have any pettic caps technically here,

but one day we might in downtown. Um passenger buses as well as taxi cabs. We do have regulations for taxi cabs within the code of ordinances um where they're allowed to have certain advertisements and vehicles advertising their own business. I've just pulled an example here um where someone might be driving their vehicle and it has advertisement on it. These are not the type of vehicles that we're trying to regulate on the roads. The prohibitions would be that mobile billboards cannot operate on public roads with the illuminated displays or amplified sound unless exempt. And we'll go over the exemptions shortly. They would also be prohibited on city-owned property unless an exemption applies. Um so this would be excluded from libraries, um parks, city hall and they would be prohibited on private property unless out of view from public rights away and they are compliant with the UDC. So since the UDC already governs this, we would um essentially just supplement it with that provision. Exemptions would be government vehicles and contractors performing official duties. Um, you typically see, you know, on the highways certain trucks with the little flashing yellow signs, you know, moving traffic or you see it on the roads. Those type of vehicles would be um exempt. Emergency vehicles using lights and sirens. Obviously, vehicles displaying standard markings or non-illuminated graphics and turbo to the vehicle. Some of the modern vehicles have illuminated like car dealership signs or the the maker of the the car. And then um authorized parades or special events. So some of these I've seen these in use in parades, right? They're part of the parade um process. And so we would

exempt that. That would be allowed as long, you know, during the parade. Of course, when the parade's off, they would have to turn off the lights and sounds or special events. So if the city celebrating something like Space Fest, we would have those there parked. That would be a city event, sponsored event. The additional exemptions would be essentially if they are just navigating through the city, right, with the lights off, the sound off. Um they're not obstructing any signs or anything. They're essentially just going from point A to point B. Obviously, we want them to be able to get to their destination wherever they're going, hopefully out of town, but they would um be allowed to to navigate through the roads to get to their final destination. Um so long as there's no sound, light that is being emitted from the um truck. And then penalties. If a particular um violation is encountered, the officers were way able to be able to cite them and it would be a general penalty um a fine up to 500 um possibly 2,000 if it's a public health and safety hazard. And then this will prevent those particular U mobile billboards that you might have seen at the last um primary election.

Any questions? Thank you, councelor. Anybody from the commission have any questions or comments? Okay. If not, this is a public hearing. Is there anybody here who wishes to speak on this item? Please step forward. Not I will entertain a motion. Move to close. Second. We have a motion and a second to close public hearing. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Public hearing closed. I'll entertain a motion. I move to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second to approve. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I.

Those against? Motion passes. That concludes the public hearing portion of the agenda. Moving on to the items for uh for the individual consideration. Starting with item number one is the consideration and action to authorize a contract with 2GSLC uh doing business as Earthworks Enterprise for for uh for DEET road improvement project in the amount not to exceed uh 3,199,10 as budgeted. Turn it over to staff.

Good afternoon honorable commissioners. Uh project we have before you is the D road for reconstruction project. The limits of the project are from Queenswood to B design road and we're proposing to urbanize this section from uh road section to curb gutter section. Um we're replacing the road ditches with a storm sewer system and we'll be adding a 10-ft uh bike lane along the south rightway and a 5-ft sidewalk on the north rightway. A total of four bids were received from Go Underground LLC, 2GS LLC, Earthworks Enterprise, Door Equipment, and Morwell LLC. 2GS LLC or Workforce Enterprise with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for a total contract amount of 3,199,10. All utility improvements will reimburse by Bronzo PB. Uh the construction time is estimated to be 300 consecutive calendar days from the issues notice proceed. Uh CB will fund the amount of $2,956,357 and PUB will fund $242,737 $750 which was already approved by the board meeting in April 13th. The total cost of the project is 3,19910. The city of Brownsville Engineering Public Department recommends the approval to award a contract to 2GS LLC or the Enterprise for the Nero drainage and project.

Thank you, Carlos. Anybody from the commission have any questions or comments? Just congratulations, Commissioner. Thank you. Long overdue. If not, I'll entertain a motion for this item. Commissioner, would you like to make the motion? Move to approve. Motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Against. Motion passes. Thank you for support. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir.

