We finally got to go visit the San Antonio Aquarium last week, and it was really awesome. It’s kind of a combination of an aquarium and a zoo, with many animal interactions throughout it. Along the way, Tucker found dinosaur statues hiding all throughout the aquarium for added fun. To top it off they have a huge room with 5-6 different jumping castles and slides, which the kids LOVED. Tucker made plenty of new little friends and jumped his heart out. The next day I got really adventurous and took Tucker and his partner in crime (cousin Audrey) to eat INSIDE a restaurant. I knew this was a mistake. I planned to get it to-go and eat outside picnic style, but they begged and begged me to go eat inside the restaurant. I let them talk me into it; perhaps those scalding temperatures outside sealed the deal. They shrieked about how it would be “so much fun!” It started off pleasant enough. They were both sitting across from me, smiling ear to ear, being their cute little selves when reality struck. We weren’t five minutes into our lunch before my son picked up his cup the wrong way and sent it flying across the table, creating a waterfall of sweet iced tea over my lap. It wasn’t just like a soft spill, it was a full on cup-emptier. The sweet and polite crew at Billy Bob’s ran to our rescue, with a smile they mopped it all up and seated us at a new, and dry, table. Within the next five minutes, disaster struck again. I might as well have been sitting in a dunking booth at the carnival that day. It was Audrey’s turn, and before I knew it, her sweet tea and ice came a flying at me. I could hear the lady at the other table burst out into laughter at the ridiculousness of two repeat tea dunkings. I think we provided plenty of smiles to the people there that day at least. Both spills were truly accidents, but that didn’t make things any less sticky. I don’t know how both of these little turkeys managed to have the perfect accidents that landed so squarely on me, but even they noticed. After I got drenched a second time, they both looked at me and said “Hey your legs are all wet!” I can’t say I enjoyed it, but it’s a memory I won’t soon forget! I love iced tea, but not on me.
This past week was pretty quiet for me, with only one meeting and then workshop to finish the tray favors for the hospital patients that the Auxiliary provides each month. We were already over half finished with the ones we were working on and after we finished those, we started on something for October. I am not sure how they are going to turn out but can only tell if we try. Last week I gave you Diez y Seis, not realizing I was a week early, and that left me without something to write about this week! So, even though I’ve used it before, here’s how it was in the good old days. (This little verse is also what we used on our tray favors, which were shaped like a book with part of the verse on the outside and the other part inside). The old song goes like this: “School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. Reading and writing and ‘rithmetic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick”. Those were the tough days of school for both student and teacher. Corporal punishment was the rule of the day, and if you were punished at school, you received an equal or worse punishment at home. The teacher was usually a man, as it was thought they had better control over a class. If a young lady taught, she had to be single, her contract stated she could not go out on dates, she usually had to live in the home of one of the school board members, and her deportment and dress at all times had to be above reproach. And, hopefully, she was lucky and go to live with a member who was good to her and didn’t expect her to live in an attic with no heat in the winter and treated her as one of the family instead of treating her as an indentured servant. She taught in a one room schoolhouse, she was in charge of keeping the building clean, water had to be hauled from a well in a bucket, which stood in a corner of the classroom, with one drinking cup or ladle for all the children to share. In the winter, she had to be there early enough to build a fire so that when the students arrived it would be warm enough to start classes when it was time. The rest room was an outhouse and I guarantee it wasn’t heated, and probably with pages from the Sears® catalogue for paper! How many boys of that generation learned what women’s underwear looked like from those catalogues? Most of the children either walked or rode horseback to get to the school. During crop harvesting time, many of the students were not in class, as they had to help with the crops. Anytime there was sickness at home, the oldest girl in the family would not be able to attend school because she would be helping her mother take care of the sick child, parent or grandparent. Lunches were carried in tin buckets with lids, which had originally contained lard (shortening). There were no thermos bottles to keep milk cold from the time the children left home, usually before daylight to walk or ride to school. Cookies were always home made as was the cake or pie. If they were lucky, they had leftovers from the previous meal, which were eaten at room temperature. Homemade biscuits, bread, cheese, sausage or boiled eggs were common lunches, as was a big chunk of cornbread. Sometimes the sandwiches were simply bread and butter. There were no hot lunch programs in those days, and mama always made everyone eat a good breakfast. In most country families, that meant bacon (home cured, of course), ham or sausage with eggs, and either homemade bread or biscuits and sometimes grits and gravy. Those children had outside chores, that could include milking cows and feeding animals, as well as inside chores, just as many children do today. After chores and supper came homework, which was done by lamplight or by candle. They needed a snack before beginning chores after a long walk or ride home from school. A little break for a handful of cookies or a sandwich and a glass of