Penitas public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Events
The Penitas Redevelopment Authority and Reinvestment Zone Number One are holding a joint meeting to consider property tax reconciliation with the city and Hidalgo County, and to discuss and possibly act on Project Longhorn, 234 Street Road and infrastructure improvements, and correspondence from Hidalgo County. The agenda includes an executive session for these discussions before returning to open session for possible action.
- Reconcile property taxes due from City of Penitas and Hidalgo County and issue statements of account
- Discussion and possible action on Project Longhorn
- Discussion and possible action on 234 Street Road and infrastructure improvements
- Discussion and possible action on correspondence from Hidalgo County
- Executive session under Texas Gov. Code Section 551.001
City Events
The Penitas Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the preliminary plat for the Tierra Blanca No. 1 Subdivision (Property IDs 1376577 and 279642). The commission will also consider approving the minutes from the October 26, 2023 regular meeting. No other substantive business is listed.
- Public hearing on Tierra Blanca No. 1 Subdivision preliminary plat (Property IDs 1376577 and 279642)
- Consideration of minutes from October 26, 2023 regular meeting
- Disclosure of conflict of interest
City Events
The Penitas Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request by JURO Construction LLC to encroach 1 foot into the side setback at Main Estate Apartments Subdivision Lot 1, 1901 Mayors Lane. The board will also approve minutes from the August 24, 2023 regular meeting and handle other business.
- Variance request by JURO Construction LLC to encroach 1 foot into side setback (east side) at Main Estate Apartments Subdivision Lot 1, 1901 Mayors Lane
- Consider approval of minutes for August 24, 2023 regular meeting
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a special called meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including adopting an ordinance declaring unsafe buildings a public nuisance, amending the election ordinance, and evaluating proposals for a request for proposals (RFQ 2023-10). The council will also enter executive session to discuss personnel matters. The meeting is scheduled for December 18, 2023, at the Penitas Public Library.
- Adoption of Ordinance 2023-32 declaring unsafe buildings a public nuisance
- Amendment of Election Ordinance 2017-01 and adoption of Election Ordinance 2023-33
- Evaluation and ranking of submissions for RFQ 2023-10
- Selection of highest ranking submission for RFQ 2023-10 and authorization to negotiate contract
- Executive session on personnel matters
City Events
The Penitas Redevelopment Authority and Reinvestment Zone Number One will hold a joint meeting to consider appointing board positions and roles, and to receive a presentation from St. Ives Realty. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and public comments. An executive session is scheduled for legal, real property, and economic development discussions.
- Appoint positions and roles for TIRZ board members
- Presentation by St. Ives Realty
- Approve minutes from 11.02.2023 meeting
- Executive session under Texas Gov't Code 551.001
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting to consider several action items, including a variance request for a mobile home, approval of bylaws for the library committee, and authorization to negotiate a contract for the Liberty Boulevard Utility Adjustments Project. They will also vote on an interlocal agreement with Agua Special Utility District for a water package plant, and adopt amendments to ordinances on vehicle weight limits and animal regulations. The meeting includes an executive session for personnel and other matters, with possible action upon return to open session.
- Variance request by Rodolfo Barrera for an older mobile home at Los Ejidos de Reynosa Lot 334 (Property ID: 222739)
- Authorize city manager and attorney to negotiate contract for Liberty Boulevard Utility Adjustments Project based on Freese and Nichols recommendation
- Approve draft interlocal agreement with Agua Special Utility District for water package plant
- Amend Ordinance 2020-03 on vehicle weight limits (second reading, waive third, adopt Ordinance 2023-30)
- Amend Animal Ordinance 2019-03 to require written permission from Chief of Police (first reading, waive second and third, adopt Ordinance 2023-31)
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting on November 8, 2023, to discuss and possibly act on several items, including a variance request, a rezone, a fire department overtime policy, a request for proposals for a water treatment plant, and approval of the 2023 certified tax roll. The council will also enter executive session to discuss personnel, Spring Fest 2024, and development agreements.
