Hondo public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Hondo City Council will review the 4th Quarter Financial Budget Report and discuss the potential issuance of certificates of obligation, including timing and fiscal impact. The body will also address ongoing water and wastewater service outages attributed to fiber optic line installation. Additionally, the Council is scheduled to consider authorizing a lease agreement with ARAS MRO at the South Texas Regional Airport.
- Discussion of potential issuance of certificates of obligation including timing and fiscal impact
- Discussion of ongoing water and wastewater service outages related to fiber optic line installation
- Consideration of authorizing a lease agreement with ARAS MRO at the South Texas Regional Airport
- Confirmation of Polly Edlund to the Medina County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District Board of Managers
- Approval of minutes from November 27, 2023
Boards & Commissions
The Hondo Public Library Advisory Board will hold a routine meeting to approve the minutes from the October 17, 2023 session. The Library Director will present an operations report covering the December calendar, plans for the April 2024 eclipse, and updates on unclaimed property and the Dia Event. The agenda contains no specific dollar amounts, contracts, or policy changes, consisting primarily of procedural items and operational updates.
- Approval of minutes from the October 17, 2023 meeting
- Library Operations Report including December calendar and flyers
- Discussion of plans for the April 2024 eclipse
- Update on unclaimed property
- Update on Dia Event and check presentation to Bluebonnet
City Council
The Hondo City Council will consider awarding a $310,000 construction contract for the WWTP Clarifiers Rehabilitation Replacement Project and discuss potential certificates of obligation financing. The agenda also includes a presentation on purchasing vape detectors for the school district, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a possible executive session.
- Award $310,000 contract to RGV Industrial Machine and Pump, LLC for WWTP clarifiers project (base $173,000 + additive $137,000)
- Discuss issuance of certificates of obligation and fiscal impact
- Authorize purchase of vape detectors for Hondo I.S.D.
- Approve minutes from November 13, 2023
- Executive session for legal, real property, personnel, security, and economic development matters
Boards & Commissions
The Hondo Economic Development Corporation is meeting to review budget items and consider bid proposals for economic development and BR&E software. The board will also receive updates on several aviation, aerospace, and rail projects.
- Possible action on bid proposal from GIS WebTech, LLC for Economic Development software
- Possible action on bid proposal from bludot Technologies, Inc. for BR&E software
- Review of HEDC 2023-2024 Budget items including personnel
- Updates on Aviation & Aerospace projects 'Deep Tech' and 'Visual'
- Updates on Project Hondo Rail and Project Golden Eye
City Council
The City Council will discuss a resolution regarding CenterPoint Energy gas rate changes and the city's membership in a group of cities serving that company. Other items include discussions on municipal retirement system contributions, scholarship fund creation, and economic development position duties.
- Ordinance regarding Texas Municipal Retirement System benefits and contribution rates
- Resolution 417-23 regarding CenterPoint gas rate changes and city membership
- Resolution of votes to elect directors for the Appraisal District of Medina County (2024-2025)
- Discussion of Economic Development Commission's new marketing and recruitment position duties
- Legal options for creating a scholarship fund and advisory board
Boards & Commissions
The Cemetery Advisory Board is meeting to discuss the application of rules across all cemetery sections and the closure of roads. The board will also consider the placement of a rules sign and a meeting with CemSites.
- Implementation of uniform rules and regulations for all cemetery sections
- Closure of cemetery roads
- Placement of cemetery rules sign
- Meeting with James Patterson from CemSites
- Reports on cemetery perpetual funds and October cleanup
City Council
The City Council will discuss updating the 2023 pay schedule for city job titles and pay grades. The body is also considering an ordinance to amend the 2023-2024 annual budget to provide for supplemental appropriations and fund transfers.
- Proposed budget amendment for General Fund Revenues and Expenditures by $641,928
- Discussion of 2023 Pay Scale updating pay grades and job titles
- Proposed budget amendments for Electric, Utility Water, Airport, and STRTC funds
- Executive session to discuss real property, personnel matters, and legal issues
City Council
The City Council will discuss updating the 2023 pay schedule for job titles and pay grades. Members will also consider amendments to the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget and the Economic Development Commission budget.
- Approval of 2023 Pay Scale for Pay Grades and Job Titles
- Ordinance for supplemental appropriations or fund transfers for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year budget
- FY23-24 RAMP Grant agreement
- Amendment to the Economic Development Commission budget for a Director of Marketing, Business Retention and Expansion, and Recruitment position
- Executive session regarding the Gladiator project with Hondo Railway
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Boards & Commissions
The Hondo Public Library Advisory Board will meet to review quarterly reports and the long-range plan. The board will also discuss the November calendar and plans for the April 2024 eclipse.
- Approval of September 26, 2023 meeting minutes
- Quarterly Reports for July-September 2023
- Review of October 14 eclipse event and April 2024 eclipse plans
- Distribution of policy renewal schedule
- November calendar and upcoming library events
City Council
The City Council will discuss the sale of airport land and the lease of airport water rights. The body will also review a classification and compensation study and consider amendments to the Economic Development Commission budget.
- Sale of 100.763 acres of Airport Property (RFB 002-23)
- Lease of Airport BIG water rights for CY 2023 (RFB 003-23)
- Amendment to Economic Development Commission budget for a Director of Marketing, Business Retention and Expansion, and Recruitment position
- Review of 2023 Classification & Compensation Study by Gallagher
City Council
The City Council will discuss and consider adopting the annual budget and setting the ad valorem tax rate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The body will also review updates on road projects and a planned solar eclipse event. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a contract for a new City Manager.
- Adoption of the 2023-2024 Annual Budget and appropriations (Ordinance 1275-09-23)
- Setting the Ad Valorem Tax Rate at $0.4370 per $100.00 valuation (Ordinance 1276-09-23)
- Amendments to the City Code of Ordinances Fee Schedule (Ordinance 1277-09-23)
- Ratification of a property tax increase for the 2023-2024 Budget (Resolution 412-23)
- Request for federal assistance from the Economic Development Administration (Resolution 414-23)
General
The Hondo Economic Development Corporation is meeting to review its 2023-2024 budget and organizational structure. The board will consider hiring a Business Marketing, Retention, and Expansion Director and transferring financial record keeping from City control to HEDC control.
- Possible approval of bid proposal from Market Alliance, LLC for website design, videography, and digital marketing
- Possible approval of economic development assistance for Hondo Headstrong, LLC
- Proposed resolution to transfer all financial records and accounts from City control to HEDC effective January 1, 2024
- Review of loan to South Texas Regional Airport
- Possible approval of revisions to HEDC By-Laws
General
The City Council will meet in executive session to discuss the appointment of a new City Manager. The body will also consider extending the contract of the Interim City Manager.
- Discussion on extending the Interim City Manager's contract
- Discussion on the appointment of a new City Manager
General
The HEDC Board of Directors will meet for a workshop to review organizational basics and bylaws. The session includes discussions on board responsibilities, ethics, and organizational structure.
- Review of bylaw revisions regarding board member term limits, legal counsel, and accounting
- Discussion of organizational structure including staffing and office
- Executive Director reports on Project Lumberjack, Project Skycap, Project Blue, Project Falcon, and Project Grey Flex
- Review of city infrastructure updates
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings on the 2023-2024 fiscal year property tax rate and a USDA grant for police patrol units. The body will consider adopting the annual budget, setting the ad valorem tax rate, and updating the city fee schedule.
- Proposed ad valorem tax rate of $0.4370 per $100.00 valuation
- Proposed $4,000.00 addition to Animal Control budget for a third Spay and Neuter Program
- License agreement with Shift-S3ctor, LLC for drag races at South Texas Regional Airport
- USDA Grant-Patrol Units application for the Hondo Police Department
- Ordinance 1277-09-23 to amend the city fee schedule
City Council
The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the proposed budget and property tax rate for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The body will also discuss employee benefit renewals and potential changes to the city's firearm discharge ordinances.
- Public hearing for proposed FY 2023/2024 property tax rate
- Public hearing for proposed FY 2023/2024 budget
- Ordinance Number 1274-08-23 regarding firearm discharge exceptions for certain properties
- Memorandum of Understanding between Hondo Police Department and Bluebonnet Children's Advocacy Center
- Resolution Number 410-23 for an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for law enforcement services
General
The Hondo Economic Development Corporation will discuss the 2023-2024 budget and organizational leadership. The board is considering a $1 million investment over 10 years for a city infrastructure project near the South Texas Regional Airport.
- Proposed $1,000,000 investment in the City Infrastructure Project
- Contract with Marketing Alliance for $99,100.00
- Contract with Global Investment Attraction Group for $15,500.00
- Proposed grant administration with Langford Community Management Services for estimated $15,000.00
- Election of Board Officers including President Jay Gruber and Vice President Ronnie Miller
City Council
The City Council and Hondo Economic Development Corporation are meeting for a workshop to listen to presentations. The agenda states that no deliberations will occur and no action will be taken by the City Council during this session.
General
The Airport Advisory Board is meeting to discuss a preservation plan and the demolition of an airport building. The board will also review potential hangar development and improvements to Runway 13/31.
- Airport Building Demo & Preservation Plan
- Potential Hangar Development
- Runway 13/31 Improvements
General
The Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss a variance request from the Hondo Inn Hotel. The request concerns a Unified Development Code requirement regarding the number of pole signs allowed based on street frontage.
- Variance request for Hondo Inn Hotel (Siddhi Subdivision Lot 2) regarding Section 7.3 of the UDC for pole sign placement
General
The Hondo Public Library Advisory Board will meet to review library operations and plan a policy renewal schedule. The board will also discuss the 2024-2028 Long Range Plan and upcoming community events.
- Approval of July 25, 2023 meeting minutes
- Nominations and election of new officers
- Selection of committee members for Long Range Plan 2024-2028
- Discussion of Dia de los Muertos Event details
- Update on potential inheritance and eclipse plans
General
The City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the proposed budget and property tax rate for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
- Proposed FY2023/2024 Budget
- Proposed FY2023/2024 Property Tax Rate
City Council
City Council approved resolutions for a police grant and support of the Railway Safety Act. The council also appointed members to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Library Advisory Board and directed the City Attorney to amend a school resource officer agreement with Hondo ISD.
- Approved Resolution 408-23 authorizing Hondo Police Department to apply for Operation Lone Star Grant (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 409-23 supporting S576 The Railway Safety Act (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Brendon Lowe to Planning and Zoning Commission (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Tara Mumme to Library Advisory Board (5-0)
- Approved direction to City Attorney to draft amendment to Hondo ISD interlocal agreement for School Resource Officers (5-0)
- Approved July 10, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
City Council
The City Council approved the implementation of the Medina County Emergency Management Basis Plan and the TDEM-147 form. Council also made appointments to the Hondo Public Library Advisory Board and approved the previous meeting's minutes.
- Approved Medina County Emergency Management Basis Plan and TDEM-147 form with appointment of Lieutenant Aaron Garza as Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator (5-0)
- Reappointed David Beard and appointed Kara Mumme to the Hondo Public Library Advisory Board (5-0)
- Approved minutes from June 26, 2023 (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
City Council
City Council authorized staff to seek bids for a street chip seal project covering 14 miles of road. The council also voted to hire Career Professionals LLC to begin the search for a City Manager.
- Approved bidding for Street Chip Seal Project not to exceed $2.7 million (5-0)
- Approved minutes from June 12, 2023 and May 15, 2023 (5-0)
- Authorized agreement with Career Professionals LLC for City Manager search (3-2)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
City Council
City Council approved amendments to the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget and adopted a new social media policy and procedure. The council also approved several consent items, including the purchase of police equipment and a minor plat for the Wishing Well Addition.
- Approved Ordinance 1272-06-23 for 2022-2023 fiscal year budget amendments (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 406-23 adding Social Media Policy and Procedure to City Code (4-0)
- Approved purchase of 19 Panasonic Tough Books for Police Department (4-0)
- Approved minor plat for Wishing Well Addition to create one 1.261 acre lot (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 407-23 for TDA Go grant signatories (4-0)
- Approved May 15 and May 22, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Reappointed Ronnie Miller to Economic Development Board and Brian Whitmer to Parks and Recreation Board (4-0)
- Tabled discussion regarding street curbing (4-0)
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
City Council
The Council approved the minutes from three previous meetings and a resolution for a TxDOT "Safe Routes to School" grant. The body discussed a proposed tax increment reinvestment zone for Hondo Creek Farms, but the provided record ends before a decision was reached on that item.
- Approved minutes from April 24, May 08, and May 15, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved Resolution 404-23 for TxDOT "Safe Routes to School" grant application (4-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Council
The council heard presentations on a proposed 300-lot Hondo Creek Farms development and the police department's intent to seek Texas Police Chiefs Association accreditation. Discussion on pool repairs centered on whether to fix the baby pool or install a splash pad, with consensus to padlock the baby pool for the season and revisit in the next budget. No formal votes were taken on these items.
- Heard presentation on Hondo Creek Farms 300-lot development (no vote taken)
- Discussed police accreditation program; no formal action
- Consensus to padlock baby pool for 2023 season, revisit in next budget
- Council Member Ytuarte motioned budget amendment to repair baby pool; no vote recorded
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Council
The City Council approved an agreement to hire Robert Herrera as interim city manager effective May 3, 2023. Other key actions included approving a professional services agreement for a wastewater project and updating city pool supervision ratios.
- Authorized interim city manager agreement with Robert Herrera (5-0)
- Approved issuance of an RFB for 100.763 acres of airport property (5-0)
- Approved agreement with Freese and Nichols for Ave. V Wastewater Line Improvement Project Phase 1 (5-0)
- Approved revised pool rules requiring one adult per 10 children (5-0)
- Approved 2nd Quarter Investment and Financial Reports (5-0)
- Approved April 10, 2023 meeting minutes with corrections (5-0)
- Held public hearing regarding USDA Grant application for two police patrol units
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
City Council
The City Council will consider updates to the personnel manual, pool regulations, and noise and burning codes. The body will also discuss infrastructure repairs and financing for taxiway improvements.
- Resolution 401-23 to modify prohibitions on relatives working in the same department
- Contract with Prominence Painting and Remodeling LLC for Rick Taylor Recreation Center
- Proposed closure and landscaping of the existing baby pool
- 18" Sewer Line Emergency Repair
- Resolution 402-23 regarding CenterPoint Energy rate application and the Alliance of CenterPoint Municipalities
City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Scott Albert, effective May 9, 2023. The council also approved several infrastructure payments, including airport taxiway improvements and emergency sewer repairs.
- Accepted City Manager Scott Albert's resignation (5-0)
- Authorized up to $600,000 from general fund for Taxiway A improvements (5-0)
- Approved $59,791 for emergency 18” sewer main repair (5-0)
- Authorized contract with Prominence Painting and Remodeling LLC not to exceed $104,900 (5-0)
- Approved Hondo Pool rules requiring one adult supervisor per five children (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 401-23 allowing related seasonal employees to work in same departments (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 402-23 suspending CenterPoint gas rate increase effective date for 45 days (5-0)
- Approved March 27, 2023 meeting minutes with correction (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (9 roll-call votes)
City Council
City Council approved a Specific Use Permit for a tattoo and piercing parlor on 18th Street and authorized a $50,000 compensation and benchmarking study. The council also approved the FY2022 financial audit and a proposal for the second phase of the 18th Street Sidewalk Project.
- Approved Specific Use Permit for Tattoo/Body Piercing Parlor at 1208 18th Street (3-2, Mayor broke tie)
- Authorized City Manager to execute Gallagher compensation study not to exceed $50,000 (4-1)
- Approved TRC Engineering proposal for 18th Street Sidewalk Project Phase II totaling $349,337.31 (5-0)
- Approved Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Audit) FY2022 (5-0)
- Approved March 13, 2023 meeting minutes with correction (5-0)
- Decided to light only the bulb of the Water Tower Lighting Project (Consensus)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
City Council
City Council approved a contract for pool maintenance and a revised Airport Layout Plan for FAA submission. The council also authorized a building contractor award for the HOME Program and issued an RFP for airport groundwater rights.
- Approved revised Airport Layout Plan for submission to the FAA (5-0)
- Authorized contract with BG Interpool, Inc. for pool maintenance not to exceed $127,264.00 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution Number 400-23 for HOME Program building contractor award (5-0)
- Approved issuance of RFP for lease of South Texas Regional Airport irrigation and groundwater rights (5-0)
- Approved reasonable accommodations for employee Roberto Benavides (5-0)
- Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes with corrections (5-0)
- Approved LCRA Vegetation Management Contract, Medina County Interlocal Cooperation Agreement, and board appointments via consent agenda (5-0)
- Tabled Cemetery Business and Master Plan Proposal for further budget discussion
🗳️ How they voted (8 roll-call votes)
City Council
Council awarded a $285,892.75 contract for downtown sidewalk improvements and approved a specific use permit for the Hondo Beer Market. The council also authorized negotiations for the C.H.A.S.M. Fest and reaffirmed civil rights policies for a wastewater plant grant. A motion to force the completion of several park projects by April 1 failed.
- Approved $285,892.75 downtown sidewalk construction contract (4-0)
- Approved Specific Use Permit for Hondo Beer Market at 1710 Avenue M (3-1)
- Approved adoption of Civil Rights Policies for TxCDBG wastewater grant (4-0)
- Approved Hondo Farmer's Market use of train depot loading dock (4-0)
- Authorized staff to negotiate agreement for C.H.A.S.M. Fest (4-0)
- Denied motion to direct completion of dog park, walking trail, and restrooms by April 1 (2-3)
- Reappointed members to Parks and Recreation, Animal Care, and Cemetery boards (4-0)
- Authorized City Manager to negotiate Climavision license agreement fees (4-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
City Council
City Council authorized the purchase of 3.22 acres of property and approved several police equipment grant applications. The council also updated cemetery rules to allow upright markers and approved a Rotary Club proposal for a gazebo at Memorial Square.
- Authorized purchase of 3.22 acres from Bailey’s Properties Acquired not to exceed $105,000 (4-1)
- Approved Resolution 396-23 for May 6, 2023, General Election (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 397-23 to apply for body-worn camera storage grant (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 398-23 to apply for rifle-resistant body armor grant (5-0)
- Approved Ordinance 1270-02-23 allowing upright gravestone markers at Oakwood Cemetery Annex (5-0)
- Approved Hondo-DHanis Rotary Club proposal to build a gazebo at Memorial Square (5-0)
- Authorized an additional $25,000 for a forensic audit (4-1)
- Voted to cease all legal work with attorney Victoria Thomas (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
City Council
City Council approved several maintenance projects for the swimming pool and recreation center using EDC funds. The council also updated the cemetery ordinance to allow stand-up headstones and authorized a drainage study along FM462. Additionally, the city will establish the South Texas Regional Airport as a Hertz rental location.
- Approved agreement with Freese & Nichols for FM462 drainage study
- Authorized purchase of 2023 Kawasaki 4010 Mule for golf course
- Approved Recreation Division personnel title changes and lifeguard numbers
- Approved up to $146,766.40 in EDC funds for swimming pool maintenance
- Approved up to $207,237.92 in EDC funds for Recreation Center maintenance
- Authorized City Manager to execute supplier form for Hertz at South Texas Regional Airport
- Updated ordinance to allow stand-up headstones in the new section of the cemetery
- Approved minutes from January 09, 2023 meeting
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
City Council
City Council voted to keep the senior citizen electric discount at 10% and approved the purchase of a Parks and Recreation Department truck. The council tabled a price increase for AMI water meters pending legal review. No actions were taken following the executive session.
- Maintained 10% senior citizen electric discount rate (5-0)
- Approved purchase of a truck for the Parks and Recreation Department (5-0)
- Tabled first amendment to Aqua Metric Master Service Agreement for AMI water meters pending attorney review (5-0)
- Approved minutes from November 28, 2022 and December 12, 2022 meetings with corrections (5-0)