milk helped them relax before going on to the next part of their day. Many of today’s students also have outside chores, especially the ones who are raising animals for a 4H or FFA project. These animals have to be fed, exercised and groomed each and every day. Other students have working parents and they have to help with the laundry and keeping the house clean, and if they are old enough, perhaps starting supper so it is at least on the way when mother and dad get home. In the area where I live, as well as your area, the ride home from school on a bus can take an hour to an hour and a half. They get out of school around 3:00 or 3:30, and get on the bus, but by the time the children out in the country get home, it may well be close to 5:00. They too are ready for a snack. We all know that lots of peanuts are raised in the Devine area, but have you ever given peanut butter a thought? It made its debut at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. The original patent was given to Dr. John Harvey Kellog, who initially developed peanut butter as a meat alternative for his patients. However, George Washington Carver is considered by many to be the father of the peanut butter industry. He began his peanut research in 1903 and suggested to farmers that they rotate their cotton crops and cultivate peanuts as well. Peanut butter accounts for about half of the peanuts grown in the United States. All peanut butter is made by a similar process, first the raw, shelled peanuts are roasted and cooled, and then they are blanched to remove the skins. Some manufacturers split the kernels and remove the heart of the peanuts as well. The blanched peanut kernels are electronically sorted or hand-picked one last time to be sure only good, wholesome kernels are used in the peanut butter. The peanuts are ground, usually through two grinding stages to produce a smooth, even textured spread. The peanuts are heated during the grinding to about 170ºF. Once the emulsifiers are added and mixed, the butter is cooled rapidly to about 120ºF or below. This cooling crystallizes the emulsifiers, thus trapping the peanut oil that was released by the grinding. To make crunchy peanut butter, the manufacturer will add peanut granules to the creamy butter. (Source: The Great American Peanut). Homemade peanut butter is easy to make using an electric blender or food processor. The longer the blending, the softer the peanut butter will be. The peanut butter should be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator. Stir to mix the oil before using. Peanut Butter 1 cup roasted, shelled peanuts (with or without red skins) 1½ teaspoons peanut oil 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit salt if salted peanuts are used) Place ingredients in a blender or food processor, and with the lid secured, blend until the mixture becomes paste-like or spreadable. If necessary, stop the machine and scrape the mixture from the sides of the container to put the mixture back in contact with the blades. Continue blending until the desired consistency is reached. For crunchy peanut butter, add 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts after the blending is completed. (Makes approx. 1 cup). Peanut Butter Cookies 1 cup shortening 1 cup peanut butter q cup granulated sugar q cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2½ cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 400ºF. Beat together until very creamy, the shortening, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in the eggs, and then stir in the dry ingredients with a spoon. Roll into small balls, place on cookie sheets, dip the tines of a fork in flour and flatten the rolls in a criss-cross pattern. Bake at 400ºF for 10 to 12 minutes. Peanut Butter Cupcakes 1 package yellow cake mix Ingredients needed to make cake (oil, eggs, water, etc.) ½ cup chunky peanut butter Mix cake mix according to package directions, adding peanut butter when you add the eggs and water. Spoon batter into muffin cups, lined with paper liners you have lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Fill each cup about 2/3 full of batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Cool thoroughly. Frost with the following: 1 can chocolate frosting 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter Mix together the frosting and the peanut butter and frost each cupcake. Decorate with candy corn or one of the candy pumpkins if desired. Hot Chile Nuts 1 pound (3½ cups) raw, Spanish peanuts ¼ cup peanut oil 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon red pepper Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Place peanuts in a 13×9-inch baking pan and pour peanut oil over nuts, stirring well to coat. Place in a preheated 350ºF oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove just before peanuts are the desired doneness; they will continue to cook as they cool. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle combined dry ingredients over peanuts and stir until well coated. Store in a tightly covered container. Spiced Peanuts 4 tablespoons butter or margarine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons garlic salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups unsalted dry-roasted peanuts 2 cups pecan halves 1 cup Chinese rice noodles 1 cup raisins Place butter or margarine in a 9×12-inch baking pan; microwave on HIGH until melted. Stir in seasonings and add nuts and noodles; toss gently to coat. Microwave on HIGH for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes. Add raisins, stir and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 2 minutes. Let stand until cooled, stirring often. Yield: 6 cups. Candied Peanuts 1 cup sugar 2 cups raw peanuts ½ cup water ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (if desired) 2 to 3 drops cinnamon oil (if desired) Mix all ingredients in iron skillet and boil until water is gone. (Stir frequently). Pour on cookie sheet; bake for 15 minutes at 300ºF. Pour out onto foil lined cookie sheet and allow to cool completely.
