[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6052744,"mediaKeyId","3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9","parentId",3378431,"title","Votes at a glance: Weslaco City Commission, March 5, 2025","audioSeconds",4279,"startMs",1280000,"endMs",5559000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9&start=1280&end=5559","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9/thumbnail_1280000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6052744/Weslaco/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Weslaco-City-Commission-March-5-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052744-c23a61fcfa1e8f6b466159c2ca129ce8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159594&Signature=e2wMzjqDM~YqhbFMwKJ2WDoz83A7doe0b9gXrxIb80UH7CXDHDktaPjh6zLwFaO4zukQaYyU1WY5iGLeSZXMbgZplZM6np45GxbubEyLxMhj~3I0XtfQP~ZCP4PbGWMKAn26fAGV1i~AqYYGDgx0MJcP-mV5h9ng0Bw2M7lv8u3XUhOdzErdhYl5gGdN3mpyuDqv3g8Jdz3VlyXP8Y1byWToFDov5ASMJdFpNK6fx-mUYOxG~tlrYhcLQ2dj4VDDnXPRIUp2u22-zW0TrETMwIKpSXYcXtipvGPLKM8Tg~YiRZaDgouiH7eUAsyd~~yrgiBAsCxbE2-w6ileOfQEfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Weslaco","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","At its March 5 meeting the Weslaco City Commission approved a series of motions on personnel, purchases, contracts and capital projects. Below is a concise list of actions the commission voted on, with outcomes as recorded during the meeting.

- Item A — Confirmation and swearing-in of Roberto Lopez as Chief of Police: Motion moved by Commissioner Lopez, seconded by Commissioner Garcia; approved by voice vote.

- Appointment (Resolution 2025-27) — Robert Donaldson to the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation: Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.

- Consent agenda — Approved as presented: Motion moved by Commissioner Pedraza, seconded by Commissioner Ruiz; approved by voice vote.

- Item B — Renewal of Microsoft Office 365 suite (Contract DIR-CO-5237) in the amount of $77,638.38: Motion moved by Commissioner Pedraza, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; approved by voice vote.

- Item C — Purchase of two John Deere Z960M Z-trak mowers via BuyBoard contract (vendor: Deere & Company) not to exceed $32,608: Motion moved by Commissioner Garcia, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; one commissioner announced an abstention on the record due to a disclosed conflict of interest; motion otherwise passed by voice vote.

- Item D — Allowance expenditure authorization No. 1 (new library project) for removal of existing foundation, amount not to exceed $27,787: Motion moved by Commissioner Pedraza, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; approved by voice vote.

- Item E — Authorize negotiation and potential contract with Green Rubiano and Associates for engineering services for metal canopy design (RFQ 2024-25-11): Motion moved by Commissioner Garcia, seconded by Commissioner Ria; approved by voice vote (staff to negotiate fees; if negotiated fee exceeds manager's threshold it will return to commission).

- Item F — Final payment to CB3 LLC for North Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Basin Rehabilitation Project in the amount listed on the agenda ($660,713.28): Motion moved by Commissioner Pedraza, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez; approved by voice vote.

- Item G — Accept and adopt the City of Weslaco water conservation and drought contingency plan: Motion moved by Commissioner Pederson, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; approved by voice vote. Staff noted drought-surcharge details will be set after the city's pending water rate study and may be updated later by resolution.

- Item H — Accept and file the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco audit for fiscal year 2024 (Garcia & Pena, CPAs): Motion moved by Commissioner Pedasa, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; approved by voice vote.

- Item I — Purchase a 2024 Ford Transit cargo van for Animal Care Services (BuyBoard contract with Sam Pack's Five Star Ford) at a total cost of $70,814.22 (grant-funded): Motion moved by Commissioner Perez, seconded by Commissioner Lopez; approved by voice vote. Staff said an $80,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation supports this purchase.

- Motion to convene into executive session for personnel, labor, and legal consultations as listed on the agenda: Motion passed; commission entered executive session and later returned without additional public actions recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Weslaco City Commission meeting - March 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of motions and outcomes from the Weslaco City Commission meeting on March 5, 2025, including appointments, purchases, contract negotiations and project payments.","taxTitle","Weslaco, Hidalgo County, Texas","taxId",57351,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6052748,"Weslaco Economic Development Corporation reports record sales-tax month, honors departing board member JJ Serrano",2515,175000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9&start=175&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9/thumbnail_175000.jpg","/articles/6052748/Weslaco/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Weslaco-Economic-Development-Corporation-reports-record-sales-tax-month-honors-departing-board-member-JJ-Serrano","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052748-4e2aa608f7c616f5cf4c8aa5f50cafc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159594&Signature=YjyueZlg31gab2yxjpvS9Oz5Tt2JZ5wvGN0OgBjRcXRXFzkUrrqrWND9w-3pQKUvnN-RpfGmMl24AkMAV0Z4BSC7h1mRsk9SpqteedXASOPPA5ig2cgTacRFjTNbkNGmbNM9y3JuPD1X6r7okCM9ETs~R0V6gt2AETrY-RH1AhxTa3bpafonPbrVl0I2G7GGV~CAReriYvTfvfzdAr8oVqmFG1oN7RkOrl1ef2teLzFSk1pdaFDPX7iIsxJ2nRub-ZjCh0oFE~8X56gnuz~LA3mLJFw2OfBtgsGQ7lKGuPS9oEnGBFDX66et731U0WnLRZVGIDsn0IpA9dVoHFBlXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City and EDC officials told the Weslaco City Commission on March 5 that February was a record month for local sales-tax collections and used the meeting to recognize a departing EDC board member.

