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