By MICHAEL PETTY
Special to the PRESS
During The City of Port Isabel’s latest meeting of commissioners, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, City Manager of Port Isabel Jared Hockema, proposed some budget amendments to account for inflation costs, which were approved without dissent. Hockema, then delivered his report, discussing the aftermath of a recent storm and the Starship launch’s impact on the community. He praised the city’s response and called attention to the fire and police department’s handling of the events. However, he also pointed out the dangers of the dust cloud emanating from the launch due to the area’s history of dust-related health issues and property damage due to long exposure to dust particles. Hockema assured the council that they would monitor any potential long-term effects and that the FAA had assured them of a plan for the cleanup. He also reassured everyone that the dust cloud was made up of sand and debris from the launch pad, with no cause for concern about biological contaminants.
As the meeting proceeded, Mayor of Port Isabel Martin Cantu Jr. requested reports from the heads of the city’s various departments be presented to the council, but many were absent. Cantu expressed frustration, asking if they had been made aware of the mandatory nature of the presentations and stressing their importance to Hockema. Hockema assured the Mayor that he had been in contact with them regarding their absence and the mandatory nature of their reports.
The first item of new business was the discussion and potential approval of the financial report for the fiscal year 2021-2022. The city’s auditor presented the highlights of his findings to the council, which included a reduction in the city’s deficit. This agenda item tied into the next proposal, which was the discussion and approval of an engagement letter with Juarez CPA to prepare the next fiscal year’s report. Both proposals passed unanimously.
Another item on the agenda was the discussion and potential action to approve Resolution No. 04-25-2023-01. This action is related to appointing a new signatory for issues pertaining to Texas Home Partnerships RSP agreements. The council voted in agreement with the proposition. The council also approved a motion to acknowledge the 2nd Quarter 2023 Public Funds Investment report.
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