MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
May 21, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
May 21, 2024
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on May 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to-wit:
- Present:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso; Councilmember Mark Davis; Councilmember Michelle Watson; Councilmember Robert Westbrook; Councilmember Allison Heyward; Councilmember Tim Brown
- Absent:
- Mayor Ralph Gutierrez; Councilmember Tiffany Gibson
- Staff present:
- City Manager Steve Williams; City Attorney Daniel Santee; Deputy City Manager Brian James; Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez; City Secretary Sheila Edmondson; Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney
Call to Order
Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Opening Prayer and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of Texas. (Councilmember Tim Brown)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Councilmember Brown who provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Councilmember Brown who provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
Proclamations
· World MS Day - May 30, 2024 (Councilmember Heyward)
Councilmember Heyward presented the World MS Day - May 30, 2024 Proclamation to Cynthia Rodriguez, Jayme Brown Whitney and Ferrando Heyward.
· National Public Works Week - May 19–25, 2024 (Councilmember Brown)
Councilmember Brown presented the National Public Works Week - May 19-25, 2024 Proclamation with the theme "Advancing Quality of Life for All" to Public Works Director Larry Busch and members of the Public Works team.
· National EMS Week - May 19–25, 2024 (Councilmember Westbrook)
Councilmember Westbrook presented the National EMS Week - May 19-25, 2024 Proclamation with the theme "Honoring our Past. Forging our Future." to EMS Director Jason Mabbitt. In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of National EMS Week, the Pipes and Drum band led a procession of EMTs, staff, and EMT students into the Chamber.
Councilmember Heyward presented the World MS Day - May 30, 2024 Proclamation to Cynthia Rodriguez, Jayme Brown Whitney and Ferrando Heyward.
· National Public Works Week - May 19–25, 2024 (Councilmember Brown)
Councilmember Brown presented the National Public Works Week - May 19-25, 2024 Proclamation with the theme "Advancing Quality of Life for All" to Public Works Director Larry Busch and members of the Public Works team.
· National EMS Week - May 19–25, 2024 (Councilmember Westbrook)
Councilmember Westbrook presented the National EMS Week - May 19-25, 2024 Proclamation with the theme "Honoring our Past. Forging our Future." to EMS Director Jason Mabbitt. In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of National EMS Week, the Pipes and Drum band led a procession of EMTs, staff, and EMT students into the Chamber.
Presentations
1.
Presentation of Kick Cancer Pep Rally & 5K Run Donation to Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
Parks and Recreation Manager Cassie Paddock provided a recap of the Kick Cancer event that was held in March 2024.
Parks and Recreation Manager Cassie Paddock provided a recap of the Kick Cancer event that was held in March 2024.
- Iron Sponsors were HEB and Schertz Cibolo Emergency Clinic.
- T-Shirt Sponsors were GVEC, Schertz Bank & Trust, State Farm - Nathan Obregon, and SAMCO Capital.
- Pep rally was led by Samuel Clemens High School Drumline and Cheer.
- Warm-up was provided by Orange Theory.
- There were between 650–700 attendees, of which 583 were participants. There were a total of 22 teams, with the largest coming from Pascal Elementary School (Patriots) with 131 runners. The Patriots won the team challenge and had their Kick Cancer Pool Party this past weekend at Pickrell Park.
- Total donations since the event began in 2009 is $215,362.74 for cancer research.
- This year they raised $14,294.96 for cancer research. UT Health was not available to receive the ceremonial check, so Ms. Willenchek, widow of former Councilmember Tony Willenchek, for whom the event was originally organized and named the Willenchek Walk for Life.
2.
Presentation celebrating the creation of the Dry Comal Creek Nature Park (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
Mayor Pro-Tem recognized Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum who began the presentation by stating they had tried on two occasions to have an unveiling at the site, but due to inclement weather, had to cancel so they were bringing the celebration to Council via images of what the future park may look like. They prepared a press release as well. There is a lot of "buzz" right now about it and the work that Great Springs is doing. She added the following highlights:
Ms. Shrum directed Council to several renderings available for viewing of the project and informed them of a grant recently awarded to the City by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the development of the park.
Mr. Merritt presented Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso and Ms. Shrum with a map of the new park.
Mayor Pro-Tem recognized Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum who began the presentation by stating they had tried on two occasions to have an unveiling at the site, but due to inclement weather, had to cancel so they were bringing the celebration to Council via images of what the future park may look like. They prepared a press release as well. There is a lot of "buzz" right now about it and the work that Great Springs is doing. She added the following highlights:
- Dry Comal Creek Nature Park is a 10- and 1/2-acre park on Dry Comal Creek.
- Located at Bunker Street and FM 482 (in the Schwab Road area behind Amazon).
- Directly abutting the Park is the historic St. Joseph's Cemetery and across the street is the historic chapel designated by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in 2011. This parcel along with the cemetery, chapel, and a few other buildings are part of the historic Comal Township.
- This park will provide trail connectivity for the Great Springs Trail and runs along the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail.
