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| Ramiro Gonzalez, Planning Department |
In a workshop December 4, the City Commission considered two options to redivide the city's districts to reflect population growth. The adjustments must stay under a 10% variance threshold from current districts.
While one plan varied the current boundaries by 9.5%, it was not acceptable to District 4 Commissioner John Villarreal as some portions to be removed from District 4 were on the verge of development.
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| John Villarreal |
Another plan, Plan D, keeping those areas in District 4, while varying only 8.18% from current boundaries was recommended for a first reading by the commission by majority vote.
Mayor Tony Martinez stated that his only concern whatever plan was approved maintain representation for all citizens.
Tony Backed Off Cheap Lease in Executive Session~$1.40 per Sq. Ft. Approved. . Smoking Ban Passes, Adjustment to Multi-Family Housing Code Lively Debated
Action on Agenda Item A coming out of executive session resulted in the city commission allowing Assistant City Attorney John Chosy to negotiate a lease with newly elected Congressman Filemon Vela at a rate of $1.40 per square foot for office space at City Plaza. While Chosy seemed to want the latitude to go as low as $1.25 per square foot, the commissioners locked in at $1.40.
With Ricardo Longoria and Jessica Tetreau drawing audience applause for their "no" votes, the smoking ban for all city limit buildings easily passed.
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| City Permit Officer Evaristo Gamez |
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| Estela Chavez-Vasquez |
A spirited discussion ensued with respect to an Action and First Reading to amend Chapter 58, repealing Article II. Evaristo Gamez had some difficulty on selling the commission on the proposed $86.00 fees to be charged owners of multi-family buildings to include an annual inspection. Commissioner At-Large Estela Vasquez-Chavez argued for routine inspections and fines for non-compliance without adding an annual fee. She also wanted the inspections to extend to rental properties of all sizes. City Manager Charlie Cabler wanted to implement the changes as proposed. Commissioner Melissa Zamora questioned whether the city had enough inspectors to implement the changes. Mayor Tony Martinez asked an inspector from Garland, Texas where the city has a similar inspection program if the program had resulted in actual improvements in safety.
Did Cancer Doctors vote too ,cause they will loose business now that smoking is banned.
ReplyDeleteupp yours Melissa! Instead of making up laws, why don't you follow the ones already on the books such as DWI! Hmmmm, the time at "The Bar" when you walked in before closing time to get your little night cap. You were all f***** up and you drove home like that. Why not follow those laws instead of creating new ones? Doubt you'll respond......
ReplyDeleteEstela Vasquez is dumb as dirt too....
ReplyDelete$1.40 per square foot is actually expensive for downtown Brownsville. I've have a very nice building that has been on the market over a year, and if I could get half of that I'd be happy.
ReplyDeleteIn a progressive country where two States have legalized mary jane, are we so backwards ass to take away the right for a private business owner and a willing patron to smoke cigarettes in a drinking establishment? I personally do not smoke and prefer to drink in a non smoking atmosphere, but that folks is MY choice ... remember, we are America the FREE?
ReplyDeleteAgreed!! It's one thing when the Feds are passing laws but obviously states are saying they are antiquated thinking. We live in an imperialistic environment in Btown.
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