Los Fresnos Finance Director Recognized

Celina Gonzalez Given Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 8th Consecutive Year

by Victor Moreno/LFN

Los Fresnos Finance Director Celina Gonzalez was presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by Mayor Polo Narvaez at the City Council regular meeting held Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

The certificate is the highest recognition in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association which was presented to Gonzalez for the eighth consecutive year.

The council then discussed and approved items on the consent agenda which included items pulled for further discussion relating to the Local Border Security Grant Program, Financial and Cash Investment report for 3rd quarter and Ordinance 489 which provides for increasing municipal contributions to the current service annuity reserve at retirement for qualifying members of the Texas Municipal Retirement system.

The floor was then opened for visitor remarks and the council heard from Mr. Pedro Campos regarding drainage issues near the hike and bike trails in the Windcrest subdivision. Campos stated concerns of flooding and county machinery tearing up the trails and suggested running pipes underground. The council advised Campos that the issue is a matter for County Drainage District #1 since it is their jurisdiction even though the City of Los Fresnos at times assists in emergency situations and that the suggested repairs would prove too costly for either entity.

The council also heard from Mr. Patrick Anderson, representing Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club and The Friends of the Laguna Madre, regarding the crafting of a resolution standing in solidarity in opposition to the building of the border wall. Mr. Anderson cited the situation at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge, specifically the National Butterfly Center, and the planned wall through the 100 acre Monarch Butterfly sanctuary.

Anderson also mentioned that 15 cities in 2 counties have already signed resolutions opposing the wall. After visitors remarks, the council moved on to consider and take action on several action items some of which involved the city’s group health, life and supplemental insurance plans, contract with the current city attorney, and the approval for a resolution to start the process of requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board. The council then entered closed session after acknowledging reports from the City Manager and Department Heads.