City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. you

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Cruz, Grants and Special Projects Compliance Officer for the City of Socorro. Thank you for joining today's meeting. Before our meeting begins, we would like to remind our guests to please remove all hats and silence all electronic devices. No disruptive behaviors or outbursts will be tolerated, and violators are subject to rejection or possible prosecution.

Hola, mi nombre es Judy Rodriguez, Planeadora de la Ciudad de Socorro. Gracias por participar en la reunión de hoy. Antes de que comience la reunión, quisiera recordarle a nuestros invitados favor de quitarse los sombreros y silenciar todo dispositivo electrónico. No se tolerará ningún comportamiento perturbador ni exabrupto y los infractores estarán sujetos a expulsión y posible procesamiento.

good evening everyone we want to start this i want to welcome you all to the august 6 2026 so coral city council meeting it's 6 09 p.m and i call this meeting to order as always we begin our meetings with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence so we could all please stand for the pledge rc you want to lead us in the pledge of allegiance today Yeah, on your count, whenever you're ready, okay? I pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, invisible, with liberty and justice for all. We could please remain standing for a moment of silence. Thank you. For our presentations, if we want to move an item up, do we need councils? Yes.

Can we do the establishment first? Sure.

At this time, we'll establish quorum.

Ruben Reyes is absent. Cesar Nevarez. Here. Alejandro Garcia. Here. Mayor Rudy Cruz Jr.

Here.

Gina Cordero. Here. And Irene Rojas. Here. Mayor, we have a quorum.

Thank you. Do we have any folks signed up for public comment?

We have no speakers for public comment.

I'd like to make a motion to move presentation number six up before number five.

There's been a motion and second to move the presentation item six before five. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. That motion carries. At this time, we're gonna go ahead and present agenda item number six. This item is to present certificates of recognition to R.C. Baquera, Alea Baquera, and Alexandra Baquera for qualifying for the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation State Swimming Competition. And just to give you all a little bit of background about RC Vaquera, Alea, and Alexandra Vaquera, who are all competitive swimmers with the El Paso Cohen Sting Race, who have earned the opportunity to compete at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation State Swimming Competition through their dedication, perseverance, and exceptional performance. These young athletes will proudly represent the El Paso region and the city of Socorro at the state competition. Alexandra, at only Four years of age will be competing against swimmers up to six years old, demonstrating remarkable talent and determination at such a young age. The city of Socorro is proud to recognize these student athletes for their commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and hard work. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to other young people in our community and reflect positivity on the city of Socorro. At this time, On behalf of the city of Socorro and the city council, we'd like to present you all with some certificates of recognition. As you all hear your names, we'd like to have you all come up here and shake the hands of our members of council and receive your certificate.

Congratulations.

How did they do?

How did they do?

We didn't release top five so we don't get more than that.

Okay.

But it was a really tough competition and she really was the youngest.

All of the other competitors were all six years old. Wow. Awesome. Can you, you want to hang up here for a photo? RC.

Congratulations. And Aaliyah.

Can we take a photo with you guys and your medals? Is that okay? Let's go in front. We can take a photo.

Okay, so it's only on your notes. Oh, nice. Wow.

Actually, we won the sunset contest because .

Thank you.

Okay, we're gonna move on into another presentation item, agenda item number five. This is the workshop and discussion and action on fiscal year 2026, 2027 budget for all city of Soquel departments, including revenue projections for fiscal year 2026, 2027. And our meetings get really boring after this.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. Thank you for the opportunity to present the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Before I begin, I would like to note one update regarding the backup materials provided with today's agenda. Since those materials were prepared, there have been changes to the city's health insurance premiums, which resulted in a slight adjustment to some of the budget figures. The presentation before you this evening reflects the most current and accurate proposed budget, including those update health insurance costs. The corresponding backup material will be updated accordingly, and the revised figures will be reflected in future agendas and public notices. Today's presentation will focus on city's proposed tax rate, major budget recommendations, department changes, and the overall financial outlook for the coming fiscal year. As you will see throughout today's presentation, this budget reflects months of collaboration between staff and our department directors. Every recommendation before you today was carefully evaluated to ensure that we continue providing quality services to our residents while maintaining the city's long-term financial stability. This year's budget presented unique challenges, including rising operational costs, inflation, and increasing demands for municipal services. These challenges require staff to carefully evaluate every expenditure, every position, and every operational process throughout the organization. Although this budget contains difficult recommendations, I believe it also reflects responsible financial planning and positions the city to continue moving forward while maintaining the services our community depends on. Next slide. Today's presentation is organized into four sections. First, we'll review the proposed property tax rate, including the different tax rate scenarios available to council and the impact each would have on both the city revenues and our taxpayers. Second, we will respond to council's direction over the 65 homestead exemption that will be presented by Deputy City Manager Victor Perez. Third, I'll walk through the significant department recommendations, including the proposed budget. These include staffing changes, organizational restructuring, and several strategic initiatives designed to improve efficiency while maintaining service levels. And fourth, we'll conclude with the overall financial snapshot showing projected revenues, expenditures, and the impact each tax rate option has on the city's fund balance.

Next slide.

As you can see, the city's adopted tax rate has changed over the years. However, it's important to understand that under the Texas Truth in Taxation laws and the implementation of Senate Bill 2 in 2018, those changes should not simply be viewed as tax decreases or tax increases. Each year, the state calculation, the no new revenue rate, and the voter approval rate based on changes in taxpayers' property values. As property values increase, the tax rate often decreases, even though the cost of providing municipal services continues to rise. In other words, a lower tax rate does not necessarily mean that the city has more financial flexibility. At the same time, our community has continued to experience significant residential and commercial growth. More residents and more development mean greater demand for police, parks, streets, planning, inspections, recreation programs, and every other city services that the city provides. While those demands have continued to grow, the city's ability to generate additional operating revenue has become more restrictive under Senate Bill 2. As a result, staff has relied on organizational efficiencies, restructuring, technology, and third-party services and partnerships to continue meeting the needs of our residents. Those efforts have allowed us to maintain service levels, but they have also limited our ability to grow the organization at the same pace our community is growing. That brings us to this year's proposed budget.

Next slide.

Before discussing individual departments, it is important to begin with the tax rate because the tax rate ultimately determines the amount of revenues available to fund our city operations. There are three rate options available for council's consideration. I want to point out all three tax rate scenarios include the debt service necessary to support the 2026 certificate of obligations received. The first is the no change rate. Maintaining the current tax rate of 0.645233 would generate approximately $12.8 million in property tax revenues, including approximately $9.1 million for maintenance and operations and $3.6 dedicated to debt service. The second option is a no new revenue rate, which is 0.619200. This rate is designed to generate approximately the same amount of tax revenue from existing properties as the previous year, excluding revenues generated from new construction. Under this option, the city would receive approximately 12.3 million in total property tax revenue, including approximately 8.6 for maintenance and operations, and 3.6 dedicated to debt service. The final option is the voter approval rate, which is .736866. This rate would generate approximately $14.5 million in total property tax revenues, including approximately 10.9 available for maintenance and operations, while maintaining the same debt for service of 3.6. After evaluating each scenario, staff is recommending the voter approval rate. I'll explain why on the next slide. Recommending the voter approval rate was not a decision staff made lightly. Throughout the budget process, we challenged every department to identify operational efficiencies, reduce expenditures, and evaluate staffing needs before considering additional revenues. Even after those efforts, the proposed budget still requires approximately $2.1 million from the city fund balance. Had staff recommended either the no change rate or the no new revenue rate, the city's reliance on reserve would increase significantly, requiring even deeper reductions in personnel, programs, or city services, which is not sustainable. The voter approval rate provides the revenue necessary to preserve the services our residents expect, while allowing the city to continue investing in critical operations and infrastructure. It also provides the best opportunity to responsibly manage the city's long-term financial health while avoiding much larger financial challenges in the future years. For those reasons, staff recommends adopting the voter approval rate of .736866. Next slide. This slide illustrates what each tax rate option means for the average homeowner. Using a home valued at $100,000 as an example, maintaining the current tax rate would result in the annual city property tax rate of approximately $645. Under the no new revenue rate, the amount would decrease to approximately $619.20. Under the recommended voter approval rate, the annual city tax would be approximately $737.87, representing an increase of approximately $91.63 annually, or approximately $7.64 per month, compared to maintain the current rate. While staff recognizes that any increase affects our residents, we believe this recommendation strikes the appropriate balance between maintaining essential city services and preserving the city's financial stability. Next slide. Earlier this year, Mayor and Council directed staff to evaluate the fiscal impact of increasing the municipal homestead exception for homeowners 65 years of age and older, as well as the feasibility of implementing a municipal property tax freeze in accordance with Texas law. Staff completed the analysis, and at this time, I'd like to invite our Deputy City Manager, Victor Perez, to present his findings and discuss the potential financial impact of those options. Mr. Perez.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Victor Pettis, Deputy City Manager. So again, the direction was to look at the over 65 tax exemption for homeowners, qualified homeowners. At this time, the city does have a $5,000 exemption for home residents or homeowners that are 65 or over. At that point, the taxable value that, or rather the pool, that is taxable is $2,756,310,871. That is the total taxable value, the total pool that you have for consideration. With that $5,000 exemption, your loss of taxable value is $2.9 million. So that's revenue that you're not capturing. Okay, so then we go up to the next value of having a $10,000 possible exemption. At that point, your pool of taxable value would be $2,712,624,482. Again, that's your total taxable pool. You would have a loss of about $37.8 million. revenues. So that's money that would not come into the city coffers. And then we go up to the next one of having a $20,000 exemption. At that point, the $20,000 exemption, you would have a taxable value of about $2,706,838,824 of pooled for taxation. The city would have a loss of taxable value of about 37.8 million, excuse me, I apologize. Let me reread those numbers because I may have skipped them. The taxable value for the $20,000 exemption would be $2,706,838,824 with a taxable loss value of about $46.5 million. So it is a significant jump from one to the other. Now, The higher the exemption amount, such as $10,000 or $20,000, the higher the amount the taxpayers will have to pay to cover the lost tax revenue, right? So the money's got to come from somewhere. So that may trigger higher taxes for our homeowners. The tax rate increases to cover the lost revenue from the levy, which is the total amount of property taxes the city intends to collect for the tax rate that year. So now we're gonna go also, part of that discussion and direction for the optional 65 and over tax exemption, we also are looking at the potential of having the disability, right? Which is optional for the city as well. The only other taxing entity that has the disability and the over 65 and has the resident, properties from Socorro and their jurisdictions is SISD. So in the next slide, we're going to look at the effect of having those exemptions. All right. So there needs to be a clarification in terms of the over 65 exemption and the disability exemption. A resident cannot ask for both. For example, from Socorro ISD, they cannot ask for both. You need to have one or the other. Now in terms of if, for example, the city has currently the over 65, conceivably a resident can ask for the disability exemption from SISD and then ask for the over 65 exemption from the city of Socorro. So you can ask from each of the tax entities the separate exemptions. Now over time, you see that the percentage of a particular year's property tax levy that cannot be collected increases because taxes on the qualifying homesteads are frozen at an earlier amount. So then, for example, the first year you have that loss of levy due to the freeze at 24%, and as the years go up, or you go up in years, the amount is frozen for the individual, for the resident, in terms of their taxable value, doesn't mean that their property value didn't go up, it doesn't mean that the tax rate didn't go up, it simply means that they're capped. So then you're at one point, over let's say the eight year period that's covered here, you're having a loss of 98.59% of revenue because you're not collecting that revenue because of the cap on the property tax. So again, if the current tax bill is higher without the freeze, the taxing unit like the school district or the city will not receive the additional revenue for the properties. Okay, so then that translates to a real impact to our property owners in terms of the amounts that are going to be impacted. Now, in terms of the impact for a $100,000 home, under the, let's say that we would go to a no new revenue rate, we would have, look, between about $624 per $100,000 home. Again, that's just that single figure. There are other multipliers in effect. There we go.