Moving on to item number two. um is a consideration and action on awarding uh the city hall mechanical and and electrical project contract as part of the capital improvement program CIP to Quantum Mechanical Contractors LLC in the amount not to exceed 6,177,274 as budgeted. Turn it over to staff.

Thank you. Uh good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor, Prom Commissioners. Um we are finally doing some uh upgrades to the infrastructure for some of our facilities. More specifically here at city hall, we're looking to upgrade our um HVAC system and that's a complete uh renovation. We're replacing the chiller. We're replacing the air handler units inside the building. We're replacing uh the piping and we're also upgrading the electrical uh service into this facility. Uh pretty much bringing up modernization uh making it more efficient and reliable. We're also making sure we're also adding a brand new generator uh to the building. The one out here has been out here for several years and before that I believe was at the airport. So, um it's it's had its usage. Uh but we definitely need something new and more reliable for the system. Uh we did have uh it was an invitation for bid uh process. We did receive three biders. Um and the uh the lowest uh responsive and responsible bid was from Quantum Mechanical submitted from they're from Edinburgh, Texas. Uh we've had many conversations with them, staff, uh the engineering firm, um and purchasing was there to help us out and you know, we got everything. We did our due diligence. We checked references and uh we're pretty confident in uh recommending Quantum Mechanical uh for this project in an amount not to exceed 6,177,274. Thank you, JP. Anybody from the commission have any questions or comments? Not. I'll entertain a motion.

I move to approve. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I. I.

Motion passes. Thank you, AP. Next item for consideration and action on the second and final reading on ordinance number 2026-1788 uh to amend chapter 106 the vehicles for hire to include the regulations related to the transportation network companies commonly known as Uber andyft and amending sections 106-26 to add the definitions and amending section 106-34 to revise fairs rates amending article Five, special fund account section 106-316 in regards to the use of the taxi cab revenue funds.

Uh, Mayor Potm, uh, before we begin, I know we have, um, Commissioner Val, I know you had asked for a work session as well. Did you want to have that work session before this item? Um, possibly after we u convene again. I think it's important, right? If we're going to go through a work session, I think we should go through it before we vote on it. Right. The other option, too, if if because I know we have some commissioners that are remote and then one absent. I don't You also have the option of tableabling it until May 5th. Well, I think they're already here, so I don't think we should table because I see some taxi drivers here. But maybe we can continue with the other stuff right now and we just bring it back. I'm sorry, but

mean the work session. How long is a work session? You want to do the work session first? Can we go back to the work session? Let's do the work session. Let's You ready for the work session there? You're standing already, right? So, so we'll recess the regular meeting at 6:06 p.m. and we'll enter into the special work session. We're almost to the proclamations. We're sorry. We just have somebody who's going to step out for a minute. So, give us a minute. work session. So the work session is a presentation and discussion regarding the chapter 106 the vehicles for hired related to the transportation network companies. Turn it over to staff.

Good afternoon commissioners. Mayor prom. Um, again, we're here to answer or hopefully answer any any questions you may have and and continue further discussion on the proposed recommendations to um to this changes to chapter 106 uh vehicles for hire. So, on on our first slide, we'll see some comparables uh here in the real Grand Valley. Uh currently, you'll see the city of Brownsville has it on there for 350 for the first fifth of a mile. Our proposed is listed next uh in the next column at $6 is our proposal for the first fifth of a mile. And in comparison, you can see the city of Haringen and the city of Macallen have it at $4 and $7 respectively. And South Padre Island has it with a little bit more restrictions for uh $4 maximum or $2 maximum, whichever is greater on trips anywhere on South Padre Island. Uh but you can see those as comparisons for somebody here in Cameron County. The next slide uh is really more of a a definition of the Texas the transportation network companies or TNC's. Um the Texas law defines TNC as a corporation or partnership of sole proprietorship or other entity that for compensation enables a passenger to pre-arrange with a driver exclusively through the entity's digital network a digitally pre-arranged ride. And who regulates TNC? That was a big question that we had last time. Uh the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, TDLR, is a state agency charged with implementing the state TNC regulations under 2402.051, providing that a TNC must get a permit from TDLR in order to operate. So TNC's such as Uber and Lift will get the the licensing or regulations for them and then they would subcontract for the individuals locally. Um,