George Lozano, reporting for the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, said local sales tax collections for February were about $2,300,000, representing roughly $118 million in taxable sales within the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Lozano said the figure reflected growth in both residential and commercial activity and credited residents for keeping spending local.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission and EDC staff recognized JJ Serrano for his six-year term on the Weslaco EDC board. An EDC representative said Serrano helped negotiate or support roughly 13 incentive packages that produced about 1,700 jobs and attracted approximately $125 million in private investment; he also assisted land acquisition for the city's industrial park and participated in attraction and negotiation efforts for high-profile projects. Serrano thanked the commission, EDC staff and his family and said he was honored to have served.

Lozano also listed EDC initiatives and upcoming programs including a new marketing grant for local retail and commercial businesses (digital marketing, photography and advertising), a Kaufman Fast Track seven-week business-coaching cohort with UTRGV's CIC starting in May, recent ribbon cuttings for new businesses, and preliminary approval for a \"Keep Weslaco Beautiful\" affiliate through Keep Texas Beautiful.

No formal votes were required for the recognition or the informational reports.","The Weslaco Economic Development Corporation reported a record February local sales tax collection and recognized board member JJ Serrano for six years of service at the March 5 City Commission meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6052751,"Weslaco approves final payment to contractor for North Wastewater aeration basin rehabilitation",172,3629000,3801000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9&start=3629&end=3801","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9/thumbnail_3629000.jpg","/articles/6052751/Weslaco/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Weslaco-approves-final-payment-to-contractor-for-North-Wastewater-aeration-basin-rehabilitation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052751-a21b9919dba954162a8c1786edff64b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159594&Signature=C9XUMZdLxndsvoKZASrDQqkocT8HoZl~DQ0gmfvO91HVjCMKAbnU5w~S-M2M8KQC36xlo426Yg5wys5Wvc6CaqBWZ0wY3YvgTh6nAwkZ5Pn1vD-iHUphll0NQoY~TW4JhBoTHQ1RbuJJ8rJQaIKIzxB73kKaUX4cbEnoNyjogafJHsPiEalp23-ySqHp0JfbghQ0I2Qc6-61qQB5Xcve3pYipn7BVq1hESPQbolLHQ4-R0RmxS2Wc8kSjWLbgbuI51EtFxK8wvIdRlLxqzRHX4Gre24qMLRE5T40pkYSpoMvX-lPYmPwLVhypN3X8dhjYXKxeKlCasrPd3H-oe6mtw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Weslaco City Commission on March 5 approved final payment to CB3 LLC for the North Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Basin Rehabilitation Project.

City staff presented the item, asking the commission to authorize the final payment to CB3 LLC in the amount listed in the agenda. Staff said all paperwork documenting that there were no outstanding claims, liens or disputes had been submitted and that the aeration basin is operational. The engineer's office and project staff recommended approval.

A CB3 LLC representative told the commission the project originally had a larger contract amount, that the contractor and city staff worked together to reduce the scope and costs, and that the final accounting shows a reported savings of $69,533.28 compared with earlier estimates. City engineering staff noted the project is in full operation and that other potential future repairs were identified (for example, a bar screen not part of the current scope) and will be tracked separately.

Commissioners approved the final payment by motion; the vote was recorded by voice and the motion passed.","The commission approved final payment to CB3 LLC for the North Wastewater Treatment Plant aeration basin rehabilitation project and heard contractor and staff comments that the project produced cost savings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6052756,"Weslaco adopts updated water conservation and drought contingency plan, leaves surcharge details for rate study",776,3724000,4500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9&start=3724&end=4500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9/thumbnail_3724000.jpg","/articles/6052756/Weslaco/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Weslaco-adopts-updated-water-conservation-and-drought-contingency-plan-leaves-surcharge-details-for-rate-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052756-69403c5f763472ba48177c997724685c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159594&Signature=A3Rh1UQQCwdiwRsbPUReUpRu1l~SgR9goup2c2p5fsaKtPVPrVVTqZI62OMu4hi-jFwVPCe-IF~y8obsnxUuIFWdDy9WRq~otCvYGbXv~zZ0O71rvw8wp3YAjIFph7zcZezKupdgWxnewII-CMBg9NTGJXXeeZ-okKMX6dcp2rn9RgqAxzRxxruCs~U-TtNXyQ~Nm1OloSXU1kpz6lVNxPTA95bmNW49lWWbFIpHP8iFf4zGJ8HvXRZ3w0ib7nXsGgIV3denQHduEYJnA7Qt6TvHaVXVH2snbdPd~Aqeo--84TKd0twhV8Jys6Lz7eQ~mPu~yIGcV~aAwO-osijJXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Weslaco City Commission on March 5 approved an updated water conservation and drought contingency plan that aligns with Hidalgo County's drought template and requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Water Development Board.

