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Kingsville commissioners approve generator contract, sewer change order, police grant applications and start city manager search
Summary
At a regular Kingsville City Commission meeting, members unanimously approved multiple procurement and policy measures including awarding a $123,900 generator contract for Water Well No. 14, a roughly $126,000 sewer change order tied to GLO CDBG‑MIT funds, two police grant applications, an administrative weapons‑policy update, and directed recruitment for a new city manager with a $180,000–$220,000 salary range.
The Kingsville City Commission met in regular session and approved a series of procurement, grant and personnel actions intended to advance water, sewer and public‑safety projects and to begin recruiting a new city manager.
The commission voted to award Bid No. 25‑10 — for a generator to serve the pump house at Water Well No. 14 (FEMA project DR‑4586) — to D and J Utility Services for $123,900, roughly 3% below the engineer’s estimate. Rudy, a city staff member who presented the bid tabulation, said bids were solicited in December 2024 and four firms responded. "The bids range from $123,900 to $212,950," Rudy said, and staff recommended the lowest responsible bidder after reference checks.
In related action, the commission approved a resolution authorizing the interim city manager to execute the construction contract with D and J Utility Services for the well‑14 generator project.
The commission also approved Change Order No. 2 to the PM Construction and Rehab LLC contract for the GLO CDBG‑MIT Tenth Street sanitary sewer improvement (Project 6). Staff described substituting 12‑inch cast‑in‑place pipe with 16‑inch pipe‑bursting after a video inspection revealed pipe condition issues; the change order adds roughly 60 calendar days to the schedule and increases project cost by about $126,000, with that increase funded from GLO CDBG‑MIT funds.
Police department staff asked the commission to authorize applications for two Office of the Governor grant programs. First, the department requested permission to apply for the FY2026 Bullet‑Resistant Shield Grant to buy 10 shields at $5,610.45 each (total $56,104.50) with no local cash match; the commission approved the request. Second, the commission authorized applying for the FY2026 Criminal Justice Division Body‑Worn Camera Grant. The department presented a project total of $83,088 (42 camera packages at $1,497 each = $62,874; software licensing = $14,595; professional services = $5,619). The grant requires a 25% cash match ($20,773); staff said the match would be sourced from the general fund reserve pending a budget amendment.
On personnel policy, commissioners approved an amendment to the City of Kingsville Administrative Policies and Procedures (Policy 890.05). The update renames the policy to "Firearms and Other Weapons," incorporates the Texas Penal Code definition of firearm, reiterates state law allowing employees to store firearms in vehicles on city property, permits certain defensive items (mace and dry stun devices) for employees, and authorizes the city manager to appoint security officers who may carry firearms at commission meetings.
Finally, the commission instructed ClearCareer Professionals to post and recruit for a new city manager and set a salary range between $180,000 and $220,000.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (roll call recorded as unanimous "Yes"). - Award Bid No. 25‑10 to D and J Utility Services for $123,900: motion passed by roll call (mover: Commissioner Lopez; second: Commissioner Alcorn). - Resolution authorizing interim city manager to execute contract for Well No. 14 (FEMA DR‑4586): approved by roll call. - Change Order No. 2 (PM Construction and Rehab LLC) — Tenth Street sanitary sewer improvement: approved; additional cost ~ $126,000 funded by GLO CDBG‑MIT. - Office of the Governor Bullet‑Resistant Shield Grant (FY2026) — authorize application and acceptance for 10 shields ($56,104.50): approved. - Office of the Governor Body‑Worn Camera Grant (FY2026) — authorize application and acceptance (project total $83,088; local match $20,773): approved. - Policy 890.05 amendment (Firearms and Other Weapons): approved. - City manager recruitment (post position; salary $180,000–$220,000): approved.
Public comment: Leslie Copeland, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, notified the commission about a Black History Month community event on Feb. 22 at the KC Hall from noon to 6 p.m., including cultural presentations and a "Taste of Soul" food component.
What happens next: Several items are implementation steps rather than final actions: the drought‑contingency ordinance was only introduced and will return for future consideration; the body‑worn camera grant, if awarded, will require a budget amendment to provide the cash match.
Sources and attribution: direct quotes and project cost breakdowns are taken from city staff presentations and public comment during the Kingsville City Commission meeting.
