City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you. you

My name is Isabella Perez, Recreation Leader for the City of Socorro. 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 destructive behavior or outbursts will be tolerated, and bylaws are subject to rejection and possible prosecution.

Hello, my name is Judy Rodriguez, Secretary of Planning for the City of Socorro. Thank you for participating in today's meeting. Before the meeting begins, we would like to remind our guests to please take off their hats and silence all electronic devices. No disturbing or abrupt behavior will be tolerated and the offenders will be subject to expulsion and possible processing.

good evening everybody i want to welcome you all to the june 4th 2026 regular city council meeting for the city of socorro it's now 6 0 8 p.m and i want to call this meeting to order as always we begin our meetings with the pledge of allegiance and today we have some very special guests with us from the socorro middle school the best middle school in socorro because that's the one that i went to and i attended And so if everybody would please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible. Please remain standing for the moment of silence.

Thank you. Before you all leave, and I know that today was your last day of school, right? Half day of school? Was it a good one? Yeah? Are you guys sad that there's no more school? Before you all leave, we wanna give you all a certificate just to recognize you all because it takes a lot of courage to come up here and stand here, especially when you're on YouTube live right now and all your friends are watching you guys from home, okay? But Ms. Rojas, Representative Rojas wants to announce your name so y'all can come up here and we'd like to shake your all hands if that's okay and take a picture with you guys.

Zoe Olguin. Landon Talamantes. And Maya Hernandez.

Let me take a photo. Facing this way, we'll go around the, we'll come around the Thank you guys. Enjoy your summer.

And for everybody in the audience, that was the most exciting part of our meeting, so if you wanna leave now, now's your chance. Because at this time, we're gonna go ahead and establish quorum.

Ruben Reyes?

Yes.

Cesar Nevarez is absent. Alejandro Garcia? Here. Rudy Mayor Cruz Jr.? Here. Gina Cordero is absent. And Irene Lopez? Here. Mayor, we have a quorum.

Thank you. This time we move into the public comment portion of our meeting.

Mayor, we have two speakers. Our first speaker is Erica Ortiz Joyner.

Ms. Joyner.

Ms. Joyner, you have three minutes.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Erica Ortiz Joyner and I'm opposed to the proposed rezoning at 104804 El Cid Drive. This proposal is inconsistent with the character and expectations of our established single family neighborhood. Residents like myself purchased homes in this area over 40 years ago with the understanding that it would remain primarily low density residential. Increasing density beyond what is currently allowed will place additional strain on local streets, parking, traffic flow, and public services. More vehicles in a neighborhood not designed for higher density development creates safety concerns for children, pedestrians, and families. Granting a variance that exceeds the maximum number of units also sets a precedent that zoning regulations can be bypassed, making it more difficult to protect neighborhood standards in the future. If 10 units are allowed here today, what prevents larger exceptions tomorrow? This change may also negatively impact nearby property values and diminish the quality of life that current residents like my family and myself enjoy through increased noise, congestion, and overcrowding. Growth is important, yes, but it should occur in a manner that respects existing neighborhoods and follow the standards already established by the city. For this reason, I respectfully ask council to deny rezoning request and variance. Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

Carlos Menchaca.

Mr. Menchaca.

Mr. Menchaca, you have three minutes.

Thank you, and buenas noches. Carlos Manchaca, I live at 104.85 El Cid here in Socorro across the site from item 15. I went to Sanchez, not Socorro Middle. I hope you don't hold that against me.

That's too bad, yeah, it's okay.

But I did go to Socorro High School and graduated in 1999, so I hope that brings me back up. We'll take that, that'll pass. So item 15, the El Cid rezoning. The Planning and Zoning Commission denied this proposal a few weeks ago. That denial reflects careful deliberation by the body, and this body will review it tonight. The council and the mayor are not starting from zero. You are being asked to overturn a denial, and that is a higher bar, a bar that should be high. Staff does support this, but that doesn't change the calculus. Staff evaluates technical compliance and code interpretation. This body weighs community impact, long-term planning vision, and whether exceptions serve the public good. Those are different questions. So I have four points I want to make tonight. One, this site is out of compliance already. New information has emerged during that resounding commission conversation that changes the posture of this application. The existing structures on the site are not legally conforming. There is no letter that has been presented to make those buildings comply with the 1997 rezoning application. So I think that's important. This council should not approve additional density on a site that hasn't resolved its existing legal status. Doing so would reward noncompliance with expansion and a variance. This application needs to come into compliance first, Second, this is the last public gate. Tonight is the final opportunity for neighbors and the public to shape what happens on the site. Once a rezoning is approved, the development rights attach to the land permanently. Future site plans are reviewed by administrators, not the public. Neighbors will have no standing to raise concerns about parking, egress, building mass, or safety on that site. The council should understand that a yes vote tonight closes the door on community input. not just for this project, but for whatever comes next in the parcel under that new rezoning. This is not a reason to automatically say yes or no, but it is a reason to be certain before you say yes. So let's talk about one of those issues. The corner where the proposed site is has a lot of safety issues. The elbow at El Cid is a known hazard. The guardrails exist between those streets Where cars have already gone too fast and hit those guardrails? Adding ten units of residential density with the vehicle traffic that that this will generate makes the corner materially more dangerous without intervention Here's a critical point making the corner safer requires an in capital investment That means that the city has to rethink and replan what happens at that corner. This is not happening right now Your time is up I have a lot of other issues. If I can't keep going, I will do my proposal.

Yeah, what we can do right now is we can ask for the members of council, they'd like to suspend the rules and allow you a little bit more time.

Mayor.

I just need another minute.

You're going to have a public hearing that he's going to be able to speak up. Okay. And it's not limited.

Okay, so Mr. Menchaca, during the public hearing portion of agenda item 15.

14 and 15.

14, so agenda item 14. is also a public hearing, and you're also allowed to speak there, and there is no time limit.

You can come back. Great. Thank you so much. All right. Appreciate it.

Thank you for the comments.

Those were all our speakers, Mayor.

Those were all the speakers? Okay. At this time, we move into the consent agenda. I have a motion.