Mr. Pettis, can you bring the mic a little bit closer? Absolutely, right there?

That's better, that's a lot better. I apologize. So then let me go back to the no new revenue rate. In terms of the impact, a $100,000 home would have to pay about $624 of property taxes. Again, that's just on the disability, right? Or the over 65. On the voter approval rate, that would be about $738. if we were to go that route, per $100,000 homes. So in total, you are looking at the no new revenue rate of about 17 to $20,000 decrease per home of not getting the revenue, or on the voter approval side, you're looking between 20 and $25,000 decrease of revenue not realized from the city. So again, it's just, those are things that are in conversation now. We're not at the point where we can do that because of this tax cycle, property tax cycle, but we can certainly, we would need a directive, a formal directive from council in a later meeting to pursue this and to be included in the next budget workshops. Okay, any questions?

Members of council have any questions? Mr. Garcia?

Mr. Perez, I know the rumors around Austin is that they want to get rid of property taxes. Right. Now, how would that affect us as a city?

Well, that would be, of course, we would need to have other forms of taxes, right, being able to get those revenues. We might have to look at sales taxes, those kinds of things that would generate that revenue for us. And so unless we get clear direction from the state, then we'll be able to react to that. Unfortunately, we're gonna be put in a reactionary mode, because we don't know what the state will do. But nonetheless, we will need to go through alternative measures, such as sales taxes and other taxes that we as a city would be able to impose.

So without losing property, taxes would in fact change our identity as a city?

and budget-wise as well? Absolutely. Absolutely, because you would have a greater limitation on, of course, revenue drives the services, right? The amount of revenue that you bring in impacts your services. So the inverse is true. The less revenue you have, the less services that you're able to provide.

Thank you.

Just to add on to that, you depend on property taxes. Almost 85 to 90% of your budget is based on property taxes. So we're not collecting property taxes that you're not gonna be able to provide any type of service for our residents.

Thank you.

I have a question. Yes, sir. When you say this is something that you recommend council bringing back at a later date at a separate budget workshop, are you talking about all of the items, or are you just talking about the tax freeze, or are you also talking about the disability as well?

Well, that would be a council's purview. That would be part of the directive, right? Remember that these taxes are optional, And you already have the over 65. You already have that at $5,000. So then the research per your directive could be to look at what would be the impact with firmer numbers as we get closer to the budget process to be able to provide that to you for your consideration. Now, the disability, the city does not offer at this point. Again, that's an optional tax, or excuse me, an optional exemption. And so that would also be part of your directive, could be part of your directive for that to be included for consideration.

I guess just to, the question being for the exemption of disability, how healthy would our operational budget be if the council was to adopt something like that today?

For disability?

Yes.

Okay, so then,

Just to clarify, so these exemptions are not for this budget cycle. You don't have any mechanism in place right now to put them in this tax roll, right? What he meant to say is that you would have to place an item on the agenda earlier on so we can make sure that next budget cycle you're able to create those exemptions and then be able to bring you what that impact does.

So today we're not ready to take action on any of the freezes, the 65 and over, or disability?

No, all we're bringing to you is homework that we did, the research about how much does it impact. you all were to decide to do these exemptions in the future, but we haven't created any type of mechanism to be able to take back to the El Paso CAD and the tax comptroller and telling them, hey, we want to do this, right? So that would not be until next budget cycle.

Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Yes, and that's what I meant by the directives. it would be for in preparation for the next budget.

I think what we also need to do moving forward is we need to start doing some type of forecasting working alongside our planning and zoning department. We need to start gauging what new businesses are going to start bringing in sales tax-wise and also feeding into the property tax. I see new business moving in, but I think it's fair to say that we also need to do our job in forecasting and seeing what available properties are out there available so that we can start capturing those monies to see what is going to allow us to make these types of things feasible for our elderly and also the taxpayers in general of our city.

Which is something that we already do, working with the El Paso Central Appraisal, right? And not just because the property's being built means it's gonna go on your next tax roll, right? But we work in conjunction with El Paso CAD to make sure that we get those numbers before these preliminary numbers come in.

Okay. So on this item, the only action that the council's gonna, take tonight is on the the tax rate today it's just a presentation for well the item says workshop and discussion and action yes sir for our budget

Right, this is just informational purposes. This slide was just information based on an agenda item that you placed earlier on this year in order for us to bring you that information.

So this is just for adoption of the new budget, of the budget cycle.

Correct, so what we're letting you right now is we're presenting what we found. However, that's not something that we're incorporating in our budget presentation.

Okay.

And yes, this information is just projections or estimations but it kind of gauges what would be the revenue loss as we get further into that budget process for next year.

Okay, thank you.

Any other questions?

Any other questions from council?

Thank you.

Thanks.

Thank you, Mr. Perez. Before I begin discussing each department individually, I'd like to take a moment to highlight the overall work that went into developing this proposed budget. Last year's adopted budget totaled approximately $22.9 million. This year's proposed budget totals approximately $18.7 million, representing an overall reduction in expenditures of approximately 18%. A significant portion of this reduction is the result of removing the $4.1 million intergovernmental support agreement known as ICSA from the proposed budget. However, the budget before you today also reflects many difficult decisions made throughout this process. Staff carefully reviewed every department, evaluated staffing levels, identified operational efficiencies, and reorganized several areas of their organization to reduce costs while maintaining the level of service our residents have to come to expect. Despite these efforts and the overall reduction in expenditures, the proposed budget still requires approximately $2.1 million from the city's fund balance. At the same time, the city continues to experience rising operating costs, inflationary pressures, and employee health insurance renewal rates increases. To address these challenges, staff focused on restructuring departments, eliminating vacant positions where appropriate. redistributing responsibilities among existing staff, investing in technology and operational efficiencies where they provide long-term value, and prioritizing expenditures that directly support essential city services. While we made difficult reductions in some areas, we also continued investing in initiatives that will strengthen the city's financial future. These include partnerships with El Paso Area Transportation, the continued development of the City Solid Waste Department, pursuing additional grant opportunities, and supporting economic development efforts that will continue expanding our tax base. These recommendations were not made simply to reduce expenditures. They were made to ensure the city remains financially stable today while positioning us for continued growth and long-term success tomorrow. With that overview, I'd now like to walk you through the major recommendations within each department.

Next slide.

Last year, council approved including funding in the budget for the proposed Intergovernmental Support Agreement with Fort Bliss to provide custodial services. At that time, this represented an exciting opportunity for the city to partner directly with the federal government, create local jobs, diversify our revenue sources, and demonstrate our ability to provide services on a federal level. The anticipated impact to the city's budget was approximately $4.1 million. Since that time, however, the procurement process has been challenged through a bid protest filed with the previous contractor. The matter is currently in litigation being handled by the United States Department of Justice, and we're also awaiting an attorney general opinion related to the agreement. Given the uncertainty surrounding both the litigation and pending opinion, staff believes it would be not physically responsible to budget revenues and expenditures associated with this agreement. Accordingly, we have removed the projected $4.1 million from this proposed budget.

Next slide.

Last year, council approved the creation of the city's transit department following completion of the transit feasibility study. Since then, we've made significant progress towards launching transit services. We have established the department, purchased two transit vehicles, secured FTA section 5310 grant funding, and are in the process of obtaining our Federal Transit Administration direct recipient designation, which will allow the city to receive federal operating funds directly in future years. In addition, the city was recently awarded funding through the congestion mitigation and air quality, which is called CMAQ program, for four additional transit vehicles, further expanding our future fleet while minimizing the city's capital investment. This award positions the city to expand transit services as demand grows and demonstrates continued success in leveraging state and federal transportation funding. As staff prepared to launch services, we evaluated several operating models. After reviewing the costs, staffing requirements, regulatory responsibilities, and long-term sustainability, we determined that partnering with El Paso Area Transportation Services, known as ETA, provides the most efficient and cost-effective approach while allowing the city to maintain oversight of its transit program. Under the proposed agreement, ETA will operate the city's microtransit program on our behalf. This includes hiring and managing the transit operators, providing dispatching, scheduling, maintenance, driver training, insurance, and day-to-day operations while utilizing city-owned vehicles. The agreement also provides residents with access to ETA's regional transit network through coordinating fixed route and microtransit services. The proposed budget includes approximately $272,000 for local transit operation, which includes $5,165 for the city's annual membership contributing to ETA. As a voting member of the ETA board, the city will have representation in a regional transit planning service, make decisions, and future funding opportunities. Although we will not be able to utilize our direct recipient operating funds during this fiscal year because our designation is still pending, we anticipate those federal operating funds becoming available next year. Once eligible, they are expected to offset approximately 50% of the city's eligible operating costs, significantly reducing the city's future financial commitment. Finally, later in today's agenda, Mr. Ando will present a full transit proposal, including the proposed fixed routes, the microtransit services, and the operational details of the partnership with ETA.

Next slide.

