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by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

02-28-25

Uvalde Mayor Hector Luevano put the brakes on approving a continuing Disaster Declaration tied to the Illegal Immigration from the U.S. Mexico Border. “They’re not coming in,” Luevano said referring the flow of migrants crossing the U.S. Mexico Border. ” I don’t see where the migrants are present here and the danger to our residents.

  Uvalde City Mayor Hector R. Luevano refused continuing a local Disaster Declaration which would affect the City’s ability to receive needed Federal Grant Funding used by the local police department. Luevano objected to the wording of the Declaration and also questioned if an immigration crisis is affecting the city.

  Assistant Chief of Police Mike Davis stated that the department is still dealing with illegal narcotics and human trafficking incidents and affirmed that disaster is continuing to put the community at risk.   

  Uvalde City Councilman Chip King said the Operation Lonestar Grant which the City of Uvalde Police Department benefits is dependent on the Declaration. 

  Luevano said he keeps in contact with the U.S. Border Patrol office each day and does not believe Uvalde is experiencing a crisis due to undocumented migrants coming through the town. 

  He went on to say that he wants the City to get all the Federal grant funds it can but not by making a disaster declaration he does not think is factual. 

After a long discussion, the Council voted to table the agenda item until the next City Council meeting.

 

 

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City Manager Vince DiPiazza proposed a $2,500 net or 5% additional pay increase.

“The cost of doing business is continuing to go up.” Mayor Don McLaughlin said.
City Manager Vince DiPiazza stated, “We are in a good enough shape to absorb the increase.”
Mayor Mclaughlin also said, “We want to send a message to our people we’re going to take care of them.”

Mayor McLaughlin went on to joke, “We (the city) can always absorb Highway 83 and Highway 90 and create a toll road.”

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According to Honey Festival Organizer Lacie Huddleston, the council seemed very supportive of the Uvalde Honey Festival during the discussion of the issue.

Following the meeting, Councilman Chip King said, “We think any festival that draws our citizens and people from out our town deserve our 100% support and they need to be able to grow.”

King went on to say, “The Honey Festival draws on our history and I hope it can grow and become a sustained annual event.”

In other business, the City Council approved awarding a bid for a project to repair turret roof, gutter structure at the Uvalde Grand Opera House.

When asked when the work on the Opera House might start, King said, “I hear it should be very quick as they can schedule (it) soon. Plus, we should be moving in the next few months on having the entire structure repainted.

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By Michael Robinson

After discussion of a request made by Langtry Walker from Walker Disposal, the Uvalde City Council voted to deny the request at the Tuesday, February 8th meeting.

Walker addressed the council stating he was “turned around from utilizing the city landfill due to being a business.”

Juan Zamorra, the City Director of Public Works for the City, stated that other businesses have approached over the years with roll-offs but have been rejected. “The issue was decided many years ago.” He said.

Walker followed Zamorra’s statements with his own.

“Multiple businesses already use the landfill for commercial purposes. Walker said.

He went on to say to the council he’s seen the roll-off trailers.

Wikipedia: Roll Off :

In North America, a roll-off is a usually open top dumpster characterized by a rectangular footprint, utilizing wheels to facilitate rolling the dumpster in place. The container is designed to be transported by special roll-off trucks. There are two types of delivery trucks for the bins based on bin size and they are: Hook lift bins and Roll-off bins Roll-offs are commonly used to contain loads of construction and demolition waste or other waste types. Source

Zamorra indicated with a gesture that was not the case.

“You have cameras: check them.” Walker said.

In a response to Walker’s request, Mayor Don McLaughlin said, “It’s rotten timing.” Mayor Don McLaughlin said, in reference to the previous City Council landfill policy decision made on January 25th, 2022.

According the approved minutes from the January 25th, 2022 Uvalde City Council meeting, it reads:

Consider changes to monthly clean-up service. 6.B. 6.C. 6.D.

Juan Zamora, Director of Public Works explained to Mayor and Council that the monthly clean—up takes place every first Saturday of the month. This event has been provided for the citizens of Uvalde from the past 12 years give or take. There have been instances in which individuals abuse the monthly clean-up and take multiple large loads to the landfill. Due to that and limited landfill space, Mr. Zamora is proposing to change the monthly clean-up to a quarterly clean-up. Space at the landfill is limited and according to last year’s report, there are approximately 5 years of land life left. Staff Is working on proper documentation for obtaining more land, hoping that in the next 6 months there should be a draft permit to submit. Motion to approve item 6A and change monthly clean-up to a quarterly clean—up made by Councilman Chip King. Motion seconded by Councilman Stephen Balke. Motion carried 6-0.

The municipal landfill is located at 3774 FM 381 in Uvalde, Texas 78801

After the February 14th City Council meeting, Langtry Walker responded via an email request for additional comments by the Uvalde Hesperian.

He wrote, “We do pick up from county residents. The only difference I have between the county and their trash pick up is I go to the people and they pay me monthly to use a can or dumpster or a roll off. I serve everywhere in Uvalde County except for the city limits of Uvalde, I was told I was not allowed in the city limits.”

“In my opinion if the city is so concerned they should kick everyone out besides city residents. That includes the county, county residents, and outside businesses. Other businesses going in there with construction waste are fine to them according to the dump supervisor, however my business is singled out because I haul “municipal waste” according to TCEQ definition.” Walker wrote.

In a follow-up phone conversation with Mayor Don McLaughlin, He said, “His (Walker’s) timing was just bad. We have the additional (landfill) cell, we just have to get it approved by the TEQ.” (Texas Commission for Environmental Quality)

Saturday, February 19th, 2022

Supplemental Information about the Uvalde Landfill from Uvalde City Manager Vince DiPiazza

“As for who, it’s Uvalde residents and businesses, of course, and our collection operation that services the city and some of the area around the city. Individual county residents are welcome to dispose of waste, as well as the waste that comes from the drop-off locations that the county operates. No commercial haulers from the county or beyond.

The basic charge for disposal at the landfill is $45 per ton.

You are correct in stating that the monthly free disposal offered to city residents was changed from monthly to quarterly.

The landfill site is about 118 acres. That is not all disposal area, but includes staging, processing, and stockpiling, too.”

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