Motion to approve consent agenda.

Second. There's been a motion and a second to the consent agenda. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Okay. that's been approved we move into the regular agenda and now we bring up 14. and i'll read agenda item number 14. this is the public hearing of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the city of socorro's master plan and rezoning of lot 8 block 4 via españa located at one zero four eight four El Cid Drive, City of Socorro, Texas from R1 single family residential to R2 medium density residential with a variance from section 46-260, section two, I'm sorry, two, to allow for 10 dwelling units exceeding the eight maximum permittable units in an R2 zoning district. It is now 6.18 p.m. and the public hearing is now open.

We have several speakers, Mayor. Our first speaker will be Erica Ortiz-Joyner.

If you'd like to speak during the public hearing as well, you're more than welcome to. If your comments are similar, that's fine. Okay, thank you.

Carlos Menchaca.

Thank you so much for that extra time. And I want to start with a corner that we're talking about, that elbow. The council member and the mayor live in this neighborhood. That elbow is a known hazard. What we're asking for, what we're wanting here is a rethink about that corner to make it safer. That critical point, that corner, has had a lot of issues. We have guardrails already, and cars continue to hit it. This is not a paint and signage fix. This is a rethink, a geometric redesign with curb realignments or traffic calming infrastructure. None of those are in discussion right now, and I think they should be. So the question for the council is, who pays for that and when? the answer is the city eventually then the public is subsidizing the safety costs of a private development decision that cost should be named budgeted conditioned before approval not after the next talking point is the parking and egress issue this math really doesn't add up this is about a 5.55 acre site the applicant wants 10 units plus parking plus building footprint plus egress lanes on a street with a cul-de-sac So if you run the numbers, if residents, even two vehicles per unit, that's 20 cars. At three, that brings it to 30 cars needing daily ingress, egress from a narrow interior residential street with known dangerous elbow. So no traffic or site safety study has been presented as far as I know. about what's happening with this rezoning. So the council should not approve a variance without that additional analysis in hand. So I'm gonna leave questions for you all and I'll read them so you can think about them and maybe ask the applicant. One is, has a site specific traffic study been conducted that models vehicle trips in and out of the site, including at this elbow specifically? What is the parking plan at maximum vehicle load What is that? What is the legal status of the existing structures on the property? That's a question that happened at the rezoning before, which wasn't really answered. What public benefit justifies exceeding the eight unit R2 cap? Now this is an important part. This is rezoning. Rezoning belongs to the public. The public offers this extra space to build for profit, for housing. There should be a return of that investment that the public is giving for the extra creation of units. If the council conditions approval on the corner safety improvements, who will fund those improvements? And then finally, why is this site, an interior R1 subdivision street, the right location for an R2 density with a variance to go to 10? So those are the things that I wanna leave before you in your discussion and decision today. The Planning Commission said no. Staff said eight, not 10. So they are looking at this too. The site has unresolved compliance issues. The infrastructure is not ready. And tonight is the last public gate. We're not asking the council to impose housing. That's not what we're asking. We're asking you to hold the line on process, on compliance, and on public safety. And to ask the hard questions before you, with, and to the development team. Thank you.

Luz Arellano.

Are we able to pull up a site map just for reference in the public hearing? Are we able to do that?

Yes, sir.

Oh, yeah, we have this.

Who's the next speaker?

Ms. Arellano is the next to speak. Let me just get a photo so that we can view it. Ms. Arellano, you're more than welcome to walk up to the podium here.

Is that what you're looking for? You're wanting an aerial?

If there's an aerial image. If we could just blow it up a little bit bigger. Yes, sir.

Can I be light? It's in your background.

Is that good?

Yeah, it's good enough right there. It's where the red dot is, right? Yes. Okay. Thank you.

para ver, oponernos sobre la persona que quiere hacer esos apartamentos. Yo vivo a dos casas enseguida de esos apartamentos. Ahorita están dos apartamentos ya. Pero hay mucho tráfico. Hay mucha, este, ha habido hasta, han vendido drogas ahí, mucha, problemas con las personas que han llegado, que han salido, por más de 40 años hemos tenido ese problema. Mi pregunta es, ¿ahí es residencial o es comercial? Porque si es comercial, vuelvo a reiterar, mi terreno está muy grande, yo puedo hacer apartamentos atrás también, y pues para beneficiarme yo. Yo traigo unas fotos, no sé si me permitan, cómo está ahí la situación, cómo está la entrada. La persona que quiere hacer apartamentos quiere hacer, creo, ocho apartamentos. No sé si los... para empezar la entrada está muy ahí muy muy angostita como para que esté entrando y saliendo mucho tráfico por ahí ahí dice que tiene que hay un parking atrás y que caben muchos con muchos carros que puede entrar hasta la pagadora porque ahí lo está demostrando pero en realidad No creo yo hay personas que tienen niños y si el tráfico va a estar fluyendo enfrente de la entrada ahí. Es como una persona que ahí cabe un carro. No puede ser que la persona que viva ahí tenga su niño que esté entrando y saliendo tráfico, porque no hay salida. Hay entrada, pero la misma entrada es la salida. Y sí, está muy bonito el panorama que pusieron ahí, pero yo digo que no. Y luego yo tengo muñecas que yo las cuido y para que anden ahí jugando, a veces andan ahí jugando y los carros que están ahí salen, pues tengo yo que estar al pendiente de ellas. Yo prefiero que ya no haya ahí más apartamentos. Y si hay apartamentos, porque las personas, ellos nomás van, recogen el dinero, no les interesa quién entra, quién sale. ¿Cómo está ahí la situación? Y para mí ya sería muy brumoso estar, pues hasta uno mismo, porque ellos salen, como es la salida directa, ellos salen recién. Y en veces nomás llegan ahí y llegan trailers, llegan carros de todos, trocas de diferentes, Those were all our speakers. We didn't have any more speakers? No. The applicant,

DID THE APPLICANT WANT TO SPEAK AS WELL?

GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS DAVID, AND I'M WITH APG PLANNING CONSULTANTS, AND I REPRESENT MISTEAS. THERE'S TWO ITEMS, I THINK 14 AND 15. ON THIS ITEM THAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN REQUESTING A VARIANCE, AND CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, we and i think we're asking for 10 units with this item we would like to remove this can and go when we see the next item come up and just we would like to accept staff recommendations which they're recommending so i mean in order for us to save a little bit of time Are you all taking these together?

No, it's two items, two separate items.

I mean, we don't want to follow this anymore with a 10. We'd like to just go back to 8.

Okay, thank you. Are there any more speakers that want to speak during the public hearing portion of this item before we move on? No? Okay, at this time we're gonna go ahead and close the public hearing at 6.29 p.m. We move to agenda item number 15. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the City of Socorro's master plan and rezoning of Lot 8, Lot 4, Via España, located at 10484 El Cid Drive, City of Socorro, Texas, from R1 single-family residential to R2 medium-density residential with a variance from Section 46-260 to allow for 10 dwelling units exceeding the eight maximum permittable units in an R2 zoning district. Motion to deny. Second.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Lorene Kimito, City Planner. Item number 15 for your consideration is a rezoning request for the property located at 10484 S. Sid Drive. Some general information regarding the request. This property is located at lot eight, block four of Via España subdivision. Property owner is Maricela Tellez and her representative is David Olguin of EPG Planning Consultants who you heard speak and can answer any questions following my presentation. The lot is 24,276 acres in size. It is currently zoned R1. and currently residential. The future land use map designates this area as suburban residential. In summary, the request is to rezone a property from R1 to R2 with a variance from section 46 to 62 to allow for 10 dwelling units which exceeds the maximum eight permittable in an R2 zoning district. planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the rezoning request with eight maximum allowable units under r2 the planning and zoning commission voted denial at their may 5th meeting five yes one no and zero abstentions the zoning map shows the r1 single family district that the applicant property is located in The next slide gives you a little more context regarding the Via España subdivision. This subdivision was planted in 1978 and consists of 54 R1 lots, one R2 lot, and two C1 lots, which are close to the intersection of El Cid and Buford. The next slide shows the future land use map. The Socorro 2040 Comprehensive Plan recommends suburban residential for this area, which is five dwelling units per acre. The aerial image. shows the El Cid property at the location as described by Mr. Menchaca, the corner elbow of El Cid, and the property located within the lot, as well as the mix of residential dwellings surrounding the property. These side photographs were taken from El Cid looking into the property. You can see the existing duplex. Public notification was sent to property owners within 200 feet of the applicant property. Prior to the meeting, no notifications written in writing were received either in favor or against. But at the May 5th meeting, during the public hearing, among the three speakers that you heard today, we heard three additional speakers. The comments that were received today represent the bulk of the comments that were made at the public hearing. The six residents of the El Cid neighborhood who expressed opposition to the proposed rezoning at the May 5th meeting cited concerns regarding losing neighborhood character, the traffic, safety concerns, infrastructure concerns, as well as whether this was a compatible use for the existing residential neighborhood. The next slide shows the development plan showing what was proposed, three buildings, including the existing duplex, which is closest to El Cid, and then the two additional buildings, which would contain the additional six dwelling units. The property site plan also shows 20 parkings, the ponding area to the rear, and The drainage drainage flow The next slide in the development plans showed the elevation proposing two stories exterior side stairwells In summary, this request is for approval of a rezoning from R1 to R2 with a variance from section 46 to 60 to allow for 10 dwelling units exceeding the eight maximum permittable units in an R2 zoning district. With that, staff can answer any questions and the representative is here to answer any questions that you might have as well.

Thank you, Ms. Quimito. Do any members of council have any questions for Ms. Quimito on this agenda item? No?

For the applicant, got a question. Well, first of all, I wanted to apologize. I could barely hear what you were saying in your statement on the first item.

Yeah, I think there's two items. One is a variance to allow 10 units. Okay. And that, I believe, was the first item. And we don't want to go with the 10 units. We'd like to go with the eight as staff recommends, which is on item two. So we want to, when it gets rezoned under the code on R2, we're allowed up to eight units.

Eight, okay.

We need to be a separate item. I do have a small presentation that I'd like to... Yeah.

So they have the rezoning request with the variance, right? So if he wishes to withdraw the variance, then you're looking at the rezoning. And the maximum is eight units, not 10.

And the rezoning will only allow them, well, we wouldn't know.

The eight units. So if they rezone to R2, he's allowed to build up to eight units.

And right now, it's just single-family residential, right?

Correct. It's single-family. He was requesting to rezone to an R2, but instead of the 8, he wanted 10. Right now, he's withdrawing the 10, stating that he stays at 8 if the rezoning gets approved. Is that correct, sir?

That is correct.

This is a area and I wanted to identify going north and south we have on the left hand we have Socorro and of course Alameda on the right hand. Those are your major thoroughfares. Beaufort also in the north is one of your also east and west thoroughfares. El Cid Santa Paula are probably a few of the ones where the traffic comes in from. So that kind of gives you how the traffic flows in this area. Of course, it was mentioned before that this is a curve in that area where our project is. This is a zoning map, a little bit more identified, where the black shaded area, that's the project. And a few houses down to the right-hand side, you have R2 properties. And then behind it, you have R2 around the properties and R3s that have been approved by council at one time or another. uh, does identify, in other words, where our life safety studies that we've done, the fire apparatus by code, the site is designed by code to meet the apparatus and fire in and outs. Fire apparatus can come in 150 feet and then the rest has to be served by a hose which meets the requirements. There's also a fire hydrant right across the street. So for life safety issues, we're in code. Next is ponding, which a lot of the sites here don't have any on-site ponding in. We're prepared to introduce that and meet the code. And we can handle any ponding requirements that'll be required by the code. Our site also, the other thing I want to mention on this picture that y'all looking at it, we already reduced it to eight. We are meeting all parking requirements plus, and we'll, of course, we'll have amenities as landscaping and other features that we'll need for the department, well, the weapons. Just want to look from the outside. I wanted to also mention that in lieu of the way we proceeded this project is pulling up the ordinance that council passed, which I thought was kind of very progressive to get properties going and incentives and stuff. One is so that their properties are not abandoned. If they're vacant, then they need to be refilled to try to avoid vagueness in the end. I know that the neighbors were not very happy about getting aid and then

