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City Council

 
 

Mayor Patrick McNulty 

Mayor
Patrick McNulty

pmcnulty@myspi.org 

Eva Jean

City Council Member
Eva Jean Dalton

ejdalton@myspi.org 

Ken Medders

Council Member
Ken Medders, Jr.

kmedders@myspi.org 

JR

City Council Member

Joe Ricco

jricco@myspi.org 

Rees

Council Member Elect
Rees Langston

rlangston@myspi.org

kS

Mayor Pro-Tem
Kerry Schwartz

kschwartz@myspi.org 

 

CODE OF ETHICS & BOARD POLICY

The City Council is the governing body for the City of South Padre Island; therefore, it must bear the initial responsibility for the integrity of governance. The board is responsible for its own development (both as a body and as individuals), its responsibilities, its own discipline, and its own performance. The development of this policy is designed to ensure effective and efficient governance.

City Manager's Office

RSCity Manager, Randy Smith

The City Manager's Office is responsible for the implementation of policy established by the City of South Padre Island's City Council. Exceptional customer service, efficient operations, and effective communications are priorities for this office. Promoting regional efforts through cooperation is vital to the success of the Department. The City Manager's Office is ultimately responsible for the work culture and promotes a work environment embracing the contributions of each employee while also fostering professional development and success of its workforce.

Randy was born and raised in Houston, a father of three adult daughters and a member of St. Martins Episcopal Church. Randy has an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Master's in Criminal Justice Management from Boston University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 224 in Quantico, VA.

Randy has 36-years of law enforcement experience, 21 of those years as a Police Chief, and two years with the City of Houston Municipal Court system, where he worked in the city’s jail docket court. Previously, Randy worked as an officer in Houston in the field of patrol, criminal warrants, mental health, and juvenile division. In December 1997, Randy was appointed Police Chief for Surfside Beach, TX, where for 12-years he remained the city's Police Chief, EMS
Director and the Island's Emergency Management Coordinator. For the past 9-years, Randy has been the Police Chief for the City of South Padre Island. Currently Randy is the City Manager for South Padre Island.

Chief Smith is a past Secretary/Treasurer for the Southeast Texas Police Chief's Association and previously sat on the Board of Curriculum for the Brazo sport College Law Enforcement Academy. Randy also served as the Region F Coordinator for the Texas Victim Service Association, and a board member at the Southmost College Criminal Justice Institute in Brownsville. Recently he was selected by the Sam Houston State University’s LEMET program to participate in the curriculum and standards for what Texas Police Chiefs will learn during the current two-year training cycle. He is a member of the International and Texas Police Chief’s Associations, Texas Narcotic Officers Association, FBI-NA Association, and Texas-CIT.

Please feel free to contact the City Manager's Office with any comments, questions, or suggestions you might have regarding the City of South Padre Island.

Shoreline Department

South Padre Island is committed to preserving and restoring the local beaches to maintain our quality of life and sustain the local tourism-based economy. Through the years it has received many accolades as being one of the most desirable coastal communities in the nation.

  • The City has recently received the honor of being designated the "the most accessible beach in Texas" by Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson.
  • The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) named South Padre Island one of America's Best Restored Beaches of 2009 for the second time since 2005 and was awarded again in 2019.

The City works extremely hard to protect and maintain our beach to ensure that our citizens and visitors can continue to have memorable and enjoyable experiences

Convention & Visitors Bureau

The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (SPICVB), a division of the City of South Padre Island, is the official destination marketing organization for the Island globally, and the primary sales and marketing organization for the South Padre Island Convention Centre. 

What We Do

Our mission is to generate economic impact and job growth by increasing the Island's hotel occupancy and revenues, while positively affecting other diverse segments of the hospitality industry. We promote to attract diverse regional, state and national convention and leisure visitors through creative sales, marketing and communications efforts.

Planning Department

Welcome to the Planning Department' Website.

Our mission is to deliver quality customer service through the timely processing of development applications while maintaining and providing easy access to development-related information including case files, maps, and permits.

Currently, the department is improving processes, programs and services to respond to the new development industry market demands.

It is vitally important that the department continues to provide the best level of service to residents, visitors, property owners, business owners, developers, investors and potential investors.  So far, increase in efficiency has been achieved through changes in practice by implementing GIS (Geographic Information System) and revising regulatory codes and review processes.

