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.