[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,87,98],{"_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",6511822,"mediaKeyId","5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b","parentId",5131957,"title","Resident alleges nepotism in public comment; commission did not take action","audioSeconds",197,"startMs",1685000,"endMs",1882000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b&start=1685&end=1882","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b/thumbnail_1685000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511822/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Resident-alleges-nepotism-in-public-comment-commission-did-not-take-action","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511822-97b114facfc11dedab7acc848b373e0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118811&Signature=gOKSBekRUFkaVVahWDKe1ixrlQmlTH6vzpiG9gqTknhPzi5v9CTkhzsY3e4q8vCNMMDiLOkufvzGa5B5BJEUdiC4DrQy77Km-Ih~jHJV5kR-SHvdcnwnb0aTaCFP6wRnukRP3z77dX9DwBiof8vu7po4KfWaNWD-AKIft4tleUuVv6T4CGOA5sr1BIT6CqjwaqvO0~QwibFFtLAytj-7iNnu7SyRDVAIFY6ofu5VrH0kB0d0ikkkmPAsTSvwMwz-L3Z3KWUppo37TKfENV0Bc5Y4OGqValC67POpsj0MeV82sfcS-MfAgaWTcrVAgRjGnktR2bNftOQwbeeLG4PLLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Harlingen","date","2025-07-03T15:33:31.64Z","article","During the citizens-communication period, resident Robert Leftwich addressed the commission with allegations of nepotism involving the city’s mayor and a consultant employed by the Arlington Water Works. Leftwich said the consultant — whom he described as the mayor’s uncle — was paid $20,000 per month, referenced state local-government nepotism provisions and said the city’s hire-the-employee policy and charter prohibit nepotistic hiring.

Leftwich compared Harlingen’s payments to utility directors in larger Texas cities and asserted that the consultant’s high pay had damaged employee morale and the organization’s reputation. He urged the commission to consider the legal and ethical implications. The mayor responded only with a brief acknowledgment, “Thank you, Mister Leftwich,” and the meeting proceeded to its next agenda item. No formal response or investigation was announced at the meeting record.

The statement was received during the public-comment portion of the agenda; commissioners did not deliberate or take action on the allegation at that time, consistent with the meeting’s public-comment rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Harlingen City Commission Regular Meeting 7-2-25","oneSentenceSummary","A Harlingen resident used the public-comment period to allege nepotism involving the mayor and a high-paid consultant at Arlington Water Works. The commission did not take action on the allegation during the meeting.","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},6511826,"City staff demo new Harlingen mobile app; staff report shows modest early adoption, feature list and engagement plans",402,2233000,2635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b&start=2233&end=2635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b/thumbnail_2233000.jpg","/articles/6511826/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/City-staff-demo-new-Harlingen-mobile-app-staff-report-shows-modest-early-adoption-feature-list-and-engagement-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511826-823f6008d9f7236f394658b8c840113e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118811&Signature=VCRi2sljnUhypQ9Un~wBryf9aCGuYRPNr0N46OIX~nbuVk2ovJthlGs6I2O7I4PdFSSWm4j5tnGl5dFADZuIxuA38XU8ygnCcd-4eZqxpfoK60ydNOa5ZZNYDG5vnjs2za3gvYGHJw77QK1iQHmNkJeBZ-kCqncdLcuA~mb8~923q9zRFlsql1lAFyR~Gz2ZdxHFhWknfajHHcidtmfboOI6p11L8AacGBS9xzoYO6rZGmYnWq9TTyZtph6fJmW0ypA1iVF-ZCdORMOe2TCrbxJgDgHo3Bje~vp3a7xe2srCrHdJTUzbeGns7DwmqNxX9mfNzg1qyMmL8DQc8zguCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sergio Mojica, a city staff member, gave a demonstration of the new Harlingen mobile app and described features intended to improve two-way communication between the city and residents.

Mojica said the new app requires users to sign in (including via social accounts such as Google or Apple), lets users submit and track citizen-service requests with status notifications, and offers quick links to city services (parks and recreation, animal shelter, library, online building permits, court payments, Harlingen TV and event tickets). It also integrates online building permits launched in August of last year, where users can apply for permits, pay fees, track plan-review comments and request inspections.

Mojica described a points system tied to requests (10 points per request) that staff hopes to convert into incentives later, and said the city receives roughly 1,000 citizen requests per year. He said the new app had fewer than 100 downloads so far, and 350 users with accounts; combined with the old 2018 app the city shows roughly 5,000 total downloads. Staff proposed pushing publicity through the city’s social channels, the City TV channel, and QR codes for town-hall meetings.

