City Council - Special Meeting

Coming up next on ECN, a regularly scheduled meeting of your Edinburgh city council. on the council. Mayor Omar Ooaha, mayor prom David Salasar, council member Dan Diaz, Council Member Jason DeLeon, and Council Member Jerry Losano. Sitting in his advisors, City Manager Myra Ayala. And now live from the Edinburgh City Hall, the Edinburgh City Council. Good evening everyone. We are now opening this regular meeting of the city council. Time is 6 pm. Uh I do see that all members of council are present. So we do have quorum. Uh let's please start with a prayer. And we have Pastor David Alexander. Good evening everyone. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, you our God alone. We praise you father for your presence. We praise you Lord for inviting us into your presence to present our praises and requests to you. Lord, I thank you for a city that continues to understand that we are dependent upon you. Lord, we pray for your wisdom as we deal with the things that you have entrusted to us. Lord, we praise you for those who are being recognized tonight. We thank you for our officers who serve us. And Lord, I want to pray especially for those who at the end of the day have to go home to personal issues and tragedy. and Lord that your favor would be among and and on them.

Lord, may the words of our mouth and meditation of our heart be pleasing and acceptable to you in all things in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Uh council member D. Yes, please. We can say the pledge together. If you're not in uniform, please rule our head here. Put your hand over your heart. Let's face the flag and say it together. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

All right, you can all be seated. Thank you. All right, next item is the certification of public notice. Madam Secretary, those microphones can be tricky. There we go. Yes, sir. Mary, the meeting was posted in accordance to Texas Open Meetings Act on April 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. Sir, thank you. I I was ready to jump in and do it for you, but I'm glad. Glad all uh next item is the disclosure of conf uh Mr. City attorney.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, under state law, a local government official is required to disclose a substantial interest for themselves or certain family members and abstain from voting on matters related to such conflict. Are there any conflicts to disclose related to the pending matters on today's agenda? No. No, sir. Thank you.

All right. Next item is the uh mayor's report. Um there are a few city events that are coming up that are listed here on the agenda. For everybody at home, you can uh catch that online. Um the uh dirty duathlon is this Saturday 7:30 at the Dittle Nature Park. This is the rescheduled Dirty Duathlon. It was previously scheduled but due to uh weather conditions uh it's now this weekend. Uh still some time to sign up for that. So if you get a chance, please do that. Uh Noslo is going to be this Saturday as well at 6 PM at the um uh city library. Uh and then the South Texas Junior Olympics, very cool event. uh just putting this on here to make sure that the public is aware. We had this last year as well. Very well attended to get people from all over the state uh coming in uh to display their uh fighting capabilities right here in the city of Edinburgh. Very excited to be hosting it again. Uh this will be Friday, May 1st uh through Sunday uh May 3rd. So some exciting things happening uh here in the city. Speaking of, we'll skip down now to number five, the uh proclamations. if the city secretary could read the caption for portion A. Uh and if I can ask the uh Golden Spurs dance team um and your sponsors, coaches to come on up to the front. I'll present you with a proclamation and we can take some pictures uh while the city secretary reads the proclamation.

Yes, mayor. Presentation of proclamation recognizing the Edinburgh North High School Golden Dispers Dance Team as the 2026 National Grand Champions as requested by Jose Barahasa's Golden Spurs director. Whereas the Edinburgh North High School Golden Dispers Dance Team attended the Showtime International Grand Nationals Dance Competition on March 29th through 30th, 2026 in Galveston, Texas. And whereas the Edinburgh North High School Golden Spurs are seventime grand national champions and seventime officer grand national champions and continue to work relentlessly to be able to attend and represent their organization, school, and community with pride. And whereas there were over 400 routines performed at the Showtime International Grand Nationals Dance Competition and the Golden Spurs competed in the small division. They were named national champions in their category and earned best of the best first render up across the entire competition. The two-day competition was tough but the Spurs displayed their skills, talent and danced with their hearts in every performance which has continually created legacy of champions year after year. And whereas attending the national competition has offered the students an opportunity not only to dance but also to build on teamwork, responsibility, perseverance, unity, and long-lasting friendship. And whereas the Golden Spurs were amazing in every performance, earning the title of national champions jazz officer routine, national champions palm officer routine, first runner up national champions lyrical officer routine, grand champions officers first runner up national champions team hip hop routine, national champions palm team routine, national champions lyrical team routine, national champions military team routine, team national champion in small division, officers national grand champions in small division, best of the best, first runner up across the entire competition and national duet Allison Surita and Alejandra Kavasos, national solo finalist Victoria Carlson and national solo finalist Alejandra Kavasos. And whereas the Edinburgh North High School Golden Dispers Dance Team is made up of an outstanding group. Lorena Costa, Elena Benvdes, Gabriella Canu, Victoria

