City Council - Regular Meeting

[music] Coming up next on ECN, a regularly scheduled meeting [music] of your Edinburgh city council. on the council. Mayor Omar Ooa, mayor prom [music] David Salasar, Council Member Dan [music] Diaz, Council Member Jason Delejon, and Council [music] Member Jerry Losano. sitting in his adviserss, city manager Myra Ayala and city attorney Josie Ramirez Solis. [music] And now live from the Edinburgh City Hall, the Edinburgh City Council. [music] Coming up. Okay, time now is 6:01 p.m. Uh we are uh opening this regular meeting of the Edinburgh City Council. Uh looking about, I can see we have all council members present. Uh so we do have quorum. Um if we can start with item A, prayer. We do have Pastor Aluro Chapa uh who can lead us in that. Good evening and thank you for inviting me to say the invocation this afternoon. First of all, I want to say a verse in the Bible in the book of Philippians chapter 4 verse 6 and 7 that says the following. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Let's bow our heads and

pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you Lord Jesus for your many blessings and your great mercy upon all of us. We ask that you bestow your direction, your anointing, and your blessing upon this meeting tonight. that you give our leaders the wisdom, the understanding, the direction and the anointing to fulfill the purpose for which they are here to which you have allowed them to be in their positions. We ask your blessings for our beautiful city. We ask your blessings for everybody that is in need. We ask all of this in Jesus name. Amen. God bless you. Thank you.

Thank you, pastor. Um if council member Diaz can lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. Remain standing. Remove any head here. The flag together. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. Item two, certification of public notice. Yes, sir. Mayor, the meeting was posted in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act on December 29, 2025 at 7 p.m., sir. All right. Item three, disclosure of conflict of interest.

Yes, mayor. Under state law, a local government official is required to disclose a substantial interest for themselves or certainly certain family members and abstain from voting on matters related to such a conflict. Are there any conflicts to disclose related to matters on today's agenda? No, ma'am. No, ma'am. Thank you.

All right. Uh item four, mayor's report. Just two quick items. Um, one is an update that staff had given me uh to provide uh which is the um uh intersection of Freddy and Clausner, the temporary uh signal light that's out there. Um this was the result of a um vehicle accident that took out that signal light going eastbound on Freddy Gonzalez. Uh city crew acted very quickly, so I want to thank public works for getting so um on the ball to put out the stop signs. uh within a couple of days, public works was able to get a temporary pole from Texot. So, we want to thank Texot uh for providing that resource. We do have that temporary light now uh going eastbound on Freddy Gonzalez there at that intersection. Um and what the engineering department is doing now uh is studying how to um install a permanent light um in a way where that island that uh eliminates the two-lane eastbound can be removed. Uh so that's why there has not been a tempor a more permanent solution to that light. Uh right now engineering department is looking at how we can turn uh lemons into lemonade uh and maybe open up you know two eastbound traffic lanes now on predis. So thanks to all the city crews for jumping on that uh so quickly. But just to let the residents know uh that is still getting worked on uh and the city will be sure to report back on the progress of that. Uh second thing that I did want to report is that um I've I have announced this in in other forums but I do want to recognize uh we have two students from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government uh who are visiting us uh for two weeks. They started last Friday. Uh they'll be here the rest of this week and um uh next week as well. Uh this is all uh being provided for um through uh grant money uh that's available at Harvard. So it's uh no cost to the taxpayers. uh and they will be assisting us in various research projects here at the city. Uh so I just wanted to recognize them. If you two

could please stand. We have Schuming and Nicholas. Thank you all so much. [applause] All right. Uh so that's the conclusion of the mayor's report. Uh we'll move on to item five, uh proclamations. Uh madam secretary, if you could read the uh item A.

Yes, your mayor. Presentation of proclamation recognizing South Texas Health System STHs Edgar as Forbes America's top hospital for 2026. If you're here to receive the proclamation, then you can come up to the podium. I will now read the proclamation for the record. South Texas Health System STS Edinburgh. Whereas the Forbes top hospitalist introduced in 2026 assist consumers in identifying general US acute hair care hospitals that consistently deliver outstanding quality and value. The rating system uses independently validated measures from the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services provider data catalog assessing hospital hospitals on patient outcomes, best practices, value, and patient experience. And South Texas Health System is deeply committed to providing every patient with safe, high quality and compassionate care to deliver health care services that patients recommend, physicians prefer, and communities trust. And where STHS Edenberg named to the 2026 Forbes list of America's top hospitals, the facility is one of only 253 of the more than 5,400 eligible hospitals nationwide to earn a five-star rating, including only 13 in Texas. And whereas a key component of the methodology is its strong emphasis on clinical patient outcomes including mortality, survival, infection and readmission rates. These outcomes are further adjusted for social drivers of health to support comparison of hospital quality despite differences between any given hospital's location and patients. And whereas STHs Edenburgg is recognized for outstanding quality across patient outcomes, best practices, value, and patient experience using CMS data, highlighting the dedication of its care teams in delivering exceptional care for the real Grand Valley. And whereas this recognition follows a series of recent accolades for STHs Edinburgh, including a best regional hospital designation by US News and World Report for the fourth consecutive

year. And whereas the Edmer City Council recognizes this distinction accentuates South Texas Health Systems commitment to clinical excellence for the real Grand Valley community across its facilities including STHs Edinburg. Now therefore, the mayor and council of the city of Edinburgh, Texas by the power resident by law do hereby recognize South Texas Health Systems Edinburg. [applause] Uh if I could, I just want to say thank you very much. This is a welldeserved recognition. in the city of Edinburgh is a wonderful healthc care town. Uh we've got great healthcare institutions. We have UTRGB with the medical school. Um the the future is bright for the growth of the medical community here in our city. And we want to thank what you are doing specifically at South Texas Health Systems Edinburg uh for what you're doing for the community and what you're doing to advance us uh in all other ways. So thank you so much for your effort.

