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Weslaco commission approves contracts, funds grant application and OKs regional police academy partnership
Summary
At its June 17 meeting the Weslaco City Commission approved multiple procurement awards and permits, authorized a $100,000 grant application to fund a community health officer, and approved an interlocal agreement to host a regional basic peace officer academy.
The Weslaco City Commission on June 17 approved a series of routine contracts and permits, authorized submission of a $100,000 grant application to support a community health officer, and entered an interlocal agreement to host a regional basic peace officer academy.
The commission voted to approve a conditional use permit that will allow the existing Uncle Chops restaurant to add a mixed beverage permit at 200 South Border after staff told the commission it had notified 25 property owners within 200 feet and received no petitions for or against. Planning staff recommended approval and Commissioner Lopez moved for the permit; Commissioner Garcia seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
Public works and utilities staff reported on recent capital improvements and plant operations. “We produced 7,100,000 gallons for May,” Mr. Garza told the commission while describing equipment repairs and that the city’s compliance tests were in the green. The commission approved several infrastructure contracts and bid awards, including a manhole rehabilitation contract to Southern Trenchless Solutions for $74,009.55 and solicitations to design and bid repaving of Pleasant View Drive.
The commission approved awarding the Valley Nature Center reroofing contract to the bidder whose submittal staff judged complete, after asking questions that prompted a brief executive session. Staff recommended awarding to the contractor that provided all required documentation; after the closed session the commission returned and approved the item.
The City authorized the purchase of police vehicle equipment for three patrol units totaling $98,426.93. One commissioner recorded a recusal on that item and did not participate in discussion or vote.
On workforce development and safety, the commission approved an interlocal agreement with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to host a local basic peace officer academy. Manuel Cruz, identified in the meeting as the council’s director, said the partnership would provide four to five no-cost slots and training support. “We’re excited that we’re gonna start our own basic peace officer academy here,” Manuel Cruz said, adding the council would vet partners and provide oversight. Commissioners asked staff to explore whether a training-service commitment or prorated repayment could be implemented without conflicting with the police department’s collective bargaining agreement.
The commission also approved a grant application to the NET Community Care Foundation for $100,000 to create a full-time community health officer. Staff said the position would conduct wellness checks and coordinate services and estimated it would benefit roughly 6,100 residents, citing that group as people with disabilities or residents age 65 and older.
Other approved items included: sidewalk improvements on Northbridge (estimated $32,630), procurement of irrigation-district services to protect an irrigation line for the Los Doritos drainage improvements, installation of four speed humps in Garden Terrace Subdivision, and engine repairs for a fire unit currently quoted at $23,295.96 with a commitment to report back if costs exceed administrative thresholds.
The commission appointed Arturo Perez to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and authorized assistant city managers to negotiate potential sale terms for the Alton landfill as discussed in executive session. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Votes at a glance: conditional use permit for mixed beverage (approved); appointment of Arturo Perez to Board of Adjustment and Appeals (approved); Valley Nature Center reroofing contract (approved after executive session); police vehicle equipment purchase (approved; one recusal); interlocal agreement with LRGVDC for police academy (approved); NET Community Care Foundation grant application for community health officer (approved); multiple infrastructure bids/awards for manhole rehabilitation, sidewalks, asphalt design, and drainage work (approved).
