City Council - Special Meeting

[music] Coming up next on ECN, a regularly scheduled meeting of your Edinburgh city council. on the council. Mayor Omar Ooaha, Mayor Prom David Salasar, [music] Council Member Dan Diaz, Council Member [music] Jason DeLeon, and Council Member Jerry Losano. sitting in his adviserss, [music] city manager Myra Ayala and city attorney Josie Ramirez Solis. And now live from the Edinburgh City Hall, the Edinburgh City Council. [music] Good evening everyone. Time now is 6 p.m. Uh we are opening this uh regular city council meeting. Uh looking around I can see that all city council members are present. So we have established quorum. Uh let's please begin with a prayer. Uh and tonight we'll have pastor uh Alexander from First Baptist Church.

Good evening. Let's pray. Heavenly gracious father, we thank you again for the opportunity to come and do the business that you have called our people and our leaders to inh stewardship of our great city. Lord, even in this time, I pray that you would grant our national leaders wisdom as they deal with international relations and that you would protect all of our service people who are serving us, have been sacrificed their their lives, their time uh Lord, in service of giving us the freedom that we have where people can come and express their ideas and we can be led by those who serve the people. And so Lord, may everything that happens tonight be in honor of those servicemen who are giving their their lives, servicemen, women who've given their lives and but also Lord to glorify you. Just thank you for this country and may whatever resolution comes to where they come too quickly in the Middle East where people would also have in some freedoms that we share here as well. Lord, we praise you. We love you in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. All right. And now we say the pledge of allegiance. Could you all start us off on that? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Great job. All right. Uh, next item, certification of public notice. Madam Secretary. Yes, sir. Mayor, the meeting was posted in accordance to the Texas Open Meetings Act on February 26, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., Sir, thank you. Uh, disclosure of conflict of interest.

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

Thank you. Uh, next item is mayor's report. Uh, and I'm going to steal the city manager report and talk about some of the city events because I'm just so excited about them. For the first one though, I do want to invite uh, Ronnie Lalde, executive director of the chamber. Is he here by any chance? No, not yet. All right, let's give him a couple minutes. And if not, then I'm going to take what he had to say. Uh, but this coming weekend, uh, we've got the Hometown of Heroes half marathon. Uh coming up, it is a wonderful race. Um for those of you who might have seen it, uh it was about a week ago, we've had the unveiling of all of the hometown heroes who will be honored at each of the mile markers. There's 13 13 miles and a half marathon. Uh and so we've got some wonderful people who will be out there. We've invited each of them and their families and friends to come out uh and celebrate with us at be physically present at each of the mile markers. Uh if you don't want to run a half marathon, it's okay. There's also a 10K component, a little bit shorter if you want to make it out there for that. Uh, registration is still open. Packet pickup was available starting today. It'll also be available tomorrow at our parks and recck center uh from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Um, and then there will also be uh packet pickup on race day uh starting at 6:30 uh till 7 a.m. that morning for all of the early birds. Uh so wonderful event. Uh really looking forward uh to the hometown of heroes half marathon. Um the I did see Ronnie come in. So I'm going to go ahead and give you an opportunity. Uh Ronnie Dalde with the um uh Chamber of Commerce as the executive director. Fiesta Edinburg is getting kicked off and so if you could please tell us what everybody can expect.

Good morning. I mean good morning. It's been that type of week, right? [laughter] Good evening. Ronnie Lar, the executive director of the You're already sunburned on day one and CVB. Yes. No, I lost all my hair today [laughter] with the wind. Um, so did I.

Um, but yes, as you know, we're dealing with some wind issues, but um, everything's good. We're set to go. Um, Carnival is starting today. Uh, and it's a 4-day event. So, uh, it's a great event happening at Ber Ogden Arena. I want to thank the city of Eden for its continued support, the EDC and all our businesses that are part of it. Uh, especially Bird Ogden Auto Group. And so it's 4-day event. The carnival's on Thursday, carnivals on Sunday, uh happening at Berogden Arena on Friday. Uh tomorrow we're going to have a lots of food vend uh food vendors, craft vendors. We have Lucha Libé. Uh we also have um Fontacal, a dino a dino show. Uh lots of local musicians, lot of great entertainment happening. Uh and the admission is 10 and under and kid uh adults are or 10 and over are $7, right? So uh so that's admission and then of course we have music inside the Bogdan Arena and we're headlining with Randy Rogers. Uh Saturday we're doing it all over again. Uh same uh same fees apply. Uh and we're just ending with Palomaso. So a lot of great entertainment for everyone. You don't have to leave Edinburgh to have quality entertainment. So, we're we're happy to have uh everyone come out. We invite the public, our surrounding cities. Uh and they can get more information on edinburgh.com or call our office at 3834974. So, um thank you all for for always supporting and it looks like to be a great weekend.

