07-25-2017 MinutesNBNUTES
REGULAR MEETING
July 25, 2017
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on July
25 2017, 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 Mark Davis
Councilmember Scott Larson
Councilmember Bert Crawford
Staff Present:
Executive Director Brian James
Assistant to City Manager Sarah Gonzalez
Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel
Absent: Councilmember Angelina Kiser
Mayor Pro -Tem Cedric Edwards
Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez
Councilmember Robin Thompson
Call to Order — City Council Regular Session
City Manager John Kessel
Executive Director Dudley Wait
City Attorney Dan Santee
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 Pro -Tem Edwards)
Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards provided the opening prayer followed by the pledges of allegiance to
the flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
City Events and Announcements
Announcements of upcoming City Events (B. James/D. Wait/S. Gonzalez)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Assistant to the City Manager Sarah Gonzalez who provided
the following announcements:
Thursday, July 27
Judy's Loft Salon — Ribbon Cutting 4:30 PM
2600 FM 1518, Schertz, TX
Friday, July 28
Budget Retreat 8:30 AM — 4:00 PM
Fairfield Inn & Suites, 5808 Corridor Loop road, Schertz, TX
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Filing for Schertz City Council Election Started Monday, July 24
The City of Schertz will be holding its General Election on November 7, 2017 for the
purpose of electing Council Members in Place 3, Place 4 and Place 5 for a three -year term,
from November 2017 to November 2020.
Any candidate desiring to have his or her name on the Official Ballot shall, no sooner than
July 24, 2017, and no later than August 21, 2017, file with the City Secretary an
application in writing in the form prescribed by the Texas Election Code requesting that
his or her name be placed on the Official Ballot and declaring themselves as a candidate.
The Candidate packet is available in the City Secretary's office at 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Building 2, or it can be found online at www.schertz.com. Should you have any questions,
please contact the City Secretary's office at (210) 619 -1030.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, August 10
First of Three Community Proposed - Budget Meetings 6:30 PM
Schertz United Methodist Church - 3460 Roy Richard Drive
Wednesday, August 16
Second of Three Community Proposed- Budeet Meetings 6:30 PM
Corbett Middle School –12000 Ray Corbett Drive
Thursday, August 17
Third of Three Community Proposed - Budget Meetings 6:30 PM
North Community Center – 3501 Morning Drive
Friday, August 18
Casino Night 6:00 AM –11:00 PM
Schertz Civic Center
Schertz Area Senior Center 5t' Annual Fundraising Event. BBQ Dinner served from 6:00
PM – 7:30 PM. Casino Games played from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Raffle and Prizes
begin at 10:00 PM. Tickets cost $40 pre -sale at the Senior Center or The Chamber
office. Tickets cost $50 at the door. Call Senior Center at X 1970 for more information.
Flyers are available in the foyer.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards who said he had put a ($$)
challenge out on Facebook to challenge all our (Schertz) councilmembers (who all have
since met that challenge), but since this is a Schertz `Area' Senior Center he wants to put a
challenge out to `all' of our other surrounding city councilmembers to at least donate $250
to this cause, a worthy cause. All of our citizens in Cibolo, Selma — everybody is enjoying
the place, so let's make this a big event for them.
Announcements and recognitions by City Manager (J. Kessel)
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No announcements were made.
Employee Recognition
a Recognition of employee service pin for 25 years: Sandy Bryant. (J. Kessel)
Mayor Carpenter recognized City Manager John Kessel who asked Mrs. Bryant to come
forward. He stated her husband (John), children and other family members were also
present tonight to acknowledge and celebrate her 25 years of service to the city. He
provided a brief bio of her city career which started at the Library. She is currently the
Senior Administrative Assistant in the Parks Department.
Ms. Bryant thanked her family members for their support and their service through the
years as volunteers at city events. She also thanked her fellow employees in the Parks
Department, members of the Schertz Area Senior Center and Sherry Davis at the 311
Customer Service Department who always knows the right number to call to assist other
staff members as well as outside callers. She said Schertz is indeed the greatest place to
work, live and play.
Mayor Carpenter added that his oldest child began his venture into reading during the time
period (2000 -2001) Ms. Bryant worked there. He thanked her for her time at the library
and all her other years of service to the city.
Presentation
Presentation and update regarding the Fire Department and Fire Service.
(D. Wait/D. Covington)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Fire Chief David Covington who stated his career in fighting
fires has spanned over 40 years. He reminisced about the early days and how they battled
blazes at that time. He was also a paramedic for a number of years and was able to be a
witness to that side of rescue efforts.
