12-11-02 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPEClAL WORKSHOP SESSION
12-11-02
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday,
December 11, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding;
Councilmembers Steve Simonson; Reginna Agee; Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald
Staff present were City Manager Mark Marquez and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Before the Hearing of Residents, Fire Chief Elroy Friesenhahn introduced two new
employees - Robert Shadle and Chris Deady. He informed Council of their certifications
and previous experiences. The Council welcomed them aboard.
Chief Friesenhahn then informed Council he has the new fire truck outside for anyone
interested in seeing it after the meeting.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Mike DeLeon, a City staff member and resident of 10735 Gladys Ave., spoke regarding
the City's annexation plan. Mr. DeLeon said he lives in Rittiman Addition and there are
families who have lived there for a number of years. The area is covered by police and
EMS from Bexar County. If the area were annexed by the City of Schertz, the raise in
taxes would be offset by the water and garbage rates, which would go down. The
majority of the residents of the area would like to be annexed despite what Council was
told last week by Mr. Light.
Mr. Marquez inquired if they would have enough citizens to sign a petition for voluntary
annexation. Mayor Baldwin suggested Mr. DeLeon see if he can get 50% of the citizens
to sign a petition. Mr. DeLeon asked if Council wanted signatures from both sides of FM
1518 or just one side. Mayor Baldwin answered both sides.
Mr. Greenwald pointed out the main problem is water, sewer and streets and the streets
would take a while. Mr. Simonson added there are now fire hydrants in the area.
Mr. DeLeon mentioned there is lots of competition for grants and they barely qualified
the last time. Mayor Baldwin reminded Mr. DeLeon he is on the review board that
approves grants. Mr. Greenwald felt their scoring would not be high enough to get a
grant.
Mr. Simonson noted if they become part of the City, they could work with Randolph Air
Force Base on the flooding problem and eventually a long-range plan for the low areas.
The area would also be cleaned up and services improved. It seems like a win win
situation. He also commented he thinks they need signatures from 51% o£the property
owners.
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Mayor Baldwin emphasized he is more concerned about the FM 1518 area than the
Rittiman Addition. Leonard Truitt, City Inspector, added there have been lots of
improvements since the flood.
Linda Guerrero of 10650 Gladys stated she felt the whole neighborhood of Rittiman
Addition was misrepresented by Mr~ Lght. She is very anti-Light. They have a very
close neighborhood with close-knit families. There are a few residents who are not part
of the closeness and some of them let their homes run down or bring in dirt. which could
cause flooding. At the present time, it takes forty-five minutes for the police to respond.
She doesn't want to wait forty-five minutes for safety.
Both Mr. Marquez and Mayor Baldwin were in favor of the residents getting together a
petition requesting voluntary annexation. The Mayor noted the City is just now putting
together a master annexation plan. Mr. Greenwald mentioned it would probably be a
four-year plan.
Mayor Baldwin thanked the people from Rittiman Addition and told them how much
Council appreciatied their coming to the meeting.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest had the following comments:
Mwntioned the people from Rittiman Addition need proper information. Is it 51% of the
registered voters or what? Mr. Simonson answered it's 51% of the property owners
Wondered if the school district had requested a pedestrian crossing at the tennis courts.
The district didn't have an answer for him.
Commented Ashley Oak Drive by Autumn Winds needs a "No Outlet" sign. Mr.
Simonson noted they have the correct radius. Mr. Marquez said he would have Sam
Willoughby check the radius for turning.
Stated a speed limit sign is needed on Ashley Oak Drive coming off of FM 3009.
Observed that if the City provides a site for the Boy Scout building, then they would have
to do it for other organizations. Mr. Marquez pointed out the Scouts built the building,
but lost ownership because they broke the lease. The City could lease land to them. Mr.
Brockman felt the City should stay out of the real estate business. He then asked if they
do it for other organizations and was told they charge BVYA $1.00 per year. Mayor
Baldwin commented the City took the building away from the Boy Scouts because it
flooded and told them we would help them find other property.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Session 10-01-02
Special Session 10-09-02
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Mrs. Agee moved to approved the minutes, as written, for the Regular Session of
10-01-02 and the Special Session of 10-09-02. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion.
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
#3 Discussion of proposed voluntary annexation.
