04-26-2016 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
April 26, 2016
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on April 26,
2016, 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:
Executive Director Dudley Wait
City Secretary Brenda Dennis
Call to Order — City Council Regular Session
Mayor Pro -Tem Cedric Edwards
Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz
Councilmember Robin Thompson
Executive Director Brian James
City Attorney Charlie Zech
Assistant to the City Manager Sarah Gonzalez
Mayor Carpenter 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.
(Mayor Carpenter)
Mayor Carpenter provided the opening prayer followed by the pledges of allegiance to the flags of the
United States and the State of Texas.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Boy Scouts Riley Hayden and Blake Dixon from Troop 51 who were in
the audience this evening.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B. James/D. Wait/S. Gonzalez)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director Brian James who provided the following
announcements:
• Thursday, April 28, Wounded Warriors Luncheon, hosted by Yellow Cab /Greater
San Antonio Transportation, 9600 1113 5 North, 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, April 29, Sam Willoughby's Retirement Lunch and Social, Schertz Civic
Center, 12:00 — 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 29, 7th Annual Knock Out Child Abuse Bowl -a -Thou, Fiesta Lanes;
10202 Huisache Ave, New Braunfels, 5:30 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE:
• Thursday, May 5, Schertz Sweetheart Coronation, Civic Center, 5:45 p.m.
• Thursday, May 12, Northeast Partnership Luncheon, Olympia Hills Golf Club,
11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, May 15, Schertz EMS Golf Tournament, Olympia Hills Golf Club,
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Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 17, The Chamber Luncheon, Schertz Civic Center, 11:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 17, Council On The Go, Norma J. Paschal Elementary Cafeteria,
590 Savannah Drive; the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, May 22, Annual EMS Banquet and Casino Night, Schertz Civic Center,
5:30 -9:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 23, Grumpy's Mexican Cafe Operation Comfort Fundraiser, 18817 FM
2252, 11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., BBQ Barbecue Chicken & Brisket lunch plate $10.00,
100% of proceeds go to Operation Comfort.
• Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated he wanted to recognize
Police Officer Rudy Pena. Mr. Kessel stated that they received a letter from the State of
Minnesota Department of Corrections /Special Investigations expressing their appreciation to
Officer Pena for his essential role in the apprehension of a Minnesota fugitive. Mr. Kessel
passed the letter around to Councilmembers.
Mr. Kessel stated that he doesn't know if we received the official final word, but he knows
there are members of the Bond Committee who are in the audience this evening and wanted to
take the opportunity to mention the FM 1518 Bond Project. This is a project that the voters, on
the recommendation of the Bond Committee, approved $5 Million dollars of City of Schertz
money to act as seed money. We then worked with TxDOT. TxDOT committed an additional
$5 Million to that project bringing the total to $10 Million and then TxDOT applied to the
MPO for a grant of an additional $9.5 Million. That grant was approved and now we are a
Tier 1 project. The City of Schertz has invested $5 Million dollars and we will have $19.5
Million that will be going towards that project. Mr. Kessel stated that they have been recently
working with TxDOT to see what we can do to move forward. We are now an official project
with some significant funding and they are also aware of our need to move to a phase 2 and do
the engineering and environmental portion as if we had additional funding so that we can keep
that project moving forward. Mr. Kessel stated that they had a vote yesterday afternoon and
he spoke with TxDOT yesterday morning and they were confident that the only thing that
could change on the vote was the timing of when it would happen with the WO funding. He
stated he did not get a final word on the outcome of the vote but they were confident that it
would happen. This is a big deal for us moving forward and a great use of city money.
Presentations
Check presentation to CTRC regarding proceeds from the 2016 Wilenchik Walk/Run. (J.
Kessel/L. Klepper/M. Spence)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Events Manager Mary Spence who provided a brief Power Point
presentation stating that the Wilenchik Walk is in honor and memory of Former
_ Councilmember Tony Wilenchik. Ms. Spence gave special thanks to our volunteers
including: City staff, Boy Scout Troop 51, students at the School of the Americas, Schertz
Sweethearts, residents John and Alayna DuBois, Joy Graham from the YMCA, and Citizens
on Patrol. Special thanks was also given to our major sponsor, HEB.
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Ms. Spence stated that tonight we have a check in the amount of $10,480.08 to present to the
Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC). Ms. Spence introduced Ms. Vicki Shapiro, with
the Sarcoma Group who accepted the check on CTRC's behalf. Ms. Spence stated that
donations this year were up 15% from last year. Ms. Spence stated that total donations to date
were $160,761.89. Ms. Shapiro thanked the City for hosting the event and for the donations
they have provided over the years.
® Presentation awards regarding the 2016 Wilenchik Walk/Run. (J. Kessel/L. Klepper/M.