Thank you very much. And um it really is an honor for us to be here. Those were a lot of very kind words that you all shared in this proclamation and just know that we are here our our doctors who are incredibly uh we have some incredible talent that we've brought to this community. Our staff, our leadership was all very honored to serve. It's a pleasure. That's why we're here and we want to make Edinburgh proud of the high level of care that we bring and the US News and World uh report the Forbes recognition are all unsolicited recognition that is coming to the team of care that is being provided and uh we're very grateful and we know that the high standards we have as a hospital uh will continue to benefit the community and we're here to serve. Thank you.

Lance, before you go, I'd like to say a few words. I know there's more of your staff. Could you guys come up to be recognized? Lance, if you want to introduce your team and we can get a picture for our records. Sounds good. So, coming up down the aisle, we have uh Kim Davis, who is our children's hospital administrator, and Dennis Gerai, who is our associate administrator with the hospital. Thank you. And also Tom Casin, our head of marketing for South Texas Health System, is is also here with us, as well as Jennifer. Um, all all part of the team.

Yes, sir. And so, what I want to say is for those that don't know, I've been in healthcare a very long time. EMS. I was a combat medic in the army. Continued. I could tell you for years Edenburg Hospital was kind of the second smaller hospital in the area, you know, because you'd go there and get transferred over. Uh EMS would sometimes go to the larger hospitals uh south of us. And so after a change of the guard, the leadership, the the the bringing in the investment over hund00 million invested in that new tower, this is huge that Enderberg is now being recognized. Like Lance said, unsolicited. This is that you don't apply, you don't participate. They do their own study and that's a great deal. It's it puts Edinburgh on the map in a positive light. Again, thank you for everything you've done for our residents, for upgrading the medical care, medical care, and the investment in our community. Thank you very much

and thank you for your support. [applause]

[applause]

We want share it with you.

[applause] Uh, I I do want to take a point of personal privilege and go back real quick to the mayor's report. Council member Diaz reminded me of this. Um, but if any of you all have New Year's resolutions to get healthier, um, I am doing a running with the mayor program. Uh, it's Sundays at 8:00 a.m. out at Edinterberg Municipal Park. Come out and meet. Uh, we've got a group of runners. Uh we're getting ready for the Edinburg 10K which is going to be February 7th. I hope as many of you can sign up for that race as possible. You can run it, you can walk it. Um it's all just about getting movement in uh and being healthier here in 2026. So thanks for the reminder. Hope I see you all out there on Sundays.

I won't be there [laughter] in spirit. Uh okay, moving on. Item six, uh public comments.

Yes, your mayor. Good evening everyone. The Edinburgh city council allows for a specific portion of the city council meeting to be dedicated to public comments. Public comments are limited to three minutes. I'll be taking time. Please note the public comment period is not interactive. The council may not respond to public comments. At this time, council, there are eight public comments. The first public comment is Jose Rodriguez regarding data center. Thank you, sir. If you just come on up, uh, state your name for the record here.

Yeah. How we doing? Uh, my name is Jose Manuel Silva Rodriguez. I go by Joe. So, AI is huge. It's a rapid growing thing. uh the president has pushed for those type of investments in order to combat our adversaries and stay ahead on the cutting edge. But we have seen that those have also had issues like in Tennessee, in Shelby County by Colossus and XAI where the residents there are now four times more likely to have cancer and their neighborhoods smell like gas now because of the 35 turbines than the 33 that are constantly on at all times and it's just not a good deal. That being said, uh Soluna is opening is a energy company that is making uh a wind farm to support Bitcoin mining as well as AI. Obviously, that goes without saying that that's going to hit our grid and because we have a lot of water here, that's a bit of irony. Uh we can also run into issues when it comes to water. They have proposed with the wind turbines and with a closed loop system that they won't need as much water. But the question becomes what happens when they do? It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. So that being said, uh I do have 10 things I would like to just put on the record. Uh who pays if the power systems need upgrade? If this project needs new lines, substations or other electrical upgrades to handle the load? Who pays? the company, the utility, or residents through higher bills. Can you guarantee residents won't see a higher electricity bill because of this? Is there a reading agreement that protects households and small businesses from rate increase tied to this project's power demands? What is the when the wind isn't blowing?

What happens? Do they keep running by pulling power from the grid or do they slow down/shut down if they pull from the grid at peak times? Does that make the power more expensive or less reliable for everyone else? If the project claims it helps the grid, how do you verify that in writing? What exactly are they commuting to do during extreme heat/cold or great emergencies? As we all remember when we froze and we all had a lot of power in those times. Also a bit of irony. And if they don't, what are the consequences? I'll speed through the last five. What's the plan in their important cooling supply when it gets disrupted? that comes to the water supply system, will they ever use local water? If they even if they say they won't, even if they say they won't today, will they ever use the local water? If if there's a leak or spill, who is financially responsible? Hopefully not the public. Does the city have money set aside for the company's worst case events?

Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. What will the cost of the police, fire, and Thank you, sir. Sir, the next public comment is Marilyn Lada regarding to voice concern about the possibility of a AI data center.