Carlson, Melissa Carmona, Alejandra Kavasos, Gabriella Kavasos, Bella Espinosa, Alexia Espinosa, Ashley Flores, Caitlyn Gomez, Kimberly Garcia, Avana Garcia, Cecilia Gloria, Hannah Gomez, Adriana Gonzalez, Sophia Mendoza, Diamond Molina, Joselyn Pinon, Annabel Kinones, Annabel Reyes, Dami Rodriguez, Jasmine Cerna, Isabella Shani, Allison Surita, Veronica Variel and Irene Zuniga under direction of Jose Barahas Mendes. Now whereas the city council of the city of Edinburgh is proud to recognize the achievements of the Edinburgh North High School Golden Spurs dancing. Now therefore the mayor council the city of Edinburgh, Texas by the part resident and by law do hereby recognize Edinburgh North High School Golden Spurs dance team national grand champions and call upon all residents to join in celebration of the success of these students and coaches. Awesome. Welldeserved honor, I think. Are people still taking pictures? We We'll let you finish that up.

Excellent. No, stay up here. Don't leave just yet. Don't leave just yet, please. Would Would you like to say anything? Yes. All right, please step on up. Whatever you want. It's okay.

Well, first of all, I would like to thank uh our councils. Thank you for this opportunity for um recognizing us for the effort that we do. Uh we represent our city with pride. Uh and I want I'd like to say um Mr. Ch, thank you so much for your contributions for our fundraisers for helping us and make this happen. Uh thank you for uh again this recognition and we have been working very hard for the past years and this is the seventh title that we get. Um I think this being the highest thank you and I want to say thank you to all the parents for the continued support of my administration and of course the city. Thank you.

Thank you so much. this um I just want to say this is an amazing achievement that uh I hope everybody recognizes. So yes, seventime uh grand national champions, right? But not just that, across the entire competition and there was over 400 routines in this competition, our own right uh Spurs uh dancers were the first runner up across the entire competition, right? So they dominated across all teams that came out there. So girls, I know how much work you put into this. um you all put your heart and souls into this not just for this particular competition but throughout your entire lives and I know that's going to serve you all well for your careers and everything that you're going to do from here on out. Uh nobody does these things alone, right? I for one absolutely recognize this. So if you could I would love for everybody to turn around and we could all give a great round of applause to your family who is here to support you and have done this this entire time. Now, would any of the dancers like to say anything? If you want, you're more than entitled to say something if you would like.

We will all stand here awkwardly until someone decides to do it. Somebody go. I know that you guys have a leader, right? May the leader step up to the po to the microphone, please. All right. There you go. Um, thank you to all our parents, um, my teammates, Mr. Bahas, and the city for everything. Awesome. You did great. You did great. Thank you all again so much for what you do representing the city of Edinburgh. We're all so very proud of you. Congratulations.

Thank you. Yeah. Thank you to all the families. I want to recognize Chief Gloria, Fire Chief of Macallen. Your daughter is also on the team there, Chief. Thank you for all your support, guys. Can't do it without you guys. Thank you. Absolutely. All right. Next item we've got on the agenda is uh uh item B under proclamations. Again, if the city secretary could read the caption uh and uh read the proclamation, city council will come down and take some pictures.

