Resident urges Starr County court to allow use of Abel Gonzalez Community Center for 90th birthday

Fern Spencer, a Starr County resident, told the commissioners court on Monday that she has been unable to secure use of the Abel Gonzalez Community Center in San Ysidro for a ninetieth-birthday open house for her mother, Helen Spencer.

"I'm requesting the use of the Abel Gonzalez Community Center in San Ysidro for a ninetieth birthday open house for my mother, Helen Spencer," Spencer said during the public-comment period. She said she has been "stonewalled trying to convince Commissioner Hernan Garza and the site manager" to allow use of the facility.

Spencer described past damage and alcohol use at the site as reasons staff cited to restrict rentals in prior years, but she offered solutions: she said she would pay a reasonable rental fee, provide a refundable damage deposit, accept responsibility for any damage and pay two hours of staff wages so a county staff member could be present during the event.

The presiding judge told Spencer the court could not act on a public comment but explained how she could request placement of the item on a regular agenda. "If you'd like, you can go ahead and call my office. We'll put you on the next commissioner's court meeting as an agenda item," the judge said. The judge and staff advised Spencer to submit the county rental form and said the court would consider the matter formally if it is scheduled as an agenda item.

Spencer requested a written response and said she would promptly return any required forms and payments if the court placed the item on a future agenda. The judge and staff reiterated that public comment items are heard but not acted on during the comment period and that formal action requires placement on an agenda and a subsequent vote.

The meeting continued after the five-minute public-comment allotment without immediate action on Spencer's request.