Good evening, city council. My name is Marilyn Lada and I'm a Brownsville transplant. I grew up about 15 minutes from where Starbase now is. Uh with that, I've prepared some comments regarding my concerns over AI data centers. Uh data centers use enormous amounts of energy and raise utility bills in their surrounding areas partly because the cities they are in give them free rain. They put a massive strain on the power grid. As has already been mentioned, Texas uh already implements rolling blackouts because of our inf because our infrastructure isn't set up to support what we currently have. These centers increase semi-truck traffic for construction, equipment, maintenance, fuel supply, waste removal, and more. I've seen videos of kids living in cities with data centers complain that Amazon truck drivers don't care about safety. They blow past stop signs and they've made playgrounds unusable because they've like smashed into fences. Um, so these kids can't even use their playgrounds anymore at their school. So there are definitely those consequences. They produce light and noise pollution apart from air pollution. Uh which is a concern for me since as I'm sure you noticed I have a small child. Uh young kids lungs are small developing and more sensitive to this type of thing to this type of thing in the air. Uh not that the air quality here in the RGV is super great to begin with. This apart from the massive amounts of water required for cooling uh machines in AI data centers. So water in Texas is scarce as it is. Furthermore, there's no guarantee as to whether these centers will be releasing water used for cooling their machines back into waterways. And simply because it's made legal doesn't necessarily mean it's safe or healthy. Water quality is abysmal in the RGV. And it's only recently that I've started to see people make connections between the

health issues in the valley and the cancers that are prevalent in our area. And these things don't these centers don't really create local jobs, but they perpetuate the frivolous use of AI. Uh queries use water. And while AI is useful for many things like education, medicine, a lot of things, it's being used in a way that suggests that it's an infinite resource without consequences. So, it goes without saying, uh, but I'm going to say it nevertheless. I'm categorically against AI data centers like Rock, Amazon, Meta, and the like coming to Edinburgh. The hazards to our economy and health don't justify the payoff. Big tech doesn't have our best interest in mind. And so, that's why I'm here. You are city council are tasked with that and I appreciate you for allowing me to input. So with that I thank you and I wish you a blessed Epiphany nights. Appreciate y'all. [applause] The next public comment is for clarity regarding taxpayers money.

Good evening gentlemen. We would like to express our congratulations to those who have been elected. As usual, our position is that your spending needs to be cons consistent with our ability to pay without placing a greater financial strain on families. In simple terms, we cannot continue to spend money we do not have. Currently, the city pays about $8 million a year on bond debt. Think of it. We are giving away $8 million just because we have to have something right now. Concentrate on the basis of public safety, water, sewer, and streets. Moving money from solid waste to golf courses is not very smart, especially if you need to sell bonds to cover dayto-day expenses. do not com uh compete with the private sectors like el ambulance service, funeral homes, legal services. I have always thought the cost of dying is too high. In the case of legal services, the city could advertise no cost unless we win and a cap a cost cap about 15%. Everyone knows where this is going. I will remind you that getting elected is like living in a glass fishbowl. Everything that you do or intend to do is available to the public. Do not make any financial promises to the county and work on the plans to limit the impact of the installation of the uh drain from the courthouse over there on University Drive. The council unanimously supported for the appraisal district means property values will continue to rise. It also means greater pressure on Governor Abbott to increase homestead exemptions. It will take a long time, but we will win this fight. If elected officials keep increasing

values, we will keep limiting your authority to make decisions. How sharp do you have to be to understand that lowering taxes increases uh development? Small businesses create 70% of all jobs. In 2025, property tax pro uh produced an income of 34 million and the sales tax was 30 million. Either change the sales tax amount given to the EDC or assign them some community projects. I would also like to everyone to pray for Israel and the last hostage to try to get the body home. And then tonight, y'all always have disclose a conflict interest. At every meeting, y'all say no. My question is there any friends, family, loved ones, also any business partners or anything like this that can be screwed uh as a conflict? So, please check on that for us if you will.

Now, do I do the other um you had specific items that you had questions about? Yeah, you can give us the questions. That's

I didn't know if you wanted them now. It's a little hard, but I will do it. All right. I have 7B and this is the traffic. Uh just talking about the property and how hard it is to turn into my property. I'm just giving y'all an idea. I just talked I think to the developer over there and he uh was telling me I gave you two papers. this one and he assured me that they were thinking about or considering or not going to do the outlet on McCall because if they try that there's no way in the world that they're going to be able to get out of their property uh or get in. It's kind of like over there at 107 in Macall. People want to come off of McCall and turn into McCoy's. That's impossible because you've got traffic that is in the turning lane that in the same turning lane. And the reason why I always gripe, I gave you this so you'll have an idea. This is where my property is just north of there. The city of Edinburgh allowed uh Nassau or whatever street to come out and it blocks my driveway. I am in the center lane having a fight with people because they want to come a little more south and I just want to turn into my driveway or my business. So, this is why I'm constantly looking at these things in case you wonder why I am always questioning things. All right, I have 8A. Explain what this is and explain the bitter list. I didn't understand outside fleet repair rates of off warranty units and the capital towing. I have a gentleman that called. I said I would ask if someone would explain in 10g. Please explain why the city are not using local uh companies uh when they're getting the tires and things. Does the city get a better deal or something? We're just checking. These

were questions that were relayed to me and now I've relayed to you. Thank you. The next public comment is Maria Sosa regarding ordinances. How are you? I'm a little choke up about um the firecrackers and the guns during the New Year's Eve. It's not a little. So, I've been living there for almost 20 years and um my suggest I know I came the last last year, the last meeting and I suggested um to check up the firecracker fines, but with what I have learned and in and what happened this New Year's Eve, nobody could stop him. We don't have enough people to go stop him or anything. And what I have read of the side effects of all the fumes and everything else, I I thought about if it would be possible to bend firecrackers in the city limits line. These firecrackers were made in in another country. What did I do with my phone? Did I throw it away? I just want to explain just one of the viewer one contain and this is because I counted ever since let's say about 11 at night all the way to 3:00 in the morning everything started then I peed out just to smell what was out there to see and

to look if there was any fires because there's there's a lot of brush behind my house and stuff. And I had to go back. I put my my my mask and then I counted the hours that smelled of sulfur and all the other chemicals that these virus crackers have. They lasted this time this year for almost 40 hours. I started wearing a mask. A lot of people have been complaining about having flu and colds from all areas, but now that I read what sulfur does and all the other chemicals, it's best if we just bend. I'm just going to give you Diane so that I won't keep you long. This is a a thing that we need to all get together and and get more educated about these firecrackers and really bend them. I don't know how to go about it. Um just some of the side that that that it can get through your lungs. It can cause respiratory distress. It can cause paralysis to the heart. And that's only sulfur. They have other chemicals. They have aluminum and I don't know what else. And this is why I'm suggesting these things. And hopefully you all can keep me. I I left you my address informed. I have a PO box and I would like more information and this is why today I inquired about the city limits so that I can stay uh you know

thank you ma'am the map I I'm the next public comment is Alonso Chavez regarding item 7. [applause] Good evening. I have a comment regarding uh an item 70. So, is it better to wait until we get to that hearing or you you can wait till we get to the public hearing or you can talk now, whatever you prefer, but you will have the opportunity to speak when it comes up. Perfect. I rather wait then. Okay. Thank you. The next public comment is Jesus Garcia with uh regarding item 7E. Hi, good afternoon. I would like to also uh reserve my comment till the 7.

