Harlingen public meetings in 2023
32 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Firemen's Pension Board
The City of Harlingen Firemen's Pension Board will meet to review financial statements and investment performance. The board is considering the election of a new member and the selection of a bank depository for the fund.
- Approval of General Membership Election of Samuel J. Albritton by acclamation
- Selection of a Bank Depository for the Fund
- Approval of Financial Statements for November 30, 2023
- Investment Performance Review from AndCo Consulting for November 2023
- Statement of Accounts from Westwood for November 2023
City Commission
The City Commission will discuss establishing new residential garbage pickup services starting March 4, 2024. The body is also considering two rezoning requests and the installation of speed humps on Dilworth Road, Oregon Street, and Oklahoma Street.
- Rezoning 3.99 acres on Hughes Road from Not Designated to Residential, Single-Family
- Rezoning a 36-lot multi-family development on New Hampshire Street to Planned Development District
- Installation of speed humps on Dilworth Rd, Oregon St, and Oklahoma St
- Establishment of a storage fee for the HEB Tennis Center
- Agreement for depository and banking services with Plains Capital Bank
Development Corporation of Harlingen, Inc.
The Development Corporation of Harlingen, Inc. will meet to review financial reports and a strategic plan. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss several economic development and real estate projects.
- Adoption of updated FY 2023-2024 3-year Strategic Plan
- Approval of November 30, 2023, financial reports
- Executive session regarding Pan American Hydrogen
- Executive session regarding projects Roosevelt, Organic, Alphabet, EDC, BH, Breeze, Bandage, and Greyhound
City Commission
The Harlingen City Commission and Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees are meeting to discuss water and wastewater impact fees and rate alternatives. The bodies will consider resolutions to apply for up to $24 million in financial assistance for sewer system improvements.
- Presentation on redevelopment of water and wastewater impact fees
- Presentation on water and wastewater preliminary rate alternatives
- Resolution to apply for up to $24 million for master planned sewer system improvements
- Possible appointment of a committee for water and wastewater rate outreach
Harlingen Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees
The Harlingen Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees met to review financial reports and approve several operational resolutions. Key actions included awarding contracts for water treatment equipment, cybersecurity services, and vehicle purchases.
- Awarded contract for sludge removal and disposal with a first-year not-to-exceed total of $600,000
- Approved contract amendment for On-Call Hydraulic Modeling Services up to $75,000
- Approved resolution for GIS Software and Services license renewal
- Approved purchase of Ammonia Analyzers for water treatment plants
- Approved purchase of Power Quality Monitors for water treatment plants
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review several subdivision plats and a rezoning request for a property on W. Filmore. The body will also consider an amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding commercial feather flag signs.
- Rezoning request from R-1 to R-2 for 501 W. Filmore
- Proposed amendment to Code of Ordinances regarding commercial feather flag signs
- Preliminary plans and final plat for Caliber Collision Subdivision (8.0107 acres)
- Preliminary plans and final plat for West Harlingen Industrial Park Subdivision (13.30 acres)
- Preliminary plans and final plat for Blackjack Subdivision (3.17 acres)
Harlingen Public Library
The Harlingen Public Library Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting to discuss and possibly approve a youth Lazette List, and to hear a presentation on the Children's Department renovation plans. The board will also approve minutes from the October 5 meeting and receive reports from library staff and community representatives.
- Discussion and possible action to approve a youth Lazette List
- Presentation of the Children's Department renovation plans
- Approval of meeting minutes from October 5, 2023
City Commission
The Harlingen City Commission will hold a regular meeting on December 6, 2023, with a consent agenda covering grants, street closures, and service agreements, plus public hearings on two rezoning requests. They will also consider contracts for fuel tank replacements, uniform services, and drainage grant applications, along with several board appointments and closed-session items.
- Approve $1,250,000 COPS Hiring Program grant with $1,143,400 match
- Rezone 3.99 acres on Hughes Road from N to R-1 (Cano Home Builders)
- Rezone 36-lot multi-family development on New Hampshire Street to PD
- Approve $1,408,362.15 interlocal agreement for Grimes Road improvements
- Install speed humps on South J, South 4th, Bourbon, Arroyo Vista, Ona/Whitewing
Downtown Improvement District Board
The Downtown Improvement District Board will consider approving a $1,500 final payment for the History of Rock n Roll mural, signage for Paper Lilies at 105 E. Jackson Ste. A, and a sign grant for the same property. The meeting also includes routine items like minutes approval, financial updates, and reports.