He spoke of how research, education, training, and equipment have evolved through the
years. He provided examples of how response times have changed (for the better) but how
new construction methods and smaller living space lot sizes have affected how fires have
gotten more complicated and dangerous. While the number of fires have actually now
decreased since the 1970's, there is a different set of hazards that we have to deal with.
It is important today to have the best possible equipment, education and training level of
staff to be able to fight these modern -day fires. All rescue personnel are at risk every day
in their work efforts. He provided some statistics of fatalities at various accident sites.
Mr. Covington reminisced about working with former mayors (San Antonio and Schertz
areas) and former Schertz leaders such as Don Taylor and John Bierschwale and current
executive management leaders John Kessel and Dudley Wait. He complimented the
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guidance and direction provided by current City Manager John Kessel and said he is
confident in our current leadership. He said he leaves the city in good hands with the
new Fire Chief Kade Long who will take the department to an even higher level.
On behalf of Council, Mayor Carpenter expressed his sincere thanks to Chief Covington
for his service, devotion, and leadership to the City and its citizens.
• Presentation and update regarding the City of Schertz Website. (M. Clauser/L. Klepper)
Mayor Carpenter recognized IT Director Myles Clauser and Public Affairs Director Linda
Klepper who provided the latest information on updates in progress being made to the
city's website. Highlights of their PowerPoint presentation were as follows:
Features that are being incorporated into the new web page will be attractive and intuitive,
easy to navigate, easily searchable, and easy to update and maintain by city staff.
The current website was developed `organically' with a hierarchical structure. The new
website is inspired by the `Complete City Model' from the City's Strategic Plan. This
includes core services, quality of life, and the economic engine with a functional structure.
The Web Platform Project Team reviewed our current website content and parsed it into
several functional categories: Government, Services, Community, and Business and
Development.
Completed tasks are as followed: 1) the layout and color preparation and 2) an approved
website design. Upcoming tasks include, 1) content preparation, which is in progress,
2) content cutoff —July 31St, 3) production website review —end of August 2017, 4)
Administrative and User Training —early September 2017, and 5) the website launch—
end of September
Mr. Clauser and Ms. Klepper addressed questions and comments from Council.
Hearing of Residents
Mr. Robert `Mike' Gumpp, 3442 Northern Heights, Cibolo, TX, who spoke in length
regarding an accident he had on April 20, 2016, when he stepped on/in a water meter. He
described his lengthy medical treatments and hospitalizations associated with the accident.
The bottom line is he wants to know who the contractor was who swapped out the older
sturdier lids and replaced them with newer plastic ones of a different design and durability. He
has claim forms to fill out in regard to his accident that ask what amount of compensation he
thinks this accident should be associated with. He doesn't know what to put down —how can
you put a price on this and what he has had to endure? Mayor Carpenter referred him to speak
with Executive Director Dudley Wait for some assistance and information.
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Workshop
• Update and discussion on July 4th Jubilee and SchertzQ Event
(S. Gonzalez/L. Klepper /Mary Spence)
Mayor Carpenter recognized Events Manager Mary Spence and Director of Public Affairs
Linda Klepper who provided Council with information regarding the fiscal outcome of the
recently completed annual July 4th Jubilee, public entertainment provided and process changes
they made this year in relation to prior years.
They also spoke of the upcoming SchertzQ Event (formerly SchertzFest) which will be held
on September 16. They provided information on the events and entertainment that will be
provided as well as some estimated revenues ($35,000) and expenses ($30,000). They also
stated they were working on some more sponsorships to help offset some of the expenses.
Mayor Carpenter thanked them for the success of the recent 4th of July Jubilee event. Ms.
Klepper, Ms. Spence and Ms. Gonzalez addressed comments /questions from council.
• Review, discussion and possible action regarding amendments to the City Charter.
(Item requested by Mayor Carpenter)
As there were no comments /questions from Council, Mayor Carpenter said that although he
couldn't see anything at this very moment that needed change, there may be some items that
could use more clarification. Councilmember Thompson stated that since the stage legislature
is still in session and there are some things that, if passed, may take away from or change the
way home rule cities operate, would we have a need to have the city attorney, review the
charter in view of any new legislation that will be passed?
Mayor Carpenter said it most likely would be best to delay any council discussion regarding
our City Charter until after we see what legislative results come out of Austin. There are
several items which will have a significant impact on cities throughout the state and with this
information in hand we can make better decisions as to any action we may need or have to
take within our own city charter. Council members concurred to delay this item of discussion
to later in the year.