Sure. Thank you. The next public comment is Daniel M. Tuttle Jr. regarding annual EMS report.

Good evening, Mayor. Oh, sorry. It's all right. Got excited up here. Uh good evening, mayor, council members. Thank you for having us uh and giving us the opportunity to present during uh these public comments. Um, so we're just going to do a quick rundown of our uh fiscal year for 2025, let you all know the great work that our team has been doing out here and uh a great partnership that we've had with the city. So over the past year, our focus has been simple. Um, we just we want to provide reliable, highquality service while being responsible stewards with the city's resources. Um during this reporting period, we responded to thousands of calls for service, maintained consistent response times, and uh ensured coverage across the city, even during peak demand and special events. Um this past year, we had the distinct pleasure of responding to 16,592 calls for service, again, January through December. Uh 12,323 of those were priority 1, which we which are uh lights and sirens calls, so you know, your true emergencies. uh as well as your four thou uh another 4,269 which were priority two uh which are no lights no sirens also emergencies just can uh don't need the the extra demand on the city and traffic and so on. Um through all of these calls we managed to maintain an average response time of 7 minutes and 21 seconds. Uh we've invested heavily in training, quality assurance and accountability. every call, every incident, and every complaint is reviewed to ensure uh we are meeting our professional standards and correcting issues when uh they do arise. That commitment is continuous is a continuous improvement that we've reflected in our outcomes and our community um to try to continue to provide this uh great service to your city. Um furthermore, we've provided four free CPR classes to the community with a total of 112 students between these classes. We've also worked with our uh community health care system such as SCHS Edinburg to provide continuing education programs to uh the city fire department and police department. Internally, our first line responders

within our dispatch department uh have successfully acquired uh their emergency medical dispatcher certification through the internationalmies of emergency dispatchers. Um what that is it is it ensures a uniform uh clinical standard immediately starting at the 911 call. So if anybody has an emergency, we're already walking them through while the ambulances are route, while the fire department, while the police department, so the care starts immediately versus waiting for the ambulance to get there. Here at Medcare, we've also strengthened coordination with the city departments, the fire department, police department, and regional partners to ensure uh seamless service and delivery uh throughout the region. In short, this annual report reflects a year of stability, preparedness, and progress. We remain committed to the city. We remain committed to transparency, performance, and serving uh you and your constituents uh in the future. Thank you for your time and have a great rest of your night. [applause] The next public comment is Diane Teter regarding water.

Happy New Year, Diane Ter. I'd like you to consider these remarks about water, the stuff of life. At the last council meeting, I again heard the claim that Enberg raised their water rates by 37%. But not the important fact that this increase is spread over three years. And when you look across the valley, Edinburg is not acting alone. McAllen approved a $14 per month increase in water and sewer rates. and mission has added multi-year search charges to stabilize and strengthen its system. These are the kinds of s decisions every city is facing in a long-term drought. Zoho has arrived in Edinburgh and there are concerns about water availability, especially since AI and data center operations consume enormous amounts of energy and water, both of which are under strain. When our county judge said he caught the big fish with Soho, it sounded triumphant. But it also sounded a bit like Captain Ahab and Moby Dick. Ahab celebrated the chase, not the consequences, especially the long-term ones. And right now, Edinberg citizens are being asked to cheer for a catch we're not allowed to see yet. What I can verify is that Zoho operates 16 global data centers and data centers are massive water users consuming millions of gallons per month across Texas already. We've seen what happens when Cameron County chases the big fish without asking enough questions. In Brzo, Space X's water demand has strained BPUB so severely that residents now face higher bills, drought measures, and new restrictions.

If Soho builds a data center here, that demand falls on Edinburg's water system, doesn't it? Because the land sits in our ETJ, extr territorial jurisdiction. That means our rateayers, our infrastructure and our drought reserves are on the line. Projects like this place major demands on water, electricity and public infrastructure. How much water will they use? Who pays for new substations or pipelines? And especially what incentives are they requesting and what long-term value do Edinburgh residents actually receive in return? In Moby Dick, chasing the big fish didn't just doom Ahab, it dragged the whole crew down with him. Edinburgh shouldn't let someone else's white whale become our water crisis. Thank you. And I just have some [applause]

The next public comment is Miss Celeste Flores regarding city negligence and damaged property. Hello. Thank you.

How you guys doing today? Um my name is Celeste Flores. I own 30 uh 3617 Hawthorne Avenue. Um my uh retaining wall was damaged uh with the city. Um, I've been working with the city, went through TMP, and they denied my claim. Um, and so my next I was told by the city manager that I would have to sue you guys. Um, it's $1,800 in damages that I received. I don't feel I have paid almost $50,000 since I've owned my property to the city of Edinburgh. So, I was wanting to make these public comments. I don't know. I have reached out to some people um letting them know my situation and maybe you guys could help resolve it or if there's something that can be done. Um I do not think going and having to pay an attorney to get my $1,800 plus legal fees would be the most uh economical reason, but that is what the city manager told me. Um I have the pictures. Um, I'm not sure why TMP uh is based out of Austin, Texas. Um, they didn't come and take a look at the damage. They didn't they didn't really do anything. They're in Austin, Texas. Um, so I submitted my information and was denied. So, I'm just reaching out today to see if there's maybe something else that could be done. Sorry. Um, regarding this situation. I have the uh the pictures if you want to take a look at them. the uh trash can actually has the uh cement embedded on it. So, I took those pictures and I those are the same pictures I submitted. I made a police report, but nothing was done. So, I've just maybe uh been reaching out. I just didn't know what else I could do to in order to get this matter resolved. So, if you guys could assist me in this

matter, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. There are no further comments, mayor.

