McAllen News, McAllen TX News, McAllen Commission Meeting
Arnoldo Mata
McAllen, TX - McAllen city commissioners opened the new year Monday by approving rezoning requests, awarding a stormwater infrastructure contract and calling a special election to fill a vacant seat on the commission during their Jan. 12 meeting at City Hall.
Workshop preceded regular meeting
As is the practice of the McAllen City Commission, the commissioners and staff took part in a workshop at 4 pm before the official 5 pm City Commission meeting. It was during the workshop that staff presented on most of the topics on the City Commission agenda. This allows Commissioners to ask questions before the meeting.
Public hearings on zoning, permits
Commissioners approved a rezoning request at 1001 Ash Ave., near 10th Street, changing the property classification from C-3 to C-2. A second rezoning item on the agenda was withdrawn by the applicant prior to consideration.
The commission also approved a conditional use permit for Eddie’s Tavern at 400 Ana St. No speakers addressed the commission in opposition to the zoning or permit requests. Following the public hearing, commissioners voted to amend the city’s zoning ordinance to reflect the changes.
Consent agenda approved
The commission approved the consent agenda, which included multiple routine items, without pulling any individual items for separate discussion. This included an increase in fees at Champion Lakes Golf Course.
Readers can see the new schedule in the link below,
Stormwater pump bypass project awarded
Commissioners voted to award a contract for stormwater pump bypass stations 254 BL and 255 to Go Underground LLC of Harlingen. The project involves modifications to existing stormwater infrastructure north of the International Boundary and Water Commission levees.
The contract was awarded to the lowest responsive bidder in the amount of $516,152.91, with a project completion time not to exceed 100 days. City staff and the engineer of record recommended approval.
Special election set for District 5
The commission approved an ordinance calling a special election on May 2, 2026, to fill the unexpired term for the District 5 city commission seat. The position is open as Commissioner Victor “Seby” Haddad resigned to run for Texas House of Representatives District 41. However, the city charter permits Haddad to continue serving in the position until it is filled in the May election.
Candidate filing and election timeline
According to city documents, the last day to file for a place on the special election ballot is Friday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. Early voting is scheduled to run from April 20 through April 28, with polls open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early voting locations will include the Fireman’s Pump House, Lark Community Center and Palm View Community Center.
Election Day details and possible runoff
On Election Day, District 5 voters will cast ballots at McAllen High School, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The ordinance also authorizes the appointment of presiding judges and alternate judges for early voting and Election Day.
A runoff election date would be announced if no candidate receives the required majority of votes.
Upcoming planning discussions
City staff informed commissioners that several major planning items will be presented in upcoming meetings, including updates on City Hall design, a downtown master plan, parks master plans and a convention center master plan. Commissioners discussed the possibility of holding special or workshop meetings, potentially during lunchtime, to allow for more in-depth discussions.
The Commission then went into executive session. After returning to open session, the Commission voted “to allow the mayor, city manager and city attorney to proceed as described in executive session,” on the following items:
· Discussion and possible lease, sale or purchase of real property, Tracts 1. Tex. Gov’t. Code §551.072.
· Consideration of Economic Development matters. Tex. Gov’t. Code §551.087.
· Consultation with City Attorney regarding legal aspects of newly effective legislation. Tex. Gov’t. Code §551.071.
· Consultation with City Attorney regarding legal aspects of contracts. Tex. Gov’t. Code §551.071.
No details were provided on what specific actions had been agreed to in the closed-door session. The meeting was then adjourned.