[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6523557,"mediaKeyId","5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9","parentId",5029368,"title","Harlingen commission approves array of ordinances, grants and projects; appointments and stormwater work move forward","audioSeconds",11680,"startMs",4316000,"endMs",15996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9&start=4316&end=15996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9/thumbnail_4316000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6523557/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-commission-approves-array-of-ordinances-grants-and-projects-appointments-and-stormwater-work-move-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523557-b9951821e17a8c5e2f54e859f72a4b20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159868&Signature=GSK9nQLjNMk-rbhDJbMQvkfwE9aI4XXvPh38dCA9CBj-TlgDji~XwNlppVCR8C09wKPHcwQGWsE3-bLkStgO96a7-C-2vFVfGJ9k3JYRgAAcH2F5ZQ4Y5qHAXNJRukhpcyB1iEfEauKAFxTuEXN59uCVQ95ISLr1N3ZEYWpSU1Sr27b1curFasTKMJMaB7n4UxT4PYHzDh0rTdI2F8WMvzGAIZ2QjkKqL6Q3v2rascP~-a6f2XnszdYvs1zQxu0aFkBvIktb3qKEAH8DiZ333~L5wD~y5OSmt1EoLF4QIV4CoWmHInWJc3EiQxqk3Ff-X7RsUZId0xtjI8PESpscwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Harlingen","date","2025-06-19T03:07:01Z","article","The Harlingen City Commission took action on a range of items at its regular meeting, voting on bond authorization, rezonings, plats, grants, capital projects and personnel matters.

Key outcomes

- WaterWorks and Sewer Revenue Bonds (Series 2025) — Approved on first reading: The commission authorized the issuance and delivery of Waterworks and Sewer System revenue bonds to finance replacement of lead service lines and related work using a program administered by the Texas Water Development Board. Interim Harlingen Water Works General Manager Roy Rodriguez told commissioners the loan will carry a 0 percent interest rate through the state program and include a grant component; commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading.

- Midway Subdivision rezoning (Grace and Gale / US 77 frontage) — Approved: Rezoning of about 4.5 acres from not designated to General Retail (GR) at the southeast corner of US 77 Frontage Road and Grace Avenue passed on first reading (no public speakers were registered for the hearing).

- Assisted Living Special Use Permit (1901 E. Mesquite Drive) — Approved: A special use permit to allow a Type-B assisted-living facility (pending state license; applicant Veronica Gutierrez/Comfort Care Home Care) in a single-family zoning district was approved on first reading. The applicant described plans for a roughly 5,000-square-foot renovated home, a pending Texas Health and Human Services license for up to 16 beds, private pay and VA contract agreements, and staffing ratios consistent with state rules.

- Tuscany Hills subdivision (preliminary construction plan and final plat) — Approved: The commission approved preliminary construction plans and a final plat for the proposed Tuscany Hills subdivision (roughly 73.69 acres south of Grimes Avenue), subject to the conditions presented in staff recommendations.

- 5th & 7th Street storm sewer improvements — Contract award approved: The commission awarded a construction contract to Go Underground LLC for the Fifth and Seventh Street storm sewer improvement project (approximately 5,000 linear feet of storm pipe to capture drainage from about 80 acres); funding includes federal/representative assistance noted in the meeting.

- Jefferson Street and 20 First Street storm sewer grants — Direction given: For Jefferson Street the commission approved revising the scope to fit available Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding (option 1). For the 20 First Street project the commission directed staff to appeal FEMA’s cost-disallowance decision for phase 1 and to withdraw phase 2 from the current grant award and pursue full funding through new grant applications.

- Community Development Block Grant and HOME allocations (FY 2025–26) — Approved: The commission approved the Community Development Advisory Board recommendations for CDBG and HOME program allocations. The board prioritized project-specific requests and declined an application from the Literacy Center of Harlingen focused on operating salary coverage; board chair Jim Young said the board favored project-based grants that directly expand services to residents.

- Other operational and staffing actions — Approved: The commission converted one part-time snack-bar position at Tony Butler Golf Course to full time, authorized reallocating $50,000 previously set aside for an immigrant assistance program to support Loaves & Fishes Open Arms Emergency Shelter, and approved several ancillary contract renewals related to employee benefits.

- Appointments and executive-session action — Police chief appointment: Following executive session, the commission appointed Deputy Chief Alfred Alviad as the city’s new police chief. The action was moved and approved in open session after executive deliberation.