One of staff's priorities during the budget process was continuing to support our employees while recognizing the city's current financial challenges. At the request of at-large representative Ruben Reyes, staff evaluated financial impact of providing a 3% cost of living adjustment for all employees. That analysis determined the annual cost would be approximately $276,770. After carefully reviewing the city's financial conditions, staff is recommending a cost of living adjustment this is not recommending. a cost of living adjustment this fiscal year. Given the financial constraints reflected in this proposed budget, we do not believe adding a recurring expense of this magnitude would be fiscally responsible. However, the city continues to invest in its employees in several meaningful ways. Eligible employees will continue to receive a merit-based step increase of up to 3% based on their annual performance evaluations. As in previous years, employees who have reached the maximum of either the salary range are not eligible for additional step increases under the city's compensation plan. The proposed budget also includes approximately $313,800 for the City's contribution to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for participating employees, reinforcing our commitment to helping employees prepare for retirement. With respect to employees' health insurance, the City initially received a renewal proposal reflecting a 21.8% increase in medical premiums. It's important to note that the city has not experienced a medical premium increase in more than five years. During that time, staff has worked diligently with our insurance consultant to maintain stable rates while continuing to provide a strong benefit package for our employees. Following receipt of the initial renewal, staff continued working with the insurance consultant to evaluate alternative options that would maintain quality coverage while reducing the financial impact to both the city and the employees. I'm pleased to report that we were able to identify a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan that reduces that premium increase from 21.8% to approximately 2%. While the selected plan does include a slight higher deductible and higher co-pays, staff believes they remain reasonable and the plan continues to provide comprehensive high quality coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Most importantly, the approximately 2% increase falls within the contingency already included in the proposed budget, meaning no additional funding is needed to support the employee's health insurance programs. While we're not recommending a cost of living adjustment this fiscal year, the city continues to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package through merit-based step increases, retirement contributions, and a comprehensive employee benefit program. Staff believes this approach balances our commitment to our employees and our responsibility to maintain the city's long-term financial stability.

Next slide.

The only staffing addition recommended within the city manager's office is one of a full-time custodian. The proposed budget includes the addition of one full-time custodian assigned to the administration building and the Chayao Podaca Center. This position will provide custodial services for both facilities and serve as a floater, ensuring coverage when other custodial staff are absent. This additional support will improve and maintenance, the maintenance and cleanliness of our city facilities, reduce reliance on contracted custodial services, and help ensure consistent services levels throughout the organization. The annual budget impact is about $44,753. Next slide. Within Parks and Public Works, staff is recommending several organizational changes. First, we're recommending the elimination of the city engineer position, resulting in an annual saving of $131,961. Although this position has remained vacant due to recruitment challenges, the city has continued to successfully perform the required engineering functions through our contracted engineering firms and our third-party contract reviews. Based on our experience, staff believes this approach can continue to meet the city's operational needs while eliminating the ongoing personnel costs associated with that position. We're also recommending a salary and title adjustment for the field operations director, totaling a difference of $10,501. Finally, we're creating a field operations form and position to strengthen field supervision and improve daily operational oversight in the amount of $63,197. This includes fringe benefits. Overall, these changes allow us to continue delivering quality public work services while restructuring the department in a more efficient manner.

Next slide.

The police department continues operating under the five-year compensation plan previously approved by mayor and council. Under that plan, all eligible police department personnel will continue receiving their annual 2.5 step increase, reinforcing the city's commitment to remaining competitive and recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement professionals. In addition to the annual step increase, the proposed budget continues to fund the department's shift differential, longevity, TCLOS certification incentives, and educational incentive pay for officers who have earned a college degree. These compensation incentives recognize experienced professional development and specialized training while helping the city remain competitive in attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel. Staff is also recommending several organizational changes. Staff's recommending eliminating the executive assistant and the crimes victims advocate position, totaling the amount of $121,861. At the same time, staff is recommending the creation of accreditation manager position at an annual cost of $92,533, including fringe benefits. This position was previously funded through a grant and is now being transitioned to the general fund to ensure the department continues maintaining its accreditation standards and compliance requirements. Finally, staff is recommending the addition of the communication dispatcher at an annual cost of $48,322. This position will strengthen emergency communication and enhance the department's ability to respond efficiently to the needs of our community. Collectively, these compensation enhancements and staffing adjustments represent an overall investment of approximately $589,116 in the police department. This investment reflects the city's continued commitment to supporting its officers, maintaining accreditation, strengthening public safety operations, and ensuring we remain competitive in recruiting and retaining highly qualified law enforcement professionals. Next slide. There are no staffing and operational changes proposed for municipal courts this fiscal year. The department continues to operate efficiently and staff is not recommending any significant budget adjustments. Next slide. The planning and zoning department also underwent a comprehensive organizational review as part of this budget process. Staff is recommending the elimination of the building official position, resulting in an annual savings of $85,111, as well as the elimination of the building inspector position, resulting in an additional savings of $57,072. We're also recommending reclassifying the planning clerk three position to a planning technician position. This adjustment better aligns the position with the duties currently being performed and reflects a salary adjustment of $5,404. To ensure there is no disruption in service, building plan review and inspection services will provide through a third party contractor. These services are funded through the city's permitting process, meaning the cost is recovered through permit fees rather than being observed by the general fund. This approach significantly reduces the city's personnel cost while maintaining the same level of service for our residents and development community. Overall, these changes improve department efficiency, reduce long-term personnel cost, and allow the city to continue providing timely development review, permitting, and inspection services. Next slide. There are no staffing or operational changes proposed within the HR. Next slide. Our health contract remains the same. No changes are being proposed at this time. Next slide. The only significant adjustment within the finance department is an increase of approximately $35,000 for our annual audit service. This reflects current contractual costs and ensures the city continues meeting all financial reporting and audit requirements.

Next slide.

Within the Grants and Special Projects Department, staff is recommending the elimination of the Economic Recovery Coordinator position, resulting in an annual savings of $84,550. This position was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the City's economic recovery efforts. As those recovery efforts have concluded, the position's responsibilities have shifted primarily to economic development, initiatives, grant coordination, and the City's Foreign Trade Zone Program. Over the past year deputy city manager Victor Perez has overseen the department giving him a thorough understanding of its operation and responsibilities Based on that experience that police of duties currently assigned to the economic recovery coordinator can be effectively observed by mr Perez without replacing the position To further support the city's foreign trade zone program, both deputy city manager Victor Perez and development service director Alejandra Valadez have completed foreign trade zoning training. Ms. Valadez is currently pursuing her certification, and upon completion, Mr. Perez will pursue his certification to ensure that the city has multiple certified staff members to support the program. This cross-training and redistributing of responsibilities allows the city to continue supporting economic development, grant administration, and the foreign trade zone program, while improving organizational efficiency and reducing personnel costs. Next slide. The primary change within the city clerk's office is that we are not having a municipal election scheduled this fiscal year. As a result, we're reducing the election budget by approximately $105,000. We're also budgeting for the implementation of an agenda and records management software to improve efficiency and records management in the amount of $19,000. Next slide. Within the information technology department, staff is recommending eliminating the IT director in the amount of $90,390, while adjusting the system administrator salary to better reflect the expanded responsibilities that position will assume. The increase is about $9,109. We're also increasing funding for software renewals, technology contracts, and the city's network upgrade project in the amount of $169,000. These investments continue modernizing our technology infrastructure while maintaining reliable support for all city departments. Next slide. The Recreation Department has several proposed budget adjustments to better align with the actual cost of providing programs and community events. Staff is recommending an increase of $50,000 to the service contract design item and $30,000 to the events budget. These increases are not intended to expand programming but rather align the budget with current operating expenses. In recent years, the costs have routinely required budget amendments throughout the fiscal year. By appropriately funding these line items up front, staff is representing a more accurate and transparent operating budget. Staff is also recommending one personnel adjustment by reclassifying the community liaison coordinator position to a public affairs coordinating with a salary adjustment of $9,638. This title more accurately reflects the responsibilities currently being performed, which have evolved beyond community outreach to include public communication, media coordination, public information, and community engagement initiatives. Overall, these recommendations better align the Recreation Department budget and organizational structure with the services currently being provided to our residents while improving budget accuracy and operational efficiency. Next slide. This final slide summarizes the overall financial impact of each tax rate option. Under the recommended voter approval rate, the city is projected to receive approximately $16.6 million in total revenues, while budgeting approximately 18.7 in expenditures. Although staff is recommending the voter approval rate, it is important to remember that this proposed budget is approximately 18% lower than last year's total expenses. This reflects a significant effort staff has made to reduce expenditures while continuing to provide the services our residents expect. The result is the use of approximately 2.1 million from our fund balance. Although staff believes this level of reserve usage is manageable, it also demonstrates why the organizational changes discussed today were necessary. Without those adjustments or without the recommended voter approval rate, the city's reliance on reserve would be substantially greater. Staff believe this budget represents a responsible balance between maintaining service levels, investing in strategic initiatives, and protecting the city's long-term financial health. Next slide. Mayor and council, this concludes my presentation. I want to thank each department director and every member of staff who contributed to the development of this proposed budget. While many of the recommendations presented today were difficult, they were made with one objective in mind, ensuring the city of.

I think all of the savings that we've been seeing are necessary for us to continue operating. Governor of Texas was in our city yesterday and he spoke highly of our city. We've been able to move development a lot quicker than other parts of Texas because we are setting the tone, as he mentioned, through the third-party inspection that, as you can see, we've done some adjustments in our planning department. But at the end of the day, I know sometimes it may be difficult for us to make some of these decisions, and some of the savings that you see may also include personnel that may no longer be part of the operation. But again, let's keep in mind that these positions were created during a time that no longer exists. These positions came about during COVID. And so we've gotten past that and I think it's time for the city to move forward in the direction that's needed for us to continue operating in a positive manner. I noticed that this item required action. So does the council has to take action on this item? Tonight?

Correct.

Yes, so. In regards to the budget. Staff is asking for direction. Are we in the right direction, or is there any changes that you would like to change based on our presentation tonight? Right, so right now's the time, if there's something that you don't agree with, is there something that you wanna add, you know, or you wanna remove? now is the time so we can go and make the necessary changes because after today things are going to move fairly quickly with posting of the budget posting of the proposed you know tax rate things will move fairly fairly quickly so staff really needs direction tonight if we're on the right path so based off of the presentation uh do any members of council have any questions concerns or um

or comments on what was presented tonight, and any of the slides here, with any of the adjustments made in any of the departments. You guys, does that sit well with everyone?

I got a question. Mr. Garcia? And this is, what does the crime victims advocate do? I know we're trying to get rid of the position. I just want to make sure that, what do we, good evening.

Good evening. Robert C. Rojas, proud chief of police for the city of Socorro. So the Crime Victim Advocate was a position that existed previously, and what they do is they do victim outreach. If there's certain events that happen, they help complete paperwork, they help the victims through certain processes, and they will help victims in many different cases. The reason that I went to and eliminated is because the district attorney's office also provides these services. And to me, in my mind, we're not as large of an agency like the sheriff's office and the El Paso Police Department. Our cases that are, knock on wood, severe, we're able to coordinate with the district attorney's office to be able to provide those services. Prior to me making any sort of recommendation like this, I did reach out to the district attorney's office themselves I reached out to the person who runs the crimes victims program to ensure that we weren't providing anything that they can't provide. So we've kind of steered that in that direction because I don't want to say it's necessarily a duplication of services because the sheriff's office and El Paso PD, they also have a crimes victims advocate. or a group, but it kind of is a duplication of services, especially for an agency our size. An agency our size to have a crime victim advocate is great. The only issue is that the district attorney's office provides those same services to our community. And we work hand in hand with the district attorney's office.