Well, I'm pretty sure they're not very happy about getting eight dwelling units. Did the owner or did yourself speak to any of the neighbors? Maybe you guys can come into like a mutual ground, maybe not eight, maybe five, four. No, sir. No? The only concern or comment I have is it's a big lot it looks like there's nothing built on the back i mean there's there's trees and possibly trash um and personally i would prefer to see a building that can be used for for a family or or so than to see an empty lot that's uh that's my My opinion, as far as having issues with traffic, nobody likes traffic. When we bought the house, I didn't have any backyard neighbors. It was empty lot, I loved it, and then they started building, and I wasn't very happy about that. But the city's growing, Again, there's issues with neighbors. I hear something about having problems with people selling drugs. Just because they're apartments, I don't think that just, they're gonna be doing those illegal activities. What I would like to see is maybe the neighbors and the owner possibly get together and be able to find a solution. Maybe not, again, not the aid, but maybe four or five dwelling units. That's my comment.

And in addition, the way I'm seeing the map here, streetwise, the concern is the entrance. So if this is for an eight family, the entrance, can you explain to me? Looking at the map.

If you look at the map up on the screen.

Right.

We have an entrance of about between 26 to 28, which is required by the fire code. And it's plenty enough for in and out egress and ingress. So it's kind of what you would see on a commercial in and out.

Yeah, I see, I see this.

Thank you. It's to code.

Do any other members of council have any questions or comments they'd like to make? On this item, before moving forward, I know that there was an initial motion to deny, and I believe there was also a second, unless anyone would like to change their motion. That's what's on the table right now. That's what's on the floor.

Mayor, we do have the three speakers signed up, okay?

So we have three speakers signed up as well to speak? That's correct. Okay.

As long as you understand that the first one, we're just going to go now with just the rezoning.

Yes, we understand that you're asking for eight units versus 10.

That's including the ones that are there.

Yeah. And I thank you for the presentation and your explanation. We'd like to see abandoned properties developed. We'd also like to see it done in a manner that also represents what's currently there. And then, as you can see, we have just a mix of residents that came to speak today. We have our elderly. We have the youth and then we have the really, really young residents like myself sitting there in the back. But no, I can see where both sides are coming from. I mean, you all as property owners and developers would like to develop on land that's just vacant and maybe accumulating tumbleweeds and whatnot. But we'll go ahead and move into the comments by the speakers here.

Erica Ortiz Joyner.

Honestly, oh, okay. I just wanna add like if anybody, if any of you have actually like seen it in person, it really isn't that big. I know you guys are looking at numbers. I know last time when we came in, they were doing numbers. One of the guys, I don't know if he's here. I don't think he's here. But he did numbers in his head and eight units, especially 10, doesn't add up to what would fit an eight unit apartment. So, I mean, I would invite all of you guys to go and check it out in person and you'll see that that just doesn't make any sense at all. I'm all for, again, for the city to grow, but I don't think that's the area for them to do so. And also, I know, so my mom's house is there, right? So we spend a lot of our time there, but I live on the next block, which I know some of our, well, our mayor actually lives not too far from that as well, and I know it'll affect me as well. We live... on the same street, but I know it'll affect him as well and whoever else is around that area. But just to reconsider and maybe go check it out in person.

Thank you. Carlos Menchaca.

Thank you. And what I would like to add is take what was offered here in discussion and have a discussion and bring everybody together and talk about it. because I think the issues are, they're multiple and very different issues, but I think it's good for discussion, and that hasn't happened yet. So I think... At this point, I'd have to put in a request for open documents to get your information, but if you can give me your information, I'd be happy to talk to you and maybe talk with other residents and organize a little bit more of a discussion so that we say no today and then we come back with something that could work. That would be great. I think that's a win-win for everybody. And that way we can all talk about the issues. I wanna emphasize the concept of zoning belongs to the people. And the representatives, as representatives, we represent our voice to figure out how we bulk. But that's public. That's public land that becomes private because they can't do anything right now. The public gives them that opportunity to build up. That requires some kind of give and take. And so there's a lot of work that I see here on this corner. If you've driven on this corner, you know that people won't stop that quickly to turn. There are a lot of near accidents. Just look at the data of what's been already cataloged by the police department and crashes that have happened with our front neighbors. So there's a lot of good stuff here to dig into, and I'm happy to take the lead on that. If we could exchange information, that's up to you. I will be requesting that information so I can reach out, but we're here to talk, discuss, and make Socorro better.

Mr. Menchaca, your turn. Luz Arellano. Buenas tardes.

Mi único comentario es, usted acabó de decir con mucho respeto, usted compró casa y empezó a notar que empezó a llegar gente, ¿verdad? ¿Usted no cree que pueda haber que haya ahí drug dealing? Yo ya lo pasé por eso. Yo llamé a la policía porque era de todo el día estar que llegaban y entraban. A media noche, no es de que estuviera yo ahí de chismosa, pero me empecé a preocupar de ver carros entrando y saliendo. Yo hablé a la policía. Yo he visto peleas, he visto borrachos, he visto de todo. Mi preocupación ahorita es que el joven dice que sí hay una entrada, y esa entrada no le puede decir cuántos pies ni nada de eso. Pero las familias que viven ahí, los niños andan ahí jugando. Por ahí van a pasar el tráfico y va a salir el tráfico. No hay de que quiera él hacer un parque o algo para los niños. No hay donde jueguen los niños. Ahora, si ustedes piensan que los niños no importan, pues ya es su decisión. Thank you. Those were all our speakers. Were those all the speakers? Okay.

Ms. Camilo.

And one last comment that I'd like to add. Right? So we are growing. But as I had mentioned in another situation, I want quality of life, quality of life for people. bringing small units in a small area, it is not quality. And so that is my stance, where I believe, yes, we're growing, but let's make sure that it's quality, what is growing in the city of Socorro.

