By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
An upcoming spay and neuter clinic, an educational series on government contracts and an ongoing survey of city water lines were among the topics covered by the city manager during his most recent update to the city council.
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez said he had several updates for the council during its regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Animal clinic and Bid Academy
Chavez told the council, “First, I wanted to mention that the City of Del Rio is partnering up with Border Animal Mission, Incorporated, also known as BAM, on an upcoming spay and neuter clinic. More information will be released as the day approaches. We just wanted to mention that’s coming.
“Also, as a reminder (of) the Bid Academy, for anyone interested in government contracts. That is available at our Spark Lab, and those dates are available on the city website, www.cityofdelrio.com, for more information. This is for anyone interested in conducting business with the federal government. This is an academy that will be beneficial to that purpose,” Chavez said.
Water line survey continues
Chavez next spoke about an ongoing water line survey happening in the community.
Chavez said, “The next update I want to remind council (about) is that the city has contracted LJA Engineering. They’re currently conducting a lead (water) service line inventory. They previously had finished looking at the city’s lines, and now they’re working on private property service lines. I want to remind everyone, because I know that we have some personnel from LJA Engineering that will be looking at the lines near water meters or service connections.
“Again, I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that this is currently happening, and this particular phase, Phase 2, will run through the month of November. Once this is complete, we’ll work on the next phase, the replacement (phase), but for right now, as a reminder to the public, LJA Engineering has been contracted by the city, and they’re out there checking your service lines, either at the water meter or your service connection,” Chavez said.
Credit card payment issue resolved
Chavez also spoke about an internal problem at City Hall that has been resolved.
He told the council, “The next update, we had an issue with receiving credit card payments last week and the week before. That has been resolved. I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that anyone who made any payments using a credit card on the website, those were processed after we got this up and running, so please make sure that has been processed according to your account and your payment that was made, but that issue has been resolved, and everything is back to normal where credit card payments are being received onsite and via the online portal.”
Preparedness Month
Chavez went on, “A reminder that September is National Preparedness Month, and with that being said, we’ll be putting out informational tips throughout the month of September, and this will be information through our emergency management department.”
Longtime employees recognized
Chavez finished his update to the council by recognizing some of the city’s long-term employees.
Chavez said, “I do want to recognize all the city employees that have reached 20-plus years working for the City of Del Rio, and this is for the month of September. This month we do have three.
“First, celebrating 23 years with the accounting division, as accounting supervisor, Ms. Maria Martinez. Celebrating 26 years of service with our wastewater collection division as a utility worker, Mr. Delio Hernandez, and celebrating 21 years of service with our international bridge division, as toll collector crew leader, Mr. Raul Torres,” Chavez finished.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
