Reprint from the Progress Times - July 18, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

 

Alton approves alcohol permit

 

By Ricky Reynoso

The Alton City commission received a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) for a beer and wine retail off-premise license for El Patron drive thru business located at 1921 West Main. According to Assistant City Manager Steve Peña, this is a new construction project located on the west-side of Main near an apartment complex.

“In fact it is the same individuals who own the apartment complex” said Peña. “So we went through all of the notification process, postings were made and everyone was notified. We actually held a public hearing on July 9 and there was no one in attendance except for myself. So I guess we’ll accept that as no opposition, so we are recommending approval.”

The commission approved the permit.

Also on the agenda was a request for approval of the preliminary plat of Barbosa Subdivision. Peña said it was a 3.39 acre development located on Mile 5 Road near Shary Road.

“We’re looking at a primarily commercial development,” Peña said. “It looks like there will be seven lots that will be developed in this project. More than likely this will be a commercial retail development. This is something that we’re all excited about and it’s in line with the vision of the City of Alton.”

Peña went on to say the project would result in an eastward expansion of commercial development in Alton. He said he hoped it would spur more development in the area. The plat was approved.

The commission also heard a request to approve the final plat of Stewart Place Lot 8-A and Lot 8-B. According to Peña, the 0.96 acre development is primarily a residential project.

“We’re just doing work in the subdivision process in order to facilitate some new single family residential construction in that area,” Peña said. “This is right off of La Pointe Street.”

The motion was approved.

Another item on the agenda was an authorization for the city manager to solicit bids for the procurement of 10 full sets of bunker gear for the fire department.

According to City Manager Jorge Arcaute, the city had already begun the process of procuring the gear, but the initial estimate was low.

“We discovered that the rates we were getting were over $15,000,” said Arcaute. “That triggers a formal response for a requirement of procurement.”

The current estimate for the bunker gear is said to be between $18,000 and $20,000. The sets will include jackets, pants, helmets, boots, gloves, hoods and gear bags. The request was approved.

Also approved was a resolution approving and authorizing the Alton Development Corporation to obtain financial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD).

“This would authorize us to go out for RD money,” said Commissioner Ricardo Garza. “We do have to designate someone to do that.”

The resolution would grant Garza, who is president of the Alton Development Corporation, full authority to enter into and sign contractual agreements for the corporation. The motion was approved.