Yes, sir. Mayor. presentation proclamation recognizing April 19 through 25, 2026 as National Library Week in the city of Edinburgh. Whereas the Destin Memorial Library serves as a cornerstone of the city of Edinburgh, sparking creativity, fueling imagination, and inspiring lifelong learning while offering a welcoming space where individuals of all ages can truly find joy through exploration and discovery. And whereas the library functions as a vibrant community hub connecting residents to knowledge, technology, and essential resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. And whereas the library provides free and equitable access to books, digital resources, and innovative programming, ensuring that all members of the community, regardless of background, have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. And whereas through partnerships with local schools, higher education institutions, businesses, and community organizations, the library expands access to services and opportunities that strengthen the economic and educational vitality of Edinburgh. And whereas the library empowers job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by offering workforce development tools, technology access, and training programs that support career advancement, and economic success success. And whereas the library nurtures young minds through engaging story times, literacy initiatives, steam programs, and experiences that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love love of learning. And whereas the library extends its reach beyond its walls, bringing programs, resources, and services into the community to ensure access for all residents and to create meaningful joy experiences through the city. And where the library's commitment to our community has been recognized to the achievement of excellence in libraries award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association for 16 consecutive years. And whereas the dedicated librarians, library staff of Edinburgh provide welcoming exclusive spaces that inspire discovery, creativity, and connection for all. And whereas libraries across the nation are celebrating National Library Week under the 2026 theme, find your joy, highlighting the many ways libraries enrich lives and strengthen communities. There. Now therefore, the mayor and council of the city of Edinburgh, Texas by power resident by law to hereby proclaim April 20 19th through the 25th

2026 as National Library Week in the city of Edinburgh encourage all residents to visit the Dustin Michael Soula Memorial Library to explore its resources, participate in its programs, and discover the many ways to find their joy. Good evening, mayor and council. For the record, let director of library and cultural arts. On behalf of the library board and the friends of the library as well as some of our staff, all of our staff, thank you for recognizing this week is National Library Week. We invite our community to join us this week as we celebrate uh in celebration. We have special events happening every day at 6 PM. So, please come by the library and enjoy some of the events we're having. Tomorrow, we'll be having a special celebration with Jacob and Pulvo because if not, it wouldn't be a celebration in South Texas. and an open life night. So we're inviting all the poets, musician, and storytellers to come and share their talents. And on Saturday, of course, like you mentioned, mayor, we're having the loss with dance performance, a petting zoo, transformers, games, and children's authors. And of course, free books for in celebration of children, literacy, and the joy of reading. This year's theme, find joy at the library, truly reflects what we see every day. It is a joy to watch your community come alive. From toddler time and and preschool story times to homeschool classes and our afternoon uh programming for children, teens, and adults, our library continues to be a place where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow. In the past month, we've seen firsthand the impact a library can have. About three weeks ago, we hosted a community health fair that welcomed about 500 attendees and brought together 35 health organization, connecting our citizens with vital resources, free flu shots, and health screenings. And just last

Thursday, in partnership with the Edinburgh EDC and the Workforce Solutions, we hosted a job fair that drew more than 700 job seekers and brought in 57 employers. Four individuals were hired on the spot and Many were interviewed on site and many more at interviews at their locations. Beyond our programs, we continue to offer wide range of resources from print materials and ebooks to uh the latest DVDs and the largest collection of of uh gaming video game uh collection in the entire RGB. So, ensuring that we truly have something for everybody. And but none of this could be possible without the incredible commitment of our library staff whose dedication to service ensures that every person who walks through our doors feels uh welcome, supported, and inspired. National Library Week is a time to celebrate not only what libraries provide, but also the opportunities they create and the joy they bring. So, we are very proud to serve our community and we thank you very much for this proclamation. Thank you.

Thank you. I know that um here in the city of Edinburgh, we are particularly blessed uh to have an amazing library system, amazing library staff, 16 years running, right? That the Texas Municipal Library Director's Association has given us their top excellence award and that's by no mistake. The programs that you have there, the outreach that you do, the way you welcome into the community every single day is just amazing. So thank you so much Leti uh you as the leader of the department but to everybody who works in the department for literally putting your heart and souls into this library. It really shines and it really shows. Thank you so much. Thank you sir. Thank you.

All right. Next item of proclamations is item C. Uh Madam Secretary if you could read the caption. Yes sir Mayor. Presentation of certificate of recognition to Haime Yala, Chief of Police, recipient of the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award. If we could ask the chief to come down. Yes. Uh if I may say a few words, uh Mayor Council about Sure. Let's hold on a second. Yeah, pardon me. Go ahead. Uh go ahead. So, uh thank you, Mayor. I appreciate

So, so this evening we we celebrate our chief of police, Jame Hame Yala, for receiving the Texas Police Chiefs Association Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award. You know, this award is named after Mike Gentry, a man is synonymous with integrity, mentorship, and tireless commitment to the professionalization of poling in Texas. To receive it is a testament to a career built on those exact same pillars. Now, true true leadership isn't found in a title or badge. It's found in the trust earned from the community and the loyalty inspired within the department. Our chief has consistently demonstrated visionary governance, implementing strategies that don't just react to the present but safeguard our future, mentorship, investing in the next generation of officers with the same vigor used to protect our streets, and integrity, leading with people first philosophy that ensures every decision is rooted in justice and transparency. You know, chief, your dedication to the craft of your pursu to this craft and your pursuit of excellence have not only elevated this department, but have set a benchmark for the entire state. This award acknowledges what we see every day. A leader who balances the weight of command with the heart of a public servant. With that, please join me in a round of applause for our chief. Thank you for all your unwaving service, chief, your steady hand, and for showing us all what it means to be lead with honor. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Chief.

All right, we're going to come down take some pictures with you with this plaque, but we're the talk is going to continue. So, give us a second. Congratulations.

Let's do If you work in the department, get up here. Get in a photo.

Sworn. Nonsworn. Where's Where's Chad? Yeah, please.

All right, jump in. Yes. Where's your picture? I got to go. Feel free to say something.

Yeah.

Come on, Robert. Should we do it after? That way we get the meeting.

Yeah.

All right, Chief. Floor is yours.

Well, Mayor, this is not my comfort zone to be up here uh receiving such accolades. I I truly appreciate the words of of Mr. SC's very very kind words. But we as an organization cannot get the recognition or accomplish what we have been able to accomplish without mayor and council support without our city manager support and pushing the agenda that we're trying to to do to engage our community and police this city to the highest level possible. our city management team. Uh so it's with intense humility that I that I say that I I've accepted this award. I received it. You know, it's it's statewide award. It's it's truly touched me in my heart for what we're doing here in our city. Uh but it can't be done without partnerships and relationships. It can't be done without uh working our our directors to make things work efficiently with all the all the festivals and all the events we have. All of that comes into play uh in in how our staff was able to to make this nomination. I have an incredible incredible staff that that not everybody gets to see what they do every day. But the only reason we shine the way we do in our administration is because of our of our staff, our professional staff. They get things done in the back room that aren't at the tip of the spear like we are as representatives of the department. As for for them, I I just want them to know that I I accept this reward for the department. Uh it is it is a tremendous honor to to to get this kind of recognition, but it's not solely for me. And so I truly thank the entire city. Uh our troopers are here. We have we have so many partnerships that make things happen. Uh and and we can't do it again without your support. And I'll tell you, my biggest cheerleader lives with me. my wife uh is second to none in pushing pushing me out there and just supporting me in the things we've had to do for the last 30 plus years because this job is not an easy one uh for anybody our rank and file our support staff uh the things

that we have to see and deal with. So thank you Janet for all of your support and everything you do. And I my mom's here she she wants me to tell her how much I love her so long. Thank you. and and I can't forget my sister and brother-in-law and and some of the spouses of our of our teammates that are here. I thank them as well. So, thank you again. I truly appreciate it. I'm not a man of of uh a few words, but today I just I thank you truly for your support and what we're trying to do. Thank you.