The Department's priorities and focus areas include:

  • Rendition of city's vision
  • Revision of comprehensive plan
  • Ordinance update
  • Regulatory modernization
  • Technological adaptation
  • Establishment of good working relationships with community, customers, and industry partners
  • Economic Development Initiatives.

Visions of Tomorrow         South Padre Island Comprehensive Plan     SPI Master Thoroughfare Plan    
Vision of Tomorrow         SPI Comprehensive Plan APPROVED - 2022-03-02     SPI Master Thoroughfare Plan    

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Team is responsible for the coordination of the City's emergency planning, training, response, and recovery efforts of major disasters. Please select an item on the left for specific information.

Emergency Management Coordinator
Chief Jim Pigg

Please fill this out to be included in our Emergency notification system.  We can reach you by phone, email, text, whatever you prefer, or all of the above. This is completely voluntary and when we issue an emergency notification we are relying on Smart911 by Rave Mobile Safety to make the notification.  

Please include your First and last name, Address, phone number, whether or not you wish to get text notification, and email address.
Do you or anyone you know need some form of assistance during times of an emergency/disaster event?
Who Should Register?
  • People with disabilities
  • People with access and functional needs such as:
  • People who have limited mobility
  • People who have communication barriers
  • People who require additional medical assistance during an emergency event
  • People who require transportation assistance.
  • People who require personal care assistance.

How to Register

 

Environmental Health Services

The primary goals of the Environmental Health Services Dept. is to service the public by assuring compliance with local ordinances; respond to calls for service (food establishments, solid waste, and other health or quality of life regulations); enforce local ordinances or state law regarding health issues; and to prevent and detect ordinance violations.

EHSD Green Accomplishments

Weekly Recycling Program

Republic Services door-side Recycling Program

Christmas Tree Recycling

Recycle Land Event

Earth Day E-Waste Collection Event

Recycling Bins at Public Buildings

Recycling for City Hall

Finance Department

Mission
The Finance Department for the City of South Padre Island strives to serve our community with a spirit of excellence, integrity and professionalism. The Department is committed to providing timely, accurate, clear and complete information and support to other city departments, citizens and the community at large while supporting the strategic goals and objectives of the City Council and the Comprehensive Plan.

About the Department
The Finance department is responsible for all financial and accounting services and various financial reports-both internal and external, while adhering to the principles of customer service, quality, integrity, teamwork and collaboration. The department encourages cooperation with the other city departments as well as the personal and professional growth of its employees. To this end we strive to provide excellent customer service to other departments, City Council and the citizens of South Padre Island.

Responsibilities
The Finance Department prepares and presents the budget, administers the budget during the appropriation period and the reporting of the actual activities as it relates to the budget. The Department also prepares the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and financials for the Convention Center Fund and Economic Development Corporation. Services and other responsibilities include: cash and investment management, processing payments for supplies and services, fees collected for licenses and permits, court fine collections, tax collections, and payroll.


Fire Department

The City of South Padre Island Fire Department is committed to providing a superior level of emergency service that continually improves the quality of life, health and safety of our residents and visitors. We are committed to a superior emergency service organization, which continually improves the quality of service delivered to our customers, the citizens and visitors of South Padre Island.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Division for the City of South Padre Island serves as a business partner working with all departments within the City to serve our internal and external communities with integrity, professionalism and the highest level of customer service while providing a variety of services. The Human Resources Division is responsible for:
  • Recruitment
  • Employee Benefit Administration
  • Risk Management
  • Employee Relations
  • Training
  • Safety and Project Management
Application Submittals and Job Inquiry Email:
 
Mission Statement:
 
The Human Resources division provides services that promote a work environment characterized by fair treatment of staff, open communication, trust and mutual respect. Recognizing that our employees are our most valuable asset, our division will strive to provide quality service, and support in employment, training, employee relations, benefits and safety for the employees of the City of South Padre Island, which will enable employees to better serve the citizens of South Padre Island.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Department is responsible for researching assessing, acquiring, maintaining, providing and supporting the systems and processes necessary to access information and communicate, both internally and externally. See the specific goals, planning indicators and programs/projects for the various areas of focus. 

Information Technology Goals:

  • Manage, maintain and upgrade the City's technology infrastructure to make sure it meets the needs of the staff and city constituents.
  • Evaluate and purchase technology software and products to meet the needs of the City staff and constituents.
  • Evaluate processes and procedures and determine if there are better ways to do things with the use of technology. 
  • Provide technology training, support and assistance to make sure the City is getting the best value out of the products it purchases.

