Board of Alderman Meeting March 19

PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Citizen Jack Kelly registered concerned about the purchase of land belonging to Clayton Brashear near Sea Turtle, Inc.  He said he had learned the appraisal received for $5.4 million was a "subject to" appraisal, meaning it was subject to a variety of conditions, including obtaining permits from the Corps of Engineers and General Land Office to allow it to be developed.  He said he does not know the "intent" for development of the property or the value of the property as it sets.   He recommended the Town get out of this situation if it can because this is not a good deal for taxpayers.
Barbara Church announced the Welcome for New Islanders on March 25 at 7:00 at the La Quinta.
It was reported that SPI Police Officer George Delgado was injured while in pursuit of a motorcyclist.  Officer Delgado was also on a motorcycle and was injured when a vehicle pulled out of a side street onto Gulf Blvd. in front of him.   His leg is badly injured, it initially appears that there will be a recuperation period of up to a year, but he is worried about (1) damage to his motorcycle, and (2) coming back to the job.  He is in Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen if citizens wish to send cards. 
It was announced that Finance Director Darla Honea is leaving the Town staff after many years.  She will be missed. 
It was mentioned that early voting was changed to end on May 6 rather than May 3.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Public Information Coordinator Jason Moody reported that copies of the draft Comprehensive Plan are available at City Hall.  We have 20 copies to hand out at the next SPIRIT meeting to people who are interested in reviewing the document.
He also reported that streaming video of Board meetings should be in place in about 30 days.   When that technology is available where citizens can watch the meetings from their homes, SPIRIT will cease to do these summary reports because it is more effective for people to see and hear the discussions themselves.
The staff is also exploring with Time Warner for them to televise the meetings on THEIR cable TV channel which will be significantly less expensive than SPI having a dedicated cable channel.  Progress is being made on Town-wide WI-FI.  
He said the new technology will also enable them to put sound bites from the meetings on the Town website, e.g., discussion of one particular agenda item.
It was reported that TABC is sending Spring Breakers to Port Isabel because the judge there does not require the documentation required by Municipal Judge David Caldwell on the Island.  The point was made that the income from fines is lost to SPI.   (There is no money from fines lost if  the most cases are being thrown out of the SPI court for lack of documented evidence.)   The City Manager said this source of revenue has been declining for several years because of fewer Breakers, fewer tickets, etc.
CVB reported Spring Break numbers are off somewhat, but this week is better. 
CVB also reported the Adkins Ad group has negotiated TV coverage in the Midwest and East Coast on Journey TV for NO COST. 
Police Department reported crime statistics for this Spring Break are down from previous years in the categories of sexual assaults, stolen vehicles and public intoxication.
Russell Judah asked about Public Works projects because he does not see anything being done around the Town, even pot holes are not being filled.  City Manager said they have been busy doing work on beach accesses and drainage work. 
The "dip" is completed on Gulf Blvd. except for signage and striping. 
REGULAR AGENDA:
Purchase of new doors for the Convention Centre was approved. 
The City Manager reiterated the procedure for taking public comments on the draft Comprehensive Plan -- There will be 3 Public Hearings in April, written comments accepted via mail, e-mail, Town website or FAX, but must be signed with telephone # so they may contact you for clarification if needed.   Letters are being sent to all property owners notifying them of the public hearings and where the draft Comprehensive Plan may be viewed and/or downloaded from the Town website. 

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