Juan Ornelas

The board discussed several items, including the purchase of new metal shelving for the library using grant funds, an update on the FM97 drainage project, and a successful insurance claim for the Watermelon Festival. Progress reports were provided for the Laguna Park project, the fire station remodeling, and fire engine delivery. The board approved an ordinance to establish a fee for the collection of municipal liens and entered into a contingency fee contract with Purdue Brandon Fielder Collins and M LLP for collection services. Additionally, they addressed grant funding for the new public safety building and authorized signatories for the CDBG-DR program. The meeting concluded with departmental reports and a citizen's public comment regarding tax rates.

The commission meeting included updates on local events, such as the upcoming Watermelon Festival and stroke awareness initiatives, with a proclamation issued declaring May as Stroke Awareness Month. Discussions were held regarding delays in the Alamo Road drainage project due to utility conflicts. Additionally, the commission reviewed pending issues at the wastewater treatment plant, authorized the acting city manager to sign financial instruments, and approved an interlocal agreement with Hidalgo County Precinct 1 for road improvement projects.

The board conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters and consultation with an attorney regarding the city manager position. Following the session, the board moved to terminate the city manager without cause and subsequently appointed an acting city manager for the city.

The Commission meeting covered several community updates and actions. Discussions included the upcoming city blood drive, the observance of President's Day, and the scheduling of the Miss Alamo scholarship pageant. The commission honored the PSJ Memorial cheerleading team for winning a national championship and recognized the city's citizen of the year. The commission approved an amendment to a 380 agreement with 533 Properties LLC and finalized the selection of bond counsel, financial advisors, and project engineers for water infrastructure projects supported by the Texas Water Development Board. Furthermore, the commission discussed the application filing and authorized representative resolution for the drinking water state revolving fund project, with an engineering overview on the shift toward treating brackish water to address local water scarcity and quality challenges.

The Commission meeting included various community announcements, including a local blood drive, the annual walking event, the volunteer search for the upcoming watermelon festival, and a network night hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. The meeting also featured a presentation from the Miss Alamo pageant organization regarding the recent pageant process and the introduction of the new 2026 royal court. The Commission addressed agenda items including the nomination for the County Appraisal District Board of Directors and reviewed the proposed backfill and compaction work for the Lagona Park detention pond project.