Minutes ofJ June 15,2 2021 Pagel 1  The Board of Commissioners for the City of Alamo, Texas met for the Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 6:00p.m., att the City of Alamol Municipal Building.  COMMISSION, PRESENT: Mayor Diana) Martinez Pete Morales, Commissioner Robert De La Garza, Commissioner Pilar Garza, Commissioner STAFF PRESENT: Rick Palacios, City Attorney Richard Ozuna, Police Chief Roy Contreras, Fire Chief Rafael Tapia, AEDCI Director I. CALLI MEETINGTO ORDER and. Melisa Gonzales led the Invocation. C. Presentations and Announcements  COMMISSION, ABSENT:  Okie Salinas, Mayor Pro-Tem (Via Video-Conference)  Robert L. Salinas, City Manager Alicia Cano, HR Director Alexandra Rangel, City Secretary Ronnie Cruz, City Engineer  Adelal Perez, Purchasing Melisa Gonzales, Special Projects Director Michael Torres, ITI Director  Mayor Diana Martinez called the regular meeting held on Tuesday. June 15, 2021 to order at 6:00 p.m. at the City ofAlamo Municipal Building. Mayor Diana Martinez led the Pledge of Allegiance  Special Projects Director Melisa Gonzales announced an award from the Library Services of Texas for the Little Learning Library, SGT Fernando. Del La Rosa Library will be adding 25 Little Libraries throughout the community 15 in our community and 10 in our schools. She also mentioned. she received a Solid Waste Report from Republic, within the last 5 months they have collected. 3,225 tons of municipal waste, 1,510 tons ofbrush, 85.88 tons ofwhite materials and 28 tons oft tires. Next Thursday on the 24th please join us for Movies at the Park at 7:15pm and we Mayor Diana Martinez thanked to the Parks and Rec. Department for the Golden Oldies at the Commissioner Pete Morales wanted to remind everyone the smart meters will be installed soon and he wanted to thank the Parks and Rec.. Department) for working on Alaniz Park. City Manager Robert Salinas responded the meters will be installed late. June earlyJuly. Mayor Diana. Martinez asked if we can post the smart meter reminder on the website City Manager Robert Salinas responded aj flyer has been posted. Special Projects Director. Melisa Gonzales a video willz be posted soon as well Commissioner Pete Morales stated it will be good to add the new features to help the residents, and he also wanted to thank IT for continuing toj posts during this hurricane season. D. Consideration and Action to approve the minutes for the first regular meeting of. June Commissioner Robert De La Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pilar Garza E. Consideration and Action to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Alamo  will be playing Raya and the Last Dragon,  park.  01,2021.  seconded.. Motion carried.  Crime Stoppers Inc. and Alamo Police Department.    Minutes ofJ June 15,2021 Page2 Motion carried. Options.  Commissioner Pete Morales motioned tot table, and Commissioner Robert De La Garza seconded. F. Consideration and Action for Renewal of the City Employees Health Insurance City Manager Robert Salinas stated since it was increased by 1% wej felt the needi not to go out Victor Diaz presented that all claims related to COVID have been paid at 100%1 with no employee out ofpocket through the end ofA April, this helped because it would notl be includedin the claim experience when renewal comes around. As ofA May TML, has paid $136,0001 worth of claims. We are moving, from United Health Care to Blue Cross Blue Shield effective 10/1/2021, we are looking into 6-8%1 worth of discounts. TML Health is partnering with Deer Oaks to bring all Pool members their 6-visit Employee Assistance. Program (EAP) at no cost to employees. City Manager Robert Salinas stated the Deer Oaks is ag great option to have especially when other vendors are trying tos sell that. separately, and the vision is a premium now? Victor Diaz responded yes, our new EyeMed program comes with al broad network ofv vision providers who offer S0 eye exams and a wide variety ofg glasses and contacts, at very affordable Mayor Diana Martinez stated: shei is surprised the percentage did not go up very much this) year. Victor Diaz responded what helped was we took the COVID claims out and the wellness Commissioner. Pete Morales asked regarding a Medcare card, where funds can be added and Victor. Diaz responded we do have that option, it can be an HRA or al Flex.. HRA is employer Commissioner. Pete. Morales stated this something that should be looked into to help out Victor Diaz responded correct, and it can be deducted through the paycheck. City Manager Robert Salinas asked ifthese plans can be blended. Victor Diaz responded it can as longi itis not ai high deductible health plan. Commissioner Pete Morales stated to his understanding itis pre-tax depending on the IRS such as the purchase of OTC.  for bids it was only an. $8,000 increase.  