Excellent. And thank you, Ronnie, for everything that the chamber does. Fiesta Edinburg, this is our 57th one. It is a very proud tradition here in the city of Edinburgh. So, I hope everybody will come out and partake uh in the festivities this weekend. Um, next item is the Edinburgh Municipal Court Amnesty Program. If we have a representative from the court, Marty Bell, if you would like to talk about this or I have some notes, you can talk about it.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council. Mariel Velasquez with Yanniberg Municipal Court just to just to advise the citizens of Edinburg and and anybody else defendants that there that they may have anything that is pending warrants or anything. We did start our amnesty program on the 23rd of February and it is going through April the 30th. Uh so this is their opportunity to pay whatever they owe. We are waving the failure to appear or the violate promise to appear also which is about $185. So they just pay the original offense. Also they can make arrangements if they can't pay in full or anything like that. Now the other benefit that we do have is that we are having our outreach docket the mobile court which is tomorrow uh March the 6 and that'll be from 2 to 7 and it'll be at El Tulle which the address is 700 East I think

sorry South Veterans in Edinburg and it'll be from 2 to 7. So the judge will be there, staff will be there. So, uh, this is their opportunity to take care of whatever they may owe. So, and of course, we're there also at the municipal court to help anybody that that needs anything. Our phone number is 956-289-7797 and like I mentioned, we're there so till 5:30 that we're there. Excellent. Okay. Thank you, Mville. So, yes, you hear it everybody. If you've got some outstanding tickets, no big deal. Now's your time to come in, pay those off, save some money. Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much.

All right. Uh, next up are proclamations and recognitions. Uh, so item A, um, if the secretary can read the caption on that, please. Yes, your mayor. Presentation of proclamation recognizing Juan Jose Flores, systems manager, utility systems department for his 35 years of service to the city of Edinburgh. Mr. Flores, please come on up. Uh, Madam Secretary, if you can read the proclamation, city council will come down and take some pictures with you, sir.

Yes, your mayor. Juan Jose Flores, [applause] systems manager, utility systems department. Whereas, Mr. Juan Jose Flores was employed by the city of Edinburgh utility systems department on July 9th, 1990 as a service foreman. And whereas on November 16, 1998, Juan Jose Flores was promoted to collection distribution supervisor. And whereas on January 24th, 2000, Mr. Flores was promoted to system superintendent. And whereas on October 5th, 2020, Mr. Flores position was reclassified to systems manager. And whereas Mr. Flores attended numerous trainings where he received and held the following certificates. Certificates of training. Texas&M University systems water and wastewater training. City of Edinburgh NTC supervisor training. Certificates of attendance. M&H Kennedy valve. Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool. Employment law seminar. Edinburgh Volunteer Fire Department ICS 400 and 300 Emergency Management Institute. FEMA IS-700. A FEMA IS-800.B. B and certificates of completion, Texas Department of Health, Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, certificates of employee appreciation, and numerous city of Edinburgh training acknowledgements. And whereas Mr. Juan Joseph Flores received and held the following certification licenses, class B water distribution operator license, customer service inspector license, water distribution operator license, and class 3 waste water collection operator license. And whereas Mr. Mr. Flores was awarded various letters of accommodation and appreciation and was the employee of the month July 2008 and whereas on January 30th 2026 after 35 years of service Mr. Juan Joseph Flores retired from the city of Edinburgh. Now therefore the mayor and council of the city of Edinburgh, Texas by par then by then by the par and then by law hereby recognize Juan Jose Flores systems manager utility systems department for his years of loyalty and dedicated service to the city of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh City Council

would like to express their gratitude and wish him a happy retirement. [applause]

Mr. Flores, the floor is yours if you'd like to say anything.

Mayor, council members, uh, I just want to thank you for giving me giving me the opportunity to serve this great city. I also want to thank Mr. Carmona, Mr. Martinez, uh Mr. Tamraal, J Science, Miss Myra, and uh and all the uh the farmers that I work with also uh our staff because uh I was blessed to work with a whole bunch of great people. Thank you. [applause] Good afternoon, uh, mayor and council. Um, just have a quick speech, uh, for Jay. Uh, today we're celebrating an incred incredible milestone after 35 years of dedicated and outstanding service with our city's uh, utilities department. Uh, Juan Jose or everybody knows him as Jay, right? Flores has retired. Uh, as Clarice mentioned, uh, Jay began working for the city back in, uh, 1990. Throughout his career, Mr. Flores worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming, uh, systems division manager. In this role, he was dual certified in both water and sewer. So, in water, he had the class B water distribution and, uh, in wastewater collection three. He was also responsible for managing uh 52 people and overseeing uh 487 miles worth of water line and 42 mi worth of sewer lines. Most importantly, he helped ensure that our residents continue to receive water and sewer services. This position came with many late night calls required responding to water leaks and sewer issues at all hours of the day and throughout the year. His dedication and commitment helped keep our city running

smoothly, ensured our community was well served. Jay was also the go-to person for anything related to the city's utility infrastructure for many engineers and staff members. His knowledge, experience, and willingness to help to help made him an invaluable resource to the department and the city as a whole. On behalf of the utilities department, I would like to thank him for his many years of service, dedication and hard work. While we will greatly miss him, uh we congratulate him on the well-deserved retirement and wish him the very best in this new chapter of his life. [applause] [applause]

If I may say a couple words, guys, um Mr. Flo was invaluable to us. Um, I actually tried to connect him to the computer uh and [laughter] GIS to get everything out of him. His nickname was the main frame. Uh, when I first started in public works and one of my we encountered a a a sinkhole and I was like, "Well, we need to find the water and sewer." And they said, "We'll call Jay." So, I call him, "Hey, Jay, I'm over here at 18th at Ebony. Where's that water line?" He goes, "Is the palm tree still in that corner?" I said, "Yes, sir. It's about 3 ft to the left, 6 feet down." And that is a true story. You would ask him exactly where it was. That's how knowledgeable Mr. Flores was. And not only he taught me on requirements of different areas. So I do appreciate him and he'll be greatly missed and he was a great asset to the city and thank you for everything Jay. We really appreciate it.