Spence.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Events Manager Mary Spence who stated that tonight awards for
best t -shirt design, most funds raised and the winners of the 5K run will be presented. The
following awards were presented:
1St Place Team Best T -Shirt Design
1St: Most Funds raised by a Team
2 °d: Most Funds raised by a Team
lst Place Men (Run)
2nd Place Men (Run)
3rd Place Men (Run)
1St Place Women (Run)
2nd Place Woman (Run)
3rd Place Women (Run)
Team Tatum — Captain Katie Gunn
Team American Bank & Trust, $503.00
Team Tatum - $435.00
Daniel Arias
Keith Ferguson
Henry Langislene
Donna Thompson
Jeanette Munoz
Tyler Agnew (Clark)
Mayor Carpenter stated this was great work on putting this event on and $160,761.89 is a lot of
money and it was all done out of love of the volunteers. He thanked everyone.
Mayor Carpenter stated that he would like to move the agenda around for a special presentation this
evening that Councilmember Flower would like to provide and moved to agenda item 7.
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
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who came forward providing an update
and thanks to all those who participated in the Aviation Heights clean-up this past weekend.
Councilmember Fowler read the following:
We had an awesome event Saturday and Sunday (Photos were showing as he was providing
this information).
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With many people volunteering, the project exceeded our expectations, but the success of this
project did not lie in the hands of a few, but on the hands of the many volunteers. These
volunteers came from homeowners, from businesses such as Subaru. Auto, The Chamber of
Commerce, the City of Schert2 -employees, Bexar Waste, members of the United Methodist
Church Faith and Action Group, the United Methodist Confirmation Class and the Love
Where you Live group, which is made up of five churches: United Methodist Church, First
Baptist Church Schertz, Cibolo Valley Baptist Church, Northeast Bible, and many other
smaller church groups that wanted to share in this event.
The guiding principle of all the faith groups is basically showing the love of Christ through
loving our neighbors as ourselves, and doing what is the right thing to do. Lives were
changed. Neighbors transformed old landmarks, which were replaced with new landmarks.
Some thought no one cared for them while others thought they had won the lottery and others
were truly deeply thankful by the work that was done. One example was, Mr. Fowler showed
an old dirty T -shirt that was given to him because that was all that the resident could give and
he insisted that he take it. I will never forget the deep impact we had on this combat veteran
with a prosthetic leg.
I don't know how many roll -off containers of trash and old furniture was collected or how
many tree limbs were run through the chipper, or how many yards were cleaned up or just
how many curb trash pickups were made. There was an impact on people's lives that could
not afford to dispose of or repair these things.
No one group could accomplish all the tasks that we did this last weekend. It took a request
from the Historical Society to the City of Schertz who invited Love Where You Live, of
which the United Methodist Church is a member, volunteering and combining Love Where
You Live with their Faith and Action annual event, which began planning and coordinating
and getting the word out to businesses. The end results were nine major projects
accomplished, more than 20 smaller projects completed and many trash and limbs chipped,
compacted, or hauled away.
One last thing, a special thanks to Environmental Health Manager Jessie Hamilton from the
Marshal Services office who did a lot of leg work overseeing the needs of this past weekend.
Without him it would not have ran as smoothly. Mr. Fowler left us with these thoughts;
remember sometimes there will be a neighbor with the need, maybe your neighbor, and
someday you might even be that neighbor.
Someone asked him how he felt about the effects of seeing these projects completed. He said
he felt pride but at the same time he felt like thanking the lord saying "you guys did well ". He
thought of the bible verse "Well done you good and faithful servant ". You have done what I
wanted you to do and that is to show my love to your neighbors."
Councilmember Fowler stated that the dirty T -shirt that was given to him has a combat vet
emblem on it, and again, that man said that was all he could give. Councilmember Fowler
showed the T -shirt to the group. Many other people were just as impacted for all the work that
was done.
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Mayor Carpenter stated that Mr. Fowler inspired us all, him and all his volunteers. Mayor
Carpenter, Councilmembers and the audience gave a standing ovation to Councilmember
Fowler on the success of this event and a job well done.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who congratulated Councilmember
Fowler for the successful cleanup event stating that the spirit that is embodied in this
community is absolutely contagious and it is also attributed to the leadership as well.
Mayor Pro-Tern Edwards also stated that on Friday, April 22, 2106 the Lions Club hosted
their Casino Night and raised over $17,000. They raise the money to give back to the
community in providing scholarships for summer camps and the Schertz - Cibolo Educational
Foundation,
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who also commended Councilmember
Fowler for his leadership and the success of the Aviation Heights project this weekend.
Councilmember Azzoz also mentioned the upcoming fundraiser for Operation Comfort event
on Monday, May 23, 2016. Councilmember Azzoz provided information as to how the funds
are used for our disabled veterans.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember John who echoed the sentiments from Council
and thanked Councilmember Fowler.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who also echoed the sentiments and
complimented Councilmember Fowler and all members of the community and city employees
who participated. He stated that he would like to see this as an annual event on our calendar.