Okay, thank you.

I do have a question. When I'm looking at Mayor and Council agenda annual operating budget, I'm looking at the personnel summary. As you all know, and the community might not know, but I myself do not get paid in this position. because I'm considered to have a leadership role within the schools already. So I don't, but I'm seeing here a number of employees and number of, throughout 24 up to 27, I see a one, one, and then a zero. Why is that?

What is the? I'm sorry, can you speak into the mic?

On the personal summary, I'm looking at the number of employees. Therefore, I'm looking at all the representatives and mayor and at the personal summary, again, for those community members that are not aware I do not receive a salary from the district I mean from the city correct because I have a leadership position with the schools right but I'm trying to see what this means that one one zero because everybody else is at one but I I have a one one zero so I'm assuming it would have been zero zero zero no no so it's throughout the years That's what I'm saying. Last year, I have a one.

Okay, and this one, it changed to zero. That's a typo, so we could change that. It should be one. It's always been one.

Okay.

Because you hold the position, yes.

Okay, because it caught my attention where it varied.

Yes, I need to look at it. I'll definitely look at that.

Okay, thank you.

Any other questions or comments on this here? No, so I'm gonna need a, oh, Mr. Garcia.

On the COLA, is there any wiggle room with that?

Staff recommendation is no, but you always have wiggle room. It's just that your fund balance, you would be dipping $276,000 into your reserves. Yeah, okay, all right. And so once you do that, it's a recurring charge every year.

Right, right.

But you are able to make that recommendation so staff can add that.

Can we look into a one-time stipend or something like that? I don't believe stipends are allowed based on... Or maybe like a bonus for our staff?

That's a...

Loaded question. Right. I mean, I think at this point we would have to look. It's not as simple as just giving out a stipend or a bonus, kind of as you would do in a private company. And so I think it's a little bit more complicated than that, a little bit more complex to make sure it's uniform.

I'm able to receive a bonus, but that's part of my contract. Right. That's why I'm contracted and appointed through council. So that's the reason why you're able to provide me a bonus because that's part of my contract. Right. But we can go back and research that. Okay. And we can provide you an answer.

Thank you. Thank you.

Adriana, can you please also research what could have been my salary, where we can donate that portion, what should have been the salary for me?

Correct. So that salary is in the budget. So during budget amendments, we allocate it somewhere else where it's needed. Unless you have a specific general fund item that you want to put it in, we can go ahead and do that. But usually, because before you, Mr. Perez, when he served in council, he also not collecting a salary. But we would use that through our budget amendments to be able to offset other costs throughout the year.

Okay. Thank you.

Any other questions or comments for staff? No, at this time I'm gonna need a motion and a second for the 2026-2027 budget for our departments to include revenue projects for fiscal year 2026 and 2027.

Motion to approve. Second.

There was a motion and second, and also note with the adjustment for Mr. Rojas on that discrepancy.

CORRECT, IT'S JUST THE NUMBER.

THERE'S A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

AYE.

AND THAT MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. OKAY. AT THIS TIME, WE MOVE INTO CONSENT AGENDA.

MOTION TO CONSENT AGENDA.

SECOND. MOTION AND SECOND TO CONSENT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AYE. AND THAT MOTION CARRIES. WE NOW MOVE INTO OUR REGULAR AGENDA. With agenda item number 12, this is a public hearing of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the City of Socorro's master plan and rezoning of lot two, block one, Socorro Rehabilitation Subdivision located on South Moon Road, City of Socorro, El Paso County, Texas from C2 General Commercial to R1 Single Family Residential to allow for the construction of a residential dwelling. It's now 7.09 p.m. and the public hearing is now open.

No speakers, Mayor.

As there are no speakers, we close it at 7.09 p.m. as well. We move into agenda item 13. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the City of Socorro's master plan and rezoning of Block 2, Block 1, Socorro Rehabilitation Subdivision, located on South Moon Road, City of Socorro, El Paso County, Texas, from C2, General Commercial to R1, Single Family Residential, to allow for the construction of a residential dwelling.

Motion to approve.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Thank you for your attention this evening. Lorraine Kimito, City Planner. The next item on the agenda is the rezoning of a property on South Moon Road. This is a lot two block one, Socorro Rehabilitation Subdivision. Property owner and representative is Jesus Cortez. And this property is just a little over an acre in size. The zoning is C2 general commercial. It is currently vacant and the future land use designates this area as mixed use. This request is for approval of a rezoning of a property from C2 general commercial to R1 single family residential to allow for the construction of a residential dwelling. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the request. Planning and zoning commission voted for approval. Three yeses, one no, and one abstention. at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on June 16th. The zoning map shows a property outlined in white. It is C2 General Commercial, is within the Socorro Rehabilitation Subdivision, which had initially been intended for a commercial subdivision. The property across the street on Moon is R1, and the adjacent property to the north is A1 Agricultural. The featured land use map designates the area as MU, mixed use. And this is the original subdivision plot. It included three C2 general commercial lots. This plot was recorded in September of 2017. Since that time, the property has been sold. It is currently vacant, as you can see on our aerial image. It is outlined in white. It is surrounded by various residential types of land uses and the Ventanas Nursing Home on Alameda to its rear. These site photographs were taken of the property. The top photograph is from Moon Road and the bottom photograph is taken from the rear of the property looking toward Moon in the distance. Public notices were sent to property owners within 200 feet of the applicant's property No notices were received either in favor or against the request prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission public meeting. There was one speaker at the public hearing who was in favor of the request voicing support wanting to see development rather than a vacant lot collecting weeds and they were again in favor of the request. This is the concept plan showing the property and the proposed home to be built with a kind of horseshoe driveway on Moon. In summary, the request is for approval of a rezoning for a property from C2 General Commercial to R1 Single Family Residential to allow for the construction of a residential dwelling. With that, staff can answer any questions.

Any questions on this item? It's a big house.

It's going to be a very big house.

7,000 square feet?

Yes.

All right.

It's weird because you don't see that from the opposite. You see from a house.

Yeah. So the original property owner was wanting to do the three, I guess, the residential units, and now it's just... No, no, no.

Initially, the subdivision was designed to be a whole commercial complex building. It started off with the rehabilitation center probably wanting to sell those other pieces off for commercial and that's not the direction that the property took. The traffic on Moon isn't kind of conducive to really to

No, I think the neighbors respect this type of development more than it being commercial or multifamily, so. Any other questions? No, there was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. We move into agenda item 14. This is a public hearing of an ordinance approving the adoption of amendments to the City of Socorro code of ordinances to establish a unified development code The proposed action would include the repeal, replacement, amendment, and consolidation of existing development-related regulations, including but not limited to provisions governing zoning, land use, subdivisions, platting, development standards, application procedures, review authority, enforcement, and other related development regulations, thereby establishing a comprehensive and unified development code for the City of Socorro It's 7.15 p.m. and the public hearing is now open.

No speakers, Mayor.

Thank you. As there are no speakers, we also close the public hearing at 7.15 p.m. We move into agenda item number 15. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving the adoption of amendments to the City of Socorro CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ESTABLISH UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE. THE PROPOSED ACTION WOULD INCLUDE THE REPEAL, REPLACEMENT, AMENDMENT, AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT-RELATED REGULATIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROVISIONS GOVERNING ZONING, LAND USE, SUBDIVISIONS PLATTING, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, APPLICATION PROCEDURES, REVIEW AUTHORITY, ENFORCEMENT, AND OTHER RELATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, THEREBY ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE AND UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE FOR THE CITY OF SOCORRO.

Motion to approve.

Second. Thank you, Mayor and Council. Again, Lorraine Kimido, City Planner. I would like to introduce Victoria Chavez. She is project manager with Able City within their planning division. She has been a wonderful partner in this whole process of putting together the UDC and presenting it to you here today. She worked with, and her and her team worked closely with city staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, stakeholders, residents, and other members of the, sorry, throughout the development of the city's proposed UDC. This evening, she will present the proposed ordinance, which consolidates and modernizes the city's existing development code. The proposed UDC is designed to streamline the development review process, improve clarity and consistency, and better align with the city's development standards with the city's long-term vision and goals in mind. City staff recommends approval of the adoption of the UDC. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted four yeses, zero nos, and zero abstentions at their July 21st meeting in favor of adoption of the UDC. With that, I'd like to introduce everyone to Ms. Victoria Chavez.