All right. Uh, just to explain because we had a little bit more commenters than usual, you're getting blank stairs from the city council because we're actually not allowed to respond. Um, the city can only talk, the city council can only talk about uh what's noticed on the agenda. So things like data centers, um, negligence, um, all these kinds of things since they're not noticed as agenda items, the city council can't go into the details of those. So, I just wanted to make that super clear for everybody here, but we appreciate you all sharing the information. All right. Uh, so we'll conclude the public comment section and move into u item seven, which are the public hearings. Um, it's it's been our practice to have uh to call up anybody that has uh any comments on any of the public hearing items to provide those comments if you'd like. I think there were some gentlemen. You all had some items that you want to discuss. Yeah. And anybody that wants to talk about a public hearing item, you're welcome to come up.

Yes. Yeah. 7 A through E. Anybody that has anything to say about seven items 7 A through E, we'll open the public hearing so you can come up and make a statement if you'd like. [snorts]

Thank you, honorable mayor and council members. Um, this is regarding item 7E. Very briefly, we truly believe this project will beautify the area while staying true to the neighborhood's architectural style and character. This is a small, thoughtfully designed development meant to blend in, not stand out. We're fully committed to responsible long-term management, keeping the property clean, well-maintained, and professionally operated. Just as importantly, we will implement strength tenant screening to ensure a safe, respectful, and neighborhood friendly living environment. Our goal is simple, to bring quality, attainable housing that strengthens the neighborhood and contributes positively to the city of Annenburgg. Um, we were also able to locate uh three small uh apartment complexes within a mile radius from the property that we're trying to uh develop. So, we have a we have a map uh we would like to share with you guys.

Thank you. originally planning on zoning tools. Uh since there were not um small apartment complexes in the area, um it was going to be denied, but we were able to find uh those. We also uh uh were again, you know, we we care about what the neighbors think. So, we went to the neighbors and we were able to get a few statements from uh direct neighbors to the property that uh also mentioned that, you know, they are in favor of uh of the development that they prefer uh a newer development to beautify the area and also to help keep the area safer as well.

That would be all. All right. Thank you.

Thank you. Uh well, this development is not a large apartment complex. It is intentionally designed to look and feel residential with a modest twotory height neutral exterior materials, general setbacks and landscaping that blends into the existing streetscape. This building proportions, roof line, and facade treatments are consistent with the surrounding single family homes, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood rather than stand out as something out of scale. By carefully choosing materials and colors similar to those seen in nearby homes, this project will visually connect with the community and beautify the area with a clean, modern appearance. And uh beyond minimizing impacts, this project provides several key benefits. One of them is improve neighborhood safety with lighting, pedestrian activity, and more ice on the streets. It beautifies what is currently an underutilized lot with new landscaping, trees, and attractive residential architecture that enhances the character of the entire block. And lastly, it aligns with Edinburgh's goal of offering diverse sustainable housing options without contributing to unnecessary sprawl. Our objective is to complete the neighborhood, not disrupt it. This development is scaled, detailed, and landscaped specifically to blend into its surroundings and contribute positively to the context of the community. We truly believe this project will bring long-term valuable vibrancy and inclusivity to this area. Thank you.

Thank you. I did talk to two gentlemen here. I was hoping they would come up and kind of explain cuz they did say that this was not the drawings. Did my little gentleman come? I don't see him that the what I'm concerned about is the one that comes off on Macall Road right at the red light and uh he would they were telling so would you please kind of describe Good evening, mayor. Uh I'm Dono Rodriguez, project engineer for the proposed project. Abraham with RGC Development Group. I'm sorry. Can you Which item is this on? 10B. Good. Thank you. Go ahead.

So, I just wanted to clarify on the layout that we've have on on up on the screen. Uh, that was an initial layout the builder had proposed. Uh, we took a look at it from an engineering standpoint. Uh, detention and all that stuff. Uh, it wouldn't work with that sec that entrance through McCall. So, we're eliminating that completely only having the entrance that we initially proposed for the apartments along Shapen. So, that's one of the concerns that was brought up about having another entrance on McCall. We're eliminating that completely. So that's that's all I have. If there's any questions, we'll we're glad to answer. Miss Fern, does that address your issue? Yes. The safety is what I'm looking at. Thank you.

Thank you. Any other comments? Uh uh public hearing is still open for items A through E.

Good evening, Mayor Council. I will start off by saying uh happy new year. I hope everyone had a good holidays. Um, and to all the staff as well. I know we work well with them all the time. So, glad to see everybody's here. U, I do want to pass out some handouts on the on the item that we're looking at. We'd like to have y'all's recommendation on this is item

7D. I know we're up for recommendation on the change of zone. U, what I've presented is the conceptual site plan that we've been working on since we came to B&Z. Um what we had at P&Z was kind of more of a higher level uh kind of idea of what we were trying to do. Since P&Z, we've kind of looked at working with a designer and a builder on what we're actually proposing. Um we are staying true to single family um use uh as far as the detached town homes. Um so if you look at the first layout, these are the renderings that we're proposing. Uh the second layout is some conceptual floor plans that we're looking at. Um this is going to be a gated community is what we're proposing. We've worked with different entities already with the irrigation district, drainage district. We have an approved dish district uh report already. Um, we are working under a timeline and feasibility period with the current land owner and the developers are from Edinburg and they do want to provide a good product to the city as well as their residents of Edinburg. So, we're looking at y'all's recommendation as far as a favorable recommendation on um approving the change of zone. This will allow us to complete the feasibility period and uh move forward with purchasing the property. We are currently we did submit the subdivision plat to the city have reviewed with the utilities and I believe in the write up they do mention that they are favorable with some of the proposed infrastructure that we're doing. Uh we are going to come back with so in this zoning there's two zone there's two types of dwelling units you can do an attached and detached. an attached uh building structure will allow us to do more lots, more like 62

