By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The monthly Laguna Vista Town Council meeting was held at the South Texas EcoTourism Center on TX-100 in Laguna Vista. All council members were in attendance except Johvonne Howard.
The council addressed a room full of residents and interested citizens about the agenda focused on community programs, growth, infrastructure improvements, and upcoming local events.
After opening with the customary invocation and pledge, the council approved the minutes from the September 9 and September 24 meetings, with minor corrections noted. Public comments included appreciation from residents Jennifer Valdez and Andrew Gonzalez, both voicing support for the town’s ongoing development projects and the new Tax Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) initiative aimed at enhancing local amenities and tourism opportunities—while not increasing the tax burden on current residents and property owners.
One of the evening’s main actions was the approval of Ordinance 2025-07, establishing a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ No. 1). The ordinance outlines how future tax revenues within the zone will be redirected to fund public improvements, such as walking trails, and stimulate growth. The motion passed with unanimous council support, with Mayor Michael Carter recusing himself.
Interested citizens who wish to review the TIRZ No. 1 ordinance, maps, or financing plans may contact Lidia Garcia, City Secretary, at cs@lvtexas.us or visit Town Hall, 122 Fernandez St., Laguna Vista, to submit a public information request under the Texas Public Information Act.
In other business, a $13,600 IT infrastructure upgrade by Professional Technologies International was approved. In addition, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant preparation contract with Reyna Network was approved along with Fulcrum Consulting Services being approved for engineering services for the EPA grant application. The council also approved Fulcrum Consulting Services for drainage improvement GLO Project 24-067-005-E192.
K+ Architect was approved for the planned fire station expansion, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
A $12,050 contract for Zumba classes—which prompted enthusiastic applause from attendees—will allow free classes to continue Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. at Roloff Park.
Council members also approved proclamations recognizing National First Responders Day (October 28) and National Friends of the Library Week (October 19–25). Only two positions were appointed to the Library Board, so applications are still being accepted for the remaining three open positions. The City Manager also addressed recent air-conditioning issues at the library that will cost more than anticipated but emphasized his commitment to ensuring the library remains a viable and valuable resource for the community.
Looking ahead, the council officially scheduled the annual Laguna Vista Christmas Celebration for December 4, 2025, to coincide with the town’s holiday tree-lighting ceremony.
In preparation for upcoming elections, the council authorized the use of City Hall as a polling location and renewed the service agreement with Los Fresnos Ambulance Service to ensure continued emergency response coverage.
Following open discussions, the council entered an Executive Session to consult with the town attorney regarding real property, personnel, and economic development matters. After a few minutes of discussion, the board reconvened to vote to adjourn the meeting.
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