- Variance request by Rodolfo Barrera for an older mobile home at Los Ejidos de Reynosa Lot 334 (Property ID: 222739)
- Rezone from R-1 to I-1 at 921 Expressway 83, Schunior Lot 8 (Property ID: 279673)
- Approval of Fire Department overtime policy
- Request for proposals for a 250,000 gallon per day water treatment package plant
- Approval of Resolution 2023-29 for Hidalgo County Appraisal District 2024-2025 Election
City Events
The Penitas Redevelopment Authority and Reinvestment Zone Number One will hold a joint meeting to select an independent auditor for the 2021-2023 fiscal years. The board will also discuss board member roles and consult with the City Attorney regarding potential tri-party development agreements.
- Selection of Independent Auditor for 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Fiscal Years
- Arrangement of positions and roles for TIRZ board members
- Consultation regarding potential tri-party development agreements within TIRZ boundaries
City Events
This agenda only announces that the regular City Council meeting originally scheduled for November 1, 2023, has been moved to November 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM. No other business items are listed. Residents can subscribe to the city's email list for future agenda updates.
- Meeting rescheduled from Nov 1 to Nov 8, 2023, at 6:00 PM
City Events
The Penitas Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting on October 26, 2023, at the Public Library. The main item is a public hearing and possible action on a request to rezone a property at 921 Expressway 83 from single-family residential (R-1) to industrial (I-1). The commission will also consider approving the minutes from its September 28 meeting and address any conflicts of interest.
- Rezone 921 Expressway 83 (Schunior Lot 8, ~0.99 acre) from R-1 to I-1
- Public hearing on the rezoning request
- Approval of September 28, 2023 meeting minutes
- Disclosure of conflict of interest
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a special called meeting to discuss personnel matters and the City Manager's contract. These items will be addressed in both executive session and open session.
- Discussion regarding employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissals of employees
- Discussion regarding the City Manager’s contract
City Events
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Urban County Program CDBG Year 37 (2024) and consider several action items, including approving contingent fee contracts with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP for collecting delinquent taxes and court fines, an interlocal agreement with Mission for prisoner housing, hiring a City Secretary, advertising bids for the Liberty Boulevard Utility Adjustments Project, and approving a sludge disposal contract with C&C Waste Management. The council will also consider ordinances on sex offender registration and vehicle weight limits, and may enter executive session for personnel and property matters.
- Public hearing on Urban County Program CDBG Year 37 (2024)
- Contingent fee contracts with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP for delinquent tax and fine collection
- Interlocal agreement with City of Mission for temporary prisoner housing and detention
- Ordinance 2023-29 adding sex offender registration requirements (Chapter 22, Article III, Section 22-37)
- Amendment to Ordinance 2020-03 regulating vehicle weight on city streets
City Events
The Penitas Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider approval of the August 24, 2023 minutes and hold public hearings on two preliminary plats: Zamora Ranchette Estates and 3 Mile Ranch. No final action is taken in executive session, and the agenda is otherwise procedural.
- Public hearing: Zamora Ranchette Estates, Porcion 77, 7.13 ac (5.97 ac net), Property ID#501979 (Preliminary)
- Public hearing: 3 Mile Ranch, Homeville Association, Lot 6 Blk 9, 2.00 ac (1.83 ac net), Property ID#502364 (Preliminary)
- Consider approval of minutes for August 24, 2023 regular meeting
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a special called meeting to consider approving an interlocal agreement with Weslaco for animal care services and to schedule a public hearing for the Urban County Program CDBG Year 37. The council will also discuss personnel matters, including interviews for the City Secretary position, in executive session. The agenda is otherwise procedural.
- Interlocal agreement for 2023-2024 Animal Care Services with City of Weslaco
- Schedule needs assessment public hearing for Urban County Program CDBG Year 37 (2024)
- Executive session on personnel matters: interviews for City Secretary
City Events
The Penitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to consider and take possible action on several items, including the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, an interlocal agreement with Mission, TX for prisoner housing, and an agreement with Hidalgo County for the Urban County Program. The council will also discuss appointing or reappointing Planning and Zoning board members and declaring a firetruck as surplus. The meeting includes an executive session for personnel matters and legal discussions regarding upcoming elections.
