January 3, 2018

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487-2440

Dr. Angie Ramirez Therapeutic Optometrist

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Vol. 33, No. 1 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 3, 2018 Office (956) 487-6544 - Fax (956) 487-6165 - E-Mail: sctc78582@aol.com - www.starrcountytowncrier.com

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The Starr County Town Crier is happy to celebrate its 32nd year of existence. The Town Crier launched operations with its first issue on January 1, 1986.

The Town Crier’s founders are Lino Canales, Jr. and his wife Becky. Lino Canales emphasized, “We’ve had a lot of people who have helped us grow over the years. We feel very fortunate to

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Starr County Town Crier Roma ISD State of District Pays Tribute to Past, Celebrates Future nd Celebrates 32 Anniversary

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still be growing after 32 years.

At this point, we have the largest circulation of any newspaper in Starr County. We’re very hopeful about the future.”

Canales commented, “We’re trying to give the public a first class newspaper. We do thank all our advertisers and readers for being so loyal and supportive over all these years. THANK YOU!!!”

Ringgold Middle School Held Their Taekwondo Belting Ceremony

Roma ISD held its annual State of the District report highlighting the many successes of our 6,400+ students. As Superintendent Carlos Guzman said, “We are showing the state and nation what is possible through our commitment to excellence and focus on high standards. The state of Texas knows who the Gladiator Nation is and our voices are ringing out loud and clear across this great state!”

As part of the festivities, the district took the opportunity to reflect on its history and set the bar high for future student Punches flew and kicks were delivered at the Ringgold Middle School Taekwondo Belting Ceremony held achievement. By proclamation, at the cafetorium. Mr. Miana’s Taekwondo students had been preparing for this for weeks, and with their parents in the audience, students were promoted to the next belt after completing a series of exercises that demonstrated their skills. Congratulations to all!

RGC High School Mariachi Cascabel Received a Superior Rating at Competition

Congratulations goes out to Mariachi Cascabel from Rio Grande City High School for receiving a Superior rating of Division 1 from all three judges at the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators Area Competition that was held at Edcouch Elsa. They will now be advancing to the Mariachi State Finals Contest which will be held at UTRGV on February 10th. We wish them the best of luck!

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the district formally retired the jerseys of Mighty Roma Gladiator Basketball players who made AllState Teams including #40 Juan Manuel Escobar (made team in 1969), #20 Jesus O. Guerra Jr. (made team in 1970, 1971 and 1972), #42 Wenceslao Garcia (made team in 1972) and #3 Eduardo Lopez (made team in 2002). The proclamation provides that any future basketball player who makes an All-State Team will also be honored in similar fashion by having their jersey number retired and hung in the Roma High School Gym. ROMA ISD, page 4

VMS Mariachi Juvenil de America Received Superior Rating at Competition

Congratulations to Veterans Middle School Mariachi Juvenil de America for receiving a Superior rating of Division 1 from all three judges at the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators Area Competition that was held at Edcouch Elsa.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 2

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 3

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 4

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 3RD - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †BLANCA ELIZABETH REYNA (18TH AN.) by Sister THURSDAY JANUARY 4TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE FRIDAY JANUARY 5TH - I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †REYNALDO G. REYNA (16TH AN.)

by Family †REYNA DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS by Family †G.M. CASTAÑEDA, JR.

by W.O.W. Magnolia Chapter 6167 SATURDAY JANUARY 6TH - I.C.C. 5:00 P.M. †IGNACIA G. GUTIERREZ (AN.) by Family

†MARIA DE LOURDES FLORES DE RIOS (5TH AN.) by Su Familia †GUADALUPE CASTAÑEDA, JR.

by Mr. & Mrs. Javier D. Margo †ALCADIO SANCHEZ & SANJUANA GARCIA by Familia Sanchez-Perez †DOMINGO V. PEÑA

by Su Esposa SUNDAY JANUARY 7TH - I.C.C. 7:00 A.M. †ROEL GONZALEZ (3RD AN.)

