San Antonio City Council Meeting: Fiesta Proclamations, Detention Center Report, and Market Square Fee Debate (April 9, 2026)
San Antonio City Council Meeting: Fiesta Proclamations, Detention Center Report, and Market Square Fee Debate (April 9, 2026)
The San Antonio City Council convened on April 9, 2026, at 9:07 a.m. with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones presiding. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by multiple proclamations recognizing Fiesta San Antonio 2026, King Antonio, Rey Feo, the Nayosa Society (77th presentation), the Battle of Flowers Parade, and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Council members expressed gratitude for the economic and charitable impact of Fiesta.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Maria provided an update on the resolution approved February 12 regarding the protection of all San Antonio residents, specifically concerning private detention centers. Completed actions: A request for information on AIS activity in San Antonio was posted on the city's website (regional data only). Ongoing actions: Amendments to the unified development code to regulate private detention centers are scheduled for the April 16 session. The city is evaluating options for tracking alleged rights violations, with a report expected by April 15. The city is also assessing whether detention facilities comply with federal environmental law and considering including legislation in the 120th Congress agenda. Mayor noted she sent a letter to the new DHS secretary expressing lack of interest in detention centers, with no response yet. A national APA timeline was mentioned: a firm has been engaged to prepare court documents for compliance.
Consent Calendar
- Point 7: Lease contract with San Antonio Tennis Association.
- Point 8: Temporary street closures for Fiesta celebrations.
- Point 9: Ordinance for Airport Infrastructure Program – acceptance of $12.5 million for terminal development (expected opening Q2 2028).
- Point 14 & 15: Reappointments to the Robert Bank (Housing Board) – board with authority to issue demolition orders, prioritizing public health and safety.
- Point 20: Designation of a memorial along Highway 1604 honoring Officer David Evans, who died from injuries sustained in the line of duty. Family members spoke in gratitude.
- Additional appointments noted (Robert Mijara to Bridges and Streets board). The consent calendar was approved unanimously, with Point 17 pulled for individual consideration.
Public Comments & Testimony (on Item 17)
Multiple speakers addressed the proposed $5 entry fee for Fiesta de los Reyes at Market Square:
- Telma González (business owner for 35+ years) opposed the fee, stating it changes the spirit of Market Square, reduces traffic, and limits access for families who have enjoyed free entry for decades.
- Ivette Ramírez (President of Market Square Plaza de San Antonio Association) expressed concerns about lack of transparency, noting the fee was not properly voted on and that the city already spends $400,000–$600,000 on security for the event. She argued the fee would restrict public access to a historic public space.
- Verónica Sandoval added that the organization has not provided a transparent record or map regarding alcohol sales expansion, and that the city has not received its share of alcohol revenue as per previous agreements.
- Sofía Vázquez (retired pastor, District 4 resident) opposed the fee, recalling that her family could only afford Fiesta by attending free events at Market Square. She noted the economic burden on low-income families.
- Román Peña (retired Market Square participant) recalled that in the past, a $1 fee was rejected by the mayor to keep the event free. He warned of potential protests (huelga) if the fee is imposed.
- Henry Rodríguez (executive director, Lula Concilio Zapatista) argued the fee targets low-income residents from housing projects who attend Market Square as their only affordable Fiesta activity. He called it an insult and urged council to be heroes for the people.
- Elaine de los Santos (interim director, Rey Feo Council) supported the fee, explaining security costs increased due to incidents. She detailed the compromise: weekdays free until 6 p.m. or 5 p.m., weekends free until 1 p.m. (with different hours for various days), and children under 12 free. The fee would fund security and scholarships.
- Frank Garza (sub-chief, Fiesta de los Reyes since 2011) supported the fee as a reasonable measure, noting that the event costs $1 million to produce, and 50% of net revenue goes to the city. He emphasized that the fee only applies to certain hours and helps fund scholarships.
Discussion Items
Item 17: Amendment to Contract with Rey Feo Educational Foundation for Fiesta de los Reyes Magos Sheldon Miller presented the proposed amendment: a $5 entry fee for persons 13 and older during specific hours (weekdays after 5 or 6 p.m., weekends after 1 p.m.), with free entry otherwise. The fee is intended to cover increased security costs (private security for perimeter and screening). The city would receive 25% of revenue above $250,000, estimated at $37,500. The council discussed extensively:
- Councilman Galván (who pulled the item) noted that security costs are a shared burden and asked whether the city could subsidize the fee using existing resources. He emphasized that Market Square has historically been free and expressed concern for tenants.
- Councilwoman Korr supported the pilot, noting that safety concerns after past incidents require action. She suggested that free weekend hours and children under 12 free mitigate impact. She also mentioned the difficulty of funding security from city budget.
- Councilwoman Gavito supported the fee, citing the need for scholarship funding and safety.
- Councilwoman Maki Rodriguez strongly opposed the fee, calling it racist and classist. She argued that $5 per person (or $20 for a family) creates a barrier for low-income families who have few other affordable Fiesta options. She questioned why the city cannot cover the security costs given the economic benefits.
- Councilman Munguía supported the fee but stressed the need for better implementation and future efforts to keep it free.
- Councilwoman Villagran opposed the fee, noting there are many free events and that the Southside is often ignored. She offered to help coordinate free transportation for District 3 residents.