Lupe Torres, elections administrator for Medina County, addresses the commissioner court on Sept. 8 with his recommendations for a central counting station manager and a tabulation supervision for the November elections.
By Anton Riecher Medina County Commissioners gave their full support to elections administrator Lupe Torres in his recommendations for two key positions in tabulating ballots this November, despite a challenge from county GOP chair Julie Clark. Commissioners voted to name Torres as central counting station manager and Lina Perez as tabulation supervisor. “The manager is basically in charge of the overall process,” Torres said. “When we get all the media back from the polling locations we tabulate the results.” Clark opposed Torres being named to the position, citing state election law that prohibits anyone but a registered voter in the county from serving. However, Torres noted that the election code includes an exception that permits employees of the authority establishing the station to serve. That interpretation of the law was supported by first assistant district attorney Julie Solis, on hand for the meeting. “If (Clark) is referring to me as not being a registered voter here that is correct,” Torres said. “But I am an employee.” As for Clark’s charge that both Torres and Perez are Democrats, the solidly Republican commissioners’ court voted in support of the election administrator’s recommendation. “He does a good job,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Sittre said. Torres noted that the county election board appoints a judge and alternate from each party to observe the tabulation process first hand. Earlier in the meeting, Clark once again urged the county to support a “declaration of invasion” supported by some other Texas counties and elected officials that cites the U.S. Constitution as granting states the power to expel migrants cross the border in event of invasion. “The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Austin, is calling on Gov. (Greg) Abbott to declare the crisis on the southern border as an invasion,” Clark said. County Judge Chris Schuchart has stood firm in his opposition to the legal wording of the declaration. The county commissioners approved a reworded “proclamation” that excluded the word “invasion.” Schuchart was not present for the Sept. 8 commissioners meeting. Clark challenged the commissioners to override the county judge’s objections and approve the measure. “You took an oath of office,” Clark said. “Do you remember the oath you took? You said ‘I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office and I will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States.’” Also on hand for the meeting was Sandy Young, county Democratic chair. She urged election participation by all parties. But as to allegations of voter fraud made by one declaration supporter, Young said she was unaware of any such fraud proven locally in the last two election cycles. Ed Sonnen of Castroville spoke briefly in opposition to the “invasion” declaration. “This is not an invasion,” Sonnen said. “These are human beings. They breathe like we do. If Jesus Christ were standing here right now I just believe in my heart that before they go through the Pearly Gates he is not going to ask ‘Are you legal or illegal?’” In other action, the commissioners approved a financial report by County Treasurer Debbie Southwell for the period from July to October showing total combined funds of $33.5 million and total debt of $26.9 million. In review of subdivision development, Commissioner Sittre took issue with granting preliminary approval of 10 lots in the Sandoval Subdivision, located on County Road 5715 north of Natalia and west of Lytle. All 10 lots were platted with entrances off the main county road. “I have real issues with that even though it is within the rules and regulations,” Sittre said. “It is a traffic nightmare.” Action on final approval of Oak Meadows subdivision in Precinct 4 off CR 7755 drew a negative response from a concerned citizen who said the subdivision was platted in such a way as to avoid the requirement of a fire suppression station. “We’re stacking subdivisions in there, getting farther and farther away from any real water source,” the unidentified speaker told commissioners. “If we continue to do this we’re going to have real problems.” Sittre said he agreed “100 percent.” However, the county lacks ordinance or zoning powers that would give it authority in the matter. “With the rules we’ve got and the state fire codes there is nothing we can do,” Sittre said. The commissioners set Sept. 22 as the date for official action on the proposed Medina County tax rate. The general fund rate dropped from $.23688 per $100 valuation to $.23661. The debt service rate is dropping from $.0624 to $.0552 and the road and bridge rate is being reduced from $.0911 to $.083. Dates for public hearings on the proposed tax rates will be set on that date.
