Edinburg council names Ben Alonso interim city attorney as Josie Ramirez-Solis departs for county post
Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, City Council, city attorney, public comments
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX – The Edinburg City Council on March 5 appointed Deputy City Attorney Ben Alonso as interim city attorney after announcing the resignation of City Attorney Josephine “Josie” Ramirez-Solis, who will leave the position to become a deputy county administrator. The council also approved development variances for the Sapphire at La Sienna subdivision and heard several public comments on city issues and upcoming community events.
City attorney transition
The council addressed the change following an executive session, when Mayor Omar Ochoa announced that Ramirez-Solis would soon depart the city. “We heard the news that Ms. Josie Dedes, our current city attorney will be going on to for the county as a deputy county administrator,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa congratulated Ramirez-Solis and thanked her for her service to the city. “We’re very excited for you. We hate to be losing you,” he said. “We really wish you could stay, but I know this is an opportunity for you.”
Ramirez-Solis briefly addressed the council after the announcement. “Thank you. Thank you, mayor and council. I appreciate it,” she said.
Ochoa then recommended Alonso, the city’s deputy city attorney, to serve as interim city attorney beginning April 3, which he said would be Ramirez-Solis’ final day with the city. The council unanimously approved the appointment and authorized the city manager to negotiate a contract with Alonso.
Council members praised Alonso’s work with the city before the vote.
“Thank you for all your hard work, Ben,” one council member said. “You’ve seen the workload and you’re willing to do it. Thank you very much for your sacrifice and all your hard work.”
Mayor’s report and city events
Earlier in the meeting, Ochoa promoted upcoming city events during the mayor’s report, including the Hometown of Heroes Half Marathon. “It is a wonderful race,” he said, noting the event would recognize veterans and community members at each mile marker along the 13-mile course.
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronnie Larralde also addressed the council about Fiesta Edinburg, a four-day event held at Bert Ogden Arena.
“You don’t have to leave Edinburgh to have quality entertainment,” Larralde said while describing the carnival, food vendors, music and wrestling events scheduled during the festival.
The council later approved a $20,000 sponsorship from the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation for the Fiesta Edinburg Music Festival.
Municipal court program
Municipal Court representative Marie V. E. Velasquez informed the council about the city’s municipal court amnesty program, which began Feb. 23 and runs through April 30.
“We are waiving the failure to appear or the violate promise to appear also, which is about $185,” Velasquez said, adding that residents with outstanding warrants or fines could resolve cases by paying the original offense amount or arranging payment plans.
Velasquez also announced a mobile court outreach docket scheduled March 6 at 700 South Veterans in Edinburg from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., where a judge and court staff would assist residents with pending cases.
Recognitions and retirements
The council recognized two longtime city employees for their service. Juan Jose Flores, systems manager for the Utility Systems Department, retired after 35 years with the city.
“I just want thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve this great city,” Flores said, while also thanking coworkers and departments he worked with during his career.
City staff described Flores as a key resource on the city’s water and sewer infrastructure. One official recalled that Flores could identify the location of underground lines from memory and said he was known as “the mainframe” for his knowledge of the system.
The council also recognized police officer Joel Polito, who retired after 28 years with the Edinburg Police Department.
“One thing I really took great pride is customer service. Make sure that I serve the city well,” Polito said, adding that he assisted in 26 murder investigations during his career. “It brings me a closure to them, the loss of their loved one.”
Youth volleyball recognition
The council also presented a proclamation to the RGV Flames 11U Black volleyball team for winning first place at the seventh annual Capelli 210 Countdown Classic tournament in San Antonio.
A team representative told the council the club has operated in Edinburg for 16 years and supports athletes ages 6 through 18.
“I’m very proud,” he said while praising the players and coaches.
Another speaker noted that several team members began playing sports through the city’s parks and recreation programs before joining the club.
Public comments
Three public comments were presented during the meeting.
Daniel Hernandez addressed storm water inspection practices in residential subdivisions. Hernandez said he previously raised concerns about debris and construction runoff affecting city streets and storm drains.
“I’m glad the city is doing inspections like that to keep our storm sewers clean of trash and debris,” Hernandez said, adding that he appreciated the city’s permitting staff for helping residents address issues with builders.
Diane Teeter spoke about city finances, the downtown parking garage project and water infrastructure. “This garage isn’t just a place to park, it’s an economic engine,” Teeter said while defending the project as a long-term investment.
Teeter also referenced rising water rates and long-term water supply concerns tied to conditions along the Rio Grande.
Representatives from Team Mario also addressed the council to invite the community to the organization’s 11th annual Superheroes 5K for Autism Awareness and Buddy Fun Walk scheduled April 11 at Edinburg Municipal Park.
“This event helps raise autism awareness and celebrates our community,” said speaker Joe Chavez. Jayce Reiner added the event would feature “tons of resources and many agencies,” while Benny Salinas III told the council, “We would be honored if you join us and help support autism awareness.”
Development variances
The council also considered variance requests for the Sapphire at La Sienna subdivision that would reduce required side-yard setbacks from 6 feet to 5 feet for phases 2 and 3 of the development.
City planning staff recommended denial of the request due to safety concerns related to homes being built closer together.
“We have these rules for a reason,” Ochoa said while questioning whether the change could increase the risk of fire spreading between homes.
Edinburg Fire Chief Omar Garza said homes would still be required to meet building code standards. “It’s not completely eliminated, but it does help reduce the spread of fire from one home to the other,” the fire chief said.
Representatives for the developer said the variance was needed because of curved street layouts and roof overhang designs affecting setback lines. The council ultimately approved the variances for both phases.
Consent agenda and closing actions
The council also approved several ordinances tied to longstanding city events and later approved the consent agenda covering routine city business.
After the executive session discussion and the appointment of the interim city attorney, the council adjourned the meeting.
Source — City of Edinburg.