I just wanted to cooperate with the gentleman that spoke before, like this item could be tabled.

Can you speak into the microphone? We can't hear you.

Yes, I'd like this item to be tabled so we could collaborate with the gentleman or the representative of the group, so maybe you can see what we can come up with.

So I want to amend my motion to table this item for... Postpone. I'd like to postpone this item until... Next meeting is on June 25th.

The following after that I think falls on July the 2nd?

Yeah, it's July 2nd. So our second meeting in July.

Two meetings.

Yeah, so it's next meeting, the meeting after that, and the meeting after that. So I'd like to amend my motion to postpone for our second meeting in July. I don't have the date on me right now.

Second meeting in July is going to be on the 9th. The first meeting of July will be on the Tuesday since Thursday is the 4th, if I'm not mistaken.

July 16th.

The 16th.

Is the second meeting in July.

I'd like to amend my motion or postpone it. for July 16th meeting, hopefully they come to consensus and to involve everybody in the community and make sure that everybody gets an input because there's a lot of input and importance here and just talk and we can hopefully get to a common ground and we'll see what happens then. That's my motion.

There's been a motion and a second on the table right now to postpone the item. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. The item's been postponed until further notice, until the- Until July 16th. July 16th, I'm sorry. Thank you all. We move on to agenda item number 16. This is a public hearing of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the city of Socorro's master plan and rezoning of tracks. 2B, 3A, 4A, and 4H, Block 11, Socorro Grand, located at 11580 North Loop Drive, Socorro, Texas, from agricultural to general mix use to allow for commercial and residential development. A public hearing is now open at 6.54 p.m. May we have a speaker?

Mayela Mejia.

So no speakers for 16 for the public hearing?

Okay, at this time we close the public hearing at 6.54 p.m. We move on to agenda item 17. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a proposed amendment to the city of Socorro's master plan and rezoning of tracks 2B, 3A, 4A, and 4H, block 11 Socorro Grant located at 11580 North Loop Drive, Socorro, Texas from agricultural to general mixed use to allow for commercial and residential development.

Motion to approve with staff recommendations. Second.

Thank you again, Mayor and Council. Item number 17 for your consideration is a rezoning request. This rezoning is for the property located at 11580 North Loop Drive. Property owner and representative Martha H. Grijalva of Plaza Real Estate. And their second representative Mayela Mejia is also in attendance to answer any questions that you might have after the presentation. This property is 14 acres in size. It is A1 agricultural. It is currently vacant with a vacant home on the property. The future land use designates the area as rural residential. And in summary, the request is for a rezoning of a property from A1 Agricultural to GMU General Mixed Use. This would be to allow for commercial residential development. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the request with a condition that a master zoning plan be submitted, reviewed, and approved in accordance with the ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted for approval for yes, one no, and one abstention at their meeting on May 5th with the condition that the MZP be submitted, reviewed, and approved in accordance with the ordinance. The property is depicted here, outlined in white. A1 agricultural zoning district surrounded by A1 agricultural zoning district in green, yellow and orange, the R1 and R2, and a C2 commercial use adjacent to the property on North Loop. The future land use map designates the area as rural estate. The aerial map shows the different land uses surrounding the applicant property highlighted in yellow. The applicant's property again is vacant and there is one vacant home on the lot. The surrounding properties are a mix of single family residential as well as rural residential and agricultural uses. These are photographs taken of the property. The top photographs were taken from North Loop, and the bottom photograph was taken from the side road, which gives access to about four or five property owners that are on the west side of this property. Public notice was sent to property owners within 200 feet of the applicant property. Prior to the meeting, two calls were received asking questions and expressing concern regarding the development, but no written notices were received either in favor or against. At the May 5th public hearing though, two property owners did speak and they expressed their opposition to the request. The speakers were among the five residents whose properties are accessed from North Loop, via an undedicated roadway adjacent to the applicant's property. The residents expressed concerns that the proposed development would increase traffic on North Loop and increase the potential for accidents. They were concerned about the possible disruption of access to their properties via the private access and irrigation delivery. as well as increased noise and congestion from the commercial activity and apartments that would be proposed for the area. Additional concerns regarding the lack of existing water and sewer service for those five residents. A representative from the El Paso County Water Improvement District also spoke and reminded the applicant that an irrigable plat is required and needs to be submitted and approved by the Water Improvement District number one to ensure that the delivery of water irrigation is not disrupted by this development. The next slide is a conceptual plan. This is not a fixed idea, but the applicant did want to continue with their rezoning request to see how council felt about this type of development. The conceptual plan shows commercial buildings at the front facing north loop and apartments to the rear. Landscape, parking, ponding area to the rear of the property. Parking throughout is, and the access being depicted here is toward the northern end of the lot. And since this is your first general mixed use zoning request, I did want to go over the purpose, guidelines, and procedures just briefly. The GMU zoning district is intended to provide flexible, Flexibility for the integrated development of residential, neighborhood, commercial, and institutional uses within a single unified plan. It promotes a coordinated approach to land development while helping preserve the city's historic and rural character. Infill and redevelopment within existing neighborhoods, providing a mix of housing types and densities, promoting walkable mixed-use environments, integrating residential, commercial, and civic uses rather than separating them, including parks, open spaces, and community gathering areas, reducing the visual and functional dominance of vehicles as secondary in design However, the procedure does outline that a master zoning plan is required along with the application. And it must be submitted to include enough detail for Planning and Zoning City Council to evaluate the land use and its compatibility and potential impacts to the surrounding properties. This was discussed with the applicant and they requested to proceed with the application and the hearings before planning and zoning commissioning and city council which is why Planning and Zoning requests approval of the rezoning with the condition that the master zoning plan be submitted first and evaluated, approved by Planning and Zoning before any development can happen on the property. This has been an ongoing conversation. We did initially meet with the applicant in February of 2025. for a pre-development meeting where a lot of items were discussed and they are issues that require a lot of coordination. This is on North Loop. We need to coordinate with TxDOT for the placement of the access as well as with the Water Improvement District because this crossing would go over the east lateral. But before they invested any more into this project, they wanted to get feedback from the city. And with that, the summary is a request for approval of a rezoning of a property from A1 to GMU, general mixed use, to allow for commercial and residential development. And with that, staff can answer any questions. And the applicant's representative, Mayela Mejia, is also in attendance to answer any questions as well.

