05-05-2015 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
May 05, 2015
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on May
05, 2015, 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:
Mayor Michael Carpenter
Councilmember Jim Fowler
Councilmember Daryl John
Staff Present:
Deputy City Manager John Bierschwale
Interim Executive Director Dudley Wait
City Attorney Charles Zech
Call to Order
Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards
Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz
Councilmember Robin Thompson
City Manager John Kessel
Executive Director Brian James
Chief of Staff Bob Cantu
Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel
Mayor Carpenter stated that before we call the meeting to order he asked that everyone rise and
join him in welcoming his honor Mayor Robert Bueker who served from 1973 to 1980 as City of
Schertz Mayor. Mayor Carpenter and Council thanked Mayor Bueker for joining us this
evening. Mayor Carpenter called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro-Tern Edwards who stated that Mayor Bueker has put out
his first book entitled "Hidden Strength ".
Invocation and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of
Texas (Mayor Carpenter) and (Girl Scout Troup No, 4834)
Mayor Carpenter provided the invocation.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Girl Scout Troop No, 4834, Kara Heath, Brooklyn Heath, Jazlyn
Ingram, and Kenzie Hudson who provided the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United
States and the State of Texas. Mayor Carpenter thanked them for joining us this evening.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (J. Bierschwale /B. James)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director Brian James and Deputy City Manager
John Bierschwale who provided the following announcements:
Thursday, May 7, 2015, SSLGC Water Treatment Plant Tour, meet in the
Administration area at 8:30 a.m., Lunch will be provided.
Thursday, May 7, 2015 Sweetheart Court Coronation, Schertz Civic Center, 5:30 p.m.
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• Tuesday, May 12, 2015, AMM Collision Center, Grand Opening, 10:00 a.m., 806
Main Street.
• Thursday, May 14, 2015, Police Memorial Day Service, 11:00 a.m., in front of the
Police Department.
Upcoming Events
• Friday, May 15, Dog Park Ribbon Cutting -Grand Opening, 3:00 -6:00 p.m.,
Community Circle Drive.
• Friday and Saturday, May 15th and 16, 2015, Food Drive for Bexar, Comal, and
Guadalupe County Children and Families in Need. Collecting non - perishable food
items. Bring to 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. #3 (Community Center) for more
information call 210- 619 -1636.
• Saturday, May 16, 2015, 14th Annual Doggie Dash, Pickrell Park, 200 Aero Drive,
8:00 a.m. Register at www.Homesforpets.org.
• Sunday, May 17, Schertz EMS Golf Tournament, Olympia Hills Golf Course, register
by Wednesday, May 6th to Matt Troncoso or Amy Sellers at 210 - 619 -1400.
• Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Schertz Monthly Chamber Luncheon, Schertz Civic Center,
11:30 a.m. Presentation Topic: The 12th Flying Training Wing Mission, Operations
and Community Partnership. Please RSVP by May 12th
• Sunday, May 24, EMS Banquet, 6:00 p.m., Schertz Civic Center.
• Friday, May 29, 2015, Hog Wild 2015 - FREE Continuing Education Seminar (for all
local government elected, appointed Officials and Employees), (sponsored by
DNRBH), at Texas State University, San Marcos. Registration info at: Denton
Navarro Rocha Bernal Hyde & Zach, PC's, San Antonio office at 210 - 227 -3243.
• Saturday, May 30, 2015, 3rd Annual Friends 4 Fisher House Fun Run, The Run,
Auction/Raffle, Cash, etc. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. Starts and ends at JW's
Bracken Saloon, 18400 FM 2252, San Antonio, TX.
• Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated he wanted to draw
attention to the envelope(s) that he had laid in front of their places this evening. Mr.
Kessel stated this is a note from the Schertz United Methodist Church and he wanted to
express his personal appreciation to the Church because their congregation took time
recently and wrote a similar note to each City Employee. These were handwritten
personalized notes appreciating each particular thing each employee has done or their
department has done on behalf of the community. Schertz United Methodist Church is
appreciative of those efforts. It makes a big difference for our folks and some were
personalized with drawings on them. Thanks to Rev. Linda Montgomery and her church.