Thomas Weinkam, Jr. 61, Our Beloved Brother and Phenomenal Father, was called to his eternal resting place on September 6, 2022. He was an avid fan of the Washington Commanders formerly known as the Washington Redskins and truly loved his children and will be dearly missed. He entered this world on May 20, 1961 in Washington, D.C., born to Thomas Charles Weinkam, Sr. and Edna Thelma Nave. He is survived by his sons: Marshall Weinkam, Gabriel Lopez, Jonathan “J.T.” Weinkam, Ryan Weinkam, and daughter: Ruby Cardenas of Devine, TX; former spouse: Margot Rendon; sister: Marilyn (Gordon) Gentry of Devine, TX; brother: Ricky (Luci) Kay of Roanoke, VA and numerous nieces and nephews to include Chase Weinkam. A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, September 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Leonard Dossey officiating – 301 Pearson Street, Natalia, TX 78059. Services concluded at church and had a meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Natalia.
Mary Elizabeth Craig, 78, passed away on September 11, 2022 in Moore, TX surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 1, 1944 in Bigfoot, Texas to parents, Adolph and Iola Willms. Mary is survived by her loving husband, Tommy G. Craig; children David Smith, John Smith, Tommy E. Craig, Ann Craig, Joy Dillard, Pamela Craig, Jerrie Lucas, Douglas Craig; grandchildren, Kolbie, Kassadie, Lauren, Megan, Josh, Timothy, Thomas, Theodore, Ethan, Elizabeth, and Grace, Charles, Julia, Ty Lee, Matthew, Little Tommy, and Everett, great grandchildren Titan, Maddox, Mazy, Jeremiah, Raelynn, Kenzie, Matthew Jr, Mercedes, and Zachary. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.HurleyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home – Devine, 303 College Ave., Devine, TX 78016
Jose “Joe” M. Ayala, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2022. He was born on September 6, 1929 in San Diego, California, to Severo and Adela Ruiz Ayala He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as Corporal, during the Korean War. Jose was preceded in death by his wife, Guadalupe; parents, Severo and Adela Ayala. He is survived by daughters, Mary Parramore, and Laura Sanchez; 5 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren; and many sisters and brothers, who live in California. He was a family man who was extremely intelligent, worked hard and was a natural “fix it man.” He will be missed by his friends, but mostly by his family. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, September 19, 2022, 10:45 am, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, Texas 78209. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in Joe M. Ayala’s honor to the American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org/ Anyone wishing to sign the online guestbook, share memories or issue condolences to the family, may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home, 14822 North Main, Lytle, Texas 78052.
By Anton Riecher The only private citizen to attend the Sept. 8 Devine City Council workshop on the proposed 2022-2023 city budget voiced concern that a suggested cut in the tax rate might leave the city underfunded during financially risky times. Fred Morales told the council that cutting taxes now might mean steeper increases in the future. “I know everybody is super concerned about being conservative about how this (tax rate) number is set,” he said. “I just want to make sure everybody was putting a lot of thought into making sure there was going to be enough cash flow to accomplish the needs of the city.” A complete video of the council session is available on the Devine News YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiO7tQQKBnc. He also asked if the city had a financial advisor, looking at how to set the tax rate, to which the answer was unclear. The Devine City Council voted August 30 to set a preliminary 2022-2023 tax rate of $.4913 per $100 valuation, the so-called “split the difference” option midway between the current tax rate of $.5298 and the calculated no-new revenue tax rate of $.4527. However, the new tax rate, based on a valuation of $274.1 million, depends on the city staff finding at least $200,000 in cuts to its proposed “wish list” budget submitted to the council for consideration. If approved, the preliminary rate would be the lowest passed by the council since 1983, Mayor Cory Thompson said. Thompson told Morales that the feedback the council got at the Aug. 30 meeting indicated that in view of the escalating property valuations issued by the county this year, a rate cut was in order. “The feedback I’m getting is people are upset,” Thompson said. “Not just with us but the valuations from the county. They are just upset with all of it.” Morales said that reading of public sentiment was “absolutely correct.” “I can attest to that,” he said. But once the tax rate is cut increasing it to meet unforeseen future needs might become that much harder for the council,” Morales said. “The reason I’m asking is I’m just concerned about how that fits in with the city’s needs and how you feel things are going to be moving forward,” he said. A final decision on the tax rate remains pending. “Everybody is having to make due with less,” Thompson said. Council voted to approve a public hearing to further discuss the budget scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept 20 at the city council chambers at city hall.