by Wife & Family SUNDAY SACRED HEART/LOS GARCIA 9:00 A.M. †PAULITA BARBA (26TH AN.)

by Barba Family †DANIEL ALBERTO GOMEZ, JR.

by Mom & Dad †NELDA SANTA MARIA

by Family

SUNDAY JANUARY 7TH - I.C.C. 11:00 A.M. †JOEL F. SALINAS

by Family †THELMA RONQUILLO

by Patiño Family †SIMEONA PEREZ by Perez Family †CRISANTO GUERRA, III (9TH AN.)

by Wife & Kids †SAMANTHA JO MARIA

by Lizbie & Bernie Brown †LEONARDO PEREZ, SR.

by Gloria P. Canales & Family 1:00 P.M. PRO POPULO - MASS SAID FOR THE PEOPLE 5:00 P.M. ACCION DE GRACIAS POR SAGRADO CORAZON by Minerva Villarreal

ROMA ISD Continued from Front Page “We moved on honoring these gentlemen because it felt like the right thing to do as we enter the celebration of Roma ISD’s 70th anniversary as another important way to preserve and honor our

history,” said Roma ISD School Board President Raul P. Moreno Jr. “We also want current and future students to see what these men accomplished academically and as basketball players, and

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know that one day that could be them if they work hard enough and stay committed to their studies and their athletics because we know that one does know happen without the other.

It was a great moment honoring these gentlemen whom many of my peers looked up to growing up. I know they will be great role models for our children and I’m so happy we were able to make this happen.”

Roma ISD also took the opportunity during the State of the District to showcase the Department of Special Education. All special education students from across the district participated in an art project to

create a holiday gift for school board members. Each board member was presented with a clipboard with a unique painting featuring the fingerprints of Roma ISD Special Education Department students. Students were also on hand to present the gifts to the board members and celebrate the end of a busy semester.

Concluding the evening was a special performance by the Roma High School Conjunto Los Cardenales, which played several selections to entertain the school district employees and guests.

Thanks also goes to the Roma High School National Honor Society and Milton Barrera, Roma High School teacher, for hosting activities during the evening.

MONDAY JANUARY 8TH – I.C.C. 6:00 P.M. †LEONEL ALANIS

by Wife Carolina Alanis †SAMANTHA JO MARIA

by Familia Mascorro †EDNA M. HERNANDEZ

by Husband, Son & Family †ALICIA G. GARCIA (16TH AN.)

by Family TUESDAY JANUARY 9TH - I.C.C. 6:30 A.M. †FRANCISCO GOMEZ, JR, (30TH AN.)

by Parents †DAVID FELIPE SANCHEZ (35TH AN.)

by Dolores & Francisco Gomez & Family †SAMANTHA JO MARIA

by Vela Family

Rio Grande City High School Student Participated in Toy Drive

A toy drive was held at Vannie Cook Children’s Clinic. Britney A. Lemmings a senior at Rio Grande City High School along with her friends, hand delivered toys to all the children at the clinic. Britney would like to thank Ms. Krystal Garcia Substance Abuse/ Prevention Intervention Specialist for organizing the toy drive. A special thanks to counselors, the Transportation Department, SCAN, Super Kidz, Students Services, Prestige, and all who graciously donated toys for Britney to provide to patients and families at the Vannie Cook Clinic.

The Gladiator Nation mourns the loss of former Roma ISD School Board Member Roque Rosales

The Gladiator Nation mourns the loss of former Roma ISD School Board Member (1997 – 2013) and Mighty Gladiator Alum Roque Rosales.

He passed away Dec. 31, 2017 in the presence of his family. The entire Gladiator Nation would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and extend our great thanks for allowing us to share Mr. Rosales’ time and hard work on behalf of our community, which has greatly benefited generations of students. During and after his tenure on the board he was a strong advocate for our students and was a constant fixture on the Gladiator stands during many games. Rosales was frequently an attendee at Veterans Day activities at schools across the district, sharing his experiences as a Veteran to help students understand sacrifice and courage in the face of adversity. Until we meet again Mr. Rosales, know the Gladiator Nation will carry your memory in our hearts.