Open enrollment will be August 03, 2021.  copays.  programs help. pay for medical visits.  funded and Flex is employee funded.  employees.  Victor Diaz responded yes at the moment it's $2,750 the allowable and rules can change Commissioner Robert De La Garza motioned. to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales G. Consideration and Action to enter into a Consultant Agreement with Valiant Energy City Manager Robert Salinas stated Valiant Energy Sources offers the help toy find the cheapest energy rates, he spoke with the County, Weslaco, Raymondville and Penitas and they all utilize Valiant. They will noto charge the city anything, they will only get funded by the retail provider.  seconded.. Motioned: carried.  Sources, LLC for assistance with the procurement of electricity.    Minutes ofJ June 15, 2021 Page3  City Attorney Cris Palacios stated for the record the contract. states iti is exclusive for Valiant, for example if the city agrees then they signup as the exclusive agent to get the prices and it does reflect) for early termination, but it does not state provisions. We can approve it with revisions, we Commissioner, Pete Morales motioned. to approve based on recommendation, from City Attorney, H. Consideration: and Action to enteri into: a February 2021 Storm Recovery Agreement with City Manager Robert Salinas stated we are a part of the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power (TCAP) and have been for several years. Being members OfTCAP we receive wholesale rates for our power consumption. Our bills are comprisedofane energy rate, a transmission and distribution rate, and an ancillary charges rate. ERCOT sets the ancillary charges rate to ensure electric grid reliability, which changes hourly. Back in February of this year, the State of Texas was hit with an umprecedented winter storm. Winter Storm Uri caused electrical outages not only to the city butt tot the State as a whole. There have been various individuals and cities that have received large electric bills due to Winter Storm Uri. Now, we havez received a letter from Gexa Energy giving us 3paymento options. Option 1-Pay $7,370.97 from now until December. 2022 ($140,048.40), Option 2-Pay a lump sum $136,985.50, and Option 3-Pay $2,044.32 from now until December 2028 ($186,033.01). The recommend option 1, but to negotiate the pricing to reduce it to the $136,985.50 and try tos see iflegislation will change to either refund us our money back or at least allow us to stop making the payments. This item is now before you since the costs for the repair Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Robert De La Garza  can do that as well for indemnifications agreement and venue. and Commissioner. Robert De La Garza seconded. Motion carried.  Gexa Energy  are over. $15,000. seconded. Motion carried. PUBLICHEARING  Public Hearing on a Conditional Use Permit to establish a Mobile Food Court, on Lettered Lots (Alamo). ANNI IRR TRJ E. 835.09'. -N.: 196.35', ADJ tol Railroad, LOT G, 3.38 AC.NET,  located at 103 North' Tower Road, Alamo, Texas.  No Citizen Participation  Consideration and Action on Ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to establish: a mobile food court, on Lettered Lots (Alamo). ANNI IRR TRJ E. 835.09'. -N.1 196.35,ADJ to Railroad, LOT G, 3.38. AC. NET, Located at 103 North' Tower Road, Alamo, Texas. CPD. Director Sergio Zavala stated reiterating what) was expressed in Mr. Landa's CUP approved aj few months ago, Staffs states the following: "the concern ofnoise emanating onto the residences tot thei north is an obvious one. The commitment) from the applicant is that the noise volume willl be maintained at a reasonable level. This behooves his business because there are numerous and consistent noise complaints, this will only jeopardize his CUP investment from possibly being There is ane existing fire hydrant at the NW corner of Tower/Railroad. Avenue. The Fire Marshal Ins staf's final analysis, the mobile food court will complement the restaurant setting; and it is expected that those coming to partake of the conventional restaurant. may also walk over to the food trailers to patronize them, too. Staff believes that the mobile food court is in a good commercial setting, highly visible, and with uniformed. security monitoring the site, it should Staff Recommendation approval of the mobile food court CUP subject to thej following measures:  sanctioned/fned. or having the CUP terminated."  