so do cities have any authority to regulate TNC's? Yes, but a city is also that it only allows it if a city is an airport owner. Uh, so for a city that is an airport owner or operator, they may impose regulations including a reasonable fee on a TNC that provides rides to or from the airport. City regulations over TNC's operating at an airport or ship terminal may not one conflict with the requirements in occupations code chapter 2402 or number two impose requirements on drivers in addition to those in section 2402.107 under the occupations code uh 2402.003 uh delta or D. Um, additionally, are TNC drivers required to get a state permit? No, they're not. While the individual drivers do not need a separate permit from TDLR to act as a driver or in this case, a subcontractor, they must be approved by AT&T such as Uber or Lyft to drive for their company. So, essentially, they get the permits from them directly, their licenses. And what was the status of the city's TNC ordinances as of May 29th, 2017? Well, House Bill 100 provides that on May 29th, 2017, any city ordinance or policy related to TNC's or TNC drivers excluding general uh applicable traffic uh rules is void. So, that's where we are on that. Commissioners, uh the next slide, it just shows the Texas airports with agreements. You can see uh some Texas airports that have agreements and their pickup and drop off fees that are listed there. And also uh the next column down is Texas airports with no agreements. And these of course are major airports in the state of Texas with uh agreements and no agreements. And you can see the pickup and drop off fees there as well. Uh cities with uh TNC ordinances. Uh we did look at a few of those throughout

the throughout the state. Uh of course here in Brownsville we have no ordinance. This is why we are adding just the definition of a TNC within the city of Brownsville. Haringen, Macallen, Corpus Christi, Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. I have no references, but there are some specificities in there. Harington has it in there that says section 28-384 says it conflicts that must not conflict with state laws. Um, Macallen under chapter 114, no reference. Corpus Christ, chapter 57, no reference. Houston is only again referenced only because they operate two major airports and so they have agreements with their airports. Uh Fort Worth, no uh no reference in their city ordinance in San Antonio again uh falls under the TNC air operations. Any questions?

This item is specific to the fair. Excuse me, Commissioner. This item is specific to the fair increase. Uh this is not specific to the fair. Uh these were some questions that were brought up at the previous uh city commission meeting on the operations and who gets to regulate uh the uh TNC's within our city. So this is uh the work session. This is not item number three. Correct. Okay. Just clarify. Yes.

I had um two questions for this specific chapter. Uh one of the items that I wanted to consider or to ask more information about was I know there's a requirement at the moment for our taxi drivers to have a home office base and that is only for taxi drivers. That doesn't apply to the TNC companies. Um is it possible for us to remove that requirement for them?

It would be under it could be taken under consideration from the city commission commissioner. Uh we could definitely do that. Uh currently they if a taxi company uh they must have an office outside of their home base. So, they can't run a single operator out of their home. They have to rent the space. Okay. That's what with a 12-month lease as proof, right? Because some of these are contractors, right? So, they own their own vehicles as well. I'm I'm sorry. Is that the way they operate? Are they so are they contractors or do they work for like a company? I'm just

the the taxi drivers if if they're owner operator, single owner operator, that means they're they're one. But uh some companies actually have multiple uh multiple drivers. They only need one uh office space and they will be the dispatch for the rest of the uh taxi drivers.

I think that's one of the ways uh I wanted to just consider um that would help them supplement some of that income to stay with them at the end of the month. Um it was just a a thought that I had. The other one was um addressing the concern of Commissioner Cardinas when he mentioned about uh taxi drivers doing flat rates and not turning on their meters. Um I want us to entertain having a disclaimer on the dashboards that we require of all taxi drivers that says this meter must remain on. If you this is not on, please call this number. Uh because the last time I asked and it was complaint driven, right? So we're not going out there and stopping taxi drivers and um so I would want to arm both the passengers and the driver with this tool that we protect each other, right? That at the end of the day uh if somebody is not operating in compliance and they they will be uh uh they will the city will address it to them. Is that something else that we could also consider as an amendment?