Thank you, Chief. And if I may, anybody else can jump in if they would like. Um we thank you so much for your leadership. You're right. You've got a lot of great staff and we recognized a lot of them at the state of the city, people who have won state and national awards, people who have been recognized at the at the top of their position. Um, but it starts with leadership. Uh, and you have uh uh commanded um like you said, making sure that people perform at their best and that we are turning out the best quality and best product here in our police department. Everything from the first uh department in the real Grand Valley to have a drone response program. I mean, innovative thinking, datadriven decisions, uh, police academy where we get to train our own police, our police cadets the way that we intend them to be trained, uh, all up and down, you have shown innovation. You have shown, uh, the ability to to analyze and to make decisions quickly, but more than anything, I think you've shown a heart for the community. Uh, and so, you know, ultimately at the end of the day, you know, the the the badge is here to serve and protect, but the service aspect of that is one of the most important. And so, thank you for building that bridge between the badge and the community. It doesn't go unrecognized. And I'm glad it's now being recognized on the level that it is. Again, congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

All right. And though it's not necessarily on the proclamations, I did want to address this in my mayor's report. So, if if procedurally needed, we're going back to that just for a second. Um, but I do want to say last Friday at the Vakerto baseball game, um, we had 956 night and it was the battle of the cities. The idea being whichever city is able to get the most attendees out to that game, uh, takes home the trophy. And I am proud to announce that for the third year in a row, the city of Edinburg is the champion of the Battle of the Cities. Sure, why not? That's right. Excellent.

Yes. So, we're very blessed to have a great institution like Utrgv right here in the heart of our city. Um, with all their amazing athletic programs that they have, provides a ton of entertainment opportunities for our city. But more than more important, it offers a source of great pride. So, thank you to everybody in the city of Edinburg that has supported Ako baseball all season. Season's not over. There's a lot more baseball left to to go. They're going to need your help. Uh, so thank you all for coming out and helping us to win for the third year in a row. All right, that said, now let's move on. The next item is public comments. Do we have any public comments?

Yes, sir. Mayor, we do. The Edmer 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, Ming council, there are five public comments. The first public comment is Miss Ferclarity regarding taxpayers money. Okay. I want to congratulate you, mayor, and this council on a state of the city address that identified goals and objectives. I agree that water is the major hindrance to growth and that we should establish policies to ensure its conservation. I believe in investing directly in the uh future growth of our city like upgrading our sewer capacity, providing drainage relief, but I also believe in asking people what they want, what will they be willing to pay for. Because if you were to ask the people what they want, the overwhelming number would say lower my taxes. And now it is lower my water bills. I know because we help people protest their property values and the majority are struggling to understand why their property values increase every year. They increase because the county and the cities do not need to get voters approval to sell bonds. The last two elections have resulted in an increase in the homestead property exemptions. The Texas Controller of Public Accounts recommended the submission of a protest as a response to the rising property values. Nobody is saying that this project selects selected is your speech are not important. They are saying we cannot afford them. According to the US Census, 30% of our families are living

in a condition of poverty. Hadago County Community Service Agency says the number is closer to 40%. Property values increase every 12 months, but our salaries do not. In reference to the sale of $275 million in bond, the city is currently paying about $9 million in interest for existing bonds. People get nothing for this expenditure. The 20-year interest on the $275 million is $116,36,287. The total project cost would be 391,36,287. This does not include the annual cost of the city's operation, which based on a tax rate of 63 cents. The tax rate of Mac Allen is 46 cents. This council needs to get a lot better at managing its finances. The city sold the $9 million bond to repair equipment in the the solid waste department because it had shifted most of its income to the golf courses. In August of 2021, the city approved a $23 million bond issue for downtown culture projects. Every one of their projects ran over budget. That is why there is only $6 million left for park parking facility. The excuse that the people should not be concerned about the sale of bonds because the tax rate will not increase is not correct. Also, tonight I have an agenda item which I have this so you won't forget me and it is on 7f. I am asking uh someone cuz um uh Thomas is not here to please explain what this is. It sounds great. uh and the money of 92,888 is that a matching amount or you know

