Ita Cortinas

The City Council meeting included recognition of Police Captain Hector M. Blanco for his 35 years of service and Kristian Valadez for being selected to the 2025 12U National Team. The council discussed and approved various ordinances related to zoning, budget amendments, and fees for city services. Resolutions were considered for surplus property, community development block grants, and the annual action plan. Other business included discussions on the International Bridge Expansion Project, the Design and Build of a Recycling Center, a Memorandum of Understanding with Southwest Texas College for a sidewalk construction project, and an interlocal agreement with the Middle Rio Grande Development Council for 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point Services. Additionally, there were presentations and discussions on formal action plans regarding transparency measures, public safety staffing and retention, traffic infrastructure issues, affordable housing initiatives, animal welfare, senior wellness, and streamlining permitting procedures. The council also entered an executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Planning and Zoning Commission convened to address several key items, including a conditional use permit for a child day care business, a multi-family development, and the final plat of Villa Romel Estates Subdivision Unit 3. The commission also discussed amending Chapter 23 regarding parkland dedication. Later, the commission discussed the appointment of a chairperson and vice-chairman, approval of past meeting minutes, and continuation of a public hearing for a conditional use permit. Additionally, they addressed a request for an additional residential duplex, a subdivision variance, and the preliminary plat of the High Country Subdivision Phase 2. The commission also reviewed and discussed amending Chapter 23, Article V, concerning parkland dedication. Furthermore, the commission addressed requests for conditional use permits for multi-family developments and an insurance agent establishment, as well as the rezoning of a tract of land and variance requests for final replats.

The City Council convened for a special meeting to discuss several key items. These included the second reading of an ordinance to change the zoning district for a property, the third and final reading of ordinances amending the code of ordinances related to the Art and Cultural Center fees and fire code violation fines. The council also considered resolutions directing the City Manager to implement transparency measures, address public safety staffing and retention, engage with TxDOT on traffic infrastructure issues, advance affordable housing initiatives, improve animal welfare and shelter operations, develop a comprehensive senior wellness and support program, and reform and streamline the city's permitting and development procedures. Additionally, they considered resolutions appointing members to the Ethics Review Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals. Lastly, they discussed a Professional Service Agreement between Computer Information System, Inc (CIS) and the Eagle Pass Police Department, and the purchase of 25 Mobile Data Terminals. An executive session was held to consult with an attorney regarding legal action against Just 1 Management, LLC.

The City Council convened for a special meeting to address several key items. The agenda included canvassing the results of the General Election held on May 3, 2025, and a resolution to accept the canvass. Following this, elected officers were to take their Oath of Office, and the council would elect a Mayor Pro-Tem. A significant item was the consideration of a resolution calling for a city officers runoff election to be held on June 7, 2025. Additionally, the council addressed the third and final reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances, updating the procedure for approving preliminary plats.

The council meeting started with a moment of silence to honor military personnel. A Veterans Day parade and ceremony were announced. A proclamation recognizing the Texas Military Department and Camp Charlie was presented. Citizens' communications included concerns about the creation of a city public improvement district and the annexation of land. A public hearing was held regarding the establishment of Public Improvement District Number One, including discussion of the annexation of over 2,000 acres of land and the development agreement. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on city services and the financial risks associated with the project. The council clarified that the debt and risk associated with the bonds for the improvement district are the responsibility of the developers, not the city.