Yeah, we can bring it forward for y'all's consideration. Thank you. No other further questions or comments? I do. I have some questions. Yes, Commissioner. Thank you. Uh my first question is uh in the presentation you did talk about regulating uh Uber and Lyft at the airport. Um I I did a little research uh and correct me if I'm wrong. Could that also be regulated at u our Brownzone bus station and uh at other city venues?

I'm sorry. Could could we regulate it outside of the airport? Currently, we cannot. Commissioner, well, Commissioner, when you say regulate, are you referring to their vehicle? What I mean by that is uh we have the right as a city to designate pickup and drop off areas for Uber and Lift at the airport. Do we have that same capability to define pickup and drop off locations at other city uh like such as the bus station, the Brownzo Sports Park and the international bridges? Well, I I think you would be better able to answer that. Will or legal,

right? So, I think he was deferring to legal on that. So, under federal regulations, generally speaking, we have to treat everyone equally, right? Um my question to be metro, do you all have a taxi designated area? So, so very very similar to the airport we the airport staff and they're they're here today. They are working

right they they are working on um they have two I have one out of two uh vendors um that have agreed to enter an agreement so that we can have a designated area for them. Um they are updating and I'll let Fiso speak about it, but they are updating the airport um signage and enforcement to enforce that you know the area right now is for taxis. Uh ride share companies cannot park in that area and I'll let Fisel speak about that a bit more.

Yes, good afternoon mayor and commissioner. So yes, the airport cannot discriminate against any service coming into the airport. So right now we have a designated spot for the bus and the airport airport taxis that are staged there at the airport. We are currently working with the two TNC's companies and we are hoping to get one already. One's on board. We're hoping to get the second one before we do have a contract with them and we can start getting some of the the revenue. Um once that is established we will have a dedicated location where they can pick up uh right share passengers can pick up their their rights and that will be regulated by geo fencing. with geo fencing. What that would mean that they will not solicit any passengers or customers in the airport facilities or in the around areas and what they will do is passengers can pull through the flow through the terminal and meet their their right share at a designated spot where they can vacate the premises. So there that's the current process that we're are in and we should be hearing from from them uh shortly. Any other questions regarding the airport? And while you're figuring out the mute button, um,

thank you. Oh, I'm sorry. I just, uh, couldn't, for whatever reason, this has been We can hear you, Commissioner. Another great Yeah, I I I don't This has been a weird experience getting on through the internet because it just doesn't allow us to unmute. I cannot unmute myself to speak and I've been trying to for the almost the whole meeting on other items, but that's okay. Um, so my question did not get answered. I I don't know if the same way that we can regulate as a city pickup and drop off locations at the airport, can that happen in other city venues

with the to basically answer your question, yes, we can contract with them if we want to have designated areas. Um but given that we have one of two willing to currently uh enter an agreement with the city uh for the airport um assuming the other one agrees and then we have both of them because we have those lines of communication open we can ask them we're considering doing the same thing at the B metro locations for the bus um transfer stations as well as possible other areas like the the the I guess the the the crossings

and Sports Park. Yeah. And Sports Park. But it would be through these type of agreements where we have them in in place to where we have those designated areas for them. And they might want to consider that given that in some of the areas they're not allowed to park um on the right ofways or the shoulders. This will give them a designated area to kind of wait. And so they might want to agree with us and enter into those agreements, but any regulation we would have with them would be through an agreement process.

