By AYLEEN CANIZALES
Special to the PRESS
The City of South Padre Island held a regular City Council meeting at the municipal building on Wednesday, April 17th, at 5:30 p.m.
During public comments, a citizen associated with the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center expressed their concern for the planned expansion to the convention center interfering with birding areas, requesting the Birding and Nature Center have a voice in the upcoming development of the project.
Two citizens and fellow birders expressed agreement in taking caution during the convention center expansion as they have noticed “fewer trees and more condos more now than ever”. The citizens expressed South Padre Island’s importance as a stopover site for migrating birds and a place for fellow birders to visit and contribute to the city’s economy.
Victor Baldovinos, Environmental Health Director for South Padre Island, invited everyone to join their Adopt a Beach Clean Up event on Saturday, 20th, 2024, from 8-11 a.m. at Beach Access #8. Additionally, e-waste recycling was accepted at the community center from 8-11 a.m.
Claudine O’Carrol, Chief of Police, would like to thank their dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. She would like to recognize their hard work, stating, “Whether it is a frantic call, major crime in progress, an anxious call during a medical emergency, or simply a citizen needing assistance, our 911 dispatchers are always there to assist those in need. They are the calm you find on the other end of the line, providing instruction and ensuring help is on the way.”
The board commented on celebrating Beach Access #5’s grand opening and invited everyone to visit for a look.
During the regular agenda, Gignac Architects and T.V.S. associates conducted a presentation regarding the South Padre Island Convention Center Expansion project. They also expressed how they see the importance of preserving areas for birding and migration and plan to “complement, not destroy.” The presentation included discussing the plans for the expansion, including a 400-seat theater, ballroom, expansion of meeting rooms, area for sports (such as basketball, pickleball, etc.), and adding 2,700 square feet.
The council approved having the City Manager negotiate a contract with a qualified firm for the Holiday Pyrotechnic Display. This contract would include ten shows and displays and allow for possible contract extensions.
The council presented the Mid-Year Budget Review F.Y. 2023-2024. Some highlights include a growth in cash and investment balance, which has had a positive impact. There has also been a note of the “slowing down” of the current economy; however, being noted that the city of South Padre Island is “not alone” in that regard. Despite this, the overall report shows the city is in good standing, with a positive outlook for the following report.
The council approved the City Attorney to proceed with the legal remedies available regarding the Laguna Boulevard Street and Drainage Improvements contract.
The council also authorized staff to proceed with completing the Lagune Boulevard Street and Drainage Improvements Project. It authorized funds up to $210,000.
With no further closing comments from the staff or public, the council moved to adjournment.
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