Proclamations
Mayor Carpenter presented the following proclamations:
• National Public Works Week (Mayor Carpenter)
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Mayor Carpenter recognized Public Works Director Sam Willoughby, Assistant Public
Works Director Jimmy Hooks, Superintendent of Fleets and Streets Doug Letbetter,
Wastewater Manager Larry Busch, General Services Administrative Assistant Judy Vela
and Facilities Technician Sam Rhodes. Mayor Carpenter read and presented the
proclamation regarding National Public Works Week.
• National Building Safety/Inspections Month (Mayor Carpenter)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Development Services Director Michelle Sanchez and Chief
Inspector Gil Durant. Mayor Carpenter read and presented the proclamation regarding
National Building Safety /Inspections Month. Ms. Sanchez stated that she was leaving
some literature regarding safety outside on the table for those who wish to pick one up.
• National Historic Preservation Month (Mayor Carpenter)
Mayor Carpenter recognized the members of the Historical Preservation Committee who
came forward. Mayor Carpenter stated that the Historical Committee started after he was
elected. The Committee has done a lot of work recognizing the history of the City.
Mayor Carpenter stated that the next task is that Mayor Bueker has to find the cities. #1
Library Card.
Mayor and Council thanked the departments for their service to the City.
Presentation
• Presentation of the Schertz Photo History Book (B. James/D. Weirtz)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Chair of the Historical Committee Mr. Dean Weirtz who
asked the Committee Members present to come forward. Mr. Weirtz gave a briefing on
the Schertz Photo Book. Mr. Weirtz requested Council provide the Commission the
permission to reproduce it and asked Council for their support. Mr. Weirtz presented the
first book to Mayor Carpenter. Mayor and Council thanked the Historical Preservation
Committee for the work they are doing.
Hearing of Residents
No one signed up to speak.
Consent Agenda Items
Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of April 28, 2015. (J. Kessel/B. Dennis)
2. Ordinance No. 15 -M -14 — Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance
amending the City's Code of Ordinances Chapter 50, Article IV regulating the discharge
of Guns. Final Reading (C. Zech/M. Hansen)
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The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 15 -M -14
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES
CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE IV REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF GUNS;
PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
3. Board, Committees and Commission Resignation — Consideration and/or action
ratifying the resignation of Patrick Russell of the Parks Advisory Board. (B.
Dennis /Council)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who moved, seconded by Mayor
Pro -Tern Edwards to approve the consent agenda items 1, 2 and 3. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, John
and Thompson voting for and no one voting no. Motion Passed.
Discussion and Action Items
4. Ordinance No. 15 -M -15 — Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance ordering
and declaring the 2006, 2008, and 2012 Charter Amendments Adopted. First Reading
(C. Zech/B. Dennis)
The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 15 -M -15
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, ORDERING AND
DECLARING THE 2006, 2008, AND 2012 CHARTER AMENDMENTS
ADOPTED.
Mayor Carpenter asked Council if they had any questions. As there were no questions,
Mayor Carpenter called for a motion.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Azzoz to approve Ordinance No. 15 -M -15 first reading. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, John
and Thompson voting for and no one voting no. Motion Passed.
5. Resolution No. 15 -R -35 — Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution
authorizing a License Agreement with NIDO Ltd., to allow the City of Schertz Police
Department to us the property as a shooting range and weapons training facility. (J.
Bierschwale/M. Hansen)
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The following was read into record:
RESOLUTION NO. 15 -R -35
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AUTHORIZING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NIDO LTD. A
TEXAS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH
Mayor Carpenter recognized Police Chief Michael Hansen who introduced this item
stating the Police Department does not currently have its own facility to conduct weapons
training. We are dependent upon the benevolence and schedule of other agencies. To
conduct firearms training and qualifications it currently requires that officers travel to
another jurisdiction.
