City Council Approves Flood Relief Fee Waiver, Honors Fess Parker, Backs Interstate Expansion

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo City Council met Tuesday, August 5, and approved over $2 million in funding for flood recovery projects while also waiving permit fees for flood-damaged structures.

Councilmembers passed three resolutions in support of a federal interstate expansion and celebrated the 101st birthday of Fess Parker, the San Angelo-raised actor best known for playing Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone.

Council Ratifies $2 Million in Flood Recovery Projects

Two major resolutions ratified by council allocate a combined $2 million in COSADC (City of San Angelo Development Corporation) funds for disaster recovery related to the July 4, 2025 flood:

• $1 million for Affordable Housing Assistance: Funds will support repair and rebuilding efforts for storm-damaged residential properties within the designated flood area. The program will be administered by Galilee Community Development Corporation under the City’s Affordable Housing Program. Galilee is already involved in flood response and meets the eligibility requirements for the program. COSADC staff recommended fast-tracking the project to make funds available as soon as possible.

• $1 million for Business Damage Assistance: The second resolution allocates funding for flood-damaged businesses located within the designated disaster zone. Each business will be evaluated for eligibility under Sections 501 and 505 of the Texas Local Government Code and will be required to sign a separate economic development agreement. COSADC staff expects the funding model to follow the structure of the Business Retention and Expansion Program (BREP), and additional assistance from the SBA may be available.

Both measures were unanimously approved by the COSADC board on July 23, 2025, and ratified by city council on August 5.

Council Waives Permit Fees for Flood-Damaged Structures

Council also approved a resolution waiving building permit fees for commercial and residential repairs triggered by the July 4 flooding. The waiver applies to any repairs requiring permits under International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Codes.

The estimated cost to the city in waived fees is about $20,000, according to Planning Director Aaron Vannoy. City staff noted that not all affected structures will require permits, especially those without structural damage.

During discussion, Councilmember Harry Thomas raised concerns about flood victims receiving tall grass citations. Staff said the issue would be addressed, and that code enforcement is working with residents to avoid unnecessary penalties during the recovery period.

Santa Fe Golf Course Agreement Extended

Council approved a two-year extension to the City’s services agreement with Two Pro Management for operation of the Santa Fe Municipal Golf Course through September 30, 2027. The extension was recommended by the Santa Fe Park Commission.

Parks and Recreation Director Carl White said the timing aligns with the city’s effort to develop a new master plan for Santa Fe Park and the river park system. The contract includes an annual fee not to exceed $75,000, plus up to $10,000 in annual water bill credits during times of limited rainfall.

Resident Jamal Schumpert spoke during public comment and recommended holding town halls as part of the planning process, which staff confirmed is included in the master plan proposal.

Chadbourne Phase B Project Moves Forward

Council approved the $59,900 purchase of 3,977.16 square feet of land from First Presbyterian Church, with closing costs not to exceed $2,000. The land is needed to realign College Avenue as part of the Chadbourne Street Phase B Capital Improvement Project, which extends from Beauregard Avenue to the Houston Harte Expressway. The total cost has been budgeted in FY2025.

Council Supports Interstate Expansion Efforts

Council unanimously approved three resolutions in support of future federal interstate highway development, all requested by the Ports-to-Plains Alliance:

1. Future Interstate Highway Formula Program – Advocates for a new formula-based federal funding program that allocates money based on unconstructed multi-state interstate mileage.

2. Multi-State Feasibility Study – Supports a corridor-wide study for the Heartland Expressway, Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, and Ports-to-Plains corridor beyond Texas and New Mexico.

3. Formal Designation and Route Numbering – Backs assigning the I-27 route number across the entire corridor and securing federal interstate designation.

Major Hofheins, Director of the San Angelo Metropolitan Planning Organization, told council the resolutions are essential to advancing the I-27 project and ensuring consistent funding. “We’ve had the designation, but now we need the formula funding and legislative follow-through,” he said.

Councilmembers stressed the long-term economic impact for San Angelo, noting that proximity to an interstate boosts growth and attracts new businesses.

“This is one of the most impactful issues for our community,” said a councilmember. “Having interstate access is crucial to San Angelo’s future development.”

Council Celebrates the Life of Fess Parker

The City of San Angelo also issued a proclamation honoring the late Fess Elisha Parker Jr., a former San Angeloan born in Fort Worth in 1924 who grew up in the city, attended Stephen F. Austin Elementary, and graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1942.

Parker, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, rose to stardom in 1954 when Walt Disney cast him as Davy Crockett. He later starred in Old Yeller and The Great Locomotive Chase, and returned to television in Daniel Boone from 1964 to 1970. He retired from acting at age 47 and pursued real estate and ranching in California but frequently returned to San Angelo for civic causes.

The city will celebrate his 101st birthday on August 16 at Fort Concho with games, a look-alike contest, a film screening, and a community singalong of The Ballad of Davy Crockett. 

Zoning Items Postponed

Two zoning items listed on the regular agenda were pulled. A planned development at 738, 740, and 742 W. 14th Street and a rezoning at 611 N. Jackson and 610 N. Van Buren were delayed because the Planning Commission had not yet issued a recommendation. Staff informed attendees that they may speak with Planning and Development Services Director Aaron Vannoy for updates on those cases.