San Benito commission approves BYOB permit ordinance, park resurfacing and emergency utility payments; ratifies Stenger Road payment

The San Benito City Commission on May 6, 2025 approved a package of ordinances, contract ratifications and emergency payments that officials said aim to regulate new business models, maintain city infrastructure and clear outstanding project accounts.

The commission adopted on second and final reading an ordinance amending Chapter 4 (Business Regulations) by adding Section 4.13 to address establishments not licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The change adds an annual permit and inspection fee category for businesses that allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages and subjects those businesses to conditional‑use permitting and city rules on operating hours. The ordinance passed after a brief discussion about enforcement and regulatory limits.

Commissioner Morales asked how the city could hold a business responsible when customers bring their own liquor. “What is guaranteeing the same establishment is gonna do the same because the customer's bringing it in?” he said. A city staff member responded that the businesses must apply for a conditional‑use permit and that the city could revoke that permit if problems arise. The commission approved the ordinance by voice vote; the motion was made by Commissioner Goodman and seconded by Mayor Paul Tengalvan.

Also approved at the meeting:

- Ratification of payment to the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) in the amount of $81,805.49 for the Stenger Road concrete path project, billed under the city’s interlocal agreement. Staff said the payment represents several months of invoices the city needed to catch up on so TxDOT could proceed with the project letting process.

- Authorization of two emergency utility payments to OMT Utilities for repairs: $42,000 for work on Hole Street and Spears Street and $37,600 for emergency work on South Bowie Street. City staff described collapsing/failed manholes and force‑main repairs as the cause of the emergency work and recommended ratification.

- Approval of resurfacing and color coating of two basketball courts at Kennedy Park, at a total cost of $33,630. The parks and recreation coordinator said the contractor provides a multi‑year warranty (described in the meeting as starting at 10 years) and that the work will improve slip resistance, drainage and court standards to allow future events.

- Consent approvals covering routine items 1–14 (items 10 and 14 were pulled from the initial consent bundle and considered separately). The initial consent motion (items 1–14 excluding 10 and 14) was moved by Commissioner Goodman and seconded by Commissioner Navarro and passed by voice vote.

- Personnel policy updates: the commission approved an amendment to the personnel policy manual to allow overtime/compensatory pay for city employees during city or state declared disasters; the motion was approved subject to final legal review. The commission also approved adding a social media policy into the personnel policy manual so it will apply to employees and elected officials.

- Board appointments: Adam Abrego was reappointed to the planning and zoning commission. The commission reappointed several members to the veterans advisory board and tabled action on one veterans board vacancy (Place 2) while staff confirms candidates.

Some items were on first reading only. The commission conducted a first reading of an ordinance adopting the Model Subdivision Rules for water and wastewater standards required by state guidance; no final vote was taken on that ordinance at this meeting.

Why it matters: the set of approvals affects business licensing and fees, maintenance of city streets and utilities, park facilities used by residents, and the city’s ability to proceed with a major Stenger Road pedestrian/multiuse path project that involves CCRMA and TxDOT phases.

What's next: staff will return with final legal review language on the personnel policy amendment, continue coordination with CCRMA and TxDOT on Stenger Road letting and provide warranty details for the Kennedy Park resurfacing project as requested by commissioners.