Through this agreement, land is made available for use as a firearms training facility.
The land is part of an active landfill. The specific site is a former concrete mixing site
and is partially surrounded by large dirt, steel and concrete berms that are ideal for
containment.
This is a temporary solution dependent upon the status of the landfill and development of
the area. The landfill is expected to be in operation for approximately another twenty
years. It is currently mostly surrounded by farm land. The cost associated with this
agreement is $1 annually. The funds are currently available in the Police Department
Training Budget. No budget amendment will be necessary. Staff recommends approval.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Azzoz to approve Resolution No. 15 -R -35. The vote was unanimous
with Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards, Councilmembers Fowler, Azzoz, John and
Thompson voting for and no one voting no. Motion Passed.
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Mayor Carpenter recognized Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel who recapped the
votes for agenda items 1 through 5.
Requests and Announcements
6. Announcements by City Manager
• Citizen Kudos
• Recognition of City employee actions
• New Departmental initiatives
No further announcements were provided.
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7. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items be placed on a future City
Council agenda.
No items were requested at this time.
Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers to City Manager and Staff for information.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who stated that he had discussed
with Mr. Kessel the infrastructure of some of our roads such as Schertz Parkway and
Elbel Road. Councilmember Azzoz stated that he had heard from a resident that was
concerned with the condition of some of our roads and he had mentioned Tri County. He
stated that the resident contacted the City. and complained about some potholes.
Councilmember Azzoz stated that he did not know if the City had a plan to fix the roads
and if we do, when would this take place?
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated Deputy City Manager
John Bierschwale is working with Public Works on developing the previous capital list.
He stated there are a number of different things included in his comments. Certainly
there are various levels, and he knows our crews have seen the pothole issues, especially
after a rain and are currently addressing them. Mr. Kessel stated that if there are
particular holes, they can call 311 and that information will get to our crews. The larger
rehabilitation projects that are more capital projects will need funding either by a GO or
CO Bond by City Council action, and as part of the process we have been discussing
these through the retreat process and budget process that council has already been
involved in and given direction on. Those are the two areas we have to work with on
existing streets; either they are repairs we can do right now that are within our means or
they are so large and expensive they will take a significant amount of money. In 2006,
the city identified about $40 million worth of roadways and funded about $20 million of
those. That was the last time council and the citizens approved a significant amount of
money and even then it was half of the known projects. It is important to have a plan and
work through those issues not only for new streets but old streets.
Councilmember Azzoz asked if we had a comprehensive program on hand. Mr. Kessel
replied that we did. In the retreat format and during the budget process, we have a few
mechanisms and the principal one is called the Micro Paver, which was put in place in
2010. We are currently in the process of updating that program. That then generates a
variety of lists; a list of the worst streets and those that are in good shape but can use
upgrading to add a longer life to their use. Roadways are significant issues and if money
were unlimited we would say fund them all today.
9. 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
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Recognition of actions by community volunteers
Upcoming City Council agenda items
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated he wanted to give kudos
to Sam Willoughby and his crew for assisting a resident with a tree that had fallen.
Councilmember Fowler also commented on the new 1103 Storage Facility stating he was
impressed with their security and architecture. This is a very good design that fits the
future of our city.
Mayor Carpenter stated that last week he attended the Bexar County Mayors Group
meeting and the two main topics of conversation were Uber and ride sharing and sugar
sweetened beverages, and what role government had in those two areas. He wanted to
compliment this council for sticking to nuts and bolts topics. We tend to focus on issues
that are critical to the success of the aggregate of this community and not get off on to
issues that government has no business legislating about. We don't over legislate or under
legislate; we keep a very balanced look. He appreciates that.
Adi ournment
As there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m,
,r
Michael R. Carpenter, Mayor
ATTEST:
Donna Schmoekel, Deputy City Secretary
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