11-27-2002 Schertz City Council -
Workshop Session
Wednesday November 27, 2002
The Schertz City Council convened in workshop session on Wednesday, November 27,
2002 at 7:00pm in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway,
Schertz, Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding,
Councilmembers Steve Simonson, Tony Wilenchik and Ken Greenwald. Absent Reginna
Agee. Staff members present were Interim City Manager Mark Marquez and Deputy City
Secretary Mary Ybarra.
#1 Hearing of Residents:
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest stated he didn't have much to complain about.
One thing however, he recalls a study being done on FM3009/Live Oak-and possible
traffic light, what is the status? Johnny Bierschwale, Public Works Director advised of a
scheduled meeting in December or January with City of Schertz, Guadalupe County, City
of Cibolo, School district and HOA (Deer Creek and Dove Meadows). Because of traffic
flow coming out of these areas, everyone will have to pay their equal share. TXDOT has
found light is warranted, however, would be sometime (year's) before the area had a light.
The cost is somewhere between 95 to 125 thousand dollars.
In brief discussion the question was brought up, if a traffic light is needed to protect
citizens, do all taxpayer share in the cost or do only citizens affected. It was pointed out,
that technically TXDOT should be funding the light (state tax dollars paying). However,
if the city expedites we could see a light possibly in four to five years. If parties involved
make payment, there would be no reimbursement from TXDOT.
David Light resident in area referred to as "no mans land" (Rittaman Addition) spoke on
the proposed annexation plan. He provided council with history, and what he and family
have in endured acquiring postal service (North St. only), and eventually to the whole
area. He spoke briefly on other issues such as water and sewer. He wanted to let council
know that he didn't ~vant to be annexed, the streets are substandard and believes its Bexar
county responsibility for any improvements. Why should the city of Schertz spend
money, and it will have to due to the area being in floodplain and other factors. He
advised council his plan is to go after CDBG funding, in order to get the area up to
standards. In this mind Bexar County caused the problem, and Bexar County should
rectify the problem.
It was pointed out that the city, when the time comes, would look at these issues, and
would not pull the trigger, until all options were considered.
Mr. Light advised council that residents of the area have the same feelings. They have
asked him to speak on their behalf, as well as Diamond Shamrock on FM 1518.
Mayor Baldwin advised Mr. Light that his comments have been dually noted. If and
when the city does plan to annex, he suggests residents personally appear or petition with
signatures, stating annexation is not wanted. However, in the meantime he suggests that
residents look at the advantages by becoming citizens of Schertz.
#2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 25, 2002
Councilmember Simonson moved to approve the minutes of September 25, 2002.
Councilmember Greenwald seconded the motion, ~vhich carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action on emergency reading of ordinance
calling an election.
Mr. Marquez explained that some minor changes have been made and corrected version
passed out. Because the election is a special election the day of official ballot and close
are quite different than normal. Also, a schedule of events has been provided, showing
how the process will run.
At this time, Mayor Baldwin introduced J. R. Perez, Election Administrator for
Guadalupe County.
Mayor Baldwin introduced an ordinance and read the caption as follows:
ORDIANANCE 02-E-26
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, CALLING A
SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 1, 2003 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ELECTING A COUNCILMEMBER FOR PLACE #1 IN THE CITY
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Councilmember Greenwald moved to approve the ordinance calling for a special election
for Place 1 and declaring an emergency. Councilmember Wilenchik seconded the motion,
which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#4 CONTRACT: Consider and take action regarding contract with J. R. Perez,
Election Administrator for Special City Election of Feb. 1, 2003.
Mr. Marquez explained that it is in the best interest of the city to contract with Mr. Perez
who has conducted the city's elections for several years, and city would like to continue
to do so. Part of council packet is copy of contract for consideration with cost breakdown.
It was questioned where would election take place, it was assumed the Community
Center. Mr. Perez stated Community Center was election location. He would like to
answer any questions if any before council takes action on contract. The city hasn't had
an election in sometime, because elections have been uncontested. It may be the case this
time; however, we need to be prepared either way. He explained one issue: county has
gone to touch screens (electronic system). The contract reflects the cost of touch screens,
personnel, and his recommendation is to go with touch screens.
It was pointed out early voting would take place at Elbel Road, Guadalupe County
Facility. If no election takes place there is no cost to the city.
Councilmember Wilenchik moved to approve contract with J. R. Perez, Election
Administrator for Special City Election of Feb. l, 2003. Councilmember Greenwald
seconded the motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#5 RESOLUTION: Consider and take action on resolution adopting voting
system.
Mayor Baldwin introduced resolution and read caption as follows:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERZ, TEXAS
ADOPTING VOTING SYSTEM.