Mr. Marquez reminded Council they have a memo in their packets from Ron Youngblood
pertaining to this proposed annexation. It is approximately 97 acres with some
commercial frontage and the rest is residential. It was checked out by the Public Works
Department. They would like to start the annexation process and then the rezoning. It
should be completed by the middle of 2003.
Mr. Marquez questioned if there would be improvements to Eckhardt Road. Mr. Don
Griffin. representing owner Jamie Arichaga, replied there would be some improvements.
Development will consist of nine (9) acres of commercial business and entry level homes
of about 1200 square feet. They also plan to put in hiking/jogging paths.
Mr. Simonson indicated the area drains under Schwab Road back to the Dry Comal.
Mrs. Agee asked how many home sites are planned and Mr. Griffin answered about 400.
He then went on to say they are looking at how that would impact the neighborhood and
also looking at putting in a road parallel to 1H-35~
Mr. Greenwald inquired if they are aware the frontage road is one way. Mr. Griffin
replied they are and there have been discussions about possibilities. Mr. Simonson
commented some portion of Eckhardt Road might have to be upgraded. In the past they
have had one builder do one side and another builder do the other side. Mayor Baldwin
suggested maybe they need to talk about an escrow fund. This is a good opportunity for
voluntary annexation.
Mr. Marquez mentioned they are tentatively on the December 17th agenda for action,
depending on documentation. If not on that date, then at the following meeting.
Mayor Baldwin thanked Mr. Griffin for coming.
#4 Discussion awarding bids for uniforms.
Sam Willoughby was present to discuss the details of the bids. Mr. Willoughby noted
that Unifirst is the lowest bidder.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if the current provider is G&K and Mr. Willoughby replied yes, and
they are willing to come down on their price. Mr. Wilenchik asked how long the City
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had been provided uniforms by G&K and Mr. Willoughby answered three (3) years. Mr.
Wilenchik then asked about the service and was told it is mediocre.
Mr. Wilenchik wondered if we get a better rate if we rent all the City uniforms from the
same company. Mrs. Agee pointed out the uniforms for Police, Fire and EMS are
purchased.
Mr. Marquez stressed they are looking for quality and service. The initial setup is $44.00
for new employees and it then folds into the rental fee.
Mr. Wilenchik mentioned rags and Mr. Willoughby indicated they don't have to worry
with G&K about returning rags. Unifirst has a $5.50 charge for rags.
Mr. Greenwald mentioned that his workplace went to using high quality paper versus
rags as long as it's recyclable and not hazardous waste.
Council agreed they were ready for this item to be placed on next Tuesday night's agenda
for action.
#5 Discussion on first reading of Solicitor's Ordinance.
Mr. Marquez stated he is not necessarily in favor of solicitors, but there are some good
organizations out there. Paragraph 13.4 deals with exclusions from applicability of this
Ordinance and Paragraph 13.12 mentions a "No Solicitation Notice" which would be
issued by the City and affixed in a conspicuous place within five feet of the front door of
any residence or business. This makes it unlawful for any person to solicit at such a
residence or business even though they may have a solicitor's permit.
Mr. Marquez went on to say he thinks this Ordinance is not an unreasonable compromise.
The solicitor's permit would be valid for 90 days whereas it was previously valid for one
year.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if the investigation of an applicant applies to individuals or
organizations. Mr. Marquez answered it applies to both. Mrs. Agee asked what about
students selling stuff for schools and Mr. Marquez replied the same rules apply.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if this is one of those ordinances on the books they won't enforce
unless they get complaints. Mr. Marquez indicated it would be enforced if they plan to
take action against an organization or individual they are concerned about.
Mr. Simonson liked the fact you can get a "No Solicitation" sticker.
Mr. Marquez thought the need for the ordinance would increase as demographics
become clear. If it needs to be tweaked, they can do that.
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Council indicated their readiness for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda for action.
#6 Discussion on proposed site for Boy Scout Association.
Mr. Marquez stated they might have found some property for the Boy Scout Association.
Mr. Shelton is present this evening. There is one acre next to the Animal Control
Shelter, which is not in the floodplain. Mayor Baldwin asked if it's accessible. Mr.
Marquez admitted it would need some improvements. There are plans to expand the
Animal Control Shelter parking lot and they could share.
