[PAGE 1] MERCEDES CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2025 – 6:30 PM MERCEDES CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS 400 S. OHIO AVE., MERCEDES, TX 78570 MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Joe Martinez Commissioner Jacob Howell Commissioner Armando Garcia Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Saldana MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Oscar Montoya STAFF PRESENT: Alberto Perez, City Manager Joselynn Castillo, City Secretary Martie Garcia Vela, City Attorney Jonas Gonzalez, Assistant City Manager Meredith Hernandez, Finance Director Francisco Sanchez, Police Chief Juan Vasquez, I.T Specialist Tom Villagomez, Public Works Director Kristine Longoria, HR Director Armando Villela, Parks Director Richard Morin, Rec Director Denisse Hernandez, Planning Director OTHERS PRESENT: 1. Call Meeting to Order Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Establish Quorum Four members of the City Commission were present, constituting a quorum. Mayor Montoya was absent. 3. Invocation The invocation was given by Commissioner Martinez. 4. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Elora De La Cerda. 5. Open Forum There were no residents present who signed up for the Open Forum. 6. Presentation a. Recognition of Retirement for Mercedes Police Officer Roy Rocha [PAGE 2] Chief Sanchez addressed the Commission to recognize Officer Roy Rocha for his years of service to the community and to congratulate him on his retirement. He highlighted Officer Rocha’s work history and expressed appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the City of Mercedes. Commissioner Howell shared remarks acknowledging Officer Rocha’s contributions to the school district and his positive impact on local youth. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana and Commissioner Garcia also thanked Officer Rocha for his service and dedication to the community and youth. Commissioner Martinez expressed gratitude to Grandmaster Saldana for his contributions to the community’s youth. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana then read a proclamation in his honor. Grandmaster Saldana thanked his predecessors, students, parents, and his wife for their guidance and support. Attendees joined in singing Happy Birthday to him. b. Presentation of Campaign for Spay and Neuter of Animals Chief Sanchez addressed the Commission regarding the City’s campaign for the spaying and neutering of animals. He reported that an event is being considered for December at the Dome, which would include a drive-thru microchipping service. Additionally, a low- cost vaccination clinic is being explored, offering vaccinations for $20 per animal. The City would be responsible for registering the animals and providing microchips. Pre- registration would be required for animals participating in the spay and neuter program. Chief Sanchez noted that Donna has microchips available and the City could partner with them to support the event. He recommended starting with a drive-thru format and expanding services in the future. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana added that he has observed programs where residents are provided vouchers allowing them to have their animals spayed or neutered at a reduced cost within a specified timeframe. c. Presentation by Planning Department on Developments Planning Director Hernandez addressed the Commission regarding development activity since 2023. He reported that, to date, 1,921 new developments are anticipated, including 313 lots outside the city limits. Four subdivisions were annexed this year, consisting of two commercial properties and two residential property owners. Projected revenue includes approximately $500,000 in park fees and $1.8 million in property taxes. Director Hernandez also noted that future development for 2026 and 2027 is expected to reach approximately 3,000 new units. 7. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Minutes for Meeting(s) held September 16, 2025 & September 23, 2025. Commissioner Martinez made a motion to approve Item A, which was amended to include approval of Items A and B. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. [PAGE 3] b. Approval of Series 2025 Budget Amendment 8. Management Items: Present, discuss, consider and possibly take action regarding: a. Public Hearing regarding the Urban County Needs Assessment Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana opened the public hearing at 7:20 P.M. Mr. Jose Jameson, representing Nuestra Clinica Del Valle, requested funding in the amount of $15,000 to provide medical services for residents of Mercedes. Services include laboratory tests, nutrition counseling, sonograms, and other medical care for low-income residents without insurance. Ms. Jesus Morales, representing Amigos Del Valle, requested $10,000 from CDBG funds to provide meals to homebound senior citizens in Mercedes. The program will provide one meal per day, seven days a week, beginning October 1, 2025. Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana closed the public hearing at 7:25 P.M. 9. Ordinances/Resolutions a. Approval of Resolution 2025-573 approved the Agreement for the Temporary Closure of State Right-of-Way - Veterans Day Parade 2025 Commissioner Martinez made a motion to approve the item. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. b. Approval of Ordinance 2025-31 to include a standard design for Fire Hydrants and Saddles Commissioner Martinez made a motion to approve the item and to forego the reading. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion. Upon a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10. Bids/Contracts a. Approval of renewal of Workers Compensation Insurance with Texas Mutual HR Director Mrs. Longoria reported that claims have decreased this year and noted that the City remains in-network. Commissioner Garcia made a motion to approve the item. Commissioner Martinez seconded the motion, and upon a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 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 Howell made a motion to go into Executive Session. Commissioner Martinez seconded the motion, and upon a roll call vote, the motion carried. The meeting entered Executive Session at 7:30 P.M. a. Discussion with City Manager regarding personnel matters - Section 551.074 b. Consultation with Attorney regarding update on litigation - Section 551.071 [PAGE 4] c. Consultation with Attorney regarding Project Anchor- Section 551.087 12. Open Session Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana reconvened the meeting at 8:20 P.M. a. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item A No action. b. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item B No action. c. Possible Action pertaining to executive session item C Commissioner Martinez made a motion to proceed with Project Anchor as discussed in Executive Session. Commissioner Garcia seconded the motion. Commissioner Howell commented on his anticipation for a project focused on innovation. Upon a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 13. Adjournment Commissioner Howell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Martinez seconded the motion, and upon a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M.