City Council - Regular Meeting

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Hello, my name is Isabella Perez. recreation leader for the city of Sakoro. Thank you for joining today's meeting. Before the meeting begins, we would like to remind our guests to remove all hats and silence all electronic devices. No disruptive behavior or outburst will be tolerated and by subject to ejection and possible prosecution. is Judy Rodriguez.

All right. Well, good evening everyone. Tardes. I want to welcome everybody to the April 16th, 2026 regular city council meeting for the city of Sakoro. Um, at this time, we're going to go ahead and call this meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. And as always, uh, we start our meetings with the pledge of allegiance. And we have some very special guests with us here today from Campestra Elementary School. So, they'll be leading us in the pledge of allegiance and a and a moment of silence. If if we could all please stand for the pledge of allegiance

to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Black one and indivisible. We stand for a moment of silence. You may be seated. Thank you.

Thank you. Before before you leave, on behalf of the city of Sakoro and the city council, we want to thank you all for being here with us today and leading us in the pledge. And we want to give you guys a certificate of recognition if if you guys will allow us to do that. And we also want to shake your hands. Is that okay with you all?

Yes. Okay. And then you can wave to your friends on YouTube cuz your friends are watching you right now. We're live. Okay. All right. From Compesta Elementary, Christa Lechuga from Compestre Elementary School. Maya Aguilar from Compestra Elementary School. Mateo Aguilar and from Campest Elementary School, Jordan Lechuga.

Can we take a photo with you all? Yes. Call the principal. Yeah. the principal. Oh, yeah. Yes. Any principles from the school are welcome to come forward.

Parents, if you want to get closer to take a photo, you can stand right here in the middle. Thank you. Okay, at this time we're going to go ahead and establish quorum.

Ruben Reges, yes. Caesar Nearez, here. Alejandro Garcia is absent. Rudy Cruz here. Gina Corddero is absent. And Irene Roas, present. Mayor, we have a quorum. Thank you, Miss Navaro. Do we have any speakers signed up? No speakers for public comment. No speakers signed up for public comment. There's none on online either. No. Okay. Um motion I'd like to make a motion, Miss Roas. Motion to move item six um up to after four public comment and motion to move item 32 after seven. Second. Okay. There's been a a motion and second to move item six above five and item 32 uh right under seven. Um all those in favor say I.

I. Any opposer or abstain? That motion carries. Uh at this time we're going to uh move into agenda item number six. This is the recognition of the student athletes from the Sakoro High School feeder area. I know I'm excited. I'm just as excited as you are. the Sakoro High School feeder area who participated in the 2026 Sakoro Independent School District. James P. But Ber Spring Games and this item was brought to the table by uh Councilwoman Irene Roas. Would you like to present your item?

The city of Sakoro would like to recognize the students in the Sakuro High School Theater area who participated in the 2026 Sakoro Independent School District James P. Butler spring games held on March 26, 2026. This annual event is in its 40th year of celebrating inclusivity by showcasing the talents of the participating students and athletes. The athletes showed their skills in 10 and 25 meter walks and assisted walks and 25 50- 100- 200- meter runs. Students that competed in the spring games are eligible to compete in the area Special Olympics um spring games and other year-round athletic events held regionally and at the state level. These athletes exhibited a courage, tenacity, and commitment to their respective field events by challenging themselves and always competing in the spirit of goodwill. And I'd like to add James P. Butler particip. I want to thank Miss Roas uh also for bringing this item to the table because I I've felt in my heart at times that the the the children and the students are some of our our best teachers. And I don't know if you all feel the same way,

but I've I've felt that and I've come across that. We want to recognize the students that are going to be here with us today. And we have Moretta, you'll go ahead and take care of that for us. All right. When I call the students name, Miss Kimberly here will show you where to go and then Miss uh Soi will take the group photos as long as we have space. When space is full, we'll start a new group. Starting with Escondantas Elementary School student mate Benites Miguel Hawis, Julian Johnson, Leila King, Juliet Montes, Julian Ooa, Aries Ortiz, Isa Pedra, Santiago Reyes, Apollo Science, Daniel Salasarat, Jesse Sanchez, Axel Vovos, Jose Duran, Karim Guerrero, Dalia Lopez,

Itana Casada, Alvaro Anchondo, Alejandro De Laente, Ilian Oeda, Sophia Velasquez, Regina Flores, Tony Gomez, Ian Perez, Javvante Edwards, Daniel Sanchez, Noah Monarees, Malachi Williams, David Sanchez, Jazelle Ramirez, Dariel Bernal, Elizabeth Messi from Robert Aro Roas Elementary School. Marty Roman Palasios Alandre Veli, Pike Speedle II, Campestra Elementary School. Guo Alvarez,

Amelia Chaitis, Jacob Mora, Helios Ortiz, Sebastian Vargas from WCO Elementary School. Christian Prado Jr. Jonah Alvarez, Adrien Rome Flores, Axel Rose Flores, Dante Gutierrez, Reyes, Abigail Virginia Vasquez from Hilly Elementary School. Damen Bravo Jorge deator.

Is that him? Is that him? Robbie Castan,

Raymond Castion,

if they've already been called, they can come right here. Mrs. Raymond, Austin Rivera,

Antonio Rivera, Aiden Perez, Brandon Messa, Angel Mendula, Anna Martinez, Samaria Diran, Nicholas Lopez, Isaiah de laator, Zer Carrasco, Donovan A. Costa from Ernesto Cerna, Alexa Garcia. Isaiah Gomez.

I think that's Isaiah. Parents, if you want to get up close, to take a photo, you're more than welcome. Parents, teachers, principals, Thank you. Our next student is Ilan Velasco, Ivan Salasar,

from Sakoro Middle School. El Chapa,

Richard Monos,

Damian Zamora, Forest Nunes,

Mia Fiero,

Ariani, Mendoza, Carlos Rosales, Julieta Terrasas Gomez, Ethan Ramirez, Ricardo Torres Martinez.

Is that enough? Take a photo. Yeah. Yeah.

Let me call them out. Okay. Let him know that this next group is going to be just that. Parents, teachers, principles, if you want to get up close to get a photo, you're more than welcome.

Yeah. Our next student from WCO, Hope Ammerman. Isabella Grigo. Jose Kuros.

Yeah. Parents, teachers, principles, if you want to get close to get a photo, you're more than welcome. from Sanchez Middle School.

Himea Ortiz,

is she here?

S Gel Rodriguez, Matthew Rodriguez, Luis Alejandro Granados, Vladimir Vincent Granio, Jorge Anel, Ernnandez, Losano, Santiago, Lucero, Dario, Isai, Torres, Garcia, Gonzalo, Perez, Cesar Emiliano Rodriguez, Lucas Alexander Scott from Sakoro High School. Edward Gamboa Enrique Guzman,

Kaylee Ruiz,

Damian Okana, Pette Robaca Alva,

Oscar Emiliano, Fuentes Leslie Estrea Ramos Dominguez.

This is good for another group. Um,

should I call Karen? use the back of one of those. Huh? Big smile. from Sakoro High School. Daisy Rodriguez. Jared Eli Torres Garcia.

What? Jose Pavlla, Norin Via Seenor, Chris Enriquez, Mia Guadalupe, Flores, Kira Quincy, Thyonia Adriana Smith. Parents, if you not if you have not yet heard your child's name, please see Chief right here on my right.

One more time, parents, if you have not heard your child's name, please come see our chief of police right here on the right. Congratulations. If there are any more athletes from the 2026 James Butler Spring Games, please your make your way up to the front with our chief of police. Once again, any more athletes that have not been called, please make your way up to the podium next to our chief of police.

With that, all of our athletes have been called. Come on. Before I appreciate you all sharing your children with us. Thank you.

What item are we on now? We're on uh five, right?

You want to sit here? You want to sit in my chair?

No. two. See,

there 7 She's right here. Hello Safety. Okay, the next agenda item that we are on is agenda item number five. This is the discussion and action and also the presentation and

proclamation declaring April 2026 as autism awareness month in the city of Sakoro. At this time, I'd like uh well, we need a motion. Correct. Motion to approve. Second. A motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. That motion carries.

