On Tuesday, February 11, representatives from Cuero are invited to attend “Cuero Day at the Capitol” in order to meet with legislators during the session in progress, according to Cuero Chamber of Commerce Director Angie Cuellar.
At the regular meeting of the Cuero City Council on January 13, Cuellar outlined the schedule of the day and said if enough people are going, she may reserve a bus for the group. Those interested should contact Cuellar at the Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.
Also at the meeting, the majority of the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing regulations for golf carts and off-highway vehicles on city streets. The ordinance requires seat belts, child safety seats, and other safety features, with exemptions for travel to and from the golf course, operation on private property, and use in parades or events. The ordinance will proceed to a second reading.
The Council also welcomed new Police Officer Vanessa Ragsdale and Utility Supervisor Courtney Ybarra. Additionally, Mayor Emil Garza presented proclamations for News Literacy Week and Catholic School Week and Chamber Director Angie Cuellar shared plans for Cuero Day at the Capitol..
News Literacy Week, Feb. 3-7 Mayor Garza presented a Proclamation Recognizing News Literacy Week and commemorating the 1955 Cuero Record Pulitzer Prize. The proclamation honored the investigative journalism of Cuero Record reporter Ken Towery, who exposed fraud in the Texas Veterans Land Bureau, leading to state prosecutions and earning the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting. Towery’s daughter was in attendance to receive a copy of the proclamation.
Catholic Schools Week Additionally, Council recognized Catholic Schools Week with a proclamation and received a presentation from Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), which provides resources for individuals requiring additional assistance during emergencies.
Council discussed a park use application for the Texas Hero Fest event scheduled for February 21. Event organizer J.W. Von Haefen requested permission to use the park and proposed closing the band gate on Broadway, along with placing barriers to manage crowd flow. Council approved the request.
Golf carts on streets After five months of drafting and discussion, council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing regulations for use of golf carts and off-road vehicles on city streets. Council Member Tony Allen dissented with a “nay” vote.
The ordinance requires seat belts, child safety seats, and other safety features, with exemptions for travel to and from the golf course, operation on private property, and use in parades or events. The ordinance will proceed to a second reading.
In a conversation later in the week, Mayor Garza explained that the initiative began when concerned Cuero residents approached the City Council regarding young people driving golf carts around town.
“Some parents were allowing their kids to drive golf carts all over town. They were running stop signs,” Garza said.
He said City Attorney Mike Crain took elements from ordinances in other cities, such as Rockport, Gonzales, and Shiner, and tailored them to meet Cuero’s needs.
The regulations apply to all drivers of utility vehicles and golf carts operating on public streets or paths within the city, with specific exemptions for golf courses, private properties, gated communities, and special events.
Mayor Garza summarized the regulations in simple terms.
“You need a valid driver's license and the necessary safety equipment in place. This includes headlights, seat belts, a reflective triangle on the rear of the vehicle, and so forth. You can drive on city streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or under, and you have to obey all (traffic) laws,” he said.
He emphasized that certain major highways are off-limits.
“You can't transverse the major highways. You can’t drive down Esplanade, Broadway, or West Heaton in a golf cart. You can cross the street to get to the other side but can’t be driving down the main streets,” he added.
Article 11.10 amendment allows the Cuero police department to enforce the rules and requirements for these vehicles. Owners of the vehicles are wholly liable and accountable. Violating any part of the ordinance can result in a fine of up to $500, and multiple violations can incur fines for each infraction.
“It was drafted on behalf of concerned citizens about folks operating golf carts on our city streets illegally, breaking laws, and not having driver’s licenses.” Garza said. He concluded that the ordinance provided concrete guidelines that enable law enforcement to take action.
For more information, consult the following links or contact City Attorney James Crain III with any questions. https://www.cityofcuero. com/317/Click-It-Or-Ticket-Golf-Carts https://www. cityofcuero.com/ AgendaCenter/ ViewFile/Item/6359?fileID=12501
New Officer Introduced Cuero Police Chief Steve Ellis introduced Vanessa Ragsdale, the department’s newest officer, to the Cuero community in January. Ragsdale is one of the ten cadets who graduated from Victoria College’s 105th Law Enforcement Academy Class on December 11, 2024, at the college's Emerging Technology Complex. She officially joined the Cuero Police Department on December 16. During the ceremony, she was surrounded by her family and “working” family. Her son Isaiah pinned her badge on her.
“She is in her 3rd week. So, If all goes well, come the end of April, she should be out patrolling,” Ellis said.
Utility supervisor introduced
City Manager Wayne Berger introduced the new utility supervisor, Courtney Ybarra, who began her role with the City of Cuero on October 31, 2024. Born and raised in Cuero, Courtney brings 19 years of experience in banking and customer service. She is actively involved in several community organizations, including Turkey Fest and the Chamber of Commerce.
In the Reports section, Supervisor of the Collection & Recycling Center Cheryl Merzbacher reported that the Fall Cleanup event, held October 21-26, 2024, collected 81.9 tons of trash, 76 loads of brush, and various recyclables. The next cleanup is scheduled for March 17-22, 2025, and will include electronics recycling. She noted increases in aluminum and cardboard recycling and highlighted the city’s impact, including saving 2,261 trees through recycling efforts. She also addressed challenges with glass recycling due to the lack of nearby processing facilities.
Finance Director Connie Hawes provided preliminary third- and fourth-quarter financial updates, noting the annual audit is in progress and will be presented in April. She reported that investment earnings doubled from the previous year. She also assured Council that financial strategies remain flexible to support city projects.
In the Resolutions section, Council approved Resolution 2024-31 which amends the Fiscal Year 2025 SB224 Catalytic Converter Grant Program. The update ensures compliance with state requirements, designating Mayor Emil Garza as the authorized official, Police Chief Steven Ellis as program director, and Finance Director Connie Hawes as financial officer.
Council approved Resolution 2024-35 amending the professional service provider selection for GLO Contract 23-160-054-E-820. The amendment clarifies that the City Manager is authorized to negotiate and sign the contract with CSRS.
Council approved Resolution 2025-01 awarding the Street Reclaiming and Seal Coat bid to H&C Road Construction. The contract includes street reclaiming and seal coating at rates consistent with the previous year, with a slight increase for stabilization. Work is expected to begin by the end of the month or early next month.
Council approved Resolution 2025-02 authorizing an alliance agreement with Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC) for electric material supplies and related services. This agreement allows for the implementation of the city’s warehouse operations, set to begin on February 1, with full operation expected by early March.
In the First Reading of an Ordinance section, Council approved Ordinance 2025-01 establishing regulations for golf carts and off-highway vehicles on city streets. The ordinance requires seat belts, child safety seats, and other safety features, with exemptions for travel to and from the golf course, operation on private property, and use in parades or events.
Council discussed the need for public education on the ordinance, emphasizing that state law still applies in all cases. The ordinance will proceed to a second reading.
For the final item of discussion, Council approved emergency repairs for booster pumps at the Industrial Park Booster Station in the Consideration and Action Items section. One of the pumps recently failed, and an inspection determined that both pumps, installed in 2000, are nearing the end of their lifespan. Rather than replacing only the failed pump, Council approved replacing both, which will require a budget amendment. The decision is expected to save costs in the long term and prevent future disruptions.
The next meeting of City Council will be Wednesday, January 22, at 1:30 p.m.
