By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the NEWS
The City of San Benito held a regular Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
A proclamation was made to declare Sept. 7 as Charley Crockett Day in San Benito as a celebration of the artist and the hardships he has overcome. It was announced that Crockett will make an appearance at the San Benito Cultural Arts Heritage Museum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Public comments opened with Edith Tamez, president of Furry Friends RGV. Tamez spoke about the animal shelter and its inhabitants. She reported that the budget for dog food at the shelter was $500 a year. She recited the different treatments and tests that dogs often receive, alongside their prices. She questioned the City for not utilizing the resources Furry Friends offers to transport dogs, potentially saving them from being put down.
Oscar Lara, a police officer with the San Benito Police Department, spoke about the labor agreement negotiations. He thanked the City leaders for assisting with making the process “an enjoyable one.”
Mike Travis went to the podium to recommend a book called, “Social Justice Fallacy.” He questioned the audience on their knowledge of Project 2025 and stated he is against the agenda 2030.
The San Benito Financial Report for July was presented. Total assets for the month were $18,528,460. Total liabilities were $18,528,460. The general revenues, expenditures and fund balance were $887,052. Total expenditures were $1,342,132.
Public hearings were held for several rezones, a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Battery Energy Storage System was presented, and citizen participation input for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. Public comments were opened with Eddie Loa. He opposed a request to rezone the property located on Zillock Road. Java Garcia, an engineer on the rezoning project, clarified that the multi-family residential would only be rezoned.
Another speaker spoke against the City’s plan to build a battery energy storage system, listing the dangers of the system and its potential environmental impact. The speaker alleged the company handling the batteries knows and is complacent with the batteries having a chance of explosion. He also said the system’s location near a school and other buildings was unsafe.
Gilbert Galvan, a former Mayor of San Benito, expressed concern about the battery storage system. He called the students of San Benito the “future,” and for the commission to reconsider the location to protect the students from potential harm. A representative from Stella Energy Solutions, the company behind the initiative, spoke on the project. He said the project was needed in the area, and the location was chosen based on its distance to an electrical substation. He clarified that the location would not have been chosen if it was a danger to the students, and the materials the company uses have not experienced any accidents.
Mike Travis returned once again and opposed the rezoning. He believed that the project from Stella Energy Solutions was tied to the agenda of 2030. Francelia Lasso spoke on the project. She expressed concerns about the location of the system and asked the board to consider those who live or are located near the storage system planned location. It was announced that there will be one more hearing held on Sept. 19 with a community committee to solicit input from citizens for the community development block grant [CDBG].
Mike Travis stated he agreed with the proposal for citizen participation in the CDBG.
Items to approve meeting minutes, amend ordinances, and action to approve the Preliminary Plat of Southern Stone & Soil bearing the correct legal description were passed. A final hearing for the levying of taxes in San Benito was approved, and a possible road closure at the 200 block of East Heywood Street on Sept. 7, 2024, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for the Charley Crockett visit to the San Benito Cultural Arts Heritage Museum was approved. A purchase of a cutter, a mower and a garage door system was approved.
Item three was further discussed to streamline the process needed to get a garage sale permit and drop the $10 fee. There were also discussions on the parkland fees for subdivisions. It was eventually decided that the city would drop the garage sale permit fee completely, but lower the amount of permits from four to two.
This will be for one year, then the board will reexamine for adjustments.
The board chose to deny the battery system due to safety concerns and possible accidents that could occur. The board discussed that if an accident were to happen, the fire department would not be able to tame it.
The board discussed the budget used for events around the town, and it was debated if the funds could be used elsewhere. The budget was approved as presented, but the board indicated that it would make amendments as needed.
A bid number to Caso and associates was approved. The fourth payment to Cornett Construction Company for Lift Station Number Five was approved. Republic Services Consumer Price Index calculation was approved for a 4% increase.
The board addressed the nepotism claims they have been facing in the past months. Deborah Morales, a city commissioner, clarified that the rules against nepotism applied to paid or salary positions. She announced that Jose Morales resigned from his position at the Economic Development Corporation [EDC]. Debora Morales was appointed to the EDC board.
A dedicated fifteen-foot easement within the property located at 500 W Business Highway 77 was denied. The Collective Bargaining Labor Agreement between the City of San Benito and the City of San Benito Police Employees Association was approved. The meeting was adjourned.
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