Commissioners encouraged more outreach to move users from the legacy app to the new version and suggested media posts, push notifications and in-person QR-code distribution at upcoming town halls. A commissioner noted that many routine service calls could be solved faster if residents used the app.

Staff said they will coordinate with the media department on weekly or biweekly releases to increase awareness and consider disabling the legacy app once the user base has migrated.","City staff presented a redesigned Harlingen mobile app with new citizen-request tracking, online building permits and push notifications. Staff reported fewer than 100 downloads of the new app and about 350 registered users on the new system, with roughly 5,000 combined downloads across legacy and new apps.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511831,"Commissioners send Barton Avenue parking ban back to staff, seek citywide solution for mixed-use streets",0,3245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b&start=3245&end=3245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b/thumbnail_3245000.jpg","/articles/6511831/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Commissioners-send-Barton-Avenue-parking-ban-back-to-staff-seek-citywide-solution-for-mixed-use-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511831-4fb8833c1762390ae6cdcea690cc483d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118811&Signature=Bm7Bl7VERmYwcCnwZCjjeJgKE25YrVwC27mCpCfvvuzP51K1A-C0l2UxRicLUsi1mHek6mFcVpcyFvNgLwXH2BGn-hQK3VjroAHgyIKm6MbgiLluq36uZ4J0RNAVqeV3Sbc92fmjrLEfaRKfPmbYso2w8Z4-GaRidKw-gWmnAvHJ0j23beZes93jLwtjOeZrF7PlT1avbThtqjRjB1QtuFWurIvx4tREfdxl-uEy1YaH3UpdXkEvYTP01r-ZEbStlqU5hx5hT6WROiimFCOGkZp1NbNDZCJUehlERybzvbJXVVjts2ZCEEctsxEHXTzMODv9gVt7Ttei2oEL1Qg3~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Lopez brought forward an ordinance amendment to prohibit on-street parking on Barton Avenue, citing a signed petition from 18 residents who said commercial mechanics and nonoperational vehicles were parked for extended periods in front of homes. Lopez asked that property owners be allowed limited overnight parking at their own homes (midnight–4 a.m.) but otherwise that street parking be restricted on Barton Avenue.

Commissioners and staff discussed zoning complications: parts of the street are grandfathered light-industrial or commercial, while the opposite side is residential. City staff said one business in the area had closed after enforcement found it lacked required approvals; staff noted existing code tools (tagging inoperable vehicles, towing when legal standards are met) but acknowledged recurring complaints.

Several commissioners urged a broader approach rather than singling out one street. They asked staff to propose ordinance language that would address mixed-use corridors and prohibit business owners from using public street parking in front of private homes as de facto customer or storage lots. The commission voted to table the Barton Avenue item and asked staff to return with a revised draft that targets mixed-use conflicts and clarifies enforcement and grandfathering.

Officials said the outcome should balance residents’ quality-of-life concerns with the practical realities of older mixed-use neighborhoods; staff suggested tools including rezoning, buffers, and requirements that businesses provide on-site parking if they locate in residential edges.

The commission requested the revised draft be returned at a future meeting for additional consideration.","After residents petitioned over long-term vehicle parking near homes on Barton Avenue, commissioners asked staff to draft broader parking rules for mixed-use neighborhoods instead of a single-street ban.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511836,"Harlingen commission approves annexation, special-use permit and pays county election invoices; several items tabled",707,4200000,4907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b&start=4200&end=4907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5131957-27a64e5c22f0a9e5a83594a0f881728b/thumbnail_4200000.jpg","/articles/6511836/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-commission-approves-annexation-special-use-permit-and-pays-county-election-invoices-several-items-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511836-5be857d7bac1dc41346cafbf4a3ce1f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118811&Signature=K36aYusDPz-SE6LDXNzRDQ9B9Rbnu8j2xY4nkn5RXeKt~3i4FsHzQSyhnz1CS6bziKBzbcw5rEm9LchKkiIf9xRMrnPUUeOwrngTscHp5Ftv3FmYOyxPzrxM7dJYUrUZfeSEHbbWS7Gu2XB9hE35WRM5VsPexXDYc-WCfPEslcGYTBHWWMFVvVGdvDDZYB-AKyinKBBy5Y44DNBZJOwtB6uYHk-0AyCwl3uYQhMghOtpZRd7cuX0orUIyRcOLN96fSznnp--RWdthV6BjxAPetIfZYSz5KExTEN05N8CTLis~cmc~CRzKTpN6caOUkARWaqXD0NpgAcFgPkyODN0hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen City Commission on Monday approved a set of routine and legislative measures, including a voluntary annexation of roughly 10 acres, a special-use permit for a tattoo studio and payment of two invoices from the Cameron County Elections Department for the city’s recent elections.