Ricardo “Ricky” Campa is a Devine native, and graduated from DHS with the class of 1987.
By Kayleen Holder Editor Ricky Campa is a custodian at Devine Intermediate School, and friends are hosting a fundraiser to help Campa get a hip replacement. Juan Ricardo “Ricky” Campa is a Devine native and graduated from DHS with the class of 1987. Anyone who would like to help out can donate online or by mail. “Every day, Ricky arrives at work to sweep and mop the floors, clean the toilets, wipe down tables and take out the trash for the students and staff. When the custodian staff is shorthanded, not only does he tend to his own responsibilities, but he also helps fill in for the ones who are missing,” Mrs. Farrah Schueling said, a teacher at Devine Middle School who met Ricky while he filled in for another custodian at the Intermediate last year. “Despite the daunting workload, Ricky tends to it with a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Aside from his limp, you would never know that Ricky is in pain. For 3 ½ years, Ricky has been burdened with pain in his hip. Doctors have said that Ricky will need a full hip replacement surgery to relieve his pain,” Mrs. Schueling said. “Ricky is a humble faith-filled man who would never ask for financial help from anyone. Please donate to show your love and support for Ricky,” she adds. “Your donation will help pay for his surgery and any expenses that occur while he recovers.” In response to the fundraiser, Campa was very touched. “I was so surprised when they told me about what Mrs. Schueling was doing. Nobody has ever done anything like that for me. I want to thank her and everyone involved. My right hip has been bone on bone for a long time, but I just keep on going. I have worked all my life, for years as a carpenter and now as a custodian. The thought of a fundraiser never crossed my mind,” Mr. Campa said. “There are still a lot of caring people out there, and it’s a blessing from God that somebody would go out of their way to help me,” Mr. Campa said. You can donate using the go fund me that can be found on Mrs. Farrah Schueling’s facebook page, or you can mail a donation to Mr. Juan Ricardo “Ricky” Campa at 207 Crouch in Devine, TX 78016.
Owner Benjamin Salinas Jr. and his wife Vanessa own and operate the restaurant.
By Kathleen Calame Publisher If you are looking for a great burger or delicious food in downtown Devine now open is BEEF SAY WHAAAT!!! They are located in the red restaurant building at 201 1/2 W. Hondo, Devine across from South Texas Trophies and have an extensive menu using fresh local vegetables. I had the pleasure of interviewing the owners and sampling some foods this week. Owner Benjamin Salinas Jr. and his wife Vanessa own and operate the restaurant. He has 20 years of experience in the food business and got his start in Pearsall with a food truck, then a walk up style restaurant and now a sit down and dine in restaurant that also offers calling in to go orders. This month’s lunch special from 11am to 2pm for September is the popular Classic Double Cheeseburger for only $6.99 which includes a side of your choice from fries, onion rings or tots and a drink. In the afternoon from 2 to 6 pm they offer an after school and supper family special of 4 Hamburgers with a family side for only $27.99 which includes a choice of fries, onion rings or tots. “We have a lot of people who drive right by here in the afternoons after school so we thought we would offer a family meal deal for those on the go or don’t want to heat up the kitchen,” said Salinas. “We have people tell us all the time that ours is the best burger they have ever eaten. Which makes us happy. We only use 100% beef, no fillers. We do season them while they are cooking on the grill to give it that home cooked feel like mommas!” “Since we are an open kitchen, and I am behind the grill I can adapt an item to particular diets or needs, so diabetics sure appreciate that or people who prefer keto style meals and such. I aim to please and can adapt or cook just about anything. I love special orders and filling their requests.” “I hear country fried steak and gravy is a favorite of the locals. It is hand breaded and delicious, served with country style gravy and potatoes.” I got to sample the country fried steak, it was so delicious and so tender you can cut it with a fork, no knife even needed. I also got to sample the loaded baked potato fries. They were so good too, loaded with cheese, bacon bits, and drizzled with ranch on top. A great combination the two made along with a nice glass of sweet tea! They have an extensive menu with all sorts of specialty burgers from the classic to the popular avocado bacon cheeseburger to the Philly Cheese Steak on a bun to the unique Egg in a Hole Cheeseburger. On the menu is also all sorts of grilled or fried chicken burgers, fajita burgers, tenders hand breaded and sandwiches. For deserts they have funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and fried banana moon pie amongst all kinds of unique desserts on special days. During football season they offer bone-in wings with hand crafted sauces, also a big hit with the locals. Appetizers include fried pickles, bacon cheese fries, chili cheese fries, and baked potato fries. Kids meals range from chicken tenders (hand-breaded), chicken bites, grilled cheese and of course hamburgers. See their advertisement in this week’s Devine News for more details.