Councilmember Greenwald moved to approve use of Touch Screen System for special
election. Councilmember Wilenchik seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Simonson, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAY: None.
#6 BID AWARD: Discussion of awarding bid on the proposed IH 35 Sanitary
Sewer-Wiederstein Branch.
Mr. Marquez explained the issue before council is the sewer line that runs across the
Wiederstein tract, which would allow the entire area to be served properly. The bid seems
to be appropriate and Ford Engineering is recommending awarding R. L. Jones in the
amount of $82,196.60.
Council would take action on the above issue at next meeting.
#7 Discussion of rate change of trash collection by Bexar Waste.
Mr. Marquez noted rate change comes at the request from Mr. Gutierrez from Bexar
Waste. Such an increase is allowed as part of the contract. The rate change is driven by
CPI report. He is suggesting a 2% increase, which is reasonable. As an example, the rate
increase for residential household pickup, would be approximately $.15. The item is
discussion only this evening with action at next weeks meeting.
#8 Discussion of Annexation Plan.
Mr. Marquez stated that it is time for the city to take another look at expanding borders.
The plan before council runs out four to five years, and his recommendation is that the
city pursue this type of approach or process aggressively.
At this time, Mr. Marquez deferred to Mr. David Richmond, Planning and Zoning
Chairman. Mr. Richmond explained that the 1996 annexation plan was a good starting
point. Much of the recommendations still can be considered. Obviously, much has
happened such as Northcliffe annexation.
Council was provided with proposed areas of annexation. Illustration on maps showing
these areas.
Mr. Richmond pointed out that the recommended priorities from Planning and Zoning
can certainly be altered by City Council, in the case volunteering annexation is proposed
or situation may change that would change priority in a particular year. The annexation
plan is broken down showing the areas proposed for annexation by year. The following is
memo provided by Mr. Richmond with recommendation of the adoption and
implementation of the annexation plan:
ANNEXATION PLAN:
Bring within the City's jurisdiction areas that are currently being supported by the City,
Allow the City to help control development and establish zoning standards as identified
in our 2002 Comprehensive Land Plan,
Ensure the City a future growth pattern not hindered by other municipalities, and
Aid the City's current public services personnel (fire, police, and EMS) by closing
existing gaps in the City's geography and providing definitive boundary lines.
The City's Service Plan can be readily fulfilled in most cases as much of the proposed
area to be annexed is already served by Fire and EMS in most cases with Police serving
existing City Limits that parallel the suggested annexation areas. Existing water mains
are either in or near most of these areas. One area is part of the Green Valley Water
System. Sewer is not available in two of the areas, while most of the other areas have
sewer available. Existing roads are either FM's or county roads that are in fairly good
shape and would require minimal initial work. Most of these areas are sparsely
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populated; however, we anticipate that over the next several years these areas will
experience increased growth pressure.
The Commission recommends that the City Council proceed with the annexations of the
areas identified on the attached map in the following sequence:
1. That part of Schertz along FM1518 and Cibolo Creek known as the Rittaman
addition. This area may be annexed by partition. This area totals 69.84 acres.
2A. That part of Schertz west of Eckhardt Road to the Northcliffe Area. This area
is 712.03 acres. Part of the land mass (97 acres) may become part of the City by
partition.
2B. That part of Schertz that extends between and is surrounded by the
Northcliffe area. This area is 36.84 acres.
3. That part of Schertz east of Eckhardt Road to the existing City Limits. This
area is 992.56 acres.
4. That part of Schertz east of FM1518, north of Lower Seguin Road to the
existing City Limits. This area is !,865.12 acres.
5A. That part of Schertz bounded by the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad, FM
482, FM 2252, and FM 1103. This area is three tracts of land; 190.36 acres; 203.58 acres;
and 203.73 acres (total of 597.43 acres).
The Plarming and Zoning Commission further recommends that City Council begin
negotiations with the Cities of San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Garden Ridge to release,
change or swap ETJ's for the areas listed below. These areas will help square the City,
establish clear City Limits, and provide an orderly progress for services rendered to these
tracts of land.
5B. That area of Schertz's ETJ that extends north of FM 2252 into the Garden
Ridge area. Negotiating with Garden Ridge to set FM 2252 as the City limits of both
municipalities eases the burden on both Cities public service personnel, provides a clear
delineation of municipal control and responsibility, and provides for the continued
growth of both municipalities. This area consists of 2,228.80 acres.
