RTICLE The City of Cuero’s regular City Council Meeting was held on October 13th in the Cuero City Council Chambers. For more information and upcoming agendas, minutes from previous meetings, and more, visit www.cityofcuero. com. A short recap video of each City Council meeting can be found on the City of Cuero Facebook and YouTube channels.
In the Presentations and Recognitions section, Council held the swearing-in of new Police Officer Alejandro Gonzalez and welcomed new Police Department employee Ethan Adcock, who will begin academy training in January before joining the force as an officer.
Mayor Emil Garza also presented a proclamation recognizing November 3 through November 7, 2025, as Municipal Court Week in Cuero, honoring the service and dedication of municipal judges and court personnel.
In the Public Hearings section, Council considered two zoning amendment requests. The first hearing addressed a proposal to rezone City-owned property located at the corner of Park Heights and Courthouse from Neighborhood Conservation Single Family Residential (NC-R1) to Commercial General (C-1) to allow for potential future commercial development.
Paul Harper, representing the Planning and Zoning Commission, shared that the Commission voted to recommend approval of the request. One nearby resident expressed concern regarding the potential impact on surrounding lots, and Council clarified that the zoning change applied only to the City-owned property in question.
The second hearing involved a request from applicant Paul Harper to rezone property at 818 West Heaton from Commercial General (C-1) to Agriculture (AG). Council heard no public comments, and the hearing was subsequently closed.
In the Consent Agenda section, Council approved all items, with the exclusion of Item 7.2. Approved items included Library Board appointments, Council Meeting Minutes from September 8, 2025, the Municipal Court Monthly Report, and the Building Department Monthly Permit Report.
In the Consideration and Action Items section, Council discussed a request from Wamsley Performance, presented by owner Jeremy Wamsley, to close East Broadway Street at the Municipal Park entrance and permit the annual Dyno Day Competition, Car and Truck Show with vendors and food trucks from January 30 through February 1, 2026.
Wamsley shared plans for the upcoming event, noting ongoing efforts to secure equipment and explore the possibility of expanding activities to include a no-prep race at the Cuero Municipal Airport in the future. City staff confirmed the event had operated successfully in prior years without issues.
Council approved the request for the 2026 Dyno Day event as presented.
Council next discussed a request for the Salty Soldier Event, presented by Jeff Zengerle and Chance Crow. The event, organized jointly by the VFW and Call Sign Victor, aims to support veterans and first responders through a fundraiser featuring an obstacle course similar to a Spartan or Tough Mudder race. The proposed course would begin and end at the Mueller Rodeo Arena, loop around the golf course, and include various challenges and activities.
Presenters confirmed coordination with Cuero Livestock, Inc. regarding arena use and noted that insurance and safety requirements would be met. Council approved the request to use the rodeo arena and golf course for the event.
Council next heard two requests from Parks Superintendent David Danish regarding the Cemetery Endowment Fund. The first, for $16,500, was approved to purchase locally manufactured 50-gallon trash cans to replace deteriorated receptacles, saving about $3,000 compared to previous estimates. The second request, for $1,500, was approved to fund a survey that will establish accurate location markers for grave sites in the newer section of the cemetery.
Council then discussed updates to the Municipal Library Policy and Procedures. City Manager Wayne Berger explained that the policy revisions had been reviewed and adopted by the Library Board and included updates to circulation limits, loan periods, and facility use guidelines. Council approved the revised policy and procedures as presented.
In the First Reading of an Ordinance section, Council approved five ordinances. Ordinance No. 2025-16 updates the City’s Texas Municipal Retirement System benefits, increasing the employee contribution rate from 5% to 6%, adopting non-retroactive repeating COLAs for retirees, and authorizing updated service credits and actuarially determined contribution payments.
Ordinance No. 202517 updates the Cuero Municipal Library Code of Ordinances, expanding and modernizing policies to reflect current operations and standards as reviewed by the Library Board.
Ordinance No. 202518 amends Chapter 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations to rezone Cityowned property located at Fain McDougal Drive and East Courthouse Street from Neighborhood Conservation Single Family Residential (NC-R1) to Commercial General (C-1), while Ordinance No. 2025-19 rezones property at 818 West Heaton from Commercial General (C-1) to Agriculture (AG).
Finally, Ordinance No. 2025-20 establishes sanitation and pollution control regulations near the City’s public water supply wells. City Manager Wayne Berger noted that this change simplifies compliance with state sanitary control requirements and eliminates the need for individual property easements.
In the Reports section, Vice President of Operations JB Clegg of Clegg Industries, Inc. provided an update on the Graves Building. Clegg explained that, following the passing of the previous owner, the estate has authorized completion of structural stabilization and exterior restoration. The work will include repairing the roof, removing shoring, and restoring the building’s façade to its original appearance, though the storefront will remain unfinished for future tenant customization.
He noted that the project will not pursue historical designation but will maintain the building’s visual integrity. Structural work is underway, with completion anticipated within approximately six months.
Council also received an update on the upcoming Texas Municipal League (TML) Conference, scheduled for October 28–31. City Manager Wayne Berger reported that Mayor Emil Garza, Councilmember ShaNon Henson, himself, Grants/Special Projects Director Rhonda Stastny, and Lorie Lucas will attend.
In the Emergency Reading of an Ordinance section, Council approved Ordinance No. 2025-21, amending Chapter 9 of the City’s Planning and Development Regulations. The ordinance grants the City Manager or a designee authority to approve accessory structures, such as portable carports located in front of residences, without requiring applicants to go through the variance board process.
City Mayor Emil Garza announced the following Items of Public Interest: This Cuero City Council meeting recap is intended to keep Cuero citizens informed and does not reflect all matters currently before Council. For further information, concerns or public input, please contact the office of the City secretary at citysecretary@ cityofcuero. com or (361) 2756114 ext. 101.
For the latest updates on the City of Cuero, as well as Council meeting agendas, minutes, and more, visit www.cityofcuero. com
