09-15-09MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
September 15, 2009
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on
September 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to-wit:
Mayor Hal Baldwin
Councilmember David Scagliola
Councilmember Michael Carpenter
Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Fowler
Councilmember John Trayhan
Staff Present: City Manager Don Taylor
Assistant City Manager David Harris
City Secretary Brenda Dennis
CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING
Assistant City Manager John Bierschwale
City Attorney Michael Spain
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAGS OF THE
UNITED STATES AND STATE OF TEXAS.
Mayor Baldwin recognized City Attorney Michael Spain who gave special invocation in
remembrance of fellow Councilmember Wilenchik and his family followed by the Pledges
of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of Texas. (Copy attached)
INTRODUCTIONS
• New City employees (PD)
Mayor Baldwin recognized Police Chief Steve Starr who introduced the following:
- James Thompson new Police Department Dispatcher
- Jenifer Walls new Police Department Dispatcher
- Arturo Perez new Police Department Officer
- A.J. Arriaga promotion to Corporal
• Recognition of Schertz Firefighters Local 4083 for their outstanding efforts in
supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Mayor Baldwin recognized Fire Chief David Covington who introduced this item
stating the entire Fire Department participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association
fund raising event this year. Chief Covington stated they raised $13,800, which was up
from what they had raised last year and that with the exception of San Antonio the Fire
Department was the top fundraiser in the area. Accepting the award was President of
IAFF Local 4083 (Firefighter's Union) Lt. Leon Sposari. Also in attendance,
9-15-09 Minutes
representing the firefighters was Captain Harry Hewlett, Fire Apparatus Operator Chris
King, and Firefighter Gary Williams II.
HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Mayor Baldwin recognized the following citizens:
• David Richmond, Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, who spoke on his
support and approval of the Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District (Item #3).
PRESENTATIONS
• ISO Briefing & Discussion (Chief Covington)
• Customer Service /Leadership Presentation (J. Correu)
These items were pulled and will be presented at the September 22, 2009 City
Council meeting.
Discussion and/or Action Items
1. Presentation on City Projects -Presentation and consideration and/or action
regarding the City Project Update and Status Report. (L. Dublin)
This item was pull and will be presented at the September 22, 2009 City Council
meeting.
2. Minutes -Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the
Regular Meetings of September 1, 2009 and September 8, 2009.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Trayhan who moved, seconded by
Mayor Pro-Tem Fowler to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of
September 1, 2009 and September 8, 2009. Vote was unanimous. Motion CarNied.
3. Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District -Discussion and consideration
and/or action regarding approval of funding the $50,000 for Membership in the
Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District. (G. Antuna/ Mayor)
Mayor Baldwin recognized Economic Development Director George Antuna who
introduced this item stating The Austin-SAT Commuter Rail District board consists
of local government and transportation providers that represent the 112 mile route
from Georgetown to the Port of San Antonio. Each local government where a
depot has been identified has the opportunity to have a seat on the board for a
membership fee of $50,000 per year. Traditionally, the SEDC has paid this
membership due. City Council must approve the FY 2009-2010 membership fee
with the Mayor as the City's representative on the Commuter Rail District Board.
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Mr. Antuna stated that since Schertz's renewal in 2008, the rail district has reached
,.,._. milestones. Schertz has continued their involvement in this effort, which allows rail
district staff and its lobbyists to continue work to bring a commuter rail line to the
region and a station in the City of Schertz. Mr. Antuna stated that the Economic
Development Corporation recommends payment of the membership fee of $50,000
and that Mayor Baldwin be a board member of the Austin-SAT Commuter Rail
District for FY 2010. He further stated that the $50,000 is currently in the EDC FY
09/10 budget.
Mayor Baldwin stated that the Board has been meeting and will be launching in 30
days the introduction of the brand name "Lone Star Rail". He also expressed his
comments regarding approval of this item.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Carpenter who stated his opposition to
this item. Mr. Carpenter stated he does not see culturally how it will fit in our City.
He believes it will always cost the City more and more money, that this project will
never break even, he believes it will have a low ridership.
Mayor Baldwin provided his approval comments stating he visualizes a nuu~g
tremendous amount of use of the rail and believes it will alleviate some of the
congestion on IH 35 and it is a great opportunity for Schertz to be destination
station city.
Mayor Baldwin recognized mayor Pro-Tem Fowler who provided his approval and
comments stating this is a potential way for travelers to come to our area.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Trayhan who moved that given the
potential opportunities of this project that the funds allocated by the Economic
Development Corporation were set aside for economic development and based on
the recommendation of the economic development corporation and city staff that
the city approves the payment of the membership fee of $50,000 and appoint Mayor
Baldwin as a member of the Austin-SAT Commuter Rail District Board for FY
2010 seconded by Councilmember Scagliola. Vote 3-1-0 with Mayor Pro-tem
Fowler, Councilmembers Trayhan and Scagliola voting for and Councilmember
Carpenter voting against. Motion Carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Called under Section 551.071 Litigation, pending litigation; Section 551.072 Texas
Government Code -Deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, sale, lease, or value
of real property.