Hello, Mayor and Council. My name is Victoria Chavez. Thank you so much for having me here today. We do have a presentation just to give you guys the background of it. If you guys can just get that on real quick. Perfect. So this is gonna be, I'm gonna try to go as fast as I can, but again, this is a very comprehensive technical draft plan that we created, a UDC Unified Development Code. So I'm gonna try to go through as much detail, but also as fast as we can and thoroughly. Alrighty. So what is the purpose of the adoption of the UDC and why we're really here today? Well, we're here to present the final draft of the Unified Development Code and hopefully get a recommendation of approval. And first, we want to make sure you guys understand what is the UDC, how is it going to be used, how is it organized, what is the background, why was it implemented. We're going to confirm any final draft details. This goes in chapters, some revisions that were created, the work that we've done, people that we talked with, and brought some things to light that maybe should have been changed. And so that's what we are gonna show you today. And then finally go into the adoption period. So we're gonna conduct that public hearing as we just went through, and then consider that adoption with the unified development code. So our agenda today, we have a quick introduction, just showing who our team is, the project overview and timeline, some of the background, approach, key changes, and any questions. So our team, we are the consultant with Able City. We are located in San Antonio, but I have an office here in El Paso. I am the project manager. We have a very diverse team that really works on different aspects and has been part of this project from the beginning and really was able to bring this code, unified development code, the way it is today. So what is the Unified Development Code? I don't know if you guys remember, we came maybe a few, I wouldn't wanna say almost a year ago now, presenting about what the UDC is. And again, it is a one coordinated set of regulations. It really governs more in development, how the land should be used, divided and reviewed. So one big thing I do wanna emphasize that the UDC is not like the comprehensive plan. Though it came from the comprehensive plan where it really comes from community policy and direction, the UDC is supposed to establish regulations that are gonna be used to really implement and form those directions. So going back, like I was saying, the Socorro 2040 comprehensive plan came about and was adopted in 2024. We see that there's a set of policies. It really establishes long-term visions. It touches based on land use, housing, economic, transportation, infrastructure, historic and cultural agriculture, all those good things. And from there, there was a set of policies where it asked to establish about zoning districts, future land use, protecting agricultural land and rural character, improving the transitions between the high intensity and low intensity, expanding housing types, and providing more mixed-use walkability. And through these here, we have what came from a plan to create the UDC. And this is primarily an implementation tool to be as a resource that makes these policies and goals and action items into a reality that came from the comp plan. What is it supposed to be? It defines how the community is supposed to grow. It shows the future development and regulations from there and the type of land uses that are intended. And then we're also establishing zoning districts that really complement the comp plan and also provides a more streamlined but permitted and conditional uses, dimensional and design standards of more clarity, subdivision requirements that are more clear, and straightforward and up-to-date approval procedures and even enforcement authority. So what we've been doing here, we started this project in 2024. We had a kickoff data collection, council workshop and PNZ workshop and some diagnostics. In 2025, we implemented some community engagement and stakeholders. And then in spring of 2026, we started to work with the PNZ in reviewing the draft This is where we had some workshop sessions, about three to four workshops with PNZ to explain what is the UDC and how they can use it, and then also implemented a new stakeholder review upon that more finished draft, and then made some of those edits. And then, like Hilarine said, in July 21st of 2026, we had our final review with PNZ where they recommended approval. And this brings us here today on August 6th for city council adoption consideration. So the UDC was developed through phases of co-diagnostics, community and stakeholder input, and then three cycles of draft creation where city staff reviewed, the public comment got to review and provide comments, stakeholder reviewed and provide comment, as well as PNC. The coordination of this UDC really is supposed to reflect multiple audience, so we really try to bring in voices of community leadership, of boards and commissions, and any key stakeholders that can really use this code and how it can be realistic. So in phase one, like I was mentioning, we had the project initiation, the diagnostics, this included where we're looking at your existing code. We're looking at other adopted plans and materials and your development standards. What are your subdivision regulations? We try to identify any duplicating, conflicting, outdated, or missing information. We provided workshops, and then we even try to develop a project approach for how this code should be framed. In those community engagements, we really try to educate the community how the code can be used, should be used, and how this really plays a big part in their lives. So we look at trying to identify what can be helpful, what is development compatibility or concerns, what are housing and land use needs or agricultural and rural character priorities or historic preservation. With the stakeholder meetings, we really try to target key stakeholders. This doesn't just mean people who work here at City of Socorro. We talk to people around the region with El Paso, with the county. We even extend it into working with engineers and developers who come in and work with your code and bring in businesses. Overall that as well, we provided a public access. So having a website available online where people are able to see up to date information on how everything is going on, any changes, the draft has been available on there for any public comment. We were able to get one public comment since it's been open and it's still open today but for the most part we've been trying to advertise it. We have had flyers out and really trying to keep that door open with the public. So overall, a big approach of creating a UDC is making sure there's consolidation, that there's clarity, and that it's usable, and that we even create it more easy to read when it comes to visual standards and more modernization. So when we're drafting this plan, like I mentioned earlier, it wasn't just one and done, we create this draft, here you go. It went through a series of reviews. So staff reviewed, key stakeholders, the PNZ, the public, and now this is what you're gonna be able to see today is that final draft. With the planning and zoning review in July 21st, they mentioned a few things. We talked about topics with chapter and zoning, development standards, accessory uses, subdivision regulations, administrative bodies and approvals and procedures. And they brought an input of like, okay, what's the difference between R2 and R2A for zoning districts? Or can you add more details on certain uses like warehouses or data centers or logistic facilities? They wanted more clarified plat approval process and authority. They wanted to refine some languages or review dimensional standards, things like that. So we discussed all these changes and presented to the PNZ and for their final recommendation, we had a final outcome of explaining to PNZ if they have any further questions, the door is always open, that they can come and reach out to Laureen or myself and we can answer any questions. Because again, this is a large document, almost 500 pages. We, there's always gonna be more and more questions. And then we also reminded them that the UDC, even if it gets adopted today and it can be amended in the future, if we see that some things aren't working out or there needs to be a little bit tweak here and there, amendments is optional for those. And then, so with that PNC recommended approval for the UDC to the city council. All right, looking at the UDC, what is it consolidating? So we look at these existing chapters in your code today, and this is going from general provisions, administration, zoning, subdivisions, utilities, and it's kind of all over the place. You can kind of see that it jumps from one to two, then six, and then 12. So what we really try to do is to consolidate it and make it more clear. So we have chapters 1 through 13, and they talk about authority and jurisdiction, try to make it very clear and easy to read, understand, and follow. The UDC really is framed in separate policies and technical standards. So like I was saying, you have those zoning districts, the use table and the use specific standards, parking, landscape, screening, all of these aspects play a part in how your city will be developed. We aren't looking at the code when it comes to anything else outside of development. So the main framework really is on things coming in to be expanded on or change, amended. So chapter one, like I was saying, authority, jurisdiction, effective date, it kind of is giving the background of the UDC, the applicability, the purpose, the intent. And then when we go into chapter two, one of the main aspects obviously is housing. So we're implementing lower intensity districts with missing middle districts, as well as multifamily and more urban-like. So we're looking at real estate, single family, manufactured homes, with a little bit more clear standards, accessory dwelling units, a variety of those and what can be permitted or how they can be permitted, large lot neighborhoods with a more clustered type of scaling. We wanna provide more opportunities for those duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes. We also wanna add cottage housing and courthouses and then multifamily, so providing more apartments or condos if need be and also site plan compatibility. So right here you can kind of see the zoning districts that will be in the UDC, and it goes into open space and parks, agricultural, rural estates, single family, medium density, urban residential, neighborhood commercial, regional commercial, general mixed use, industrial commercial mixed use development, and then you have some overlays of historic preservation overlays, the total landmarks, and then special designations of special use districts, planned unit development, and of course unclassified. Most of it is the same of what you currently had, and then we added a few things that what was identified during our diagnostics. So kind of going back to the P&Z of asking what is the difference between R2 and R2A. Well, the big thing, they are pretty similar, but we really wanted R2A to provide more of an urban development pattern, whereas R2 is intended to preserve that neighborhood character. So you can kind of see the maximum lot coverage is different. from 40% to 75%. The maximum height is different from 35 to 45. It also reduces in R2A the setbacks to zero foot and attached setbacks. Now for agricultural and open space, the UDC, we really wanted this plan, this code to represent opportunity for protecting your agricultural and rural identities. So this means protecting parks, flood plains, waterways, corridors, agricultural lands. We want to provide opportunities still for low residential and density, because we can't always provide high density everywhere, and that's not Sokoto's character, and we understand that. So providing that opportunity and preserving those rural characters. We also made expansion of the general mixed use of residential, commercial, office, civic, and institutional uses, providing pedestrian focus and coordination in site design. The industrial commercial mixed use, on the other hand, is looking at more the higher intensity of industrial uses with commercial employment institution, development plan, and then, of course, compatibility and buffering between the uses along the side of it and then it's more large site and phase development coordination. So one of the big changes that you will see here compared to your previous code is the permitted use table. Uses used to be listed in the code in the district underneath it and you had to go through each of the districts to see what is permitted or how it works. So it was a lot of going back and forth. The main goal of providing a permitted use was to have it a little bit easier to comprehend, to really not have as much conflicting lists, and to be more direct with the connections and how the standards can be. So this is an example. I know this is on the screen, but you can kind of see you have the land uses to the left and then the zoning districts up top, and then you can see, is it permitted, does it need a conditional use, or is it not permitted when it's blank? And then there's extra information if there's any use-specific standards provided on the right to go to those areas. As mentioned earlier as well, some of the standards that was emphasized, and this isn't all of them, but we really wanted to provide an emphasis, especially since this came up during P&Z, adding industrial uses by scale and how their impact rather than really treating them as single categories. So that warehouse and distribution is looking at the lower impact, the indoor storage, wholesale and distribution uses. We have large scale logistics. So those are more large scale warehouses, fulfillment centers, freight, facilities, and then data centers. Your current code doesn't really talk about data centers, and then it had to come with the amendments, so this is like kind of bringing that in with more support, especially since these are coming as a larger topic today. Now, moving on to chapter three, this is the development and design standards, so you're gonna look at standards for off-street parking and loading. We have shared Parking and flexible parking, bicycle parking, ADA compliance, landscaping, buffers, screens, fences, lighting, signs, driveway access, pedestrian circulation. And just to show some examples, again, visually, it makes it a little bit easier to digest this code. It's not just technical text. So we want it to be easy for anyone to read it and understand what is expected of them when they come and bring developments here with Socorro. So these are just some examples that we have here. You can see some of the parking, the spacing between screening and buffering with landscaping, and then even signage examples. All right, chapter four, accessory uses and accessory structures. So this really touches base on what can be your ADUs, it can be outdoor displays, adaptive reuse, any temporary uses or structures, sidewalk displays, and even telecommunications facilities. Pretty straightforward on that one. And chapter five is subdivisions. This is one of our bigger chapters because it has a lot of information, it's very technical, and goes into a lot of information. So we talk about master development plans, preliminary plats and final plats, street designs, utilities, drainage, required improvements, inspections, things like that. And these are just some examples again of how it goes. So even seeing the separations of some streets when it's in a subdivision or what type of lots go into classifications for some subdivisions. Again, one of the big things we really want to make sure is having a clear plat approval authority. So that means administrative, it's easy to understand. We know where preliminary plats are getting approved from, which is P&Z recommendation with city council approval. Final plat is where city manager or designee actually gets to approve unless there is significant, definitions, and it brings up to city council. But minor plats and amending plats will be city manager or designee, and then replat and platification will be with final city council approval. And again, a visual. There's a flow chart. How is this gonna work? What is expected from it when you go through these plat approval authorities? So going into chapter six, this is really environmental management. touching base on aspects that connect zoning and development with the review of the FEMA flood hazard information and making sure that floodplain developments and permits are in regulated areas and recognizing the FEMA map and any revisions or determinations from there. Other chapters that are included in the UDC is utilities and building constructions. looking into water requirements and waste water and sewer, utility easement, cell phone, telecommunication standards, maintaining any adopted construction code and coordination with permits and certificate of occupancies, things like that. And then chapter nine is the nonconformities. So we really want understanding what are your vested rights, lawful nonconformity and structures that can be continued giving information on what is it and what is not, and any pre-approved preliminary and final plats that needs to be defined, and then it touches base with Chapter 2045 of the Texas Local Government Code. And then in Chapters 10, 11, and 12, we kind of combine these ones, which includes the administrative bodies and authorities, permits and procedures, and enforcement. And in here, it's just how it says in the title, very straightforward, kind of giving you the background of these procedures and approval authority. And again, just visuals showing that's in the UDC. Finally, our last chapter in here is Chapter 13, is our historic and Socorro Historic and Cultural Heritage. a chapter where we talk about the Sokoto landmarks, historical preservation overlay, the Mission Trail Historic District, and a certificate of occupancy, any review procedures, things like that. So what happens once we approve this UDC and everything else that comes in? Does that mean everything is now not okay in Socorro? No, well actually they're still permitted as stuff is going through. That is completely okay. This is really a land development regulation. This is looking into how we are going to start working on development with new proposals and projects coming into Socorro today. So we would start using this as new procedures, standards, and approval authority framework as we move forward. So right now, legal and staff has reviewed the UDC. Legal has let us know they have no reservations that were identified that really prevented the UDC from moving forward, as well as staff recommendation in letting us know they have reviewed and are ready to move forward as well. And I just wanna re-note that any future amendments is okay. That is always a possibility. and if it needs to be refined, because again, we're providing these here and sometimes not everything's gonna work, but that option is always available. With PNZ as a reminder, on July 21st, 2026, at the PNZ meeting, the commission considered the proposal adoption of amendments establishing the UDC. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed adoption of the amendments to establish the UDC the motion had carried. So today I present to you a recommendation motion to move to adopt the ordinance establishing the city of Socorro's Unified Development Code, amending, repealing, replacing, and consolidating equitable provisions of the Socorro Code of Ordinance governing zoning, land use, subdivisions, planning, development standards, application procedures, review authority, enforcement, historical preservation, and related land development regulations, and authority and city staff to administer the UDC upon its effective date. With that, I am happy to answer any questions. I know, it's a lot, you guys. It's a lot.

