Aransas Pass council renews one-year PR contract, tables chamber tourism funding; denies RV-park rezoning

Aransas Pass City Council on Aug. 10 approved a one-year renewal of the city—ommunity and public relations contract and took several other actions on city business, while postponing a decision on a proposed tourism contract with the Chamber of Commerce.

The council voted to renew the contract for community and public relations services with Roland Rodriguez for a one‑year period beginning Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026, for $20,333.30, and appointed a council member as a nonvoting liaison to the Aransas Pass Housing Authority effective Aug. 10, 2025.

On land use, the council voted to deny reinstatement of a previously approved manufactured‑home (MH) district rezoning for property tied to Espada Aransas Pass Holdings LLC (applicant Tom Furlow). Council members said the applicant had not begun construction within the previously required time frame.

The council also adopted two ordinances: one authorizing the city to use independent contractors for abatements of high weeds, rubbish and debris (effective Aug. 5, 2025), and another establishing rules and criminal citation procedures for alleged criminal violations of the city code tied to nuisance abatements (effective Aug. 5, 2025).

A proposed one‑year publicity and tourism agreement between the city and the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce (covering Oct. 1, 2025 nd —orward) was presented and debated but ultimately tabled so council members could review a requested financial breakdown and other supporting documents. The council asked staff to return information at the Aug. 18 meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution appointing a nonvoting liaison to the Aransas Pass Housing Authority (appointing Randy Haskins, effective Aug. 10, 2025): motion carried (no roll‑call vote recorded in transcript).

- Publicity and tourism agreement (City of Aransas Pass and Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce, proposed for 10/01/2025—ecause of debate and requested documentation): motion to approve failed to obtain a second; motion to table until Aug. 18 passed.

- Renewal of community and public relations agreement with Roland Rodriguez: council amended the proposed two‑year renewal to one year (09/01/2025—y 08/31/2026) and approved renewal at $20,333.30; motion carried.

- Ordinance reinstating MH rezoning for Espada Aransas Pass Holdings LLC (applicant Tom Furlow): motion to deny reinstatement carried.

- Ordinance authorizing independent contractors for weed/rubbish abatements (amendment to city code chapter 14, art. 2, section 14—28): adopted effective Aug. 5, 2025.

- Ordinance on issuance of citations for alleged criminal code violations (amendment to chapter 14, art. 2, section 14—29): adopted effective Aug. 5, 2025.

Why it matters: The actions keep routine city services funded and in motion (code enforcement, property abatements and a short renewal of PR services) but leave open a contested tourism funding question that council members said requires more financial detail. The denied rezoning ends the applicant ttempt to hold the MH district designation without beginning construction.

What council directed next: Staff were asked to provide a financial breakdown and additional documents on the Chamber/publicity request in time for the Aug. 18 meeting; staff will also record and post formal documentation of the other adopted ordinances and the PR contract renewal.

Ending note: Several items drew extended public and business comment; the council scheduled follow‑up materials and a budget workshop on Aug. 21 to continue fiscal planning.