At this time, we're going to go ahead and present the proclamation. Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month proclamation. Whereas autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD, is a developmental condition that affects individuals of all backgrounds and impacts communication, behavior, and social interaction. Whereas increasing awareness and understanding of autism promotes acceptance, inclusion, and support for individuals with autism and their families. Whereas individuals with autism contribute unique strengths, perspectives, and talents that enrich our community. And whereas early diagnosis, access to services, and community support are critical to helping individuals with autism reach their full potential. Whereas, April is nationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month, a time to promote, educate, advocacy, and inclusion for individuals with autism. And whereas the Autism Society of Texas works to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families through education, advocacy, and support services. And whereas the city of Sakoro has demonstrated its support by eliminating silly facil city facilities in blue to raise awareness and show solidarity with individuals and families affected by autism. Whereas the city of Sakoro is committed to fostering a community that values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all its residents. Now therefore be it proclaimed that the city council of the city of Sakoro, Texas does hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as autism awareness month in the city of Sakoro and encourages all residents to increase awareness, promote inclusion, and support individuals and families affected by autism. Be it further proclaimed that the city of Sakoro recognizes and appreciates the efforts of organizations, educators, advocates, and families who work to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. Passed and

approved by the city council of the city of Sakuro, Texas on the 16th day of April in the year 2026 by the honorable mayor Rudy Kruer. So, I just want to give a little bit of background on on on this item uh before we move into a a short presentation here by Miss Grigo. Um so, in the month of April, the city of Sakoro, we promote uh this understanding and acceptance and inclusion of all individuals with autism. Um this entire council here has autism. I've worked with you. The city of Sooto has demonstrated its support by illuminating our city facilities in blue as a symbol of awareness. So, as you drive by our city facilities, you'll see that we're lit up uh with those blue lights. And this was an idea that was brought a couple years ago by Mr. Garcia, another council member. Uh that was his idea. So, our city continues in that tradition. And so we have representatives from the Autism Society of Texas. And they going to provide a a presentation to provide information and raise awareness regarding autism and also available community resources as well. And this proclamation recognizes the importance of fostering an inclusive community and supporting efforts that promote awareness, education, and acceptance. And without further ado, uh, Miss Ggo,

I want to start by thanking you and read something I have prepared real quick before I get started with, uh, the presentation. I also want to start with saying that I am actually myself a proud resident of Sakoro. I'm also the only board member here for Autism Society of Texas that resides within the El Paso County area. So, I understand how dire the support that we need here in the border town is. On behalf of the Autism Society of Texas, I would like to thank the city of Sakoro for their recogn recognition of April as autism awareness month. As a local chapter of the lo um oldest autism organization in the state, we understand the critical need for families of children with autism as well as autistic adults to feel welcomed and included in their own community. We appreciate this resolution that helps to foster the sense of awareness, support, and acceptance. The Autism Society of Texas is dedicated to assisting families and autistic adults through free support groups, educational events, and our navigating autism program, which helps guide families and autistic individuals through the complexities of diagnosis, resources, and support. Our mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Our vision is to create a world where everyone in the autism community is connected to the support they need when they need it. We are deeply grateful to the city of Sakoro for the proclamation for making Sakoro a more inclusive and accepting place for those with family with autism and their families. Thank you.

Okay, without any hesitation, I'll get started on this. So, this is going to go over the basics of autism. Okay. Do I just cue you and I need to go to Okay. Um, what's the agenda next? Autism Society of Texas in El Paso. We began here in 1992. Um, we are the only recognized um affiliate that falls under Autism Society of Texas. As of last year, we have combined and merged with Autism Society of Texas, which allows us greater access to grants and other opportunities for our area. Um, the Autism Society of uh it was began as a grassroot grassroots organization to create connections. We can go to the next one. This one was covered in my thank you. It includes our vision and our mission statement. So, facts about autism and thank you so much um facts about autism and statistics. It's one in 31 is the current CDC statistics. Um at the rate that children are being diagnosed with autism, around onethird of autistic children are identified with an intellectual disability or ID. Nearly threearters of autistic children are diagnosed with a co-occurring medical condition or mental health condition. Anxiety disorders affect up to 40% of individuals with autism and vaccines do not cause autism. That has been debunked. Do I point it here? Okay, there we go. I will say this one is my favorite. It puts a good visual on when people say it's a spectrum. What is autism? Brainbased development developmental disability. Range of complexity visible or invisible. Autism is also what people

often deem an invisible disability. It is not as blatantly obvious for some as it might be for others. Um it affects the way the brain processes and uses information impacting um communication, social behavior, emotional regulation, sensory processing and communication. Okay. Um autism and neurodeiversity. One way to understand neurodeiversity is to think of in terms of human operating systems. Just because a PC is not running Windows doesn't mean that it's broken. Um, autism or neurodeiversity includes autism, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, and dcalcula. Um, Okay. Um these days you will hear people kind of mix words when it comes to um person with autism or autistic individual. Um that's very dependent on the individual that is living with the disability. Identity first language puts a person's condition disability before the person. For example, autistic person. person first. Um it will describe person with autism. Um communication 20 to 30% of non-speaking uh will be non-speaking throughout the lifespan. Additionally, 20% may represent as non-verbal with highly when highly stressed. Um this does mean that when they're in a stress situ stressful situation, communication skills will shut down. um and other modes of communication will have to be relied on. Um occurs with and without intellectual disability. Not everybody with autism will have an intellectual

disability. Um I don't mind sharing that I myself am on the spectrum. Had it not been for my oldest son, I myself would not have gotten a a diagnosis or an evaluation to start with. Um many are may be uh experienced with receptive and expressive communication. Um communication supports are sign language, icon pictures or PEX picture exchange communication system technology as a as in assistive technology. Um some will use devices to communicate. Um written directives. Uh sometimes that does help when it's a step by step. It's not helpful to give a five-step multi-step plan if you give it one step at a time and wait for one step to be completed before moving forward. Sensory processing and moving differences may have a significant impact on self-regulation and feelings of safe um safety in one one's body and in the community. Individuals with autism tend to filter incoming sensory messages differently. They may find some experiences extremely overwhelming and may not notice others. Sorry, I push it and it takes a second. There are different ways that um an autistic individual may accommodate themselves or the support individuals that uh the caregivers might um be able to support their their loved one. Um, reduce fluorescent lights, variety of seating options, noiseancelling headphones, sensory fidget tools, reducing crowding, offering a quieter space, allowing for music, video, or earbuds. Provide items like sunglasses and earplugs.

What is stmming? This one is my favorite. Repetitive body movements or repetitive movement of objects. Hypo sensitivity behaviors arouse nervous system. Hypo kind of means sometimes you will feel less where hyper you're going to feel it at an increased rate. Um fidgeting, pacing, rocking, spinning, other repetitive behaviors. Those are movement ones that are going to be way more easily identifiable. But we also have auditory stmming, echalleia. Those are also self soothing methods that you might find somebody do um doing. Um, sensory overload can lead to a uh an autistic meltdown. That is not the same as a tempered tantrum. That is very important to be understood because when somebody is having a meltdown, it is not the best time to try and give them directions or expect an explanation on what's going on. You have to make sure that the area is safe because sometimes they will alope or run away to seek safety and something where there's less sensory things going on in the environment. Um that is really important to note because I know that we're all aware of what happened last year when a student loped. Um there's different things that we can do to reduce somebody getting overwhelmed and be proactive when we have that window of deescalation. um diagnosing autism. The DSM5 is the manual and the criteria that is they go by right now the deficit in social emotional um reciprocity, failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. I will add though because I have a son that he is not lacking when it comes to expressing emotion. In fact, he's very up on the above above when it comes to expressing

emotion. So, if you have an injury, he will be very upset for you till you cover it with a band-aid because he's very concerned. Um, and I'm trying to cut it a little bit shorter to be respectful of everybody everybody else's time in the agenda. Um, I want to also reiterate that when you've met one individual with autism, you've met just that one individual because no two people on the spectrum are the same. That's why they call it spectrum. For some people, they might experience something really strong. And when we also talk about language, um, you know, there is no specific type of autism. There are levels, level one, two, and three. That just gives an indicator or an idea of the type of support that that person might need um at that time. It can happen with appropriate support for some that they might later in life need less support than what they did when they were six, but don't we all? So, um, that is important to understand. I mean, in general, we're all different and that's honestly what makes us all amazing. Um, for us all to be different. If we were all the same, how incredibly boring would the world be? So really just appreciating what different individuals bring to the table. How do you go about getting a diagnosis? You can ask your pediatrician. Um you can also self-reer to ECI rather because there sometimes there can be a long wait list for a provider. Um ECI does not evaluate for autism but they can um provide uh therapies that can help um in the areas that the child might struggle in early childhood. um intervention skills when it comes to play therapy, OT, speech, and possibly um physical therapy. Um you can also reach out to the child fine program from any of our school districts, and that is a way that you

can tap in to get that early evaluation as well if they're outside the ECI window, which is three and above. Um there are different supports therapies um such as ABA, speech and occupational therapy. Um there are also related services through public education that are um same uh OT, PT and speech. Um, also the nice thing about being in the great state of Texas is our state has the autism supplement which affords you an autism strategist well that will help you guide you and help you navigate this journey because no child is is born with a manual. So I mean the greatest thing honestly is to tap into the community that we have. So I'm going to end the presentation there just to be respectful of everybody else's time. I would like to invite anybody who is able to come to Escarate um on April 25th for our annual runwalk for uh the Autism Society of Texas. Um it's the third largest runwalk in all of El Paso. It's a great opportunity to connect with your community. Um learn about resources and different agencies within this community that can aid um in whatever you're looking for. But it takes a village and so the best thing we can do is first of all be kind to one another that's free and foster understanding because you know it learning starts at home and that's the best thing I could say learning does start at home. So teach our teach our children to be kind, patient and understanding with those that are different from them and they might actually make an incredible friend. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

