Boston Marathon qualifier coming to Island, City projects discussed

By ABBEY KUNKLE
Special to the PRESS

February 19, 2015

The SPI City Council met Wednesday for their regular meeting to discuss a variety of topics from Island beautification to public safety, two issues which are often intertwined with city infrastructure. Other projects and events coming up this year were discussed including annexation of property, the proposed Beach User Fee program, and the First SPI Marathon.

The Council approved a resolution of support for the First SPI Marathon to be held Nov. 14. The event will be a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon and is projected to attract anywhere from 5,000 – 7,000 runners. Preparation for the event includes working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to plan a closure of the Causeway.

Coastal Resources & Parks Administrator Reuben  Treviño came up next with recommendations from the Shoreline Task Force on the City’s proposed Beach User Fee Plan. Recommendations to ease concerns of the General Land Office (GLO) that a lack of free parking could hinder public access to the beach included leaving three accesses with free parking. The Task Force recommended charging from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for parking on Gulf Boulevard at a fee of $1 per hour with a maximum daily fee of $12, which is the current maximum in the state of Texas.

During public comments, Jody Hughes, Chairman of the SPI Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee expressed concerns regarding the regulation of smoking and alcohol use in the city park as well as consideration to rename the park the “John L. Tompkins Memorial Park.” Mayor Patel and council members moved that discussion be sent to the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee for consideration and recommendation before returning to the City Council.

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