[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6099050,"mediaKeyId","2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0","parentId",2821582,"title","Commission approves multiple ordinances, grants and contracts; votes at a glance","audioSeconds",3122,"startMs",2838000,"endMs",5960000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0&start=2838&end=5960","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0/thumbnail_2838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099050/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Commission-approves-multiple-ordinances-grants-and-contracts-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099050-7bdcc96953683c103e2a512162c4fca8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114407&Signature=nj5ZDHd-kEQeP6G9etcdl6aiWojw5~qy9uqAyGgFkGZs8QqYhIz77e5ZaMVhXjsShlGkN5CL2IKnkhrsxW6FqMJC2nEb2OErmUf1WD20XmPF0BlW44YEftXV-tnOIXWMiV6cryWwi8s9OHw8CjNLZ6lrHAaJoWi5fOfCfV-HvNgBqL64Tz4VINAp81895HYa5TsnttDS8Zn9OTFWWw5x-~BRzhn7W~DaxizQi6eyM8ip7HoAdh64~n0WdajS4FEo5LrkYCHczTeNK31yDZbl0QpWa7JRtQWhkDyJg-CAzHokDBiG3udUuMvmXzKcwLewH0WPD8-G1qOUZ~z~h50mEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Rio Grande City, TX","date","2025-03-30T21:22:32.65Z","article","The Rio Grande City Commission took a series of votes on ordinances, resolutions, grants and contracts at its March 19 regular meeting, approving public‑safety and quality‑of‑life ordinances, grant applications and several contracts and construction awards.

Votes at a glance

- Door‑to‑door solicitation ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-02): Approved in second reading. The ordinance requires permits for commercial door‑to‑door activities to regulate hours and protect resident privacy and safety. The commission approved the ordinance on second reading after staff said the rule targets commercial vendors such as solar‑panel and insurance salespeople; the ordinance exempts fundraisers by children. Vote: carried (voice vote; no roll‑call names recorded).

- Heavy and commercial truck parking ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-03): Approved in second reading. The ordinance restricts parking of vehicles over 10,000 pounds on city streets and public rights-of-way and establishes graduated fines (first offense $100–$200; subsequent penalties increase). Vote: carried (voice vote; no roll‑call names recorded).

- Tobacco/vape retail setback ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-04): Approved on first reading. The draft prohibits smoke shops that sell tobacco products, vaping devices and related paraphernalia from operating within 1,000 feet of schools; staff proposed adding daycares and churches to the restriction and will return with a final draft. Vote: first reading approved (voice vote).

- Resolution accepting gift of static ultralight aircraft (Resolution No. 2025-14): Approved. The commission accepted a deed of gift from Richard Garza for an ultralight aircraft to be restored and displayed as a public monument at the airport. Vote: carried (voice vote).

- Operation Lone Star grant application (Resolution No. 2025-15 / grant submission): Approved. Staff will submit an application seeking $840,098.80 to cover overtime, replacement radios and three patrol units; staff noted the award amount is subject to the agency’s allocation. Vote: carried (voice vote).

- Border state infrastructure AFA and resolution for International Drive (Resolution No. 2025-16): Approved. The commission approved acceptance of state and federal funds tied to an Advance Fund Agreement (AFA) for the International Drive project; later in the meeting the commission approved a conditional acceptance tied to an offer from a private party (Star County Comanico Bridge Company) and authorized the mayor to sign the AFA. Vote: carried (voice votes; several items handled in executive session before final action).

- Award of bid for Lovela Road widening: Approved. The commission accepted the engineer recommendation and awarded the project to G8 (lowest responsive bidder) to complete street widening connected with EDC economic development assistance to a local business. Vote: carried (voice vote).

- Purchase authorization for 0.356 acres adjacent to Silver Star Park: Commission authorized the city manager to negotiate the purchase with Pena Family Central Palm Realty LLC and later approved negotiation consistent with the maximum discussed in executive session; the purchase will secure parking and space for future restroom facilities. Vote: carried (voice vote).

Contracts and procurement (selected approvals)

- Value Risk Consulting, Inc.: Approved as agent of record for health insurance (subject to legal review).
- Pyro Shows of Texas: Contract approved for fireworks at Freedom Fest 2025 (reduced quote compared with previous year); staff noted the vendor provided a lower price than last year.
- RGV Party Rentals (RDB): Contract approved for Freedom Fest rentals and attractions (subject to legal signoff); staff said the firm offered a reduced price and a larger Ferris wheel this year.
- Ramirez Construction: Approved to proceed with a library renovation phase (see separate article); staff will produce full MEP and structural plans if the project scale exceeds procurement thresholds.

Items moved to executive session and follow up

Several items were taken to executive session for discussion, including minutes for a previous meeting (amendment to identify the city attorney present at the June 11, 2024 meeting), conditional lease terms with the Greater Chamber of Commerce, library expansion procurement and demolition items, and the International Drive AFA. After reconvening the commission approved items as discussed in executive session, including conditional lease language and authorization to negotiate the Silver Star Park parcel.

