Kelly de Schaun named new executive director of Visit SPI (photo courtesy/Visit SPI)
By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The South Padre Island City Council held its regular meeting on April 1, welcoming new leadership, discussing coastal monitoring, and approving funding for emergency vehicles.
During public comments, Wendy Delgado, Director of Operations, introduced Kelly de Schaun as the new executive director of Visit South Padre Island. Delgado said, “She’s been here six days now. She comes with 20 years plus experience with destination management, and specifically worked in Galveston for 11 years, so she has a lot of good experience, and we’re excited to have her.” Several council members also expressed enthusiasm for Deshawn’s arrival.
Mayor and council members reminded residents that the Cameron Appraisal District would hold hearings for complaints and protests at the Multi-Modal Center April 7–9 starting at 8 a.m. They also noted a recent parking workshop drew about 30–40 participants, with the city survey still open for feedback.
On the regular agenda, council approved moving forward with beach and dune monitoring. Christina Barbera, Shoreline Director, said the city received funding through the General Land Office’s Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act to expand monitoring. “We currently do annual monitoring, but it is inconsistent, so we’re looking to establish a more consistent and seasonally based surveying,” Barbera explained.
Barbera said one highly qualified firm responded to the request for qualifications. “They come very well recommended,” she added. “We anticipate seasonal monitoring, and they will also mobilize quickly for pre- and post-storm scans.” The project will be funded with a $120,000 GLO grant and an $80,000 local match from the beach renourishment fund, and the contract is expected to last two years.
The council also approved a budget amendment of $532,537 from 2024 and 2025 Tax Notes to complete outfitting of two new ambulances and additional equipment for a new fire truck. Fire Chief Jim Pig explained, “We’re moving that money over so we can start pulling POS and start getting all of the outfitting stuff coming in for when that fire truck gets here and then our secondary ambulance gets here later on this year.”
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