has previously determined that no new hydrant willl be required.  acclimate well.    Minutes ofJ June 15,2021 Page4 4 cancelled.  1.For 1j year after activation; subject to renewal at that time; must activate w/in 61 ma's or else 2. Abide by the City's Noise Ordinance; be noise-vigilant esp. during special events. 3. Install a min. 4' perimeter fence, at least, to the east and south to maximize safeguarding children) from Tower's traffic, as welld as thep parking lots' traffic (esp. during evening hours) install 4.1 Have the appropriate staff secure the required food-handler's health certificates. 6. Secure required business permit by incoming mobile food vendors prior to activation. 7. Comply with allo applicable terms of the City's Mobile Food Court Ordinance.  from the outset.  5. Comply w/Fire Marshal's & Bldg. Inspector's requirements  This item was approved by P&ZI Board on May 19, 2021.  Commissioner Robert De La Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales  seconded. Motion carried. PUBLICHEARING  Public hearing on a Conditional Use Permit to have a Mobile Food Trailer on Lot 14, Adrian Ramirez stated everything is ready and the trailer will be moved to the left side of the  Chaparral Subdivision, Located at 13455 SH 495, Alamo, Texas.  property, and this should prevent any issues.  Mayor Diana Martinez asked Mr. Zavala why did P&Z deny this item.  CPD Director Sergio Zavala responded because of aesthetic, the highway creating a high  trafficked area, and a citizen concern. CPD Director Sergio Zavala responded yes  Commissioner Pete Morales asked was itat unanimously denial from P&Z?  J. Consideration and Action on Ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to have a Mobile Food' Trailer onl Lot 14, Chaparral Subdivision, Located at 1345 SH 495, Alamo, CPD Director Sergio Zavala stated the. site is 1320' east of Cesar Chavez Road, along the south side of SH4 495. Lot 147 has) frontage to. 3 streets, ie., SH4 495, Nora Street, and Ramos Street; but driveway access is only from the perimeter minor. streets ofl Nora & Ramos Streets. Lot 14) has an existing tire repair shop with 61 paved off-street parking spaces that are available. This measure of commercial, square) footage equates to 8 parking spaces for the tire shop only. Staff notes that the mobile food trailer currently sits over 1 or 2 parking spaces. Staff fully understands that the mobile foodi vending: uniti is TEMPORARY, bute even a temporary structure can invitear non-positive tone on Alamo's efforts toi improve its commercial aesthetics along a 7-lane major thoroughfare; being one of the City's major commercial corridors. Take notice thatj just south oft the tires shop is ar riding mower repairlsales service that is un-sightly, too. Adding this portable structure into a highly visible mixed-use property may not be a path the City wants toj find itsefin. There are no available fire hydrants along this stretch of SH4 495. The nearest one is over. 1500' (along Cesar This item was denied by the P&Z Board on May 19, 2021, due to. staff recommendation as well  Texas.  Chavez; south of SH495). neighboring opposition.    Minutes ofJ June 15,2 2021 Page5  Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to deny based on recommendation, from Planning and Public Hearing on a Conditional Use Permit to construct: a Single] Family Home on Property Zoned Mobile Home and Modular Homel District (R-MH) on Lot 31, Block 3, South Alamo  Zoning, and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded. Motion carried.  PUBLICI HEARING  Village Subdivision,' located at 1220 Garvin Avenue, Alamo, Texas.  