- .This park is a unit of the National Park Service where they do historic trails and was made possible in part by the Jacob and Teresa Hershey Foundation, who partnered with the Great Springs Project to provide a low interest bridge loan to purchase the land, which Council has agreed to purchase from the Great Springs Project for the City of Schertz.
Ms. Shrum directed Council to several renderings available for viewing of the project and informed them of a grant recently awarded to the City by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the development of the park.
Mr. Merritt presented Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso and Ms. Shrum with a map of the new park.
City Events and Announcements
- Announcements of upcoming City Events (B.James/S.Gonzalez)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Deputy City Manager Brian James who provided the following:
Saturday, May 25
Pickrell Park Pool opens for the summer.
Sunday, May 26
Walk with a Naturalist Program
Crescent Bend Nature Park
3:30 p.m.
Pickrell Park Pool opens for the summer.
Sunday, May 26
Walk with a Naturalist Program
Crescent Bend Nature Park
3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 27
VFW Post 8315 and Knights of Columbus Council 6358 are hosting their annual Memorial Day
Cibolo Veterans Memorial
3864 Cibolo Valley Drive
10:00 a.m.
City Offices are Closed in observance of Memorial Day Holiday
VFW Post 8315 and Knights of Columbus Council 6358 are hosting their annual Memorial Day
Cibolo Veterans Memorial
3864 Cibolo Valley Drive
10:00 a.m.
City Offices are Closed in observance of Memorial Day Holiday
- Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S.Williams)
City Manager Steve Williams had no announcements or recognitions.
- Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R.Gutierrez)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso had no announcements or recognitions.
Hearing of Residents
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person should fill out the speaker’s register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to no more than 3 minutes.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member thereof. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized the following residents:
Daniel Jameson, 1048 Richmond Drive, stated he was a member of the VFW and informed every one of the Memorial Day event to be held in Cibolo on Monday, May 27th, and that the placement of flags along Main Street was done by the VFW. He also stated that they have a monthly breakfast on the 3rd Saturday of every month that is open to the public. Cost is $10/plate.
Linda Klepper, 1029 Water Oak, stated she was in attendance to observe as part of The Chamber Leadership CORE.
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person should fill out the speaker’s register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to no more than 3 minutes.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member thereof. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized the following residents:
Daniel Jameson, 1048 Richmond Drive, stated he was a member of the VFW and informed every one of the Memorial Day event to be held in Cibolo on Monday, May 27th, and that the placement of flags along Main Street was done by the VFW. He also stated that they have a monthly breakfast on the 3rd Saturday of every month that is open to the public. Cost is $10/plate.
Linda Klepper, 1029 Water Oak, stated she was in attendance to observe as part of The Chamber Leadership CORE.
Consent Agenda Items
The Consent Agenda is considered self-explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed from the Consent Agenda upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember.
The Consent Agenda is considered self-explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed from the Consent Agenda upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember.
3.
Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the regular meeting minutes of May 7, 2024. (S.Edmondson/S.Courney)
4.
Resolution 24-R-49 - Authorizing a Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Grants for 415 and 820 Main Street. (S.Williams/B.James)
5.
Resolution 24-R-53 - Authorizing a Resolution amending the Agreement with Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc., for Engineering Services for the Woman Hollering Creek Wastewater Project. (B.James/K.Woodlee)
6.
Resolution 24-R-54 - Authorizing a trail easement agreement with Riata Land Association of Homeowners Inc for a segment of the Great Northern Trail. (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
7.
Resolution 24-R-55 - Authorizing the acceptance of a property donation, generally 0.43 acres located on the northwest side of FM 1518 at the intersection of FM 1518 and Commercial Place (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
8.
Resolution 24-R-57 - Approving an amendment to the interlocal agreement (ILA) between the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and the City of Schertz (S.Williams/J.Lowery).
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked if any items needed to be removed from Consent for further discussion. No items were removed. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items #3–8.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked if any items needed to be removed from Consent for further discussion. No items were removed. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items #3–8.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Michelle Watson
- AYE:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
- Other:
- Councilmember Tiffany Gibson (ABSENT)
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
9.
Ordinance 24-S-18 - Approve a request to rezone approximately 1.8 acres of land from Pre-Development District (PRE) to Single-Family Residential/ Agricultural District (R-A), known as Bexar County Property Identification Number 308385, also known as 12396 Schaefer Road, City of Schertz, Bexar County, Texas. Final Reading (B.James/L.Wood/D.Marquez)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-S-18 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-18.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-S-18 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-18.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Mark Davis
- AYE:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
- Other:
- Councilmember Tiffany Gibson (ABSENT)
Passed
10.
Ordinance 24-S-19- Approving a request to rezone approximately 3 acres of land, from Pre-Development District (PRE) to Single-Family Residential/ Agricultural District (R-A), a portion of Bexar County Property Identification Number 308402, also known as 11627 Voges Pass, City of Schertz, Bexar County, Texas. Final Reading (B.James/L.Wood/D.Marquez)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-S-19 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-19.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-S-19 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-19.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Michelle Watson
- AYE:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
- Other:
- Councilmember Tiffany Gibson (ABSENT)
Passed
11.