I want to thank you again for uh for the presentation, sharing your story. Um there's many stories to be told, right? Um, but I want to thank you because these these are some of the resources that I feel that the parents of our community need need to uh know and understand because I think they they they only know of what the public schools are able to offer and there's other resources and you're a member of our community so we just we bring a wealth of resources and knowledge. Um, do any members of council want to

and I I'd like to add I have the pleasure of knowing Miss Kim uh Miss Grigo and her family and I worked with Ryan and and so for me it's personal because I I think this is where I really extended my learning about autism while I was um working down here in Sakoro at Sarna for two years and very uh informal very I mean informative and I learned a lot and I supported the family all that I could and um thank you for being the biggest advocate for autism. You are amazing. So thank you so much truly if you if we have this in in the city of El Paso in Sakoro it is because you have fought for it. So thank you so much Miss Cleo. Thank you. Thanks so much. Any other comments from council? No. To the Grego family and the uh Autism Society of Texas, I want to thank you for being with us here this evening and and sharing that information with us. Thank you so much. We appreciate that. And there's anything that we can do uh as a municipal government to um I guess solidify and reinforce your efforts, by all means, please reach out. We're more than happy to help you all. Thank you.

Thank you. We're now moving on to the next agenda item uh which is uh seven. This is the proclamation recognizing April 12th through the 18th as the city of Sooto's Police Dispatch and Animal Control Week. We have Mr. presenting that item. Police dispatchers and animal control officers week from April 12th through the 18th, 2026.

Oh, sorry. You scared me. Whereas emergencies can occur at any time in any place requiring the immediate response of police, fire, and emergency medical personnel to protect life and preserve property. Anharas police dispatchers, also known as public safety telecommunicators, serve as a critical first point of contact during emergencies, acting as a vital link between residents in distress and first responders in the field. And whereas these highly trained professionals demonstrate exceptional skill, composure, and dedication as they gather life-saving information, make rapid decisions, and coordinate emergency responses under intense and often stressful conditions. Whereas animal control officers serve an essential role in safeguarding both public safety and animal welfare by responding to calls for service, enforcing local ordinances, rescuing animals in distress, and promoting responsible pet ownership throughout the city of Sakoro. And whereas animal control officers routinely place themselves in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations to protect residents, domestic animals, and wildlife while also providing education, medication within the community, and also safe places for our animals. Whereas the work of police dispatchers and animal control officers is often unseen and underrecognized, yet their contributions are indispensable to maintaining the safe safety, health, and quality of life for all who live and visit the city of Sakoro. Whereas, if it's both fitting and prosper, honor, and express gratitude for their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by these individuals in service to our community. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Rudy Cruz Jr., mayor for the city of Sakoro, Texas, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim April 12th through the 18th in the year 2026 as police dispatchers and

animal control officers week in the city of Sakoro, Texas. And I encourage all residents to join in recognizing and expressing the sincere appreciation for the dedication, sacrifice, and invaluable service provided by both our police dispatchers and animal control officers. the 16th of April in the year 2026. Good evening, Mayor. Robert S. Roas, mayor and council. I apologize. I was looking at the mayor. Robert C. Roas, proud chief of police for the city of Sakoro. Today or this week has been a very special week at the PD. And uh today I stand before you to recognize two groups within our police department whose work is vital to public safety yet it goes unseen. Our animal control officers and our telecommunicators. These these professionals represent the front line of service in many ways and are not always visible but are always felt every single day throughout our city. Our telecommunicators are the first point of contact when someone calls for help. In moments of crisis, when emotions are high and situations are uncertain, they are calm. They are the steady voice on the other end of the line. They gather critical information, ensure that the right resources are deployed and where and they're sent where they're needed most. Every response we make begins with them. At the same time, our animal control officers are out in the community addressing issues that directly impact both public safety and quality of life. And I will tell you that their work is very the outstanding work and they have to deal with many many things that many complaints, many issues and and it's very uh it's very stressful for them. They respond to calls involving stray animals, dangerous situations, neglect, and welfare concerns. They work to protect our residents while ensuring

that the humane treatment of animals occurs often in challenging and unpredictable environments. Both of these roles at the PD require professionalism, patience, and commitment to service that goes far beyond what people see. The reality is that they are not easy jobs. They are demanding and they're sometimes thankless, heavily criticized and they require individuals who are willing to serve others in difficult moments. Whether it's answering a call for help or responding to a situation in the field at the SCOR Police Department, we always trying to strive to be better. That includes continuing to support, develop, recognize the critical role that both those professional professions have, telecommunicators and animal control officers. Tonight, we take a moment to publicly acknowledge them, not just for the work they do, but for pro the professionalism and dedication that they bring to the city every day. To our telecommunicators and animal control officers present today, we have telecommunicators. Animal controls is not here. Whether they're present, working, or at home resting for their next tour duty duty. Thank you. Your work matters. It makes a difference in the lives of people we serve, even when it's unseen. We are proud of you. I am proud of you. We value you and we appreciate everything you do. Each of you exemplify our motto, our department model. We serve our city with a mission.

Thank you, Chief. Thank you. And I'll invite up the uh the Yeah, we actually want to present the the proclamation to you and your staff to them to them. And it really belongs to them. And uh I have several here and I don't know if you want to hear from them or not. I I'm putting them on the spot, but it's completely up to you all.

You know, there's been times where I've been wanting to hand off some of my phone calls that I received to the dispatchers, but I know you guys won't take them. They're so stressful. Um, but would you all like to share just some of the stories about the work that that you do for us? Because a lot of times we don't people don't realize that when they dial 911 and and they're in need of assistance, they don't know who's on the other end of the line there. You guys are moms, sisters, daughters, aunts, mothers, just like just like they are. And they don't realize the things that you got to hear and listen to and and go through at times. But the microphone is yours. If any you want to speak, if you don't, that's okay. We understand. You guys speak all day on the on the mic. I really don't have a speech prepared, but in my experience as a dispatcher, especially for 911s, um when you hear a person yelling, screaming, you know, begging, come help, send someone, send someone, I mean, obviously it's game on, you know, let's let's get them there, right? And in my experience, it's always to get their trust. I understand that they're just vulnerable. They're needing that help, like that rescue or that guardian. And that's how I like to see us as guardians, you know, the city of Sakoro. Um, when they call us, they know that we're going to help them right away, especially when they're being uncooperative. We still keep it professional. We still try to help them. And in my experience with especially a lot of calls that I've received, you know, I I find a loophole. I find how to get myself in because they're driving fast. Like, they don't want to they don't want to let me talk. They just want help right away. So, I have to squeeze myself in there to get their trust, to get more information because obviously our goal is to know where they're at. where how can we send help if we don't know where they're at and thankfully since being with Sakoro we've been 100% you know success rate of fighting people getting help there and everybody going home at the end this shift so I really enjoy you know being there for the community of Sakoro and

and helping in any way that I can thank you so much

well your your work and commitment to the city and the community of Sakuro uh does not go unnoticed and so today on behalf of the city Also, Cororo and its council. We want to present you all with the proclamation today. If if you would like to come up and receive it. All right. Weird. Let's get upgrade. uniform. Yes.

Who's Who's back at the office right now taking all those calls? We forwarded them to your cell phone. I better not walk in there and the K9 unit is sitting behind one of your computers. The next item that we're going to present this evening is uh agenda item 32. Item 33 to for the swearing in. Ah um would anyone like to entertain the motion for the uh for item 33 to proceed after 32? Yes. Motion to move item 32 up. Uh 33

33 32 33 33 second. There's been a motion and second to also move agenda item 33 uh up on the list after 32. There's a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. And that motion carries. Agenda item number 32 is the discussion and action to approve the appointment of Ashley Sarrano to the board of adjustment adjustments place five. I have a motion. Motion to approve. Second. Second. There's been a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. This time we're going to go ahead and move into agenda item number 33. And this is these. Well, you did 32. We did 32. 33.

33. Now we're in 33.

And we're going to swear in the newly appointed commissioner, Miss Ashley Serrano. member of the board of office.

Congratulations. Mom's here. Okay. Okay. See, see here. camera

on Facebook.

Last Excuse me. Fresh.

Congratulations. Okay. Item number one, consent agenda. We're in consent agenda, right? Okay. Moving on to consent agenda. Do I have a motion? Motion to approve consent agenda. Second. Second. There's been a motion and a second to approve consent agenda. All those in favor say I.

I. That motion carries. Now we're moving into our regular agenda with agenda item number 16. This is the public hearing of an ordinance approving a preliminary plat for a Sabella Valley subdivision being track 13 block 27 Sakoro grant located at 11764 Sakoro Road, City of Soro, El Paso County, Texas to allow for the development of single family residential lots. It's 7:14 p.m. and public hearing is now open. No speakers, mayor. Okay. As there are no speakers, the public hearing is now closed at 7:14 p.m.

Agenda item number 17. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a preliminary plat for Isabella Valley subdivision being track 13, block 27, Sakoro grant, located at 11764 Sakoro Road, city of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas to allow for the development of single family residential lots. Do we have a motion? Motion to approve. Second.

Thank you, mayor and council. Lorine Kimito, city planner. Item number 17 for consideration is the preliminary plat request for Isabella Valley subdivision. Some brief insight into the property application request. The property is located at track 13 block 27 of Sakoro Grant. The property owner is Ralph Duran. His representative is Enrique Escovar. The property is a little over 12 acres in size and currently zoned R2. The current land use is vacant and in summary, the request is to approve a preliminary plat for Isabella Valley subdivision. Staff recommends approval of the request. The planning and zoning commission voted for approval with six voting members unanimously for the preliminary plat for Isabella Valley subdivision at their March 17th meeting. The zoning map shows the applicant property highlighted in red. R2 medium density zoning and surrounded by a mix of R1 single family residential zoning and C1 commercial light commercial zoning. The aerial image shows the vacant lot and the mix of residential property surrounding the prop the applicant property. These are site photographs taken from Sakor Road on the far right and on the left is a picture of the far end of the property looking at the vacant lot. In the far distance you can see Sakora Road. This is sheet one of two of the preliminary plaque.

It contains uh 46 single family residential lots, two ponding areas, and shows the access to the property off of Sakura Road and then a secondary access toward the middle of the subdivision on Aria Lane, which leads to Priargas and back onto Sakura Road. This is the second sheet. And in summary, the request is for approval of a preliminary plat for Isabella Valley subdivision. And with that, staff can answer any questions. Any members of council have any questions for this item? No. And staff's recommendation was approval and so was the PNZ. Correct. Correct.

Okay. As there are no questions or comments, there was a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you, Miss Kito. Agenda item number 18. This is the public hearing of an ordinance approving a master plan resubmission section 38-7.11, master plan changes for Gateway Industrial being Gateway Industrial Unit One, and a portion of Roberty Nick survey number 9871, City of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas. Public hearing is now open at 7:18 p.m.

No speakers. As there are no speakers, we're going to go ahead and close the public hearing at 7:18 as well. Agenda item number 19. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a master plan resubmission for section 38-7.11. Master plan changes for Gateway Industrial being Gateway Industrial Unit One and a portion of Roberty Nick survey number 9871, City of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas. Motion

approve. A motion. There's a motion and a second. Thank you, mayor and councel. The next item is a master plan resubmission request for the Gateway Industrial Master Plan area. This is a portion of Roberty Enix survey number 305, ASP as abstract number 9871 within the city of Sakoro. The rep the owner is Speedway El Paso owner 2 LLC and their representative is Horgees Graeda with uh CA Group. The property is 132 acres in size and zoned ICMUD. The current land use is industrial and vacant. In summary, the request is for approval of a master plan resubmission for Gateway Industrial. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the request. The planning and zoning commission voted for approval. Six uh unanimous members voting to approve the master plan submission for Gateway Industrial at their March 17th meeting. The next slide is a zoning map showing the area highlighted in yellow and it is zoned ICMED surrounded by a mix of uh unclassified property as well as uh C2 commercial zoning. The areas that are not covered in zoning map are the uh areas in the county. This is an aerial photograph showing the previous commercial truck that was a um located at the property uh north end of the property and the vacant land to the south. These are site photographs. The pictures on the top show the development that is

currently taking on taking place, the construction of the industrial um warehouses as part of gateway industrial unit one and the vacant land on the bottom uh two photographs, the proposed gateway industrial unit 2. This is the original master plan. The original master plan only encompassed the initial property which was Gateway Industrial Unit One, the former Speedway property. And since then the applicant uh was able to purchase the other uh p portion of land to the south and incorporated the second phase of the master plan which will include two logistics center warehouses uh three ponding areas and a site uh potentially for a future uh filling station. In summary, the request is approval of a master plan resubmission for Gateway Industrial as per section 38-711 master plan changes of the city of Sakoro's municipal code. With that, staff can answer any questions and the applicant's representative Jorge Raheda is also in attendance to answer any questions that you might have.

Any members of council have any questions? No. Um, also Uh uh staff approved and the planning and zoning commission as well approved. That is correct. Staff recommends approval and the planning and zoning commission voted for approval at their March 17th meeting. Very well. Uh there was a motion and second on this item. All those in favor say I. I.

Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. Agenda item number 20. This is the public hearing of an ordinance approving Gateway Industrial Unit One Replat A being all of lots 1 and two, block one, Gateway Industrial Unit One, and a portion of Roberty Nick's survey number 305, abstract number 9871, City of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas, located at 16400 and 16450 Gateway West Boulevard to accommodate additional trailer parking. It's 7:22 p.m. and public hearing is now open.

No speakers, may we? As there are no speakers, we move into agenda item number 21. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving Gateway Industrial Unit One Replat A being all of lots one and two block one gateway industrial unit one and a portion of Roberty Nick survey number 305 abstract number 9871 city of Sakoro El Paso County, Texas located at 16400 and 16450 Gateway West Boulevard to accommodate additional trailer parking. Motion to approve. Second.

Thank you, mayor, mayor, and councel. These next two items are related to the item that you just approved. This first item is Gateway Industrial Unit One, replat A. This is a replat of all of lots one and two, block one of Gateway Industrial Unit One, and a portion of Roberty Nicks, survey number 305, abstract number 99871. The property owner is Speedway El Paso Owners 2 LLC. Their representative is Jorge Graeda of CA Group. The property is 61.2 acres in size and currently zoned ICMUD. The current land use is industrial commercial and in summary, the request is for approval of a replat for Gateway Industrial Unit One Replat A. Uh staff recommends approval and the planning and zoning commission voted at their March 17th meeting to approve the request uh 620. The location and zoning map show the property included in replat A. It is zoned ICMUD and abuts the city of Sakoro city limits. The aerial photograph shows the previous uh uh land use commercial truck. Uh these are site photographs of the current construction on the site for one of two logistic warehouse buildings. Sheet one of two of the one and one of two of the original plat depicting lot one and lot two. The replplat adds a

row toward the southern end of the property for additional truck parking. In summary, the request is for approval of a replat for gateway industrial unit 1 replat A. With that, staff can answer any questions and the applicant's representative is also in attendance to answer any questions that you may have. Any questions or comments by council? Questions? Also, staff approval, recommendation, and PNZ approval. Correct. Okay, there was a motion and second on this item. All those in favor say I. I. I.

Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. The next item is agenda item number 22. This is the public hearing of an ordinance approving a preliminary plat and final plat for Gateway Industrial Unit 2 being a portion of Roberty Nicks survey number 305, abstract number 9871, city of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas. Public hearings now open at 7:26 p.m.

No speakers. As there are no speakers, we'll go ahead and close it at 7:26 p.m. as well. Agenda item number 23. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a preliminary plat and final plat for Gateway Industrial Unit 2 being a portion of Robert E. Nick's survey number 305, abstract number 9871, city of Sakoro, El Paso County, Texas. Motion to approve. Second.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Gateway Industrial Unit 2, preliminary and final plot. Uh related to the previous two items, this is the same property owner, Speedway El Paso Owners 2 LLC. Their representative, Jorge Graeda of CA Group. This property is 72.23 acres in size and zoned ICME. The current land use is vacant and in summary, the request is for approval of a preliminary and final plat request for Gateway Industrial Unit 2. Staff recommends approval of the request and the planning and zoning uh commission voted for approval at their March 17th meeting. Voting six yes, no uh nos and no abstensions. The zoning map shows the uh property outlined in yellow as the applicant property zoned ICMUD. The aerial image shows the vacant undeveloped land surrounded by a mix of uh vacant land and a mix of commercial industrial uses. The next slide are the site photographs of the vacant undeveloped land taken from Gateway West Boulevard and the site plan showing phase two which is Gateway Industrial Unit 2. Uh the subdivision proposes six lots, three of which are ponding areas and two larger lots for the um logistic centers and one smaller site for a potential future uh filling station. Access to the property is via an access a shared

access easement and to the south uh end of the property middle south and one at the top of the property. The second sheet is just an extension of the of lot three and the final plaid. Uh the development schedule has the project potentially being complete in February of 2028. In summary, the request is for approval of a preliminary and final plat for Gateway Industrial Unit 2.

