A sure sign that summer is coming is a discussion of opening the city swimming pool -- an event that will take place this year on May 29, according to city manager, Eleazar "Yogi" Garcia.

And the pool opening doesn't just happen, It takes planning and preparation.

Within the next couple of weeks public works dept. director Joel Soto will oversee the painting of the sides and floor of the pool with a new coat of paint.

Tuesday evening commissioners acted on Garcia's recommendation to hire up to 12 lifeguards and basket attendants, they have at least seven coming back from last year.

Rental rates for pool parties will be the same as last year, $55 for up to two hours and this year the pool can be rented for three hours for $85.

Garcia said the city will try something new as far as pool maintenance this year. De La Pool Service has been hired to furnish chemicals and to verify that the correct amount of chemicals are mixed into the water each day.

Last year, there was a problem, Garcia said ,when inexperienced personnel were doing the pool care and the facility had to be shut down at one point because the chemical balance was off. The company will be paid $600 a month to maintain the pool for three months, a total of $1,800.

Commissioner Zeke Cavazos recommended Rene de la Garza, owner of De La Pool Service, as "honest, and a person who does a good job."

New city police officer Adrian Hooks, of Donna, was introduced to commissioners. Several other officers were on hand to welcome him to the community.

Commissioner Yolanda Alexandre thanked officers for their service to the city.

"We are always very supportive of you," she said.

Commissioner Cavazos agreed,"Our town is getting better because of you guys. I hear you are jumping fences and chasing suspects all over the place."

With that the city manager suggested that police begin handing out citations to those who double park at Little League games and police promised to check out reports of speeding in the area of L.C. Smith Elementary, at the request of Alexandre.

City revenue from sales tax receipts contiunues in a downward spiral. City manager Garcia reported that sales tax receipts from the city's two cent sales tax are down $70,000(or 9.6%) for the first six months of the fiscal year. And the city is going up against a poor sales year in 2009.

Garcia said he has talked with department heads and they are looking at ways to cut their budgets.

The commissioners and mayor will attend a Hurricane Preparedness meeting in McAllen, May 19 at no cost to the city. The city manager will also attend.

Public works director Soto reported that his street crew is working on weedy lot mowing, mosquito spraying and filling pot holes caused by the wet weather.

And, the city manager, reported, "The Whitewing Hotel should be coming down in 30 days."

The dilapidated building has been an eyesore and a health hazard for some time and many are looking forward to seeing it domolished.

County judge-elect John Gonzales was present, invited by Mayor Orlando "Lonnie" Correa.

Correa said he has known Gonzales for many years and the two were neighbors while growing up.

Correa congratulated Gonz-ales and said, "Welcome, we are proud of you, you ran a good race."

Commissioners voted to hire Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. to collect delinquent taxes for another three years under contract. The company will keep 15 percent of collections as their reward for doing the job.

The American Legion Auxiliary will sell Buddy Poppies on May 29 on downtown street intersections, as a fund raiser.

An electricians license for Jay's Electric of Mission was approved so that they can do business in the city.

Finally commissioners heard financial reports and agreed to pay city bills before the meeting was adjourned.