Nicole Alderete-Ferrini

The meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by a period for public comments. Residents addressed concerns regarding the annexation process, the visual image and infrastructure on the east side of the city, and water-related issues. Public comments concluded, and the council proceeded to the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and reviews of strategic goal reports and expenditure reports. Key discussions focused on the engagement letter from Brookes Law Firm PC to serve as special counsel for general municipal law representation, particularly concerning annexation matters. The council debated the necessity of approving the engagement letter before discussing annexation specifics. Following this, the council moved to discuss and consider the first reading of an ordinance regarding the extension of the city's municipal boundaries by annexation.

The special city council meeting focused on two primary consent agenda items related to economic development corporation activities. The first item involved discussing and subsequently approving Resolution 26-02-08R, which authorizes a contract between the City of Pacis and the Pacis 4B Economic Development Corporation under Texas local government code section 3080.2B to guide the granting of public funds or property for economic diversification, unemployment reduction, and commerce expansion. Significant council discussion focused on the direct and ancillary benefits to the city versus the county from land transfers to the EDC, especially concerning projects under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). The second item, Resolution 26-02-09R, authorized the execution and reporting of an amended and restated deed conveying specific real property, known as the test track, from the City of Pacis to the Pacis 4B Economic Development Corporation, declaring a public purpose. Council members expressed concerns regarding the lack of financial projections and advocated for ensuring local businesses receive priority in contracts associated with the developments, and for securing tangible benefits for the city community beyond standard tax revenues.

The meeting included a period for public comments where residents raised concerns regarding local bar noise levels (specifically bass guitar frequency), general cleanliness and code enforcement, dog control, and potential negative community impacts of the Kelby plant alongside a proposed tax rebate. The council then addressed the consent agenda, which included approving minutes from prior meetings and reviewing treasury reports. Resolutions were approved ratifying grant applications for the police department (Edward Bird Memorial Justice Assistant Grant Program, Peace Officer Mental Health Program, Project Safe Neighborhoods) and the IT department (State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program). The council also reviewed an update on the fire hydrant repair project, expecting repairs to begin mid-March on approximately 15 non-working hydrants. Under the non-consent agenda, the council approved an ordinance extending the operation of a firework business. Finally, the council discussed and approved the purchase of a new Caterpillar tractor scraper for the sanitation department to replace an unsuitable John Deere lease unit, requiring the use of fund balance for the difference above the budgeted amount.

The meeting commenced with an invitation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included public comments concerning a proposed annexation, with residents expressing concerns about lack of information and the impact on properties. The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which covered the minutes of the previous meeting, employee tuition reimbursement reports for 2024 and 2025, the expenditure report, and the 2025 racial profiling report. Employee retirements for Martha Ortega (15 years of service) and Mendoza (10 years of service) were acknowledged. Non-consent items included the presentation of the third annual DECAT tree recognition, with the Pacis Girl Scouts receiving an award for the most unique and creative tree for the second consecutive year. An update was provided on the revolving residential loan fund, detailing progress on purchasing lots, demolishing one home, getting plans approved, and contracting for five manufactured homes, while also planning necessary infrastructure work. The council discussed Ordinance 26-01-01 regarding the extension of municipal boundaries by annexation for 2021 and 2022 areas, excluding the Lindsay addition. Legal counsel noted statutory restrictions limiting the total annexation to 30% of the city area this year, meaning only one of the two proposed areas could be annexed unilaterally.

The regular city council meeting covered several significant agenda items following the call to order, invitation, and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on the non-consent agenda, specifically Ordinance 26-01-01 concerning the extension of city municipal boundaries by annexation for Area 1 (2021) and Area 1, 2, and 3 (2022). The discussion involved the exclusion of the Lindsay edition due to water restrictions and detailed explanations regarding land use grandfathering, which continues based on use, not ownership. Council also addressed the financial implications of annexation, noting that tourist tax revenues would cover incremental service costs. Separately, the council considered Ordinance 26-01-02, an amendment to extend the operation of a firework business, where a representative argued for approval based on the ordinance stipulating extension as long as no residential development occurred within 200 feet. The consent agenda, which included approving the minutes of the December 18, 2025 meeting, reviewing the expenditure report, and reviewing the December 2025 strategic plan report, was approved after specific questions regarding advertising expenditures and software subscriptions were clarified.