Thank you. [applause]

Thank you so much Mr. Flores for your decades of service and thank you very much to your family. Uh I know it makes an impact on everybody right you are on literally on call all the time because the water and sewer service is so vital and so important to all the residents. Thank you so much for all the sacrifices you made and for all the sacrifices your family made in service of our great city. Sir, thank you sir. [applause] Next item is uh item B. If the secretary can read that caption.

Yes, sir. Mayor. Presentation of proclamation recognizing Helen Pledo Police Officer 3 Police Department for his 28 years of service to the city of Edinburgh. I will now read the proclamation for the record. Hen Pledo Police Officer 3 Police Department. Whereas Mr. Mr. Wledo was employed by the city of Edinburgh public safety police department on June 2nd, 1997 as dispatcher. And whereas on January 4th, 2002, Mr. Wolo transferred to police officer 1. Whereas on January 4, 2003, police officer 1, Hed Pledo, was promoted to police officer 2. And whereas on November 20th, 2017, due to meet and confer agreement, police officer 2 Pledo was reclassified to police officer 3. And whereas during his service with the city, police officer Drihole Pledo attended numerous trainings where he received and held the following certificates. Certificates of achievement. Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the state of Texas silent hero state emergency communications. Certificates of attendance. Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Ris Certificates of Completion. Texas&M Engineering Extension Service. Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians. Power Phone Law Enforcement Dispatch/crisis Communications Training Program, Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy, Idaho County Sheriff's Academy, and American Law Enforcement Radar and Training Certificates of Training. Texas Forensic Associates and FEMA is 00200 point C and was police officer 3 received and held the following certification licenses. telecomun telecommunication operator license, intermediate peace officer certification license, advanced peace officer license, and masterpiece officer license. And whereas officer Bolito was awarded numerous city of Edinburgh acknowledgements of training, certificates of employee appreciation, and received various commendation letters. Whereas on January 5th, 2026, after 28 years of service, police officer 3 pledo retired from the city of Edinburgh. Now therefore, the mayor and council of the city of Edinburgh by the power of resident by law do hereby

recognize Pledo police officer 3 police department for his years of loyalty and dedicated service to the city of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh city council would like to express your gratitude and wish him a happy retirement. [applause] Mayor Ooa, council members. Yes.

Chief of police, my wife and our children. I never imagined uh ever being in this position. Uh at the earlier as an early young man starting a career in law enforcement, you just want to do your job, go home safe, and do the right things. One thing I really took great pride is customer service. make sure that I serve the city well and that of my mom who was my mother and father raising me and my brother. Uh she did tell me one day, "Make sure you don't ever get in trouble. Represent the name tall and proud. Don't be calling me in case you go to jail cuz I ain't bailing you out cuz I need the money for the light bill." True. say uh there's many adventures in law enforcement and one thing that I really stand tall and proud in is that I assisted in 26 murder investigations trial cross-examinations and to let you know each one were found guilty by the court of law and that of the jury.

[applause]

It brings me a closure to them, the loss of their loved one, and make sure that I made a change to that family, to the city of Edinburgh, of building that foundation that goes to court, that I was, my name was part of that and I assisted in that. And again, so many I could go on and on, but I know we're in time. And um it's okay. You gave us 28 years. You can have a couple more minutes [laughter] if you want them. It's okay. It's my wife Juliana.

Uh just when things that were at the point in my life were a standstill, she came into my life and we both helped each other heal and be able to rise above those obstacles. And through her support, I love you and I thank you. And the city of Edinburgh [applause] It's a great city, wonderful city. And I thank you. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Thank you, Officer Pledo, for your many years of service. The four-time All-American City is what it is because of employees just like you. And thank you so much for letting us borrow him for so long. It made a true difference in community safety. Thank you. Thank you for your service, sir.

Okay, next item we have is item C. If the secretary could read the caption for that.

