Church Turns 95, Updates on Projects & More

Updated: March 30, 2024

Iris Garcia
Special to LFN

On Tuesday, March 12th, the city of Los Fresnos held its monthly city council meeting. The meeting was called to order, and the city manager gave an invocation and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor and three of the commissioners were present, with Council member Escobedo joining in via Zoom.

No visitor remarks were made during this meeting.
The council then considered (6) consent agenda items— which are matters considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless requested by a member of the City Council. The item may subsequently be removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered separately.

All (6) Consent Agenda items were motioned for approval and seconded. Motion carried unanimously, 5-0, and are listed below:

Consideration and ACTION to approve the minutes from February 13, 2024.
Consideration and ACTION to approve a resolution of the City of Los Fresnos suspending the April 4 2024 effective date of AEP Texas INC.’s requested rate change to permit the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates; approving cooperation with the cities served by AEP Texas and authorizing intervention in AEP Texas INC.’s requested rate change proceedings before the commission; hiring Lloyd Gosselink attorneys and consulting services to negotiate with the company and direct any necessary litigation and appeals; requiring reimbursement of cities’ rate case expenses; finding that the meeting at which this resolution is passed is open to the public as required by law; requiring notice of this resolution to the company and legal counsel.
Consideration and ACTION to approve a preliminary plat for Los Fresnos Oaks Subdivision.
Consideration and ACTION to approve payment in lieu of land for park dedication for the Pomelo Bend Subdivision.
Consideration and ACTION to approve a Proclamation declaring April 7- 13, 2024 as National Library Week in the City of Los Fresnos.
Consideration and ACTION to approve a Proclamation declaring April 14-20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week in the City of Los Fresnos.
Following the consent agenda, the city council covered the (7) Action Items.
Consideration and ACTION to approve a Proclamation on the 95th year anniversary of the Los Fresnos First Baptist Church.
Mayor Alejandro shared that this is a joy to approve as he had the opportunity to visit the church last year. It was a great experience, where he enjoyed the powerful words that Pastor Perez and youth pastor, Brian, share to the community, to the kids, and to the people of the church. He’s very fond of what they represent and what they’re about.
Commissioner Fernandez added, “It is always nice to recognize all the good that we have here in Los Fresnos— so congratulations and thank you for everything. Please keep us in your blessings, because we try to do the best decisions for our community.” Commissioner Munoz also said, “You guys are doing a great job. This is something that is for the community, as well as for many people that are out there lost. I’m very proud to have you guys here. Thank you very much for everything you do.”
Mayor Alejandro made the motion to approve and Commissioner Fernandez seconded. Motion carried, 5-0. And the mayor then read the proclamation as stated, and Councilwoman Fernandez read it in Spanish.
Part of the Proclamation included: “For as it was during the week of March 10-17, 1927, that the seed of faith was sowed in the Los Fresnos community by missionary M.F. Drury leading to the establishment of the First Baptist Church of Los Fresnos. And, for as on March 11, 1929, a small group of devoted individuals under the guidance of Reverend Drury convened to organize a church, laying the foundation for a vibrant faith community. And whereas, through the years the First Baptist Church of Los Fresnos has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving its congregation and community, fostering spiritual growth and engaging an impactful outreach initiatives. And whereas, a commemorative 95th Anniversary of the First Baptist Church of Los Fresnos, we celebrate the faithfulness of God and the dedication of all who have contributed to its rich history and ongoing ministry.”
The current pastor of the church, Pastor Perez, said a few words upon being presented with the Proclamation on behalf of the City of Los Fresnos. He said, “I appreciate all the honorable members of the council. Thank you for taking this step. It means a lot to us— 95 years is a lot. I’ve been looking to the rearview mirror, looking at historical artifacts, historical documents, and see that this is the work the Lord has begun, and it continues to be His work.” Pastor Perez says we are just being involved in or included.
“He’s using us. And I thank Him for that. It’s just very humbling to be able to serve Christ here in Los Fresnos and to serve the city of Los Fresnos. God loves us, and it is that that moves us, that that has been compelling this church. I look at the rearview mirror, and I see God’s hand upon the ministry through every stage of its life, not perfect, but through every stage of its life God preserving and God keeping us. And now I look, you know, in the windshield to the future, and I see God is worthy of continuing to serve Him, continuing to serve this city, and that is what keeps us going. There’s a bible verse, which is very simple yet profound, it says, “For God so loved the world, that He have his only begotten Son, that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.”
Presentation by Judy Adams with Southmost Regional Water Authority.
Judy Adams from Southmost Regional Water Authority provided information about the raw water reservoir, the groundwater storage, and the different plant phases they’ve gone through and will be going through as they plan to expand. Council member Gabriela Fernandez is the city’s representative for SRWA of which the city is a 2.28% owner.
Consider and ACTION to approve change order number 1 for the Veterans Memorial Project.
City Manager, Mark Milum, explained that the original plans did not include a system in which the messages on each of the branches of the military could be changed. The audio messages would include a brief history of each of the branches, and if upgraded, the messages could be updated to say something else as needed, rather than keeping the same message forever. This will provide the flexibility to control the recordings or messages from a computer in the city hall. The total amount is $35,870.00. The proposal is for the city to pay $17,935 and the CDC to pay $17,935. He recommends approval.
Commissioner Vinson made a motion to approve this item, which was seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. The motion carried, 5-0.
Consideration and ACTION to approve an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority and the City of Los Fresnos Hike and Bike Trail Projects to include Exhibit A and the City of Los Fresnos local match funding amount.
Mr. Milum shared that the city has a grant through TxDot in 2026 to continue the Hike & Bike trail around the city. At last month’s council meeting, the council approved for Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority to oversee the project, since CCRMA works closely with TxDot and is currently doing the sidewalk project and the Whipple Road project. “They have the expertise to make this a reality over the next few years,” states Mr. Milum.
At the time of the agreement, the fees were not yet known but are now available. This amendment is to approve the local match funding amount between the city and CCRMA. The amount is $293,283.66 to cover half of the engineering fees, and CCRMA will cover the other half of the fees. The project will complete the design of the trail creating a large loop around the city. Funds will be budgeted as needed over the next 2 years. The city manager recommends approval. Commissioner Fernandez made a motion for approval, and it was seconded by Commissioner Vinson. Motion carried, 5-0.
Consideration and ACTION to excuse the absence of Luis Gonzalez from the January 23, 2024, City Council special meeting.
Consideration and ACTION to excuse the absence of Juan Sierra from the February 26, 2024 Planning and Zoning meeting.
Commissioner Munoz made a motion to approve Action Item 5 and 6, and they were seconded by Commissioner Vinson. Motion carried, 5-0
Consideration and ACTION to excuse the absence of Marco Huerta from the March 4, 2024 Community Development Corporation meeting.
Commissioner Munoz made a motion to approve Action Item, and it was seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. Motion carried, 5-0.
During the acknowledgment of the city manager’s reports, Mr. Milum gave an update regarding both the water treatment plant and street repairs. He said they are hoping the water treatment plant will be online and fully operating by the end of March. As far as the street repairs, they have nine of the streets completed. They’re scheduled to start on Alamo Street while they deal with sewer lines on the rest of them. The drainage projects and the work on Highway 100 are still ongoing.
Motion to approve city manager’s report was made by Commissioner Vinson, and seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. Motion carried, 5-0. Then a motion to approve the department head’s reports was made by Commissioner Munoz, and seconded by Commissioner Fernandez. Motion carried, 5-0. The meeting was paused for a closed session at 7:03 PM and adjourned at 7:28 PM.