Harlingen commission approves Altas Palmas plat, several grants and administrative items; tables VIDA funding for follow-up

The Harlingen City Commission voted unanimously to approve a set of development, budget and program actions at its meeting, taking final votes on a subdivision plat, multiple grants and a lease renewal while tabling a $50,000 workforce grant for further review.

The commission approved preliminary construction plans and the final plat for Altas Palmas Phase 1, a proposed subdivision covering 25.78 acres at the northeast corner of Rodell Drive and Altas Palmas Road. Commissioners asked about a TCEQ variance request for an 8-inch sewer line installed in PVC at a shallower gradient than the standard; staff said the city engineering department had reviewed and approved the variance as part of the project conditions. The commission also clarified that the item did not require ordinance readings related to park fees and approved the plat with conditions.

As part of the meeting’s consent and action agenda, the commission authorized the city manager to execute an annexation service agreement with Rhodes Development and approved a contract with Dr. Shalene Mitchell to provide services for the city’s spay-neuter program. City staff said the spay-neuter effort is funded in part by a state zoonosis grant of $9,000 and will pilot low-cost surgeries for low-income households beginning Oct. 1; the city noted the program will initially prioritize shelter animals and low-income residents and may expand if successful.

The commission approved renewal of a one-year lease (document no. 6246787RP00006) for 15 acres at 1300 Fair Park Boulevard used by the Department of the Army, subject to two conditions requested by commissioners: (1) update the designated city point of…