Mr. Wilenchik thought there had been some talk about expanding the Animal Control
Shelter. Mr. Marquez said he hadn't heard anything about that. Police Chief Cantrell
mentioned that as the City grows, they would need to expand the kennels. Mr. Wilenchik
noted that if they put in an accessible facility, it would agitate the animals.
Mr. Shelton admitted the size is great, but the location is questionable. The Scouts have
had in excess of 60 cars at certain events. He told Mr. Marquez thanks, but no thanks.
Mr. Marquez commented they would have to go back to the drawing board.
#7 Discuss appointment of Schertz Parkway Zone Board members.
Mr. Marquez advised Council that Mr. Bethke and Mr. Sharpe are agreeable to being
reappointed. They haven't heard from Mr. Juarez yet.
Council was in agreement for having this item placed on next Tuesday night's agenda for
action.
#8 Discussion regarding skateboarding at the large pavilion.
Mr. Marquez stated the pavilion is getting badly damaged. Some of the activities are not
acceptable and the supervision promised is not accessible. Mr. Simonson noted the
pavilion was never designed for skateboarding. The City forces other groups that use it
to carry insurance. Council needs to move quickly on this.
Gail Douglas, Community Services Director, mentioned it costs a lot of money to clean
up the pavilion on Saturdays. Mr. Simonson asked for a consensus from Council to have
the City Manager shut down the skateboarding activities. Council gave their consensus.
Mr. Wilenchik suggested putting an article in the Schertz Tales and also a press release in
the Herald newspaper. Mrs. Agee stressed we need to ban skateboarding activity from
both pavilions right up front.
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#9 Items by City Manager
General Announcements
Annexation
· Reported the problems with the so,ware billing have been solved. Kudos go to
Evelyn Boggess and Karen Garcia.
· Referred Council to the memo in the packet from Dudley Wait about a large
ambulance and asked them to review it.
· Regarding the advertisement for Sign Board applicants, they have one interested
party. The ad closes on January 10th.
· Noted the advertisement for a Planning and Zoning Commissioner closes
December 31st.
· Mentioned the rezoning for Sexually Oriented Businesses and pointed out there is
no such buffer for FM 3009 (the second most used highway in Schertz).
· Stated he would be out of town tomorrow and Friday for an Investment Seminar.
#10 Items by Council and Mayor
General Announcements
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
· Noted that regarding the bond issue, BVYA has serious needs for storage and
facilities that shouldn't have to wait until 2005. There has been talk in the past
about rehabbing for parking, etc.
· In reference to traffic signs, every time a new sign is put up, it costs money and
maintenance.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-Officio P&Z Commission
Ex-Officio SSLG Corp.
· Mentioned Planning and Zoning held a public hearing last night on the rezoning
for Sexually Oriented Businesses and it went pretty well. He suggested the next
time they put an ad in the newspaper, it be in English, not legalese. Also, they
need to call Mr. Forbes regarding his property up by Garden Ridge.
· Said P&Z had a strip center proposal last night (a last minute hurry up deal). It
would be on the south side of Bordertown. They want to cut down on parking
space sizes.
· Noted P&Z had another proposal, which was kind of controversial. It would be
in Tri- County, north of Nabisco. There is no way to get trucks in because of the
cul-de-sac. They would have to build a road. They are squeezing every inch into
a building and forgetting about roads. Mr. Simonson added there's no use
backing off anything in that park.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison Schertz Library Board
· Stated the Housing Authority didn't meet this month and she has nothing else to
report.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
· Reported he and Mr. Marquez went to a HOA Coalition meeting where they
discussed Representative Kuempel's Senate Bill, which would limit HOA's from
foreclosing on homes in violation of covenants. Said there were lots of questions.
Bond issues were mentioned. All in all it was a pretty positive meeting.
Mayor Baldwin
General Announcements
· Commended the City and Staff on the Festival of Angels. Suggested they might
want to make the program shorter.
· Noted Christmas on the Corridor went well.
· Mentioned he got a call from Denny Arnold telling him Wilson McBride passed
away. Mr. McBride was a former Building Inspector for Schertz and an early
member of SAFES. The City might want to send flowers.
#11 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 9;02
p.m.
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ATTEST:
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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