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 5

Starr County Judge and Commissioners Attend Veterans Middle School Students COL. Barrera Donated Washer 2017 AgriLife Continuing Education Conference of the Month For November 2017 and Dryer to Casa de Esperanza The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in District 12 hosted its annual Continuing Education Conference for County Judges and Commissioners at the Embassy Suites Hotel-Laredo.

Attending from Starr County was county Commissioner Raul Peña.

A wide range of topics of special interest to South Texas officials was the main focus of the program.

Warren “Country” Weidler, Search & Rescue Coordinator with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, provided an update on local government experiences with Hurricanes Ike & Harvey in seeking and securing state and federal assistance in emergency response, and recovery efforts along with a status on the Commission to Rebuild Texas.

The Honorable Eddie Lucio, Jr., State Senator, District 27, provided attending members with an overview of the recent session and his views on state laws affecting county government as the Chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Jim Allison, Allison, Bass, & Magee, L.L.P. and Legal Counsel for the County Judges & Commissioners Association of Texas provided valuable information on issues and priorities to be discussed during the upcoming legislative session.

Mary Ann Saenz-Thompson, HR Specialist with the Texas Association of Counties provided an update on Department of Labor changes and strategies to ensure employee productivity and reduce risk and liability to counties including recent issues related to discrimination and harassment.

The conference offered 5.5 continuing education units approved and provided by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, but a big draw was the information and networking the event provides to

those attending this annual event in South District 12.

County elected officials are so busy tending to the day to day duties of the job, but this conference is often the only opportunity they get to meet their counterparts, relationships that one day may be of huge benefit if they ever have to call on each other for assistance or AgriLife, page 7

Veterans Middle School is proud to announce the VMS Students of the Month for November 2017. These students were selected based on academic achievement and superior character traits. Congratulations to these students for promoting and taking pride in Veterans Middle School and in themselves! Pictured above is Mr. Enrique Cantu, VMS Principal, congratulating the Students of the Month for November: Mia Garcia, Raul Portillo, Allison Guerra, Derek Ramirez, Rolando Ramirez (not pictured), Victoria Garcia, and Mariela Rodriguez.

Juan Garcia Manager

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Yolanda Morado Starr County Extension Agent who serves on the Continuing Education Committee is pictured with Commissioner Raul Pena.

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Casa de Esperanza a non-profit organization which provides free meals to the needy received a Christmas gift from a local veteran who has returned to his roots in Rio Grande City. Army Colonel (Retired) Ross Barrera a RGC High School Class of 1984 graduate donated a brand new washer and dryer to Casa Esperanza. COL Barrera had asked Director of Casa Esperanza Mr. Albert Escobedo on what he needed most for the expansion of the center. Mr. Escobedo mentioned that a washer and dryer is in need to help those who require minimal laundry services.

COL Barrera did not hesitate and donated the washer and dryer to the center. Photo (left to right: Mr. Albert Escobedo and COL Ross Barrera)

Jocelyn Rodriguez CSR

Alejandra Tello Manager

Claudia Alaniz CSR

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 6

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROMA, TEXAS A Public Hearing is scheduled before the City Council of the City of Roma, Texas on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at the Roma City Hall City Council Chambers, 77 Convent Street, Roma, Texas, in order to receive citizen comment on the City’s adoption of the Municipal Drainage Utility Systems Act, Subchapter C, Chapter 552 of the Texas Local Government Code, on the declaration that drainage in the City of Roma is a public utility, and on the levy of drainage charges.