Sure. Yeah. I I just wanted us to study that because I do know that as Brownsville continues to to grow and hopefully there's going to be, you know, uh opportunities for people that we don't stop traffic and that we don't just have cars uh stopping and picking people up and and dropping them off. in every in any part of the street. There's there's usually in every other city I've been to a pickup area and drop off area in almost every uh city venue. And and even in within the app itself, whether it's Lyft or Uber, it tells you where the pickup and drop off areas are near certain events. uh and it just doesn't allow you to uh for example, you leave a stadium at a game. Uh they can't just pick you up at the door. The pick up and drop off or at a very specific area uh within that venue. And I think that we should really uh while we're in negotiations with them, consider um discussing that, especially when with our station and and the international bridges. Sorry, I'm looking at different Yeah, we'll we'll reach out with the different TNC's and and um start working on those various agreements with them

and we as staff can work on identifying other potential locations, city locations. So this where session was to explore these questions, right? So we can give direction. Very good. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Mayor, do you have anything to add?

Very good. Thank you. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. Yeah, you can go. We can. So that concludes the special works session. Yes, ma'am. Okay. And we'll keep you commissioner in the loop.

Let's do item number three. item for individual consideration. So, we will reconvene into the regular meeting at 6:23 p.m. for action which is item consideration number three. Action uh on second and final reading on ordinance number 2026-1788 for your consideration. Thank you, Myra. Is this uh public hearing still open, counselor? No, it's individual for consideration. It's actually just a second. Very good. I'll entertain a motion. So moved. So, there is a motion. I'm sorry, I didn't hear. Motion a second. Okay. Motion. Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I.

I. I. I. Those against. Motion passes. Thank you. No opishes. It passes. We're still good on time. Okay. Moving on to the board appointments. Uh consideration and action. No. Can we do a proclamationclamation? Yeah, we want to do the proation before commissioner. We will alter the agenda to the proclamations. Proclamation number one. Uh, can we do the one that Commissioner Mias has first? Which is it? STI awareness month. Yes. So, recognizing STI awareness month, we'll turn it over to Commissioner and the team.

If you can please come up here. Thank you so much. This is a proclamation of the city commission of Brownsville, Texas to recognize and declare sexually transmitted infections as TI awareness month. Whereas sexually transmitted infections awareness month is observed in April with STI awareness week observed during the second week of April each year. This year STI awareness week is April 12 through 18. These two occurrences have become fixtures for promoting sexual and reproductive health, well-being, and strong communities through education and prevention. And whereas STI awareness month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections, how they impact our health and the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment. And whereas STI awareness month seeks to reduce stigma related to STI discrimination and fear by encouraging community members to have judgment-free conversations about sexual health, routine screening, timely care, and whereas untreated STI can lead to serious health complications including pregnancy complications, increased re increased risk of HIV, and long-term impacts on overall health and well-being. And whereas prevention strategies such as regular STI testing when needed, vaccinations for vaccinereventable diseases, safer sex practices, and clear communication between partners can significantly lower the risk of acquiring or transmitting STI. And whereas a community coalition, Healthy Starts Here from the City of Browns Department of Health, Wellness, and Animal Services, and community partners such as Utrgv, Health Futures of Texas, and DSHS are committed to promoting sexual health as an essential part of our overall health by expanding access of to education, testing, treatment, and support services for all residents. And whereas the citizens of

Browns are encouraged to learn more about STI talk with their health care providers, get tested regularly when needed, and spread awareness to promote sexual health across the region. Now, therefore, we the members of the city commission of the city of Bronzo, Texas, by virtue of the authority vested by the charter of said city, do hereby recognize and declare sexually transmitted infections awareness month in the month of April, 2026, done on this the 21st day of April, 2026. One, two, three. Sure. Of course. No, you're good. You

hear my voice? Here we go. One, two, and three. One more. And the final one.

Thank you. Go ahead.

Sorry this. Okay. Hello. My name is Vanessa Sanchez. I'm with the city of Brownsville. I am the program manager for the maternal and child health division. First and foremost, thank you for presenting a proclamation for STI awareness month. Secondly, I want to give a special thanks to Commissioner Mas and Mayor Cowan for their quick and willing support with this initiative. April is STI awareness month and last week from the 12th through the 18th was STI awareness week for which we launched a social media campaign to inform the community about rising rates of STI and the importance of getting tested and treated. We coupled that with the distribution of free at home syphilis tests. These right here, you can find some right outside this room. Please feel free to take one if you or someone you know would benefit from one. More available at the Department of Health, Wellness, and Animal Services, which is located at City Plaza just a block away from here. I want to conclude by saying I encourage everyone to promote conversations about STI and testing. Let's break stigmas together. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Minister.