Ms. Camilo, can we have staff go, can you just go to the map again of, let me see, next, right there. The other one's fine. There you go. There was a man-made bridge that was closed off of North Loop. The Water Improvement District closed it. Is this? No, that's Carr Road.

It's nearby, but not this one. Okay, I was gonna say.

And are any of the residents that surround the future development here, do any of them lack any of the services, like the utilities?

That is correct. Two of the speakers, Lived on the western side of the development So on the left hand side of the photograph two of those individuals spoke at the public hearing They are not here today, but they did express concern regarding regarding lack of utilities being bypassed Wanting to see those issues addressed before new development is approved and

I think the new development assists in these residents being able to acquire those utility needs if the applicant is willing to help with that. I mean, again, I don't know what the city can. I mean, obviously we can't demand it. But if we're able through this new development to tie in those residents that are lacking those basic utilities. Correct.

Another area of coordination of the Lower Valley Water District and their plans. We checked in with the Lower Valley Water District and this neighborhood is identified as a project, but their map hasn't been updated in a bit. So it was identified as a 2026 project. and they still don't have funds to provide water, and they do not have plans to provide sewer, but if working with the applicant and Lower Valley Water District, some form of coordination can be worked on to provide the services to these residents, I think that we can do that.

And I just want to add, this development would bring the infrastructure that would be easier for the neighboring neighborhoods to be able to connect to those services that are no longer, so the investment is being made by the development, no longer by the lower valley water. They would just have to coordinate with the lower valley water, El Paso Electric and all the services that they're not entitled to, to be able to connect to that infrastructure.

Mr. Garcia? Just a question for Ms. Camino. When we ask for staff, the recommendation from staff, will that come back to us before we?

Correct.

To see the maps? Because that water plan looks a little dicey. And not dicey in a bad way, like a lot of work.

Correct. The access on North Loop is a big concern. The exact location, what can we do to provide access to the adjacent lots, the crossing, that's an expensive proposition, as well as some concerns about whether this development really fits the spirit of a general mixed use where we are lacking details, where are the sidewalks connecting the residential to the commercial Where are the open spaces? Where are they tying in the cultural aspects and the preservation of open spaces?

So this approval is pretty much to get it started and map it out, blueprints?

Correct.

And see what they can do. If not, then they'll go back to the drawing board.

Correct.

Okay.

It will go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their recommendation and to City Council for final approval before anything is constructed.

Thank you.

Correct. So I just want to clarify this right here is for the rezoning. Once approved, it's not going to come back, right? When they go through the platting process, they have to meet all of the contingencies in order for us and the plat will come to council for approval, but we won't present it to approval until we have the master and whatever the condition was. But this actual item will not come back after today because you're approving it with the condition that they meet these requirements that's what i'm asking because i mean to to for the water plan it looks it would be something great but the plot will right once but that has to be that plan has to be in there that's what i'm asking correct so the zoning is one thing then when they develop they'll submit the plans and that's going to come back for you guys to approve right okay if we have concerns you're able to ask you're able to ask for you know I want what about working with an entrance over here what if you put some right you're able to work but right now all they're asking for is the rezoning okay thank you is land ownership still being negotiated on this here sure sure

Good evening. Council. Yes, so the applicant is here. What was your question?

if the land ownership agreement is still being negotiated or that it's already owned.

He owns it.

And the reason I ask is, in the past, we've had these master plans submitted, and I know a lot of times developers are hesitant to purchase the land before it gets approved by any governmental entity because that just... I bought a piece of land and now I can't build on it. That used to happen and it still happens. And in the past here in Socorro, it's been presented to us and we approve these plans and then for whatever reason, the land was still being negotiated and it just, it got stopped. Not because of the developer's fault but because of the owner and their family members couldn't come to an agreement, and now we lack parks and other features of that master plan, and then we get questioned about it. So I wanna make sure that we don't fall into the same hole here with this one.

No, he does own it. He also owns his business, which he's owned for six years, Melhead Trucking. So it's on Americas. So he is part of the community. We came up with this idea along with staff, what would be, you know, we brought up the fact of the general mixed use. because of the traffic, because there was no commercial, there was no stores. So seeing that there's a lot of residential across the street, we talked about this project and Mr. Melendez agreed that this would be something that he would be willing to do, something that is new to Socorro, and that would definitely help the traffic because the mixed use, you wouldn't have to get in your car, right? You could walk to the store, you can walk, and get the basic staples which is will be just down the street we will work with the neighbors during one of the first meetings we did speak with the utilities so this development will also help the area behind it to get gas so we're gonna we're gonna help we're gonna work with the utilities to to help the community. So we're not, it's not just about him, it's about Socorro. And that's why I'm very proud to present this project, which will be the first of its kind. And hopefully we can have others follow suit. So we wanna be, build the project. It's gonna be three to three and a half million. And along with staff, we will accept their recommendations and we'll speak to TxDOT and everybody else. you know, we have to talk to.

Yeah, you guys can really sit down and plan it out right and help the surrounding residents because, yeah, they've lived there for a long time and they haven't had the ability to get these services provided to them just because of the cost. There's a big gap there and the utilities, unfortunately, they were not going to cover that cost. But I think with new development moving in, I think there's an opportunity there for those residents to get some of those first-time services. Any other comments or questions from council?

Just a comment for, just make sure you get with the neighbors. I know they were complaining and explained to them the whole plan, because a lot of the times they see development and they don't like it, like the previous items. They see developments, they're like, it's traffic, it's going to be crime, it's going to be, and they'll come up with a list of issues that they don't like. But if you tell them, explain to them, you know what, it's going to help you because we might be able to open this or that. And I like the plan. I was talking to one of my neighbors and we were discussing. And through the discussion, he said, I don't like to, I wish we had stores closer by. So I'm gonna send them over so you can.

