Here are some of highlights from the most recent McAllen City Commission meeting, held on January 23, 2012.
Performing Arts Center
Commissioners postponed signing a contract for architectural design services for a new performing arts center, until they can review the contract with ERO Architects further. City leaders still need to secure funding for the new facility. In the next couple of months, the elected officials will have to decide when to put up the old Civic Center site up for sale and what parameters they should include with the sale.
Cinch Connectors, Inc.
A resolution nominating Cinch Connectors, Incorporated as a qualified business and enterprise project was approved. The company is considering a manufacturing plant in McAllen that would create 50 new jobs, to open.
Bicentennial Boulevard Construction
Bicentennial Boulevard, between Dove Avenue and Trenton Road is about to be striped and could be opened in the next month, barring any delays. Construction for the hike and bike trail along that stretch of road is also underway and will extend beyond Trenton Road to the Morris regional detention facility (RDF).
29th and Wisteria Drainage Improvements
Drainage improvements at 29th Street and Wisteria, near Zinnia Park, are still underway and are expected to be completed by late February or early March. The spray ground at Zinnia park is down while construction is underway and should re-open by spring break.
Discovery Center
An update on the Discovery Center at Quinta Mazatlan shows completion by the end of February.
Palm View Water Park
Bids for construction on the Palm View Spray Park are expected to go out in February.
Deleon Soccer Fields
Designs for additional soccer fields at Deleon Middle School park are still being developed. City staff will go out for construction bids in June.
ERP
The City is launching its financial procurement system on February 1. City staff members have been meeting with vendors to prep for the change.
Crime Report
Chief Rodriguez also presented the 2011 crime estimates to the City Commission, announcing the lowest crime stats in McAllen, in 21 years. View the full report on Mcallen.net.
If you missed this city commission meeting, look for repeats on MCN digital channel 17.12, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6 am and 11 am, and 6 pm and 11 pm. You can also download video clips of agenda items of your interest on mcallen.net.