64 lots. The developer has chosen detached for the reason of um connectivity. Um and really he's given up lots and we're going down to 54. The layout that you have uh in the packet as far as a solution layout was like I said a higher level. Uh we've done a little bit more of tweaking. We're down to 54 lots is what we're proposing. We're going to be going to PNZ for that and uh we'll come back with the solution to council at a later date. So, we'll be here to answer any questions uh any concerns. Can we ask questions now? Um yeah, you are free to answer to ask questions now if you'd like.

So, just quick question. So, it's going to be a gate again. This is literally right near my house. Uh are they still considered town homes if they're detached? Like Yes. based on the the lot size and the use, it's still uh considered town homes. So, and then it will be a gated community. Are what about the active drainage that's going to be around there? Are you going to is it going to connect into the one that's already there or is it going to It's going to have its own on-site detention and then it's going to bleed into the drainage infrastructure that's there. Okay. So, then are you going to put sidewalks around that area to connect it to the Somerset subdivision? Is it going to be connected?

That's a requirement that we will be fulfilling. Yes. So, you're going to be using our that little detention pawn right there already. That's going to be you're going to be using that as well. It's going to act as a conveyance system uh which everyone on that corridor going north uh utilizes, but what we're doing is our own detention pond. So, it would slowly bleed into that uh infrastructure. So, then because I know that area it it backs up in my in my subdivision when it when it rains. Um, are y'all going to do any improvements to improve that at all or anything? Like any type of improvements around there? Maybe do a walking trail around that little drainage detention pond or anything like that to to improve it?

Well, that's not preview to like the development, but that's something we could look at with staff. Um, we are in we are going to present some some proposed plans on irrigation reroutes and things like that. We can look at that, but that really isn't previewed to the development uh requirements. Okay. Thank you. Within our own detention pond, that would be maintained by nature, have some type of landscaping, things like that. Okay. Thank you. Uh just one quick question. So, the proposed layout that's in our packet, that's not what you are planning to move forward with. You have a new layout.

Yes. And if you look at the the layout, I believe we had two one cross street at the very south end. We've come back and added an additional cross street on the front end. Um so we've reduced the lots and that is what's going to be coming to PNZ. Okay. Have you submitted that new layout to the uh department? Yeah. Have they given you comments? So typically that uh will go back for preliminary approval. Um, we've already we're going to go to preliminary approval on the on the subdivision plant, but that would be subject to the PNZ meeting this uh Thursday. Okay. Yeah. I see that PNZ approved uh they approved the prior design. Is that what you're saying? They approved the zoning uh zoning.

It was So, that's what we're trying to do is get the zoning and you come back with the correct. Yeah. A very similar layout. We're just reducing the amount of lots to 54 instead of 58. All right. Thank you. Do a good job on it. Do a good job on that. Thank you guys. Thank you. All right. Public hearing is still open. Items A through E if anybody would like to make a comment.

All right. Seeing no further comments, we will close a public hearing. Um at this time, council, uh I would recommend, of course, you all are free to make whatever motions you would like. Um uh a motion to approve items A, B, and C. Uh since on those uh for each of them there were no comments for or against um from the written and those were all unanimous approve approvals by the planning and zoning whereas D and E do not have those same characteristics. So I would recommend a motion to approve items A, B and C and then separately we can uh make motions on D and E. Move to approve A through C. Second.

All right. Motion in a second. Any discussion? All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. All right. Uh motion carries. Um item D. Um is there a U motion?

I'll make a motion to approve. I'll second it. Okay. Motion to approve and a second. Um, I do have a question actually on this one. Uh, so on item D, um, my understanding is that the original design, uh, and I know we're not here to talk about design, right? We're here to talk about, uh, zoning, but I think this gives us an opportunity, right? If we know what the design is, uh, that may influence us not to approve the reasonzoning. Um, so I just want to make sure that we're all clear on kind of what is intended to be out there. But the design that was originally submitted um I believe that there was staff a staff recommendation was not to not to approve the resoning. That is correct. Okay. Could you explain that a little bit?

Well, our recommendation was based on the land use itself. Does this really belong here? Is this the best the best use that we can get out of these six acres and based on the surrounding uses? We felt that it was too high density for the area. Uh the design as as you stated was for 58 lots. Now it's 54 lots. So they've trimmed it down a little bit. Um, but we did have a chance to review the preliminary design that was submitted and it was going to require several variances. Now, we're not here to look at the at the design. We're only here to look at the resoning aspect of of this part, but uh they do need this resoning before they can proceed to the to the preliminary plan approval. Right. Okay. So, the the original design as submitted would require variances if they were going to move forward with the design.

That's correct. Okay. Have you been able to review the revised design? We have not. Okay. So, you can't say right now whether that will require variances or not and looking at what I saw right now, it's going to require variances.

Okay. All right. Um Okay. Other questions, council members? Uh so, I will say that does concern me, right? Approving a uh and again, I know we're not here to approve the design uh or the plat. That's the secondary level that would come next once a property is reszoned. Um, you know, the assumption is that the developer has to comply with all rules and regulations. The there's no variances baked into a reasonzoning, but at the same time, I don't want approval of the resoning to imply that the city is going to grant variances. And if the design as submitted already already says that they're going to ask for variances, then that does concern me. Um my preference would be for the um that to get worked out somehow. Again, I'm it's up to the city council. We have a motion to approve in a second and we'll vote on this in just in just a little bit. Um but presupposing, right, that we are going to accept the design, accept the um um the reasonzoning, uh I don't want that to imply in any way that the city is going to automatically approve any requested variances.

