ccwks 11-14-01
SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
NOVEMBER 14, 2001
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday,
November 14, 2001 at 7:00 p.rn. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows: Mayor Hal Baldwin,
presiding; Councilmembers Norma Head, Billy Pitts, Timothy Swinney and Ken
Greenwald. Absent: Councilmember Reginna Agee. Staff present were City Manager
Dewey P. Cashwel~ Jr. and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forest Drive spoke about the following:
(a) Asked if there is a mailing list for the Schertz Tales and what are the locations where
it is provided. Amy Madison requested Mr. Brockman come in to see her at which
time she would provide him with the list. Mrs. Madison went on to say there would
be a holiday edition (November and December) rather than both, and it wi\1 go to
press the first of next week. In the future, they are hoping to include it with the
water bi\1, which wi\1 go out in an envelope.
(b) Related he found out last night that Schertz is a certified city. What is a certified
city? City Attorney, Michael Spain, promised to find out for him.
(c) Referred to a sign about adopting Schertz Parkway and mentioned there are usually
two of these type signs indicating a beginning and an end of the area. There's only
one. Where is the other one? Mr. Greenwald thought it was up near Schertz Bank.
(d) Noted that on Elbel Road where the sign is up for a future Felix's Restaurant, there
were four cars for sale yesterday, but they are gone today.
(e) Suggested managers come into City Hall the same way as the public. The bulletin
board in the lobby is a mess.
(f) Recommended a "Do Not Enter" sign on the other side of the Community Center.
(g) Mentioned there should be a "Dead End" sign on Beck Street.
(h) Commented the John Deere Gators in Seguin have license plates and slow moving
vehicle signs.
Mr. Cashwell informed Mr. Brockman items such as he has mentioned this evening could
be brought directly to him so he could address them.
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Jesse Orbie of 409 Main Street addressed Council regarding the non-smoking ordinance
and suggested his business (Los Gordos) be exempted because it is a bar and everyone
who works there is over 21 years of age. Council agreed to take his request into
consideration.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance to prohibit smoking in selected locations.
Mr. Swinney, referring to Mr. Orbie's remarks, acknowledged that bars don't employ
people under 21 years of age. Mr. Pitts felt, to be consistent, Mr. Orbie's request needs
some consideration. Mr. Spain suggested eliminating the reference to non-profit.
Mr. Swinney questioned if they can sti\1 have the final reading of the non-smoking
ordinance next week and was told they could.
C.W. Reese of the VFW mentioned he had been present for the first reading of the
ordinance and there seemed to be a misunderstanding about it. He feels that has been
cleared up tonight. Mr. Swinney asked Mr. Reese if the VFW had ever looked at
improved business if they became a non-smoking facility. Mr. Reese replied he is sure
they wi\1 in the future, but it would hurt business at the present time.
#3 Discuss first reading of annexation ordinances.
Michael Spain reviewed the handout that had been given to Council. He also noted he
had sent an e-mail request for information to a gentleman at U.S. Homes. The MUD 2
debt has been cancelled. MUD I sti\1 has a debt of$41,550. The City will assume that
debt, but won't pay it until someone proves they owe it. Mr. Spain didn't think that's a
problem.
Mr. Swinney wondered how long the City has to carry potential liability. There was a
brief discussion on this with Mr, Cashwell once again stressing they could write it off if
U.S. Homes can't prove they owe it.
Regarding Exhibits A and B of the annexation ordinances, Mr. Pitts asked if staff
members are working on these to facilitate all changes. Mr. Cashwell assured him that is
the case. Mrs. Madison reported she received positive responses from 6 residents after
the first letter was sent out. A second letter will be going out December 5th.
#4 Discuss first reading of ordinance authorizing retirement after 20 years of
service in TMRS.
Mr. Mark Marquez explained this is a carryover from the budget process. One of its
primary targets is public safety personnel. TMRS also allows time credit for other
services and the employees get a summary every March.
Mr. Pitts asked if it's possible for a 20-year person to be moving into a supervisory
position. It could be mutually beneficial, but you might be taking away a layer of
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opportunity. Mr. Marquez pointed out these 20 year retirements are voluntary. Also, the
20 year retirement is a potential recruitment tool. Mr. Cashwell mentioned some
positions could be hired at a lower salary.
Mrs. Madison then outlined some of the upcoming events that will be taking place in the
City. There will be a Holiday Lock-Up on December 4th to try and raise money. The
Annual Cbristmas Tree Lighting and fIrst ever Christmas Parade will take place on
December 7th. This Friday, November 16th, there is a benefit for Kim Park hosted by
Northcliffe Country Club and the City of Schertz.
Mayor Baldwin reported attending the Hometown Hero dinner, which honored, among
others, Cecil Tilghman from Schertz. There will be a reception for Mr. Tilghman prior to
next week's Council meeting.
The Mayor stated he is speaking at a Homeowners Association meeting that same
evening. Mrs. Head is on the agenda for the Universal City Council meeting that same
evening. There was some discussion about having a quorum, but it was decided they
would have enough members present. The meeting time for Council was changed from
7:00 p.rn. to 7:30 p.rn.
#5 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Baldw~ adjourned the meeting at
8:08 p.rn.
;!0
_~ (lh.l,,_nA{V
City Secretary, City of Schertz
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