Good evening. Thank you, commission, for uh allowing us to address uh this topic and have this proclamation. My name is Mauro Ruiz. I work for the Texas Department of State Health Services. I'm the communicable disease manager for public health region 11 that represents the 19 counties of South Texas. I oversee the HIV STD program that basically tracks uh numbers of STDs reported uh from providers, hospitals, and clinics throughout the area. Over this uh period, we've been working closely to keep the communities and our our jurisdictions informed about the increasing rates of communicable diseases and sexually transmitted diseases. And so we appreciate the partnership uh with the city of Brownsville, the public department of health uh supporting this effort through a uh regional uh coalition developed to support uh syphilis and congenital syphilis prevention. Uh so I am here to basically as a proud resident of the city of Bronzo for over 20 22 years uh here to kind of communicate the importance of of this proclamation to support uh our group's effort to continue to work toward reducing the risk of transmission of STDs. We we have individuals that work closely uh with community members to prevent transmission. basically identify individuals that are cases, working with them to identify partners uh their partners in getting them tested and treated in order to prevent additional cases uh from spreading. And so the city of Brownsville uh department of health has been instrumental in supporting this effort and I am here to basically communicate our appreciation to the commission to Mayor Cowan and to uh Commissioner Mas for supporting this proclamation. Thank you very much.

Thank you Mr. is uh the next proclamation is number two which is recognizing a Harmony School Academy Brownsville Beex Robotics team.

All right, come on down. Thank you all for your patience. Awesome. Good evening. Proclamation of the city of Brownsville, Texas. Recognizing Harmony Science Academy Brown, Texas VEX Robotics Team. Whereas the Harmony Science Academy Brown Brows VEX Robotics team has earned a place at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship to be held in St. Louis, Missouri. And whereas this achievement marks the second time the school's robotic team has advanced to the world championship, demonstrating continued excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. and where as team members Camilo, Matthew, Leonardo, Valentina, Rodrigo, and Santiago under the guidance of their sponsor, Marit G. Kavasos

has shown exceptional dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. And whereas through the VEX robotics program, these students have developed valuable skills in engineering, design, problem solving, and collaboration that prepare them for the future academic and career success. and whereas the team's accomplishment brings pride and recognition to Harmony Science Academy in Brownsville, Texas, the city and the entire Rio Grandandy Valley as they represent their community on the international stage. Now therefore, we the members of the city commission and the city of Brownsville, Texas, by virtue of the authority vested by us, the charter, and the said city, do hereby recognize and commend the Harmony Science Academy Browzel VEX Robotics team as an outstanding student team for advancing to the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship and for demonstrating excellence in the STEM education. Done on done on this day, the 21st day of April, 2026. Congratulations. Job well done. Why here? Count three. One, two, and three.

Felicades, you're more than welcome to say a few words if you'd like. I wasn't prepared for this. I got very emotional. It's my second year making it to worlds and I couldn't be more proud of my team. They did their best and I'm so proud of them. Thank you. Thank you.

Congratulations. The next proclamation is recognizing Dia Nino.

Thank you, Myra. Can if I could call the My Little Carousel Foundation team to come on down. Keep My little carousel foundation. This is a proclamation of the city commission of Brownzo, Texas, recognizing the delinino and the my little carousel foundation. Whereas children are the foundation of our community and represent the promise of our future deserving of love, respect, and the opportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. And whereas y del nino a day or day of the child is a celebration observed through Latin America for over a hundred years and continues to be celebrated including in communities across the United States to honor the importance of children and promote their well-being, education and development and ensuring access to quality education, health care and opportunities and foster environments where every child can thrive regardless of their background. And whereas My Little Carousel Foundation was established in 2014 by Adriana Laotanka Gonzalez to celebrate the Adel Nino here in the Rio Grand Valley and is now in its fourth year bringing these celebrations to the families and children in the city of Brownsville. And