Ending: Staff will finalize documents and implementation steps for the approved projects and contracts, schedule required follow-ups (enrollment, grant appeals, and construction pre-con meetings), and return to the commission as required for second readings, closings or additional approvals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Regular Meeting | 06-18-25","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the Harlingen City Commission approved revenue bonds for water works, a general retail rezoning, a subdivision plat, CDBG/HOME allocations, multiple contract awards and staffing/operations items, and appointed a police chief following executive session.","taxTitle","Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas","taxId",3687,"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},6523561,"Harlingen selects Blue Cross Blue Shield plan after competitive RFP; estimated $660,000 saving for 2026",1949,6335000,8284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9&start=6335&end=8284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9/thumbnail_6335000.jpg","/articles/6523561/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-selects-Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield-plan-after-competitive-RFP-estimated-660000-saving-for-2026","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523561-31a641c95ab33b9001202fb00ef6ae2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159868&Signature=TXmCxba8dmeGiIXXiw4picm7zHl5eLfeXM1FobiApYvuAA~hdvZt4zr3bBwe8oEUrjiH6AAr7keGHpjOtwDW2yFmVNLg0vbc4FXFfibGMkMExAfKp0ytd9IN7sGGL2vUaYO49SL5BTevqTsT0dTrBVfdWfAIyTlWyh-l0klP8oFZx7UoBPyQOFrhZ-VYxbLGjaB5SxetneB-C90NNgYebyb39psRf6xOS-P9q0q6Qr5OWft6VA24Zcq4~r615cYwx28MR41a5mKTFy81oO7j4kbTeeJq0OhJCMSkhiTTZwB5JsEl~vDcu5vhuHD1t39Z6rr6ylcVtBJVzV-XZZsJ7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City officials approved a new employee health insurance arrangement on a first-motion vote after hearing results of an RFP and a consultant’s analysis showing measurable near-term savings if the city switches carriers and plan design.

McGriff consultant Scott Gibbs presented the request-for-proposal results and a partially self-funded analysis. Five organizations responded to the RFP; the final, best-and-final offers narrowed to UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Blue Cross offered a Texas-focused HMO (the Blue Essentials network) plus a larger PPO network (Blue Choice) that the city could offer side-by-side. Blue Cross’s final offer included a $325,000 one-time transition credit and a second-year rate cap; the consultant estimated the city would save roughly $660,000 in the first year if the commission approved the carrier change.

Gibbs summarized the analysis to the commission: the Blue Essentials HMO (a Texas-focused network that the consultant said covers about 98 percent of Texas providers in the Rio Grande Valley) produced the most advantageous pricing for the city while preserving broad in-state access. He also told commissioners a partially self-funded option had been modeled; based on current quotes the self-funded scenario would have been roughly $400,000 worse for the city in year one than taking the fully insured Blue Cross offer, so his recommendation was to accept the fully insured Blue Cross plan for FY2026 and revisit a partially self-funded structure at a later date if market conditions change.

Commissioners discussed implementation details, employee education and plan features. The approved model requires the city to fund up to the Blue Essentials (HMO) level; employees who want broader out-of-state coverage may opt up to the full PPO by paying the cost difference. Gibbs added Blue Cross would provide an on-site enrollment/implementation team and a wellness-coordinator service that supports employee engagement.

Ancillary products were also reviewed. The commission approved the Aflac products and the Unum life/disability renewals (both with no increase). The employee-paid dental plan through Aetna showed an 8.1 percent increase (employee-paid), which the commission accepted as the Aetna renewal.

Action: The commission moved, seconded and unanimously approved awarding the city’s employee medical coverage to Blue Cross Blue Shield with the HMO/PPO construct and ancillary renewals as presented. Commissioners directed staff to coordinate enrollment meetings with the new carrier and to provide employees straightforward, in-person enrollment sessions and materials on the HMO vs. PPO choice.

Ending: The city will implement Blue Cross coverage for FY2026 with a phased implementation and on-site enrollment; staff said it will circulate plan materials and hold enrollment sessions to explain differences between the HMO and PPO options.","After a review of five proposals and a self-funded analysis, the City Commission awarded the employee health-insurance contract to Blue Cross Blue Shield, opting to offer a Texas-focused HMO (Blue Essentials) funded by the city and an opt-up PPO; the change is projected to reduce the city’s premium costs in 2026 by about $660,000.",{"_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},6523567,"Harlingen commissioners reject rezoning for 1.73-acre corner at Stewart Place and Brennaman",1680,2784000,4464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9&start=2784&end=4464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5029368-368c8e3ee0ec0ecdf14dc1c5328c3ad9/thumbnail_2784000.jpg","/articles/6523567/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-commissioners-reject-rezoning-for-173-acre-corner-at-Stewart-Place-and-Brennaman","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6523567-4a2d613c171f432373b25ef4e57c6f6a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159868&Signature=g1Tyo5QxQwGM0x4L3hNiFWqtYBwNyNSaEo5dGEso-z6aK2wD1-C5pixZB7TVIS3M~jbjg-fo0y9StDyONhAR~6h9RMUmrbJMLxeEaziPK3DzGihDYNJn7BuEb4i04wA-o0Zd941IHiXpjnxMe3kFmix8dtJ2CdNBgPaczZ1rj95ttR5t7nwt3QCQT0ffCihHVfaJMSwPKgFsMYhQYjBS~LMOB9J6DYcW3-WVbo~TuGhJjCKhoqNrJkMYETx2Tui4PSduqwTasphsBMLaOyHvWrUBJEbs9TIekEqXl4oA42wgEdosrNVgb3fqjmX~xzElACVtJrDr65Kr~sUWrT0VOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen City Commission voted against an appeal that would have rezoned 1.73 acres at the southeast corner of Stewart Place and Brennaman Road from residential single-family (R-1) to Neighborhood Services (NS), following a lengthy public hearing in which neighbors cited traffic, drainage and land-use concerns.

