Natalia City Council members Mike Fernandez, Sam Smith, and Selica Vera were each sworn in for additional two-year terms at the Council meeting held Monday, Nov. 19.
The three Council members were unopposed in their re-election bids.
Smith was also unanimously elected to serve another one-year term as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Council members Chip Bluemel and Darin Frazier were also at the meeting, as was Mayor Tommy Ortiz.
Fire Marshal
Robert Juarez was unanimously appointed Fire Marshal for the City on a Fernandez-Vera motion.
City Administrator Lisa Hernandez explained that Juarez will provide the City with fire prevention inspections, fire plan reviews, and investigate if a building burns down. He will also be able to certify that a building is dilapidated and unlivable and needs to be demolished.
Other business
The 2018 Comprehensive Master Plan contract is closing at the end of the month, and has been sent to the Texas Department of Agriculture for the approval of the release of funds.
Hernandez said that she and Natalia Municipal Development District Chair Ruby Vera are looking at a geographic information system (GIS) for the City, similar to what is used by the Medina County Appraisal District.
The Appraisal District’s GIS allows users to click on a piece of property on an interactive map and view details of that property, such as its classification and what utilities are available.
“It will help both the economic development district and the City as well,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said the City has pre-approval to proceed with procuring consulting management services for the 2018 HOME Program. Langford Community Management Services, the consulting firm the City of Devine uses for the HOME Program, has expressed interest in representing Natalia as well. The application period ends Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 pm.
The City offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 for Thanksgiving.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer
