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MERCEDES CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2025 – 6:30 PM
MERCEDES CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS
400 S. OHIO AVE., MERCEDES, TX 78570
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Oscar Montoya
Commissioner Joe Martinez
Commissioner Jacob Howell
Commissioner Armando Garcia
Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Saldana
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Alberto Perez, City Manager
Joselynn Castillo, City Secretary
Martie Garcia Vela, City Attorney (Virtual)
Meredith Hernandez, Interim Finance Director
Francisco Sanchez, Police Chief
Juan Vasquez, I.T Specialist
Tom Villagomez, Public Works Director
Marisol Vidales, Library Director
OTHERS PRESENT:
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Montoya welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Establish Quorum
All members of the Commission were present, which constitutes a full quorum.
3. Invocation by Commissioner Garcia
4. Pledge of Allegiance Commissioner Howell
Commissioner Howell requested the softball team to lead the pledge.
5. Open Forum
There were no residents signed up for open forum.
6. Presentation
a. Proclamation for NRA
Ms. Liz Foley, a representative of the NRA, introduced the organization’s first-time
program in Mercedes to promote safety and education. She explained that they are
partnering with the Police Department and have provided the Eddie the Eagle costume,
which teaches children the “Stop, Don’t Touch, and Walk Away” message. Ms. Foley also
welcomed everyone to the City’s first-ever Community Day, a free event scheduled for
September 20, 2025, at the Stock Show. Mayor Montoya emphasized the importance of

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gun safety and read the proclamation.
b. Proclamation for the Pony League Divisions
Mayor Montoya recognized the players by reading their names, congratulated them on their
season, and then proceeded to read the proclamation.
Commissioner Martinez moved to enter Executive Session, with Commissioner Garcia
seconding the motion. Upon a called vote, the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting
recessed into Executive Session at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Montoya reconvened the meeting at 8:12 p.m. and continued with the presentations.
c. Presentation by USW regarding Water Safety and Chemical Levels
Commissioner Howell stated that he requested this item be placed on the agenda. Mr.
Eliberto Gonzalez with USW presented the Water Quality Report and informed the
Commission that it is available on the City’s website. He reported that the water supply
consists of 3.78 from surface water and 1.78 from groundwater. The water remains within
safe limits, and the report confirms that the City’s water is clean. He noted that the water
was tested in 2024 and meets both state and federal standards.
d. Presentation by Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP of the Collection Report
October 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Mr. Hernan Gutierrez with PBFCM presented two reports regarding delinquent tax
collections. He explained that the delinquent tax program works with property owners to
resolve outstanding balances through phone calls, mail, and field inspections, with
litigation used only as a last resort. He reported that 19 payment agreements have been
established, and PBFCM has intervened 60 times. Seven properties were posted for tax
sale, with four sold and one struck off. PBFCM also assists with mowing liens.
Mr. Gutierrez stated that over $229,000 in base tax has been collected this year, compared
to $193,000 last year. Discussion followed regarding homestead exemptions, condemned
properties, and deferrals. In response to a question, Ms. Janelle Caso provided information
about the downtown furniture store. Mr. Gutierrez noted that refunds increased due to late-
filed homestead exemptions, which may be applied retroactively for up to two years,
requiring refunds to property owners who had paid during that period. He also explained
that properties offered at tax sale must be sold at either the tax value or the amount owed; if
not, they are struck off and become owned by the taxing entities, after which they may be
resold at any amount.
Mr. Gutierrez then presented the Finance Fee Collection Report. He reported that through
calls and mailings, PBFCM collected $70,957 in liquidated fees this year, compared to
$47,000 last year. Since 2016, a total of $363,000 has been collected.
7. Consent Agenda

