Rene Rosales

The commission reviewed and approved several requests for certificates of appropriateness. This included sign permits for properties located at 1591 Main St. and 12319 Socorro Rd., as well as the approval for a fueling canopy structure at 12370 Socorro Rd.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including a proclamation for National Bike Month and the recognition of the Municipal Courts for safety initiatives. The council held public hearings and deliberations regarding conditional use permits for local businesses, including a bar and a party hall. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved an ordinance concerning manufactured housing replacement provisions. The council authorized the commencement of a process to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances, including the issuance of an RFP for planning services. Other actions included the approval of an invoice for electrical pole installation, while discussions and actions regarding city attorney usage, council member duties, and an employment contract for the Interim City Administrator were tabled.

The commission reviewed and approved the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness for a sign permit at 12008 Socorro Rd. Additionally, the commission approved the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness for a mural located at 12496 Socorro Rd.

The council approved an Interlocal Agreement for rain harvesting infrastructure for a community garden and authorized a Letter of Support for a broadband grant program. The Mayor was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Rio Grande Council of Governments. Discussions were held regarding speed limit adjustments on Chicken Ranch Road and Socorro Road, resulting in instructions to staff for ordinance and communication with TxDot. The council authorized an application for a Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and the creation of a volunteer program. Furthermore, first readings were approved for three ordinances amending zoning, subdivision, and comprehensive plan regulations related to residential lots. A complaint against the Mayor was discussed with no action taken.

The council recognized Alberto Escamilla Day and made several appointments to the City Event Planning Committee and the Community Cleanup Committee. Public hearings and subsequent actions addressed zoning changes for property at 12396 Camino De La Rosa, conditional use permits for an automotive business and a bar, and a variance regarding lot size requirements for residential property. The council also authorized a resolution to solicit proposals for grant writing and administration services, denied a rate change application from El Paso Electric Company, awarded a paving contract for the Herring Road Overlay Project, approved an ordinance concerning council duties, authorized an RFP for park rehabilitation, initiated steps toward a property tax exemption for specific resident groups, approved an internet service contract, and confirmed the employment contract for the Interim City Administrator.