whereas My Little Carousel Foundation brings community organizations, businesses, families together to celebrate the El Nino and make the event possible and has continued to grow the base of support for this annual event in our local community, encouraging us to recognize the unique contributions of children, uplift their voices, and reaffirm our commitment to the future success and happiness. And whereas Yino will be celebrated on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Brazwell Sports Park, bringing together clowns, car shows, dancing horses, dinosaurs, miachis, bouncy houses, lucha libres, ponies, and where there will be over a thousand toys available to distribute to the children of Bronzo all to celebrate the adelino. Now therefore, we the members of the city commission of the city of Brownzo, Texas, by virtue of the authority vested by the charter of set city, and on behalf of all of our citizens, do hereby recognize Sunday, April 26, 2026 as the Adel Nino in Brownsville, Texas, and celebrate My Little Carousel Foundation for their effort and years of honoring the children of our city and encourage our citizens to participate in events or to create their own celebration of the children of Brownsville. done on this day, the 21st day of April, 2026, signed by the mayor and city commission over here.

chair. Is anybody going to say any words?

Yep. and transmission. Brian. Okay. Voluntio. Bronzeville. Bronzeville.

Bless you. inclusion. Foreipech. That's good. Commission.

No, I Myra Myro, can we reconvene into special board appointments?

City manager update. We got the city manager update. City manager update. Got three quick items. Promise we'll be fast. The first one, keep Brownsville beautiful gold award. Uh Nick Tamayo and uh Alex, you want to come up and talk about the uh Keep Brownsville beautiful go gold award? No. Right there. So you all thought you were going to get here early, right? Um yes. So we recently received name and address. Oh,

Nicholas Tamayo, Riverside Boulevard. Um, so we recently received the KBB uh gold status award that was awarded from Keep Texas Beautiful through their affiliate recognition program. It is an achievement that reflects the continued dedication and collaborative efforts of staff, volunteers, and community partners over the past year. It marks an important milestone in advancing shared goals to maintain a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Brownsville for all. Um, some of the uh important status or stats that we hit for the 2025 year were 33 city park cleanups, 13 beautifification projects that consisted of repainting parks, restoring playground areas, and graffiti removal. ipated at two BISD event collaborations. That was the recycle rally in Texas Arbor Day, as well as eight gardening events, 10,000 lbs of trash collected, uh 1,229 registered volunteers from the city of Brownsville, and 4,448 total volunteer hours. And so that was what we did to achieve the gold status from Keep Texas Beautiful. And I'm very honored to have received that award. That's incredible. Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you. Our next one is uh celebrating April 20th through 26 as the work zone safety week. That's engineering and public works. And we have David here, our assistant director.

Good evening, honorable mayor and city commissioners. My name is David Vetta with the City of Bronzeville Engineering and Public Works Department and I am pleased to recognize the National Work Zone Awareness Week observed from April 20th to April 24th. This week reminds us that safety on our roadways is everyone's responsibility. Every day dedicated men, women from many of our departments, including engineering and public works, B metro, parks, internal services, health, police, and fire are out in the field working to improve our streets, maintain our infrastructure, support public safety, and keep our community moving forward. But behind every lane closure, every traffic cone, every construction sign and or response site, hardworking men and women are doing their jobs just a few feet away from moving vehicular traffic. This awareness week reminds us why driver caution matters so much. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were more than 28,000 work zone crashes across Texas in 2025, resulting in 203 fatalities and approximately 825 serious injuries. Those numbers underscore the importance for all motorists to do their part and stay focused, move over when possible, slow down to protect both workers and fellow drivers, and avoid distractions like texting while driving. I want to sincer sincerely thank all our staff for their dedication and professionalism. Their Tyler's tireless efforts help keep Bronzo safe, connected, and growing. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Thank you, David. Appreciate it. And our uh final recognition is celebrate trail days. We have Eva here from Multimotal and Hell's too clean shaven. Yes. Thank you again. Uh just wanted to highlight um April 25th is considered National Trade Day. I'm sorry. Sorry. Celebrate Trail Day. And so this year, uh, BCIC to kick off the startup week, they'll be hosting a apologize. Rails, Trails, and Roots Guided Bike Tour. I want to make sure I got it right. Love it.

