Council accepts $3.8 million sidewalk grant

By Rosanne Fohn

Anvil Herald Reporter

Hondo City Council on Monday accepted a $3.8 million Texas Transportation Commission grant to build sidewalks on six streets south of US 90. The grant will require a 20% match from the city totaling $952,800.

In presenting the city’s Sidewalk Improvement Plan, City Manager John Naron explained that the city has initiated an internal committee to discuss sidewalks for the north side of US 90. 

The plan includes improvements to these streets:

• Avenue U from 24th Street to US 90;

• Avenue Q from 30th Street to US 90;

• 22nd Street from Avenue U to Avenue M;

• 24th Street from Avenue U to Avenue M;

• 27th Street from Avenue Q to Avenue E;

• 28th Street from Avenue U to Avenue Q.

Because Hondo has much wider streets than most cities, Naron proposed taking the six-foot sidewalk area from the edge of streets. “This helps the city a lot because there is a lot less street to maintain,” while still providing ample driving surface, he explained. Another advantage is that when the city is able to replace its water pipes, they can be installed under sidewalks or in the grass rather than in the streets, cutting road maintenance costs then, as well. 

“This will be a tremendous advantage,” he said.

City Finance Director Chris Hill recommended two possible ways to fund the city’s share of the project cost: a seven-year tax note and taking funds from reserves. He recommended the tax note because he estimated that the interest rate for a tax note would be about 1.7% versus taking money out of the reserves, which are currently invested at an interest rate of 3.75%. However, the method of payment will be decided at a future council meeting.

Councilman Benjamin McCollum said he was in favor of the sidewalk program because it will encourage students to walk to school, and in general walking in neighborhoods, “and that will improve health.” 

Councilman Brett Williams made the motion, with McCollum seconding. Councilwomen Rachel Ramirez and Makenna Lange voted in favor making it a 4-0 vote. Councilman Porky Ytuarte was absent.

Runway work

Council also approved two contracts related to closing runway 17L-35R at the South Texas Regional Airport, which has been discussed and approved at previous council meetings. 

Council approved a contract for grooving the runway to Southeast Grinding and Grooving. With the motion, Naron was given authority to execute the agreement for no more than $260,732. The second contract was awarded to Hi-Lite Airfield Services to mark the runway so pilots will know that the runway is closed. Naron was authorized to execute the contract for no more than $138,606.

Elections

Council also approved a resolution providing notice of a general election on May 2 for places 3 and 4 on city council. Those seats are currently held by Ytuarte and Ramirez. No one had filed for those seats by press time.

Council also discussed, but took no action on, an ordinance regulating golf carts and a resolution awarding a bid for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.