Councilmember Thompson also thanked the Bond Committee for their efforts in the success
of the FM 1518 project.
Mayor Carpenter expressed his gratitude to Councilmember Flower and all those that
participated in the clean-up this weekend.
Mayor Carpenter stated that he had one more announcement. Mayor Carpenter stated that today is
City Manager John Kessel's 50t` Birthday; all those in attendance sang happy birthday. Mayor
Carpenter recessed the regular meeting at 6:36 p.m., for a break and asked those in attendance to join
them in the back as we celebrate Mr. Kessel's birthday with a cake.
Mayor Carpenter reconvened the meeting at 6:56 p.m.
Hearine of Residents
Mayor Carpenter recognized the following who spoke:
• Ms. Maggie Titterington, The Chamber President who came forward providing photos of
the recent Aviation Heights Clean-up project this past weekend. Ms. Titterington also
provided information on upcoming events. Ms. Titterington expressed her comments on
the recent information regarding the funding of FM 1518 project from TxDOT and
receiving the grant from MPO.
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Ms. Gail Douglas, 11536 Ware Seguin Road, Chair of the Library Foundation who came
forward providing information on an upcoming Schertz Library Foundation fundraiser.
She stated that the Library will be hosting a mini golf course in the Library. They will be
closing the Library for two days on June 10 -11, 2016. All proceeds will go to E- books;
she stated that she still has three sponsorship holes available. They are also taking silent
auction items and will be hosting a silent auction event.
Workshop
• Discussion of Special Called Council Retreats. (Item requested by Councilmember
Thompson)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who stated that the workshops are
foundational to all the work we end up doing with the Council. The ability to interact with
staff, with some of the personality testing and leadership styles that we do to make us a team
for success is important.
He feels we owe it to our citizens and staff for the work that they do that all Council be
present if possible. He stated that previously we had these retreats on Fridays and had good
attendance from the Council and then we moved them to Thursday thinking that would help.
He stated that his observation was that at the last retreat we had the lowest turnout of
Councilmembers since he has been here and as a result he suggested that the workshops be
moved back to Fridays. Historically this has worked best for the Council and he would like to
hear input from the other Councilmembers.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who stated that Thursdays are
normally his end of the month and end of week and that Fridays work better for him and he
can manage his day and is in agreement to move them back to Friday. He stated that we also
need an extra day for staff as they always meet prior to them meeting. He would like to get
input from the other Councilmembers as well.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember John who stated that he is good with Fridays.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who stated that we moved the
workshops to Thursdays to accommodate Councilmember Azzoz as he was tied up on Fridays
and asked him if there was any way he could rearrange his schedule to be available on
Fridays. Councilmember Azzoz stated that he will do his best and we all can't promise things
and he doesn't know what may happen in his life from day to day but he is ok with whatever
changes the Council wants to meke; going back to Friday is fine.
Mayor Carpenter stated that this item is on for discussion and that as he hears no decent we
will move them back to Fridays.
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who stated what he would
recommend, and we have already booked our retreat for November with the facilitator, if we
do want to do these on a Friday, then he needs to change that reservation this week. What he
has heard is a consensus to move them back to Fridays. If we want to move them to Fridays
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he needs to know tonight. This is not an action item and he would come back at the next
meeting with an amended calendar, but if he is misunderstanding that, then he would ask for
more discussion to make sure that he fully understands and knows what to tell our consultant.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who stated that would it be
beneficial if we were to raise it in such a way that our preference is to move back to Fridays if
the facilitator is available, and if not to make those active starting next year. Mr. Kessel stated
that he is fine with that if Council wishes us to go back to Fridays then he will visit with them.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Fowler who reminded Council that we are going
to have at least four (4) new Councilmembers later this year and this is a good way to start
them off. He stated that it is a good idea to move the retreat meetings to Fridays.
Mayor Carpenter stated that it sounds like a consensus if nothing else and Mr. Kessel can
move forward with this information. Mr. Kessel stated that for the record we would move the
team building retreat to December 2nd which is a Friday and we would have them on Fridays
thereafter. Mayor Carpenter stated it sounds correct. Mayor Carpenter stated that if there are
any concerns to please get with Mr. Kessel individually.
Consent Agenda Items
1. Minutes — Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of April 12, 2016. (J. Kessel/B. Dennis)
2. Ordinance No. 16 -D -06 — Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance providing that
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Schertz, Texas be amended by revising Chapter 86,
Section 86 -41, Stop Intersections — Designated regarding'the installation of a stop sign at the
intersection of Tractor Pass and Planters Pass. Final Reading (B. James/K. Woodlee/D.