- Final payment of $1,500 for History of Rock n Roll mural
- Signage approval for 105 E. Jackson Ste. A (Paper Lilies) under Downtown District Overlay
- Sign grant for 105 E. Jackson Ste. A
- Financial update on special assessments and public improvements
- Approval of minutes from November 16, 2023 meeting
Zoning Board of Adjustments
The Harlingen Zoning Board of Adjustments will hold a regular meeting to approve prior minutes and conduct a public hearing on a special exception request. The request seeks to allow a carport to encroach 19 feet into the required 20-foot front yard setback in a single-family residential district. The board will take action on the request after the hearing.
- Approval of minutes from June 26, 2023 meeting
- Public hearing on special exception for carport encroaching 19 feet into 20-foot front yard setback at 1601 Hapner Court
- Applicants: Glandy Guzman and Godfrey Delgado
- Property located in R-1 Single-Family District, Secluded Acres Subdivision No. 3
Harlingen Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees
The Harlingen Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees will consider a series of resolutions awarding contracts for equipment, services, and vehicles, including ammonia analyzers, power quality monitors, sludge removal, lift station pumps, pickup trucks, backhoes, and manhole rehabilitation. They will also review financial reports, delinquent accounts, and a quarterly investment report, and may enter executive session for personnel matters.
- R2324-02: Awarding a contract for purchase of Ammonia Analyzers
- R2324-04: Awarding a contract for Power Quality Monitors for the Water Treatment Plants
- R2324-05: Awarding a contract for Removal and Disposal of Water Treatment Sludge
- R2324-09: Awarding a contract for purchase of Half-Ton Pickup Trucks
- R2324-11: Awarding a contract for purchase of Backhoes
Development Corporation of Harlingen, Inc.
The Development Corporation of Harlingen board will consider approving minutes, financial reports, and an updated annual work plan. They will also decide whether to write off a $34,899 outstanding loan from Pan American Hydrogen. The board will hold an executive session to discuss several economic development projects, with possible action afterward.
- Write off Pan American Hydrogen loan for $34,899
- Adopt FY 2023-2024 Annual Work Plan
- Approve September 30 and October 31, 2023 financial reports
- Executive session on projects: Tech, Roosevelt, Organic, Alphabet, Spur, Pittsburg, EDC, Spec Building 3, Verde
Airport Board
The Valley International Airport Board will hold a regular meeting to approve routine financial reports and minutes. The primary action item is the award of the airport's parking lot contract. The Director of Aviation will also provide updates on the Runway Extension Project and the Air Traffic Control Tower.
- Award of the Airport's Parking Lot contract
- Approval of monthly Financial Report for the Period Ending September 30, 2023
- Approval of Quarterly Investment Report: July 1 — September 30, 2023
- Updates on Runway Extension Project
- Updates on Air Traffic Control Tower
Parks & Recreations
The Harlingen Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is meeting to discuss and possibly act on terms for facility use agreements with leagues, including a specific agreement with Arroyo Youth Soccer Club for the Harlingen Soccer Complex. They will also consider allowing a Vietnam KIA Memorial Monument at Pendleton Park's Veteran's Memorial. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and citizen communication, plus updates on parks and recreation programs.
- Discussion and possible action on terms for new or renewing Facility Use Agreements with leagues
- Agreement with Arroyo Youth Soccer Club to use Harlingen Soccer Complex
- Presentation and possible action on Vietnam KIA Memorial Monument at Pendleton Park Veteran's Memorial
- Presentation from Harlingen United Futbol Club on operating a youth league at Harlingen Soccer Complex
- Approval of meeting minutes for August 15 and August 31, 2023
Firemen's Pension Board
The Harlingen Firemen's Pension Board will consider approving financial statements, selecting a senior direct lending firm, and amending its investment policy. It will also vote on retirement and death benefit applications for specific individuals, and approve attendance at a conference.
- Select a Senior Direct Lending Firm
- Approve changes to the Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
- Approve Form 400 - Service Retirement for Fire Driver Armando Avila
- Approve Form 300 - Death Benefits for Pauline Garcia, surviving spouse of Albert Garcia
- Approve attendance at 2023 TEXPERS 35th Annual Conference, April 7-10, 2024, Dallas
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on two property rezoning requests. It will also discuss an ordinance clarifying rules for feather flag signs at commercial establishments. Additionally, the body will review the status of five items from the previous month's meeting.