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a. Approval of Minutes for Meeting(s) held August 5, 2025
b. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2025-19 approving the Final Project Plan for
TIRZ No. 2
c. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2025-20 approving the Tri-party Agreement
for TIRZ No. 2
d. Rescind First Reading of Ordinance 2025-21 approving the Reimbursement Agreement
for San Jacinto Enterprises as it relates to TIRZ No. 2
e. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2025-23 approving the draft interlocal agreement
with the County as it relates to TIRZ No. 2
Commissioner Martinez motioned to approve item A through E and forego the reading.
Commissioner Garcia seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion passed unanimously.
8. Management Items: Present, discuss, consider and possibly take action regarding:
a. Approval of Funding Proposal from VIDA for FY 2025-2026
Mr. Isidro Ramos with VIDA presented the proposal for the next fiscal year, requesting
$25,000 in funding. He stated that for every dollar received, there is a $15 return, and the
funding would support a minimum of five Mercedes residents. Ms. Sarah Peña shared her
personal experience with the program, noting that the City’s contribution helped her
complete her school program and emphasizing the program’s benefits. Mr. Ramos also
reported that VIDA continues to secure grants, allowing them to assist more individuals
from Mercedes.
Commissioner Martinez moved to approve the funding request, with Commissioner Garcia
seconding. Upon a called vote, the motion passed unanimously.
b. First Public Hearing for the Voluntary Annexation of Salvador Roel Garcia and Jeffrey
Adam Bryant
Mayor Montoya opened the public hearing at 8:49 p.m. There were no comments from the
public. Mayor Montoya closed the public hearing at 8:52 p.m.
c. Approval of appointment(s) of Members to the Keep Mercedes Beautiful Committee
Commissioner Martinez motioned to approve the staff's recommendation. Commissioner
Saldana seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion passed unanimously.
9. Ordinances/Resolutions
a. Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 2025-24 amending Building Related Fees
Ordinance
Commissioner Martinez motioned to approve the ordinance for A, B and C and forego the
reading. Commissioner Garcia seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion passed
unanimously.
b. TABLED: Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 2025-22 approving the Reimbursement
Agreement for Olivarez Organization as it relates to TIRZ No. 2
c. Approval of First Reading of Ordinance 2025-25 and Consider rescinding

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Development Agreement approved for San Jacinto Enterprises, LLC on August 5,
2025; Consider approval of the Development Reimbursement Agreement with San
Jacinto Enterprises, LLC for capital investments made in TIRZ #2, City of Mercedes
as amended.
10. Monthly Departmental Reports
a. Recreation Center, Planning, Library, Parks, Fire Dept., City Sec/HR, IT, PD
Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana inquired about the Recreation Center programs. Mr. Villela
reported that Mr. Morin has been coordinating with other cities to organize interlock play
for a fall baseball league. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana also recommended consideration of a
disc golf course. Commissioner Martinez shared a story to illustrate the value of investing
in parks and fields, noting how TYFA accepted children in need of direction and allowed
them to participate for free, provided they maintained good grades.
Chief Sanchez reported that officers have been assigned at times to 3rd Street to monitor
compliance with the new one-way designation. He stated that warnings are being issued to
increase public awareness, although some citations have been given. Mayor Montoya
recommended that “Do Not Enter” be painted on the roadway. Chief Sanchez also
reviewed the Animal Control report, noting that 71 dogs were taken to the shelter.
Ms. Hernandez provided information regarding collected fees, the Redstone development,
and the North Alamo buyout. Mayor Montoya recommended consolidating all buyouts into
one list. Mr. Perez added that property owners may petition to be removed from the buyout.
11. Executive Session: Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section 551.071
(Consultation with Attorney), Section 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property),
Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development)
Commissioner Martinez moved to enter Executive Session for the second time, covering
Items A and C. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion. Upon a called vote, the motion
carried unanimously, and the meeting recessed into Executive Session at 9:11 p.m.
a. Discussion with City Manager regarding personnel matters - Section 551.074
b. Consultation with Attorney regarding update on litigation - Section 551.071
c. Consultation with Attorney regarding Project Updates - Section 551.087
d. Discussion regarding Economic Development negotiations with Project Gomez,
Project American Legion, Project J. San Miguel, Project Retama Ledesma, Project
M30, Project Stay, Project Kamel, Project ASHTI, Project Arts, Project QSR, Project
150, Project M2, Project Cruz, Project M. Carrillo, Project Bert Ogden, Project A.
Garcia, Project RGVLS, Project G. Schwarz, Project Coffee, Project Carwash, Project
Rios, and Project UT - Section 551.087
e. Discussion regarding Conveyance of Real Estate to Development Corporation of
Mercedes: Mercedes Original Townsite S. 88.5' -E 110' BLK 2 - Section 551.072
12. Open Session

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Mayor Montoya reconvened the meeting at 9:37 p.m.
a. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item A
No action was taken on this item.
b. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item B
Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana moved to have the attorney move forward as discussed in the
executive session. Commissioner Martinez seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion
passed unanimously.
c. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item C
No action was taken on this item.
d. Possible Action pertaining to Executive Session item D
Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana motioned to accept the amendment for Project M30 for $500,000.
Commissioner Martinez seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion passed unanimously.
T here was no action on the other projected listed.
e. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item E
Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana motioned to accept the conveyance. Commissioner Martinez
seconded. Upon a called vote, the motion passed unanimously.
13. Adjournment
Commissioner Martinez motioned to adjourn. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana seconded. Upon a
called vote, the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
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