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Commission approves police technology grant application, water-rights conversion and downtown rehabilitation contract
Summary
The commission authorized the police department to apply for a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority grant to purchase license-plate readers and a drone, approved a resolution to convert irrigation water rights to municipal use before TCEQ, and awarded a $505,810 construction contract for Bridal Avenue downtown rehabilitation; it also approved contracts for Freedom Fest performances, rides and pyrotechnics.
On April 30 the Rio Grande City Commission approved a series of items covering public-safety technology, water-rights conversion and downtown improvements.
Public safety: Chief Jose Solis described a planned application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (a catalytic-converter-theft prevention program) that would fund four license-plate-reader cameras and a drone with a launch pad; the grant would cover most equipment costs with a local match. Commissioners approved the resolution to pursue the grant and noted the drone would provide live feed to dispatchers prior to officer arrival.
Water rights: Staff presented a resolution authorizing administrative action to convert 4,000 acre-feet of irrigation water rights purchased from La Feria into a 2,000 acre-feet municipal use allocation before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; the commission approved the resolution and authorized the city manager and counsel to proceed with conversion filings.
Downtown and events contracts: The commission approved a construction contract with 8A Builders LLC for downtown Bridal Avenue rehabilitation under TXCDBG contract CDM240074 for $505,810.54 and directed staff to begin preconstruction activities. Separately, the commission approved a corrected music performance contract for Bridal/Freedom Fest ($255,000 as corrected in the packet), a rides contract to provide 11 rides (with community sponsorships intended to make kiddie rides free), and vendor agreements for fireworks/pyrotechnics. Staff noted insurance and grant-reimbursement mechanics where applicable.
All motions carried without recorded opposition. Staff said execution of contracts and grant filings will proceed and that the projects and events will follow existing procurement and legal review procedures.
