Resolution No. 22-R-92 - Consideration and/or action authorizing an application for the Community Coalition Partnership COVID-19 Grant from the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness, and receive funds if awarded, in an amount up to $100,000 to purchase shade structures for Cypress Point Park. (B. James/L. Shrum)

Resolution No. 22-R-93 – Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, authorizing execution of a wastewater easement from San Antonio One Limited Partnership and San Antonio Three Limited Partnership relating to an existing wastewater main.  (B. James/K. Woodlee/J. Shortess)

Resolution No. 22-R-97 - Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas approving requests for Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Grant for 817 Main Street. (M. Browne/B. James)

Resolution No. 22-R-101 - Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas authorizing a license agreement with PV Schertz LLC. (M. Browne/B. James)

Resolution No. 22-R-94 - Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas approving the Management Services Agreement between the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC), the City of Schertz, and the City of Seguin and other matters in connection therewith. (SSLGC Resolution #SSLGC R22-12)  (B. James/S. Williams/Alan Cockerell).

Mayor Gutierrez asked if any items need to be removed for separate action.  Mayor Gutierrez recognized Councilmember Scagliola who requested that item 1 be removed for separate action.

Ordinance No. 22-D-38 - Consideration and/or action approving an ordinance by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, providing that the Code of Ordinances of the City of Schertz, Texas be amended by revising Article II, Section 86-39, Restrictions on Turning. First Reading (B. James/K. Woodlee)

Mayor Gutierrez read the following into record:
 
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, BE AMENDED BY REVISING ARTICLE V, SECTION 86-39, RESTRICTIONS ON TURNING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Engineer Kathy Woodlee who introduced this item stating It has been observed that it is not uncommon for motorists to attempt a u-turn maneuver to change direction from north bound to south bound on Schertz Parkway at the median break at Prairie Lane.  City Engineering Staff investigated and determined that the maneuver at that location cannot be made safely in almost any circumstance.  Sight distance is not adequate and the width of the median and turn lane is not wide enough for the turn to be made without veering into an adjacent lane of travel and interfering with other traffic.

State law (Texas Transportation Code) grants the authority to the City to regulate turning movements and both State law and City Code Section 86-39 explicitly prohibit the making of a u-turn where unsafe and/or where a sign is erected pursuant to the authority of the City Council.  On August 4, 2022, the Staff presented this case to the Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) to request that they make a recommendation to City Council to authorize the location of such a sign.  TSAC unanimously voted to recommend the placement of signs in order to explicitly prohibit u-turns in both directions on Schertz Parkway at Prairie Lane. The recommendation prohibits u-turns in both directions.

The goal of Ordinance 22-D-38 is to educate and discourage motorists from attempting an unsafe turning maneuver and to provide an explicit Code reference for citation of the offense. Staff recommends approval.

Ms. Woodlee addressed questions from Council. Councilmembers provided their thoughts regarding the need for this.
Mayor Gutierrez called for a motion to approve Ordinance No. 22-D-38.

 

Resolution No. 22-R-103 - Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas establishing the name of the currently unnamed future extension of Cibolo Valley Drive on the north side of IH 35 as Cibolo Valley Drive. (B. James/K.Woodlee)

Mayor Gutierrez read the following into record:
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, ESTABLISHING THE NAME OF THE CURRENTLY UNNAMED FUTURE EXTENSION OF CIBOLO VALLEY DRIVE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF IH 35 AS CIBOLO VALLEY DRIVE 

Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Engineer Kathy Woodlee who introduced this item stating during the regular City Council Meeting on May 3, 2022, after a workshop presentation regarding the City's process for naming streets, Council had a discussion regarding the potential name for a particular future roadway.  The City's Master Thoroughfare Plan calls for extension to the north of IH 35 of the existing road currently known as Cibolo Valley Drive.  The existing portion of Cibolo Valley Drive within the City of Schertz City Limits was previously named Wiederstein Road and was renamed in July 2019 (Ordinance 19-R-16) to be consistent with the longer portion of the same roadway within the City of Cibolo.

During the meeting in May, City Council requested that the Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) research and recommend a name for the future roadway for Council's approval.  TSAC discussed options for the name of the road extension during their regular meeting on August 4, 2022, and voted four (4) to two (2) to recommend that the future roadway be named Cibolo Valley Drive.It is recommended that Council establishes the name of Cibolo Valley Drive for the future extension of the existing Cibolo Valley Drive.

It is recommended that Council establishes the name of Cibolo Valley Drive for the future extension of the existing Cibolo Valley Drive.

Mayor Gutierrez recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Heyward who expressed her desire to name that portion Eric White Road. Councilmembers provided their thoughts that renaming it Eric White would be too confusing, Cibolo Valley Drive gives credit to founders.

Mayor Gutierrez asked Mayor Pro-Tem Heyward was there a motion.

Motion was made by Mayor Pro-Tem Heyward seconded by Councilmember Dahle to name the unnamed future extension of Cibolo Valley Drive Eric White Road.

