Minutes ofJ January 07, 2020  Page1  The Board of Commissioners for the City of Alamo, Texas met for the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 07, 2020 at 7:00j p.m, at the City of Alamo Municipal Building.  COMMISSION: PRESENT: Mayor Dianal Martinez Robert Del La Garza, Mayor Pro-Tem Okie Salinas, Commissioner Pilar Garza, Commissioner Pete Morales, Commissioner STAFFI PRESENT: Robert) L. Salinas, Interim City Manager Cris Palacios, City Attorney Alexandra Rangel, City Secretary Alicia Cano, HRI Director Melisa Gonzales, Special Projects Director Alex Oyoque Museum Director Melissal Leal, Utilities Billing Supervisor Julio Villarreal, Public Works Director  COMMISSION ABSENT:  Michael Torres, IT Director Rogelio Alaniz, Interim Police Chief Adela Perez, Purchasing Agent Lorie Solis, Library Director Celia Garcia, Municipal Judge Roy Contreras, Fire Chief  I.  CALL MEETING TO ORDER  Mayor Diana Martinez called the regular meeting held on Tuesday, January 07, 2020 to order at 7:00 p.m. at the City of Alamo Municipal Building. Mayor Diana Martinez led the Pledge of Commissioner Pete Morales stated that there is a documentary on Netflix with one of our own, Keith Hackland on a documentary on birds. He wanted to congratulate Keith Hackland for being Melisa Gonzales announced the Mayors ITT challenge kicked offy yesterday, currently Alamo is in 5th place, San. Juan. 3rd and Pharr is in gth Both Alamo and San. Juan are in the. small city category, PSJA with all ofus are currently in. 3rd. On Saturday, January 25th will be The Mayors' Walk for Wellness in Weslaco at the LRGVDC, please let me know ifyou are interested Commissioner Oscar Salinas mentioned the Alamo Police Department, gifted over 700 toys to the D. Consideration and action to approve the minutes for the special meeting of December Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza motioned. to approve and Commissioner Pilar Garza E. Consideration and action to: approve the minutes fort thes second regular meeting of Commissioner Pete Morales stated he would like to table this item, he has requested the audio Commissioner Pete. Morales motioned. to table and. Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza F.Consideration: and action to appoint a City Prosecutor fort the Alamo Municipal Court. Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to appoint Rene A. Flores, and Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert  Allegiance and Melisa Gonzales led the Invocation. C.Presentation: and Announcements  on the. show.  ing going. children in Alamo. 16,2019.  seconded. Motion carried. December 17, 2019. recording of the meeting. seconded. Motion carried.  De La Garza seconded. Motion carried. Vote 3/2  G.Consideration: and action on emergency repairs on various locations.    Minutes ofJ January 07, 2020 Page2 2  Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated this is ini regards to aj few projects, a sewer line on an alley between Citrus Ave. and Birch Ave, the total cost for this project was $39,500 and al leak at the lift station: suction pipe and repair ofap portion ofthej force main within the Tower Rd. lif station wet well. Inc order to avert a mgjor problem with one ofour main lift stations, the total cost for this project was $29,000. These items are before yous since the costs Mayor Diana Martinez asked the lif station located in Tower Rd, will that alleviate some of Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded Ms. Velasquez had mentioned the. smell has Commissioner Pete Morales asked. Julio Villareal what type ofwork was done Julio Villareal responded that the key upgraded the 6" line to an 8" line repairs do we have to go out for bids, how is the process?  to1 repair were over $15,000. the problems. lessened.  Commissioner Okie Salinas asked Interim City Manager Robert Salinas, for emergency Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded what he asks. Julio to do is to obtain. 3 quotes as quick as possible. In this case, Icalled Garco and they stated they) had to much work. At Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve and Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza H.Consideration and: action to replace/re-appoint member(s) to the Tax Increment Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza motioned. to remove. Alberto Cazares and appoint Gilbert Herrera and Commissioner Pete Morales seconded. Motion carried. . Consideration and action on an ordinance to amend the Water and Sewer Fund for Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated this ordinance will allow the city to authorize the increase oft the line itemj from the Water and Sewer Fund to pay) for the Incode modules that Mayor. Diana Martinez motioned to approve and. Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza Commissioner Pete Morales stated ifai report can be generated at the end of) year on how  this time Saenz Brothers came in with a quote andi was the lowest.  seconded. Motion carried. Reinvestment Zonel Board.  onlinel bill payment services. will allow online payments. seconded. Motion carried. many people pay online.  Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded yes  J. Presentation regarding the use of forfeiture funds by the Alamo Police Department. Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz presented the use of forfeiture funds by the Alamo Police Department, he stated since coming into office itl was actually depleted. Now the amount is roughly. $40,974. Hez mentioned: that they have deferredrevenues of85,180 ands 1$35,794, and he spoke with the. DA' 's office on these usage oft thej funds and it was decided to donate to the Interim City Manager Robert Salinas asked Melisa Gonzales to speak more on detail on the Special Projects Director Melisa Gonzales responded, the PD was awarded. some funds through the Criminal, Justice Office ofthe Governor for the Alamo Youth Center Positive Action Crew program. The stipends for the junior staffwhich is the donation of81,2501 was approved locally here by the commission and the Office oft the Governor, unfortunately our funding source gots shifed by the Office oft the Governor to. JAG, because oft that the stipend  youth center $1,250, which will go to their mentor program.  program.    Minutes ofJ January 07,2020 Page3 3  was not an allowable expense. Speaking with the chiefs, the curriculum from the Positive Action Crew program these kids are doing iti is approved through the Office ofJustice Program. Thej junior staffa and Youth Center. staff will be trained under the Positive Action Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz stated there will be ceremony on the 15th to thank all of our kids who volunteer and promote the program. Hes stated, he just checked the e-grants and there should be an amount $20,000 coming in within a week. He is proposing the usage of  Crew curriculum to promote from K-12.  forfeiture funds within the guidelines: $5,000 for police equipment  $15,000 in training, for PD Officers and civilian staff  $7,000 for donations regarding drug awareness/Alamo, youth centers, etc. Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert. De La Garza asked Finance. Manager Yvette Mendoza if we do have Finance Manager Yvette Mendoza responded under the Federal forfeiture fund we have Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz statedi it's the total of840,947 and the deferredrevenue: of Mayor. Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza asked why wasn'tt the commission: notified on the Commissioner Pete Morales asked if Interim City Manager. Robert Salinas knew about the Interim City Manager. Robert Salinas responded only after thej fact, thei items have not  $35,000.  $35,000 and the State we have $14,000. $5,180 a total of835,794. purchase of the gif cards. purchase. been distributed.  Commissioner Pete Morales asked what about the $5,000 for police equipment  $15,000 in training. for PD Officers and civilian. staff  87,000 for donations regarding drug awareness/Alamo, youth centers, etc.  Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz responded this is only a projection Commissioner Okie Salinas this is just a presentation no action is required Interim Chief Rogelio. Alaniz responded that is correct  Commissioner Pete Morales asked Mr. Salinas to keep reporting on any usage offunds Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz stated he wants to keep the transparency and notify the Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza stated but the gift cards have been purchased  commission: regarding funds  already.  Commissioner Pete Morales asked gifc cards?  Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded. gift cards were purchased for the Alamo Youth Center. Positive Action Crew Program, ai total of23 teenagers who help out with the program and will be distributed on the 15th What should have happened was this should Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz stated that is correct, this was just a misunderstanding with  have been brought forth and then purchased after the meeting.  the procurement, process.    Minutes of] January 07, 2020 Page4 4  Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded in thej future usage oft thej forfeiture funds  in excess oft the:  $15,000 in training for PD Officers and civilian staff  $5,000 for police equipment  $7,000 for donations regarding drug awareness/Alamo, youth centers, etc.. Andi willl be give aj presentation before commission prior to any, spending. Interim Chief Rogelio Alaniz stated ifanyone needs an equitable sharing guide, he can provide copies to anyone interested. He sated he is willing to work with the commission  for any additional ideas to use the funds.  PUBLICHEARNING Authority.  Public Hearing on a re-zone request from an R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling District) to anl R- 2( (Duplex, Multi-Family, Townhouse and Apartment District) physically located at 823N. 8th St., legally described as Alamo Housing Authority 20 Unit, Lot 22 for Alamo Housing Interim City Manager. Robert Salinas stated the site is located on the intersection of E. Carey. Ln. and 8th, St, thes surrounding zones. The surrounding zones are. R-1 in all directions. Ins speaking to the Housing Authority, the Community Building has not been greatly utilized. They are proposing to convert the community building into a duplex in order to be able to provide two additional living units for low income families. There are other multi-family. zones throughout the City that are adjacent to single family residential zones, it would simply be up to the City to see ifthis is azone change that would be beneficial to this particular ared. Being that the current use ofthe building is similar to that ofa commercial: use, converting it into a duplex and making it az residential space would seem to work better in the area rather than a community building, i.e. residential: use rather than commercial. Staffdoes not object to this zone change proposal. On. December 18,2019 the P&Z Commission unanimously voted 5-0.  