can you describe that? How many will be using uh this service? Can you tell us that? And again we think it's a good deal but we'd like to know what's going on because so often I know the county has buses this circle but a lot most of the time they're empty and that's sad. So please make sure that people are going to be using it. Thank you. The next public comment is LA Gizar regarding safety concerns. Good evening. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I care deeply about this issue because I have seen firsthand how unsafe our neighborhood streets have become, especially for children and families who should feel secure where they live. In my neighborhood, drivers frequently speak speed through residential streets where people walk, children play, and families gather. This problem is especially noticeable on smaller streets that lack stop signs and speed limit reminders or any form of traffic calming measures. I have personally witnessed cars traveling well above the speed limit, even during the afternoons and evenings when children are outside riding bikes or playing with friends. This these conditions create a dangerous environment and put everyone at risk, particularly young children who may not always be aware of approaching vehicles. Instead of feeling comfortable outdoors, families are left feeling anxious and unsafe in their own community. After speaking with neighbors and family members, it is clear that this concern is shared by many. Several residents have expressed that they hesitate to let their children play outside due to the constant presence of speeding cars. This is not just a personal observation. It reflects a broader public safety issue. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that the that speeding is a major factor in traffic related injuries and fatalities, especially in residential areas where pedestrians are more vulnerable. Additional studies have found that traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and signage are effective in reducing vehicle speeds and improving

overall neighborhood safety. Based on both my personal experiences and supporting information, I propose that the city take action by installing speed bumps or similar traffic calming measures in residential areas where speeding is a known concern. This is a practical and costefficient solution that has already been implemented successfully in many other cities. Speed bumps are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and can produce immediate results by forcing drivers to slow down. Adding visible signage would further reinforce sa safe driving behavior and remind drivers to be cautious in residential zones. I respectfully ask that you evaluate neighborhoods like mine for speeding concerns and to prioritize safety improvements in high-risisk areas. Taking these steps would not only reduce dangerous driving behaviors, but also restore sense of safety and peace of mind for residents. Most importantly, it would help protect children and families who deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Thank you for your time and consideration.

The next public comment is Miss Dian Ter regarding water taxes and library. Good evening Diane Teter. In mid-March, I attended the World Water Day presentation at IMAS in Macallen and I'd like to share what I learned because it raises an important question for Edinburgh. Are we dealing with coincidences or co or consequences? A decade ago, both Maccallen and Edinberg recognized the same threat we're living with today. The Rio Grande is unreliable. Mexico's treaty deliveries are inconsistent. Drought cycles are tightening. Both cities agreed to study a regional brackish groundwater desalination project, but only one city kept going. McAllen McAllen drilled test wells completed the engineering and secured major state financing. And today, McAllen is building a brackish groundwater desalination plant and a new treatment plant. Edinburgh, meanwhile, never moved past the exploratory phase. No engineering, no funding applications, no diversification. The project didn't fail. It simply died from lack of political will. While McAllen was investing in its water future, Edinburgh was cutting its tax rate year after year. From 2018 through 2023, this city approved five consecutive tax rate reductions. And every year the pressure came from the same small group demanding tax cuts repeatedly. And here's where the question of coincidence or consequence becomes unavoidable because the outcomes we're

living with today are the direct result of the choices we made yesterday on water. But I attended the Edinberg city state of the city address recently and was ecstatic to learn that Edinberg will be developing an alternate independent water source, a state-of-the-art brackish water plant, as well as a new north Edinberg wastewater treatment plant. So, bravo to our city council and our city staff. I'd also like to congratulate our city's library again for the 2025 achievement of excellence in library award, marking its 16th consecutive year earning this statewide recognition. Our library works miracles with minimal resources. So imagine how much more it could offer to our bilingual population if we funded it adequately and built it to meet the needs of a meet the needs of a city our size. Lastly, I ask that we all pray for peace, love, and understanding for our nation and our globe. Thank you. The next public comment is Omar Garza regarding National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Good evening, Mayor Jo and City Council. Omar Garo, Edinburgh Fire Chief. For the record, uh, the Edinburgh Fire Department will be participating in the light of nights for fallen firefighters campaign to honor American fallen fire heroes by eliminating our facilities in red. Uh, this nationwide tribute will take place April 26 through May 3rd in the days leading up to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. During this memorial, 200 fallen firefighters will be honored, including our very own Chief Sean Snder. departments, businesses, organizations, and families are invited to join us to support this tribute. Our department will be participating in honoring of Chief Snder, and we'll respectfully ask our community to stand with us in recognizing and honoring our very own. In absorbance, our fire stations, the water tower located in Monte Crisisto and Visit 81, and the amphitheater will be illuminated in red throughout the campaign dates. myself and approximately 25 to 30 firefighters from Meterburg and the community will be uh attending this event in Embersburg, Maryland May 2nd through the third through the 3rd and we thank the city and the council for the all the support and uh for this event. I appreciate it and thank you very much. The last public comment is NAMI South Texas RGB educated informed the NAMI walk May 9th 2026. Hi uh council and uh Mr. or sir mayor. Um I am Lyanna Gutierrez and I am the communication coordinator of NAMI South Texas RGV affiliate and this is my partner in crime uh Miss Patty Lemma.

