By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the NEWS
The City of San Benito held its regular City Commission meeting on May 6, where public comments reflected a range of community concerns.
Resident Eddie Loa opened the public comment session by thanking investigative journalist Wayne Dolcefino of Dolcefino Media for “keeping the City Commission in check” and for sharing information that, he said, would otherwise remain unknown to the public. His remarks referenced a recent series of videos released by Dolcefino Media focusing on the City of San Benito and its local government.
Loa also addressed statements made by another resident who publicly expressed willingness to pursue legal action in support of the City Commission. In addition, he shared concerns from a self-described “concerned citizen” regarding deteriorating street conditions and a lingering sewer odor near an elementary school. According to Loa, the issues have been reported to city officials, but residents have yet to see any response or progress.
Rebecca Lozoya, program coordinator for Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta!, presented the 2024 Annual Program Report. She opened by expressing gratitude to Leticia Gomez, a community health worker involved in the initiative.Lozoya described the program as an “evidence-based, community-wide campaign” aimed at promoting healthy behaviors to prevent and manage chronic diseases, with a strong focus on healthy eating, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention and control.
In 2024, the program aired 52 television segments on Televisa, conducted 180 educational classes, offered 193 free exercise sessions, and published 588 social media posts to engage and educate the public. Lozoya reported that these efforts led to significant health improvements among participants. According to the data, 62 percent of participants improved their fruit and vegetable intake, while 60 percent reported increased physical activity.
Additionally, 69 percent saw a decrease in blood pressure, and 20 percent of those previously diagnosed with hypertension reported noticeable reductions in their blood pressure levels.
Lozoya concluded by reviewing outcomes from various community events the program participated in throughout the year, emphasizing the program’s continued impact on public health and community wellness.
Public hearings opened with a conditional use permit for a mobile food truck located at 1939 W. Business 77, a conditional use permit for a storage building located at 1750 W. Expressway 83, an automobile sales establishment located at 1035 S. Sam Houston, and the possible operation of a Murphy Oil USA Convenient Store located at 1126 W. Business 77. There was no opposition.
On the consent agenda, the previous public hearings were also approved as requests. The commission approved the Preliminary Plat of Jabonero Trail Subdivision at North Sam Houston and another preliminary plat of JLA Pointe Subdivision, located at 345 South Oscar Williams Road, for the San Benito Land and Water Company subdivision. The commission also approved a variance for minimum size requirements for proposed subdivisions located on North Oscar Williams Road for the San Benito Land and Water Company subdivision.
The commission approved an amendment for establishments not licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This will update the city’s fee schedule and include annual permit and inspection fees for businesses that allow customers to bring alcoholic beverages to their establishments. A 240-volt generator from Holt Power Systems for the Herminia Lift Station and a Model 711 Positive Displacement Blower for the Wastewater Treatment Plant were also approved for purchase. A proposal from Teni-Trak Inc. for the resurfacing and color coating of two basketball courts at Kennedy Park was approved.
There was a hearing for an ordinance that would adopt model subdivision rules and provide standards per state law for water and wastewater services in subdivisions. The commission also approved an amendment to offer overtime pay to city employees who work during city or state-wide disasters, and another amendment to the city’s Personnel policy manual to include social media policy and procedures.
The commission approved payment to O.M.T. Utilities for two emergency repair services. City Manager Fred Sandoval mentioned that the city had fallen behind in payments and would like to “get caught up.”
Adam Abrego was reappointed for the planning and zoning PL 3 for a term from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Places one through five for the Veterans Advisory Board for the term June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2029, were announced. Adan Cortez, Mindy Caballero, and Israel Villarreal III were re-nominated for their places.
The executive session item relating to Consultation with the Delinquent Tax Attorney pursuant about bids received from a property tax resale was tabled.
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