No Citizen Participation  K.Consideration and: action on a re-zone request from an R-1 (Single-Family Dwelling District) to an R-2 (Duplex, Multi-Family, Townhouse and Apartment District) physically located at 823N. 8th St., legally described as Alamo Housing Authority 20 Mayor Diana Martinez motioned to approve, and Commissioner, Pete Morales seconded. L. Consideration and action on a renewal conditional use permit for the sale on onsite consumption of alcohol for "Sandra's Bar",physically located 111 N. 7th St., Unit G, legally described as Outlet "F" Alamo Original Townsite for Sandra Alcantar. Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated the site is located on the NW area of Business 83 and N. 7th, St. This business has been in operation for afew) years and this is ai renewal for a conditional use permit, noy major incidents according to PD. On December 18,20191 the P&Z Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza motioned to approve and Commissioner Pete Morales M.Consideration and action on a variance to' Title -10 Zoning Regulations; Chapter 3- General Zoning Provisions; Section 10-3-3(C), physically located at 5141 Robert Lane, legally described asl Lot 55, Tower) Landing Subdivision for Juan Rojas. Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated the site is located. 50' east of Edward. Ln. along the north side of Robert. Ln. Staffy was made aware ofar new. 30X3l'canopyporch. structure being built at: 514 Robert In. The applicant explained that it was ar roof for outdoor gatherings. Staffe explained that due to the zoning code, the 30'X31' was too large for his lot. Mr. Rojas decided to apply for a variance to: see ifhe would be able to continue to build the canopy/porch. According to the code of Ordinances states, "In the R-1 or R-2 Districts, accessory buildings shall not occupy more than thirty percent (30%) of the required minimum rear yard area. "Onl December 18,2019 the P&Z Commission approved ifonly it stays open.  Unit,] Lot 22 for Alamo Housing Authority.  Motion carried.  Commission approved. seconded. Motion carried.    Minutes of] January 07,2020 Page5 5  Commissioner Pete Morales askedi it will remain open open and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded. Motion carried.  Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza motioned. to approve under the circumstances to. stay N. Consideration and action on a variance to allow fora a 2' front setback instead of the code minimum 25' front setback, physically located at 307 Alma St., legally described as Lot Interim City Manager. Robert Salinas stated the. site is located on the 1,340' south of Duranta Ave. along the south. side ofAlma St. Staffn made a neighborhood inspection ofh Alma-Delia Subdivision andj founds several carports that were within the minimum, front setbacks. Several notices were. sent with this lot being one oft them. Upon receiving the notice, the applicant came into office to discuss the matter with Code Enforcement. The applicant was unaware of thez need for a permit and the 25' front setback requirement. From 2008 to now there have been approximately 40+ carport variances) for front setbacks that have been approved throughout the City. Ofthose 40+ carports two are within this same subdivision. On Mayor Diana Martinez motion to approve, and Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza 0.C Consideration and action on a variance to allow fora a 6" front setback instead of the code minimum 25' front setback, physically located at 418 Delia Ave., legally described asl Lot 49, Alma Delia Subdivision for Adriana Sanchez & Victor Hernandez. Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated same subdivision ands same requirements as the Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza asked ifthe applicants are being fined and do they have Interim City Manager Robert Salinas responded yes, through a double permit fee Commissioner, Pete Morales motioned to approve and Mayor Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza P. Consideration and action on a variance to allow fora a 1'6" front setback instead oft the code minimum 25' front setback, physically located at 4201 Delia Ave., legally described Interim City Manager Robert Salinas stated same. subdivision ands same requirements as the Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza motioned: to approve and Commissioner Pete Morales Q.Consideration and action on a variance to allow for: a 4'9" front setback instead of the code minimum 25' front setback, physically located at 421 Delia Ave., legally described Mayor Diana Martinez motioned to approve and Mayor Pro-Tem Robert De La Garza R.C Consideration and action on a variance to allow fora 1'9" front setback instead of the code minimum 25' front setback, physically located at 423 Delia Ave., legally described Commissioner Pete. Morales motioned to approve and Mayor. Pro-Tem. Robert De La Garza Interim City Manager. Robert Salinas stated just for the record for itt to be perpetually open ands side setbacks are being met in all oft these previous carport variances.  24, Alma Delia Subdivision forl Daniel Lopez.  December 18,2019 the P&Z Commission approved  seconded.. Motion carried.  previous property. to get the permit?  seconded. Motion carried.  as] Lot 48, Alma Delia Subdivision Vernon & Mary Olson.  previous property. seconded. Motion carried.  as Lot 38, Alma Delia Subdivision for Aurora Ocana.  seconded. Motion carried.  as Lot 39, Alma Delia Subdivision for Krystal L. Garcia.  seconded.. Motion carried.    Minutes of] January 07, 2020 Page 6  CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Five minutes per person withi no response from the City  Commission. Residents must sign up prior tot the city meeting.  No citizen participation I. ADJOURNMENT  Citizens are encouraged to sign the attendance sheet.  There being noj further business, Mayor Diana Martinez adjourned the meeting at 7:35 pm  Mayor  Ag  Thaig