The proposed Ordinance is as follows: PROPOSED ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROMA, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (UTILITIES) OF THE CITY OF ROMA CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE VI (MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE UTILITY SYSTEM); ESTABLISHING A FEE SCHEDULE; EXEMPTIONS; AN APPEALS PROCESS; AND REMEDIES FOR NONPAYMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT; SAVINGS; SEVERABILITY; REPEALER; EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Roma, Texas (“City Council”) has investigated and finds that it would be in the best interest of the City of Roma (“City”) and its citizens to adopt a Municipal Drainage Utility System; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the adoption of a Municipal Drainage Utility System will promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council has the authority, pursuant to Chapter 552, Subchapter C, Texas Local Government Code, as amended (“Act”) to adopt a Municipal Drainage Utility System in accordance with the procedures and requirements set out in the Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the drainage of the City is a public utility within the meaning of the Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the service area of the Municipal Drainage Utility System shall be the area within the City limits of the City (“Service Area”); and WHEREAS, the City Councils finds that the City, pursuant to this Ordinance, will establish a schedule of drainage charges against all real property in the Service Area subject to the charges under this Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the City will provide drainage for all real property in the Service Area on payment of drainage charges, except real property exempted from the Act; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the City will offer drainage service on nondiscriminatory, reasonable, and equitable terms; and WHEREAS, the City Council published notice in the a newspaper of general circulation in the City stating the time and place of the public hearing to consider the adoption of this Ordinance declaring the drainage in the City is a public utility and to consider a schedule of drainage charges provided in this Ordinance, with the notice being published three times before the date of the public hearing, with the first publication occurring on or before the 30th day before the date of the public hearing; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROMA TEXAS, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I FINDINS OF FACT All of the above facts and recitations in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby found to be true and correct legislative and factual findings of the City of Roma and are hereby approved and incorporated into the body of this Ordinance as if copied in their entirety.

SECTION II ESTABLISHMENT OF A MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE UTILITY SYSTEM Chapter 90 (Utilities), of the City of Roma Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to add a new Article VI (Municipal Utility Drainage System) as follows: “ARTICLE VI. MUNICIPAL DRAINAGE UTILITY SYSTEM Sec. 90-301. – Municipal Drainage Utility System Established. (a) The City hereby adopts and fully implements the Municipal Drainage Utility

Systems Act, Chapter 552, Subchapter C, Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the “Act”).

The City hereby declares, following statutorilymandated public hearings, that a municipal drainage utility is established and created under the Act and is a public utility. (b) The City dedicates to its drainage utility all City-owned property, facilities, materials, and supplies constituting the City’s drainage system as of the effective date. All future acquisitions or real and personal property by the City related to drainage shall be maintained as a part of the City’s Municipal Drainage Utility System.

Sec. 90-302. – Drainage Services Provided.

Except for exempted properties, the City shall provide drainage systems for real property with the Service Area upon payment of the Monthly Drainage Utility Charge, as that term is defined by Section 90-308 of this Article. The Service Area shall be the area within the City limits of the City.

Sec. 90-303 – Exemptions (a) Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 580.003(a), a state agency, and a public or private institution of higher education shall be exempt from payment of the Monthly Drainage Utility Charge for the development and maintenance of programs or facilities for the control of excess water or storm water. (b) Any property to which a mandatory exemption under Texas Local Government Code § 552.053 applies is exempt from payment of the Monthly Drainage Utility Charge, including without limitation: (1) property with proper construction and maintenance of a wholly sufficient and privately owned drainage system; (2) property held and maintained in its natural state, until such time that the property is developed and all of the public infrastructure constructed has been accepted by the municipality in which the property is located for maintenance; and (3) a subdivided lot, until a structure has been built on the lot and a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the municipality in which the property is located. (c) Any property owned or leased by the City is exempt from payment of the Monthly Drainage Utility Charge. (d) If the owner of property asserts that such property is exempt pursuant to this Section 90-303 or any other applicable law, the property owner has the burden to assert such exemption by filing notice of eligibility for the exemption with sufficient evidence of entitlement to such exemption with the City Administrator. If the exemption is not granted, the decision may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with Section 90-308(f).