- Resolution 2023-28: appointing/reappointing Planning and Zoning board members
- Approve Budget Fiscal Year 2023-2024
- Interlocal agreement with City of Mission, TX for temporary housing and detention of Penitas prisoners
- Interlocal agreement for 2023-2024 Urban County Program with Hidalgo County
- Approve surplus of firetruck for Penitas Fire Dept
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including removing TML Health Insurance and allowing the City Manager to meet with other vendors, a community event for September 16, 2023, and amendments to an EMS interlocal agreement with Palmview. The agenda also includes a variance request for a mobile home and an executive session for personnel and other matters.
- Resolution 2023-26 to remove or appoint member to White Wing Pageant Committee
- Remove TML Health Insurance and authorize City Manager to meet with other vendors
- Community event for September 16, 2023
- Resolution 2023-27 updating Operation Lonestar 2023
- Variance request by Rodolfo Barrera for older model mobile home at Los Ejidos de Reynosa Lot 334
City Events
The City of Peñitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to hear public comments on and potentially adopt the proposed property tax rate for the 2023 tax year. The council will also discuss personnel matters in executive session, with possible action upon returning to open session.
- Public hearing on 2023 proposed property tax rate
- Consideration and action on adopting the 2023 tax rate
- Executive session on personnel matters (employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissals)
City Events
The Penitas City Council is holding a special emergency meeting to discuss and possibly adopt the proposed 2023 tax rate, as submitted by the Hidalgo County Tax Office. They may also schedule a public hearing on the tax rate for August 28, 2023. The meeting is called under the Texas Open Meeting Act's emergency provision.
- Discussion and possible record vote on the 2023 proposed tax rate
- Possible scheduling of a public hearing on the tax rate for August 28, 2023, at 6:00 P.M.
- Meeting held at Penitas Public Library, 1111 S. Main St., Penitas, TX
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on several administrative items, including appointing an associate municipal judge, directing the city manager to advertise for a city secretary, and authorizing the disposal of surplus items and vehicles. The council will also consider two subdivision-related items and may enter executive session for personnel matters. No final action will be taken in executive session.
- Appoint Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Penitas
- Direct City Manager to advertise, receive applications, and conduct interviews for City Secretary position
- Authorize City Manager to declare and dispose of surplus items through auction
- Designate surplus vehicles and miscellaneous items for disposal
- Consider Los Ebanitos Subdivision (Homeville Association D Lot 3 Block 28 10AC, Property ID# 194730) and Re-Subdivision of Lot 1 of St. Ives Penitas Subdivision (NW corner of US Hwy 83 and Liberty Blvd)
City Events
The Penitas Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request by Rodolfo Barrera to place an older model mobile home at Los Ejidos de Reynosa Lot 334. The board will also approve minutes from the May 25, 2023 regular meeting and handle other business. No other substantive items are on the agenda.
- Variance request by Rodolfo Barrera for an older model mobile home at Los Ejidos de Reynosa Lot 334 (0.30 AC, Property ID: 222739)
- Approval of minutes from May 25, 2023 regular meeting
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss and possibly act on several resolutions, including appointing or reappointing members to the TIRZ, Planning and Zoning, and Crime Control boards, and authorizing negotiations with Agua SUD for a long-term water shortage solution. The council will also hold public hearings on five variance requests by Alberto Chapa for a residential subdivision, covering paving, sewer, streetlights, sidewalks, and fire hydrants. An executive session is scheduled for personnel matters.
- Resolution 2023-22: Penitas Border Star 2023-2024
- Resolution 2023-23: TIRZ board member appointments
- Resolution 2023-24: Planning and Zoning board appointments
- Resolution 2023-25: Crime Control and Prevention District board appointments
- Variance requests by Alberto Chapa for paving, sewer, streetlights, sidewalks, and fire hydrants
City Events
The Penitas Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to consider approval of the May 25, 2023 minutes and hold a public hearing on a preliminary plat for Los Ebanitos Subdivision, Homeville Association D Lot 3 Block 28 (10 acres, Property ID# 194730). The commission may also discuss other business and could enter closed session if needed, though no final action would be taken there.
- Public hearing on Los Ebanitos Subdivision preliminary plat (Lot 3, Block 28, 10 acres, Property ID# 194730)
- Consideration of minutes from May 25, 2023 meeting
- Disclosure of conflict of interest
- Possible executive session per Texas Open Meeting Act
City Events
The Penitas Redevelopment Authority and Reinvestment Zone Number One will hold a joint meeting to consider approving the draft audit for fiscal year 2021, discuss economic development in executive session, and ratify prior actions. The agenda is mostly routine, with the audit approval and economic development discussion being the substantive items.
