Second Public Hearing on Annexation Scheduled for June 28th

The City of Los Fresnos held their regular City Council meeting on June 14, 2016 where persons interested in the current annexation proceedings could appear and be heard. A couple of residents were present and only requested more information. A second public hearing is scheduled for June 28, 2016 at 6 p.m. Below is information provided by the City of Los Freesnos regarding the benefits of annexation of the area located west of the city limits from the south side of West Hwy 100 from Tapia’s Cafe to the existing city limits of Brownsville and on the north side of West Hwy 100 from Longhorn Lane west to the drainage ditch before FM803.

Here is the information that the city of Los Fresnos is providing about the benefits of annexation:

CITY OF LOS FRESNOS 2016 MUNICIPAL SERVICE PLAN

BUILDING INSPECTION
Existing Services: Minimal services provide by Cameron County Services to be Provided: Building Inspection will be provided by the City of Los Fresnos upon annexation. This includes issuing building, electrical and plumbing permits for any new construction and all remodeling activities as well as enforcing all other applicable codes which regulate building construction within the City of Los Fresnos.

This also includes set back, parking and sign requirements. The current city staff is adequate to cover these services.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Existing Services Emergency medical services are provided by the Los Fresnos Ambulance Service through the Cameron County Emergency Services District.

Services to be Provided: The Los Fresnos Ambulance Service currently provides emergency medical services to the City of Los Fresnos. The Los Fresnos Ambulance Service will continue to provide emergency medical services to the area upon annexation. Current contract amounts are sufficient at this time. Adjustments will be made to funding in future years as needed. The Los Fresnos Ambulance Service has more than adequate equipment and personnel to serve the area.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/CODE ENFORCEMENT/HEALTH
Existing Services: Minimal services through Cameron County Health Department Services to be Provided: Environmental services will be provided by the Los Fresnos Police Department upon annexation. Some of the items included are weeded or rubbish lots, abandoned or junked vehicles, animal control, garage sales, loud music, food service permitting and health regulations. This also includes the regulation of certain types of businesses. The City provides regular mosquito control as needed The Police Department currently has one full time Environmental Services Officer The city will add another Environmental Services Officer.

FIRE
Existing Services: Fire services are provided by the Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department through the Cameron County Emergency Services District.

Services to be Provided: The Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department currently provides fire services to the City of Los Fresnos. The Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department will continue to provide fire services to the area upon annexation. Current contract amounts are sufficient at this time. Adjustments will be made to funding in future years as needed. The Los Fresnos Volunteer Fire Department has more than adequate equipment and personnel to serve the area.

LIBRARY
Existing Services: None

Services to be Provided: The Ethel L. Whipple Memorial Library will provide free library services to anyone residing in the area upon annexation. Some of these services include books, E books, DVD’s, internet access and reading programs. Other services that require fees are faxes, copies and computer print outs. These services can be provided within the current budget appropriation.

PLANNING AND ZONING
Existing Services: None

Services to be Provided: The Planning and Zoning Commission’s responsibility for regulating development and land use through the administration of the City of Los Fresnos Zoning Ordinance will extend to this area upon annexation. The property will also continue to be regulated under the requirements of the City of Los Fresnos Subdivision Ordinance. These services can be provided within the current budget.

POLICE
Existing Services: Cameron County Sheriff’s Department

Services to be Provided: The City of Los Fresnos will extend regular and routine patrols as well as investigative services to the area upon annexation The Command Staff, Investigative Services and the Communications Staff are adequate to serve the annexed area. The patrol division currently has 9 full time officers. The City will add a full time patrol officer.

SANITARY SEWER SERVICE
Existing Services: Olmito Water Supply Corporation provides sanitary sewer service to this area.

Services to be Provided: Sanitary sewer service to the area of proposed annexation will
continue to be provided by Olmito Water Supply. The service will be provided in accordance with applicable codes and policies. When additional property develops in the adjacent areas, sanitary sewer service shall be provided in accordance with the present extension ordinance by Olmito Water Supply.

SOLID WASTE SERVICES
Existing Services: Allied Waste provides solid waste services to the unincorporated areas of Cameron County.

Services to be Provided: The City of Los Fresnos will provide solid waste services to the area upon annexation through its existing contract with Allied Waste. Service shall comply with existing City policies, beginning with occupancy of structures. Customers with existing contracts will be allowed to continue with their current contract and service until each contract expires. Allied Waste, in negotiation with the City of Los Fresnos will determine the collection days. Billing will be by the City of Los Fresnos, Allied Waste or a third party.

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Existing Services: Cameron County Drainage District Number 1 provides storm water management within the area.

Services to be Provided: Cameron County Drainage District Number 1 will continue to provide storm water management along with the City of Los Fresnos upon annexation. Developers will provide storm water drainage at their own expense and will be inspected by the Engineers of the Drainage District and the City at the time of completion. Depending on each instance, the Drainage District or the City will maintain the drainage.

STREET
Existing Services: Texas Department of Transportation & Privately Owned.

Services to be Provided: The Texas Department of Transportation will continue to provide street services to those under their care. Orive Boulevard is the only other street in the area and is privately owned and maintained.

STREET LIGHTING
Existing Services: None

Services to be Provided: The City of Los Fresnos will coordinate any request for improved street lighting with American Electric Power in accordance with standard policy.

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
Existing Services: None

Services to be Provided: The City of Los Fresnos will provide traffic engineering and control upon annexation. This service can be provided within the current budget appropriation.

WATER SERVICE
Existing Services: Olmito Water Supply Corporation provides water service to the area along Highway 100 on the south side. East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation provides water service to the area along Highway 100 on the north side.

Services to be Provided: Water service to the area of proposed annexation will continue to be served by the entity that is currently serving (Olmito Water Supply – south of Highway 100 or East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation – north of Highway 100). The service will be provided in accordance with applicable codes and departmental policy. When additional property develops in the adjacent areas, water service shall be provided in accordance with the present extension ordinance. Extension of service shall comply with applicable codes and ordinances.

MISCELLANEOUS
All other applicable municipal services will be provided to the area in accordance with the City of Los Fresnos’ established policies governing extension of municipal services to newly annexed areas.