Jim Wedergren

The meeting included discussions on the beautification project, the BEAR program scoring rubric, and the Shop Santa Fe First loyalty card program. Additionally, the board planned for an upcoming search engine optimization workshop and considered membership in Grant Watch. Financial reports were reviewed, including budget updates and sales tax reports. Previous business included the administration of the oath of office to the new Executive Director, reallocation of drainage project funds to playground equipment, and discussions regarding local business incentives.

The council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a presentation by the Santa Fe Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. The agenda featured the consideration of a tax assessment agreement amendment, a Memorandum of Agreement for a task force program, and a grant application for body-worn cameras. Zoning change requests were addressed through public hearings and subsequent action. Additionally, the council reviewed financial reports, including the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and considered contracts for safety software and grant applications. Proposed ordinances regarding the dissolution of the Library Advisory Board and the regulation of fireworks within city limits were also discussed.

The commission held an election for the positions of Chairperson and Associate Chairperson for the 2026 term. A public hearing and subsequent vote were held regarding a variance request for street surfacing at 3811 ½ N FM 646. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved a request for quotes (RFQ) concerning amendments to the Unified Development Code and discussed the potential integration of a green infrastructure toolkit into the city's subdivision ordinance.

The Council reviewed and approved several items, including interlocal agreements with Galveston County for animal control and sheltering services, road milling services for 4th Street and Avenue L, and the amending of the city's purchasing policy regarding approval limits. The Council authorized H.I.S. Ministries to administer grant funds for residential rehabilitation and approved the procurement and installation of a replacement monument sign at City Hall. Personnel policy was amended to update business hours, and an ordinance was approved to transition to one Regular City Council meeting per month on the third Thursday. Additionally, the Council authorized the submission of a grant application for the Fiscal Year 2027 Body Armor Grant Program, reappointed members to the Park and Recreation Board, and provided direction regarding the replacement of playground equipment at Joe A. Tambrella Park. The meetings also included departmental reports and updates on economic development negotiations.

Key discussions during the meeting included the City Manager acting as the Interim Economic Development Corporation Executive Director during the search for a new Coordinator. Financial reports for the period ending December 2025 were presented, including revenue, expenses, and fund balance. An overview of the January 2026 sales tax report was provided. Updates on current economic development and project status included reporting that drainage projects funded by the EDC grant are out for bid. New business covered updates from the Interim Executive Director, noting that Project Battlefield would not be pursued and that the BEAR Program applications were temporarily discontinued pending guideline refinement. The next Regular Meeting was scheduled for February 24, 2026.