And with that, staff can answer any questions. And the applicant's representative is in attendance as well. Any questions or comments by council? No. No. There was a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. Would anyone like to entertain a motion for a quick recess? Second. Oh, I make a motion for a recess. Five minute recess. A five minute recess. Second. And a motion and second for a fivem minute recess. All those in favor say I. I. We'll take a

Okay, we're back. This is our regular city council meeting for April 16th. Oh, it's 7:37 p.m. and we're back at our regular city council meeting for April 16, 2026. The next agenda item we're going to discuss is agenda item number 24. This is the public hearing of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million of city of Sooto, Texas combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation series 2026 for streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and a new solid waste disposal system. Leaving an annual ad valorum tax for the payment of set certificates, approving a paying agent register agreement and an official statement and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. It's 7:37 p.m. and public hearing is now open.

No speakers, ma'am.

There are no speakers in public. Do we have any speakers signed up um virtually? No speakers either. Okay, it's 7:38 p.m. and the public hearing is now closed. Agenda item number 25. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million of the city of Sooto, Texas combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation series 2026 for streets, sidewalks, park improvements, and a new solid waste disposal system levy an annual adorum tax for the payment of said certificates approving a paying agent register agreement and an official statement and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. A motion.

Motion to approve. Second. Good evening, mayor and councel. This item follows prior council direction, including the approval of the notice of intent and represents the next steps in moving forward with these projects. This item is requesting approval of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $15 million in combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation series 2026. We do have Mr. Robert Thiharina from Thiharina Financial Consultants that will be presenting to you all virtually.

Thank you, Mr. Rodarte and mayor, council members. Good evening and staff. Again, for the record, Robert Thirino with Their Financial Consulting, uh the city's financial advisor and also with me on the Zoom call is the city's bond council, Miss Angela Ailop from McCall Parkers and Horton. And as mayor, as you stated earlier, the projects uh we're here to present the pricing for those projects of certificates obligation series 2026. And on page two, we identified the projects that were pretty much on the notice of intent that was published in the local newspaper. as you stated some of them uh the streets, sidewalks, roads, solid disposable uh solid waste disposal system, parts, etc. The estimated cost for all these items was $15 million. And the total expenses for the cost of issuance, underwriters discount, and bond insurance totaled $230,755. Now, how do we pay this debt back? We priced the bonds this morning and the city is pledging the adalorum tax rate, the interest in syncing fund tax rate and that is stated here on page three. We have the city's property values on column B. Roughly on row 12, 2 bill450 million is the current current certified net assessed value from last July. the city's existing debt on column D. And this morning, the underwriters sold the bonds in the market. The first payment won't be until next fiscal year, and that's on column E for fiscal year 2027. And if you notice, the first five years is about 1.7 followed roughly by

an average of about 814,000 for the next 15 years from fiscal year 32 to fiscal year 20046. Total principal and interest payback is 20,7uh20,698. Now the reason that we made the first five years payment is some of the projects that was part of the notice of intent the useful life and Miss Aila will probably talk about that uh briefly when I turn the pre the item over to her. The AG would like us to make sure that we pay off those items within a certain period 7 to 5 years. So we structured the payments to be higher to pay off those items. uh within the first five years. And by doing so, we're able to save the city about $1.8 million by making the first five years uh payments higher than the last 15. And again, if you notice on column I and J, the city's current in tax rate on row 12 is about 9.75 cents for this fiscal year. Next year, we're anticipating uh an interest or an INS tax rate increase of about 7.13 cents. It's preliminary. We will not know exactly what type of increase in order to pay this debt back will occur this summer until the city's property values on column B are final and certified sometime the third week of July. Once those are certified, your staff will provide us with the information. We'll fill in column B and then we can tell you exactly what type of increase the city will be expecting

next fiscal year in order to pay your existing debt on column D along with the new financing on column E, the series 2026. Mayor, council members, any questions on this page? The interest rate was 3.90%. And it's fixed. It's locked in for the next 20 years. There it's not a reset. It's not a variable interest rate. It is locked in and the overall rate is 3.90%. And mayor, if there's no questions, I'll go to the next page. the timetable, this whole process uh started on February the 5th. The city did publish the notice of intent on February the 15th and the 22nd. And we had a rating agency and a due diligence conference call on the week of March the 16th with staff and we did price this bonds this morning on April the 16th. Now, if this item is approved, the city will receive bond proceeds, roughly $15 million into the account that your staff will uh provide to us. We prepare a closing memo. The paying a the paying agent will make sure and wire those funds on May the 14th. Again, if this item is approved, the funds will be wired to the city, $15 million on May the 14th. Now, the working group for this financing, we have the city of Sooto financial advisor, and again, Miss Avi Liner Group, McCall Parkerson Horton as your bond council. The two underwriters were Piper Sandler & Company and FHN Financial. These two firms were the ones that sold the bonds and raised the money

for the city this morning. Their attorney underwriters council was Winstead PC. The paying agent is BFF and a bond rating was standard and pores. The uh city's rating was A and affirmed by S&P. They kept the same bond rating as you had before. What we did is went out and purchased bond insurance. And with that bond insurance, the city was able to move up their bond rating from an A to a double A. And that helped when we sold bonds this morning. It made pretty much your credit a little better in the eyes of the investor. Mayor, council members, uh, any questions? That concludes my portion of the presentation. And if there's no questions, I'll turn it over to Miss Aila. Thanks, Robert. Good evening.

Good evening,

mayor and council members and it's a pleasure to see you all. Um, again, for the record, I'm Angela Avula with Mcccl Parkers and Horn, part of the the firm that represents the city as bond council. So, um, now that Robert walked you through the numbers, I'd just like to point out one thing about the ordinance. We had originally shared, um, a version of the ordinance that contains a lot of blanks. That's because we hadn't received pricing information until earlier this morning. The ordinance has been has since been updated with the pricing information. So, um we shared that with staff, but if for some reason that didn't make it into your packets, rest assured um you're not authorizing something with a bunch of blanks on it. Um as for the ordinance itself, it formalizes the issuance of the combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation series 2026. And it's essentially the contract between the city of Sororo and the certificate holders which in this case are Piper and Sandler Co. and FHN Capital Markets um also known as the underwriters. Um the ordinance includes certain covenants the city is making regarding things such as annual and principal interest payments um as well as tax covenants the city has to abide by in order to maintain the tax exempt status of of these um debt instruments. Um, it also includes all the necessary state and federal law requirements that are required when issuing tax exempt debt and as well as your disclosure obligations to certificate holders. For example, if the city were to, you know, go into bankruptcy, that's something the certificate holders would want to know. So, you're essentially just saying you're going to notify them if something like that were to happen. Um, I'd also like to point out this ordinance is similar to a prior issuance from 2022, uh, where the city issued these, um, certificates of obligation, also referred to as cos involving the Texas Water Development Board. So the city is somewhat familiar with um this debt in this type of debt instrument. But for

those who are not um this is the type of debt you can issue for certain public work projects such as the ones we the city is proceeding with with uh which include sidewalks, streets, parks, and a new solid waste disposal system. And um there are certain steps you need to complete in order to be able to do that which the city has done up until this point. As Robert mentioned, um you took the first step back in February 5th, 2020 F. Yeah. Fe February 26 of of this year when um you took the first step to notify the public of your intention to issue these cos. Um since then, you've published the notice of intent on your website for at least 4 to 6 days as well as in on the El Paso Times for two consecutive weeks. Those publications took place back in February and now we are past the 46 days and this is your opportunity um if you want to proceed to um authorize this this issuance and the as far as next steps we will um if if the state decides to move forward we will reach out to the attorney general's office prepare all the documents necessary for this transcript and um wait for their approval in order for you all to receive funds on May 14th. So, um, unless you have questions for me, um, it is now appropriate for you all to entertain a motion.

Thank you for the presentation. Yeah, our pleasure. So, we're requesting approval. Yeah. Uh, so do any members of council have any questions?

I do have a No, no questions, but I got a comment about the the the seals. Uh, the city's been doing a lot with with very little. We get often calls. I'm pretty sure the rest of console gets the same calls about the parks. They want to see beautiful parks like they have in Horizon, the ones that are serviced by the county. there there's always someone asking for for something else that they see out of the city of Sakoro. They they've told me about sidewalks, the streets, you name it, they want it. We want it. And unfortunately, it's right now there's not enough money. The city of Sakoro is growing and I feel very confident that through the years this payment is going to be a lot less for the whole city of the Sukoro. So with that um that's the the comment.

Thank you. And I agree. I want to say that beautifying our our city is is an important factor here because we're growing and we need to make sure that we have the best that we can provide for our communities. So, thank you.