Do staff have any, council have any questions or comments on the UDC?

That was a lot of work, thank you. Yes, of course, thank you.

In chapter 85? No, just one question. I know that you're not able to go into much detail just because it's such a large document. It's a living document, as you mentioned. It's one that can be amended any time. I saw the slides where it shows how the development first enters into the city as far as how things get approved. Is the planning and zoning, The Board of Adjustments identified also in the UDC?

Yes.

Just so that people can access that information and be like, oh, okay, this is how. Okay. Yes. Okay, great, great. Appreciate that. It's more organized. We were all over the place. Ms. Kimito came in and it was like a bowl of spaghetti. And it looks like we finally got a good hold on it. And now our staff also, it makes their job easier too. So I can appreciate the work and A thought that went into the UDC, Ms. Camilo, you and your staff, alongside Able City. Thank you all. I don't believe there's any questions or comments on this. And there was a, this is an actionable item. I believe there was a motion and a second. Yes. All those in favor, say aye. Aye.

Okay.

Okay. Are there any abstains, abstentions? No? That motion carries. Appreciate that, thank you so much. Thank you for the presentation.

Again, thank you for all your dedicated and hard work.

Thank you, really appreciate it. It was a pleasure and your staff has been amazing. We worked day and night. We would meet Fridays, so it was great.

We saw you at the dusty tap and the wind down and so. Of course. Thank you.

May I like to give a motion to take a quick recess? A recess.

Second. The motion and second to take a recess. All those in favor, say aye. Aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. At this time, we're going to adjourn into a quick recess at 7.44 p.m. Good evening, everyone. This is a continuation of the August 6th, 2026 meeting. And we are now out of recess and it's 8.02 p.m. And we're going to leave off where we left off. We're going to begin where we left off on with agenda item 16. With the discussion in action to approve resolution 851 authorizing the city of Socorro to enter into an advanced funding agreement with the state of Texas acting through the Texas Department of Transportation to approve funding for the Rio Vista Road Complete Streets Feasibility Study. CSJ 0924-06774, sorry. Motion to approve. Second.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. Alejandra Voladez, City Development Director. We're here requesting your approval for this item of a resolution. Next slide, please. The Texas Department of Transportation put out a call for projects in 2025. asking communities across Texas to submit projects that would support bicycle, pedestrian, and or micro mobility modes of transportation. The city of Socorro submitted a request for funding for the Rio Vista Complete Streets Feasibility Study, following recommendations from our comprehensive plan. The Rio Vista Complete Streets Feasibility Study is a planning project that will ultimately lead to construction of a 3.15 mile segment of Rio Vista from Socorro Road to Thunder Road. And the scope of work is to develop complete street design for this segment to include amenities for all travelers, not just vehicles. That includes bicyclists, people that are walking, and people that use wheelchairs. Next slide, please. The city of Socorro did submit a grant application on November 13, 2025, the Texas Transportation Commission awarded this project $2.8 million approximately. The city's 20% match contribution is being covered by transportation development credits, reducing our match to $0. And if you all have any questions, we'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

No? Do any members of council have any questions or comments on this item?

No?

That was a motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And that motion carries. We move into agenda item number 17 with the discussion and action to approve resolution 852 authorizing the city of Socorro to enter into an advanced funding agreement with the state of Texas acting through the Texas Department of Transportation to approve funding for the Socorro Microtransit Vehicles Project.

Motion to approve.

Second. Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. We are requesting your approval for an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for this project. The TxDOT, TxDOT Department of Transportation via the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, also called CMEC, provides funding to state and local governments for projects that will improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. In 2025, the city of Socorro submitted a project proposal that would qualify under CMAG funding and the MPO did vote to provide funding to the city of Socorro's project. The goal of the Socorro Microtransit Vehicles Project is to procure four ADA accessible microtransit vehicles as part of the city's microtransit service for our residents. This project will benefit Socorro residents through improved access to transit increased capacity to meet the rising transit demands, and reduced wait times for our riders. The MPO allocated $453,000. Next slide. They did allocate $453,000 approximately of CMAQ funds to this project. The 20% match of $90,640 are covered by our 2026 certificates of obligation. And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer.

Any members of council have any questions or comments on this item? No.

No? There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. We move into agenda item number 18, With the discussion in action to approve resolution 853 authorizing the city of Socorro to enter into an advanced funding agreement with the state of Texas acting through the Texas Department of Transportation to approve funding for the Socorro Transit Oriented Development Study Project.

Motion to approve.

Second. Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. We are requesting your approval of the resolution to allow the city of Socorro to enter into the advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for this project. In 2025, the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization issued a call for projects that would be eligible for funds under the surface transportation program. The city of Socorro did submit a request for funding for the Socorro transit-oriented feasibility study. Based on the recommendations from our transit development plan, which was adopted in 2025, the goal of this project is to determine the best location to implement transit-oriented development in Socorro. And transit-oriented development would be kind of like a transit plaza. If you think about the Mission Valley Transfer Center, that could be considered a transit-oriented development, and it integrates transit with commercial and residential uses as well, so that people have very accessible modes of transportation next to where they're shopping and next to where they're living. So through this project, the study will identify transit-oriented development site recommendations, conceptual designs, feasibility analysis, a public-private partnership framework, and funding and implementation strategies. The MPO allocated $298,000 approximately, and the city's match contribution of 20% which is approximately $59,000 will be covered by 2026 Certificates of Obligations. If you all have any questions.

Any questions or comments for our grant writer that worked so hard on this? There was a motion and second. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. Okay, we move into agenda item number 20. 19. I'm sorry, 19. This is the discussion in action to approve the proposed updates to the City of Socorro 2025 to 2028 Transit Development Plan.

Motion to approve. Second. Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. We are requesting your approval on this revision to our Transit Development Plan three-year funding plan. As you recall, the city of Socorro is working with our regional partners to try to identify the best budget moving forward for our transit services. Next slide, please. In your backup, you do have our entire funding plan over the next three years. I wanna just highlight that we are looking at increasing ridership over the next three years through this plan. And I wanna highlight that in 2026, From October 1st through June 30th, we've totaled approximately 6,826 free ADA accessible trips that have been provided by our microtransit team, which is led by Mr. Victor Retta. So we're very excited about that. We're very proud of that. And this funding plan reflects our goals and hopes for the next few years. Next slide, please. And I want to highlight what the difference is between the previously approved transit development plan and this one. In this one, you can see that under our operating expenses for our personnel costs, you will see zero. And those costs are not going to be transferred to a contract services line item because we do have an agenda item on our, this council meeting to review the proposal that has been submitted by ETA. to provide services for the city of Socorro. So now, instead of those costs being allocated to city personnel, they are now being allocated to our contract services. So that's the major change. And then also, you'll see the next, under microtransit capital expenses, you will see zero dollars under ADA accessible vehicles. That is because we no longer need to buy more vehicles, because we are receiving CMAC funds for those four vehicles that we just approved. So those are the major changes, and you will get some more details from our director at ETA, Mr. Ando is here to provide you all with the level of service, talk about all the wonderful plans that they have to provide micro transit service here in Socorro, but we need to make sure that our transit development plan matches the services that they're gonna provide, and it also matches our budget for the next fiscal year. So those are the basis for the updates today. And if you all have any questions.

Any questions or comments for Ms. Alejandra? No. No? There was a motion and second on this item. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

That motion carries before we move into agenda item number 20. I do wanna recognize Mr. John Ando, who's the executive director for the ETA, joined us this evening. Thank you, Mr. Ando. We move into agenda item number 20 with the discussion and action to approve an interlocal agreement for services expansion between the city of Socorro and the city of El Paso to allow Socorro to access the El Paso urbanized area formula funds for public transit services.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. We are requesting your approval for this interlocal agreement between the City of Socorro and the City of El Paso. This interlocal agreement will allow the City of Socorro to access El Paso area urbanized funds for public transit. As you recall, we've been going through the process of becoming a direct recipient of FDA funds so that the City of Socorro can receive its portion of El Paso UZA funds for transit. This is another step in that process. This interlocal agreement provides some responsibilities for all of the entities involved. For Socorro, that involves reporting, ensuring compliance, and making sure that we work with the MPO and Sun Metro throughout the process as we become direct recipients. This has been reviewed by legal, and we have to go ahead to execute the agreement from them.

Do any members of council have any questions on this agreement? No, sir. No? I believe there was also a motion and second on this item. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries.

Thank you. Thank you, Alejandra. Thank you.

Mr. Randall, do you want to share any words with us this evening? His proposal is... I believe your proposal's coming up in a bit. I'm sorry, but... We'll bring you back up if you wanna hang out here in the front. I'm sorry, Mr. Randall. I got all excited when I saw you walk in and your proposal and the tie. We're moving into agenda item number 21 with the discussion in action to approve the purchase of two ADA vehicles for the city from model one in the amount of $155,818. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. The item before you is to approve the purchase for two vehicles. The vehicle purchase monies will not be coming from MNO. One will be coming from a grant that Ms. Alejandra Valadez did secure for us. The other will be coming from our insurance reimbursement after an auto collision that occurred. Happy to answer any questions you may have. The vendor is a by-board vendor also.

Have you all had a chance to take a look at the vehicles in the backup? No? The vehicles that you all are planning on purchasing are, I guess, similar to what we have in the fleet right now?

Yes, that's correct. They will match the latest ones that we just bought. So that way maintenance can also be familiar with the vehicles, and they're also equipped to service them as well.

Good stuff. All right. Any other questions or concerns or comments? No? There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you. We're moving into our police department with agenda item number 22, the discussion and action to authorize the chief of police to execute the fiscal year 2025 Operation Stone Garden interlocal agreement on behalf of the city of Socorro.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Robert C. Rojas, proud chief of police for the city of Socorro. Item 22 is a request to authorize me as the chief of police to execute the fiscal year 2025 Operation Stone Garden interlocal agreement on behalf of the city of Socorro. The police department has already been awarded the Operation Stone Garden funding. This action doesn't approve any new funding or require any general fund expenditures. Instead, it authorizes us to sign the required interlocal agreement with El Paso County and all the other municipalities. And I'm here to answer any questions if you have any.

Any questions for Chief on this item? No, sir. No? There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. Agenda item number 23 is the discussion and action to approve the El Paso County 9-1-1 district proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Chief Robert C. Rojas, proud chief of police for the city of Socorro. Mayor and Council, this item is a request to approve the El Paso County 9-1-1 district's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget as the city's representative on the El Paso County 9-1-1 district board of managers. I participated in the review of this budget and the board approved forwarding it to all participating jurisdictions for consideration. The proposed budget supports the continued operation and modernization of the regional 911 system, including next generation 911 technology, call handling, recording, translation services, quality assurance, analytics, and other emergency communications improvements. There's no direct financial impact

the city of socorro the district is funded primarily through wireless and wireline 911 service fees and state appropriations i'm here to answer any questions if you have any any questions for chief on this item no there was a motion and second all those in favor say aye aye and that motion carries thank you chief thank you we move into now agenda item number 24 the discussion in action on resolution 854 approving the replat for mcadoo acres replat c with a variance request from section 46-238 area requirements subsection 2 minimum yard setbacks to allow a 10 foot front yard setback and a 10 foot rear yard setback instead of the required 25 foot front and rear setbacks proposed lot two being a replat of lot three, block 11, McAdoo Acres, and located at 620 Jewel Drive, City of Socorro, El Paso County, Texas.

Motion to approve. Second. Thank you, Mayor and Council. The next item is a replat request with a variance for McAdoo Acres replat C. This is lot three, block 11 of McAdoo Acres, The property owner is YEC LLC. Their representative is Luis Saucedo of Ray Engineering. The lot is 21,572 square feet in size. It is currently zoned R1 single family residential and the current land use is residential. This request is for approval of a replat for McAdoo Acres replat C with a variance request from section 46238 area requirements, subsection two, minimum yard setbacks to allow a 10 foot setback for the front yard setback and a 10 foot rear yard setback instead of the required 25 foot front and rear yard setbacks for proposed lot two, being a replat of lot three, block 11 of McAdoo Acres. This would be located at 610 E Jewel Drive. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the request and of the variance. Planning and zoning commission voted for approval. Three yeses, one no, and zero abstentions at their planning and zoning meeting held on June 16th. The property is outlined in turquoise. The zoning map, as you can see, it is surrounded by our one single family residential zoning and C2 general commercial. The aerial image shows the existing home at the front of the property, and it is surrounded by a mix of residential and vacant lots. This is a photograph taken of the front of the property along Jewel. This is the original flat for McAdoo Acres. And the preliminary flat for McAdoo Acres reflat C. The next slide is a zoomed in view of the replot. It would split the lot into creating a panhandle lot. The driveway is almost 26 feet. And the property to the rear is requesting the variance for the reduced setbacks. This is a final of the replant, McAdoo Acres replant C. This is the request from the applicant via the engineer for the variance, requesting the variance. In summary, the request is for approval of a replat for McAdoo Acres, replat C, with a variance request from section 46, 238, area requirements of section two, minimum yard setbacks to allow a 10 foot front yard setback and a 10 foot rear yard setback instead of the required 25 foot front and rear yard setback for proposed lot two. With that, staff can answer any questions you might have. The engineer was not able to connect, was having technical difficulties, if I'm not mistaken.

Any questions from council on this one here?

I guess in simpler terms, Ms. Camilo, the reason again for the 10-foot setback instead of the 25 in the front,

Just to be able to accommodate a larger home.

So they're building?

They're going to build a second home in the rear.

But they're doing the lot split?

They're doing the lot split. The access to the rear property will be on the, as you can see on the top left, along the left side of the screen, the driveway to the rear. But they are both within the zoning requirement of at least 10,000 square feet per lot.

Okay.

Any questions or concerns on this one?

No? I believe there's a motion and a second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. Mr. .

So is that a no?

LET'S TAKE THE VOTE AGAIN JUST FOR THE RECORD. HE DOESN'T LIKE THE IDEA. ANY OPPOSER ABSTAIN? NO, THAT MOTION CARRIES. ALL RIGHT. WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND MOVE ON TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 25. This is the discussion in action to approve the anticipated proposed tax rate of 0.736866 for fiscal year commencing October 1st, 2026 through September 30th, 2027 for the city of Socorro, Texas.

Motion to approve.

Second. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager for the City of Socorro. This item is requesting approval for the anticipated proposed property tax rate of 0.736866 per 100 valuation for fiscal year 2026-2027. which will begin October 1st, 2026, and end September 30th of 2027. Under the Texas Truth in Taxation laws, the city is required to announce the proposed tax rate before adopting the budget and tax rate. Tonight's action establishes a rate that will be published for the required public notices and hearings. The proposed rate of 0.736866 is the rate staff is recommending based on the city's budget needs, anticipated revenues, and the level of municipal services that will be provided during the upcoming fiscal year. Approval of this item does not adopt the tax rate tonight, rather it authorizes staff to proceed with the required public notification process. The proposed tax rate and the fiscal year of 2026-2027 budget will return to Mayor and Council for public hearings and final consideration in accordance with the statutory timeline. Staff recommends approval of this anticipated proposed tax rate and is available to answer any questions.

Any questions for Ms. Adriana? No. There was a motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And that motion carries. We move into agenda item 26 with the discussion in action to approve the scheduling of public hearing on September 10th, 2026 for the anticipated proposed tax rate for the fiscal year commencing October 1st, 2026 through September 30th of 2027. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. This item is requesting approval to schedule a public hearing for September 10th, 2026, regarding the city's anticipated proposed property tax rate of 0.736868666 per 100 of taxable valuation for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, ending September 30th of 2027. Scheduling this public hearing is part of the required Truth in Taxation process and provides residents with an opportunity to review the anticipated proposed tax rate, receive information from staff, and provide comments before Mayor and Council consider final adoption. Tonight's action does not adopt the tax rate. It only approves the date of the public hearing and authorizes staff to provide the required public notices. Staff recommends approval.

Any questions, comments on this item?

No, there was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

And that motion carries. Agenda item number 27, this is the discussion in action to approve the use of the city's transit service as an economic development and tourism initiative during the Socorro Mission restoration event on October 17th, 2026. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council, Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. This item is requesting approval to the use of city's transit services as an economic development tourism and transit marketing initiative during the Socorro Mission restoration event of October 17, 2026. The city proposes to operate shuttle services from 3.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. using three city transit vehicles and three drivers. The service will transport attendees between La Purisima Catholic Church, the original mission site on Nicholas Street, and the event venue of Bodega Loya. The city's participation is intended to serve as a clear public purpose. This initiative will allow the city to showcase its transit vehicles and services, promote the historic Socorro Mission Trail, encourage cultural tourism, and market Socorro to residents and visitors as a destination for history, culture, and economic activity. Staff believe this event presents a valuable opportunity to increase awareness of the city's transit program and highlight the Socorro Mission Trail and surrounding community. Staff recommends approval.

Any questions, comments?

Let's go back to that time again. We're at 3.30 to 8 or 2.90? 8.30. 8.30. 8.30. Thank you. No questions.

No questions. Any other comments? No.

No?

There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. And that motion carries as well. Now we move into agenda item 28 with the presentation, discussion, and action regarding the El Paso Transportation Authority proposal to operate and maintain the city's Socorro Avanzando micro transit system.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. This item is requesting approval regarding a proposal from the El Paso Transportation Authority to operate and maintain a city's Socorro Avanzando microtransit. The proposal includes the operation of the city's local door-to-door microtransit services, continued access to regional fixed route, paratransit, microtransit, and vanpool services, as well as vehicle maintenance, dispatching, insurance, technology, marketing, and administrative support. Under the proposed arrangement, the city would continue to provide direction and maintain control over the local transit service, while the El Paso Transportation Authority would operate the program through its contractor, Transdev. At this time, I would like to introduce Mr. John Ando, Executive Director of the El Paso Transportation Authority, who will provide counsel with an overview of the proposal, operational plan, financial consideration, and anticipated benefit to the city. Mr. Ando, the floor is yours.