Ordinance No. 22-T-30– Conduct a Public Hearing and Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance adopting a budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023, in accordance with the Charter of the City of Schertz, Texas; providing for the filing of the Budget; providing that this Ordnance shall be cumulative of all Ordnances; providing a Severability Clause; and providing an Effective Date.  First Reading (B. James/J. Walters)

Mayor Gutierrez recognized Finance Director James Walters who stated that in accordance with applicable statutes and the City Charter, the City Manager submitted a budget proposal to the City Council for consideration on August 5, 2022. The City Council held public hearings for the Proposed Budget on August 23, 2022 and, tonight, September 6, 2022.

In the General Fund, Staff has proposed adding up to 24 new positions based on the recommendations of Staff and Council. The positions include:
-3 Firefighters in preparation of station 4
- Fire Inspector to assist with annual fire inspections
- Engineer and Engineering Inspector to assist with city infrastructure projects
- Public Safety Technician and a GIS Specialist to meet the information technology needs of a growing staff and security needs
-3 Parks Maintenance Technicians to assist with the increased number of parks being developed in the City and perform more maintenance on existing parks
- Recreation Coordinator to help provide more city sponsored activities
- Plans Examiner and a Permit Technician to meet the needs of development
- Neighborhood Services Officer to help with code compliance needs
-2 School Police Officers requested and paid for by the School District
- Traffic Officer to help with the growing city
- Records Specialist in Police, a Parts Clerk in Fleet to help manage the vehicles
- Part Time Programing Specialist in the Library to help with the popular events held at the library
- Convert 2 10-hour positions to 2 20-hour positions at the library to help visitors
- Event Attendant to assist set up and clean the Civic and Community Centers when there are events

Also in the General Fund are the following programs, projects, and equipment that are new:
-Building 27 Parking Lot for vehicle and equipment storage space
-Additional Roadway Maintenance Funds
-Internet and fiber upgrades on the City's network due to its age
-eProcurement software to accept bids online which should allow for more competitive bids
-Replace the Police Records Management Software to meet the data driven needs of operations
-Restart the Library Hotspot program to provide a home internet solution to families,
-Acquire the Cellebrite system for Police to speed up investigation timelines by being able to review cellphone data in house
-Replace body armor for the SWAT team
-Purchase a 600 gallon Emulsion Tank that will store more oil used for road repair projects and make operations more efficient
-Purchase additional public safety radios to hand out to key employees during events or emergencies to ensure good communication
-Update and add security cameras at public safety buildings
-Purchase additional library materials
-Increase the cleaning contract for emergency cleanings at the library
-Upgrade the inventory and work order software used by public works that is no longer being supported by the developer
-purchase a hard drive shredder for IT and reduce service costs of outsourcing
-Provide Office 365 training to employees to better utilize the software
-Install noise mitigation tiles at the library to reduce sound inside the study rooms
-Provide annual trail funding to design and construct new trails
-Purchase a skid steer with a mulch head
-Purchase new breaching tools and shields for the Police
-Provide for additional job advertisements and hiring incentives
-Providing funding to start the Cibolo Creek Clean Up Program

The Emergency Medical Services team is proposing to add 8 new paramedics/EMTs to add another active ambulance on the road and to switch from 24 hours shifts to 12 hour shifts due to health concerns in the industry. These positions will be offset by increased revenue from having more ambulances on the road and savings in overtime with the change from 24 hour shifts. They are also proposing to add a mental health canine for staff to address mental health concerns caused on the job.

The Water & Sewer Fund is proposing to add utility bill text messaging services for notifications of pending bill due dates to help citizens avoid late penalties with a helpful reminder. They are also proposing to add Water/Sewer Gems software to keep an updated model of water and sewer needs as the city grows to help predict and plan for infrastructure needs. Lastly, they are proposing to purchase a mobile bypass pump to keep the water/sewer system operational if there is a mechanical or electrical failure at the existing pumps.

Staff also proposes to raise salaries for all departments by 3% across the board for inflation. In addition, staff making less than $53,000 would get an additional 4%, staff making between $53,000 and $75,000 would receive an additional 2%, and staff over $75,000 would receive 1% additional. This program will replace the standard 2% merit program this year temporarily. 

Fiscal Impact:

General Fund	$44,376,036
Tax I&S Fund	8,686,248
Water & Sewer Fund	26,850,237
Capital Recovery - Water	44,000
Capital Recovery - Sewer	52,500
Drainage  Fund	1,439,807
EMS Fund	11,719,662
SEDC	10,050,960
Special Events Fund	24,000
PEG Fund	60,000
Hotel Occupancy Fund	272,915
Park Fund	125,000
Tree Mitigation	70,000
Roadway Impact Fee Area1	5,000
Roadway Impact Fee Area2	55,000
Roadway Impact Fee Area3	5,000
Roadway Impact Fee Area4	3,000
Library Fund	22,200
Historical Committee	11,750
Total:	$103,873,31

A copy of the proposed budget is available for view on the City’s webpage www.schertz.com. This copy will include all changes included in the change memo. He also stated per state statutes and the City Charter, the city must adopt a budget prior to the beginning of the fiscal year beginning October 1st.Staff recommends that the City Council approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 22-T-30, adopting the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023.