So, now that we've heard uh presentations from from our adviserss, our consulting firm, uh for the most part, as Mr. Rees and M. Roas have have said um our operating budget is one that can only sustain the operation of our city. Uh our police, you know, providing public safety, our public works department. Um the the payroll amount annually is is something that is just operational and we can never get ahead. And the amount of work needed uh for our parks, our roads and sidewalks, it's is so massive. But the amount of of funding needed to address all of the concerns and and and issues that our residents have been bringing up to us day in and day out, it's never enough and it it never will be enough. Um, hence the reason why we've gone after these certificates of obligation because we want to make this investment uh in in our community, but we want to see it done in in real time and and rather quickly. So, I think that um the council's taken uh the right direction in acquiring these funds through certificates of obligation. If there's no more comments or discussion on the table, I believe there was a motion and second if um and we can take the vote now. Um all those in favor say I.

I. Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. In closing, I just want to thank you on behalf of Angela and I for allowing us to represent the city as your FA and your bond council. Thank you, and I hope everybody has a good night. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Harina. Have a good night. Thank you. Have a great evening. Thank you so much.

Okay, moving on to the next agenda item. This is um agenda item number 26. This is the discussion and action to approve the participation in the Texas LEASO the law enforcement support office program and authorization for the chief of police and mayor to execute required documents. Motion to approve. Second. Chief.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Robert Roas, chief of police for the city of Sakor. Before you use an item regarding the law enforcement support office program. This program allows the SEO Police Department to acquire surplus federal equipment at little to no cost, enhancing our operational readiness while being fiscally responsible. Participation in the LISO program supports our ability to better serve and protect the community by ensuring our officers have access to necessary equipment without placing additional strains on the city budget. And I'm available for any questions if you have. Do any members of council have any questions or comments for Chief? Great job. Thank you for everything that you do, Chief. I appreciate that. Thank you.

Thank you, Chief. Sorry. Not not not getting off that easy. I know it's it's a program. Um I'm I'm noticing uh let me see where are we? 40 47 uh full-time and four part-time. So, you're looking at the application? Yeah. Yeah, I'm looking at the application.

So, the the that has to deal with. So, there's many different types of equipment that we can receive on on LISO. What what the reason that we have to put in our sworn personnel uh whether it's active or not is so that we are um allotted certain types of equipment, right? So in some equipment you can actually get small arms, you can get certain types of uh rifles and different types of equipment as that. So what when it comes to what you're asking mayor uh is there only a lot so many for an agency. So if I for example have uh 47 active uh I have 51 on the manning table but I couldn't get enough equipment for 150 people, right? So, it it has to be reasonable. And and to be quite frank with you, uh we won't be really going after small arms because we have our our uh inventory. But what this allows us to do is to actually go and look at equipment that we can use more so in like an emergency response. So, for instance, a high water rescue vehicle uh that is really needed in our community so that we can have it ready. It's not necessarily a vehicle that we would use often and it'd be very hard for me to use my general budget or even uh the certificates that we just discussed to use to purchase a vehicle that might cost $100,000 when we only use it once or twice if that a year. However, this program allows us to go after that type of uh military surplus uh vehicles so that we can use them in that capacity. In addition to that, there's also equipment that we can obtain through them uh for the same purposes that public works could use. For instance, a front-end loader or a bulldozer. Again, it would have to be very tailored specific to emergency response. Uh and then of course, I would not just get a front-end loader because I want a front-end loader. We would have to have a need and we'd want to make sure that we can use that or if we even need it. There'd be no need for us to go and get

something that we don't need. For sure. Thanks a lot, Chief. Appreciate the detailed. Okay. Uh, any other comments or discussion on this item? I believe there was a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries as well. Moving on to agenda item number 27. This is a discussion and action to approve the fee waiver for excavation permit fee for the lower valley water district mess sewer improvements project. Motion to deny. Second. Does anyone want to make a motion uh at least to discuss the item or is it just a motion?

No. So, they made the motion so they're able to discuss it and then if their motion changes, they're able to amend it. All right. But there was a motion to deny? Yes, they can still discuss. Okay. All right. Miss Kimo.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. The Lower Valley Water District has submitted an excavation permit for the Mesa Verde sewer improvement project. The project includes a total of 2,20 linear square feet of excavation work on the streets of Paul Johnson Drive, Sylvia Road, Cabesa Devaka Road. Uh the city has assessed a fee of 600 I'm sorry, $62,620 for the permit. This project is for a firsttime septic system um for this area and staff can answer any question and Mr. Ed Long with the Laura Valley Water District is also in attendance who can answer any questions that you might have. Do any members of of council have any questions for for the applicants or or Miss Kimo or further discussion on on this waiver?

I'd like a little bit more of information on this because um I know this is a big project. Um and what uh I want to know why they're asking to wave the fee. Um, I know we work with them and it's been difficult at times because we have requested support and um, and that's why I'm denying because I I really want to understand why they're asking us and when we ask for support, it's very difficult. Mr. Long, you want to take that question?

Mayor Council, my name is Ed Long. I'm the chief operations and officer for lower valley water district. This is a real important project for us. It's first time water first time sewer for the residents of Meda V. The project does include complete road reconstruction, but we found in some of the projects that we've done in the past, it's not just a trench that we have to replace. It's pretty much the whole roadway because of the condition. So this one set aside enough money to go ahead and redo the roadway after we do the installation of this collection system. So that's a total of three streets I believe that are being uh being serviced and then we'll come back and repave those streets for you all. That's the reason we were asking for the waiver on the permit because you all are going to get it's not these residents aren't just going to get the sewer service and the decommission of their septic tank. You all will also get a new roadway when we're doing this project.

I understand. And is there a timeline uh per se as as when this um excavation starts and the project begins and you're saying that the p they will be paved? That's correct. Will our community have those pavements soon enough and not be struggling with the roads?

So, it's part of this the contract. So, we awarded this project to CSA uh contractors, and that is part of the agreement that they have with us. They'll go in there, and like I said, they'll do the the installation and the collection system. They do the service lines to the house. They will decommission the septic tanks that these people currently have. And the last thing they'll do is they'll come back and then redo the pavement. I want to say the project is like a six to eight month duration. Uh contractor wants to start probably about the middle of of this month. Well, we're already at the middle towards the end of this month. Um, Mr. Long can um can you tell us if if the lower valley water is a revenue generating utility provider?

We are the Yeah. I mean that's one of our source of income is water, sewer and solid waste. But you generate revenue in general ultimately. Well, okay. So, we're a nonprofit organization. Uh yeah, we do generate money, you know, to pay for all our expenses. Uh this project, I mean, this is not a cheap project. Uh this is being funded by one of our bonds. So, actually, it's a loan that we're having to pay back.

And this is a a loan, a bond that we took out. I want to say it has a 25 or 30-year term. And it wasn't just for me. was for five other projects, some in the city of Sakoro, some in the county. Um, I mean, our intent is to be able to provide water and sewer service to our to our constituents, right? And and the reason why why I ask is sometimes as a municipal government, we we tend to come across legal legal and policy constraints. And and what I'm getting at, Mr. long is it's something that took me a a while to understand is is uh what we do for one we must do for all.

And um ultimately the last place I want to be is well you you let them do it and now I have to let everybody else that uh comes up here requesting the waiver fee. Um there was a church that came up and and they requested something similar. We um services were provided but at a at a cost and it was for public safety. A simple uh you know four officer manned unit to for a procession and and that that was was one thing that was actually kind of looked at and said no you know what we can't cover the cost. Um that's why I asked these questions.

So the permit fee if I understand is for paving cuts because in the I mean the tillers would come in. Not just those it could be the gas gun, could be could be electric and they're basically putting in their infrastructure. They're doing a paving and they're just paving that trench. We're coming back on this particular project that we're going to do the entire roadway. We've done this now in the last four or five projects because of the condition of of the roadways. Now we don't just cover city of Sakuro. We encompass county, Sakoro, Clint, and Sanelli. And we've been doing this for for everyone that's in in our district.

And and so by by us denying the waiver or allowing the waiver, wouldn't if we were to allow the waiver um wouldn't that shift the burden, the cost onto the the residents? Because ultimately at the end of the day, um the project there's a formula that you all calculate for the amount of services being provided for that area. um you your return on investment is is calculated for so many years. Am I wrong or am I correct in that statement?

No, I mean just like your all's bond there there's a rate of return on the money that you all are borrowing. Uh because we're funding this one through bonds, we would normally charge the residents a right to connect fee and there's some admin fees. If you all are willing to wave the fees for this permit, I can definitely take this item back to our council and have them ask for us to wave any cost to the residents associated with decommissioning their septic tank and then connecting to our collection system.