Yes, so this will be something good for the community and because I'm taking the lead on this project, I'm putting my name on this and I'm gonna make sure that this is a one of a kind and you guys will be proud of this project. Thank you.

And that was my next comment that while building these new developments that we hope that our developers keep in mind that what we're needing. We don't need warehouses. We don't need storage places. We need retail for our community so it can thrive. And so just keep that in mind.

Absolutely. Thank you. We did speak to the neighbors when we were here and they were happy to hear, you know, that Mr. Melendez is here to help move forward what your vision is for Socorro. And so we're going to go, you know, speak to staff. And I just have to say staff has been amazing. And I always say it's the leadership, right? So thank you all for this. And planning department is just amazing to work with. And thank you and all your staff. So thank you.

Thank you all.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you.

I believe there was a motion and second to approve with the recommendations of staff. Unless there's any amendments to that motion. There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. Thank you.

Thank you. Have a good evening.

Agenda item number 18, this is the public hearing of an ordinance approving a replat for Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, replat HB, and a replat of Block 5, Block 10, Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, and located at 321 Vallehermoso Drive, City of Socorro, Paso County, Texas, at 7.14 p.m., and the public hearing is now open.

Mayor, we have a speaker, a virtual speaker, Maria Robles.

Ms. Robles, okay.

Yes, this is Maria Robles with GRV representing our client for the subdivision request.

Good evening, Ms. Robles.

Good evening.

We're now in the public hearing portion of this agenda item. If you have any comments, now's the time to make them during the public hearing.

We are the engineers that are subdividing the property, so at this time we do not have any comments. We're hoping that you approve our plan to subdivide this property.

Yes, ma'am. And so during the public hearing portion of this agenda item, it's open to questions. comments made by either the applicant or any opposition. And right now you are the only speaker. And the second item after this one is going to reveal the plans by our staff and go over what is being proposed. But at this time, do you have any other comments to make?

No, I don't have any other comments.

Okay, thank you, ma'am. We have any other speakers? That's it, right?

That's it.

Okay, at this time, we're going to go ahead and close the public hearing at 7.15 p.m. We move into agenda item number 19. This is the second reading and adoption of an ordinance approving a replat for Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, Replat H, being a replat of Block 5, Block 10, Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, and located at 321 Valle Hermoso Drive, City of Socorro, El Paso County, Texas.

Motion to approve. Second. Second.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Item number 19 is a replat request. This replat request is for the property located at 321 Vallehermoso Drive. The property owner is Rosa Almunia and the representative is GRV Integrated Engineering Solutions. The property is just under half an acre in size and currently zoned R1. The current land use is residential. And in summary, the request is for approval of a replat for the Haciendas del Valle Unit 2 Replat H. Planning and zoning staff recommends approval of the request. Planning and zoning staff voted for approval of the request unanimously with six members present at their May 5th meeting. The zoning map shows the single family residential zoning district. The property outlined in red. The aerial image shows the outlined property in red, the location of the existing home, and the vacant area to the right. Surrounding the property are a mix of residential single-family homes. These are photographs taken of the property from Valle Hermoso Drive. The top photo shows the property front and the bottom two photographs show each individual future proposed lot. On the left, the existing home, which would be proposed lot one, and on the right, the proposed lot two. The original Haciendas del Valle subdivision was approved in 1990. Oops, lost my please. 1987 and this included 184 residential lots and the subject property is outlined in red. This is a site plan depicting the existing home. The Board of Adjustment granted variances for the existing side yard setbacks and an existing storage room that was located in front of the building. Those variances were approved by the Board of Adjustments on March 26th. The next slide shows the Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, replat H. Both lots meet the minimum requirement of 10,000 square feet per lot. In summary, the request is for approval of a replat for Haciendas del Valle Unit 2, replat H. With that, staff can answer any questions. And the applicant's representative is available to answer any questions as well.

Thank you.

Do any members of council have any questions for this item here? There was a motion and a second to approve this item. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. We move into the grants department with agenda item number 20. This is the discussion in action to adopt the updated accounting manual for the city of Socorro, Texas.

Motion to approve.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council. Alejandra Olade, City Development Director. We're here requesting your approval on the proposed updates to the City of Socorro's accounting manual. As you know, the City of Socorro Charter does require the city to adopt an accounting manual. Our accounting manual outlines procedures for the recording and reporting of our financial transactions in the City of Socorro. Our current accounting manual does that, but it has not been updated since 2015. Since 2015 there have been significant changes to financial management best practices and some requirements from the federal government for the management of grants. So all of the updates that you see in this updated policy address those federal requirements for grants management. This is important so that we can continue to follow best practices in the field of grants management and we continue to remain eligible for future federal awards. And if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer.

Any questions or comments from council?

No?

It was... motion and second all those in favor say aye aye any opposed abstain and that motion carries the next item is agenda item number 21 this is the discussion in action to adopt a proposed grants management policy for the city of socorro texas motion to approve second good afternoon mayor mayor and council as we continue to update our city policies and procedures to make sure that we

are in compliance with our federal awards, we bring you now our brand new grants management policy for your approval. As you know, the city of Socorro's grants and special revenues portfolio has increased over the past eight years. Currently, I believe this last fiscal year, we reached over 68 million in grants and special revenues from various sources, state, foundation, and federal grants. It is very important that we adopt policies and procedures that are going to keep us in compliance with these grants and also maintain us in good standing with our funding agencies so that we can continue to receive future grants. All of these policies and procedures that are outlined in this policy are already in place. We are already following all these procedures. Now we're just documenting it and adopting it formally through city council action. Any questions?

Yes, I do. Did you see anything that we probably weren't doing or tracking or... Did some of the grants require that we, in addition to what we had in place?

So the main issue was that we didn't have a policy that we can submit to funding agencies saying this is what we formally do. In fact, pretty much 95% of the items in this policy are procedures that the entire team already follows. We do a pretty good job of communicating with our department heads, working with administration, assigning our project directors, being very clear with our roles and responsibilities when we manage grants, working with our finance department to reconcile expenditures under grants. So we've already been doing that.

We've been practicing it.