A representative from SWG presented the plan's key elements, including updated demand projections, water-loss accounting, and a six-stage drought contingency framework tied to reservoir storage levels. The presenter said combined storage behind regional dams equated to roughly 22 percent of total capacity at the time of the meeting and described stage-based curtailments that escalate as supplies fall (stages call for incremental reductions and, at higher stages, potential surcharges).

Commissioners approved the plan with a staff clarification: the proposed drought-related surcharge structure will be finalized after completion of an ongoing water rate study. Staff said the plan must be submitted immediately to satisfy filing deadlines; any future changes to surcharge levels would be adopted later by resolution once the rate study provides recommendations.

City staff and the consultant emphasized that the updated plan is required for regulatory compliance and for grant eligibility. The plan also notes opportunities for future work such as reclaimed-water projects and runoff recapture studies; commissioners directed staff to coordinate the rate study work and public outreach before adopting any drought surcharge changes.","The commission approved an updated water conservation and drought contingency plan required by TCEQ and the Water Development Board. Staff will submit the plan and later update drought surcharges after a pending water rate study.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6052761,"Weslaco confirms and swears in Roberto Lopez as chief of police",333,743000,1076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9&start=743&end=1076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3378431-c7aefe9a734572978a7e77205ac30cf9/thumbnail_743000.jpg","/articles/6052761/Weslaco/Hidalgo-County/Texas/Weslaco-confirms-and-swears-in-Roberto-Lopez-as-chief-of-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052761-c516027938359bb59e36d87327a7853b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159594&Signature=i-HPJz3UJJCfahYfUopu6Y2mc9kN1kS8KDE7oetfmhMrGGnQf8dLSQ7A9C81dnknaQjatiJ9OzCrc4Q~F~2Epbh6yrcucr~~Ve1c1YjsjmoAzxPf4wePh2I47PsEYG7acIgXPTTXSfhCsU7HLZRr5A34xj5GAHlgc~DHHGLhkSn~mkFEYLWLNuKykvqGS0jVO~O0FvkQ-LoNfMr-T1QnJlG9YG~zGmX57f6aB5K70TXBpKC2rkWctDsVxNc38-3K-wOXxNPxrCppCalucqn~cCvvVdgb0S1VzE7CLHfmmvEZ1wlZgb7IRjheSwb6xpNpwLtSSZpAW5BUsYNO9hzqXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Weslaco City Commission on March 5 confirmed and swore in Roberto Lopez as the city's chief of police, following a brief ceremony at City Hall and a voice vote approving his appointment.

Roberto Lopez, who has served in the Weslaco Police Department for about 25 years in roles from patrol officer to community divisions and investigations, took the oath of office administered by Municipal Judge Samuel Sanchez. Mayor Gonzales led the swearing-in and commissioners then moved to confirm the appointment; Commissioner Lopez moved the approval and Commissioner Garcia seconded. The commission voted by voice and the motion carried.

The commission and city staff praised Lopez's local ties and long service. A city official noted Lopez is a Weslaco High School graduate and has earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in police administration. Family members participated in the traditional pinning ceremony, and representatives from U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez's office presented Lopez with a congratulatory letter and a certificate of special congressional recognition.

Interim Chief Espinosa was also thanked by the mayor for serving in the leadership role in recent months, and commissioners expressed public support for Lopez as he assumes the department's top post.

No formal conditions or limitations on the appointment were announced during the confirmation; commissioners indicated full support and there was no roll-call vote recorded in the minutes beyond the voice approval.","The Weslaco City Commission on March 5 confirmed and swore in Roberto Lopez as the city's chief of police. The change follows a 25-year career in the department; the commission approved the appointment by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Weslaco City Commission, March 5, 2025

Weslaco Economic Development Corporation reports record sales-tax month, honors departing board member JJ Serrano

Weslaco approves final payment to contractor for North Wastewater aeration basin rehabilitation

Weslaco adopts updated water conservation and drought contingency plan, leaves surcharge details for rate study

Weslaco confirms and swears in Roberto Lopez as chief of police