6A. That area of Schertz from Lower Seguin Road, east of FM 1518, to Cibolo
Creek. This area consists of 3,457.69 acres. The Commission recommends negotiating
with San Antonio to allow Schertz to assume this tract of land within our ETJ or to annex
this area. This would set IH-10 as the City Limits of both municipalities. This will ease
the burden on both Cities public service personnel, and provide a clear delineation of
municipal control and responsibility. Furthermore, this would square the southern City
Limits of Schertz and continue the land use pattern under consideration for that area west
of FMl518 (already in Schertz). This could potentially offer Schertz another opportunity
for an additional Industrial Park.
6B. That area east of Cibolo Creek along IH-10 that borders 6A previously
identified, consisting of 8,847.92 acres. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommend negotiating with the City of San Antonio to allow Schertz to assume this tract
of land within our ETJ or to annex this area. Our rationale is that the City of Schertz is
better postured to deliver the public services to support these areas, e.g. fire, police, EMS,
and public infrastructure (water and sewage).
7. IH-35 North City Limits abutting the New Braunfels City Limits. This area is
referred to as the 500' buffer between our two Cities and consists of approximately
135.09 acres. According to Texas Municipal Code 43.032, adjacent municipalities may
make agreements in these boundaries. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommends that City Council negotiate with the City of New Braunfels to reset these
City Limits so they abut one another thus ending the "no man's" land that now exists.
Annexation of these areas will affect the future of Schertz. The entire proposed plan will
give the City not only the possibility for growth but give it control over the manner of its
growth.
Mr. Marquez pointed out that Mr. Richmonds memo to council is very accurate in terms
of description of things that could or could not be. He believes it is worthy of council to
consider these things, it's appropriate. The time in his mind is past; the city should've
acted on this sometime ago.
In brief discussion, issues such as service to areas are they going to be a problem. Would
this further give the city problems such as, is the city capable to service these areas. It
was pointed out that yes, however, the revenue would be there and part of the
consideration that council would have is to review these issues as they come up, but it's
time to act. The city does not want to be cut out or land locked, we must make decisions
to move ahead. One thing to remember, what is important for the future, not so much for
today but, the future. It was suggested City Council move ahead with annexation plan,
not necessarily in priorities outlined by Planning and Zoning.
It was pointed out the basic plan is good, the concept is great. Concerns voiced are still
the utility issues. These are issues that would be looked at when it is decided when the
decision is made on a particular area. State Law provides a template of what is expected
(kind of services), not necessarily in the first or second year. The law allows four years to
fully implement the service plan.
Mayor Baldwin agrees the city should move forward with annexation plan, however,
believes the city should move at a slow pace and not get the city in trouble with services.
Mayor Baldwin asked that a formal plan be put together showing all areas of annexation
and let's proceed with adoption. It was council consensus to move forward. Mayor
Baldwin thanked Mr. Richmond and Ron Youngblood, Planning Director for a job well
done.
#9 Items by City Manager
General Announcement
Mr. Marquez noted he would be making a staff change December 1, 2002. Naming Amy
Madison, Community Development Director. The position would be overseeing;
Economic Development, Planning and Zoning and Inspection Departments.
· Passed out new Metro-corn map, showing the City of Schertz.
· Reminder Police Department is actively engaged in the STEP Program.
#10 Items By Council
General Announcement
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
Would like to see maps, when waterlines are part of council packet. This would give
council some idea of where waterlines are going in etc.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
Liaison to Schertz Library
Not present.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Sehertz Humane Society
Liaison HOA Coalition
Reported the Humane Society held meeting, nothing to report.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio Planning & Zoning Commission
Ex-officio Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corp.
Reported of meeting with city staff, Ron Youngblood, Mr. Marquez David Richmond,
Oak Forest property owners association and Arroyo Verde Association. A decision was
made several years ago not to tie Oak Forest into Arroyo Verde Subdivision. The city has
had to renege on the decision. The associations were brought in to explain the problem.
Two things have changed drastically, new school and the Wynn Brook Subdivision. After
city staff's presentation the association's agreed on cross tie between Silver Oak, which
would go into Wynn Brook.
Reported on loan of $440,000 SSLGC settlement. He noted we are in pretty good shape
on water.
Commented on visiting Nixon Stock show arena on behalf of SSLGC. Made presentation
advising that the corporation is "there". The hope is to help future farmers.
#11 Items by Mayor
General Announcement
Mayor commented on the impact, not excepting fire service contract with the county and
consequences to county residents. He asked Mark Marquez to place this item for
discussion at the next workshop. Does the city really want to leave these county residents
unprotected? Let's discuss this at workshop and address different options.
Before adjournment Mr. Marquez wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
#12 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor_..HaldSat~,vil~ jou. m-~d the meeting at
8:45 p.m.
~ayor, Cil ' of Schertz ~'
ATTEST:
l~ept~y C/'ty ~cretary, City of Schertz