The Edinburg City Council on Tuesday tabled an ordinance that would regulate vehicle wrecker and towing services and establish a new rotation process.
The ordinance aimed at regulating wrecker and towing services faced significant opposition from residents and industry representatives.
“Discussion of this magnitude should not be made without thorough analysis and input from all stakeholders, particularly those who will be directly affected if this decision is being driven by the chief of police,” Justin Hassel said during the meeting’s public comment. Hassle identified himself as part of the wrecker service industry.
The ordinance, which would establish a wrecker rotation process and set fee limits, was designed to provide greater oversight and protection for consumers, according to the meeting’s agenda packet.
Hassel and other industry professionals raised concerns to councilmembers over the ordinance reducing the rotation list from 14 to 10 businesses.
“I have invested thousands of dollars into my business,” he said. “… This includes purchasing specialized equipment, maintaining commuter records, ensuring my team is fully trained. … These investments were made in good faith with the understanding that as long as we met the criteria, we would remain on the rotation list.”
Councilmember Place 4 David White explained the history of the ordinance and its intended purpose to residents.
White emphasized the need for regulation to protect consumers and ensure fair practices within the industry.
“We have a good bunch and we have ones that [aren’t],” he said. “… We need to make sure we keep our good … people that just want to make an honest living for an honest day,”
Councilmembers will reconsider the ordinance at a future meeting, taking into account additional input from wrecker and towing companies.
In other business, the council unanimously approved an ordinance that establishes permitting requirements and regulations for bring-your-own-beverage establishments in an effort to curb nuisance issues associated with these businesses.
The ordinance aims to address concerns such as excessive noise, public safety hazards and violations of state liquor laws.
“We have encountered impaired drivers that are leaving these places [that] stay open typically till 5 or 6 in the morning, and they’re able to bring their own beverages and continue to drink after hours,” said Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala during discussion of the ordinance.
Under the new ordinance, BYOB establishments must obtain a permit from the city and adhere to specific operating hours. The city will also increase enforcement authority to address any violations.
The ordinance went into effect immediately, but councilmembers will provide a transition period or grace period for existing BYOB establishments to come into compliance.
The council also voted to annex 84.66 acres of land located at 1101 N. Alamo Road.
While the annexation was approved, councilmembers expressed concerns about the potential infrastructure and public safety needs associated with the new housing development.
“We’re growing, and it’s great, but I just want to make sure we’re being responsible,” Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. said.
Over 300 new homes are planned in the annexed property.
Mayor Pro Tem Daniel “Dan” Diaz and Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. discuss concerns regarding rezoning requests during Tuesday’s meeting. Shown at the lectern is Jaime Acevedo, city director of Zoning and Planning. Abigail Ollave/THE RIDER