- Councilman Castillo expressed concerns about equity and infrastructure neglect at Market Square but ultimately acknowledged the need for safety. Mayor Jones emphasized that the city contributes $3 million overall to Fiesta and loses money on these events. She noted that security is essential and suggested exploring technologies like Clear for future efficiency. The motion to approve Item 17 passed (exact vote tally not provided but appears to be approved).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar approved unanimously (excluding Item 17).
- Item 17 (Market Square entry fee) approved. The $5 fee will be implemented for Fiesta de los Reyes 2026 with the specified free hours and children under 12 free. The council will review the pilot and consider other funding mechanisms in future budget cycles.
- City Manager’s report on detention center actions noted; ongoing work continues with a public website for compliance updates.
- Memorial designation for Officer David Evans on Highway 1604 approved.
Meeting Transcript
Buenos días. La hora son nueve siete. El jueves nueve de abril del dos mil veinti la Junta de la Ciudad del Consejo de la San Antonio llama a orden. Por favor, señora secretaria, pase lista, concejal Corr, concejal Makir Rodriguez, Concejal Villagrán Virtualmente, Concejal Mungía, Concejal Castillo, Concejal Galván, Concejal Alderete Gavito, Concejal Mesa González, Concejal Spears, Concejal White, Alcalde Jones, Señora Tenemos Quórum. Gracias. Quiero invitar al conf al concejal Galván para que reciba al invocador. Muchas gracias, alcalde. Ello, el nuestro invocador va a ser el doctor Ryan Carpenter, de esta iglesia del distrito 6. Tiene la org ha servido varias organizaciones por veinticinco años en Texas, desde el 2007 al 2014 y regresó como pastor en dos mil veintidós. Lleva la congregación de Jesús para bendecir a nuestra ciudad. Village Parkwest tiene organizaciones comunes, ya es reconocida por el dos mil veintidós, dos mil veinticuatro, cinco y dos mil veintidós es también director, fue directo consejero de mi alma mater. Gracias por la oportunidad de rezar para mi ciudad, los que llevan la responsabilidad del dirigirla, especialmente concejal Galván por darme la oportunidad, y por favor oremos. Padre Celestial, le agradecemos por la oportunidad de estar juntos el día de hoy, el privilegio de vivir en nuestra ciudad de San Antonio. Al celebrar fiesta, estamos agradecidos por las tradiciones que nos unen. Estamos agradecidos por los hombres y mujeres que sirven este comité. Su liderazgo en el Consejo de la Ciudad son llevan su responsabilidad real. Gracias por la disponibilidad para gastar su tiempo con nosotros, porque muchas veces enfrentas, enfrentan críticas y quejas. Hoy te pedimos que los asegures del agradecimiento. Le te pedimos que les des a estos líderes sabiduría para tomar decisiones para los para las colonias, las escuelas y los ciudadanos de San Antonio. Y que tengan este deseo genuino de ayudar a las personas. También oramos por las personas del de San Antonio, los incluidos los distritos en el distrito seis porque viven y trabajan y tenemos mucha gente de fe en San Antonio que esté buscando la bendición. Fortalece nuestras familias. A nuestros socorristas, los trabajadores de la salud, todos los que hacen esta salud, esta ciudad, un lugar bueno para vivir. Te pedimos bienestar para toda la ciudad. Te pedimos que bendigas a San Antonio y los que están a los que les hemos confiado el liderazgo. Por favor, a esta ciudad, un lugar y que se sigan el cuidado entre uno y otro. Que sea que construyan paz, fortaleza y que florezca esta grandiosa ciudad. En el memo en el nombre de Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén. Gracias, Dr. Carpenter. Por favor. Únanse conmigo para el juramento de lealtad a la bandera. It's time for the fiesta and six proclamations. The primer recognition is that the fiesta San Antonio is one of the festivals primary in the país del 2026. Honramos a los héroes del Álamo, el Valle de San Benito y la cultura rica y diversa. Este es un extravaganza, es el evento que sobresale and recolectan y usa las medallas de fiesta. Este aniversario de fiesta está coordinado por la Comisión de San Antonio, the Fiesta San Antonio is an organization no lucrativa, voluntaria que apoya todos los membros que participan, trabajan para administrar miles de detalles that are essentiales para planear este evento in todo la ciudad. Intanto que esta celebration multicultural genera un impact economic muy importante in the ciudad and utilizan para caridad y bienestar social de San Antonio para los residents que merecen por lo tanto. Yo, Jean Ortiz Jones, alcalde de la ciudad de San Antonio, reconociendo los proclamo abril 26 ser el día oficial, la semana oficial de San Antonio, the fiesta de San Antonio, Texas and the Commission of Texas. Gracias, muchas gracias. Usted me quitó my discurso de la boca, pero yo diré que no hacer ningún error. La Commission de Fiesta San Antonio reconoce que no podemos hacer lo que hacemos sin la ayuda de la ciudad de San Antonio. Tenemos su permiso para permiso para las calles, su asistencia, con seguridad. Tenemos todo su apoyo anders for this. También no hacer ningún error. San Antonio no sería lo mismo sin fiesta. Traemos una gran cantidad de impact economics in our city and an impact economic for the ciudad San Antonio también. Creo que juntos podemos crear algo muy vibrante anda de hacer este año, and you creo que estamos logrando, es pasar la palabra del 1604, the mayor parte de San Antonio. Entendemos que salimos los límites de la ciudad de San Antonio.
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