From the Mayor’s desk – 4/10/26
Happy Friday!
I have a brief update on my end followed by one from William Cox.
- Our interlocal paving work is now complete. Thanks to careful planning and collaboration with Brazoria County Roads that started back in October last year we were able to resurface our largest stretch of roads in the Village of Surfside Beach ever. Take a drive down Fort Velasco, Thunder, Starfish, Texas, and the main beach entrance. Much better. Now begins the planning process to select the roads to incorporate in next year’s interlocal collaboration with the County. We are allotted a maximum of 4 road projects and 2 miles each year, where we pay for the material costs.
- We are nearing completion on a body of work for an income survey that is required to receive $123,500 in CDBG grant money to fund an upgraded water line replacement project on Seashell Drive. A few respondents remain to collect information from, and then we intend to submit next week for approval. Thanks to Erick and Breana who have worked to create a viable project scope and complete the steps required on this income survey submission to qualify for the grant money. Over $123k of free money to improve water distribution.
- A website posting went up this week about closing the main beach entrance from April 13th-16th. This is in coordination with the GLO and is one of the first physical actions to be taken in support of the Groin & Beach Nourishment project. The East Groin will be located at the terminus of 332, and as a result we will be taking action now to move the main beach entrance, which will allow for clear and easy one way access by vehicles. We still have lots of work to be completed by GLO to select a contractor and break ground in October/November, but this is an important first physical step to be taken in coordination with GLO. We’re starting to do physical work instead of just taking about it…A Big Step!
- Last but not least, we received notification back from Freeport about repayment of water charges. This will be discussed and potentially approved at Council meeting on Tuesday. We asked for $200k immediately and $100k annually with interest. They countered with a half payment immediately, which is about $325k, and $100k annually with interest.
I hope to see everyone out at the Surfside VFD Crawfish Competition on Saturday. It’s always a good time. I predict a record setting crowd for this one at Stahlman Park. Try to travel by golf cart and use the new beach walkover up to Stahlman Park, if tide isn’t up too much. Take a minute to cross the street and check out the new Crabbing Pier as well.
Have a great weekend everybody!!
Zach
From the City Administrator’s Desk:
Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been another busy and bright week in Surfside Beach. Our teams have been out in the community working hard to keep the Village running smoothly and looking its best.
If you notice crews working near the main beach access, that is our Parks and Rec team refreshing the handicap parking spots and installing new bollards to keep our shower pads safe and accessible. We also know the Splash Pad is a favorite spot for the kids; it’s current down for some quick repairs, but parts are arriving this week, and we expect it to be back in service just in time for the weekend.
In our Utilities department, we are "going green"… literally! Our teams are exercising and servicing fire hydrants throughout the community, painting the caps green once they pass inspection. It’s a small detail that represents a big commitment to protecting and maintaining our infrastructure.
Behind the scenes, we are making the Village more accessible and responsive. Our IT team is updating our website to meet modern ADA requirements and refining our voicemail systems to ensure that when you call, you get to the right person without confusing menu options.
On the regional front, the City Administrator has opened a positive dialogue with our neighbors in Freeport. We are working closely with them on a few shared interests, including a potential refund counteroffer that we hope to finalize soon. We are also moving forward with a major grant application for the water lines on Seashell, which will be an amazing improvement for that area.
Building Official report. The Salty Pelican is currently targeting a soft opening for April 20th. Management has requested a partial opening limited to the ground and first floors. The Constraint: While the second floor is structurally finished, the elevator is awaiting parts and final inspections by the Village and the Fire Marshal. Status: A successful opening is also contingent upon the completion of County Health inspections. Given these variables, the timeline remains "to be determined", but maybe!
The Crabbing Pier is close to 100% completion. This project successfully introduces ADA access to the pier, an amenity we have not had previously. To finalize the site, Toby’s crew will be painting the ADA parking stalls and installing the final signage.
Beach Access. Josh has begun the solicitation process for contractor bids regarding removing and building new beach walkovers at Sandpiper, Belanger, and Driftwood.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Enforcement. We have successfully cleared 57 signs from the city's rights-of-way. Proactive Outreach: Prior to removal, I addressed the public on social media and our website, I also worked with over 20 local business owners to relocate their signage. This effort resulted in less negativity from the business community. Uniform Enforcement: Please be advised that this sweep included the removal of various political signs, including those belonging to Council Members. While one member has expressed frustration on social media, the enforcement was handled consistently and across the board.
The demolition at 134 Yucca, as ordered by the Board of Adjustments, is now complete.
Shirley, our City Secretary is continuing ordinance review for updating and clean up that is greatly needed. Also, she is finalizing the title work required to finalize the property purchase that was approved by Council of the 4 lots between City Hall and the Timeline Fence.
Tourism update. STR Software Integration: Collaborating with staff to finalize the cooperative purchase and implementation of the Deckard/Rentalscape STR management software, pending Council approval. We have established a recurring weekly meeting to ensure a smooth rollout and website integration.
Sunset Stage Event Planning: Continuing preparations for the next Sunset Stage event featuring The Traveling Murphys. We are currently evaluating potential time and vendor adjustments to avoid conflicts with Election Day and the VFD BBQ.
Tourism Committee Revival: Researching city ordinances and working with the City Secretary on the legal protocols to properly rebuild the Tourism and Beautification Committee roster and appoint new members.
We are focused on making every day in Surfside Beach a little better than the last.
Thanks,
William