By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
At the latest City of South Padre Island [SPI] commission meeting on Jan. 15, the board alerted the public in advance of the cold weather that occurred earlier this week, encouraging citizens to pick up debris and be prepared.
Laguna Madre Water District [LMWD] representative Charles Ortiz delivered a presentation on the Seawater Reverse Osmosis Facility [SWRO]. It will be on the consideration bond for the May 3, 2025, election. Currently, LMWD plans on implementing a Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility as a modification to Water Treatment Plant No. 1 in Port Isabel. It will be an alternative supply to the Rio Grande and produce up to five million gallons of potable water daily.
The project will cost $72,750,000 according to the presentation.
Following, the December 2024 City Manager’s Report was presented.
According to the report, 75 non-compliance short-term rental letters were sent in December 2024.
The report also cited that approximately $700,000 in interest revenue from City investments was generated during the first quarter.
The report declared the fire department’s toy drive a success and showed that their application for the Assistance to Firefighters grant is complete; it is for a $250,000 grant to support the acquisition of a fire suppression vessel.
The report also showed that the fire department’s beach patrol office is nearing completion, and air conditioning units have been installed on various floors at the station.
According to the report, the SPI Police Department participated in community events, including the Salvation Army toy drive, SPI Christmas Parade, Brownsville Police Marathon. They also ensured some of their officers had ALERT level one training, which allowed them to teach other officers, and assisted the Port Isabel Independent School District interns.
According to the report, Public Works has completed manhole and inlet modifications, and made strides in installing lighted bollards, limestone road base and concrete for Retama Street.
The environmental health section of the report shows that the City was awarded the “Texas Our Future Grant” to receive reusable beach bags and reduce litter on the beach, and the Isla Grand held the 21st annual TEHA-STC Educational Conference, last October.
According to the report, information technology in the City has also made strides. The email security platform for City employees has been put in full effect. Tyler Technologies and ESO Fire Integration allow Fire Software to transfer call sheet information. Currently underway is the addition of Starlink Internet Service for first responders in the city. The IT and SPI Fire Department are currently working to add the service to emergency incident response units to allow communication in remote areas.
The report showed that human resources hosted an awards ceremony to honor 22 staff members for their years of service. According to the report, the Municipal Court implemented a new law mandating the courts establish a “youth diversion plan.” It is officially called the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act and will help those identified as “at-risk youth” or accused of certain Class C misdemeanors. The bill went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
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