Eagle Pass Residents Await City’s Response to Crematorium Complaint
By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2015, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
In an on-going issue that was first brought to the attention of the Eagle Pass City Council at a meeting held on February 19, 2015 regarding the construction of a crematorium within the city limits and walking distance of several large residential neighborhoods and public schools, the Eagle Pass residents are anxiously awaiting a response from the City of Eagle Pass concerning the status of the appropriate permits and procedures for approving such a facility within the city. Many residents have expressed concerns regarding the use and burning of toxic and hazardous chemicals such as mercury to cremate deceased bodies and release of these toxic fumes into the air where children and elderly residents live and play without notifying the residents about this project.
The concerned citizens raised this issue to the Eagle Pass City Council during the Citizens Communications part of the February 19th City Council meeting and have since held a meeting with Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and Councilwoman Gloria E. Hernandez to express their concerns.
The concerned citizens noted that the City of Eagle Pass nor the local funeral home notify them of this pending project being constructed in the busy El Indio Road near large residential subdivisions and schools. The citizens complained that the City of Eagle Pass always notifies residents when there are proposed zoning changes or projects being applied for and considered, but were not notified of this project. Had they been properly notified, the citizens contend they would have immediately advised the City of their opposition
During the March 17, 2015 Eagle Pass City Council meeting, City Council went into executive session to discuss agenda item No.23 pursuant to Section 551.071, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code – Consultation with legal counsel on a response to citizen complaints regarding crematorium; possible action in open session regarding the same.
Once back in open session, Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu asked if any council member had a motion on agenda item No.23.
Mayor Pro-Tem Luis E. Sifuentes moved to direct legal counsel to work on a response that addresses the letter sent on February 27,2015 to Eagle Pass City Manager Gloria Barrientos by citizen volunteers in reference to the crematorium at 2343 El Indio Highway, signed by Fred Rico and Ramon Soliz. Councilwoman Hernandez seconded the motion. The City Council after discussion approved City Attorney Heriberto Morales of Langley & Banack to draft a response to the citizens letter on behalf of the City of Eagle Pass.
The concerned citizens are still awaiting to receive the City of Eagle Pass’ written response to their written complaints.
There are questions whether the City of Eagle Pass administration followed legal procedures in approving the construction of this crematorium as well as whether the local funeral home applied for and received the appropriate state permits with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Funeral Commission. Stay tuned.
