By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Six of the seven Del Rio City Council members were present. Councilman J.P. Sanchez was absent.
Here’s what happened at the meeting:
Mayor, council members make announcements
• Mayor Al Arreola asked everyone to keep City Parks Director Lazaro Castro in their prayers, as Castro’s father died recently. Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez thanked the city’s administrative professionals for all their hard work on behalf of the citizens. She also thanked Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez for recognizing them at a recent city event. Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. praised the staff of the San Felipe Springs Golf Course, especially for their work on a benefit golf tournament held there over the past weekend.
Interim city manager gives informational update on projects
• Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez gave an update on a city projects and initiatives. Chavez said the city has received three bids for the renovation of the Paul Poag Theatre. He said city staff is evaluating those bids and is expected to bring a recommendation to the council during its May 12 meeting. Chavez said the striping on Griner Street has been completed. He said for the city’s upcoming pool season, party rentals are available beginning May 1, with public swimming beginning on June 12. Chavez said at the end of every month, he plans to recognize city employees who have worked for the city for 20 years or more. Those employees recognized for April 2026 are Del Rio Fire Department Lt. Ben Denney, celebrating 20 years; DRFD Firefighter Tim Breckenridge, celebrating 20 years; facility maintenance custodian Juan Salazar, celebrating 21 years; facility maintenance custodian Martin Renteria, celebrating 23 years; and Public Works Director Greg Velazquez, celebrating 28 years. Chavez also offered condolences to the family of Lazaro Castro. He noted the city recently had its third staff development day and recognized community donors who made the event possible.
City council hears update on capital improvement projects
• City council members took no action following an update on 27 of the city’s ongoing capital improvement projects. Following an introduction by Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez, City Purchasing Agent Luis Menchaca and Interim Finance Director Roxy Soto took turns presenting updates on sewer, water, parks, facilities, streets and drainage projects underway or being planned by the city. Council members asked questions at various points during the presentation. Mayor Al Arreola thanked staff for the updates and suggested that such a comprehensive update be presented to the council every quarter.
Council hears presentation on water department fund balance
• City council members took no action following an update on the city’s water department fund balance. Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus asked questions about the fund balance during the council’s meeting two weeks ago and had asked for a more comprehensive explanation of the water fund balances. Interim Finance Director Roxy Soto provided the update, along with an informational chart included as part of the council’s agenda packet.
Council accepts donation from veterans’ advocacy organization
• City council members voted 5-0 to accept the donation of a bench from F.O.B. Del Rio, a local veterans’ advocacy organization that organized the recent exhibition of The Wall That Heals in Del Rio. (Mayor Pro-tem Jim DeReus stepped out of the meeting briefly and did not vote.) Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. suggested the bench be placed at the Del Rio Civic Center, near the veterans remembrance wall in the facility.
Council postpones votes on state, federal advocacy contracts
• City council members voted 6-0 to postpone decisions on two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the city, Val Verde County and the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District for state and federal advocacy services. The city is preparing the MOUs to join with the county and school district to contract with consulting groups to advocate for city, county and school district projects and interests in Austin and Washington, D.C. The council also voted 6-0 to postpone a decision on a resolution authorizing Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez to approve a contract with Lone Star Consulting for federal advocacy services.
Council approves advertisement for requests for proposals for city vending machines
• City council members voted 6-0 to approve a resolution authorizing and directing Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez to advertise and give notice on a request for proposal for vending machine services for various buildings for the city of Del Rio, including the San Felipe Springs Golf Course pro shop.
Council authorizes funds for Main Street business façade improvement
• City council members voted 6-0 to approve a resolution to authorize funding from the Main Street Façade Assistance Grant Program in the amount of $7,625.21 to support the façade improvement at 700 S. Main St., the site of Bar 100. The business owners, on their application for the funds, said they plan to take down the existing awning outside the business and build a new one.
Council approves HOT funds for birding event
• City council members voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance authorizing the use of hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue in an amount not to exceed $4,780 for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 2026 “Birding the Border” Event. Information about the event included in the council’s agenda packet notes the event has been held here since 2018, with the exception of 2020 during the pandemic. The event’s aim, as stated by organizers, is “to connect people to the land through the experience of birding.” Event organizers say they also try to educate Val Verde County landowners on bird management strategies they can implement to attract eco-tourists in conjunction with their agricultural practices.
Council approves ordinance for one-year extension for financial advisory services
• City council members voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance to authorize and direct Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez to approve the final one-year extension for financial advisory services to Estrada Hinojosa & Company Investment Bankers.
Council authorizes reallocation of funds for Blue Wall stabilization project
• City council members voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance to authorize and direct Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez to reallocate funds from 2016, 2017 and 2018 certificates of obligation (COs) to the San Felipe Creek Blue Wall stabilization project. Information provided to the council in its packet noted the funds — $420,900 from 2016 COs, $76,100 from 2017 COs and $494,300 from 2018 COs — will be reallocated from a project to renovate the walkway along the San Felipe Creek near the Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez Amphitheater, which was badly damaged in the Flood of 1998.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