Yes, sir. Mayor. Presentation of proclamation recognizing the RGB Flames 11U black team for winning first place at the 7th annual Capelli 210 Countdown Classic Tournament in San Antonio. RGB Flames 11 Black. Whereas the RGB Flames volleyball and basketball club is based in Edinburgh, Texas and is locally owned by Charlie Lopez. And whereas the RGB Flames 11U black volleyball team demonstrated exceptional athletic skill, perseverance, and sportsmanship by competing in the 7th annual Capelli 210 Countdown Classic tournament held in San Antonio, Texas, one of the most competitive youth volleyball tournaments in the state. And whereas this prestigious tournament brought together 96 elite teams from across Texas, including teams from San Antonio, Laredo, Levvenia, Austin, Macallen, and surrounding regions, showcasing the highest level of youth competition. And whereas through determination, unity, and excellence on the court, the RGB Flames 11 new black volleyball team emerged as first place champions, earning the distinction of being ranked number one out of 96 teams competing in the tournament. And whereas this remarkable accomplishment reflects the commitment of athletes, the guidance of their coaches, the support of their families, and the strength of the Edinburgh community that continues to invest in youth development, leadership, and sportsmanship. And whereas the RGB Flames 11 black volleyball team is made up by an outstanding group. Number 24, Maya Manas. Number 14, Valentina Era. Number 11, Ayanna Vino. Number 10, Araceli Beldan. Number eight, Raslin Ladak Rodriguez. Number 20, Danelli May Torres. Number four, Lillian Salenas. Number seven, Alexa Rios. Number five, Penelopeas. And number 17, Brianna Buen Rostro. The team is led by head coach Alexa Belran and assistant coach Sydney Alvarez. And whereas the Edinburgh city council proudly recognizes the RGB Flames 11U black volleyball team for their achievements. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork brings honor to the community. Now therefore the mayor and council of the city of Edinburgh, Texas by power of de law do hereby recognize RGB flames 11.

[applause]

I guess I'll say a little something.

Yeah, please. I was to say thank you girls for leading us off in the pledge of allegiance. We don't do that very often, but I would imagine that the number one volleyball team in the state, right, is good on your feet. So please go ahead. Uh yes, I'm very proud of uh especially our 11U black uh the first right now in state and uh um we have like 12 traveling teams. We're here and I want to thank you mayor and city for city council for recognizing us and then also Mr. Rios for giving us an opportunity to you know show our what we have. Okay, we've been in existence uh here at 16 years already. Uh I've been coaching for over 34. Um, but that's another story. But I do want to thank you and we do have, like I said, 12 teams and uh we provide uh service for the community in many different ways. We have privates for for our little ones and up to the older ones from 6 to 18 years old. Okay. We co go over biomechanics and technique and the depths of uh playing uh volleyball and understanding the game. But uh we also have we also provide uh traveling teams and general sessions and those they can give us a call at 956460 9115 uh and we can give them all the opport u any information they need. But again I want to thank you and and coach Alexa has been working hard for these with these little girls and I'm very proud of her. Okay. But again, uh uh hopefully we can bring some more teams on board. Uh we do have our 13U ranked uh 17 in the state. We have our uh our boys. We also have traveling boys as well. They were ranked uh sixth in the state uh two years ago. And then uh we do have uh other teams that are very highly ranked.

Okay, my 12U 33, my 12U red, you know, 46. I can go on. But again, I do want to thank you very very much for the opportunity to to be recognized as well. Okay. Thank you very much, guys. [applause] Mayor and City College, I just wanted to recognize some of these girls are from the parks and recreation sports that we provide here for the city. Three of them actually come from when they were four years old, five, and started the sport. Some that didn't know that this would be the sport, they would fall in love. So, it's something to for the future for you guys to look at. There were over 300 teams that were competing in that tournament that they were at, which creates a lot of people to come over to the sport and bring them to the city of Edinburgh. So, for future reference, you're hearing the numbers are there. You're seeing that the talent is here. And I think overall with the city with all sports, we have talent. But I wanted to point that out that three of the girls that are on this team were Parks and Red girls going into the RGB Flames, an institute that uh provides the extra and they've done really well. So, good job to you guys.

Congratulations. [applause] Would any of you all like to say anything? Your opportunity? No. All right. Well, thank you all so much for putting Edinburg on the map, showing the rest of the state what we have down here. [applause] Great job. And to the to the parents, where are you all? Could you please stand up cuz you deserve a round of applause as well. [applause] Excellent. Keep up the great work, girls. All right. Looking forward to big things from you all. Thank you. No pressure, but come see us when you win this next tournament. Okay. No pressure. Excellent.

All right. Next item on the agenda are public comments. Are there any registered public comments?

Yes, sir. Good evening everyone. The Edinburgh City Council allows for a specific portion of the city council meeting to be dedicated to public comments. Public comments are limited to three minutes. I'll be taking time. Please note the public comment period is not interactive. The council may not respond to public comments at this time. May council, there are three public comments. The first one is Danielle Lenandez regarding inspection. Uh good evening, mayor and city council. This is more of a followup. I was here last year pertaining to storm water pollution plan uh pollution plan inspections. Uh I live in the recently moved down from uh the Houston area. Uh bought a beautiful home here in Edinburgh. uh but quickly realized that we weren't meeting or uh implementing inspections for storm water. You know, there was dirt, soils, debris on our on our streets, which I know uh shouldn't be been there. You know, I did have a a conference call with the public works, with the city engineer, with uh the swift inspector and one of the uh uh city managers. Uh and then I invited uh the Texas Environmental Quality to attend. They they he was not allowed to. I invited uh my HOA director. Uh we were informed that at that time that SWIP only applied to commercial lots. Uh I did not agree with that. I didn't agree with that. Uh they informed our community that uh because our lots aren't uh Man, 3 minutes go by fast. uh that our lots aren't big enough to qualify. I did put a complaint to the Texas Environmental Quality. They did have a discussion with the city and the city agreed that they should be implementing inspections on

lots that are smaller than one acre but bigger uh in in a in a big subdivision. Right. So, I'm glad the city is is doing inspections like that uh to keep our our storm sewers clean of trash and debris. Also want to give a shout out to uh your permits uh group. I know uh dealing with uh builders is is not a good thing, but uh you know, I'm glad to see that our city has our back and can help us out when they can. Thank you.

