Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Rockport City Council held a regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM at City Hall. Key actions included approval of water and wastewater rate increases, extension of a water shortage emergency, denial of a heritage district drive-through variance, and denial of a development impact fee variance. A rezoning request was continued to a future Planning and Zoning meeting after a public hearing with significant opposition.
One fill out form for a citizen to be heard, other than the one that deals with the items on the agenda. Okay, I got it. It's on the same subject as the agenda is I had several people that sent in either on the computer or one that as a uh citizen to be heard on the subject matter that is on the agenda, and I will hold all those till we get to item number 11, which is the one that everybody wants to talk about. So we'll have those when we get there. And it's always an honor to do this. One of the things we have in the city is a very active parks department that does a lot of good things to the young people in our community and provides good service for folks and our community, and we're real proud of the work they do. Proclamation whereas parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout the country, including the city of Rockport, providing opportunities that promote health, wellness, active lifestyles, improved physical and mental well-being through access to parks, trails, recreational facilities, and natural spaces, and whereas parks and recreation programs support lifelong learning and community enrichment by offering youth supports, out-of-school programming, environmental education, nutrition services, healthy meals, and other activities that contribute to childhood development and overall quality of life. And whereas parks and recreation strengthen communities by increasing property values, expanding the local tax base, attracting tourism and businesses, reducing crime, preserving natural resources, providing resilient infrastructure that supports environmental sustainability and preparedness for natural disasters and climate change. And whereas the City of Rockport recognizes that parks and natural recreation areas enhance the ecology, ecological beauty of our community while providing residents and visitors of all ages with places to connect with nature, recreate and build a stronger, healthier community. And whereas the United States House of Representatives has designated the month of July as parks and recreation months. Therefore, I attempt Jairo, mayor of the City of Rockport to hereby proclaim July of 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Rockport and encourage all residents to enjoy and celebrate the many parks and recreational services and facility programs and natural spaces that enrich our community. And witness whereof I've hereunto sent my hand to cause the seal of the city of Rockport to be affixed this 14th day of July 2026. Our parks director would like to address y'all. Come right on up. Is it on? All right, may your council. Um I just want to say that during parks and rec month, uh, want to recognize a few of our staff here, uh, dedicated park and rec professionals. They make a difference in our community every day. They work hard and they their commitment provide experiences, programs, and opportunities for residents and visitors alike while keeping our parks clean, safe, welcoming, accessible, and ready to enjoy. The theme this year is the power of and parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. We're gonna celebrate the power of connection, the power of play, the power of community, the power of nature, the power of belonging, and the power of well-being. Currently, we have 13 full-time park staff and approximately 40 part-time pool pool staff. Um, they maintain 19 parks and facilities as well as 18 other maintenance sites. We host multiple special events as well as participate in other community events. We have staff cross-trained as park rangers, archery instructors, and master gardeners. Our lifeguards are staffed at different levels and are trained as water safety instruction instructors to be able to teach lessons and they maintain monthly in-service hours. So I'm gonna invite them up to come take a picture. We do have a few that aren't able to be here, but we do have some gathering real close. Somebody can take pictures and try to get all of you. Step back again. Thank y'all so much for all you do for our town. You do a wonderful job. Next thing on our agenda is consent agenda. The following items may be acted upon in a single motion. No separate discussion or action on any of these items will be held unless pulled at the request of a member of the city council. Council, do you wish to remove any of those either of those? No. No. I make a motion to approve the consent agenda as read. I have a motion. Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion or question? If not, we'll call for a vote.