Okay. I would have no problem in doing that. We have waved the fees in the past, but it depends usually on the funding agencies. Some will request that we do a turnkey product like we just finished um Angel's Park. I know it's not in your district or No, it's county. But that one was ARPA funds and they pretty much they covered all the fees associated with the project. I could take an item to our next uh board meeting asking for the WES to be fave to be waved for the residents because you all wave the permit fees. I can see one for one. I think our city manager had a a comment. Uh

correct. So I just wanted to make a couple comments. is the excessive paving cuts. All utilities that cut excessively have to repair the whole road. Most utilities pay franchise fees. That's why they don't get uh have to pay for a permit. That is not something in agreement that the city of Sakuro has with the lower valley water district, right? And that's the reason why it's coming to council to wave the fees. All other utilities are not required because they do pay franchise fees to the city in order to work on our cities right away. Just wanted to add that.

Thank you. And ju just you you've seen the situation that we're in. We we uh we just uh approved the certificates of obligation. I don't know that the city right now is is in the uh in a situation um or or finds itself in in a place where we can we can uh allow for the waving of fees in excess of um tens of thousands of dollars. But again, that's that's only me speaking based off of the numbers and uh my sitdowns with our city managers and the financial um finance department of our city. But I understand where you where you're at and and I hope that the Lower Valley Water District can understand the position that we've been placed in uh right now, Mr. Long. But um do any members of council have any further discussion or questions for for the applicant?

No questions. I I know that there was a original motion was to deny. Is that is that the same motion that that's on on the table? There was a motion to deny the application. Um is there a second? There's a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Long. Thank you. All right then. Thank you for waiting. All right. Have Have a good night.

Okay. The next item here is number 28. This is the discussion and action to approve the city of Sakoro's legislative agenda for the 90th Texas legislative session. Motion to approve. Second. Good evening, mayor and council. This item is for discussion and action to approve the city of Cororo's legislative agenda. At this time, I'd like to invite Rickard Mendes and Marisa Marquez with Forma Group. They are presenting our legislative agenda for the next legislation.

Thank you, mayor. Council, good evening. Rick Arandari is a former group in the audience. Marisa Marquez, also a former group. We are your state lobbyist and have been for the last uh going on five years, I believe. Um this is the 90th session legislative agenda for your review and approval. This body of work came out of the legislative subcommittee um which is Rep. Garcia and Mayor Cruz and appointed staff city manager. We've had a couple of uh several meetings to discuss what should be prioritized, what should be kind of secondary tiers, and really the direction the city is going to go in this coming session. You want to go to priority slide two. What we're looking at here is breaking down into kind of three manageable uh areas or sections for your priorities. The first priority, and you've noticed they all say appropriations because what we're going to be trying to do this session is go after funding. Um the first priority is really going to be the funding and appropriation strategy. That's going to break down into several different funding initiatives. The second um Rio Vista Farm expanded appropriation. Last session we had success and brought $2 million for Rio Vista Farm. We want to build on that and try to bring several more million dollars this coming session. And the third is public safety. Um really looking at targeting grants uh to really look at targeting grants and and honing in on the language to allow for small border cities uh unique police departments to tap into some of the existing grants and you know try to get some of the equipment that the chief was talking about earlier. Next slide please.

Little cut off. Uh these this is priority one which is let's call it the appropriations uh strategy or funding strategy. We have five uh different projects or initiatives that the subcommittee identified with the help of staff. Um number one Horizon Boulevard rail crossing overpass. What we're looking at there is to hone in on language or refine language that would give priority to to border counties or border cities enhancing public safety. The second is Rioves farm specific to the site utility infrastructure. The third Soro uh police department specifically communications and technology upgrades. The fourth citywide parks improvement. And the fifth topic you just discussed, municipal solid waste. Um so all of these what we're trying to do here is and they're very specific and apart from the other strategies is we're trying to identify very clear and tangible um items or strategies or initiatives that we can then go after with with a lot of spec specificity. That's a word. Specificity. Yeah, I think it's a word.

That's not a word, Rick. Okay, next slide, please. We'll take it. city it is. We use it in education. Yes. Specificity. Specificity in depth.

So the the second one, Rio Vista Farm, again, expanded appropriation. The previous strategy again hones in on a very specific item. What we're trying to define here is any additional monies, um, mission trail clinics, public library, any partnerships we can identify to bring in this money. often times in the appropriations process, it's it's not a a very uh cleancut process. It gets messy. So, what we're trying to do here is provide a broad approach and to be able to draw in a variety of money. The next slide talks about specifically equipment and training grants for your police department. We talked a little bit about We talked a little bit about this uh last session with specific dollars going to um interoperability uh communications equipment being able to communicate with federal partners, other law enforcement partners for public safety reasons. What we're going to look do in here is uh look specifically to grants for these uh equipment upgrades, officer training, emergency communications, all of the above. Again, these are broad approaches to try to um have as much chance or give us the authority to have as much opportunity to identify funds and go after them. The next slide is the um another part of our overall strategy. Uh the way the Texas legislature works is they meet every other year. They meet for about five and a half months for a state this size that is a very condensed time period. Uh California, for example, meets every year. Uh but the way Texas does it is the way Texas does it. So what that does, it it really crams everything into those five and a half months. As a result of that, the non session years called the interim years is when all the committees meet and the committees meet with charges given to

them by the speaker of the house or lieutenant governor. Those charges are then heard in committee and legislation, appropriations, etc. uh appropriations requests or or dollar amounts come out of those committees. So, as part of our overall strategy, we're going to be looking at um committees where these three items for the city of Sakoro make sense for where council, staff, mayor has an opportunities to testify and kind of put the city's perspective forward. And the intent behind that is to um make it an easier pathway to get changes in legislation or fine dollars. That's the goal. So that's kind of the second component of it. So first we have a priorities. Second we have the interim charges. And then the next slide. The third are kind of these catchall items that um are not necessarily uh priority items, but they're important enough for the city to be looking at specifically. Uh those items are water and colonial infrastructure. Again, solid waste enforcement authority. How can we look at enforcement tools to address legal dumping? Um, local revenue and sales tax tools, police technology and body cameras, public safety is a is a theme, digital modernization for public notices, internetbased type. And then um another success we had last session, unplatted lots, we're implementing that bill. Um, I think there was a department had a meeting a couple of weeks ago where there was talk of of starting to starting to utilize that legislation. What we want to do is go in next session and identify any areas that we missed or any gaps or whatever is not working for the city and try to fix that technical fixes. A lot easier to do that once we have the establishing legislation. The next slide is just general policy positions. You can read through those,

but really anything that supports your goals, any bills that improve the health of the city, public safety, welfare, any measures that reduce the cost of governing to the city, to its constituents, any tools that strengthen the authority, and any appropriations for infrastructure, public safety, we're going to support broadly, right? We may not get into those specifically. We may not provide testimony, but we will go in and support them. What that looks like is either you you you call it dropping a card where you to sign a written statement saying you support it. That's what we're going to be looking at all these. So, as you can imagine, thousands of bills being filed, we're looking at which ones of those specifically would benefit the city of Sakoro, and those are the ones that we will be supporting on a broad basis. Conversely, any bills that deal with unfounded ma mandates, anything that diminishes your home rule, harmful to your residents, preempt local zoning, or basically reduce your authority to govern, we're going to be opposed to those. So, those are broad topics, which is the the the the fourth component here of the legislative agenda. So, what are the next steps? And this is the final slide. Next steps, um, discussion, review, city council adopts the legislative agenda. Once we have that, we share this agenda with the El Paso delegation, with chairs of committees, with key members that are going to get these initiatives done. We're going to start looking then at coordinating interim committee testimony. We've already we've already started that. We've had some discussions with some uh committee chairs and staff to allow city testimony. Uh once once the interim committee process is over, we'll start looking at who's going to actually write the bills, who are those bill authors, and pre-filing of those bills begin this November. So, you know, five, six months from now. It sounds like it may be a little bit way down the road, but it it's going to come up really quickly. A lot of this, it's kind

of like your city budget. It happens over the summer. It happens over months of work. That's what we're looking at. And the session's open. The session opens in January of 2027. So that's the final slide. I'd be glad to answer any questions or provide more detail.

Thanks, Rick. Um, you know, we sit on these uh committees. Um, Mr. Garcia, myself, and we work we work it alongside staff. um the categories that you see here don't necessarily mean that that's what's more important to us in the city. It's it's what we feel the strategy will will help bring funding in for the way we've numbered them. And you know, we've spoken about the railroad crossing overpass. we we weren't able to secure that funding this go around, but we're hoping that through this strategy, we can secure funding to be able to get that done um without having to seek those funds from our our residents. And then, as you all know, the the priority on our national historical landmarks as well. And then PD is is a major major component that uh we will never be able to satisfy. Ain't that right, Chief? financially. We will never be able to satisfy your department financially, but but it's public safety is at the top of the list. Although it may not be the one on the top of this list, and then of course our park improvements. A lot of times when we go after this funding, it requires a match, which we we don't we don't always have in the bank, but maybe we can secure some of that funding that San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin are seeing annually. We we haven't we haven't been able to see that. Um, but if this list is something that you all think we should change or move around, by all means, right now is the time to let us know and we can we can make those changes and restrategize. But we don't have a lot of time. We got to get going um with our firm here. So, uh I believe there was a uh motion and second on this item.