Ending

Most measures passed by voice votes with no detailed roll‑call tallies on the record. Staff was directed to return with finalized contract documents, design/specification packages where required, and certain cost estimates and procurement schedules so the commission can review next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","RGC Commission Meeting March 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved ordinances on door‑to‑door solicitation and heavy truck parking, advanced a first reading on vape/tobacco setbacks near schools, accepted a donated ultralight aircraft and authorized multiple grants, contracts and construction awards.","taxTitle","Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas","taxId",69600,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099056,"Commission approves Ramirez Construction for library expansion; staff to issue full plans for procurement",3702,5030000,8732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0&start=5030&end=8732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0/thumbnail_5030000.jpg","/articles/6099056/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Commission-approves-Ramirez-Construction-for-library-expansion-staff-to-issue-full-plans-for-procurement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099056-2b2495b367ca67bf220bdb3d6f690db7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114407&Signature=BxYSAKlZdCDEbTJluw7m9mUCqwKTTj0J2NGardYt5BjhO35S7N3d-HX0Ij5eVz2HIajuLVndGJUKiXTgU-7J4VhSoVHj0VJkgzTG2CQg~gatbFec9DgDXH6aBY-uZhbVKzIY2smXSklaL~u8Ue1uVp0N66OyLJeAJiTa0xhDVk9JzhEzBctf4-1pGJPoh4S-~gD1vfEP9Qr57OnxIJMciv0tZy5p1izaOzDv-yKQY81Vr7HxrPJiPXkBSwPxRvA1bA7bQSEfDGoLth8D99VgROvtRdGQSexVHlzE2uPWq9uwG6ValpMrb~Yd0jyYxZUkvi65TZ5IQe~iUWbHXXmeHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rio Grande City Commission approved Ramirez Construction to proceed with a library renovation project that the city characterized as work under the 5,000‑square‑foot threshold and under the city’s procurement limits for smaller projects.

At the March 19 meeting staff reported three quotes had been collected to support the expansion project and recommended Emiliano Amado Jr. for architectural and MEP services for a larger scope; however, commissioners clarified that any project or combined phases exceeding $50,000 would require formal procurement and sealed bids. To proceed without triggering a full procurement cycle, the commission approved the lowest qualified bid for the scope identified as under $50,000 and instructed staff to break the work into appropriate phases so each phase complies with procurement rules.

Planning staff said full design documents (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural seals) will be required if and when the project scale exceeds the threshold; staff recommended preparing firm specifications for use in future competitive bids to ensure fair contractor comparisons. Ramirez Construction’s bid was accepted for the current phase; staff will return with phased schedules, specifications and cost estimates for subsequent phases or a procurement plan if total project costs exceed statutory thresholds.

Ending

The commission directed staff to prepare clear scope documents and, if necessary, move to a competitive procurement if cumulative phases exceed $50,000. The next steps include obtaining sealed plans and MEP documentation for larger‑scale work.","The commission approved Ramirez Construction’s bid for a standalone library expansion project under $50,000 and directed the planning department to produce full specifications and procurement documents for larger work; commissioners also asked for phased work and clarified that projects over $50,000 require full procurement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099061,"Parks and Recreation reports expanded youth sports, Fort Ringgold work and plans for city runs and events",332,1083000,1415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0&start=1083&end=1415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0/thumbnail_1083000.jpg","/articles/6099061/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Parks-and-Recreation-reports-expanded-youth-sports-Fort-Ringgold-work-and-plans-for-city-runs-and-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099061-6b3a147a4b183541b26a75291cbc0a1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114407&Signature=EBLbosFgxXApbyuzYeTbZJf~LIIYrfShcVECmXsbiYqxeiQG0dWX09w7S9Bgj7bkeHeymz3txwvrMqcZ8jxPM234x7gc8RnczoK8WRevNvdI1SAuyezrYiW9j9vMGxhA3ZUImEx0LXuNZx2XQEYDbMcigXNgjzxanZbVtaIgEozhptFszJp5BKG~3hkWo~aJtCtWGP~NH9MjvvtJALWsjrGVx5eV6q124nM-w~vat1Q5Xx7MZojMLKncynsxuAo8k0EvCQWZR0yGUxhctoxovYIvZshb9lmA4V52hZI4WZuSpwCVBZ~YroPZTStR3b~1cs1kZIsewZZQDmPtbmE3-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rio Grande City’s Parks and Recreation department reported heavy participation in spring sports leagues, incremental field upgrades and short-term opening plans for Fort Ringgold.

Parks Director (reported at the meeting) told commissioners the department fabricated and installed three soccer goals and two backstops in-house, saving the city thousands of dollars; the department said the same work would have cost $4,000–$5,000 for the goals and about $10,000 for backstops if purchased or contracted. The department also replaced a water hydrant in Fort Ringgold to support irrigation and expects to have the park ready in about a month for use during Easter weekend.

League participation is strong: the department reported more than 47 Pony teams with over 500 participants, and more than 200 basketball players on 25 teams. Volleyball and track registrations are opening soon; track registration will start April 1 with high‑school coach Joe Ramirez helping lead the program. Parks staff also said they are planning a community 5K (and a separate 2K for younger participants) with a proposed route from the kiosk to Fort Ringgold and back; TxDOT granted preliminary approval for closing half of Main Street and the department will submit a formal application.

Staff described strategy to reduce costs by doing fabrication and small repairs in-house where possible, praising in-house welding and mechanics that have cut vendor costs. Commissioners and staff discussed staffing and overtime: directors said overtime is an important short‑term expense for covering expanded programming and suggested the program’s registration revenue should offset costs in coming budget cycles.

Ending

Parks staff will return with exact dates, final route permits for the 5K/2K and a schedule for Fort Ringgold’s reopening. Commissioners encouraged broader publicity once final dates and park‑opening details are confirmed.","Parks and Recreation told the commission it has high registration for spring leagues, installed low-cost field improvements and is aiming to reopen Fort Ringgold within a month; staff is planning a 5K/2K run and other community events.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099065,"Rio Grande City names full-time animal control director, plans kennel expansion and spay/neuter push",582,2286000,2868000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0&start=2286&end=2868","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2821582-d0f169a611f629b4de2f9fa0737f5ac0/thumbnail_2286000.jpg","/articles/6099065/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Rio-Grande-City-names-full-time-animal-control-director-plans-kennel-expansion-and-spayneuter-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099065-a28aa1ed1b84be1c92c7c8fd71d00bac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771114407&Signature=ULNDUBRUyIHtHy~agtEEV0rkkkJ8BG5VLGnzVWeO0JMn961rWOkfnBlrfoTp~Es6aBJlaLJr0wIwXg11yYGiZ0pljsCKFQKJfqy6sHTbX83Os6Oat59gNoOyjao1G8nqu~t3MITfHNXMupWNhUVqly51zp-7CFIFYcPee9FLV2g0o84mVh4Qkdkr09MIGe3x9iiy4yZrLgc8wWsMUPZQx5ytx-GTQCnSrT2YgdBIOtXhehrT9LxhCj-huhnF6TnIzRcfg~t5Pg2iXka~9Bu5e~PSq-xsTiUQqDrGxSvk7D4ey6Xp-LicE2mAEeVJaLlopBZ--jixcqbeEERveYh3Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rio Grande City introduced Felice Gonzales as a full-time animal control director and outlined immediate plans to expand the city’s kennels and services.

At the March 19 commission meeting, Gonzales gave a two-week recap of calls handled by the new unit, saying the team responded to “about 15 to 20 calls a day,” including reports of loose livestock, aggressive dogs and dead animal carcasses. He reported that the department has trapped and taken into custody several dogs that had been approaching schoolchildren and that the city is moving forward with upgrades at the kennel facility.

The commission and staff described capital and operational improvements planned for the animal-control site at the 14-acre location by Eisenhower. Gonzales said the city will add 10 kennels to the existing 10, bringing capacity to 20; the upgrade package also includes staff offices, new computers for reports, a visiting-veterinarian area for spay/neuter events, storage and a small adoption/meet-and-greet area. Gonzales told the commission the city had met with three companies to estimate the scope of work and that he will present the estimates when available.

Commissioners and staff pressed on staffing and policy. Gonzales said he currently supervises two non‑commissioned animal-control officers and is the only commissioned investigator assigned to animal cruelty and related criminal investigations. Commissioner Adil Barrera and other commissioners encouraged more hires and recommended a review and update of the city’s animal-control ordinance and operational policies, which commissioners said dated from the early 2000s and need revision. Gonzales and staff said they will meet with the city’s legal and management teams to update procedures and to ensure the unit’s enforcement powers and charging process are clear.

Commissioner Olivares said the city should consider making the animal-control unit an independent department. City staff confirmed the new position is transitioning out of the police department’s prior arrangement toward a standalone division; Gonzales said he will remain commissioned through the police department during the transition but added, “we are in the process of transitioning to our own department hopefully in the future.”

Gonzales also asked the commission to continue support for spay-and-neuter vouchers; commissioners signaled support and discussed approving a next voucher batch at a future meeting. Mayor and commissioners repeatedly framed the changes as an overdue step to improve public safety and animal welfare.

Ending

Commissioners asked staff to return with cost estimates, a staffing plan, and draft policy and ordinance language to formalize the new division’s scope and operations. Gonzales said he and his team will present price estimates for kennel expansion and the proposed clinic area once they receive contractor bids.","The city introduced Felice Gonzales as a new, full-time animal control director and outlined plans to expand kennels from 10 to 20, add a small clinic/visitation area and step up spay-and-neuter efforts; commissioners discussed staffing, policy updates and moving the division toward independence.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves multiple ordinances, grants and contracts; votes at a glance

Commission approves Ramirez Construction for library expansion; staff to issue full plans for procurement

Parks and Recreation reports expanded youth sports, Fort Ringgold work and plans for city runs and events

Rio Grande City names full-time animal control director, plans kennel expansion and spay/neuter push