Construction of 70-room three story hotel expected to finish in less than a year

By Jason Clay Jansky

Construction on a new Holiday Inn Express hotel in Kenedy will begin soon, county economic development officials announced recently.

Zinod Kasan, CEO of Ocean Gates Hotel Management and Development Group out of McAllen, has purchased property across from the Kenedy Wal-Mart on the east side of U.S. Highway 181.

The company has plans to construct a three-story Holiday Inn Express hotel on the site within the next six to nine months.

The most welcome news at the Kenedy City Council meeting October 9 was the decision to lift the Stage 4 water restrictions.

According to Veolia Water Project Manager Ray Borroum, "Water is online, pumping and mixing well."

Bob King, Veolia representative, suggested that when the 5 year review workshop of the Veolia contract takes place, he "advises the city to have a new component that will monitor additional operational issues of the plant." He also stated that other services could be included such as "leak detector devices." He said many of these items could be "bundled together."

Councilman Ken Reiley suggested to the council that rather than have a committee appointed for the review, the council members could themselves act in that capacity.

Runge city council members discussed accepting a mineral lease, among several other recurring items like grease problems and the town’s first responder unit, during their regular meeting October 9.

Hallettsville natural resource company Oil & Gas Management offered Runge $6,000 cash up front for the opportunity to explore mineral opportunities on city property.

The company also was offering a fifth of the profits from any valuable natural resource found on city property, allowing the potential for the agreement to bring more money to the city beyond the initial $6,000.

Councilwoman Irma Ortiz and Mayor Homer Lott thought it was a good idea, but Councilman Tony Casillas was skeptical and wanted to question the city attorney before proceeding.

County officials discussed the county’s trash collection processes during their Oct. 9 meeting.

With the county operating the trash collection station, hiring a part-time operator for the site, Karen Hale, and extending the hours and days of operation, county officials decided there are other considerations to look into concerning its finalization of the operation.

These include purchasing the trash compactor still on site, costs to charge for unloading trash, selection of a company to provide and remove containers for the trash collection, and looking into the possibility of paper and can recycling.

Commissioner Jeffrey Wiatrek noted, "Trash will be an issue from now on," for the county.