By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
All seven members of the Del Rio City Council were present at Tuesday’s meeting. Here’s what happened:
Mayor issues two proclamations
Mayor Al Arreola issued two proclamations during Tuesday’s meeting. The first set February 2026 as Enrolled Agents Month, recognizing the enrolled agent profession, which dates to 1884 in the United States. Enrolled agents are licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and are authorized to represent taxpayers.
The mayor’s second proclamation designated Feb. 17-21, 2026, as Chinese New Year — Year of the Horse Celebration Days in Del Rio. The proclamation recognized the contributions of Diana Stern, Nancy Khan, Linda Webb, Jessica Guanajuato, Claudia Lopez and Esmeralda Esparza for coordinating and promoting the event, which celebrates Chinese culture and has been held in Del Rio for about 20 years.
Mayor presents Keep Texas Beautiful certificates
Arreola presented certificates of recognition to Oliver McGuire and Rommel Mendoza for completing seven hours of community service Jan. 17 under the city’s Keep Del Rio Beautiful program. The city is a Keep Texas Beautiful affiliate for 2026. Projects include beautification events, recycling efforts and litter cleanups.
Council members make announcements
Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus announced early voting for the Republican and Democratic Party primary elections begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Del Rio Civic Center. He also said he will host his next town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the civic center.
Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. reminded residents the deadline to file for open city council seats is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Lopez said he has attended recent tournaments at the San Felipe Springs Golf Course and was impressed by how they were organized.
Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez announced the Chinese New Year parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, on South Main Street.
Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez said no candidates have filed for District 1 and District 2 council seats. She reiterated the filing deadline, thanked those who have filed and encouraged residents to learn about the candidates.
City manager gives updates on events and projects
City Manager Shawna Burkhart announced several upcoming city events, including the Love on the Run Valentine’s Day 5K for dog owners and their pets. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Carranza Dog Park, 504 Ave. E. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed dog.
Burkhart said the city is assisting the Bethel Center with its Spread the Love donation drive, collecting jams, jellies and peanut and other nut butters through Friday, Feb. 13.
The city will host a vendors meeting Feb. 19 at the multipurpose facility on the golf course grounds. Burkhart also announced the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be in Del Rio on April 14 at Camp Del Rio next to the Joe Ramos Center. Other updates included a city employee appreciation day April 9, a walk-through of the Carranza Park detention pond Feb. 20 and Laughlin Air Force Base’s annual air show March 28. She also reviewed ongoing public works projects and fire department vehicle purchases.
Council hears presentation on collection of court fines and fees
Sonia Gonzalez, an attorney with the San Antonio firm Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP, updated council members on the collection of delinquent municipal court fines and fees. Gonzalez said her firm has worked with the city since 2003 and summarized collection efforts, including a new initiative to contact those owing fines by text message.
Council hears presentation on winter freeze response
Council members heard an update on actions taken during the Jan. 23-28 winter freeze. Del Rio Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Aldaco and Texas Department of Emergency Management District Chief Van Zabava briefed the council. Much of the discussion focused on the city’s warming center.
Police chief gives annual racial profiling report
Del Rio Police Chief Frank Ramirez presented the department’s 2025 racial profiling report. Ramirez said the annual report examines traffic stops by officers, including race and gender data, reasons for stops and whether stops resulted in citations, searches or arrests. He said the department received no racial profiling complaints in 2025.
Council names alternates to Board of Adjustments
Council members voted 5-0 to appoint Raul Sanchez and Sergio Perez as alternates to the city’s Board of Adjustments. According to a memo from City Planner Eivon Garcia, the board hears appeals and special approvals related to zoning enforcement and authorizes hardship exemptions. The board meets monthly and includes five members and up to four alternates.
Council authorizes RFQs for pool project
Council members voted 6-0-1, with Councilman Randy Quinones abstaining, to authorize advertising a request for qualifications for evaluation, design and construction services for the Buena Vista Pool Rehabilitation Project. City administrators said the pool will remain open this summer until reconstruction begins. Quinones abstained because he is part owner of a local pool company.
Council approves body camera grant application
Council members voted 7-0 to authorize submitting a grant application to the Texas Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office for $65,000 to purchase police body cameras, with a required $16,250 local match. Burkhart said the match will be included in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
Council approves criminal justice grant application
Council members voted 7-0 to submit a $258,000 grant application under the Criminal Justice Program for fiscal year 2027. Burkhart said no local match is required. The funds would purchase two fully equipped vehicles, training for evidence technicians, five hand-held radios and a shot tank for the police department’s criminal investigations division.
Council approves victim assistance grant
Council members voted 7-0 to submit a $12,500 grant application under the General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program, with a $2,500 local match. Burkhart said the funds would cover overtime for the police department’s crime victims advocate. The match will return to council as a budget amendment.
Council approves body armor grant
Council members voted 7-0 to submit a $5,898.12 grant application for 12 rifle-resistant body armor vests. Assistant City Manager Michael Garcia said he initially sought $15,000 for five vests but found the same equipment at a lower cost.
Council amends agenda preparation policy
Council members voted 7-0 to amend the city council agenda preparation policy. Burkhart said the change reflects new legislative requirements for agenda posting and clarifies departmental responsibilities.
Council renames former country club building
Council members voted 7-0 to rename the city’s multipurpose golf course facility the San Felipe Springs Event Center. Burkhart said the new name better reflects the building’s use and location near the historic San Felipe Springs. Lopez suggested holding a public contest to rename the facility.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
