FRED SANDOVAL
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
There was a show of support for San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval during the City of San Benito’s regularly held meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Sandoval has been undergoing scrutiny from certain corners of the community after an online video segment was released showing him and EDC administrator Mario Palomo meeting with associates at Twin Peaks Restaurant in Pharr (See the tail end of the VARCO story on this page). The video questioned Sandoval’s past dealings with a promoter and the economic feasibility of the upcoming Hog Waddle Concert, among other matters.
City Commissioner Tom Goodman later told the media that the Commission came out of the meeting in full support of Sandoval. The City of San Benito’s Facebook Page also posted a photo featuring Sandoval surrounded by the Commission and individuals displaying hand-held Sandoval placards.
The City’s post read, “Taking a moment to recognize our incredible city staff and San Benito advocates. We know it’s not easy facing criticism, narratives, and challenges, but together, we will rise. But SB isn’t just an abbreviation—it stands for our Strength in Bond. The true test of a public servant is not how we act when things are easy, but how we rise together when things are tough. Together, we stand strong, united, and ready to serve. To our citizens, please know that despite the noise, we take deep pride in our city and are committed to serving you with dedication and heart. Our focus remains on what truly matters—building a better future for our beloved SB community!”
At the top of the meeting, the commission announced a proclamation commending Senator Morgan LaMantia, District 27, for her continued efforts for the City. According to the commission, LaMantia was the first female senator in the district.
The commission announced that the City partnered with Texas Master Gardeners, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists to host the Wetlands Restoration Community Event on Sunday.
Citizen Eddie Loa opened public comments. He asked the commission about a possible resolution regarding a plot easement on his property. Loa said he received a recommendation from the San Benito Planning & Zoning Board to open the easement. A November meeting saw Commissioner Thomas Goodman table the topic. According to Loa, most of the population around the easement wants it to be open. As noted in the November meeting, residents of Fun-N-Sun Resort, which would be affected by the opening of the easement, were against it, including resort management.
Mike Travis applauded public works for their impressive equipment and the San Benito Fire Department for swiftly handling an incident when his front lawn was on fire a few years ago. He emphasized that the fire truck did not need to utilize the surrounding fire hydrants. Travis thanked the commission for their hard work in the City and supported their stance on the ongoing VARCO issue.
The commission held public hearings on the request for a rezone and voluntary annexation to a property consisting of 31.18 acres for applicant Mago Development LLC and another request to rezone the property for applicant Abraham Villagran of Stonespring Investments, LLC. No public comments were made on either of the hearings.
The commission approved a request for a variance to a lot of land from the San Benito Land and Water Company Subdivision.
The commission approved the minutes for the Dec. 17 meeting.
The commission approved Object Loan Agreements for the art exhibit Vestigio de lo Sagrado by the McAllen artist Mitch D’Arte, and the group exhibition Mujer-eres by Sam Rawls and Cecilia Sierra, at the San Benito Cultural Arts Center.
The commission approved the Subrecipient Agreement between the City and KLM Engineering to evaluate the US 77 Water Tower and the Oscar Williams Water Tower.
The commission approved the fifth payment to Cornett Construction Company for the Landrum Lift Station number five improvements, and the fourteenth payment to Ferguson Series Systems for the 925 West Stenger Street Surge Tank improvements project.
The commission approved an upgraded USB fingerprint scanner from Mentalix to be installed into the City’s current live scan system. The Commission also approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F150 truck for the Administrative Services Department and a 2025 Ford Bronco for the Engineering Department, as well as the ratification of a payment to Lawn Doctors Sculpting for emergency repairs at Annex Building One.
The commission approved the first readings of a voluntary annexation and a rezoning of a property out of the San Benito Land and Water Company Subdivision. They also approved another property rezone request for a lot in the Cunningham Subdivision.
The commission approved Empowerment Endeavors LLC’s booking agreement for the Hog Waddle Concert.
The commission approved a cooperative agreement between the City and Real Time Crime Center Interlocal, building on the City’s preexisting security measures across their establishments. The commission agreed to explore the concept more in future workshops.
The commission identified the need to appoint members to the Building Standards and Renewal Board but elected not to appoint members at the current meeting.