By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
The City Commission of San Benito held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Thomas Goodman, Commissioner Place One, was absent.
The meeting began with a proclamation of remembrance to fallen San Benito Police Lieutenant Milton Gabriel Resendez on the first anniversary of his death.
Wayne Dolcefino of Dolcefino Consulting opened public comments. He paid respect to Lieutenant Resendez and then alleged that the Commission violated the Texas Open Meeting Act. This act states that any possibly controversial act could not be approved in a consent agenda. His allegation was regarding an attempt by the City to allow Fred Sandoval to not reside in San Benito and still act as City Manager.
The City subsequently initiated a Charter Amendment election on the current election cycle ballot. Citizen Julian Rios filed suit against the City calling the election illegal.
The Amendments are currently still on the ballot.
Eddie Loa addressed the issue of mosquitoes in San Benito. He also shared his belief that the City seemed to be working in its self-interest and urged the citizens of San Benito to exercise their right to vote. “I urge all the citizens of San Benito to exercise their rights to vote. Remember, you are the voice of the city, and elected officials should recognize that,” said Loa.
He then recounted his time getting signatures for a recall of the City Commissioner board and how many people allegedly complained about the City not following through on promised projects. “I was picking up recall signatures. Residents there were complaining about how current city commissioners promised they would fix potholes in their streets once they were elected. They’re still waiting,” said Loa.
The petition calling for a recall election was turned over to the City on Friday. The City will now verify the legitimacy of those signatures. Signatories need to be validated voters from the past two City Commission elections. Once those signatures are verified, the City will have to schedule a special recall election.
Edith Tamez represented Furry Friends, a group committed to the adoption of pets around the Rio Grande Valley. She presented a dog named Hawk. She shared that Hawk was saved from a shelter infested with bees and suffered from a dislocated hip. She said that a necessary amputation for Hawk would cost $1,200. Tamez asked the City for assistance with the fundraiser that will be held for Furry Friends.
Linda De Briones reported she was still receiving feedback from the public about the animals in the city and how they are being treated. She urged the public to bring awareness to the City about the disregard some have toward animals and encouraged maintaining a peaceful environment with them.
“I think San Benito, being that we have $53,000 homes, we deserve to have children with their stroller and their momma and daddy without a stick,” said Briones.
Melinda Frances developed Briones’s point of animal discard by mentioning the dogs left to fend for themselves along the streets of San Benito. She stressed the situation’s urgency and her frustrations with the City’s lack of action.
“I can come here and complain, and I have, [but] nobody pays attention. Because it’s dogs… I’ve had experience with that in the past with other commissioners. They don’t listen… I hope that one day, you all will listen to us citizens,” said Frances.
A presentation on the Boys and Girls Club was postponed to the next meeting.
Eloy Avila, Director of San Benito Parks and Recreation, presented street improvements for fiscal year 2023-2024. Twenty streets have been identified and repaired including Alden, Ballenger to San Patricio, North and South Bowie Street, Coke Street, Commerce, Earling, South Fannin, Francisco Madero, Franklin, Laredo and La Gloria, as well as the San Benito Police Department parking lot, various Stookey parking lots, and more. Rio Grande Street was said to be under construction. Line 17 and Micaela, Mera Linda and Ballenger Street were some extra streets worked on during the year. Alamo Street, Ebano and Fresno were said to be slated for repairs. The City Commission applauded the team working on the streets for their efficiency.
On the consent agenda, the Commission approved past meeting minutes and ratification for the nomination of five individuals to the Cameron County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
The Commission approved the temporary closure of a state right-of-way on Sam Houston Boulevard for the 82nd Christmas Parade, a loan agreement for a history exhibit, and an agreement with Tyler Technologies for cloud software services.
The Commission approved bids for a 12-month supply of chemicals for the fiscal year and the Tyler Payments-Utility Access Bundle for online payment.
The Commission approved payment to GDJ Engineering for the San Benito drainage, water and sewer system survey, and the geographic information systems dashboard development.
The Commission approved the fifth payment to Hanson Professional Services for construction and surveying management services for the Landrum lift station.
The Commission approved the purchase of DR18 C900 PVC pipes from Core and Main for old water lines.
Approval for two Flygt Submersible Pumps from Xylem Water Solutions Inc. for the HEB Lift Station and the City of San Benito Depository Bank Services to Texas Regional Bank and PNC Bank was tabled for the next meeting.
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