Top of the evening, Mayor and Council, John Ando, Executive Director of the El Paso Transportation Authority, and I thank you for having me come and present this proposal to you today. As you know, for a while, the Transportation Authority has been wanting participation from the city in regards to participating in the Transportation Authority affairs. We're pleased to present this proposal to basically address two issues that I believe that has been the concern of the city. is that we're here to serve the city and that the city can direct ETA on how to provide its service. So we split our proposal into what is called the local transit service and the regional transit service. We would propose to be a contractor to the city of Socorro in operating the local transit service branded as Socorro Avazando, operated by ETA, and we would take the direction on the hours, the parameters, and how the city wants the service to be operated. And then, as part of the regional transit service, we would request that the city participate on the ETA Board of Directors, be able to vote on the regional nature of ETA's operations, which includes the ETA Paseo routes, which travels throughout the city limits of Socorro, the ETA Access, which provides paratransit services for those that have disabilities, And then the ETA Andale, which provides microtransit services in San Elizario and Clint into Socorro and Mission Valley Transit Center. And then the Vamanos Fan Pool program that takes, I believe we have three vans that actually originate in Socorro that take people to employment opportunities in El Paso County. And then I understand presently the city's contributing $5,000 for that. We would ask for $5,165 of 5% CPI increase to continue that regional access services. One thing that we're looking to do differently with the Paseo system is, as I understood from the city, there's been a desire to have transit services on North Loop Road, fixed route services. We are planning in partnership with the town of Horizon City, utilizing grant funds that they've been able to secure, starting a new route that will connect Horizon City, Socorro, and the Mission Valley Transit Center with bus service on North Loop Road. That bus would run every 90 minutes, Monday through Sunday, seven days a week, and it would address the city's long desire of fixed-route transit on North Loop Road. As it relates to the local transit service that we would be a contractor for, we are proposing a contribution amount of $253,000. That would be leveraged with other funds that we receive from El Paso County, as well as the city of San Elizario and the town of Clint, so that we can have a consolidated microtransit program in the South County. We will still operate vehicles with branded Socorro Avazando within the city limits, but we'll also have Andale vehicles that will supplement the city branded vehicles. So you have that true regional connectivity allowing Socorro residents to get to San Elizario, to Clinton, to the Mission Valley Transit Center, to the El Paso Community College, Mission Del Paso campus, and that any trip, regardless if it's on an Avazando vehicle or an Andale vehicle, that originates in Socorro will be credited to the city of Socorro for National Transit Database reporting purposes, since that's going to help you be able to utilize your federal funds for operating assistance. So collectively, contribution-wise, we would be asking for $258,165. That would be memorialized in an interlocal agreement. It'll be explicitly clear that the city controls the local transit service and that we take direction from the city on that. But on the regional service, the city would be a participant with all of the other regional partners that are funding EPATs. And we'll be able to cast a vote via your current board members, which is Ms. Valdez and Ms. Carmino from the planning department. Furthermore, as part of our proposal, we will provide vehicles. We'll provide fuel for those vehicles. We will provide charging. We'll reimburse the city for utilizing your electric chargers if we utilize your city vehicle to charge or if we use an on-delay vehicle to charge there. We will provide administrative support to help your city staff be able to prepare their grant applications, submit any appropriate documentation to FTA, make amendments to the transit development plan at no additional cost to the city. We will also assist with capital projects. The county did fund some preliminary work for bus stop amenities within the city limits. So we'll be able to work with Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority to bring those plans back to fruition and at the city's direction be able to continue those projects so that you can get 11 bus shelters throughout the city based on where the city would like to see those. We understand that you have locations identified in your ADA transition plan, which we're happy to continue to follow, as well as the county did propose some locations, and if those locations are satisfactory to the city, We'll build those shelters. I understand the city staff would like to see the shelter design be more in alliance with the city's historical aspects. So we are happy to work with the city in developing a design that the RMA can basically design and that we can build at those bus shelters. So I don't want to basically sell that ETA is going to give you what ETA does. As I've been telling all the members, we work for the members. If the members want a specific service, we're going to give you that service. We're not going to push back on doing so. So that kind of in summary concludes my presentation. Should the council be interested in joining the ETA, we've drafted an interlocal agreement. We ask that the council approve that interlocal agreement subject to city council approval and that the participation will take effect October 1. If there's any city employees that are displaced, Because of this transition, TransDev has committed that they will pick up those employees at their rates, which I believe are slightly higher than the Equipment Operator 1 position at the city, plus the TransDev benefits, so that you'll still continue to see those same drivers that are presently driving Avizando be able to drive Avizando under TransDev operation and ETA's oversight. And I'm happy to answer any questions if there are any.

Mr. Randall, I think that had you been here a few years back, things would have been operating a lot smoother, and it's taken you so much work in trying to understand what the city of Socorro has been trying to accomplish alongside the ETA. I also think that they would have saved a lot of money, time, and energy in the negative campaigning, but I'm glad to see that that this proposal is one that's hit our desk now. Our staff has reviewed it, I've reviewed it. I think that it's not only in the favor and best interest of the city, but I think it also works for the ETA in general. It's a collaborative effort to provide connectivity, not just for our city, but throughout the region, because we do need to realize that our residents are not just traveling within the city of Socorro, they need to get other places too. And I think that this agreement will allow it to happen.

I do also want to say that the EPATS board, I did discuss this at their board meeting last month, and all board members are unanimously supportive of this proposal and welcome the city of Socorro's participation on the board of directors.

Yeah, and I mean, should it be the... the desire of council to vote yes on this. We have Andale Avanzando and maybe the next one might be Rapido, I don't know. We might have to get creative with it. Do any of our members have any questions? I know that we have our city manager on standby to answer any technical questions that we might have or concerns about the proposal.

I'm just happy. This sounds great. This sounds like we're working together, not against each other. And like Murr said, when this happened, it was a war. And I wasn't ready to give it up for our citizens, and we had to go through what we get through now to get to where we are now, and I'm happy about that. We get to still have our say. We get to still keep a lot of the power that we do have on our transition, but I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad that you're working on this project. It makes me feel better that you are. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Garcia. One more question. Hours of operation would be?

Yes, I should have highlighted on that. So they will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and we do not operate on seven major holidays. So the system would not operate on seven major holidays. So this will be actually an enhancement to your current levels of service. I also wanted to add that we've also launched our new app called ETA On Delay and Access app. So that app will also be available to Opisando riders So instead of calling ETA to get a ride, all they would need to do is just book their ride and they'll actually see when the vehicle will pick them up at their location and drop them off at their location. So think of it as an Uber. And I think per your transit, your original transit development plan, that was your original intent is that you wanted an Uber-like system that can connect people door to door throughout the city limits. So we're finally there with our technology.

That's nice.

Thank you.

I just want to add that we've always been wanting to be partners. However, we needed to look out for the best interest of our residents, and I feel that we have the best of both worlds. So it just seems like a right thing to do. So staff is recommending approval, conditioned upon the comments that legal, because legal's still reviewing the proposal. But we are asking for approval with the changes working with legal teams.

Any other questions or comments? I believe there was a motion and a second on this item. All those in favor?

Ms. Randall? I have one more comment too. I understand that your previous item, you just talked about shuttles on October 17, utilizing city staff and general fund costs. If you wanted to roll those shuttles into ETA or Transdev providing those under using the vehicles that you'll be providing to us, we're prepared to do that so you can save the cost for other things.

Are you prepared to give us any more now that we have you here?

If I give anything more, I might get in trouble by the board. Your board member might express concerns.

You might just have to put on a City of Socorro uniform. But no, we understand, and we're very grateful and appreciative.

Thank you.

Yeah, Mr. Reynolds, thanks so much. At this time, we'll take the vote. There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. And that motion carries as well. Thank you.

Thank you. Thanks.

Okay, we move into agenda item 29, And this is the discussion and action to establish the Socorro Mayoral Youth Advisory Council.

Motion to approve. Second.

I'll give you a little background on this. The proposed Socorro Mayoral Youth Advisory Council is intended to serve as an advisory body to the mayor and city council by providing youth perspectives on community issues, municipal programs, and initiatives impacting the city's younger population. The program is also designed to foster civic engagement, leadership, development, and community involvement while encouraging students to gain a greater understanding of local government and public service. What better way to educate and prepare our younger generation to come up here and take these seats when we're gone? The proposed council would consist of 10 student members serving one academic year with representation in areas including community wellness, recreation, infrastructure and pedestrian safety, climate and environment, multimedia and public relations, public safety administration, education and health awareness. These members would participate in monthly meetings, community engagement activities and service projects while providing recommendations to both the mayor and city council on issues affecting the youth of Socorro. The eligible applicants would be students between the grades of 10 and 12 who reside in the city of Socorro or attend SISD district schools, The proposal also includes an application process consisting of a resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation. To support the operations of the Youth Advisory Council, staff also recommends assigning one city laptop and establishing a city email account for the student. The chairperson, these resources will be used solely for official Youth Advisory Council business. That's a little bit of backup about this agenda item. This student reached out from the Libertas Academy at Americas High School and has shown great interest in working with this government. It was stated by this student that they could have chosen any other office, from state representatives to county commissioners to city reps in El Paso. They chose Socorro. I asked why, they said they like the way we work on the table, they like the way we communicate, and they like the way we work with individuals of just different political parties, and that sat very well with them. All they wanna do is accomplish something that's going to give us feedback to better serve our residents and our community. And if you guys have any questions, comments, or concerns, I'm happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

My question is just, who is overseeing the group?

So there's gonna be a chairperson, and should you all decide to vote yes to this, at the next city council meeting, that person will be here and will present that individual, but it is a student, a high school student, who's enrolled in the Libertas Academy, and is furthering her education in law, and potentially wanting to seek office in some capacity and political affiliation at one point but it's a student a high school student very bright any other questions no i believe there's a motion second all those in favor say aye aye that motion carries thank you we move into agenda item 30 with a discussion in action to approve the installation of streetlights along Alameda Avenue between Rio Vista Road and Nevarez Road. And this is... Second. Mr. Garcia, the floor is yours.

Thank you. So we're requesting to consider approval of the installation of new streetlights along Alameda Avenue between Rio Vista Road and Nevarez Road to improve roadway stability and enhance pedestrian safety and provide adequate lighting along the corridor that serves students, residents, and the traveling public. This was brought to me by one of our constituents, which I'm grateful for. And we worked on it and it looks good. I think it's long overdue. It is very dark between there. You know, being a coach, you know, sometimes you could leave school late. and you want the best lighting for everybody and anybody that's in the area. So with this, I hope we can pass this along and make sure to get more lighting for our streets here in Socorro. Thank you.

I have a question. I'm seeing the amount. I'm okay. I'm okay with it because ultimately, I think that all of us may have received calls at one point that when the center meetings were put in, we were under the impression that TxDOT would also include some type of light features. It's very dark, especially for the student athletes or events that take place after hours. These kids and pedestrians that are crossing over, you can't see them at night. I don't know if in the study they tracked or saw the need for lighting from Nevarez down to Moon as well?

So that wasn't part of the...

So what happens is that staff goes out there. Right now there's currently just two streetlights from Rio Vista to Moon. So we asked our planning and zoning department to create a map, provide existing, and then provide proposed. It goes to El Paso Electric and they come back and say we can do this, we can't do that. We need a generator here, we need a new pole. And that's the recommendation that came back from them. But we specified the area and the area was just from Rio Vista to North Nevarez.

Okay.

But it goes all the way to north. Oh, they did it all the way.

Okay. Okay.

As long as we looked at it, as long as we looked at the area. Okay.

Any other questions on this item? I believe there was a motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And that motion carries as well. Okay. We move in to, do we have any items to discuss for 31, 32, and 33? Okay. Do I have a motion?

Motion to delete items 31, 32, and 33.

There's been a motion and second to delete those items. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. And that motion carries. Do I have a motion to adjourn?

Motion to adjourn. Second.

There's a motion and second to adjourn. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. And this meeting adjourns at 8.49 p.m. Thank you all and have a good night.