The City of Cuero’s regular City Council Meeting was held on January 12th 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 You-Tube channels.
In the Public Hearing section for Item 2.1, Council received public comment on a request for a conditional use permit to allow alcohol sales at 300 Park Heights Drive for Stir Soda Shoppe. One resident stated they were not opposed to alcohol sales in general but raised concerns about its proximity to a school. Council clarified that any almcohol would be sold as sealed, to-go products with no on-site consumption, and noted that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission would review the request as part of the variance process.
In Public Hearing Item 2.2, Council received public comments related to the City’s Comprehensive Plan draft goals, objectives, and actions. Speakers emphasized the need to prioritize low-income housing options, address long-standing infrastructure and drainage needs on the west side of Cuero, and consider reestablishing a senior citizen center. One speaker also shared an update tied to the plan’s discussion of the Daule School property, noting that a contract had been executed to begin roof replacement as the first phase of renovation.
In the Public Comments section, Council heard from three speakers.
Albert Jendrzey raised concerns about noise from racing events at the airport and activities at the City park, stating nearby south-side residents were not consulted. He requested that Council consider the impact on surrounding neighborhoods and address speeding concerns along East South Railroad Street through increased enforcement or traffic safety measures.
Ronnie Dietz identified a traffic safety concern on East Morgan Street near Esplanade, where two lanes merge into one without clear directional markings. He requested the City review the area and consider adding arrows or signage to prevent potential accidents.
Pat Trevino requested that Council revisit or amend its December 8 approval of the 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She stated she is circulating a petition asking that participation be limited to violent criminal offenses and include clearer safeguards. Council advised that the completed petition must be submitted to the City Secretary before it can be placed on a future agenda.
Following the earlier public hearing, Council considered Item 7.3, a request for a conditional use permit to allow alcohol sales at 300 Park Heights Drive for Stir Soda Shoppe due to the site’s proximity to a school.
Paul Harper of the Planning and Zoning Commission reported the Commission held a public hearing, provided required notices to nearby property owners and the school district, and voted to recommend approval, noting the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission would still make the final permit determination. Council discussed concerns about student safety and the drivethrough model increasing ease of access, even with sales limited to sealed, offpremises products. Council also noted the school district did not submit formal objections, though differing viewpoints among school leadership were referenced.
Following deliberation, Council voted to deny the conditional use permit for the sale of alcohol at 300 Park Heights Drive.
In the Reports section, Council briefly discussed the City’s new Comprehensive Plan draft and ways to increase public participation, including additional outreach such as postcard mailers with QR codes. No action was taken, as the discussion was intended to gather Council input.
In the Consideration and Action Items section, Council approved item 7.2, a directive authorizing the City Secretary to correct duplicate ordinance numbers that occurred during the transition between City Secretaries. The action clarified and corrected the ordinance numbering for Ordinance No. 2025-23 (Gobbler Land Co. right-ofway deed), Ordinance No. 2025-24 (Cuero 148 Development dedication deed), and Ordinance No. 202525 (Cheatham property purchase).
In the Ordinances section, Council approved the second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2025-18, rezoning City property at the corner of Park Heights Drive and East Courthouse Street from Neighborhood Conservation Residential to Commercial General use.
Council then approved Ordinance No. 2026-01 on emergency reading, ordering a general election for May 2, 2026, for Mayor and Councilmembers in Single-Member Districts 2 and 3, including related election administration and early voting details.
In the Resolutions section, Council approved Resolution No. 2026-01 authorizing newly designated City officers to direct payments from City funds held at the City’s depository bank. The resolution updated authorized signatories to reflect staffing changes.
Council also approved Resolution No. 2026-02 to select an architectural services provider for the expansion of the Friar Ag Center and authorize City Manager Wayne Berger to negotiate a contract with the selected firm. Council noted that fee negotiations will occur next, and the proposed contract and cost terms will be brought back to Council for review and approval.
In the Council Consideration and Action Items section, Council reviewed the Cuero Development Corporation Annual Report as presented by Executive Director Maggie Cromeens. Cromeens summarized key highlights from the 2024–2025 fiscal year, including more than $250,000 awarded through 37 grants supporting business retention, startups, façade improvements, and community organizations. She also noted progress in broadband expansion efforts, strategic land acquisition, employer support, and business development programming, along with upcoming initiatives such as the Governor’s Small Business Summit planned for April.
Cromeens also shared a preliminary estimate for Cuero’s Christmas in the Park, reporting approximately 66,200 visitors attended. Council approved the Cuero Development Corporation Annual Report as presented.
Council also discussed a donation from the Wayne Addicks Estate to the Cuero Heritage Museum. Finance Director Connie Hawes explained that the funds are currently held in a trust and require a broker process to transfer them into the City’s control. Council discussed the museum’s maintenance needs and potential longterm improvement projects, noting there is not yet an active plan for use of the donation and that any investment or spending decisions would be addressed later. Council authorized City Manager Wayne Berger to proceed with receiving and transferring the funds for future Council direction.
Council then discussed the condition and location of the City’s bat house. City Manager Wayne Berger and Parks Superintendent David Danish explained that the bat house was originally installed to relocate bats from downtown buildings, but has deteriorated over time and is no longer safely supported due to rotted posts. They noted that relocating the structure further could create issues in nearby residential areas. Council discussed repair options and the importance of maintaining the bat house in its current location while addressing ongoing maintenance concerns. Council approved authorizing the Parks Department to repair the bat house and leave it in place.
Council then received the 2025– 2026 first quarter report from DeWitt County Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan. Jordan highlighted efforts to expand emergency management training and coordination across the county and its incorporated areas. He reported leadership updates within the Local Emergency Planning Committee, noted recent Public Information Officer training completed by Fire Captain Clint Morris, Police Department PIO Katrina Rubio, and City Secretary Jessica Hernandez, and outlined equipment upgrades, including new mobile and handheld radios for volunteer agencies.
Jordan also reviewed DeWitt County’s transition from CodeRED to the Everbridge notification system, expanded community engagement efforts, and continued implementation of the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) program. Council asked questions regarding the Everbridge system and upcoming training opportunities before thanking Jordan for the update.
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) 275-- 6114 ext. 101.