Consent Agenda Items
The Consent Agenda is considered self - explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with one
motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed from the
Consent Agenda upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember.
1. Minutes — Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 11, 2017.
(J. Kessel/D. Schmoekel)
2. Excused Council Absences — Consideration and/or action excusing City Council Member
Cedric Edwards absence for the following date: July 11, 2017. (B. Dennis/Mayor /Council)
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3. Ordinance No. 17 -S -23 — Consideration and/or action approving an ordinance request to
rezone approximately 12 acres of land from Apartment/Multi- Family Residential District
(R -4) to Planned Development District (PDD) located at 3301 FM 3009, Schertz, TX.
Final Reading (B. James /L. Wood/E. Grobe)
The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 17 -S -23
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP BY REZONING
APPROXIMATELY 12 ACRES OF LAND FROM APARTMENT / MULTI-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL(R -4) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PDD)
4. Ordinance No. 17 -T -26 — Consideration and or action approving an Ordinance authorizing
a budget amendment to fund additional contract inspection services, to provide funding for
the Schertz Housing Authority and for EMS community support services. Final Reading
(B. James /J. Walters)
The following was read into record:
ORDINANCE NO. 17 -T -26
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT FUND ADDITIONAL
CONTRACT INSPECTION SERVICES, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE
SCHERTZ HOUSING AUTHORITY, TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A STONE
MONMUMENT SIGN, AND FOR EMS COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES;
REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Davis to approve consent items 1=4. ' The vote was unanimous with
Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards, Councilmembers Davis, Gutierrez, Larson, Thompson,
and Crawford voting for and no one voting no. Councilmember Kiser was absent.
Motion passed.
Discussion Items
5. Ordinance No. 17 -T -24 — Consideration and/or action approving an Ordinance by the
City Council of the City of Schertz, TX authorizing a budget amendment to fund
the SchertzQ Event. First Reading (S. Gonzalez/L. Klepper/M. Spence)
The following was read into record:
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ORDINANCE NO. 17 -T -24
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, .
TEXAS AUTHORIZING A BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FUND THE
SCHERTZQ EVENT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Carpenter recognized Public Affairs Director Linda Klepper who stated in
conjunction with their earlier presentation, they are simply seeking funding for the
SchertzQ Event.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor Pro -Tern Edwards who moved, seconded by
Councilmember Thompson to approve Ordinance No. 17 -T -24 first reading. The vote was
unanimous with Mayor Pro -Tem Edwards, Councilmembers Davis, Gutierrez,
Larson, Thompson, and Crawford voting for and no one voting no. Councilmember
Kiser was absent. Motion passed. .
Roll call Vote Confirmation
Mayor Carpenter recognized Deputy City Secretary Donna Schmoekel who provided the
roll call votes for agenda items 1 -5.
Closed Session
6. City Council will meet in closed session under Section 551.074 of the Texas Government
Code, Personnel Matters to deliberate the appointment of a Municipal Judge.
Mayor Carpenter recessed at 7:20 p.m. for a brief break and then convened into Closed
Session at 7:26p.m.
Reconvene into Regular Session
Mayor Carpenter reconvened into Regular Session at 7: 59 p.m.
6a. Take any action based on discussions held in closed session under Agenda Item 6.
No action was taken on this item.
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Requests and Announcements
7. Announcements by City Manager.
No announcements were provided.
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8. 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 shall instruct the City Secretary to
place on the agenda for the next regular session an item to discuss the merits of placing the
item that was objected to on a future agenda for full consideration.
No requests were made.
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
• Recognition of actions by community volunteers
Mayor Carpenter recognized Mayor -Pro Tem Edwards who expressed his heartfelt
gratitude to the Schertz Police Department and the locally owned business Road Runner
Towing Service, Inc. who came to his rescue a couple of weeks ago when he was stranded
on 1H 35 with a flat tire. He said it is better to call for help and not risk your life by trying
to change a tire on a busy freeway. The again thanked the Police Dispatch, Patrol Officer
O'Leary and Roadrunner Towing Service.
Mayor Carpenter recognized Councilmember Thompson who also thanked the city staff of
the Public Affairs Department for their work in the on the new City of Schertz billboard
sign on IH 35. The design is wonderful and eye - catching; the creativeness is worth high
commendations.
Adi ournment
f
As there was no further business, Mayor Carpenter adjourned they 1
, at 8:01 P.M.
IZ
chael R. Carpenter, Mayor
ATTEST:
l Donna Schmoekel, Deputy City Secretary
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