Mayor Gutierrez opened the public hearing, and as no one spoke; closed the public hearing for Council comments.  No comments from Council.  

Mayor Gutierrez called for a motion to approve Ordinance 22-T-30 on first reading.

Ordinance No. 22-T-31 – Conduct a Public Hearing and consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance approving the appraisal roll; setting the tax rate; levying and assessing general and special ad valorem taxes for the use and support of the municipal government of the city of Schertz, Texas. First Reading (B. James/J. Walters)

Mayor Gutierrez read the following into record:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF THE BUDGET; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 

Mayor Gutierrez recognized Finance Director James Walters who introduced this item stating at the August 9, 2022 regular session, the City Council, by record vote, established a proposed preliminary maximum tax rate of $0.4999 , per $100 of value, with the M&O rate at $0.3519 and the I&S portion of $0.1480. This rate was under the Voter-Approval rate but greater than the No-New-Revenue rate.

On August 12, staff received a new Voter-Approval rate from the Guadalupe Tax Assessor Collector of $0.4968. Due to this change staff brought this change to council on August 23rd, where council set a new preliminary tax rate of $0.4950. This rate is under the new Voter-Approval rate and is greater than the No-New-Revenue rate.

In accordance with Chapter 26.05(d) of the State’s Property Tax Code, a governing body must hold a public hearing on the tax rate if the proposed tax rate exceeds the lower of the No-New-Revenue or Voter-Approval Tax Rate.  In this case a hearing is required as the proposed rate does exceed the No-New-Revenue rate.
                                             
A public hearing was held on August 23, 2022 regular session of City Council. A second public hearing will be conducted tonight, September 6, 2022.

During the tax rate adoption process Council can approve a lower rate, however they will not be able to approve a rate higher than this without republishing the notices and holding additional public hearings. Due to timing constraints set by the State Tax Code 26.05(a), the latest council could set a new preliminary rate was August 23, 2022 without calling special meetings or declaring an emergency.

Per Sec 26.05(b) of the Tax Code, the tax rate can only be adopted with more than 60% of the votes in favor of the proposed tax rate. Since Schertz has 6 voting councilmembers, 4 members must vote in favor of the tax rate for it to pass.

Mayor Gutierrez opened the public hearing, and as no one spoke; closed the public hearing for Council comments.  Councilmember Scaglio9la stated he still had a problem with the tax rate.

Mayor Gutierrez called for a motion to approve Ordinance 22-T-31 on first reading and noted the special motion that needed to be made.

Schertz Young Leaders Program - Workshop Discussion on the new Schertz Young Leaders Program. (B. James/L. Shrum/C. Paddock)

Mayor Gutierrez recognized Parks Recreation & Community Services Director Lauren Shrum who provided information regarding the program.  

Purpose: To train students in leadership techniques and community awareness. Participants will be introduced to the multiple facets that make up Schertz: Local Government, Education, Community Businesses & Partners, and the Randolph Air Force Base. Through participation in the program, students will be prepared to make a positive impact on the quality of life in their current and future communities.

Objectives: To select a diverse group of 12 students who have exhibited leadership qualities or display the initiative to enhance their community through leadership and service.

To foster the development of knowledgeable citizens and future leaders of Schertz through in-depth programs that introduce students to the wide variety of opportunities, challenges, and resources available in the City.

Allow students to interact with community leaders and decision makers.
Collaborate with community partners to provide students with a well-rounded view of Schertz.

Committed Partners: 
Operation Total Leadership:

Julio Serrano - Two hours of lesson delivery per session, curated participant guides and handouts, selection committee

SCUC Independent School District - Selected students will receive co-curricular excused absences for the program, Transportation to and from the program, selection committee.

Eligibility:

• High School Student
• Schertz Resident or SCUCISD Student
• Application & Essay Submittal
• Guardian & School Administrator Approval

Student Commitment: Schertz Young Leaders is a series of five school-day sessions followed by an evening graduation. Each session will be focused on a particular topic pertaining to the community and will also promote personal growth. Students will hear from and interact with community leaders, tour facilities, and complete a class project. Also required is attendance to one (1) Schertz City Council Meeting, one (1) volunteer event, and one (1) SCUCISD Board Meeting.

Candidate Selection:
Selection Process:

• 9/12: Applications open
• 10/10: Applications close
• 10/11-10/13: Selection committee meets and grades applications & essays with rubric
• 10/14: Selected candidates are notified

Selection Committee:

• Recreation Manager: Cassie Paddock
• SCUCISD Representative: Amy Massey
• City Council Member:
• Public Affairs Director: Linda Klepper
• Operation Total Leadership Representative: Julio Serrano

2022-23 Program Schedule

Ms. Shrum answered questions from Council.
 

Trunk or Treat at the Station - Information item regarding the changes to the Trunk or Treat event, now re-named Trunk or Treat at the Station. (B. James/L. Shrum)