By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
The City of South Padre Island City Council held a special meeting on Sept. 11.
Public comments were opened with Gayle King, a commercial real estate agent, who spoke on behalf of
landowners in the area. She proposed that members of the community and commissioners discuss the expansion of the SPI convention center with the cost and the bird habitat surrounding it in mind.
Council member Ken Medders Junior clarified that he supported the performing arts center and the general
modernization of the convention center.
Tiffany Kersten, owner of Nature Ninja Birding Tours, argued on behalf of the bird habitat that surrounds the Convention Center. She made a point about the revenue the South Padre Island Birding Center brings to South Padre Island, which the city could stand to lose should they decide to touch the neighboring habitat. Wales urged the board to examine the budget thoroughly.
“We voted for it, but you have a responsibility to be accountable for it,” said Wales.
JoAnn Evans, founder of El Paseo Arts Foundation, spoke in favor of the planned expansion. She talked about the hard work the foundation has put into their productions, and how a true theater would give them a “real home, and a performance space… and give South Padre Island a theater of its own for the future.”
She called for the prioritization of all three elements of life on SPI, the city’s tourism-based economy, the quality of life for the residents and the protection of the fragile ecosystem.
“Each of these is a good thing, and if we don’t attend to all three, our city will not grow and prosper as it should. It’s a question of balance,” said Evans.
Julie Boughter, Program Director of the Art Business Incubator and Board member of El Paseo Arts Foundation, voiced support for the convention center expansion. She believed that there has been substantial consideration for the habitat and that the development should continue.
Javier Gonzalez, Naturalist Educator for the South Padre Island Birding Center, shared his take on the proposed expansion. He clarified his support for the arts on SPI but did not believe one had to be sacrificed in favor of another. He also spoke on the landscaping plans the city has for the habitat. He said it may not be “as easy” as the board may think it is. The board thanked Gonzalez for his input, and said they are “lucky” to have his input “down the road.”
Camile Falconer, resident of SPI, gave her take on the issue. She said she loved the theater, and firmly believes in the expansion, but also feels that the growth habitat should be kept.
“I think by taking away the old-growth habitat, you are going to hurt our tourism in the long run. It takes 20 years to grow something like that back. It’s very special. It’s world-renowned, and it should be saved,” said Falconer.
Teresa Guyangles emphasized the impact the birds have on tourism. She said many people post their bird findings on the Cameron County Rare Bird Alert and that motivates more people to visit.
On the regular agenda, payment for architectural and other professional services for the convention center
expansion were approved. The board clarified that this is payment for services already completed.
The board also approved SPI City Manager Randy Smith to enter a contract with the highest qualified firm for the Construction Manager-At-Risk services for the Convention Center expansion. CVB Director Blake Henry clarified that the manager would help identify the scope and true budget of the project and settle on a final project. Fulton- Coastcon Construction was chosen to work with the architect, to identify cost-saving methods and what the cost of the project will be. The board stressed their excellent financial standing and their caution for the budget. The board also promised 27 acres of mature growth.
Welles returned to the podium to speak on the importance of the contractor not being a “friend” of the architect.
He urges the board to hire someone who will hold the best interests of the project at heart.
Also at the meeting, Dolle Whales asked the board to be “more conservative” with how the city spends their
money.
Victor Baldovinos, Environmental Health Director, told the public that he was actively spraying for mosquitoes and would continue to do so as weather permitted.
Board members congratulated Fire Chief Jim Pigg on hosting the United States Lifesaving Association
competition and the 911 memorial at the fire station.
Mayor Patrick McNulty congratulated Kristina Boburka on her award from the American Shoreline Beach
Preservation and Restoration Association for having the best beach restoration in the country.
Items on the consent agenda were approved. This included minutes from past meetings and payment invoices.
Budget amendments for training and medical expenses were approved for the fire department. A closure of Highway 100 for the 2024 Walk for Women, to be held on Oct. 6, was approved. A budget amendment for the CVB operating facility’s expenditure and general machinery and equipment expenses were approved.
Evans spoke on Venue tax, which can only be used for voter-approved projects. She urged the board to use the money before they lose it.
A request for proposal received for Animal Care Services was approved. Repairs and replacement for the fire department’s air conditioning system were approved. Wendi Delgado presented a clarified agreement for the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of SPI for certain state highways. It was approved.
The board approved the certification of unopposed Candidates for the Nov. 5 election for council members Place 3 and Place 5, and then approved the cancellation of the election for the same council seats. Angelique “Nikki” Soto, City Secretary, clarified that the city will not be able to swear in those seats until after the canvas period in November.
The PRESS spoke with Soto. She clarified that the deadline to apply for the election was Aug. 19.
“Once all state deadlines have passed, that motions us to certify that the candidates are unopposed, and then we move into ordering the election canceled,” said Soto.
Soto shared that the public can find updates on the election on the myspi.org website. It will be updated as the event escalates. Notices for the election are visible on the site as well.
The meeting was adjourned.
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