She is our programs coordinator and we're here to talk about our first NAMI walk here in the RGV. So, one in five people will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime. That someone in your family, a friend, a neighbor, and maybe you. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness believes in mental health for all. And on Saturday, May 9th, the Rio Grandandy Valley is going to show up for that belief. We're proud to bring you the first ever NAMI Walks South Texas Rio Grande Valley. Starting at 8 a.m. at Richard Flores Stadium in Edinburgh. Walk with us. Raise your voice and be part of something bigger than yourself. NAMI walks isn't just one morning. It's a day that lasts a year. Every step you take recommits us to the community and to each other. It won't be NAMI walks without you. You can find us on um Facebook at uh NAMI South Texas RGB. And this walk means more than um just it's not a 5K, but it's an awareness walk. So, um, we would love, uh, the city's support in this and Edinburg CISD has been such a gracious partner in getting the word out there. Uh, we just released also a PSA with, um, Edinburgh CISD and we're really excited to bring this type of awareness. As a clinical social worker and a therapist, I see clients every day that are affected by mental health and I see families every day that are affected by mental health. And um that's our goal, you know, that is our goal to reach the community and uh to come out of the darkness and break that stigma. So we are here with the city support and with the district support and we would really appreciate um everybody to come out and support us. We're going to have uh 20 to 30 vendors uh you know sharing mental health resources. We're going to have some of our schools, some of our hope squads out there and just a lot of fun activities to bring a lot of awareness and uh prevention, you know, of something that

is touching each one of our households and communities. Um so you can find us again on Facebook. There is um a QR code as well and this is on Saturday, May 9th at 8:00 a.m. at Richard Flores Stadium here in Edinburg. And I don't know if you have anything to say.

Yes. Lastly, as um I'd like to on behalf of NAMI South Texas Road, Grandandy Valley, Dr. Erin Selenas, who is the designate affiliate leader. Um we want to thank y'all very very much for hosting, not only being the city, the councilman, the representation. We have our school also joining. What better way to get our youth involved, their parents, the staff, and the administrators alongside you all. It would be phenomenal. It's the first ever south of Corpus Christi and it is really going to start the conversation, decrease stigma and hopefully get parents and um children involved in their mental health. And lastly, together we walk, together we heal, and together we are the Rio Grande Valley in Edinburgh, Texas. Thank you so much. Thank you all very much.

There are no further comments, mayor. Excellent. Thank you so much for the for the gift basket. Very much appreciative. Not necessary ever. not necessary ever for anybody to do that, but we do appreciate it. Thank you so much. Uh, all right, moving on. Uh, we've got the consent agenda. Uh, so at this time, I will entertain a motion um to approve items A through G. So move. Second. All right. Motion and a second. We did have a question on item F. Is anybody Is anybody able to come up and speak? Mayor. Yes. It's okay. So, we have the LGBTC executive director.

Yeah.

Um, so I just wanted to mention on the uh interlocal agreement with the lower Grandandy Development Council, Valley Metro. Um, this is basically a renewal uh contract that we've had uh for LRGBC to operate, manage, and coordinate uh the regional public uh bus uh route system here in Edinburg. I believe we do have three routes, route 10, 15, and 17. Uh this amount uh historically has been paid in order for us to be able to provide funds to serve as an annual local match to their federal funds received through the FTA ad uh FTA which is Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation to subsidize the operation and the capital expenses related to the public bus route system. So I hope that answers your question.