Municipal Court

Welcome to the City of South Padre Island Municipal Court web page. We hope that you find this site informational regarding court procedure so that you may determine the best course of action regarding your violation. The Municipal Court strives to serve our internal and external communities with integrity, professionalism, and the highest level of customer service while providing a variety of services.

 

The Municipal Court's primary function is to process all Class C Criminal charges filed by the Police Department and Code Enforcement Officers alleged to have occurred within the city limits of the City of South Padre Island. These include charges filed under the Texas Transportation Code, Penal Code, Alcoholic Beverage Code, Health and Safety Code, Education Code, and the City of South Padre Island Code of Ordinances.

 

 

Mission Statement:

 

The Municipal Court will perform its job competently, efficiently, and fairly in order to merit public confidence. The Municipal Court will rely on Public confidence in order to enforce its orders. Municipal Court has a duty to create and maintain such public confidence in an order that persons can rely on the protection of the rights that all citizens have under the constitution of the United States. It has and will always be the intention of the Municipal Court to treat all citizens that come before the Court with respect, dignity, and courtesy without regard to their race, color, and or religion.

 

 

Police Department

PD coin blue

The South Padre Island Police Department is committed to providing professional and effective police services to our citizens and visitors alike. The agency is comprised of: Administration, Records, Patrol, K-9, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Detective, Dispatch and Jail divisions. I feel fortunate to work with a highly motivated, vastly trained and dedicated staff. Our unified mission is to protect lives, safeguard property, all while enhancing the overall quality of life on the island. SPI-PD has 28 full-time commissioned police officers, 10 part-time officers, 7 dispatchers and 3 clerical personnel. 

The City of South Padre Island is a popular vacation destination and is known for having clean soft sand, fishing, surfing, dolphin sighting, kayaking and swimming either on the Gulf of Mexico or the Laguna Madre Bay.     Fireworks displays are on Friday and Saturday nights starting in May through September.           

 Oath of Honor:

On my honor, I will never tarnish the badge which I have been entrusted with, nor betray my profession, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others within our organization accountable for our actions. I will continue to uphold the constitution, including all federal, state, and municipal laws, with absolute devotion and without reservation.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the South Padre Island Police Department is to protect and serve the citizens and our visitors. All members of SPI-PD are dedicated to providing fair, impartial and ethical police service to the entire community, with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism and respect.

Public Information

The Texas Public Information Act gives the public the right to request access to government information. 
For more information, please click here.
The Public Information Office directs the City's communication efforts by increasing awareness of government services and activities. Information is regularly distributed to residents, businesses, the media, City officials and employees of the City of South Padre Island.
 
The Public Information Office serves as an information resource center for the public and employees by developing and implementing public information strategies as well as coordinating internal communications.
 

Public Works

 

Welcome to the City of South Padre Island Public Works Department Home Page. The Public Works Department works to maintain the quality of the City's infrastructure such as streets, parks, green spaces, and the beach. The Public Works Department also serves a support role to other City Departments. To report any issues or other concerns with streets, parks, green spaces, and the beach please email us at pwcares@myspi.org.
 
Useful Links:
 
 
Public Works crews work seven days a week.
 

Public Transit

 
Island Metro is a FREE deviated fixed-route system that operates within the City of South Padre Island and Port Isabel and has been developed by the South Padre Island City Council with the input of our drivers and passengers, as well as citizens and business persons on both sides of the Memorial Queen Isabella Causeway.
 

Island Metro transportation service is a fare-free system that relies upon the continued funding of the Texas Department of Transportation through its Section 5311 Rural Transit Program and local match funding from the City of South Padre Island and the City of Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation.
 
 

Parks and Recreation

Welcome to the City of South Padre Island Parks and Recreation Division Home Page.

The City of South Padre Island maintains several City parks.

Pickleball Courts January 2023

Pickleball Courts are located at 610 Padre Blvd. behind the future South Padre Island Historical Museum. Consists of two courts, and picnic tables, and is ADA-accessible. More amenities to come in 2023! 

Water Tower 1 

Water Tower Park is located on the corner of Laguna Boulevard and W. Huisache Street at the base of the Water Tower. This park consists of a half basketball court, several modern children's play structures, and shade structures with tables. Public restrooms are also available at this location.