- Rezone 3.99 acres on south side of Hughes Road from Not Designated to Residential, Single-Family (R-1)
- Rezone Lot 2, USBP Subdivision on New Hampshire Street from Residential, Multi-family (M-2) to Planned Development (PD)
- Amend Chapter 111, Article X, Section 111-280 to clarify allowable feather flag signs for commercial establishments exceeding 100 linear feet
- Review status of request to rezone 718 N. “C” Street from R-1 to Residential, Duplex
- Review status of request to add Section 109-193 requiring Park Land Dedication for subdivision plat approval
Downtown Improvement District Board
The Downtown Improvement District Board will hold a regular meeting to consider approving signage and sign grants for two properties, hear reports on finances, marketing, and the Main Street approach, and handle routine items like minutes and citizen communication.
- Approve signage for 103 S. 3rd Street (Law Office of Susana Silva)
- Approve sign grant for 103 S. 3rd Street
- Approve signage for 122 E. Jackson (Vintage Gallery)
- Approve sign grant for 122 E. Jackson
- Financial update on special assessments and public improvements
City Commission
The City Commission will hold a special meeting to consider two specific actions. First, the body will consider and take action to award a contract for Windstorm Property Insurance. Second, the Commission will consider accepting a General Land Office Resilient Communities Program Grant, ratify the grant agreement, and approve a resolution designating signatories for related documents.
- Consider and take action to award Windstorm Property Insurance
- Accept General Land Office Resilient Communities Program Grant
- Ratify execution of the grant agreement
- Approve resolution designating signatories for contractual, financial, and depository documents
City Commission
The Harlingen City Commission will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2023, with a full agenda including public hearings, consent agenda items, and multiple contract awards. Key items include a rezoning request, a bid award for Lon C. Hill Destination Park Phase II, and a contract to upgrade police audio/video equipment. The commission will also discuss possible amendments to the sign ordinance and consider several executive session items.
- Rezoning 718 North 'C' Street from R-1 to R-2 (second reading)
- Bid award for Lon C. Hill Destination Park Phase II Construction (Bid No. 2024-01)
- Contract to upgrade and replace Police Department audio/video equipment
- Special Use Permit for bar/lounge at 1510 N. Commerce Street (first reading)
- Lease agreement with Yamaha Carts and Vantage Tag Systems for golf carts at Tony Butler Golf Course
Firemen's Pension Board
The Harlingen Firemen's Pension Board will consider approving minutes, financial statements, an actuarial service agreement with Definiti, and a change to receive quarterly cash income distributions from investments in American Realty and Clarion instead of reinvesting. The board will also review an investment performance report for the period ending September 30, 2023, presented by Tony Kay of AndCo Consulting.
- Approve minutes from September 28, 2023 meeting
- Approve financial statements for September 30, 2023
- Approve actuarial service agreement with Definiti
- Approve receiving quarterly cash income distributions from American Realty and Clarion investments
- Review investment performance report for period ending September 30, 2023
Planning & Zoning
The commission will review preliminary construction plans and final plats for two subdivisions. The body will also consider several requests from the City of Harlingen to amend ordinances regarding solid waste, park land dedication, and carport setbacks.
- Preliminary construction plans and final plat for Garrett Acres Subdivision (15.54 acres) at Doan Road and Garrett Roads
- Plat review for Stuart Place Subdivision at Doan Road and Mayfield Drive
- Proposed amendments to Chapter 38 (Solid Waste) regarding residence definitions and garbage receptacles
- Proposed addition of Section 109-193 regarding Park Land Dedication for residential and multi-family subdivisions
- Proposed amendment to Chapter 111 (Zoning) to allow special exceptions for carport minimum setback requirements
Harlingen Waterworks System Utility Board of Trustees
The Utility Board of Trustees decided to eliminate fees for repairing customer sewer service lines and taps located within the public right-of-way for customers in good standing. The board also approved several service contracts and discussed sewer capacity limitations near Lamb Ave. and Ed Carey Blvd.
- Resolution R2223-73: Policy change providing free repair of customer sewer service lines and taps in the public right-of-way
- Resolution R2223-66: Amendment to engineering contract for Lift Station No. 76 Upgrade
- Resolution R2223-67: Contract for Microsoft 365 Software Licensing and Support awarded to Barcom
- Resolution R2223-72: Engineering contract for Small Capital Improvement Projects FY2024 & FY2025 awarded to Robert Canterbury, P.E. (fees reduced by 25%)
- Resolution R2223-71: Contract for Bond Counsel Services awarded to Bracewell, LLP
Development Corporation of Harlingen, Inc.
The board will meet in executive session to discuss attorney consultations, real estate, and economic development. The session covers 14 specific projects and entities. The board may take action on these items following the session.
- Project Tech and Project Tech 2
- Project Roosevelt
- Project Organic
- Project Breeze
- HIFI, Harlingen Industrial Foundation
City Commission
The City Commission will discuss updates to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes, including definitions for solar farms and carport setbacks. The body will also review several facility use agreements for youth sports and grant funding for police programs.
- Proposed ordinance to add a definition and category for solar farms to the Zoning Code
- Acceptance of TXDOT grant funding: $15,017.77 for CMV Program and $45,041.51 for Comprehensive Program
- Approval of preliminary construction plans for Garrett Acres and Tres Caminos subdivisions
- Construction contract award to Go Underground, LLC for Pickens & Davis Stormwater System Improvements
- Proposed closure of West Liberty Street from South Dakota Street on October 28, 2023
Parks & Recreations
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss and potentially act on agreements for soccer clubs to use city fields. The board will also receive updates on various park and recreation projects.
- Agreement with Arroyo Youth Soccer Club to use Harlingen Soccer Complex
- Agreement with Rio Valley Amateur Soccer Club to use Vestal Park Fields
- Update on Lon C. Hill Destination Park Phase II
- Update on Kayak Launch
- Update on Arroyo Lighting
City Commission
The Harlingen City Commission will hold a workshop to discuss the budget, policy, and procedures of the RGV Humane Society. This is the sole substantive item on the agenda.
- Discussion of RGV Humane Society Budget, Policy and Procedures
Downtown Improvement District Board
The Downtown Improvement District Board will meet to select a Chairman and Vice Chair. The board is also deciding on signage and storefront improvements for three specific properties. Additionally, members will review a financial update and a marketing report.
- Selection of Chairman and Vice Chair of the D.I.D. Board
- Signage approval for 214 W. Jackson (Mofi Nutrition)
- Signage approval for 104 S. 3rd Street (Epic Hair Studio)
- Storefront improvement approval for 116 W. Van Buren (Yadis Innovations)
- Discussion of PupK for Fresh event
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review preliminary construction plans and final plats for four subdivisions. The body will also hold public hearings on proposed amendments to city ordinances regarding solid waste, park land dedication, and carport setback regulations.
- Vinson Gardens Subdivision (7.59 acres) at Vinson Avenue and Thomas Lane
- Watson Subdivision (4.75 acres) on West Palm Boulevard south of Garrett Road
- Tres Caminos Subdivision (19.28 acres) at Doan Road and Mayfield Drive
- Garrett Acres Subdivision (15.54 acres) at Doan and Garrett Roads
- Proposed ordinance amendments for solid waste definitions, park land dedication, and carport setbacks
Harlingen Public Library
The Harlingen Public Library Advisory Board will meet to elect board officers and standing committees. The board will also discuss and potentially approve updated policies for the Children's Department and Teen Room, as well as an Adult Lazette List.
- Election of Library Board Officer positions
- Election of standing committees
- Updated Children's Department Policy
- Updated Teen Room Policy
- Adult Lazette List
Planning & Zoning
The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss amendments to the code of ordinances regarding park land dedication for residential subdivisions and special exceptions for carport setbacks. The body will also receive status reports on previous rezoning and planning requests.
- Proposed addition of Section 109-193 for Park Land Dedication in residential and multi-family subdivisions
- Proposed special exception for minimum carport setback requirements in Section 111-119
- Status report on rezoning Brazil Road (north of Spur 54) to Residential, Multi-Family (M-2)
- Status report on adding a solar farm definition and category to the zoning code
- Status report on removing the proposed extension of Hancock Drive from the Thoroughfare Plan
Parks & Recreations
The board will hold a presentation and discussion regarding programs from the RGV Rollers. Members will also receive updates on various park improvements and recreational activities.
- Presentation and discussion on RGV Rollers programs
- Update on Frank Boggus Memorial Trail Ribbon Cutting
- Updates on Soccer Complex, Vestal Park, and Arroyo Park Pump Track
- Update on Kayak Launch
- Discussion of Trails of Treats, Arroyo Lighting, and tennis tournaments
Airport Board
The Airport Board will consider bids for liability, flood, hail, and windstorm insurance. The body will also discuss the Runway Extension Project and hold an executive session regarding real estate and economic development negotiations.
- Accept or reject bids for Airport Liability, Flood, Hail, and Windstorm Insurance
- Appoint a board member to the City of Harlingen’s Audit Committee for one year
- Updates on the Runway Extension Project and Control Tower
- Executive session regarding real estate purchase, lease, or value
- Executive session regarding Economic Development negotiations