Supporters said the corner is better suited to small professional offices than homes; opponents warned the change would open the area to future commercial encroachment and worsen local flooding. The Planning and Zoning Commission denied the rezoning twice; staff recommended approval but the commission’s vote on first reading failed after members were unable to secure the supermajority required given documented opposition.

The rezoning would have allowed a small commercial office development the applicant described as similar to an existing nearby “Stewart Suites” professional-office complex. Property owner Blanca Sarate, who said she owns the corner and operates Stewart Suites down the road, told commissioners: “This is not a request for a multifamily construction project. Our request is strictly to rezone the corner lot to Neighborhood Services, which would allow for low-impact commercial use.” She said the plan was for professional offices with daytime hours and no bar or club uses.

Neighbors and nearby homeowners described repeated concerns about stormwater and traffic. Jack Chapman, who said his property abuts the south side of the proposed site, told the commission the neighborhood was sold and marketed as residential and urged commissioners to respect that expectation: “It’s a hard no,” he said. Residents described narrow local streets (Bridal Road is 20 feet wide, per the staff presentation), limited shoulders, and drainage lines that were disconnected when Stewart Place was widened years earlier.

Engineering and development perspectives were offered in the hearing. Design engineer Dustin Moore, who said he represents the applicant, told the commission the developer revised the proposal after an earlier denial and believes the corridor and infrastructure can support small office uses. Real estate developer Gilbert Galvan, who also spoke in favor, urged a long-term view: “Nobody likes change,” he said, but argued Stewart Place is a commercial corridor in transition and that corner sites commonly move to commercial uses as cities grow.

Planning staff noted several technical points in the record: the property’s future-land-use designation in the city’s Vision 100 comprehensive plan is low-density residential; Fire Station No. 2 directly across Stewart has a special-use permit with operational conditions noted in the staff packet; and the applicant’s demolition of the existing house occurred within the last year. Staff also told the commission the opposition within the 200-foot notification radius reached 27.69 percent, which triggers a supermajority vote to approve the appeal under city ordinance.

At the meeting the applicant offered two written stipulations heard aloud at the dais — that the development would be limited to professional office uses and that there would be no entrance from Brennaman/Bridal Road into the site — but commissioners were split. A motion to approve the rezoning on first reading “subject to the two stipulations” was moved and seconded; after an oral aye/oppose vote the motion failed to pass.

The public record for the item includes multiple neighborhood photos, the Planning & Zoning minutes documenting prior denials, the applicant’s revised submittal, and staff’s analysis of road widths, utility capacity and buffering standards. Commissioners directed that the record be available to the applicant and staff for any subsequent application; no new site plan or permit was approved.

If the applicant chooses to refile, next steps would typically include a revised application, additional engineering/traffic mitigation measures, and another Planning & Zoning review before the commission would consider any new ordinance on first reading.

Ending: The commission’s denial leaves the property zoned R-1. Neighbors said they will monitor future filings; the applicant may reapply or seek alternate sites. The city’s planning staff and the applicant acknowledged during the meeting that drainage and street improvements along Stewart Place and Brennaman are long-term issues that will affect future development decisions.","After a heated public hearing focused on drainage, traffic and neighborhood character, the Harlingen City Commission failed to approve a request to rezone 1.73 acres at the southeast corner of Stewart Place and Brennaman Road from single-family residential to Neighborhood Services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Harlingen commission approves array of ordinances, grants and projects; appointments and stormwater work move forward

Harlingen selects Blue Cross Blue Shield plan after competitive RFP; estimated $660,000 saving for 2026

Harlingen commissioners reject rezoning for 1.73-acre corner at Stewart Place and Brennaman