Yes. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you guys. Mayor Council, thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. This time we're on agenda item number 29. The discussion and action to approve the fiscal year 2026 2027 budget calendar. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, mayor and council. This item is to approve the city's budget calendar. Staff is proposing to hold budget workshops on Saturdays to allow for focused discussion. The first workshop is scheduled for June 6, which will focus on the capital improvement projects. The second workshop is scheduled for July 11th where we will review the proposed budget in detail. Following the workshops, we will proceed with the required public hearings to notify the public of the proposed tax rate and budget and ultimately bring forward the adoption of the tax rate and budget in accordance with statutory deadlines. Um any uh comments or discussion on this item? There was a motion and second. All those in favor say I.

I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Agenda item number 30. This is the discussion and action on a request received for the construction of an additional Kario Lane bridge. Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Vicrop, deputy city manager. Uh, a request for the construction of an additional Kario Lane bridge was received from the residents that live in the Kario Lane neighborhood. A petition with names, addresses, and signatures of the area residents was submitted to demonstrate support for the construction of the bridge. um citing that a new bridge would provide safe ingress and egress into the neighborhood, improved access for emergency service vehicles, improved safety for emergency evacuations due to flooding or other emergencies, and continued access to the neighborhood if future repairs are made to the existing bridge. Um, this item is brought before council so it can consider what action to take regarding the request for an additional bridge to access Kario Lane. The request for a new bridge uh a bridge project is a project that the city cannot undertake at this time because there are prohibitive reasons. The first one is the design and engineering costs that uh that go with uh having a bridge. The cost of property acquisition um currently that the area where the bridge is proposed is landlocked. Uh the construction costs uh also would be prohibitive as we would need to have a road extension plus uh the actual uh engineering construction of the bridge. And finally, no funding is currently available for this for this kind of project. So, uh, a possible consideration by council may include adding the proposed GIO lane bridge to the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the city's capital improvement projects list if you all deem it appropriate. So with that uh you would see uh in your backup the actual uh uh application or letter and the subsequent

um signatures that have been uh blacked out in certain areas because of uh personal information. If we can go ahead and go to the uh last uh document which is the uh images of the area. It's actually go ahead and further please.

Is that uh right there? So the next uh right there you would see the aerial of the area where you see the existing bridge and then uh towards the other side you see that uh orange line that you see the extension of the road and the actual bridge going into a private property. Okay. Next uh image please just go to the scroll down. So this is the uh the view from the Alamita from Alama Avenue to the existing bridge. The next one please. This is from the other perspective. This is from Garo Lane towards Alama. Next please. This is the uh perspective from Alama Avenue facing the private property where the residents proposed the bridge construction. Again uh we would have to the process would need to uh begin or um we would have to have uh acquisition of that of that uh space. The next one please. And then finally this is from the other side where the road extension would have to be towards Alama Avenue. Okay. So, at this time, if you have any other questions, that's pretty much the consideration before you.

I do have a question. Yes, ma'am. I remember that this is the bridge that we um approved uh a while back. Um so, of the expansion and making it better for the community, do you recall? And so if now if this new bridge, not the current one, not the one you're talking about, the old one that's there, remember it was approved to be expanded and because of the community that was in there and the the business that was in there wanted to go in.

No, I I don't I don't believe that this one this one here uh what you may be referring to was the application for the business to take place on the other side of the bridge. That's what we did approve. for them to go over that bridge. And that was my concern at that time that and that was my concern at that time because of the big vehicles going over that little bridge. Right. Right. And so now this is a proposed new bridge and we would make it like the other ones that were making.

Yes, pretty much. It would be um a bridge that the residents feel would be necessary uh to access um that portion of the of the neighborhood. Again, it is one of those bridges as you as you all know. We have two u bridge replacements that are barely taking off and as as you all well know that in itself has been uh difficult to undertake. So at this point um the city really has doesn't have the means to be able to accommodate the the building of a new bridge and so it could be identified as a as one of the priorities for the for the city. that we included in the metropolitan uh transportation plan and in the uh capital improvement projects plan list. Again, um it's just, you know, acknowledging the, you know, the need for it, but but at this point, we don't have the practical means to get it done.

I see.

You know, we're we're a we're a very unique city. We have uh we we still have irrigation ditches that a lot of our residents need to drive over and some of them are very outdated and we we we know that and we understand that. I think this is just an opportunity for for uh this administration right now to to add another one to the list. It may not come today or tomorrow, but as long as we have it on the list, we can put it in the plan. We can request funding from the Metropolitan Planning Organization. um work with uh the uh with TexOT as well as the Federal Highway Administration has seek that bridge funding because I think that um there's going to be additional development in the future at one point and the traffic that's going to go through there will uh if we can widen and and and create a bridge that's that's safe for all our residents to cross. Well, I think right now, like Mr. P has mentioned, we don't we don't have the funds to do it right now, but we've identified it. We'll add it to the list of of the things to do and and bring. That's ultimately what this item is about, right?

Yes, sir. And so if that is the council's wish, uh I would ask that we that the uh the um recommendation or the motion be amended please to include it to have the bridge included into the MTP uh for 2040 and the city's uh capital improvement projects list. I'd like to amen my motion by adding it to adding it to the list of already proposed our capital improvement projects. Capital improvement projects and as well as the metropolitan transportation plan, sir.

So for the MTP, I would wait because we have to have a matching and right now we're kind of holding off on that, but as long as it's identified in the capital improvement plan, we know that when there's funding available, we can go out and and receive those funds. Okay. Yes, sir. So, we can go ahead and just Yes. So basically the motion would be uh to add to uh the capital improvement plan. Yes, ma'am. We have a second. Second. There's been a motion and a second to add uh this bridge here to uh the city's capital improvement plan. Uh all those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Perez. Thank you.

Um the next item is agenda item number 31. This is just the discussion and action to ratify this letter of support submitted to the El Paso Community College for the college assistance migrant program. And just to give you all a uh brief background, all all this is is uh the El Paso Community Colleg's efforts to obtain funding uh through the through the United States Department of Education to continue the implementation of the college assistant migrant program, also known as camp. Uh, this provides educational support services to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families enroll in uh, complete higher education. Um, I signed this letter of support. All we're doing tonight is ratifying it by by seeking your all's approval.

Motion to approve. And um, there's a motion and second already. There's no motion. No, there was no motion or second. A motion second. There's been a motion and second. All those in favor say I. I. I. Any oppose or abstain? And that motion carries. And we are moving on. We've already discussed 32 and 33. So we are now um do we have any items for discussion for 34, 35, or 36? Just 37. Just 37. Uh do I have a motion to delete items 34, 35, and 36? Motion to delete 34, 35, and 36.

Second. There's been a motion and second to delete items 34, 35, 36. We move into agenda item number 37. Does this item need to be discussed in close session? Executive for that, but I can give you the short version open s it's very close application.

What do I need to formally introduce the item first? I'm sorry. Jim. Um, so we're we're going to discuss agenda item 37. This is the discussion in action regarding the Texas Gas Service, a division of one gas incest year 2025 gas reliability infrastructure program interim rate adjustment for the incorporated areas of Texas Gas Service. PUC number OS26-000030734 HQ number utility-72 section 551 071 a motion.

Uh not yet. Okay. Good evening council Jim Martinez, city attorney. Um yes, I can do this in open session. It's very straightforward. Um, Texas Gas filed a a GRIP application. That's the It's an acronym, GRIP. That's their interim procedure. That's the procedure that we've you that they use for interim rate increase requests as opposed to the periodic full-blown rate case that is a much bigger deal. But they do this every year. uh they submitted it to to all the municip all the incorporated areas. The city of El Paso has already suspended it for 45 days. They've suspended the effective date of the increase for 45 days. Um it is set to be inc May 9 and with the suspension of 45 days then that moves it back to June 26. The city of El Paso did that expressly because it needed more time to evaluate the application, hire experts to get it to get their input about the application. That is, I think, the likely the um course of action that the city of uh city of Sakoro should consider. That's all I have. My my if you want the recommended motion just to do the same thing the city of El Paso did, suspend it for suspend the effective date for 45 days. Would uh any member of council like to entertain that motion to suspend u or to uh suspend the effective date?

Suspend the effective date for the 45day period. Motion to suspend for the for the 45 days effective date. There you go. Second. There's been a motion and second on this item. All those in favor say I. I. Any oppose or abstain? That motion carries. I have a motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. Second. I got a motion and second to adjurnn the meeting. All those in favor say I. That motion carries. Thank you all.

Oh, sorry. This meeting ends at 8:34 p.m.