The next public comment is my Miss Diane Teter regarding taxes and downtown parking garage and water rates. Good evening, Diane Teter. I'd like to offer a different perspective on how our city taxes are spent. I shop, visit, and live in downtown Edinburgh, and I've repeatedly heard disscent about the downtown parking garage now under construction. Consider how many people can buy a house outright and not take out a mortgage. Municipal bonds work much the same way. They let a city invest today in infrastructure that will serve the community for decades while spreading the cost fairly over time through interest payments. The downtown parking garage is exactly that kind of long-term investment. As Edinburgh grows, our arts, culture, entertainment center, the ACE, the outdoor amphitheater, and our expanding network of restaurants, shops, and small businesses are drawing more people than ever. This garage isn't just a place to park. It's an economic engine. More parking means higher event attendance, stronger sales tax revenue, and more foot traffic for the businesses that anchor our downtown. It supports property values, encourages private investment, and helps create the walkable, lively district Edinburgh residents have consistently asked for and are enjoying. Now, by using bonds, the city is making a smart forward-looking investment that strengthens our economic and cultural core. Now, about water bills. Yes, Edinburgh residents are facing a steep

rise about 70 67% over the next five years. Let me repeat that. over multiple years. To lessen the strain on residents budget, Edinberg's phased approach spreads the burden over time. And as water becomes scarcer and as state actions on the Rio Grand, including barrier installations, raise concerns about long-term river management, the real question becomes how Edinberg ensures that essential services remain reliable and affordable while planning responsibility or responsibly for long-term water security. Across the valley, every city is confronting the same pressures. hotter summers, shrinking river flows, and rising treatment costs. The city must invest and think about the future. And lastly, it was uplifting to see our Texas Supreme Court justices come to UTRGV for hearing the arguments on the Open Beaches Act. I'm sure the mayor enjoyed it as much as I did as well as all of the audience which involved many young people to see something like that was truly engaging and forwardthinking. Thank you. [applause]

The next public comment is uh Christine Clifford regarding Team Mario Superhero 5K. Yes. Yes. M. Okay. Good evening, mayor and city council members. My name is So J Chavez and I'm here with team Mario. We we would like to invite you to our 11 annual superheroes 5K for autism awareness and buy fun walk. The event will be on April 11, 2026 at Anberg Municipal Park. It will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 900 p.m. This event helps raise autism awareness and celebrates our community, families, friends, and supporters will come together for a fun evening of walking, running, music, and community. Thank you. Okay, now now it's my friend Jay's turn.

Okay, good job.

Good evening, mayor and city council members and community. My name is Jace Reiner and I am here with team Mario. I am also a proud resident of Edinburg, Texas. The team Mario 5K autism awareness and buddy walk will have tons of resources and many agencies there are to there to share information with the community and we encourage everyone to come out and join us. Also the Star Wars and so and special forces will be there. We encourage individuals with autism, parents, providers, teachers, and the entire community to come out and meet us. All right. Now, let me turn it up to Ben. Good evening, mayor and C city council members. My name is Benny Selenas III. I am a resident of Edinburgh, Texas, and a proud member of Team Mario. Like Jay said, please come out. Join us. You can register on our website at www.teamario.org if you'd like to enter the 5K or Buddy funwalk or just come out. We will have free goodies and activities for everyone. We would be honored if you join us and help support autism awareness. Thank you for your time, guys.

And we hope to see you there. [applause]

There are no further comments, mayor. Okay. Uh seeing as further comments, we'll move on to the ordinances. I'll note for the city council that items A, B, C, and D are all similarly uh situated as special use permits uh for long-standing uh city events. Uh, I would um ask and invite a motion to approve items A, B, C, and D in one motion. Is there a motion? Second. All right. There's a motion and a second. Any objection to that motion? Hearing none, the motion passes. Moving on to item E. Is there a motion? Motion to approve. Motion to approve. Is there a second? Second.

Motion to approve and a second. Are there any objections? Hearing none. The motion passes. Move on to item um 9A. Uh if the secretary could read the caption. Yes, sir. Mayor, consider variance request to the city's unified development code article 3 table 3.102-1 single family attached lots and building standards for residential primary RP district side yard setbacks for Sapphire at Lassienna phase 2 subdivision as described located at 4498 Lassienna Parkway as requested by Melden and Hunt. Is there a motion on this item?

Motion to approve. Motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. All right. Motion to approve and a second. Any discussion? Yes. This is uh we discussed the this development and this part of the variance is to kind of accomplish their their plan of the swirly streets so to speak. Um, good evening. U planning and zoning director. No, council member, this is for the annexation of a tract of land. Um, sorry, we already passed that one. Oh, that was we're jumping forward to 9A. We're on the first variance. Okay. So, so those two variances, council member, are for the side setbacks. They want to be at 5t instead of six. Uh, it's two subdivisions that are located side by side. Correct.