Tompkins playground 

John L. Tompkins Park is located at 6100 South Padre Blvd. The features at this park include a skatepark, basketball court, bocce ball court, soccer field, walking track with 6 exercise stations, two playgrounds, two shaded picnic areas, and restrooms. This park was dedicated in 2016 and named for John L. Tompkins a former WWI fighter pilot. In the late 1940’s he acquired the 2,000+ acres now known now as South Padre Island, Texas. At the time of his acquisition, the only access to The Island was by boat. The Coast Guard Station and a smattering of fishing shacks, with no utilities, were the only structures. Through his efforts with the officials of Cameron County and the Texas Legislature, laws were passed to allow the election of a bond issue to construct the original Queen Isabella Causeway which was completed in 1954. 

Turtle Park 

Turtle Park is located on E. Morningside just off of N. Padre Blvd. This lush park features a climbing turtle for toddlers and a nice covered pavilion with tables. There are no public restrooms at this park. The park is dedicated in honor of Ila Loetscher who was born in 1904 in Iowa. From her early life, Loetscher had developed an interest in engines and aviation, and she became one of the first female pilots at the age of 25. At the invitation of her friend Amelia Earhart, Loetscher was one of the 99 charter members of The Ninety-Nines, an organization founded in 1929 to promote fellowship and support for female pilots. By the 1950s, her focus had changed from flying to family. When her husband of 32 years died in 1955, the family opted for a new beginning and moved to South Padre Island. While living on South Padre Island, Ila Loetscher developed an affection for and interest in sea turtles, which would come to define the latter half of her life. She accompanied fellow island residents on trips to Mexico to get eggs for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle that they would then plant and protect on the island, and she received a state license to care for sick and injured sea turtles. In 1977, Loetscher founded “Sea Turtle, Inc”, a non-profit corporation focused on protecting and preserving sea turtles, particularly Kemp’s Ridley. Her activities on behalf of the turtles gained her the nickname, “The Turtle Lady.”

Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park is located at 4316 Gulf. The park has a covered picnic bench area, a butterfly statue, many varieties of native Rio Grande Valley butterfly plants, beautiful views of the Gulf, and access to the beach. Five Community Garden Boxes are located in the back of this park and are checked out to gardeners twice a year by the Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee. This park is part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge initiative. In 2017 the park was certified as a Monarch Waystation, providing milkweeds, nectar plants, and shelter for Monarchs throughout their annual cycle of reproduction and migration. www.MonarchWatch.org 

Lis Memorial Park

Lis Memorial Park was dedicated in 2016 and was made possible by a generous donation by Dr. Joseph C. and Jeanne K. Lis. This pocket park is located on W. Esperanza and this neighborhood green space consists of a bench that overlooks a wetland area. A nice place to take a break during the day.

Statue of Balli  

 

Queen Isabella Memorial Park is located in the median near the crossover at the foot of the Queen Isabella Causeway. Located on this site is a monument to the victims of the 2001 Causeway Collapse. A bronze statue of Padre Balli, the Island's namesake, is also located in this area.

Welcome

The South Padre Island Gateway Project consists of several decks that overlook the wetland area that surrounds the entrance to the Island. Great place for photo opportunities when you arrive.

The Cameron County Parks System also has several beach access parks on South Padre Island. Isla Blanca Park is located at the southern end of the Island. There is a per vehicle entry charge for this park. Isla Blanca Park has restrooms, food vendors, picnic areas, RV spaces as well as overnight accommodations. Andy Bowie Park is located just outside of the northern City Limits. Andy Bowie Park is equipped with RV spaces, pavilions, and restrooms. There is a per vehicle entry fee for this park. County Beach Accesses 3-4 are free beach access parking lots with no amenities. County Beach Accesses 5 and 6 are vehicle access points where visitors can actually drive on the beach for a fee. Edwin King Atwood Park (County Beach Access 5) is equipped with a pavilion and portable restrooms. Beach Access 6 has no amenities. For more information or to contact the Cameron Co. Parks call (956) 761-3700

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The City of South Padre Island's goal is to ensure that all programs, services, activities and facilities offered to the public are accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504.

The City of South Padre Island is committed to establishing and maintaining an accessible community. We want all of our community members to enjoy the benefits of our programs, services, activities, and facilities.

If you have questions regarding accessibility compliance issues you may email your concerns to hdelgado@myspi.org or you may contact: Hilda Delgado, ADA Coordinator Phone: (956) 761-8110 For accommodation requests please complete the following form Accommodation Request Form

ADA Policy Statement

Americans with Disabilities Act

Download Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

ADA Grievance Procedure