Letbetter)
The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 16 -D -06
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, BE AMENDED BY REVISING SECTION 86 -41, STOP INTERSECTIONS -
DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
3. Boards, Commissions and Committee Member Resignations and Appointments —
Consideration and/or action ratifying the resignation of Mr. Howson Lau of the Library
Advisory Board and the Committee of Committees effective May 3, 2016, and ratifying the
appointment of Alternate 1 Ms. Shonale Burke as Regular member and ratifying the
appointment of Alternate 2 Rebecca Scheffler to Alternate 1.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Fowler to approve the consent agenda items 1 -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.
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Discussion and Action Items
4. Ordinance No. 16 -C -09 — Conduct a Public Hearing and consideration and/or action
approving an Ordinance amending the Schertz Code of Ordinance Chapter 18, Buildings and
PH Building Regulations, Article 1, In General, Section 18 Inspections. First Reading (B.
James/L. Wood/G. Durant)
The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 16 -C -09
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ
CHAPTER 18, BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE H
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, SECTION 18 -41 AMENDMENTS AND
ARTICLE III INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE AND TWO
FAMILY DWELLINGS, SECTION 18 -61 AMENDMENTS.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Executive Director Brian James who stated staff has determined
a need to revise the current building codes with regard to inspections. The current building
code requires an engineer to seal some aspects of plans — foundations, wind bracing, structural
elements, etc. The proposed amendment to the building code allows the engineer of record
who sealed those plans to inspect that aspect of the building in- lieu -of staff. The engineer
must provide advance notice and certify that it was constructed per the approved plans which
they sealed. The building inspections department can require additional documentation to
ensure the project was constructed per the approved plans and code. Mr. James stated that
they would come back to council at a later date to let them know how this is going as well as
how the fences and shed are doing.
Mayor Carpenter opened the public hearing and as no one else spoke, Mayor Carpenter closed
the public hearing for Council comments.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who stated that he would like to make
a comment that this actually prevents a lot of overlapping and this is a smart move and it is
more efficient.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who asked Mr. James for clarification
that the proposed amendment to the building code would allow the engineer of record who
sealed those plans to inspect that aspect of the building in lieu of staff. Mr. James concurred
that whichever part of the plans the engineer seals they have the ability to do that.
Councilmember Azzoz also stated that this is a good change and very friendly for our city.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who moved, seconded by Mayor Pro -
Tem Edwards to approve Ordinance No. 16 -C -09, 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.
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
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Mayor Carpenter recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the roll call votes for
agenda items 1 -4.
Requests and Announcements
5. Announcements by City Manager
• Citizen Kudos
• Recognition of City employee actions
• New Departmental initiatives
No further announcements were provided.
6. Future Agenda Item Request for City Council: This is an opportunity for City Council
members to request that items be placed on a future agenda. No discussion of the merits of
the item may be taken at this time. Should a Council Member oppose placement of the
requested item on a future agenda, the Mayor, without allowing discussion, shall ask for the
consensus of the other City Council members to place or not place the item on a future
agenda.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who would like staff to provide an
update on the Animal Adoption Center. Mr. James stated that he would have staff provide an
update in the next few weeks as next week's agenda is fairly large. Mayor Carpenter stated
that at staff's convenience, they should provide this information.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who stated that we decided to talk
about the ability of the Lions Club being able to place their signs up and he stated the Lions
Club would be willing to pay for those. He would like an updated status report. Mr. James
stated that he will also do an update on that as well.
Mr. James stated that there is a correction on the date of the mini -golf course event at the
Library. It is actually the 10th and 11th of June. (Correction was made above under the Hearing
of Residents section).
8. Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
• Information regarding Inter- connectivity between Pollo Tropical, Wendy's,
Whataburger and Valero) ( Information requested by Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards)
Mayor Carpenter, for the record, made note of the above item stating that this was information
to Council in their packets and it is also available for those to view on our website.
Executive Session
Mayor Carpenter recessed the regular meeting into executive session at 7:17 p.m.
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9. City Council will meet in closed session under section 551.071 of the Texas Government
Code, Consultation with Attorney, regarding three Texas Tax Code Section 312 Tax
Abatement Agreements between the City of Schertz and the following companies:
• CST Diamond, L.P.
• Corridor Hotel II, Ltd
• Verde Tri- County Ltd
Reconvene into Regular Session
Mayor Carpenter reconvened into regular session at 7:53 p.m.
9a. Take any necessary action based on discussions held in closed session under Agenda Item
number 9.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Azzoz who moved, seconded by
Councilmember John to allow staff to close out CST Diamond, L.P. and Verde Tri - County
Ltd. 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 City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the roll call votes for
agenda item 9a.
Adjournment
Mayor Carpenter adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.
AfZael Carpenter, Mayor
TTES
Br e a Dennis, City Secretary
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