Regular Meeting — October 29, 2025

Mayor Hostetler called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Mayor Hostetler, Alderman, Johnston, Aldrich, Richmond, Elliott and Charlesworth.

Pedernales Fire Chief Tony Haden gave an update and clarification regarding the ongoing discussions about potential merger between ESD 8 and ESD 6 with a slideshow and speaking points. Tony stated that it is important to emphasize that at this time they are solely investigating the possibility of a merger and what such a transition might entail for our community and our dedicated firefighters. He said the process of considering a merger involves extensive research and careful consideration of numerous factors and they are committed to a thorough and transparent evaluation before any decisions are made. The Pedernales Fire Department understands that rumors may circulate, and they want to address them directly and that they have established multiple avenues for the community to voice any questions or concerns they may have. Information on how to contact them can be found in the information packet that was distributed at this meeting as well as on the Pedernales ESD8 website and he encourages everybody to reach out with inquiries. Next spoke Debra Opdahl reiterating that ESD8 is currently in the discussion phase of a merger and that it is worth noting that in the past mergers with other ESDs have been considered but the initiatives did not move forward and that the current exploration with ESD 6 is no different in its preliminary stage. Ms. Opdahl explained that the board is carefully examining a wide range of factors and these include various reasons why a merger might be the most suitable path as well as the potential benefits such a consolidation could offer to our community. Their primary objective is to ensure any decision made serves the best interests of the residents and firefighters. Last to speak was Lieutenant, President Local 4820 for ESD 8 Jared Mikeska. Jared started his speech with the Firefighters Oath to show the commitment that underscores their dedication to service. Jared also wanted to address the rumors that have been circulating and make it clear that those rumors are not true. In Jared’s closing statements he said that with the potential merger the focus is to explore opportunities that offer beneficial outcome for both the community and the firefighters.

Citizen’s communications: A couple voiced their frustrations regarding a new build next to their home that has been in construction for a couple of years now and they would like to know what the city is going to do about it because the constant noise, dust and general disruption daily have become a bit much. They have done everything they can think of to get this resolved. The couple included posterboards with pictures to show what they have been dealing with. The mayor responded to the couple that he will set up a meeting with both of them to address this issue. Another resident had comments about minutes from the Village’s last meeting and the Village’s tax rate that was approved in the August 27, 2025 Public hearing and Regular monthly meeting. The City Administrator explained the property tax rates and the City Secretary addressed the comment about August 27th meeting minutes. The City Administrator also responded to other resident’s questions regarding the roads and other ways to pay for them. He responded by explaining that we did try another avenue but we had to back out because it would not be as much help as we originally hoped for. The City Administrator also explained that the Village is tax exempt therefor we pay only for paving the roads, we do not pay sales tax so that saves quite a bit of money.

Alderman Aldrich made a motion, seconded by Alderman Richmond, to accept and waive the reading of the minutes of the September, 2025 Regular Meeting. All in favor, Motion passed.

Alderman Charlesworth made a motion, seconded by Alderman Johnston to approve amended budget for the 2023-2024 and ordinance 2025-10-29-07. All in favor, Motion passed.

Alderman Charlesworth made a motion, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve Graham Estates Replat. All in favor, Motion passed.

Village Financial Report for September, 2025 read by City Secretary Amber Rowe.

Update about ongoing activities: Nothing to report.

Security Report: Constable Johnson stated that he gave 21 citations that include: 15 running a stop sign, 4 speeding, 1 expired registration and 1 for no Driver’s license and 20 warnings all in the month of September as well as 14 service calls.

City Administrator reported that there is progress with the 12-inch main line we are installing. We had a pre-bid meeting this past week. We will be pushing the last day for bids to be placed by November 20, 2025 and we plan to award the bid in the December 3, 2025 Council Meeting.

Adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Amber Rowe, Village Clerk