Yeah. Uh, mayor, you make a good point because I've asked that before. Why is it always that zoning goes before the variance? I I get it. You can't have the you can't ask for the variance until you have the zoning, but that's always been a question of mine. Um, and so they have to abide by all rules without getting any variances approved if if it does happen. Correct. And what kind of variances do you think they're going to require? You can't put conditions on resoning. You either approve resoning or you don't. Correct. Correct. But when they come back with the plans for their building, variances can be denied,

right? Variances can be denied. I mean, some of the some of the variances that we were looking at was the street width. They were asking for 40 instead of 50. Uh the lot widths, uh they were meeting the lot width codes. U the square footage. Those were just some of the ones that we looked at. And also, I know some properties when you buy them, a lot of it's contingent on them reszoning it first, right? That's why that probably as well. So, do do you guys want to comment on that? Um, the engineers want to comment on any possible variances.

Yes, as had mentioned before, there's in this zoning you have a detached and attached type uh building structure you can do. What we would like to do is a detached. Um, yes, the land size there's constraints to it, but uh if we were to do a an attached homes, the town homes, which is you have a cluster of buildings uh single family, right? um the density would probably go up. Um so what what we're trying to do is find a common ground uh where we go detached and we would look at maybe variances and that's something that we're going to be discussing at PNZ. I know that that was a topic of discussion when it came to the item on the zoning. Um and we're hoping to clarify that at PNZ. Now that is subject to our feasibility period. If we cannot get certain aspects of of the development then that allows us to give a better um recommendation to the to the owner and the developer right um [laughter] at that point maybe it's not feasible to move forward. So at this point at this time we're only hoping to get the zoning so that we could look at both aspects what is going to be the best option for development detached or attached. I am showing what we are conceptually looking at, but at the end of the day, that's this is not final, right? There's things that we have to give and take with staff before we bring it back to council. So,

understood. And and I do appreciate you trying to work with the city, right, to make sure that this is acceptable uh to city staff. Um working with some of the residents that uh that did have comments against this. Uh it seems like you've reduced the density. So I think that does address uh some of the issues right that had been written in but I mean you know I I I try to be upfront about all things and so um the the idea right that the only way that this project could move forward is with variances is something that I'm not comfortable with. Um, and I think that, um, um, if the city were to do the resoning, so now we have, um, you know, a piece of property that's zoned differently from, um, contiguous, uh, properties if the variances are not approved. Um, what's going to happen to that piece of property, right, at that point? Now, uh, you have a zoning uh, that's different. um is it going to have to be reszoned again back to primary right to be able to uh do something that wouldn't require variances. So these are all the things I would I would much rather have a design at the outset knowing what we're getting ourselves into because this is really the city's primary point of control of what happens to that piece of property. Um and you know I've said before that I'm I'm generally not in favor of variances unless there's some exigent circumstances. And so looking ahead that's that's my chief concern with this item.

Yeah. Yeah, we we greatly appreciate that. And uh I think the history of this property there we weren't the engineers prior to it and it was a different developer. It was the same land owner. They do sign an owners authorization knowing the facts of what is to come if you do get the zoning or if you don't get the zoning prior to they did try to get that same zoning at P&Z uh and they got denied. I believe where we're at in the due diligence that we do as far as like what we're proposing and we're showing I think we're a little bit more advanced as far as like that discussion with PNC and I believe that's why we got that recommendation in PNC.

So yes, we will do our due diligence and work with staff on the best items we can um and we will present what we can what we feel will be feasible at the end of the day. But that's we're just hoping for a favorable recommendation for the zoning.

Okay. Thank you. One procedural question for you, Hime, and I'm sorry for holding up this vote for so long. Um, if we move forward and now after discussion, a majority of the city council denies this motion. Um, they they are then at that point not able to do the resoning even if they went back and redid the design. Right. I mean, there's a there's a whole other procedure that happens once you deny a resoning request. Once you deny the reasoning request, they have to wait 12 months to reapply for the same request. Now, they could come back and apply for a lower density request like residential primary. Uh, and we would allow them to do that.

Okay. All right. So, so knowing that, right, I mean, I again would don't know what the vote's going to be. Um, but I I would almost much rather table the item, see if there can be some kind of design, right, in advance worked out so that everybody knows what we're getting ourselves into from the outset. uh before the city council has to make that decision. That would at least be my recommendation. But again, the council's about to vote on this. Any other comments, questions? Okay. All right. Um motion to approve uh item D and a second. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. All right. Motion passes. Item E. Uh is there a motion? Move to approve.

Wait. Item which one? E. E. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm on the wrong page. Motion to go with staff's recommendation. Second. Second. Okay. U motion and a second to go with staff's recommendation to deny item E. All those in favor, uh, raise your right hand. All those opposed. Motion passes. Okay. We'll move on to um agenda item 8A. Uh madam secretary.

Yes, mayor. Consider awarding bid number 2026-01 outside fleet repair service rate of off warranty units to Kera Hydraulics LLC and Monte Alto Texas CC Truckers LLC of Edinburgh, Texas and Capital Towing LLC of Edinburgh, Texas based on types of services and unit prices. So move second. All right, there's a motion in a second. All those in favor raise your right hand. All those opposed. Okay. Motion passes. Uh item 8B,

consider awarding bid number 2025-15 CSJ0921-02497 Freddy Gonzalez Hike and Bike Trail to Artillery Construction LLC in the amount of 1,135,213 and authorize the city manager to enter into an agreement related there too. All right. for um this particular item. I would like to ask for a motion. Um we'll go ahead and take the motion and then we'll have go into discussion. Any motion? Motion to approve. Second.