Sec. 90-304 – Drainage Utility System Fund A separate fund shall be created, as of the effective date of the Ordinance establishing this Article, known as the Drainage Utility System Fund, for the purpose of identifying and controlling all revenues and expenses attributable to the drainage utility. All drainage charges collected by the City and such other moneys as may be available to the City for the purpose of drainage shall be deposited in the Drainage Utility System Fund. Such utility revenues shall be used for the purpose of the creation, operation, planning, engineering, inspection, construction, repair, maintenance, improvement, reconstruction, administration and other reasonable and customary charges associated with the operation of the Municipal Drainage Utility System.

Sec. 90-305 – Administration and Access (a) The City Manager or designee shall be responsible for the administration of this Article, including, but not limited to, enacting any procedures necessary for the administration of the Monthly Drainage Utility Charges and the consideration of variances, developing maintenance programs, and establishing drainage criteria and standards for operation of the drainage system. (b) By the adoption of the Ordinance establishing this Article, the City makes no representation that all drainage problems may or will be remedied, and the City Council retains full discretion in establishing the priorities in expending funds as they become available to meet the City’s drainage needs. The adoption of the Ordinance establishing this Article shall not be construed to relieve private land owners, developers, or other individuals or entities from providing storm water drainage improvements required by this Code of Ordinances, and federal or state laws and regulations. (c) City employees shall have access, at all reasonable times, to any benefitted properties served by the Municipal Drainage Utility System for inspection, repair, or for the enforcement of the provisions of this Article.

Sec. 90-306 – Monthly Drainage Utility Charge (a) The Municipal Drainage Utility Charge shall be levied against all real property within the Service Area, except the real property that is exempt under Section 90-303. (b) Using appraisal district information and geographic information system (GIS) data, the City has determined that the median single family residential parcel in the City has 2,900 square feet of impervious cover. Impervious cover means any surface that cannot effectively absorb or infiltrate rain or storm water, including buildings, roads, parking areas, pools, patios, sheds, driveways, sidewalks and other impermeable construction covering the nature surface. The Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is equal to 2900 square feet of impervious cover. (c) The Monthly Drainage Utility Charge shall be $1.00 multiplied by each ERU assigned to the property. (d) The ERUs shall be assigned to all real property in the Service Area as follows: (1) Each single family residential property is assigned one (1) ERU. (2) Each unit in a multi-family residential complex is assigned one (1) ERU plus the unit’s proportionate share of the ERUs for the multi-family residential complex’s shared and common spaces with impervious cover, such as parking lots, sports courts, and swimming pool areas. To determine the total ERUs for the multi-family residential complex’s shared and common spaces with impervious cover, the City shall determine the square footage of shared and common spaces with impervious cover and divide that square footage by the ERU. (3) Each commercial, industrial, and institutional property is assigned ERUs based on total square footage of impervious cover divided by the ERU, plus, if applicable, the user’s proportionate share of the ERUs for the property’s shared and common spaces, such as parking lots. For commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with more than one water utility customer, to determine the total ERUs for commercial, industrial, and institutional property’s shared and common spaces with impervious cover, the City shall determine the square footage of the shared and common spaces with impervious cover and divide that square footage by the ERU. The user’s proportionate share shall be determined based on the user’s total square-footage under the roof of the commercial, industrial, or institutional building or facility.

(4) The calculated number of ERUs will be rounded to nearest whole integer to determine the Monthly Drainage Utility Charge.

Sec. 90-307 – Billing for Drainage Services The City shall levy and bill the Municipal Drainage Utility Charge through the City’s water utility billing system. The Municipal Drainage Utility Charge shall be separately identified from other public utility billings.

Sec. 90-308 – Adjustment of Charges and Appeals Process (a) Any user who disputes the category of land use or exemption, size of commercially developed property, or any other factor upon which the Municipal Drainage Utility Charge is based may petition the City Manager, in writing, for a decision on the validity of the requested revision or adjustment of the Municipal Drainage Utility Charge and shall set forth in detail the grounds upon which relief is sought. (b) The property owner shall submit a certified “as-built” survey and/or a foundation survey, at the owner’s cost, to assist in determining impervious area. In order to make a determination, additional information may be required, including but not limited to survey data approved by a Texas registered professional land survey or a detailed development plan approved by the City. Failure to provide requested information may result in the denial of the appeal or adjustment request. (c) No request for an appeal will be addressed if the rate per billing unit is the only factor disputed.

is considered denied by operation of law, and the property owner may appeal the denial to the City Council in the manner provided by paragraph (f). (f) If the property owner disagrees with the decision of the City Manager, the property owner may appeal the decision to the City Council within 30 days after receipt of the Manager’s decision. The appeal of the City Manager’s decision shall be placed on the City Council agenda on the next available regular City Council meeting. The City Council’s decision shall be final.

Sec. 90-309 – Delinquent Charges; Nonpayment; Enforcement Any charge due under this Article that is not paid when due may be recovered in an action at law by the City, together with maximum interest, attorneys’ fees, and other costs and fees if allowable under state or federal law. In addition to any other remedies or penalties provided by state or federal law or by the Ordinance establishing this Article, a customer’s failure to pay the drainage utility charges promptly when due shall subject the customer to discontinuance of any or all municipal utility services, including without limitation, water, wastewater, and garbage collection services.”

SECTION III SAVINGS Any Ordinance or part of Ordinances effectuated by the enactment of this Ordinance shall not be construed as abandoning any action now pending under or by virtue of such Ordinance or as discontinuing, abating, modifying or altering any penalty accruing or to accrue, or as affecting any rights of the City under any section or provisions of any Ordinances at the time of passage of this Ordinance.

SECTION IV SEVERABILITY If any provision, section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or the application of the same to any person or set of circumstances is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, void, invalid, or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or its application to other persons or sets of circumstances shall not be affected thereby, it being the intent of the City Council of the City of Roma in adopting, and of the Mayor in approving this Ordinance, that no portion thereof or provision or regulation contained herein shall become inoperative or fail by reason of any unconstitutionality or invalidity of any portion, provision or regulation.

SECTION V REPEALER The provisions of this Ordinance shall be cumulative of all other Ordinances or parts of Ordinances governing or regulating the same subject matter as that covered herein, provided, however, that all prior Ordinance or parts of Ordinances inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby expressly repealed to the extent that such inconsistency is apparent. This Ordinance shall not be construed to require or allow any act which is prohibited by any other Ordinance.

SECTION VI EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication as may be required by governing law.

SECTION VII PROPER NOTICE AND MEETING It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Ordinance was open to the public and that public notice of the time, place and purpose of said meeting was given as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on this the __ day of January, 2018.

By: Roberto A. Salinas Mayor

(d) The adjustment of billing units as part of an appeals process will stand as the user’s basis for future billings, whether higher or lower than the original determination, until such time as future changes in land use cover or customer status may warrant further adjustments.

Liliana Sandoval City Secretary

(e) The City Manager shall render a decision in writing within 30 days of the receipt of the written request. If the City Manager does not issue a written decision within 30 days, then the request

Brad Young City Attorney

ATTEST:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 7

Roma High Students Meet Nutcracker Performers

IDEA students donate toys to Toys-for-Tots

Roma High School students had the opportunity to attend the performance of The Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s, “The Nutcracker” as part of their community based instruction. The students enjoyed the fine arts IDEA students and families celebrated the holidays by donating presentation and had the privilege of meeting some of the performers. (Photo and information courtesy toys, jackets, and blankets to the Toys-for-Tots and Blue Santa.

Noel Martinez.)

Special thanks to our Parent Ambassadors who came out and helped NOVENA “Miraculous Prayer” organized toys for distribution. If you would like to join us, we are Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for currently accepting applications for next year for grades PreK-2nd & Continued from page 5 favors. This time I ask you this very special one (mention 6th-7th. Please call (956)263-4900 for more information. favor). Take it, Dear Jesus, and place it within your own collaboration and even advice. heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in your merciful eyes it will become your favor, not mine. Amen.

The conference is organized Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and by the South District 12 office favor will be granted. Never known to fail.

R. G. C. of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service located in Weslaco.

Extension agents in District 12 also serve as committee members to plan and assist with the event. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an educational state agency supported in part by county government. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is part of the Texas A&M University System, and is home to the V.G. Young Institute for County Government. The time spent at this conference by the Starr County elected officials should prove to be time well spent and beneficial as they continue to serve the people of Starr County.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, PAGE 8

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 956-487-6544

SPACE AVAILABLE CALL 956-487-6544

2017 STARR COUNTY YOUTH FAIR PAGEANT RULES AND REGULATIONS

JANUARY 3, 2018 SECTION II, PAGE 1

FAIR THEME: Honoring First Responders DATE OF PAGEANT: Saturday, February 3, 2018 - 3:00p.m. LOCATION: Roma I.S.D. – Performing Arts Center REHEARSAL & INTERVIEWS DATE AND TIME: Thursday, February 1, 2018 – 3:00p.m.

1.

An entry form provided by the Starr County Fair Pageant must be submitted to enter a contestant in the show. This form must be signed by the contestant, parents, or guardian, and sponsor and must be accompanied by the $40.00 entry fee paid by the sponsor. A sponsor may be an individual, parent, business or youth organization.

2.

Each entry must be submitted to the Starr County Fair Pageant c/o Yolanda Morado, Starr County Extension Office, 500 N. Britton, Rio Grande City, TX (light brown house on the hill), by Wednesday January 24, 2018 3.

Cashier’s check, money order, or business checks will be accepted no cash. Absolutely no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Starr County Pageant directors will not give refunds after applications have been filed. Make checks or money orders out to Starr County Fair Pageant/4-H Council.

4.

A contestant must be a resident of Starr County. She must

be unmarried, never married, and childless. Contestants must qualify for inclusion in one of the following categories: •Precious Fair Princess – Pre-kinder •Petite Fair Princess - Kinder through second grade •Pre-Teen Princess - Third through fifth grade students •Teen Princess - Sixth through eighth grade students •County Fair Queen - Starr County High School Student •County Fair Cowboy – Elementary & Younger

Note-Important: No changes or alterations will be allowed to the entry form once it is submitted – to the Extension office.

5.

The County Fair Queen participants will need to complete a 250 – 300 word essay that will be submitted with the pageant entry form. As part of the final score there will also be an interview by a panel of judges. These two scores will be added to the final stage pageant event scores taken the night of the pageant.

6.

One costume is required for the entire pageant. The costume should be Western and can consist of jeans and a Western shirt or whatever Western attire is desired.

The costume need not be elaborate or expensive but should be in good taste for a youth pageant. Hat and boots are optional.

7.

All contestants will be expected to attend a rehearsal at the pageant site on Thursday, February 1, 2018 starting at 3:00 p.m. in preparation for the Starr County Fair Pageant, which will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Performing Arts Center at Roma I.S.D. The numbers for order of presentation will be drawn by participants at the rehearsal.

8.

All contestants must report by 3:00 p.m. the day of the pageant.

Upon arrival, a contestant must check in with the category chairman of the pageant to receive their number.

9.

Admission the night of the pageant will be $2.00 for children under 12 and $5.00 for adults 12 and over. Everyone except contestants must pay, even parents and sponsors.

10.

The winners will be selected by a panel of judges. All scores and decisions are final. The pageant system demands that good sportsmanship prevail throughout the pageant from all contestants, families and supporters; otherwise, they will be disqualified whether they win or not.

11.

The top five places for each category will be awarded trophies.

The County Fair Queen will preside over the current year’s County Fair activities and will earn the right to represent the Starr County Fair in

the Texas Citrus Fiesta the following January. If at any time the Queen fails to meet the rules and regulations she will not be able to represent the Youth Fair Pageant at any public event.

12.

All contestants will be expected to represent their sponsors and the pageant at the County Fair Parade on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Each contestant and/ or sponsor will be responsible to acquire a vehicle and posters and pay required $25.00 entry fees to take part in the parade.

13.

All rights are reserved for the Starr County Fair Pageant.

No pictures will be taken while the pageant is in process. Exceptions are made for special 4H presentations before or between presentations of the contestants. No videotaping will be allowed except the one contracted by the Starr County Fair Pageant directors. A professional photographer has been contracted for your convenience, and you may register for photographs and videos on the night of the rehearsal. All videos produced will be for the profit of the Starr County 4H Youth Board. Your cooperation in the purchase of such video will be greatly appreciated. Video tapes will be sold on a one time basis only. These rules will be strictly enforced on the night of the pageant. Please abide by the rules to avoid embarrassment.

You’re in good hands.

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ENTRY FORM, section II, page 4

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Cargo de restitución: $25; es posible que se cobren otros cargos únicos (hasta $3 por servicio al cliente). Consulte cricketwireless.com/fees (en inglés) inglés) para obtener más información. El precio, los términos y las restricciones adicionales están sujetos a cambio y se podrán modificar o cancelar en cualquier momento sin previo aviso. La cobertura y el servicio no se ofrecen en todas las áreas. Visite una tienda para obtener más información. ©2017 Cricket Wireless LLC. Todos los derechos reservados.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 2

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STATEMENT OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY – No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the beneďŹ ts of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by South Texas Community College on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

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RFP NOTICE Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. is requesting proposals on the following: RFP #18-18 E-Rate 21 (Funding Year 2018) The school district is requesting sealed proposals for RFP #18-18 for E-Rate 21 Funding Year 2018 (Please see the listing below.) SpeciďŹ cations and further information may be obtained from the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing OďŹƒce at the address below or call (956) 716-6810. You may also obtain speciďŹ cations from our website at www.rgccisd.org and www.sl.universalservice.org.

Sealed proposals must be received by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing OďŹƒce, 1 South Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 by 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 29, 2018, and will be opened and read aloud on January 29, 2018 at 10:15 A.M. The equipment and services are as follows: BASIC LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE (District Wide) Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all proposals and to waive any or all formalities or technicalities, or to accept the proposal considered the best and most advantageous to the school district.

Mr. Joe D. Smedley Purchasing Agent

RFP NOTICE Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. is requesting proposals on the following: RFP #18-19 E-Rate 21 (Funding Year 2018) The school district is requesting sealed proposals for RFP #18-19 for E-Rate 21 Funding Year 2018 (Please see the listing below.) SpeciďŹ cations and further information may be obtained from the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing OďŹƒce at the address below or call (956) 716-6810. You may also obtain speciďŹ cations from our website at www.rgccisd.org and www.sl.universalservice.org.

Sealed proposals must be received by the Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. Purchasing OďŹƒce, 1 South Fort Ringgold, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 by 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 29, 2018, and will be opened and read aloud on January 29, 2018 at 10:25 A.M. The equipment and services are as follows: Internal Connections-10 Campuses Rio Grande City C.I.S.D. reserves the right to refuse and reject any or all proposals and to waive any or all formalities or technicalities, or to accept the proposal considered the best and most advantageous to the school district.

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STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 3

STARR COUNTY TOWN CRIER, JANUARY 3, 2018, SECTION II, PAGE 4

Queen Category

In your application include a 250 – 300 word essay on your thoughts about how the Starr County Fair plays a role or influences the lives of students and the families of Starr County. Also add your personal experiences and participation in the fair and highlight your most memorable moments. Please reflect on your past Starr County Fair activities that have prepared you to best represent the “fair” if you were to win the title of this years Queen. Submit form with application (deadline Wednesday January 24, 2018 4:00 p.m.)

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