ccrg 03-19-02
Schertz City Council – Regular Session
Tuesday, March 19, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in regular session on Tuesday, March 19,
2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal
Baldwin, presiding, council members Norma Head, Billy Pitts, Reginna Agee,
Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Staff members present were City Manager
Dewey Cashwell and Deputy City Secretary Mary Ybarra.
Mayor Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and asked for everyone to
rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PROCLAMATION:
# 1
Mayor Baldwin read a Proclamation recognizing April 2002 as Child Abuse
Prevention month. Ms. Barbara Patrick representing The Children's Coalition of
San Antonio accepted on behalf of Dr. Kimball. She spoke briefly and thanked
council for their support in the name of all abused children.
Approval of Minutes:
# 2 Regular Session 12-18-01
Without further discussion, Billy Pitts moved to approve the above minutes as
presented. Reginna Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the following
votes:
AYES: Council members, Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
Hearing of Residents:
# 3
At this time, Mrs. Head was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and Mayor
Baldwin noted that Gail Douglas, Librarian for the city has signed up to speak.
Gail Douglas, City of Schertz Librarian, expressed sincere gratitude to Mrs. Head
on behalf of city staff, and the vast number of volunteers on a job well done in
construction of the playscape, and read the following:
"We the former friends of Norma Head would like to publicly and formally
acknowledge Mrs. Head's ability to persuade and coerce us to perform
Herculean tasks in the heat of day and cool of night without proper instruction,
without proper clothing and tools, without proper lighting, and without adequate
breaks, to beg, borrow, and otherwise shamelessly procure all manner of
equipment, supplies, money, food and manpower for her purposes. To catalog
and maintain above-mentioned equipment, supplies, money and food, and to
feed and hydrate above-mentioned manpower. To take care of other people's
children endlessly, to contact by telephone, letter, or email unreasonable
quantities of people. To keep track of 2.5 million handwritten notes, to keep track
to the penny all manner of financial transactions that could not be defined by any
accounting book in the Schertz public library. To do all of the above on very little
sleep, and to eat vast quantities of canned chili. Therefore, Mrs. Head we would
like to absolutely, positively, publicly state that we love you and we thank you for
making us make the playscape happen."
Mr. Head (Ed) was acknowledged and thanked for being his wife's side captain,
and was presented with "Margarita" gift certificates.
Mrs. Head thanked everyone for the kind words and beautiful flowers; She said
that Steve Simonson said it best, when he said, "a project this large has to come
from some other entity." Some of us in this room know where that direction came
from. "When you have faith in your fellow man and faith in the Lord, he uses the
most fantastic ways to accomplish things."
Mr. Cashwell reported that at last count contributions in the amount of $91,
207.62 have been received. The money is still rolling in.
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest Dr. signed up to speak about the
Schertz Parkway sidewalk. He said he liked the color (sample of color shown)
however, is not impressed with the imprint. The cost for the imprint and color by
his calculation is $5 more per foot, in addition to what has been paid. He believes
the imprint will collect trash and other debris. Can something be done about this?
Mayor Baldwin informed Mr. Brockman that the section of sidewalk was put in as
a test piece, before settling on the whole thing.
John Bierschwale, Public Work Director informed Mr. Brockman he would report
on the sidewalk issue later at the appropriate agenda item.
Regan Lyon of 3729 Hull Drive stated she was a senior at Samuel Clemens High
School, an active member of the theater department and president of the drama
club. She expressed her thanks to council and stated that she and her family
were impressed on the way the community united to make the playscape a
reality.
Secondly, on behalf of the University Interscholastic League, one act play casting
crew of 2002, she would like to invite council, and citizens of Schertz to support
the Samuel Clemens drama students. Students have been working for the past
eight weeks on a 40-minute one-act play (The Company of Wayward Saints).
Competition will be held this Friday at 8 p.m. at Churchhill High School and your
attendance would be greatly appreciated.
