By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Six of the seven city council members were present. Councilman J.P. Sanchez was absent.
Pastor offers congregation’s assistance
Pastor Martin Seca of Del Rio’s Living Stone Worship Center spoke to the council during the “Citizen Comments” portion of Tuesday’s meeting. Seca told council members he appreciates the work the council does and said he and his congregation “want to do more” to help the city.
“Today is just about letting you know we are available and would love the opportunity to help out in making our community better, not just on Sundays or on Wednesday night Bible study; we want to say what can the church offer, what can it bring to the table,” Seca told the council.
Mayor proclaims National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Mayor Al Arreola issued a proclamation designating April 2026 as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Del Rio. Arreola noted the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services received 243 reports of child abuse or neglect in 2025, with 50 confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in Val Verde County.
Arreola commended organizations like Belong, CASA of Val Verde County, the Val Verde County Child Welfare Board, DFPS and local law enforcement “for their continued commitment and dedication to helping meet the needs of child abuse victims.” He presented the proclamation to representatives of some of those organizations present at the meeting.
Mayor, council members make announcements
Mayor Al Arreola announced that the Del Rio Police Department officer shot during a call to an East 10th Street residence Sunday morning is doing well and urged the public to keep the officer in their prayers.
Arreola also commended city departments for cleanup efforts following thunderstorms that swept across the city Saturday night and Sunday morning. He spoke about The Wall That Heals, a replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial, coming to Del Rio.
Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez said an opening ceremony for the Wall will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday at 1117 W. De La Rosa St.
Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus announced a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Del Rio Civic Center.
Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. commended Esme Esparza Meza and Carlos Ayala for events at the San Felipe Springs Golf Course, including a San Felipe Exes golf tournament.
Councilwoman Ernestina “Tina” Martinez thanked Arreola for helping her assist a constituent dealing with flooding inside his home early Sunday morning.
Interim city manager gives project updates
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez briefed council members on several ongoing projects. Chavez echoed the mayor’s remarks about the injured police officer and thanked city employees for storm recovery efforts.
Chavez announced the city’s third annual employee appreciation and mental health day, giving workers a chance “to get away from the office” and de-stress.
He said he and Arreola recently attended the Binational Bridges and Border Crossings meeting in Washington, D.C., where they presented plans for a second international bridge.
Chavez also reminded residents the city’s Earth Day event has been postponed until April 25.
Fire department introduces new companion canine
Del Rio Fire Department Deputy Chief Joey De Luna introduced council members to Audie, a new “station dog” obtained through the K9s for Warriors program.
De Luna said the department was selected from among 60 applicants to receive the dog, which has extensive training as a therapy, support and working dog. The Lab mix was previously paired with a veteran.
Audie will be stationed at one of the fire departments, with De Luna serving as handler. Officials hope the dog will help with public interaction and provide support for city employees dealing with stressful situations.
Solid waste rate comparison presented
Council members took no action following a presentation by Chavez and Interim Finance Director Roxy Soto on Del Rio’s solid waste rates compared to similar Texas cities.
Chavez said staff would return during the budget process with recommendations to ensure revenue covers the contract with Platform Waste Solutions and operating costs.
Soto said Del Rio’s residential rate of $20.54 is about 2 percent higher than comparable cities, noting the rate includes additional services such as brush pickup.
Updates on public works, civic center agreements
Council members took no action following presentations on street paving projects, the northside sewer line Phase I and long-term rental agreements at the Del Rio Civic Center.
Council reviews goals for next fiscal year
Council members also took no action on goals and objectives for Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Chavez said the priorities were developed through one-on-one meetings with council members. The top five goals include preservation of the general fund, personnel and compensation, infrastructure investment, quality of life services, and economic development and revenue diversification.
Council moves forward on city engineer position
Council members voted 6-0 to move forward with adding a city engineer position to the next budget and to begin advertising the position.
Chavez recommended a starting salary of about $124,000, with total compensation around $160,000 annually. He noted the role is separate from a public works director, though the positions have been combined in the past.
He said while some contracted engineering work could be reduced, it may not result in significant savings.
Lobbying contract vote postponed
Council members voted 6-0 to postpone action on four resolutions related to agreements with Andrade Van De Putte for state advocacy and Lone Star Consulting for federal advocacy.
The delay came after DeReus noted the finalized MOUs were not included in the council packet.
Appointments to boards and commissions
Council members voted 6-0 to appoint Juan Fernandez and Joel Ibarra to the Del Rio Planning and Zoning Commission. Fernandez will serve a term expiring in December 2027, while Ibarra will fill a vacancy through September 2027.
The council also voted 6-0 to reappoint Rick Maldonado, Mauricio Salinas, Rogelio Musquiz Jr. and Willie Hyslop to the Del Rio Golf Course Commission.
Bedell pump station work order approved
Council members voted 5-1 to approve a work order for engineering services for improvements to the Bedell pump station. Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus cast the lone dissenting vote.
The work order with Jimenez Engineering Solutions totals $1,490,507, with DeReus raising questions about funding sources.
Highland Park project contract awarded
Council members voted 6-0 to award a $2,911,935.50 contract to STX Civil for improvements in the Highland Park subdivision.
The project will include sidewalk, driveway, curb and gutter replacement, pavement work, water and sewer adjustments and drainage improvements.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