- Consider approval of draft Redevelopment Authority audit for fiscal year 2021
- Executive session on economic development
- Ratify all actions taken by the Penitas Redevelopment Authority
- Approve minutes from April 27, 2022 meeting
City Events
The Penitas Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting to consider a final plat for Diamond Subdivision Phase II, a residential lot. The agenda also includes routine items like approving prior meeting minutes and disclosing conflicts of interest. No other substantive decisions are listed.
- Public hearing on Diamond Subdivision Phase II final plat, Lot 2, 2.68 acres
- Consider approval of April 20, 2023 meeting minutes
- Disclosure of conflict of interest
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a special called meeting to discuss and possibly act on an ordinance granting AEP Texas a non-exclusive franchise for electricity lines, new speed limits proposed by TxDOT, and extending the April 28, 2023 disaster declaration. The council will also enter executive session to discuss litigation and potential litigation, with possible action on those matters upon returning to open session.
- Ordinance granting AEP Texas a non-exclusive franchise to operate electricity lines in city streets and public places
- Approval of new speed limits as proposed by Texas Department of Transportation
- Extension of Disaster Declaration of April 28, 2023
- Executive session on litigation: Jose Leroy Salinas vs. The City of Penitas (Cause No. C-1471-23-D)
- Executive session on potential litigation involving Dave Hendricks, The Progress Times, Denise M. Rendon, and SAVVY Publishing, LLC
City Events
The Penitas Board of Adjustment will consider five variance requests from Alberto Chapa for the proposed 3-lot Chapa Penitas Subdivision, all tabled from March 23, 2023. The requests seek waivers from paving, streetlights, sidewalks, fire hydrants, and sewer connection requirements along a private road. The board will also approve minutes from the March 23 regular meeting.
- Variance request to waive paving improvements on a 25-foot private road
- Variance request to waive streetlights along the private road
- Variance request to waive sidewalks along the private road and US Expressway 83
- Variance request to waive fire hydrants along the private road
- Variance request to allow OSSF system instead of sewer connection
City Events
The Peñitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to canvass the returns of the May 6, 2023 municipal election and declare the results for Mayor, Councilmember Place 2, and Councilmember Place 4. Following the canvass, the council will swear in the elected officials: Ramiro Loya as Mayor, J.R. Flores as Councilmember Place 2, and Guadalupe Moreno Jr. as Councilmember Place 4. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Peñitas Public Library, 1111 S. Main St.
- Approval of Resolution 2023-20 to canvass election returns and declare results for Mayor, Councilmember Place 2, and Councilmember Place 4
- Swearing-in of Mayor Ramiro Loya
- Swearing-in of Councilmember Place 2 J.R. Flores
- Swearing-in of Councilmember Place 4 Guadalupe Moreno Jr.
City Events
The Penitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to consider several resolutions, including accepting grant funds for Operation Stonegarden, a Crime Victims' Liaison, and a rifle-resistant body armor grant. The council will also consider accepting a letter of intent for retail development and appointing an Associate Municipal Judge. The agenda includes recognitions for a local DJ and the Texas Citrus Fiesta Princesses, followed by an executive session on personnel matters.
- Resolution 2023-17: Penitas Operation Stonegarden 2022 grant for 03/01/2023-02/29/2023
- Resolution 2023-18: Penitas Crime Victims' Liaison 2023-2024
- Resolution 2023-19: Penitas Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant
- Possible action to accept letter of intent for retail development
- Possible action to appoint Associate Municipal Judge and administer oath
City Events
The Penitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including an interlocal agreement with Hidalgo County for the public library, an agreement with Palmview for temporary prisoner housing, two subdivision final plats, and a temporary road closure. The agenda also includes an executive session for personnel matters, with possible action afterward.
- Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Hidalgo County for Penitas Public Library to continue as a County Library
- Agreement with City of Palmview for temporary housing and detention of prisoners awaiting arraignment or transfer to Hidalgo County Jail
- Final plat for Double "F" Subdivision, Anadal No. 2 E 128.12' Lot 3, Property ID 821456
- Final plat for Diamond Subdivision, Homeville Association D N100' - Lot 2 Blk 44, 1.29 ac gr 0.99 ac Net, Property ID 194847
- Temporary closure of East-West section of Volcano Rd east of future Liberty Rd
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular called meeting on March 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Penitas Public Library. The agenda includes monthly reports, approval of February minutes, and several action items, including a contract with Hidalgo County Elections, appointments to boards, and speed bump installation. An executive session is scheduled for personnel matters, with possible action upon return to open session.
- Contract agreement between Hidalgo County Elections and the City of Penitas
- Resolution 2023-11: Remove/appoint members to Planning and Zoning Committee and Board of Adjustments
- Resolution 2023-12: Remove/appoint members to TIRZ Committee
- Installation of speed bumps on Pino Street East Side
- Resolutions 2023-13 and 2023-14: Update Friends of the Library and Library Advisory Board resolutions, appoint officers/members
City Events
The Penitas Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on preliminary and final plats for three proposed subdivisions: Chapa Penitas, Double "F", and Diamond. The commission will also consider approving the minutes from the January 25, 2023 regular meeting and may enter closed session if needed. No final action will be taken in executive session.
- Public hearing: Chapa Penitas Subdivision, Schunior's Property #279642, 1376577, 960474 (Preliminary)
- Public hearing: Double "F" Subdivision, Anadal No.2 E128.12' Lot 3, Property ID 821456 (Preliminary/Final)
- Public hearing: Diamond Subdivision, Homeville Association D N100'-Lot2 Blk 44, 1.29 ac gr 0.99 Ac Net, Property ID 194847 (Final)
- Approval of minutes from January 25, 2023 regular meeting
- Meeting at Penitas Public Library, 1111 S. Main Street, 6:00 PM
City Events
The Penitas Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on five variance requests by Alberto Chapa for a three-lot residential subdivision, seeking exemptions from paving, street lights, sidewalks, fire hydrants, and sewer connection requirements along a proposed private road. The board will also consider approving minutes from the December 7, 2022 regular meeting. No final action is taken in executive session.
- Variance to waive paving on 25-foot private road
- Variance to waive street lights along private road
- Variance to waive sidewalks along private road and U.S. Expressway 8
- Variance to waive fire hydrants along private road
- Variance to use OSSF system instead of sewer connection
City Events
This agenda only announces that the regular City Council meeting originally scheduled for February 1, 2023, has been moved to February 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM. No agenda items are listed; the city directs residents to subscribe to its email list for notification when the agenda becomes available.
- Meeting rescheduled from Feb 1 to Feb 8, 2023, at 7:00 PM
City Events
The Penitas City Council is holding a special called meeting to consider several items, including adopting the 2023 Urban County work plan and budget, possibly terminating the emergency dispatch agreement with Pharr, and approving a new dispatch inter-local agreement with Palmview. The council will also consider final plats for two subdivisions and may discuss personnel and litigation in executive session.
- Resolution 2023-01 adopting the Year 23 work plan and budget for the Urban County Program
- Directing City Manager to provide notice of termination of Emergency Service Dispatch Inter-Local Agreement with City of Pharr
- Approving inter-local agreement with City of Palmview for Emergency Dispatch Services
- Final plat for Penitas Plaza Subdivision, Los Ejidos De Reynosa N232'W110.5 LOT 331, 0.59 AC (Property ID 222707-1308843)
- Final plat for Kalidad II Subdivision, Homeville Association D E % Lot 5 Blk 8, 5.23 AC (Property ID 194673)
City Events
The Penitas City Council will hold a regular meeting to consider accepting the resignation of City Secretary Yenni Espinoza and appointing Alma Maldonado as interim replacement. They will also discuss amending Ordinance 2022-09, appointing members to the White Wing Festival and Library Board, and removing old traffic warrants. The meeting includes public comments, monthly reports, and an executive session for personnel matters.
- Accept resignation of City Secretary Yenni Espinoza
- Resolution 2023-01 appointing Alma Maldonado as Interim City Secretary
- Amend Ordinance 2022-09
- Resolution 2023-03: Appointments to Penitas White Wing Festival
- Resolution 2023-04: Appointments to Penitas Library Board