12-30-03
Council – Workshop Session
Wednesday, December 30, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Tuesday, December
30, 2003 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal
Baldwin presiding, Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Reginna Agee, Tony
Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Councilmember Simonson absent. Staff members
present were City Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City Secretary Mary
Ybarra.
Mayor Pro-Tem Greenwald called the meeting to order 7:00 p.m., because Mayor
Baldwin was running a bit late. However, as Mayor Pro-tem was explaining
Mayor Baldwin arrived.
#1 Hearing of Residents.
Susan Schaezler, 19349 Old Wiederstein Road passed out handout-denoting
map of the area and photographs of birds. Her concerns are the same as recently
voiced at past meetings include:
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Homeowners on Wiederstein Road and Dean Road are against widening;
where will the money come from.
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Destruction of habitat; City needs to preserve forests;
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Consideration of alternative road, preferably running parallel to
Wiederstein Road.
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Safety of endangered bird species;
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Trees in 30’ ROW dedication from Continental Homes. This leaves Schertz
to cut down trees.
She went on to say that six (6) of the seven (7) residents were present at last
meeting voicing concerns. She would like Council to keep in mind all these
concerns when the issue comes up for approval.
Lincoln Coderre at 19094 Old Wiederstein Road/Dean Road commented that
after listening to all concerns, he is almost inclined to agree with commercial
development. Only because it would be better for schools and traffic, residential
would add to schools and increase traffic. Commercial would not have the need
to access Wiederstein Road and possibly generate money the City needs.
Wiederstein Road wouldn’t need to be widened leaving the charm out there. The
City could re-pave and leave the road as is. Down the road the City and residents
could come up with compromise, because no one wants to give up easement
rights to widen road. He definitely doesn’t want to feel railroaded by the City.
Robert Brockman at 4505 Grand Forest had the following comments:
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Complimented the City on bridge (walkway) on Schertz Parkway by the
High School. The completion of walkway now makes it possible to walk
the length from IH-35 almost to FM 78.
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Commented seeing someone racking leaves on Sunday, believed someone
had taken his job, until he realized it was a City employee. Told City
Manager he was really cracking wipe and believed he too was working
many long hours.
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Mentioned article in Express News relative to San Antonio having a
“Watch Dog”. Is he the “Watch Dog for Schertz?
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Appreciates food served at meetings.
#2 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on final reading of
Ordinance regarding proposed annexation of approximately 655.5 acres located
adjacent to the existing City limits line parallel to IH-35 for the North
boundary, the City of Cibolo ETJ for the South boundary, and between the
existing City limits line along the Northcliffe Scenic Hills development on the
West and the City limits line that parallels Eckhardt Road to the East.
Mayor Baldwin introduced Ordinance and read caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 03-A-40
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE
BOUNDARY LINES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS BY THE
ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 655.5 ACRES LOCATED
ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS LINE PARALLEL TO
IH-35 FOR THE NORTH BOUNDARY, THE CITY OF CIBOLO ETJ
FOR THE SOUTH BOUNDARY AND BETWEEN THE EXISTING
CITY LIMITS LINES ALONG NORTH CLIFFE/SCENIC HILLS
DEVELOPMENT ON THE WEST AND THE CITY LIMITS LINE
THAT PARALLELS ECKHARDT ROAD TO THE EAST; AND
RELATED MATTERS.
Mayor Baldwin advised the issue has been on City Council agenda four times, a
total of six meeting, two public hearings have been held, and two workshops.
The Ordinance has been approved at first reading and this evening the issue is in
the final stage. Council either approves or does whatever Council desires.
Without further discussion or comments, Councilmember Greenwald moved to
approve the second reading of Ordinance providing for the extension of the
boundary lines of the City of Schertz, Texas by the annexation of approximately
655.5 acres. Councilmember Douglas seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Douglas, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald
NAY: None.
#3 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding rezoning 192.48+ acres
from General Business (GB) and Residential A (R-A) to 38.2+ acres as General
Business (GB) and 154.3+ acres as Residential 5 (R-5). (Continental Homes of
Texas LP).
Mayor Baldwin stated the only concerns he has are the same he has had
throughout the process. He doesn’t believe it’s an area that City should commit
to place 500 to 600 homes and future plans to place many more. He stands by his
believe and feels it’s not the right thing to do. In his opinion the area should be
preserved for Industrial growth, not residential.
