City Council - Regular Meeting

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. W

Thank you. Do we have any folks signed up 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 co

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

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

Actually, we won the sunset contest because .

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.

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

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?

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

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?

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?

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

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 taxpa

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

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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.

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

THERE'S A MOTION AND SECOND. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. AND THAT MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU. OKAY. AT THIS TIME, WE MOVE INTO 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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, A

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

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?

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 w

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

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.

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 Stree

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

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

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. 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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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 fo

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 collabor

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?

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

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

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

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

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 seat

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

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

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?

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? 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?

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.