Okay, there's a motion and a second to approve the item. Uh just one point of clarification. Um is there a uh there is not yet a final agreement with the um proposed vendor for for this project? Correct. No, I mean uh we do have uh the agreement the same one that uh we provided with the bids uh which is the same one we've been using. The only things we tweak is basically the name and the contract amount uh and adding the milestones uh for the project like for argument sake for this case we have two milestones created. Uh this is a trail that goes from Raul Longoria to Clausner. So we created two milestones. One from Rahul Longoria to I69 I69 to Clausner.

Great. Okay. Great project. Super excited about this. this I think this is going to be a fantastic trail addition to the city. Um in general um you know these these milestones to me are very important right what we don't want is a contract that just has a substantial completion date and then a final completion date if there's a delay if there's something going on prior to the substantial completion date. It makes it a lot harder for the city to either exit the contract or have some leverage right over the over the vendor. So I would much rather know what those milestones are. um in the final form of the contract. Uh so for so for me, I would like to uh if council is willing to to approve this item to award the bid, but subject to the final contract coming back to city council for final approval.

I I do like that because I I have a I had a question. I'm glad that the lowest bidder was local and I'm glad we're moving, but I noticed a disparity between what the engineers projected costs were and the actual bid. Um was that a text out engineer that that kind of line item each one of the things that um we actually go with um with text numbers for any project that we bid. Uh so the estimates tend to be a little bit higher than than what we get locally. So yes, that's uh one of the main points.

Okay. And so where do we all hate change order? How do we asssure there's no other change orders when we have a lowest bidder? Uh and and I know that like you said text bids a little higher or or their estimates are always a little higher but how do we asssure that change orders don't take somebody from the lowest bidder to to pass surpassing the second bidder? Well for argument sake this uh project uh they were technically not the lowest bidder. They're the lowest qualified bidder but there was somebody that was actually lower than them but the but the ranking was number one because of the qualifications because of the qualifications. the way that that it has to be ranked the text that way. Okay. Now, and on this one that when it's federal funds or state funds, you have to go the lowest bidder or

Yes. Uh we do have to go low bidder process and uh I mean they're the main we have worked with them before. So they're the ones that helped us with LOL on the sidewalk project. Uh they did our uh trails on Freddy Gonzalez as well. So we're comfortable. Will there be change orders? Uh there could be some impediments that uh were not done when the plans were completed. Uh that could be there. I mean that's an a possibility. Will it be without a change order? I highly doubt it. There there will be minor stuff that comes along the way. And to your point, mayor, uh because this is a text dot project, text will have to approve the final form of agreement as well. Yeah,

that's good. Uh I would also like the opportunity for city council to approve the final form. Yeah, of course. So, do we need to amend the motion? Yeah, if the maker of the motion would retract and redo. I'll retract and and amend the motion to add the mayor's comments. Okay, great. So, there is a motion to um approve item B and award the bid. Um but subject to the final contract coming back to city council for final approval. Is there a second? Second. All right, there's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All right. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. All right. Motion passes. Thank you. Um item 9A, appointments.

Consider appointments to the following. City of Iceborg Council Commission and Committee, Ann Economic Development Corporation, Board of Directors, two members. All right. Is there a motion? I make a motion to appoint Homer Hustle for the EDC. Second. Okay. So, there's a motion in a second to appoint uh Homer Hustle. Um, I know that the the the board is is full. So, is there is there a trade out? Uh, Greg Wasquez. Okay. And you have to do that motion first. No, we can do two motion. Oh, you could do one. Well, then let me make the motion. Okay. Do you want to retract your motion? I retract my motion.

Okay. Go ahead. I'll make a motion to remove myself and Gregory Vasquez and appoint uh Jerry Bzano and Homer Hasso. Second. Great motion and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor of the motion, raise your right hand. All those opposed? Okay, motion passes. Uh moving on to consent agenda 10. Um, I will take a motion to approve items A through I, unless anybody would like to do a se a different motion. Move to approve A through I. Second. All right. The motion to approve discussion on that.

Yes. Motion to approve A through I. That has been moved and seconded. Yes. Discussion. Did somebody answer uh first question on Jean? That Yeah, that's all I had. Evening mayor, city council Jame, director, sid, please. Miss McClary, can you take your question again?

Well, I just asked and you missed my other one. Y'all voted without discussing it. So, I do thank you for going back on this one, but you still missed one. We just wanted to explain what it was and why we're not using someone, you know, just explain. They didn't know why we were doing it this way and why it was. Her question was why are we are the is it is that the lowest tired price or the service versus somebody local.

So, originally this is the second time this bid goes actually it's not a bid. Those are requests for prices. The original bid went out a couple of months ago. uh we went out and put it out uh for for in a general bid and there was only a couple of respondents. Uh so the tires that we're bringing to you now are those tires that were not bid on on that bid and we went out just for general pricing from uh from HDAC and those type of contractors just to meet with the requests for those type of tires which is extreme service demands and only certain biders really bid on those type of tires. So that's why we qualified these proposals.

Okay, that's what we needed. Thank you. Thank you, R. Excellent. Any other comments, questions? Okay. Uh motion um to approve items uh A through I. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. All right. Motion carries. Um item 11 A. Any future items requested? Other business? Okay. Hearing none, we'll move on to executive session. Uh, can I get a motion to enter executive session? Move. Second.

Motion in a second. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. All right. Motion carries. We are now entering executive session. Time is 7:09 p.m. Item A, consultation with city attorney regarding pending, potential, and or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and or legal matters subject to the attorney client privileges under the authority of the open meetings act. Item B, discussion and possible action regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. Item C, consultation with city attorney regarding personnel matters. Item D, discussion and possible action regarding economic development matters. Project Happy Gilmore.

[clears throat] Uh time now is 8:58. Uh we are uh exiting executive session, coming back into the open. Can I get a motion to get back in the open? All right, motion and a second. Uh, all those in favor raise your right hand. All those opposed. Okay, motion passes. We are back in the open. Um, any action required at this time? We don't have any action items required at this time. Thank you. Okay, great. Uh, that being the end of business. Any other business? No other business. All right. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.