Councilmember Greenwald stated that certain businesses have plans in place
with the concept that if a business builds there has to be a certain number of
houses to support business in the area He believes it’s important to continue
building, because some business has been lost. He doesn’t see Industrial for the
area.
Councilmember Agee inquired on map and information she had requested at last
meeting relative to surrounding area zoning and development. She stated she
might be in favor of rezoning only half of the area. She believes the top portion
still needs to be commercial. She feels like the Mayor does, that possibly the City
is running out of large locations along IH-35 to accommodate businesses. She
doesn’t want to see the area rezoned.
Councilmember Wilenchik pointed out that the City is inviting growth, without
having infrastructure to support schools, etc. With residential addition (500
homes), what will it do to the current over crowded school system? City
Manager Marquez advised that just on the other side is development of 1,200
homes going in. Would development of 500 more homes make a difference? The
City is keeping superintend of schools informed of situation, it will be to the
school system to come up with solution.
In brief discussion, debate followed on the need of commercial property along
IH-35 (South side), such as highway frontage utilized by retail business. The
commercial depth of 750’ along IH-35 is believed not to be sufficient to
accommodate retail space or a big box. It was pointed out that the most valuable
property in all probability is within half a mile all along IH-35. If the property is
given away, the City will never get it back. Regardless of the 1,200 homes going
up in the neighboring Cities, rooftops don’t pay for more EMS, fire, and police
services etc. Who will pay? The need for Commercial and Industrial is needed to
have a proper balance on tax base to pay for services needed. To give it away
makes no sense, it doesn’t seem good business to widen Wiederstein Road
(Schertz expense) for the benefit of neighboring development.
Councilmember Agee reiterated that she is not in favor of rezoning the whole
area as residential. She believes a portion should stay commercial or Industrial.
It was Council consensus to place item on meeting agenda of January 6, 2004 for
consideration.
#4 Discuss Ordinance establishing the City Council as final body of appeal
for actions by City Boards, Commissions and Committees.
City Manager Marquez stated establishing Ordinance is a form of buying time to
carry on review process of Ordinances, making sure City Councils wishes are
being followed in terms of City Council being the final authority body, with
those exceptions that statute requires and those that City Council has made the
City Manager the final authority body.
With no discussion, it was Council consensus to place matter on next Tuesday
nights meeting.
#5 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
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Reported on canvass results relative to alley/Circle Oak residents and the
need of speed bumps. Out of eight residents the consensus was that seven
wanted them one didn’t. If Council doesn’t have any objections,
installation will take place. Also, have gathered information on speed
humps and will place the information on the next available workshop
session.
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Noted Schertz Animal Control facility is under fire, due to publication of
letter by a resident in the Herald relative to treatment of dog. Upsetting
article, however in all probability the City is at fault, however as to other
responses relative to article, he would investigate each and everyone and
report to Council on findings.
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Told Council Tony Wilson Public Information Officer would be leaving to
big and better things, taking a position in San Marcos. This will be Tony’s
last meeting. He wants to recognize him for all the work he has done and
wishes him the best. Mayor Baldwin told Tony he would be missed and
wished him luck.
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Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
#6 Items by Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
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Praised EMS on call of Sunday, December 14, 1518/Lower Seguin Road.
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Apparently, a resident (Nelda Bludau) was hit by vehicle and transported
to University Hospital. The family has nothing but praise for the
professionalism, attitude of EMS personnel on the response and
stabilizing of the patient. As reported to him, the patient was given a slim
chance of survival. She is home recovering and has nothing but praise for
EMS response and personnel.
Dudley Wait, EMS Director stated he recalls the call and would pass on praise to
the crew on duty on that particular day.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
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Absent
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Schertz Library Board
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Had no comment.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Ex-officio-TSAC
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Had no comment.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P & Z Commission
Ex-officio SSLG Corp.
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Reported speaking to Henry Gutierrez and was told recycling is going
down. Not prices, but the amount recycled. Believes there is a need for
advertising.
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Wished everyone a good holiday.
#7 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
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Reported seeing a sign on the closing of FM3009 exit off of IH-35 on
January 5, 2004, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mayor was advised it was due to
drainage construction along frontage road.
#8 ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Hal Baldwin moved to adjourn the meeting at
7:45 p.m.
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Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
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Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas