Other agenda items include a grant request to expand Fire Department staffing, a community effort to add shade structures at parks, approval for the 2025 Wake the Desert event, and a proposed partnership to create a shelter and service campus for those experiencing homelessness.
The Council will consider approving a $2 million purchase of water meters from Core & Main, Inc., as part of an ongoing citywide initiative by the Water Utilities Department to modernize the system with a phased replacement program designed to reduce financial strain by spreading costs over multiple years.
The acceleration of the project is in response to updated EPA Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, which include strict deadlines for testing and public notification related to service lines.
The City aims to complete meter replacements and testing by late spring or early summer of 2027, funded through Water Capital resources.
SAFER Grant Application to Bolster Fire Department Staffing
The Fire Department is seeking Council authorization to apply for the FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant.
If awarded, the grant would provide significant cost-sharing benefits for hiring front-line firefighters, covering 75 percent of eligible personnel costs for the first two years and 35 percent in the third.
The funding is part of the Department’s long-term plan to staff the anticipated Fire Station No. 9, with potential cost savings of nearly $2.4 million over three years. Without the grant, the estimated personnel costs would total nearly $4 million.
Community Group Leads Effort for Shade Structures in Parks
Council members will also consider a resolution supporting a grassroots fundraising initiative led by the San Angelo Mommy & Me Play Group to add shade structures to park playgrounds, starting with Webster Park.
The effort aligns with the city’s 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, where shaded play areas ranked second in public priority.
According to the meeting packet, the group has already coordinated with City Parks staff and earned the endorsement of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
If approved, funds raised will be managed by the San Angelo Parks Foundation and used for both installation and ongoing maintenance of the shade structures.
Approval Sought for 2025 “Wake the Desert” Event
Returning to Lake Nasworthy, the popular “Wake the Desert” wakeboarding event is planned for July 16–21 at Middle Concho Park. Council will consider a resolution authorizing the event, including temporary variances to city ordinances. Requested waivers include those related to wake restrictions, special vehicle usage, and park exclusivity.
Organizers from Family Powersports emphasized that noise ordinance waivers are not being requested, and affected “no wake” zones are away from lakefront residences.
New Regional Campus to Address Homelessness and Social Services
A key item on the regular agenda is a proposed collaboration between the City and the Concho Valley Community Action Agency to establish the Concho Valley Rock Rose Community Campus.
The resolution under consideration would support the use of city-owned property to create a central site offering interim shelter and comprehensive support services for individuals and families in need, those who are homeless and/or low income.
The campus builds on the success of the CVCAA’s Navigation Day initiative, with the goal of delivering ongoing access to housing, employment, and social services to lift residents out of crisis.
Further coverage of this agenda item, including further details and the Council’s decision, will be provided following the meeting.
The San Angelo City Council will hold a regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the McNease Convention Center South Meeting Room, 501 Rio Concho Drive. The meeting is open to the public.