Andrew Friedman, representing SAMCO Capital Markets, reviews the details of an $8.5 million bond sale to finance water and sewer improvements with the Lytle City Council during their Monday (Sept. 12) meeting.
By Anton Riecher The Lytle City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve the sale of $8.5 million in certificates of obligation, the majority of which will be used to finance water and sewer improvements. On a motion by District 3 Alderman David Emery, seconded by District 2 Alderman Sam Cortez, the council voted to sell the certificates amortized over 20 years at a 3.94 percent interest rate. The sale closes on Sept. 28. To see full video of the latest Lytle City Council session visit the Devine News channel on YouTube at youtube.com/channel/UC5NvVUNwMPeR-VVmLSKY-Ng. Andrew Friedman, representing SAMCO Capital Markets, the city’s financial advisor, told the aldermen that the sale required establishing a credit rating for the city. “We went through a rating process with Standard and Poor’s,” Friedman said. “They look at not only audited financials but also want to get a sense of who Lytle, Texas, is on top of what you can read on paper.” As a result, the city attained a strong AA- credit rating, the highest rating possible is AAA, followed by AA+, AA and AA-, Friedman said. “When you drop below that you have to go out to pay for municipal bond insurance,” Friedman said. “We were able to avoid that.” City Administrator Matt Dear told the council that $6.1 million of the certificate sale will go toward water system improvements, including building a water tower to feed a new looped water system. The certificates will also finance a $1.4 million sewer plant project. Aside from utilities, $1 million will be designated for streets and sidewalks, Dear said. A portion of the debt will be paid from the interest and sinking (I&S) portion of the city tax rate, Friedman said. However, the $7.5 million going to water and sewer improvements will be repaid from revenues generated by the city’s utility system rates. Emery questioned Friedman about whether the debt could be refinanced if interest rates improve in the future. Friedman replied that the current rates would be “locked in” until February 2031 when the certificates can either be purchased from the investors using cash or the interest rates can be renegotiated. In other business, the council voted to table action on proposals to address traffic issues on Lytle-Somerset Street, including the use of speed humps to slow vehicles. Dear informed the council that state law requires an official study by a traffic engineer. Without state sanction, anyone who damages their vehicle going over a speed hump could potentially have a legal claim against the city, Dear said. In 2021, a plan calling for six speed humps and appropriate signage was estimated to cost at least $10,000, he said. With inflation, that price is now calculated to be at least $15,500, Dear said. A motion by District 4 Alderman Michael Rodriguez to table the matter until public sentiment about adding speed humps passed 4-1. District 5 Alderman Charles Cate, a reservist presently serving overseas, monitored the meeting by internet and voted against tabling the action. Lake Shore Estates resident Trace Joyce once again addressed the council regarding flooding in the subdivision. Joyce reported that his home flooded in 2010 and has been threatened by rising water several times since. Dear said he has filed a request for quotes from engineering firms in hopes to negotiate a price for the project. It is also under legal review, he said. “Realistically, this project will probably take a year or two,” Dear said. Resolving drainage issues that stretch back to the beginning of the subdivision is not going to be cheap either. Joyce asked if the city might have legal recourse against the engineering firm that developed the initial drainage plan for the subdivision. Action on the item was tabled pending further research into the exact cause of the flooding. On a motion by Emery, seconded by Rodriguez, the council voted to enter into an amended and restated solid waste contract with Waste Management, Inc., a waste and environmental services company. Also on a motion by Emery, seconded by Cortez, the council voted to enter into a one-year extension of the CPS Energy gas systems contract.
Lytle increases rates At the September 12 meeting, the City of Lytle voted to increase water/sewer rates. See details in public notice on page 13 this week.