Ordinance 24-H-07- Approving amendments to the Schertz Code of Ordinances, Chapter 34 - Health, Article IV Smoking in public places and Article VI - Illegal Smoking Materials. Final Reading (B.James/L.Wood/A.Cantu).
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-H-07 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again.
Councilmember Davis asked how the City planned to notify businesses of the new ordinance if it passed. Sanitarian Amanda Cantu stated it would be part of the inspection process that is done once or twice a year. Deputy City Manager James stated they would work with the Fire Department and Parks to make sure there is signage. Councilmember Davis recommended an article in the Schertz Magazine and flyers to be disseminated when permits and alcohol licenses are issued.
No other comments were made. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-H-07.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated Ordinance 24-H-07 passed on the First Reading and asked if Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear the presentation again.
Councilmember Davis asked how the City planned to notify businesses of the new ordinance if it passed. Sanitarian Amanda Cantu stated it would be part of the inspection process that is done once or twice a year. Deputy City Manager James stated they would work with the Fire Department and Parks to make sure there is signage. Councilmember Davis recommended an article in the Schertz Magazine and flyers to be disseminated when permits and alcohol licenses are issued.
No other comments were made. Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-H-07.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Mark Davis
- AYE:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
- Other:
- Councilmember Tiffany Gibson (ABSENT)
Passed
12.
Resolution 24-R-56 - Approval and Presentation of the 2024 Recipients of the Hal Baldwin Scholarship (S.Williams/S.Gonzalez) Presentation to follow approval
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez who briefed Council on the Hal Baldwin Scholarship Committee recommendations for three recipients of the awards for a total of $10,000.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez who briefed Council on the Hal Baldwin Scholarship Committee recommendations for three recipients of the awards for a total of $10,000.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Michelle Watson
- AYE:
- Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
- Other:
- Councilmember Tiffany Gibson (ABSENT)
Passed
Ms. Gonzalez invited Ms. Susan Beck and Mayor Pro-Tem who served on the committee to participate in the presentation and recognition of the following 2024 Hal Baldwin Scholarship recipients:
- Carlee Hoffman, Samuel Clemens High School, $2,500. Carlee will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Agricultural Leadership and Development.
- Javon Tolivar, Byron Steele High School, $2,500. Javon will be attending Trinity University in the fall majoring in Engineering Sciences. He plans to get his master's in Civil Engineering and become a professional engineer.
- Connor Gobin, Samuel Clemens High School, $5,000. Connor plans to attend Texas State University in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice. He would like to join the police academy at the age of 20 and obtain his peace officer's license by the age of 21. He hopes to become a Texas State Trooper.
Ms. Gonzalez recognized Ms. Susan Beck, daughter of Hal Baldwin, who thanked Council for the vote and stated the applicant pool was very competitive and congratulated the recipients on their accomplishments. She said her father would have been very proud.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso stated it was a great honor to participate on the Scholarship Committee and congratulated the recipients.
13.
Schertz Area Senior Center Operational Review (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum who updated Council on the Senior Center Operations. She provided an outline of the responsibilities shouldered by the YMCA, the City of Schertz, and the Senior Center Advisory Board. The City is responsible for membership software, contract oversight, building maintenance, utilities, and landscaping. The City also oversees the nutrition compliance because they receive reimbursement from AACOG for the meals they serve. Additionally, Ms. Shrum addressed three initiatives: level of service, garden project, and member survey. She provided an overview of surveys that have been sent to the members showing improvements in several areas. She concluded the workshop by stating that although they have made improvements, there is still a lot of work to do.
Councilmember Watson asked for a follow up survey in 6 months addressing the administrative services to see if their needs are being met.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso recognized Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum who updated Council on the Senior Center Operations. She provided an outline of the responsibilities shouldered by the YMCA, the City of Schertz, and the Senior Center Advisory Board. The City is responsible for membership software, contract oversight, building maintenance, utilities, and landscaping. The City also oversees the nutrition compliance because they receive reimbursement from AACOG for the meals they serve. Additionally, Ms. Shrum addressed three initiatives: level of service, garden project, and member survey. She provided an overview of surveys that have been sent to the members showing improvements in several areas. She concluded the workshop by stating that although they have made improvements, there is still a lot of work to do.
Councilmember Watson asked for a follow up survey in 6 months addressing the administrative services to see if their needs are being met.
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
Requests and Announcements
- Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
No requests by Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso or Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff.
- Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a future City Council agenda
No requests by Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso or Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a future City Council agenda.
- City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
Councilmember Davis attended teh Main Street Committee meeting and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.
Councilmember Westbrook attended the Employee Recognition Picnic.
Councilmember Heyward attended the Schertz Young Leaders Graduation, NEP luncheion, TML Budget and Audit meeting, Main Street Committee meeting, Police Memorial, and ICSC Conference.
Councilmember Brown attended the Main Street Committee meeting, NEP luncheon, and The Chamber luncheon.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso attended the NEP luncheon, the Employee Recognition Picnic, and the Police Memorial.
Adjournment
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
Mayor Pro-Tem Macaluso adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
_______________________________
Ralph Gutierrez, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Sheila Edmondson, City Secretary
____________________________________
Sheila Edmondson, City Secretary