How many people? Uh I do not have the total number of people, but I do know that it's very frequently used. If I'm not mistaken, it's actually one of the most used bus systems. Uh but I can definitely get that information for you. It's true. Um if you you want to come up and give us a little bit of this data, I'll tell you it's phenomenal actually. So in the 2025 2026 fiscal year, for example, as of the end of January, it was something like 430,000 total rides. Almost twothirds of that happens here in Edinburgh, right? So it's very heavily used here in our city. Please go ahead if you could just introduce yourself so that we all know.

Good evening, mayor, uh, council members. Manny Cruz, executive director for the lower Grand Valley uh, Development Council and RGV 911 District. Thank you so much for having this item on the agenda. Um, and so I I'll start just first by saying that uh, we do have uh, like Miss Myro mentioned those three routes that are on the agenda. Uh we do have additional uh connecting routes such as RGV Express uh which is primarily used for by UTRGV uh that seems to be our highest grossing ridership every year every month. Uh so this particular u item on the agenda addresses route 10 15 and 17 they run various times from 6:30 to uh 7:25 sometimes uh throughout the day. And so um and it carries more more weight than you think. It's just not just the the inner inner inner city bus system. It's the actual connection to the outside routes uh that that increases also the ridership. But today uh I can give you the rough numbers. As you know, we are having um a crisis with with the fuel system or fuel uh uh resources and so everything is is going up and so we've seen an uptick in in wrership because of that. We can't necessarily attribute it to that, pinpoint it. Obviously, we can't ask every driver. Uh that would be next to impossible. But uh based on on the facts, the numbers, they don't lie. And so, uh overall for this particular, and it might seem small, but trust me, this is big compared to last year. Uh so, Edinburg direct routes, which these are, uh the partnership to date has grossed 47,620 passengers. And so the indirect along with with the connecting routes um about 146,970 passengers year to date we've seen a growth of 2.04% on ridership overall throughout our three or because we we service all the

way to Larredo and all the way to Willis County. So we we've seen an u we're not even half of the year yet and we we're already exceeded 600,000 uh in wrership alone. uh within our system. And so uh we also are paying for the bus or for the for the gas. Uh obviously that has increased due to the current uh you know world events. And so when we were uh spending about 60,000 maybe 70,000 per month now it's u averaging about a little bit over 120,000 a month for fuel. And so uh the great this partnership is great. We also have partnerships throughout the threeount area. And so like Miss Meer mentioned, this subsidizes or match matches the current federal uh funds as well as state funds.

Be happy to answer any other additional questions you might have. Thank you very much. Uh actually, you can't. This isn't a public hearing item. I signed up for it, but this isn't a public this is not a public hearing item, and you had your opportunity to speak on the item. Thank you. Okay. All right. Thank you very much for the information. Yes, sir. All right. Any other comments, discussion points from the city council? All right. There's a motion to approve. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed. All right. Motion passes. Uh, next item on the agenda is to go into executive session. Can I get a motion?

I'm sorry, real quick. Back up. My bad. I can't read. Next item actually is other business. Any future items requested by the city council? No. All right. Uh, then the next item is executive session. Can I get a motion? So move. Second. All right. Motion in a second to go into executive session. Uh are there is there anybody opposed to that motion? All right. Hearing none. The motion passes. Time now is 6:49 p.m. We are entering executive session. With city attorney. Item B, consultation with city attorney regarding personnel matters. Item C, discussion and possible action regarding the conveyance exchange or lease of real property. Item D, discussion and possible action regarding economic development matters.

See you.

All right. Time now is uh 7:38. Uh we are coming back into the open. Can I get a motion to uh get back in the open session? No, move. Second. All right. Any objection to the motion hearing? None. Motion passes. We are back uh in open session. Time is 7:38 p.m. Um Mr. City Attorney, my understanding from the discussion is there's no action needed at this time. Can you confirm? That's correct, Mayor. Okay. No action needed at this time. Uh we've gone through all business. Uh nothing else to discuss. Uh meetings adjourned.