It is Saturday, April 25th from 400 PM to 6 p.m. Uh, for more details, you can visit BCIC's website or social media. And also we invited one of our chairman uh our members from the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee. I don't know if you want to say a few words.

Thank you very much. Uh my name is Mark Stevens. I'm the vice chair for the BPAC. Mayor Cowan said commissioner and and guests celebrate trails day highlights the vital role that trails play in strengthening our communities by promoting healthy active lifestyles, expanding transportation options, and enhancing environmental sustainability. Events like this, led nationally by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, encourage residents to experience the social, economic, and public health benefits of well-connected trail systems. For communities like Bronzeville, it underscores the importance of community investment in multimodal infrastructure that provides safe, accessible spaces for walking, biking, and out outdoor recreation while fostering community engagement and improving overall quality of life. I would like to thank EPA Garcia and the BPA Commission uh for for doing everything they have done and and of course the city commissioner and mayor.

Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. And we do have the proclamation for your presentation picture to receive How are you?

One more. One, two, three. Thank you. Next is board appointments. We're doing good on time. Board appointments is next.

Perfect. So the next portion of the meeting is we're jumping to the board appointments. Item number one is the consideration and action on resolution number 2026-033A to appoint or reappoint members to the downtown tax reinvestment zone number three TUR 3. There is a vacancy on the board and this appointment is for Mayor John Cowan. I I'd like to appoint Richard Abeta. Okay, we have an appointment. We have a second. Any further discussion? Not all. Those in favor, please say I. I. I. Motion passes.

Perfect. And then the next item is a companion item to the tax increment reinvestment zone is the board of directors to serve as a chair person for a one-year term beginning upon approval pursuant to section 311-009 of the Texas Tax Code. Go to the next slide, please. I'd like to appoint Mary Ramirez. We have a motion. Do we have a second? I second, Mr. Chair. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you. Um I'm sorry. Who was that? I didn't hear it. Oh, and she's on there. Yeah. Okay. Sorry. So, so she is on the board.

Yeah. Is she on the board? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Mayor. Yeah. I didn't see it. Thank you. For district two. They changed the screen on me too quick. So, she will serve for a year and then then we'll continue. Perfect. Moving on to action item number three is the consideration in action on resolution number 2025-018C to appoint or reappoint members to the Brownsville Board Film Commission. This appointment is for Commissioner Deleon for your consideration. Uh I wish to nominate Jessica Molina. We have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say I.

I. I. Those against. Motion passes. Perfect. Item number four is a consideration on on resolution number 2025-0198 to appoint or reappoint members to the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Again, this appointment is for Commissioner Deleon. I wish to nominate Charlie Ago. We have a motion to We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I. I. Motion passes. Okay, we have it. Perfect. That concludes the board appointments portion. Now we'll open it for executive session. I'll entertain a motion. Moved. We have a motion. We have a second. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? None. The house in favor, please say I.

I. I. We are.

We will enter into executive session on the following items. Item number one is the close session pursuant to the Texas government code section 551.071 and 0074 to deliberate the appointment employment and employment or duties of a public officer or employee pertaining to the city manager including city manager candidate reviews. Item number two is close session to the Texas government code 551.071 and 0072 related to project horizon. Uh number three is close session pursuant to 551.071 related to RGV partnership advocacy trip. Uh number four is close session pursuant to 551.071 072 and 0087 regarding the United Soccer League USL number five is being tabled. There's no discussion in executive session related to downtown TUR. The commission is uh in executive session. The time is 658. Thank you.

Ready.

Good evening. We're ready to reconvene into open session. The time is 7:42 p.m. Is there any possible actions to consider? No action. No action. Adjournment. Okay. So move. We have a motion. Do we have a second? A motion and a second. Any further discussion? Not. All those in favor, please say I. I. I. Meeting adjourned. The time is 7:42 p.m. Have a good night.

All Heat.