No Citizen Participation  K. Consideration and Action on Ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to construct as Single Family Home onl Property Zoned Mobile Home and Modular Home (R-MH) on Lot31, Block3, South Alamo VillageSubdivision, located atl 1220 Garvin Avenue, Alamo, CPD. Director Sergio Zavala. stated the. site is located at the NW intersection (area) of W. Garvin Avenue and 13th Street. The property is ani irregularly shaped lot that can certainly fta SF home. about 61 months ago (December. 1, 2020), the Boardo of Commissioners approvedas SF, residence to bel built in this. same subdivision, being on the adjoining Lot 30, Block. 3, for Criselda Garza. With the Garza SF home, there are now. 56 existing site-built homes in South Alamo Village. Ifthis CUP is approved, the Hernandez home will bez the 6th. FYI -this subdivision has 130 lots. Staffs sent out notices ofthis! public hearing and, as ofthis) writing, we have noti received any comments opposing the CU P's intent. Although typical CUPS are not to be transferable to others, this being a permanent site-built home, itis logically determined. that this CUPs should be transferable. to other new owners if that circumstance becomes evident. Staff Recommendation Approval subject to 1) complying with the SF Residential setbacks (as cited above); and 2) having this CUP be  Texas.  transferable to others should that occasion arise. This item was approved by P&Z Board on May 19, 2021.  Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded.  Motion carried. PUBLIC, HEARING  Public Hearing on a Conditional Usel Permit to construct a Single Family Home on Property Zoned Mobile Home and Modular Home District (R-MH) on Lot 172, Sunshine Estates  Subdivision, located at 4301 Palm Harbor Drive, Alamo," Texas.  No Citizen Participation  L. Consideration and Action on an Ordinance to grant a Conditional Use Permit to construct a Single Family Home on Property Zoned Mobile Home and Modular Home District (R-MH) on Lot 172, Sunshine Estates Subdivision, located at 430 Palm Harbor CPD Director Sergio Zavala stated Sunshine Valley Estates Subdivision is located at the NE corner ofTower Road & Palm Harbor. As can be seen in the vicinity map, the CUP applicant's site is approximately 300' east ofl Palm Harbor and Cameo Circle; and has dimensions of 40'x 100! Mrs. Clarissa proposes to7 replace her mobile home witho asite-built) home with approximately 930sq.f. Be advised that thei most recent SF home was approved by both the P&Zo and the Board of Commissioners in Nov. 2019/Dec. 2019 on Lot 75j for Maria G.. Juarez. Currently, there are a total of 16 SF residences in Sunshine Valley Estates. Staff Recommendation Approval subject to: 1) comply with typical SF Residential. setbacks (Front 25, Sides 5, Rear 15); and 2) approving  Drive, Alamo, Texas.  the CUP to be transferable to others should that circumstance arise. This item was approved by P&Z Board on May 19, 2021.  Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded.  Motion carried.    Minutes ofJ June 15,2 2021 Page 6  M. Consideration and Action to Approve the 2021 Population Estimate for Wrecker CPD Director Sergio Zavala stated in compliance to Sec. 6-6-15 (8) of Alamo's Code of Ordinances, "The City Planning Department is hereby charged with the responsibility of determining the yearly population of the City". This mandate's intent is to annually discern whether to increase the mumber ofrotating wrecking companies based on 11 wrecker per 2000 in citypopulation. Reviewing last) year's action (6/16/20), the Boarlo/Commisioners approved the population estimate of 20,007. This was based on a 10-year pattern of increased population that equated to an overall 8.4% (from 20101 to 2019- US. Census based projection). The 20,007 was approved. for thep period. July 2019to.July: 2020.. Realizing thati it'll take about 41 months to complete al home tot then 'reside' in Alamo, planning factored SF dwellings for. Jan- March (3 months); thus, 187 new, SFx3 3 months = 54) homes completed by. July 2021. 54 completed homes x 3.2/household Final Projected Population: 20,007- +224+173 = 20,404 population estimate. Commissioner Robert De La Garza motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pete Morales  Services.  = 173i increase est. as ofJuly 2021. seconded., Motioned carried.  