Aldermen discuss Laguna Madre access

Cars drive past a sign welcoming visitors to South Padre Island as they prepare to cross the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge.  Town officials want to add a sprinkler system at the popular tourist spot. (Island Breeze)

South Padre Island’s Board of Aldermen met Wednesday to discuss the report given by the town’s Bay Area Task Force.

Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director said the town has asked the ad hoc task force to continue its work and help monitor progress on its recommendations.

Last month, the task force filed recommendations to improve access from the Island to the Laguna Madre.

“The main thing is the board asked them to continue — and they’re basically setting up a timetable for all the recommendations in the report,” Quandt said.

Here’s a look at what other actions the board took:

VARIANCE

Wednesday: The board granted a variance for a subdivision developer’s plans for a private road and rights of way.

What it means: The developer asked the town to approve plans for a street to remain one foot shy in width of the town’s requirements. Ordinances for the zoning district D state that the proposed street should be no less than 50 feet wide; the actual street with curbs and gutters should be 28 feet wide.

What will remain: The existing paved street is 27 feet, and the aldermen have granted the developer permission for 43 feet of the total right of way, rather than 50.
The debate: Alderman Rick Ridolfi opposed the motion, preferring the developer leave a 50-foot right of way.

Where is this: The request for variance was for 134 Padre Blvd; proposed Lot 1 Block 1 South Beach Subdivision.

More action: Aldermen approved the developer’s performance guarantee for the installation of utilities and street improvements at the subdivision-pending a review of the financial figures by the town’s engineer. This motion pass unanimously.

BUS STOP

Wednesday: South Padre Island promised to commit $2,000-if needed-to a bus stop for the Wave shuttle between Wal-Mart and HEB on Highway 100 in Port Isabel.

What it means: According to the PI Chamber, both of the stores have made a “formal request to place a Wave stop along Highway 100.”

The cost: The PI Chamber of Commerce estimated the bus stop would cost 18,000. Wednesday, they said the costs would be from $12,000 to $14,000. The group asked South Padre Island to contribute $6,000 to the project. The Chamber said the City of Port Isabel, HEB and Wal-Mart will each contribute $4,000.

The debate: Island officials felt the town should not be asked to commit more than the other entities.

In his own words: “It’s a matter of safety because people are having to cross the road at Highway 100 on a daily basis to get to Wal-Mart and HEB.” — City Manager Dewey Cashwell

BUDGET

Wednesday: The board added three projects to the town’s budget for fiscal year 2006-2007.

What it means: Aldermen voted to grant $6,000 to Sea Turtle Inc, purchase a street and sidewalk sweeper ($35,000) and commit to a trial period and possible purchase of a sprinkling system ($15,000) for the area at the foot of the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge.

More action: The board amended the 2005-2006 fiscal budget to reflect revenue and expenditure adjustments.

PROPERTY TAXES

Wednesday: Aldermen voted to keep the same property tax rate for another year.

What it means: The tax rate will remain the same at .25311. Tax revenue is expected to increase by approximately 14 percent due to property value increases.

RESOLUTION

Wednesday: The town passed a resolution to request the Texas Building and Procurement Commission to approve the Island for the Texas Building and Procurement Commission Cooperative Purchasing Program.

What it means: Involvement in the state program gives the town access to greater purchasing opportunities.

POLICE

Wednesday: Aldermen authorized a memorandum of understanding regarding the eTrace Internet-based firearm tracing program.

What it means: Chief Robert Rodriguez said the Internet program, through the ATF, will help police in firearms investigations.

The cost: The program will have no cost to the town.

TOWING SERVICES

Wednesday: Aldermen approved agreements for wrecker and tow services for the town.

What it means: Wrecker and tow services contract with the Island and agree to standard fees. The agreements set required equipment and response times. The various companies are put on a rotating list and are called as needed by the SPI Police Department.

The costs: The charge for a basic tow will rise from $115 to $125.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Wednesday: The town will start a public awareness campaign to advise property owners to collect and file occupancy taxes for all short-term rentals, whether a home or condominium.

What it means: Mayor Robert N. Pinkerton Jr. said many property owners are not collecting the tax and could face audits.

What’s likely: The town will allow property owners to come into compliance with the tax reporting. Afterward, the town may start reporting violators for audits.

Candid moment: After a cell phone of a town employee disrupted discussions, police chief Robert Rodriguez asked, “Do you want me to collect a dollar, mayor?”