The commission unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading to issue a special-use permit for an adult tattoo studio at 602 S. F Street (Lots 1–4, West Harlingen Addition), described in the meeting as Jerry Lopez’s application. The commission also adopted an ordinance to annex a 10-acre tract out of Block 3 of the FH Hanley Subdivision along Paloma Lane into the city’s corporate limits for full purpose.

Commissioners approved two invoices from Cameron County for city election costs: $168,623.70 for the Nov. 5, 2024 election and $111,834.51 for the Dec. 14, 2024 runoff. Remy Garza of the elections office explained the countywide voting system rollout, higher personnel and supply costs tied to the presidential election and county decisions that affected staffing and equipment. Garza said the city’s charges reflect a negotiated allocation rather than the full straight-prorated share of the county’s total election expense.

On the consent agenda the commission approved an agreement with Cameron County for an update to the county’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan; Commissioner Lopez abstained from that vote. The commission also approved a $21,000 match for a Region 1 Education Center program to support paraprofessional teacher certification, and approved two board appointments: reappointing Joe Wagner to the Downtown Improvement Board and appointing Marcus Cruz to the 4B Board.

Two items were tabled for further work: first-reading consideration of a citywide historic-preservation ordinance and a proposed amendment to on-street parking rules affecting Barton Avenue. Commissioners requested refinements to the parking language so staff could return with a draft that addresses mixed-use and grandfathered commercial situations rather than a single-street prohibition.

The commission recessed to executive session on attorney consultation, real-estate deliberations and economic development (Project Roosevelt) and returned to open session before voting to proceed as discussed in closed session.

Votes at a glance
- Special-use permit (602 S. F Street, Jerry Lopez): ordinance (first reading) approved (motion and second recorded; outcome: approved). Provenance: introduction at the public hearing and motion at the action item.
- Voluntary annexation (10-acre tract, Block 3, FH Hanley Subdivision): ordinance (first reading) approved (motion and second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Agreement with Cameron County (Hazard Mitigation Action Plan update, Consent 7L): approved; Commissioner Lopez abstained.
- Cameron County election invoices (Nov. 5, 2024 and Dec. 14, 2024): approved; invoices of $168,623.70 and $111,834.51 were presented and approved.
- CDBG/HOME one-year action plan budget (FY25–26): tabled.
- Historic preservation ordinance (first reading): tabled after questions and a request for edits.
- Barton Avenue on-street parking amendment (proposed ordinance to prohibit parking on Barton Avenue with limited exceptions): discussion held; motion to table and return with revised language passed.
- Region 1 Education Center matching funds ($21,000): approved.
- Board appointments: Joe Wagner (Downtown Improvement Board) reappointed; Marcus Cruz appointed to 4B Board (approved).
- Executive-session actions: commission voted on items from closed session upon return to open session (motions to proceed recorded as approved).

What happened and why it matters
The special-use permit and annexation expand the city’s regulatory and geographic responsibilities. The election invoices represent an unusually large expense for the city tied to the countywide voting transition and high turnout during a presidential year; staff described one-time and transition-related costs that elevated the bill. The commission’s decision to send the historic preservation ordinance and the Barton Avenue parking proposal back to staff reflects commissioners’ preference for clearer, citywide language and protections for mixed-use areas rather than narrow, single-street prohibitions.

What’s next
Staff will return with revised parking ordinance language and refinements to the historic-preservation proposal. The Cameron County agreement and election invoices have been approved and will be processed per the city’s normal accounts-payable procedures.

For transparency: all motions and outcomes above match the meeting record; counts and named movers were not provided on many roll calls in the public transcript and are recorded here as presented.","The Harlingen City Commission approved a voluntary annexation and a special-use permit for a tattoo studio, accepted county invoices for recent elections and approved several other routine items. Commissioners tabled a proposed historic-preservation ordinance and a neighborhood parking ordinance after discussion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident alleges nepotism in public comment; commission did not take action

City staff demo new Harlingen mobile app; staff report shows modest early adoption, feature list and engagement plans

Commissioners send Barton Avenue parking ban back to staff, seek citywide solution for mixed-use streets

Harlingen commission approves annexation, special-use permit and pays county election invoices; several items tabled