San Felipe residents will be able to utilize their new lake and walking trail by this July, and their fairgrounds by the end of the year, according to Jonathan Weiser of Webber Construction Company.

“The lake project is going to be complete prior to us leaving,” Weiser said during the April 12 meeting.

He explained the majority of the Interstate 10 construction project will be finished by July and therefore, Webber anticipates they will disassemble the concrete plant on the property they are leasing – which is located behind the San Felipe historical cabin on FM 1458 – by May or June. That property will become the town’s fairgrounds after Webber moves their operations out. The new lake facility is adjacent to the fairgrounds.

“Webber is very proud of our partnership with the town of San Felipe and have enjoyed getting to be a part of the community while working on I-10,” Weiser said. “We are excited to finish the lake project and turn it over to the city for their enjoyment.”

The mayor tasked the town’s council members with choosing the benches and lighting fixtures that will be added to the lake. Construction of a fountain in the lake was also discussed as a potential future project.

Another topic of discussion was how the town plans to use the $204,000 in Coronavirus funds it was awarded from the American Rescue Plan provided by the Federal government. Purchasing new police vehicles and repairs at city hall were approved by council as the potential use for these funds.

In other news, Alicia Needham’s petition to close easements running through her property barely passed with three votes in favor and two opposed.

The easements in question run between Campo Santo and Sixth Street and includes streets in the town’s future plans: 1/2 Lucas Aleman, Antonio Martinez and Seventh Street. Needham intends to purchase the easements from the city to build five residences on the property for her family.

“I feel for the lady, but I don’t think we should be selling off streets. When we eventually get water and sewer, we’re going to need those easements,” Alderman Michael Elliot said.

After detailed discussion, and a minor amendment to the petition, the process was approved to move forward. The next step will be assessing the value of the property.

In other action, council also:

• Approved replacing the roof at the San Felipe Methodist Church. The town will pay for half, as per the agreement with the church;

• Granted permission to San Felipe/Frydek Volunteer Fire Station No. 1 to add LED lighting and security cameras due to vandalization of personal vehicles, and to replace the water tank on the west side of the station due to age. There is no cost to the town for this;

• Heard a presentation from Shire Whiskey Distilling Company about their desire to move into San Felipe. More information about this potential new business will be presented in the future; and

• Approved Janet Strickland as election judge and Alvin Clay as alternate election judge for the May 7 general election.