Council updates pool rules, appoints new member

• The old rules shown here at the Pool and Splash Pad will be updated as approved by the Cuero City Council on June 10. (Staff Photo)

At its regular meeting on June 10, the Cuero City Council approved changes to the Pool and Splashpad Rules, recognized a satellite office of Norma’s House opening in Cuero and appointed a new council member to fill the seat vacated by Mayor Garza.

The pool updates include adding vapes to the existing no-smoking rule and removing the rule stating that the City of Cuero is not responsible for lost or stolen items, which will now be posted on signs around the pool. Additionally, new rules prohibit jumping from the top of the slide or flipping off the side of the pool.

Also at the pool, a clear bag policy has been implemented, requiring all items to be in clear bags and giving the city the right to check bags. Parks Director David Danish said the reason for the new clear bag policy is for “not bringing in stuff they’re not supposed to bring in,” which is any outside food or drinks.

He said sometimes people bring empty cups with ice, saying that they will use it for drinks they purchase. Then when they get inside, it becomes clear there is alcohol in the cups. Danish said the staff will not be searching bags, but if there is a concern, the police will be called.

City Council also approved the official adjustments to age restrictions, which, Danish said, have been in accordance with Texas law, but had not been made official with the city. Anyone 14 years and younger must be accompanied by a guardian, and for those aged 14-17, a guardian must sign in for them.

Danish said Texas instituted these rules because many public pools across the state experienced parents using them as a daycare in the summer, dropping off their children all day with no supervision.

In public comments, Cuero citizen Pedro Gonzalez, who recently purchased the commercial property at 1505 N. Esplanade, addressed Council regarding trash disposal charges. He noted that upon signing up for commercial trash service, the fees for commercial containers doubled compared to residential services. Gonzalez requested that Council consider if there are any recourse options for the trash rates for commercial properties.

In the recognition portion, Deane Novosad, Executive Director of Norma's House, a Children’s Advocacy Center, introduced their new satellite office opening in Cuero, part of the Gonzales Regional Children’s Advocacy Center. Novosad outlined the key services they provide, including forensic interviews, medical exams, post-crisis counseling, and coordination of multi-disciplinary team investigations.

The Cuero office, located at 1105 N. Hunt, will also offer family advocacy and educational programs. Mayor Garza expressed his intention to visit the new office and, upon welcoming them, inquired about their needs. Novosad mentioned the need for furniture, paper goods, quilts, blankets, and toys for the children. Council welcomed Norma's House to Cuero.

After discussion and determinations on various city ordinances, reports and consent items, the council adjourned for an executive session to discuss the purchase, exchange, or value of real property, specifically a .45-acre tract of land located in the J.A.V.Y. Gonzales League, A-45, at 307 Bridge Street. Council also discussed the appointment of a person to fill the Cuero City Council At Large position.

After reconvening, Council took action on both matters. First, Council authorized the City Manager to pursue further negotiations with the property owner for the exchange of the .45-acre tract of land at 307 Bridge Street.

Next, Councilman Henson nominated Adam Arroyo to fill the Cuero City Council At Large position, and the nomination was agreed upon by Council. City Attorney Crain then swore in Adam Arroyo as the new Cuero City Council At Large member. ORDINANCES

Council addressed several ordinances on their second and final readings. These included Ordinance No. 2024-10 regarding Animal Control Fees, Ordinance 2024-12 for the Adoption of the International Fire Code 2021, and Ordinance 2024-16 concerning Police Escort Fees, all previously discussed in earlier meetings. All ordinances were approved by Council.

Council approved Ordinance No. 2024-17, Earnest Money Real Estate Sales Contract Hall Trust. City Manager Wayne Berger mentioned that this project has been in progress for over two years, with the contract now updated and signed. The City intends to establish a park in the area, a project spearheaded by Councilman Glover. Council unanimously passed and approved the ordinance, expressing excitement for the project.

REPORTS

City Manager Wayne Berger updated council on several topics. The TCEQ water inspection, conducted on May 10, was the first physical inspection in six years, with one virtual inspection during COVID three years ago. No violations were reported. Berger also informed Council about the City Secretary's retirement and appointment, noting that Jennifer Zufelt's last official day was June 4, and Jennifer Urban was appointed on June 5. Additionally, Berger showed a picture of the new generator in service at the #10 well site located at the Dahlman and Alexander intersection.

Finance Director Connie Hawes presented the Q1 and Q2 reports, focusing on the quarter ending March 31. The capital projects fund has only spent 9% of budgeted revenues, with several upcoming projects already budgeted for and a few budget amendments for the Library Paver Project and the mural on the front facade of the Walkthru on Main Street. The wastewater fund had an unexpected expense for an emergency pump and motor purchase to be addressed in a budget amendment next month but is still on track. Hawes noted that the electric fund's revenue primarily comes in during the 3rd and 4th quarters, so the City can expect an increase then. Additionally, the electric fund had an unexpected expense for the reconstruction of a drive-thru in the utility department to be addressed in a budget amendment next month. Hawes reported that the general fund and solid waste fund are both on track and that the Golf Department has seen an increase in revenue, noting that recent investments were paying off with expectations for increased expenditures in the warmer months. Hawes concluded by mentioning that she and City Manager Berger do not foresee any other significant issues, and the City is staying even with the previous year.

CONSENT AGENDA

Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda as presented, which included street closures. The 100 block of S. Gonzales, from E. N. Railroad to E. Main, will be closed from 7 AM on Friday, June 28, to 8 AM on Monday, July 1, for Turkeyfest Ruby Begonia Selection Day. The road leading to the Municipal Park, intersecting Broadway and Leonard Roy Harmon Drive will be closed on July 4 from 3 PM to 7 PM for the 4th of July Celebration and Car Show.

Mayor Garza announced upcoming events and items of public interest, which include: Turkeyfest Ruby Begonia Selection Day, June 29, 2024, 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM, Downtown Market Pavilion and S. Gonzales St.

2024 Fourth of July Celebration and Car Show, July 4, 2024, starting at 4 PM, Cuero Municipal Park.

A recap video of each City Council meeting can be found on the City of Cuero Facebook and YouTube channels. For more information and upcoming agendas, minutes from previous meetings and more, visit www.cityofcuero.com.