City Takes Actions to Continue Progress Development for McDonald’s and Walmart

by MBWright, LFN Editor

Continuing their efforts to clear the way for the new McDonald’s Restaurant in Los Fresnos, Commissioners accepted the low bid of $29,905 made by Cornett Construction Co. of San Benito to finish up utility line relocations necessary before construction of the new facility during their regular meeting held Tuesday, July 9. The new eatery will be located between the new Stripes and Dairy Queen on Highway 100.

“This company has done excellent work for the city and has been involved in several projects recently including the Arroyo Boulevard water and sewer line relocation,” commented City Manager Mark Milum.

In other action, the city commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 442 that will require a mineral owner to obtain a permit for operation of an oil, gas, or combined well within the city limits of Los Fresnos.

On the request made by Walmart, Milum said, “They asked us to do this as a safety measure so if someone held mineral rights under their construction site. This will take care of a need Walmart has, although we have no gas in this area”. Walmart will begin construction soon on a retail outlet to be located behind the First Community Bank of Los Fresnos.

Commissioner Javier Mendez announced the 1st Annual City of Los Fresnos’s Boots on the Ground endurance 5k and 10k mud run to be held November 2, 2013. The Veterans Memorial run will be held at the Los Fresnos Rodeo grounds and proceeds will go towards building a Veteran’s Memorial in Los Fresnos. The city is currently seeking sponsors for the event. For more information visit, www.bootsongroundrgv.com.

Mayor Polo Narvaez brought up the topic of water conservation and exploring other sources of drinking water. Milum explained that water from the Rio Grande is purchased and stored in a reservoir that holds a 45-60 day supply of water for the treatment plant. He said the council might want to explore expanding the holding tank and even the process of water reclamation.

“The city discharges treated wastewater into a drainage ditch that empties into the bay. The water we release is cleaner than the water we get from the river. We could buy 50% less water if we reclaimed this treated discharge,” commented Milum.

Water reclamation is gaining in popularity; the specially treated wastewater is most often used to supply water for industrial uses and watering landscapes, like golf courses.

Studies show water-reclamation technology has improved greatly and will be a vital part of providing drinking water for parts of the country struggling to keep reservoirs full.

The water-reclamation process involves a complex series of treatment. The water is disinfected, de-mineralized, disinfected again and mixed with water from the reservoir and then re-treated again.

Milum also announced that results from the Uniform Crime Reporting UCR program is to produce reliable crime statistics for law enforcement administration, operation, and management. The City of Los Fresnos’ statistics were very favorable in the latest report and will be the topic of a report in the Brownsville Herald.

In 2012, there were 171 felony offenses reported with 47 of those cases solved and 25 arrests made. These statistics are much lower than other Cameron County cities.

Under the consent agenda, the council approved:

• the contract with Cameron County Election Administrator to conduct the city election
• approved additional cost on Lift Station #2 Site drainage improvements
• Approved an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between the City of Los Fresnos and Cameron County for the Operation Stonegarden grant
• approved expenses by Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation for the Boys & Girls Club as approved by the CDC

The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 7 p.m.