By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
City council members have appointed George Salinas as the new member to the city’s planning
and zoning commission.
A resolution dealing with the appointment and confirmation of one member to the Del Rio
Planning and Zoning Commission was on the council’s agenda during its Dec. 17 regular
meeting.
Councilman J.P. Sanchez made the motion to approve the resolution, and Mayor Pro-tem Jim
DeReus gave the second.
The planning and zoning commission serves as a citizen advisory group to the city council regarding zoning requests, platting and re-platting matters, annexation plans and right-of-way abandonment requests. As mentioned in a memo provided to the council as part of its informational packet, the commission had one unexpired vacancy (ending on Oct. 14, 2026) that needed to be filled.
During the meeting, Mayor Al Arreola asked for information on the applicant. City Manager Shawna Burkhart said an interview with Salinas was conducted for the position, and she added,
“I believe he will be good for (the commission).”
Salinas spoke with The 830 Times after the meeting and talked about why he was interested in
joining the commission.
Salinas said he wants to be available to help complete projects for his city. Salinas is a retired real-estate agent, and he said he believed his experience from his previous line of work could help during his term.
“A lot of projects that were pending got delayed, and that is not good for Del Rio. We need to get people in (the commission) that not only care, but make a difference, and I hope I can make a difference. I have always been a person that is committed and will be available, unless I am sick. I want to do the best I can and help them out because I want to see Del Rio progress,”
Salinas said.
Salinas worked with Real Estate Solutions, Texas Heritage Real Estate, and RE/MAX Del Rio, and he is currently carrying out the duties for the Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace.
Salinas said the planning and zoning commission has not scheduled its first meeting yet for 2025, but he hopes they can “make a difference.”