N. Consideration and Action on Ordinance to Amend Section 10-14-S(A) of the City of Alamo's Code of Ordinances asi it pertains to thel Filing Fee ofan Appeal tol be heard by CPD Director Sergio Zavala. stated Section 9-1-3 (0) shows the variance filing fee being levied at $250. The "variance" fee almost always refers to an appeal to go before the Zoning Board of4 Adjustment. It's perceived that) when the City passed an ordinance establishing the $250 variancej filingfee in Title 9, iti inadvertently overlooked Sec. 10-14-5(A) from such reconciliation. The attached ordinance is a housekeeping matter that will simply reflect the same. filing, fee as referred in 2 different Titles of our Code of Ordinance Book; ie., Title 9 (Building Regulations)  the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  and Title 10 (Zoning Regulations). Staff recommends approval oft the ordinance.  Commissioner Robert De La Garza motioned to approve, and Mayor Diana Martinez seconded. O. Discussion and Action to approve a proposal for a Economic Development AEDC Director Rafael Tapia stated in 2020, the CARES Act allocated $1.5 Billion to EDA in addition to some Disaster Supplemental) funding for the 2018 and 2019flooding. As a result, EDA finded projects across the board with an 80/20 cost. share. Examples of local projects funded in 2020i include. Mission, TXreceiving $3 million) forp publici infrastructure. and Hidalgo, TXreceiving $2.5 million for public infrastructure. Earlier this year, the LRGVDC notified local EDCs to prepare any pending projects for the ARAP, round of funding with potentially the. same 80/20 cost share. The City of Alamo has approximately 44 acres of industrially zoned land which are currently landl locked impeding their proper development. The City would be well: served ifitc could provide roadway access to these properties. City. staff met informally to discuss the possibilityo of a$3, million public infrastructure) project with $2.41 million. EDA grant with a $600,0001 match. The objectives of the project would be to provide roadway access, water, wastewater, and storm drainage to the approximately 44 acres. City staff considered two possible alternatives: (1) a north-south road or (2) an east-west: road running parallel to Business 83 north of the railroad. Inc order to ascertain. thej feasibility oft the project and! property owner cooperation, staff held three stakeholder meetings. Meetings were held April 1, April 29, and May 20, 2021. During these meetings, it was determined that a north-south road would not bej feasible due to owners' lack of cooperation witht the project. However, an east-west road seems to) have the support of most of the property owners but note enough to go all the wayf from Tower to Border. Still the property owners who are on board are willing to dedicate to the City a 60 to 80f right-ofway. The proposed  Motioned. carried  Administration (EDA/infrastructure grant application.    Minutes ofJ June 15,2021 Page7  project has been presented to both the AEDC Board and the TIRZ Board. The AEDC Board has indicated thati iti is willing to contribute $200,0001 toward the local match) fort the! project. The TIRZ Board has indicated that they are willing to contribute up to $400,000: toward the local match. In addition, the value of they property to be conveyed may be counted as part oft thel local match. City Manager Robert Salinas stated we will look to Ms. Melisa Gonzales, Special Projects Director and Mr. Rafael Tapia, AEDCI Directory fort the preparation of this grant application. This $3 million dollar grant will include utilities, water, sewer and storm, we do hope this will help Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded. P. Consideration and Action on a Resolution to authorize the EDA infrastructure grant AEDC Rafael Director stated this resolution authorizes the application and the Mayor as a Commissioner Pete Morales motioned to approve, and Commissioner Pilar Garza seconded. CITIZENI PARTICIPATION: Fivei minutes per person with noi response from the City  with future development. Motion carried.  application.  signaton.foranyjorms. and documents.  Motion carried. No citizen participation I. ADJOURNMENT  Citizens are encouraged tos sign the attendance sheet.  There being noj further business, Mayor Diana Martinez adjourned-the meeting at 6:43 pm  Ahsy  ATTEST  Sali  ALAMO.