The regular meeting of Cuero City Council on August 12 began with Public Comments from Former Mayor Buzz Edge urging Council to reconsider funding the Cuero Municipal Airport. He cited low airplane registrations and the potential need for funds. He requested further discussion before any decisions are made.
During the Presentations and Recognitions portion of the meeting, Maternal-Child Health Navigator with Texas A&M School of Nursing Heather Brown, introduced Golden Crescent Moms, a program focused on reducing neonatal abstinence syndrome and improving maternal-child health in at-risk rural communities. The program, funded by a three-year HRS A grant, serves DeWitt, Lavaca, Jackson, and Calhoun counties, offering support and essential resources to pregnant women and new mothers.
Chairman of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum Robert Oliver, and Contractor Zed Stewart provided an update on the Graves Building restoration, detailing plans to stabilize the structure and restore the facade, with significant progress expected soon. Council thanked all presenters for their updates.
During the Actions and Considerations portion of the meeting, Director of the Cuero Development Corporation Maggie Cromeens presented the proposed $800,000 budget for fiscal year 2024-25, covering operating expenses, grants, payroll, and other obligations. Key changes include increased interest income, a reduced grant transfer, and adjustments for salaries and wages. Cromeens also discussed refining the grant application process and a transfer for a new park system. Council approved the proposed budget.
Main Street Director Sandra Osman provided an update on the mural project in downtown Cuero, focusing on the addition of a new mural in the walkway to Main Street. Council was asked to decide whether the mural should be painted directly on the wall or on canvas and to determine the subject matter. After discussion, Council approved painting the mural directly on the wall, with the theme centered on a train and the Cuero Depot. Osman noted the goal is to complete the mural before Turkeyfest, as the alley will be used during the event.
Cuero citizen Charles Townsley requested Council consider adopting an ordinance to allow golf carts on public streets, leading Council to direct the City Manager and Police Chief to draft a tailored ordinance.
Additionally, John Hurse, South Region Director of Texas Electric Cooperative (TEC), presented the benefits of joining TEC’s electric warehouse alliance, and Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate terms, with the final contract to be reviewed later. City Manager Wayne Berger also presented a proposal for updated golf course rates, including a $2 increase for weekday fees, which Council unanimously approved after discussion.
Next, Council approved the proposed tax rate of 0.3100 for the fiscal year 202425, which is .00749 less than the current rate, and set the public hearing for Monday, August 26, 2024, at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Additionally, Finance Director Connie Hawes presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-25, noting applied revisions previously requested by Council which can be viewed on the City of Cuero’s website. Council unanimously approved setting the public hearing for the budget on September 9, 2024, during the regular Council Meeting at 5 p.m.
Completing the Actions and Considerations portion of the meeting, IT Director Anthony Malott presented the proposed upgrade to the 'Core Plus' cyber-liability coverage through the Texas Municipal League (TML) for fiscal year 2024-25. The upgrade would double the City's coverage for an additional $250 annually, bringing the total cost to $1,250. Council unanimously approved authorizing the City Manager or the Mayor to enter into the updated interlocal agreement with TML.
City Manager Wayne Berger presented several ordinances proposing amendments to various City fees. The first three ordinances focused on utility fee adjustments, including a 2.5% increase in sewer and wastewater rates, raising the monthly base rate from $15.93 to $16.33; a $0.50 increase in the residential electric base rate from $15.00 to $15.50, with similar increases for commercial and industrial customers; and a 2.5% increase in water service rates, raising residential rates from $2.38 to $2.44 per thousand gallons. Berger also introduced Ordi-nance Number 2024-26, proposing an increase in cemetery fees, with lot prices rising from $400 to $600, bringing the cost of a full lot to $4,800. Additionally, Berger presented Ordinance Number 2024-27, which includes a 3% increase in solid waste collection rates, raising the residential rate from $27.16 to $27.91, effective October 1. All ordinances were unanimously approved by Council on their first readings and will require a second reading for final approval.
In the Second Reading of an Ordinance portion, Council unanimously approved three ordinances related to CapRock RE, LLC’s 9.9 MW solar facility. The approvals included zoning changes for 12.95 acres to R-2 Residential, 73.64 acres to I-1 Industrial, and a Right of Way Dedication for a 0.66-acre tract. These approvals finalize the necessary steps for the CapRock RE solar project.
Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda as presented, which included the following appointments: Gerald Clark to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Jazzmin Aguayo to the Cuero Main Street Advisory Board, Paul Harper to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and Paul Harper to the Building and Standards Commission.
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