Now we just solidified it through putting it in an actual... We're putting it in a formal policy so that we can submit this to funding agencies. Okay.

Thank you, Ms. Valadez. Any comments or questions from council? No, there was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstained? And that motion carries, thank you. Thank you. We move into agenda item number 22 with our city managers. Discussion in action to approve the renewal of the lease agreement between the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System and the City of Socorro for Rio Vista Park and authorize the city manager or her designee to execute the agreement.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. This item is requesting approval for the renewal of the lease agreement between the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System and the City of Socorro for the continued use of Rio Vista Park. The city has leased this property from Texas A&M AgriLife Research for many years, allowing the city to utilize the land for public recreational purposes, including park amenities, walking and biking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and community events. The proposed renewal extends the lease for an additional five-year term, May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2031. The annual lease payment remains at $1 per year, while the city continues to be responsible for the maintenance, operation, and upkeep of the park facilities. Approval of this lease renewal will allow the city to continue providing recreational opportunities and public access to Rio Vista Park without interruption and ensure the city maintains its long-standing partnership with Texas A&M. Staff recommends approval of the lease renewal and is available to answer any questions.

Any questions or comments?

I got a question, and I know we're going to approve it, but what would happen if we don't approve it? Would Texas A&M just close it off, or would they plant new grass and more trees and make it beautiful?

So I wouldn't be able to tell you what Texas A&M, we just wouldn't be able to use, right? You would be going into private property at that point.

They probably care for it just as much as the fields that are surrounding this building. That's a good question though, but do you think we can discuss with them the possibility of maybe redoing that field, the field of Toritos? I mean, but again, we would need to first, vote yes to the agreement, and then the conversation can come after.

So we're in charge of maintaining, so we can definitely work on that.

There was a motion and second on this item. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. And then we move into agenda item number 23. This is the discussion in action to award the street striping project for Rio Vista Road and Buford Road to PMI Pavement Marketing LLC. Marking LLC and authorize the city manager or her designee to execute the agreement.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. This item is requesting approval as part of the city's ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety and roadway visibility. Staff solicited pricing for the installation of pavement markings, lane striping, and turn lane improvements in this area. These improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow, improve driver awareness, and provide safe travel conditions for residents and visitors. After reviewing the proposals and evaluating the quality of work previously performed throughout the city, staff is recommending PMI pavement markings. PMI has successfully completed similar projects for the city and has consistently demonstrated quality workmanship, responsiveness, and reliability. The total project cost is estimated at about $55,000 with funding to be provided through our city's 2026 Certificate of Obligations. Staff believes these improvements will increase roadway safety and help address traffic, circulation, concerns in the area, and respectfully recommends approval of the award to PMI Payment Marking, LLC. And we're here to answer any questions.

Any questions on this item? The striping for Rio Vista Road, it's gonna be from Waterwear.

From North Loop to Alameda.

Okay. And then Buford as well, it's going to be the entire, or just? Correct. Okay. Okay.

With Santa Paola having a line, a turning lane.

Oh, turning. That's the only thing I want.

Having a what? Turning lane?

It's a big, wide road there. Okay, there was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? That motion carries. Agenda item number 24, this is the discussion in action to approve funding in the amount of $42,000 for professional services supporting the City of Socorro CSEI, the community initiative phase one strategic plan implementation effort through the Mar-Val Insights proposal.

Motion to approve.

Second. Good evening, Mayor and Council. I'm the City Manager. This item is requesting approval. As Council may recall, CSCI was established as a non-profit organization to pursue funding opportunities, partnership, and initiatives that may not otherwise be available directly to municipalities. The organization has adopted a strategic plan focused on historic preservation, arts and cultural, healthy eating, and active living. and community development. Marble Insights is being proposed to assist CSCI with the implementation of several key objectives identified within the strategic plan. For historic preservation driving tour, a fund development strategy, and strategic communication and digital systems. The proposed budget is $42,000. Staff believes these services will provide CSCI with the professional support necessary to advance its strategic plan, pursue external funding opportunities, and establish sustainable systems that can continue to benefit the organization and the community into the future. At this time, staff can answer any questions.

Any questions from council? This fund, it's going to be for how long?

For six months.

Six months, okay. Thank you.

And funding source is from? Our general fund. General fund. Any other questions or comments?

No?

That was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. Agenda item 25. This is the discussion in action to approve the first amendment to the land lease agreement between the City of Socorro and SELCO partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless for the wireless communication tower located at 124 Old Hueco Tanks Road and authorize the city manager or designated execute the agreement.

Motion to approve. Second.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. Adriana Rodarte, City Manager. This item is requesting approval. The city currently leases a property for a Verizon wireless cell tower following a recent transaction. Vertical Bridge has become the tower owner and manager and has approached the city regarding an amendment to the existing lease agreement. Although there are approximately 15 years remaining on the current lease, Vertical Bridge has indicated that Verizon considers this a long-term site and is requesting additional renewal options to secure the location for future operations. The proposed amendment adds additional five-year renewal terms and increases the monthly lease payments throughout the life of the agreement, providing the city with a continued revenue source while maintaining the existing use of the property. Staff has reviewed the proposed amendment and is presenting it to council for consideration and possible approval. Staff can answer any questions at this time.

Any questions or comments on this item? No? There was a motion and second. All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. Do we have any items for discussion in executive?

Yes, sir, we do.

We do? Motion to go to executive. Second. Thank you. There's been a motion. Thank you. There's been a motion and a second to go into executive. All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

It's 7.31 p.m. At this time we'll be entering executive session. It's June 4th, 2026, it's 8.08 p.m. and we're now back in session. We just come out of executive. After discussion, do I have a motion on the table?

I'd like to make a motion to approve the agreement as per staff recommendation. Second.

There's been a motion and a second on the table. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed or abstain? And that motion carries. Do we have any other items to discuss?

I'd like to make a motion to delete items 26, 27, and 28. Second.

There's been a motion to delete items 26, 27, and 28. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Do we have a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn. Second. There's been a motion and second to adjourn. All those in favor say aye. Aye. And that motion carries. Thank you.