City Council did not meet.
Requests and Announcements
5. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items be placed on a future City
Council agenda.
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Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember David Scagliola who requested that an
item be placed on the next agenda for Council to consider adding alternates to the
various Boards and Commissions.
6. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers to City Manager and Staff for
information.
No requests given.
7. Announcements by Mayor and Councilmembers
• City and community events attended and to be attended
• City Council Committee and Liaison Assignments (see assignments below)
• Continuing education events attended and to be attended
• Recognition of actions by City employees
• Recognition of actions by community volunteers
• Upcoming City Council agenda items
Mayor Baldwin recognized Mayor Pro-Tem Fowler recognized his wife, Pat who
was in the audience this evening. Mayor Pro-Tem Fowler who provided his deepest
sympathies and thoughts regarding his dear friend and colleague, Tony Wilenchik.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Scagliola who attended the following
• Absolute Jazz and movie in the Park on Friday.
• Opening of the John Paul II Catholic School.
Councilmember Scagliola also provided his sympathies and prayers for the
Wilenchik family.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Trayhan who echoed all the thoughts
and sediments for Tony Wilenchik and prayers for the Wilenchik family.
Mayor Baldwin recognized Councilmember Carpenter who provided his deepest
sympathies and thoughts regarding his dear friend and colleague, Tony Wilenchik
and his courage of facing death.
Mayor Baldwin provided his deepest sympathies and thoughts regarding his dear
friend and colleague, Tony Wilenchik and prayers for his wife Val.
8. Announcements by City Manager
• Recognition of City employee actions
• New Departmental initiatives
Mayor Baldwin recognized City Manager Don Taylor who provided the following
information on the services for Tony Wilenchik:
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Friday September 18th
-Viewing to be held at Schertz Funeral Home 3:00 to 9:00
Saturday September 19th
-Funeral service to be held at 9:30 am at Oakwood Baptist Church in New
Braunfels, TX 2154 Loop 337 N., New Braunfels, TX 78131
Website: www.oakwoodbaptist.or~
- Internment to follow funeral service at Hill Country Park Cemetery off of Hwy.
46 in New Braunfels, TX
-Reception following internment service at Schertz Civic Center to honor Michael
"Tony" Wilenchik. Alight lunch will be provided by the City.
By the request of Mrs. Wilenchik (per Tony's wishes) that in lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the:
Investigational Drug Development Unit (IDD)
of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC)
7979 Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX 78229
Mayor Baldwin recognized Assistant City Manager David Harris who reminded Mayor and
Council of the TML Region VII meeting and reception, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at
6:30 at the Live Oak Civic Center.
Mr. Harris publically invited everyone to the Cresent Send Nature Park Grand Opening,
Friday, September 18, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further action, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
~;m Fowler, Mayor ro-Tem
ATTEST:
~r
t ~
~ r
Brenda Dennis, TRMC, CMC City Secretary
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Please close your eyes, bow your heads, and let us pray together:
Father, there is a vacant chair in this chamber tonight. Yesterday, our dear friend and
colleague, Tony Wilenchik, departed this life and joined you in Heaven. It was a day that
we knew was coming and one that we all dreaded.
Tony was special. He was a hard working and dedicated member of this City Council to the
end, and he was a model of public service. He was devoted to, and greatly loved by, his
wife Valerie. He was a staunch patriot who served his country through a long and
distinguished Air Force career. He loved his church, and he loves you, Father. He was an
ardent spokesman for the animal citizens of Schertz, and he dearly loved his faithful
Bumper and all of the other animals that populated his home and his world. Tony believed
in this City, his fellow Councilmembers, the City's employees and volunteers, and all of its
citizens. And he was our friend and everyone's friend.
Father, you know that Tony was wise, very funny, thoughtful, sometimes appropriately
impatient, and always a joy and an inspiration to be with.
There is a vacant chair here tonight, but Tony's spirit and our memories of him fill this
room and this City.
Father, if the members of this Council, the City staff and volunteers, and our citizens
display the attitude and drive and commitment of Tony Wilenchik, there is no end to the
good that will come to us. This is a legacy that he would find embarrassing, but it is
Tony's legacy.
Father, take care of Tony; watch over Val and Tony's extended family; and comfort us all.
In keeping with Tony's distinguished military career, Father, let me conclude with the
words of "Taps":
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Tony, stand at ease. Be at ease, friend.
Amen.
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