At Lassiana Parkway. But it's the same one that we talked about that they've shown us in the past. to come for other variants. Correct. Okay, that's all I wanted. So, it's a one it's a one foot difference. It's a one foot difference. So, so it's actually two feet, right? Two total. Correct. One on each side. Two feet. Okay. So, any little changes they have to come back to the and get another approval for any little minor change? Not if they meet the setbacks. I mean, um, if they want more than five feet or a a setback that's further reduced, then they would have to come in. Yeah. Uh, and is is the applicant here?

Believe a representative from Melvin Hunt is here. Do you mind coming up?

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. Uh, Marlon Gara with Mel and Hunt representing the uh, developers for this subdivision. Uh as Mr. Al was explaining, we are requesting to reduce from a six foot sight set setback to a 5ft sight setback. Um we had previously presented uh this item to you all before as y'all are aware. Um essentially the what they're trying to accomplish some of their larger home models on some of these lots uh go into what would be this the sixoot sight setback uh by maybe half a foot or so. So, they're just trying to comply uh and be within five, you know, allowed to be within five foot setback instead. Um it's not on all of their lots. It's just on a on a select few. Um it's just easier to go ahead and do a blanket uh variance on the entire subdivision for phase two and phase three. We had already gotten this uh approved for phase one. Um and so, yes, if y'all have any other questions, I'd be glad to answer. Did you did you say you had come for this uh specific variance before?

Yes, sir. Uh not for phase two and three but for phase one. Okay. All right. So on on phase one, you already requested this um uh enlarged home uh variance, correct? But on but on these phases you haven't. So this is not a repeat variance request. Just making sure. Right. For phase two and for phase three, this is the first time that we present this variance for them. Um we're just doing it just to match what it is that we're presenting on phase one. uh keep it the same for phase two and phase three. They have the same model homes for for the entirety of the development. So, they're just trying to get that accomplished across the board. Had you already come for variances on this particular development?

Yes, sir. Uh this was the one that I believe it was a council meeting ago or two. Um this was the one where we presented the block length variance and then the rear setback variance. And how come this one wasn't presented at that time?

We were still reviewing whether or not to submit it. one, we were in discussion with staff since we realized that the UDC is going under some evaluation for revisions on it. Um, we had heard that this was one of the topics that could be potentially uh revised or not. Um at the end of the day, our developer and uh partners and other engineers on the project decided to go ahead and submit the variance for phase two and three to ensure that if there is or isn't changes to the UDC, we can have that matching sight set back from phase one along to phase two and phase three uh so that there is no impact on their model homes throughout the development. Okay. Are the any other variances that you're thinking about and holding back for a future meeting? [laughter]

This this is I I want to say the last and final one. Are you saying that or you just want to say it? No, that's these are the same variances that we submitted for phase one. There was no other variances that we have submitted. We don't have intended to submit any other variances. The block length has been addressed. The uh rear setback has been addressed. The only one that we had not submitted for phase two and three that we did submit for phase one was this site setback variance that we're presenting tonight. Okay. So, no additional variances on these, right? No sir. Okay, great. Um, what is this the staff's recommendation on this? Uh, staff's recommendation was denial. Uh, PNC did approve it, though. Mhm. Okay.

We recommending denial because once you have the home so close together, the eaves come even closer. So, the potential from a fire to spread from one home to the other is there.

And that's my big concern, right, is safety, right? We have these rules for a reason. Um, I mean, you know, the the five foot setback on its own is already pretty pretty narrow. Um, and that was something that was revised in the in the recent UDC, uh, revisions. Uh, and so, um, so I I don't know that, like I said, the the safety concern, right, is is something that that actually that I do care about. Um, is there anybody available to comment on the safety concern of enlarged homes in a subdivision? Chief [laughter] Good evening, Mayor and Council. Omar Garcinberg, fire chief. Uh if you do allow this variance, we would do we would recommend that there is a uh if you're going to reduce the separation of the homes that that E be protected and by building code, they can do it. So they have to do some limited construction, limited combustible material on that E part of the home. So if the variance is approved, they will still have to comply with building the home to the building code which that like Hime was saying that part that overhangs into that 12oot separation would have to be rated fire rated

and is that is that something that they have to comply with or is that a condition that we have to impose? Yes. In order when they apply for their building permit that would be imposed on them to build it to that way.

Okay. Does that does that help to reduce the concern of a spread of fires but not eliminate it? Uh what what's your opinion on that? So I I mean I I'll be fully transparent, right? Like I don't this is something that is concerning to me because I agree, right? You have kind of an easier spread of fire, right? If if one home catches on it. So what I want to know, right, is is how concerned you are about this and if this is something that you feel is eliminated because of building materials, that'll make me feel a lot better. But if it's not eliminated, I want to know that too. I mean, it's not completely eliminated, but it does help reduce the I mean, the the spread of fire from one home to the other, but there's a lot of things that come into factor also. I mean, wind speed, if we have a day like today, 30 mile wind, that's going to contribute to the spread of fire. The way the fire originally started, it's going to contribute to. So, there's a lot of factors that contribute. The faster we get there, the higher end. So, all that comes into play. But your original question, uh, it's not a fail safe, right? Like, if you build it like this, they're not going to catch on fire, right? Because there's so many different conditions that that vary. Hi uh like to know what PNZ said any any comments u kind of of what mayor's concern is

5 to1 5 to1 the vote no PNZ uh approved it unanimously unanimous um what was their general discussion I don't I don't believe there was any discussion on this item uh is this something that the planning uh and zoning department is considering ing revising in the UDC uh setting this setback limit even smaller than the 5T in the initial talks that we've had uh the consensus has been to leave it at six. Okay. And not reduce it further.

All right. So as as of now at least right the the the current status of the recommendation which I suppose may change because we have a little bit more time but the current status of the recommendation is that we not change this setback requirement. That's correct. Okay. And why is that? Uh there's other zones that allow for like they could apply for the town home zones. That one currently allows for a 5 foot or or reduce that back if fire rated on the sides. Uh but on residential homes uh we want to keep it at 6 feet for the safety factor.

Yeah, that was going to be my question. Is there any other instance that this is allowed when it's also causes the same concern? So town homes we do allow five foot setback as long as they're fire rating apartments the same right because I've seen some apartments where they have to do the fire rating on those eaves um in some subdivisions as well. Okay. And what about in other cities is five five foot also considered uh something that you have to ask for a variance or for a single single family?

In most cities it's six feet six feet. So it would require a variance. Okay. All right. Um, I don't expect you to know, but I'm going to ask anyway, right? Um, I mean, what's what's the market's desire for having houses so close to each other? I mean, to me, if I was looking at a house and trying to buy one, uh, I wouldn't want to be able to see my neighbor through my window, right, for example. Um, so do we have any uh even anecdotal evidence about what does the market actually want this? I'm not a realtor, so I can't answer that question, mayor. But I will say that in these particular lots, uh, the the roads are serpentine roads, so the lots are irregular. So, it's not going to be 10 ft all the way through because the lots are kind of flare open.

So, it'll be 10 ft in some areas, but then it'll be greater in other areas. Uh, so it's not a typical square lot where it's going to be 10 feet all the way through. But, um, okay. Hopefully, we can have some of those answers in our next u discussions with our UDC committee. And there's there's some real estate agents that are on that board. Didn't the state make some changes to uh how how size how close uh the size of a home that can go into a lot? Didn't they make some type of change? It's an NFPA fire code that says that you need to be 10 ft apart, minimum 10 ft.

Right. And and the reason I I uh referred this to the last time we saw this layout, all these variances and changes, it's because of the uniqueness of the roads, right? Because if it was a straight cookie cutter, straight line, then everything would be a little smashed close together and it'd be harder to justify some of the variances. Correct. Could you could you touch on that? That's correct. Uh, Councilman, I did see a layout where they're showing some of the homes and how they're going to be situated. And you're right, uh, they are going to be close in some areas, but for the most part, they spread out because of the out. Yeah. Curvature. Right.

Okay. Well, you've been helpful. Um, I haven't I haven't really changed my mind, right, to be perfectly honest, right? The the safety concern is still there. It's not being eliminated even by, you know, requiring different material. Uh, this is not something that we're looking to revise for the long term. Um, because there's really no need to do it. Um, and so at at this point, you know, I I don't think this is a variance um that's that's worthy of being granted. uh if one it's not it's not the type of variance that we would apply uh generally in a UDC revision and mayor I want to say one thing I did say it was unanimous vote at PNZ but it was a 5 to1 vote I just looked at my notes okay 5 to1 in favor of the variance correct so one person against the variance uh and then five people for it

correct okay um one one other question I have just just to validate the mayor's concerns in in uh I guess this is for the developer and the the home the home builders do the people that purchase these homes know that there was variances or closer uh smaller size lot sizes. I mean, obviously, nobody lives there, right? Because this is in construction, but do they get alerted there was variances and they're a little closer to one another? Is that any anything any part of your I'm not aware of that as a legal requirement, for example.

Hello, good evening all. Um, Jacob Garlic, representative of Roads Development on behalf of Roads and Esponsza Homes. Um, kind of like you all mentioned. Um, no, there there is no set forth, you know, guidelines or whatever that we're putting out saying, "Hey, we applied for this variance, this variance, and this variance." But, you know, all these meetings are, I guess, public. And I guess if somebody was actively looking into community, they could go back and look at some of these agendas or these things on what we did do. So, I would say it's public, but I mean, we're not printing it out in our our brochure passing out to people selling homes. So that is not the case. And I I just would would like to add a little bit of what he's saying. These these really these setbacks are really for are overhangs. These overhangs on these areas that uh on these cove designs are in the pinch points. So what they are mentioning most of these most of these sixoot setbacks they're they're met by far on majority of the lot line. It's really just the pinched corners that we've had some issues in other jurisdictions where overhangs into that setback were a problem. We want to make sure those overhangs, you know, fall within the within our I guess our setback line. That's really the request for that. And uh but no, 100% we do we do grant the fact that uh you know the the safety concern on there is there. And if there truly was a safety and we were having issues with with these houses, I think that would be something that we would actively look forward to uh you know preventing. If you have any other questions for me directly, I guess I can answer them more right now. So th this particular um issue that you have with the with the overhangs, right? Getting in the setbacks, it's been issues in other cities. Is this just like a common design that you use in subdivision?

It was them just trying to maximize I think the use of their footprint and and really overhangs into these areas was kind of you kind of they were using as the building footprint. These overhangs into these areas was kind of acting against that uh in the stance of that that is the area that that would be closest to the next house. So, we're trying to fall within that footprint um and meet that minimum 10 ft between each house since that is kind of what the what the building spec was they said over there. That's kind of why we pushed for the 10 ft. It's really because of that side, not necessarily because we're trying to impose on on you know local ordinances. Mhm. So then what's the issue with just making it a little bit smaller,

right? I mean is I I can see it from your perspective. You're like, "Ah, a foot's not that big of a deal. Just give us the foot." Well, my perspective is the same thing. It's just a foot, man. reduce your house in the fire in the 30 mph wind. I don't think it's going to matter either way. But but no, 100% on future phases forward. If this is going to be a strong chance on the city, absolutely we were going to reland plan and repl for that. Um we it is a little unfortunate how we have it set up right now in this this current development because it's all been designed kind of off of what was approved during phase one, which is all all these models and everything set off the footprints that we have right now. And by losing that foot on both sides, it would be kind of catastrophic for for I guess trying to redo these these basically reland planning these these remainder two phases to fit that.

Okay. It would just be more expensive to have to redesign it. Correct. And at the end of the day, most of this stuff that we're trying to do on these curve design just to try to reduce pipe lengths, reduce paving, and try to get a more affordable product for for for the customers. Yeah. Yes, sir. I I understand. Right. And I and I get the the business venture angle of it all. Right. But for me, right, it's the safety aspect that's most important, not necessarily the profit, right, of the company doing the designing. Sure thing. Appreciate it. [snorts] Any other questions or discussion? All right, there's a motion to approve and a second. All those in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. Motion passes. Item B,

consider variance request to the city's unified development code, article 3, section 3.102, lot and design standards, table 3.102-1, single family detached lots and building standards for residential primary RP district sideyard setbacks for Sapphire at Lassiiana phase 3 subdivision as requested by Melden and Hunt. All right. Is [clears throat] there a motion on this item? Motion to approve. Second. Motion to approve and a second. Any discussion? Is this the same request? Different phase of the subdivision, mayor, but they're they're it's the same request, but applying to the third phase, right? We just handled the second phase. This is now the third.

The first one had already been previously approved, right, by a different city council. Yes. Okay. All right. Well, all of my comments and discussion points still apply. Any other questions or discussion? All right. All those in favor of the motion raise your right hand. All those opposed. Motion passes. Moving on to the next item. Uh item 10A. Secretary read the caption. Yes, sir. Mayor, consider approval of the Edinburgh Economic Development Corporation Board of Director Sponsorship of Fiesta Edinberg Music Festival in the amount of $20,000 as requested by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Move to approve. Second.

All right. Motion to approve and a second. Any discussion? All those in favor raise your right hand. All those opposed? Motion passes. Moving on to uh item 11, which is the consent agenda. Uh I will entertain a motion to approve items A through L. So move. Second. Motion and a second. Any discussion? All in favor, raise your right hand. All those opposed. Motion passes. Uh moving on to item 12. Uh any future items requested by the council? All right. Hearing none, we'll move on to item 13, executive session. Uh can I get a motion to enter executive session? Move. Second.

Motion in a second. Any objection to the motion? Hearing none, we are uh entering executive session. Time now is 6:55 p.m. Item A, Constitution with city attorney. Item B, Constitution with city attorney regarding personal matters. Item C, discussion of possible action regarding the conveyance exchange early property. Number one, Sugar Road detention project. Number two, workforce resource center. Item D, discussion of duties, responsibilities, renumeration, and possible action regarding appointment of the city attorney. Item E, discussion of possible action regarding economic development matters.

Time now is 8:05 p.m. We are exiting executive session. Can I get a motion to come back in the open? So move. Second.

Motion in a second. Any objection to the motion? Hearing none, we are back in open session. Um, having gone through the discussion, um, there there is an item where we do need action. Um and that is item D uh regarding the city attorney. So just a just a quick announcement um uh we heard the news uh that uh Miss Josie Domidas, our uh current city attorney uh will be going on to uh for the county uh as a deputy county administrator. Uh and so congratulations on that new position. We're very excited for you. We hate to be losing you. We really wish you could stay, but I know this is an opportunity for you. So, we want to say thank you very much for your service to the city and everything that you've done for us.

Thank you, mayor and council. I appreciate it. Amen. Congratulations. Thank you. Absolutely. Uh and so we are uh lucky, however, to have uh a very great deputy city attorney that the city council has a lot of confidence in. Uh and so as a result of that at this time uh I uh will entertain a motion to appoint uh Ben Alonso as interim city attorney uh to be effective April 3rd uh which I understand is our current city attorney's uh final day um and to authorize the city manager to enter into a contract with Ben Alonso uh to serve as interim city attorney uh effective April 3rd. I'll move second discussion.

Motion in the second discussion. Thank you for all your hard work, Ben. Um, thank you for willing to take this on. You've seen the workload and you're willing to do it. Thank you very much for your sacrifice and all your hard work. Absolutely. All right. So, motion and a second. Any objection to the motion? Hearing no objection, the motion is passed. All right. Congratulations, Ben. Looking forward to working with you. Congrats. All right. Um, any other items uh requiring city council action at this time? Not at this time, mayor. Thank you.

All right. Okay. So, there being no other business required and all business being completed on the agenda, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.