Denise Smith at 2026 Windy Falk stated she is currently a stay at home mom,
and is in the process of starting a support group for "stay at home moms",
starting next month. In her research, she came across information on public
transit (Dial-A-Ride), being used in her hometown of Marshall, Michigan, which
was provided to council. She would like council to give consideration of providing
this service to citizens in Schertz. There are many that could benefit from this
service such as:
a. Elderly,
b. Parents with one vehicle
c. Bused students not within the 2-mile radius.
The list goes on stated Ms. Smith.
Mayor Baldwin replied that council has discussed this issue on many occasions,
and at this time, it's an ongoing discussion. He thanked Ms. Smith for the
valuable information, and added it would certainly be checked out.
ORDINANCE:
# 4 Discuss and approve final reading of Ordinance
repealing Ordinance 96-M-13, Ordinance 96-M-15, Ordinance 96-M-21 and
Ordinance 96-M-22.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 02-M-03
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 96-M-13, ORDINANCE NO.
96-M-15, ORDINANCE NO. 96-M-21, AND ORDINANCE NO. 96-M-22 AND
OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
Item was discussed at last workshop, where a consensus was reached by
council to have ordinances removed from the books in order to move on with
other development in the Live Oak Hills area.
Without further discussion, Ken Greenwald moved to approve Ordinance
repealing Ordinance 96-M-13, Ordinance 96-M-15, Ordinance 96-M-21 and
Ordinance 96-M-22. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
# 5 Discuss and approve revised Investment Policy.
Mr. Cashwell noted that this item is an annual occurrence in keeping with State
Law requirement. This policy satisfies all issues in keeping with the State statute.
Council had some concern in regard to certain items covered in the policy. It was
pointed out that items that council doesn't feel comfortable with can be deleted,
such as bonds issued, assumed or guaranteed by the State of Israel, item six on
page nine.
Mr. Jain, Director of Finance, explained that surely items that council doesn't
believe the City should invest in, should be discussed and deleted if warranted.
There was a brief discussion on investment pools and liquidation time. Mr. Jain
commented that liquidity was instant. He added that council would have to
approve any investments done outside the investment pool, and that quarterly
reports would be prepared for council review.
Mr. Pitts voiced concern with item six on page nine. He certainly doesn't feel
comfortable with this item, and suggests deleting the item from the policy.
Without further discussion, Mr. Pitts moved to approve the revised Investment
Policy deleting item six on page nine, "bonds issued, assumed or guaranteed by
the State of Israel." Ken Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmember Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None
# 6 Discuss and approve appointment to Schertz Parkway Zone Board of
Directors.
Mayor Baldwin reported that Fred Juarez has agreed to fill the vacancy formerly
occupied by Mr. Pitts.
Without further discussion, Mrs. Head moved to approve the appointment of Fred
Juarez to the Schertz Parkway Zone Board of Directors. Ken Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmember Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None
# 7 Update on Public Works projects.
John Bierschwale, Public Works Director, reported on the outcome of test walk
done on a section of sidewalk on Schertz Parkway. A baby buggy was pushed
along, and found to be a rough ride. The cobblestone is pretty, however not good
on the feet, and makes for a bouncy ride. There are options to consider; staying
with only the color would reduce the cost $2 a sq. foot, or going with standard
sidewalk or a similar sidewalk as on FM78 would increase the cost from $62,000
to $80,000, an increase of $18,000.
John Bierschwale commented that eventually he would like to have all sidewalks,
existing and future, conform throughout the city. Mr. Pitts asked what the
numbers (cost of linear foot) would be for the extension of future sidewalks, (long
term) throughout the city. Mr. Bierschwale replied that a master plan program
could be worked up, showing major cross streets along with all 60' right of ways.
It was council consensus to go with concrete and brick inlay similar to FM 78
sidewalk. Mr. Bierschwale noted he would give the contractor the go ahead.
Larry Dublin of Ford Engineering was at the meeting to update Council on
various public works projects. Ford Engineering provided a chart for council
showing the schedule and progress for the various projects. Those items include
the IH 35 1.5 MG elevated tank, Live Oak water plant- 12 mgd pump station,
Schertz Parkway construction, Schertz Parkway signalization and design
enhancement, Live Oak water plant distribution line, 16" Wiederstein water main,
Wiederstein and FM3009 Intersection, Borgfeld road drainage, Lower Seguin
road waterline and the Playscape. Mr. Dublin gave a brief update on each project
and noted that some projects are ahead of schedule and moving along quite well.
In a brief discussion on synchronizing lights along Schertz Parkway, it was noted
that presently there isn't justification, however in the future (three to five years)
there would be.
Mr. Dublin reported that the playscape construction was on time and in budget.
He also would like to compliment the citizens, council, Mrs. Head and everyone
involved, he was really blown away, and impressed by the outpouring of
volunteerism.
At this time, Mrs. Head thanked Ford Engineering for their donation of all
engineering services. Mr. Dublin accepted, but stated that Ford felt it was a
privilege on their part.
RESOULTION:
# 8 Consider and take action on resolution
authorizing certain action including proceedings in eminent domain in connection
with the acquisition of certain waterline and temporary construction easements in
Gonzales and Guadalupe counties and related matters.
Mayor Baldwin introduced a Resolution and read the caption as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 02-R-2
Authorizing certain action including proceedings in eminent domain in
connection with the acquisition of certain waterline and temporary
construction easements in Gonzales and Guadalupe counties and related
matters.
He noted that the resolution is for properties that are required in connection with
the acquisition of waterlines for water project.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the resolution authorizing certain action
including proceedings in eminent domain in connection with the acquisition of
certain waterline and temporary construction easements in Gonzales and
Guadalupe counties and related matters. Mrs. Head seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Head, Pitts, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
# 9 Called under chapter 551 Texas Government
Code, sub-section 551.072, Deliberation regarding real property.
An Executive Session was held from 8:12 p.m. to 9:04 p.m.
#10 Action, if any on the above Executive Session.
No action was necessary.
The council reconvened in the council chambers following the Executive Session.
Mrs. Head mentioned the Burch Roofing wall along FM78. Can the city do
something? It is so awful. It was suggested the city could do a case study to find
out the legalities and resolve the matter. It was also brought up that the
flowerbed in the parking area is trashy. Can someone follow up on this matter
and improve the look of the area?
Mr. Greenwald provided minutes of the last Seguin Schertz Local Government
meeting. He reported the next meeting would be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in
Seguin.
Mr. Pitts commented on the controversy relative to the walking bridge crossing
the Guadalupe River, in Seguin. Will this topic be on the agenda on Thursday?
Mr. Greenwald replied yes.
Mrs. Head reminded everyone of the TML Region 7 Spring meeting in Leon
Valley, April 5. If attending, contact Mary, Ybarra, Deputy City Secretary, so
reservations can be made. Mayor Baldwin commented he believed it was a little
pricey and would not be attending.
Mr. Cashwell reminded everyone of Employee Remembrance Day tomorrow,
th
(March 20) 12 noon at Public Works. John Bierschwale commented weather
permitting it will go on as scheduled, but will know by morning. Telephone calls
will be made to advise if canceled. Mr. Cashwell added that a hot dog lunch
would be served, so everyone doesn't have to rush off.
Mr. Cashwell asked if council had seen the progress report in the Herald insert.
Please do so, if you haven't. Amy Madison, Economic Development Director, did
a good job in crafting an informative document with input provided by City
Department Heads. The City of Schertz had an excellent year.
Also, today he received word of a rabies contact. Not in the city, but in an area
adjacent to the city (Lower Seguin Road area). A bat was reported found in a
resident's yard. Bexar County animal control responded and removed the animal.
The resident was contacted several days later by Bexar County and told that the
bat tested positive. The resident was told to contact Schertz animal control,
which she did and informed them of the situation. It was found that several other
animals had been in contact with the initial contact animal (cat). She was told all
other animals (4 cats, 4 dogs) would need to be confined for observation,
vaccinated, because none had current vaccines. Bexar County did not advise her
of quarantine procedures or what course the family had to follow. She was
advised that the family (6-people) had to undergo injections because of the
contact with the family animals. A follow up will be done in 90 days. This is one
reason, why it's very important to vaccinate your pets, stated Mr. Cashwell.
Adjournment
#11
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldwin adjourned the
meeting at 9:15 p.m.
________________________
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Deputy City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas