ccswks 05-01-1996
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1, 1996
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop
Session on Wednesday, May 1, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Conference Room of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The following members were
present: Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding; Councilmembers
Charles McDonald; Joe Potempa; Earl Sawyer; Timothy
Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Staff present were City Manager
Kerry Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Baldwin presented a proclamation to Sharon Ricketts,
Postmaster of the Schertz Post Office, declaring Saturday
May 11, 1996 as Letter Carrier's Food Drive Day. Citizens
wishing to participate should place non-peris~able food
items by their mailboxes on that day. All food collected
in Schertz will stay in Schertz through the participation
of food banks like RACAP.
'1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
A. David Bish of 112 Church Street stated he strongly
disapproves the request from Floyd Dicus to rezone property
at the corner of First and Church Streets from R-2 to R-3.
Mr. Bish is a homeowner in the area and that particular
area is the first Schertz that ever was. There are people
living there who are trying to fix up the older homes.
Mr. Bish mentioned that Mr. Dicus had invited everyone to
drive by the property and look at the four stakes he has up
showing the four corners of one duplex planned to be built
there. Mr. Bish acknowledged he looked the property over
and observed two stakes dead center on the lot, front to
back, splitting the lot. Mr. Bish feels Mr. Dicus is
going to divide the lot and build two duplexes. It is a
nice quiet area and they don't need two duplexes with four
families and the increased traffic they would bring to the
neighborhood.
B. Jim Harris of FM 1518 and Schaefer Road noted that a
while back Mr. McDonald had asked for a report on tax
abatements from the beginning to now to show how the City's
doing. Mr. McDonald related the City Manager had prepared
a report for Council several months ago and Mr. Harris
asked about who to contact to see that report.
Mr. Harris then referred to a letter about pesticides and
CCMA and asked whether that's from runoff or from flushing
toilets. Mr. Sweatt indicated they seem to think there's
an amount of pesticides being placed in the sanitary sewer
system improperly. They're not sure where it's coming
from, but are advising people not to place it there.
In regard
speaking
to CCMA, Mr. Harris asked if when they're
about the citizen paying for something, are they
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talking about adding a new infiltration system to identify
the pesticides. Mr. Sweatt replied the article was
written by someone from CCMA and the cost for improving the
wastewater treatment system is borne by the customers. Mr.
Harris remarked he will call CCMA to get further
information.
Mr. Harris then noting the Council is going to discuss
water conservation this evening, gave his opinion regarding
rules. Unless there is an allowance for residents and
businesses by percentage or some other means, he has no
motivation to conserve water. His motivation to save water
so more houses can be built is not there. There has to be
a way to get an additional allocation for growth.
Lastly, Mr. Harris asked if the Charter had been reviewed
yet and was told by Mayor Baldwin it has not been.
t2 Discuss FY 94/95 audit ~~~~rt.
Mr. Sweatt introduced Fred Timmons, representative of the
auditing firm. Mr. Timmons reviewed the audit with
Council, covering some of the high points as follows:
(1) Pages 8 and 9 give an inclusive look at all the assets
and liabilities of all the funds. The City has reached the
rule of thumb amount for reserve funds.
(2) The City's water/sewer system makes enough to cover
depreciation. That's a good job, because it's not the case
in most cities.
(3) The SAFES system so far has shown a net profit and an
increase in cash. Keep in mind it's subject to change
depending on whether or not people pay for services
provided.
(4) Pages 39 through 62
informative pages.
(5) Pages 63 through 88 are the statistical pages.
are the more detailed and
(6) Pages
These are
financial
89 to the end contain the single-audit
currently required when you receive
assistance in excess of $25,000.
reports.
federal
(7) The City has a very good financial statement. Mr.
Timmons will be glad to answer questions any time.
(8) Mr. Timmons is working on a Management Letter which
comes with the audit. He reported he is making a few
points of recommendation, but nothing too serious.
Mr. Sweatt congratulated Mr. Timmons on the GFOA
last year and related the City is submitting the
again this year for the award. That was one of the
that resulted in a A rating on the City's bonds.
award
report
things
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t3 Discuss Stage
Reduction Measures.
II
Water Conservation
Demand
Mr. Sweatt advised Council the City is set to
presentation tomorrow afternoon at the Comal
courthouse.
make a
County
Mayor Baldwin interrupted to say the City had received a
letter from the General Manager of the Edwards Underground
Water District notifying a representative of the City's
water utility of the requirement to attend a public hearing
to address the Board of Directors. There was a possible
violation of the District's Demand Management Plan and the
utility representative will be given a chance to offer an
explanation for the alleged violation and offer proposals
for achieving compliance with the Demand Management Plan.
The hearing is also an opportunity for the District Board
to gain a better understanding of the problems currently
faced by water utilities in meeting the' requirements of the
Demand Management Plan.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned that letter came on the heels of a
Return Receipt Requested letter the Public Works Director
received from a law firm representing the Edwards
Underground Water District that requires us to appear at a
public hearing on May 2, 1996 at 4:00 p.m. The City wrote
a letter saying we had received their notice and placed at
issue all allegations of noncompliance and would be happy
to meet with them and suggest alternatives.
Mr. Sweatt reported they attended the first round of
discussions yesterday which consisted mostly of Bexar
County pumpers and heard part of their presentations. The
City is preparing its response and he would like to go over
that with Council this evening.
Schertz is located in three counties and consists of 24
square miles, less than 25% developed, predominantly
residential. They at first planned to use the population
growth which shows a population in 1940 of 600 and in 1995
an estimate of 13,500. They have a percentage of growth
from 1990 to 1995 of 27.3%. However, when they look at the
system-wide numbers from 1984-1996, which seems to be the
years the district would like most to talk about, they have
46% growth. During yesterday's presentation, members
stated the issues at this time were not conservation, just
demand reduction and they believe just the opposite is
true. Due to growth, the issue is conservation.
The City has charts it will display which relate total acre
feet pump connections, population, and use per capita which
will reflect that over this same period of time there is a
trend in which they have decreased the residential per
capita consumption by 29%. They have the facts and numbers
to back this up.
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Mr. Sweatt went on to say they will then go into the
methods they have used to reduce and conserve. Those are
the leak protection program, the toilet replacement
program, and the inverted block rate structure. The City
has adopted by ordinance and changed the demand management
plan five times to keep up with the Edwards Underground
Water District recommendations. They currently use the
J-17 well level and the SAWS trigger date and believe
that's important because most people hear it in relation to
the City of San Antonio. There is a difference between the
City of San Antonio and the Edwards.
Since
issued.
pumpage,
gallons
earlier
capita.
stage II went into effect, 110 warnings have been
During March alone, if they use a per capita
they have made a per capita reduction to 104
and believe that's quite amazing. The numbers in
years range from 130 gallons to l18 gallons per
In the last three years, over 1126 lots have been platted.
Schertz has added 225 new accounts in 1996 alone. They
just believe the 1995 base line calculations are not a
realistic means to measure production and to set as target
dates. In 1995 the winter averages were 5860 gallons.
Clearly people were not using that much water during those
three months. In 1996 the winter average was 6860 gallons.
This definitely shows that 1995 is not the right baseline
on which to measure.
Mr. Sweatt further stated the City Council has taken a
number of actions to try and resolve the reliance on the
Edwards. Schertz has become a member of the CRWA, they
have requested purchase of surface water from GBRA, they've
requested a contractual arrangement with NBU for raw or
treated water, they're investigating additional water
supply alternatives, and will discuss extra measures such
as stipulating drought resistant grasses. The City's
recommendations are that the goal should not be a period to
period but rather a mean average 50 they can encourage
conservation and search for alternatives. The plan needs
to be consistent and uniform which has not been the case,
and the plan must be understandable. The plan also needs
to recognize anomalies such as spikes and unsold and
unaccounted for water. Their conclusion is that through
efficiency and great response by customers, they have been
able to absorb the growth without an increase. Considering
growth, however, they must be able to adjust those target
levels. Their suggestion is that the target levels be
established more nearly in relation to per capita
consumption with a strong consideration for establishing a
base or lifeline amount as being the lower link.
Mr. McDonald referred to an article in the Sun where it
says with this 15% reduction the lifeline should be at 102
gallons per capita.
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Mr. Potempa asked if the district expects us to stop
construction and was told by Mr. Sweatt they do.
Mr. Greenwald observed the only time Schertz is considered
in the district is when they want to cut water. Mr.
Sweatt pointed out Schertz is a transporter and then
stressed that the position they are trying to convey is one
of working in partnership rather than being an adversary.
Mr. Sawyer asked Mr. Sweatt if Northcliffe is included in
his figures and Mr. Sweatt replied yes they are.
Mayor Baldwin asked if the plan is for them to listen to
input from all those who exceeded their 1995 criteria and
then make a decision as to what to do about it. Both Mr.
Sweatt and John Bierschwale agreed that is their
understanding of it.
Mayor Baldwin, commenting the Aquifer'can handle only 50
much population growth, thought that should force San
Antonio to look for alternate water sources.
This was
penalties,
sources.
followed
raising
by a
rates
brief discussion
and searching for
on paying
alternate
Mr. Swinney asked how much we need to factor in for
current growth. How much is growth going to cost us?
Mayor Baldwin replied we'll find out when the Edwards is
all finished how much it's going to cost us. Mr. Sweatt
mentioned our capital recovery fees are predicated on new
customers buying into their share of the system. Council
will be hearing a report from the Impact Fee group
recommending that capital recovery fees be increased.
Mr. Greenwald related the City has been assured 1,000 acre
feet by Bill West of GBRA. We could put a package plant
anywhere up on IH-35 and start treating our own water. It
will not be cheap. You need money for the plant, money to
pay people to run it, and money for transmissions lines.
Mr. Swinney indicated this is an ideal situation for the
Northeast Partnership. Mayor Baldwin said he has asked to
be placed on the agenda for the Partnership's meeting next
Thursday. All the other cities will have had their hearing
by then.
Mr. McDonald
reuse water.
be some way to
felt another worthy avenue to explore is
He knows it will be costly, but there should
move it into non-human consumption.
Mr. Swinney asked
recycling systems.
do.
if the car washes in the City
Mr. Bierschwale replied the new
have
ones
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Mr. Sweatt remarked that one of the predominant themes
through all this is that's it's certainly not to anyone's
advantage to destroy the commercial and industrial base of
this region. Right or wrong, the impact is going to fall
on the residential customer.
Mr. Potempa asked if there are any restrictions on yards
being put in at new homes. New yards require a lot of
water. Mr. Sweatt replied that in Stage II the city has
the right to stop all new yard installations and require
they be installed only by variance.
Mr. Sweatt admitted the other thing he wants to talk with
Council about is the need to encourage drought resistant
grass installation. There is in place the process that
could do that if it were the wish of City Council to adopt
that technique.
Mr. Swinney stated, with consensus of Council, he
like to order the City Manager to go ahead with
process. Council agreed.
would
that
Mr. Swinney asked if they could make that an
item. Mr. Sweatt answered he still has a few
check with the legal department, but will see if
it on the next agenda. If not, it will be on
agenda after that.
emergency
things to
he can get
the next
Mr. Sweatt implied he will mention to the committee
tomorrow that the City is investigating the possibility of
requiring drought resistant grass installation. He feels
that will be indicative of our commitment to the
conservation program.
Mr. Swinney asked if there's any possibility of extending
the toilet rebate program. Mr. Sweatt replied there are
no funds for that available from the Edwards. If anything
were to be done, it would have to be out of enterprise
funds.
Mayor Baldwin asked if we can do it. Mr.
it's certainly an item to be considered
will be coming to them with the mid-year
soon and they can include the rebate
process.
Sweatt indicated
by Council. He
budget revisions
program in that
'4 Discuss public hearing regarding request from
Floyd Dicus to rezone .354 acres from R-2 (Single-Family
Dwelling District) to R-3 (Two-Family Dwelling District)
and discuss first reading of an ordinance pertaining to
such request.
Mr. Sweatt advised that Mr. Bish, who spoke during the
Hearing of Residents, is one of the property owners within
the distance required to be sent a notice. The request and
recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission is
very clear. It is for one duplex. All the testimony so
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far from the owner indicates that's what he intends to
build.
Mr. Sweatt reported that 15 notices were sent to property
owners within the required distance, 3 were returned as
undeliverable, 3 were returned in favor and 8 were returned
in opposition.
Mayor Baldwin pointed out Mr. Dicus's site plan shows that
he has enough room to build a second duplex. Would the
approval of this zoning change restrict any other buildings
on that lot without him having to subdivide it? Mr.
Sweatt answered if there's sufficient lot there, he would
be required to replat the lot to make it two instead of
one. The recommended zoning is for a two-family dwelling
district.
Mr. sawyer mentioned that once it's ~ezoned, Mr. Dicus
could change his mind. Mr. Sweatt once again stated that
if he has sufficient size, he can come back and replat.
Mayor Baldwin asked if the replatting would have to go
through the Planning and Zoning Commission and require
public hearings. Mr. Sweatt replied no public hearings
would be required.
Mr. Potempa verified then that what Council's approving is
Mr. Dicus's request. Mr. McDonald reminded Mr. Potempa
what Council is approving is a zoning change. Mayor
Baldwin stated he was looking for some protection that
guarantees Mr. Bish there won't be two duplexes on the
lot. After some discussion, it was determined there is no
guarantee Mr. Dicus won't build two duplexes.
Mr. Sweatt suggested looking into it a little more and Mr.
Greenwald mentioned they could make Mr. Dicus subdivide by
rezoning only one lot and leaving the other one R-2.
Mr. Potempa
septic system.
asked if the area is on City sewer or on
Mr. Sweatt replied they are on sewer.
a
During discussion about the size of the lots and whether or
not there's enough for room for two duplexes, Mr. McDonald
observed that Mr. Dicus could turn the duplex around and
have it face Church Street.
Mr. Sweatt admitted that once it's zoned R-3 and he can
comply with the various setbacks and subdivide his lots,
there's probably some way he could build two duplexes on
the property. Nothing inherently prevents it.
Mayor Baldwin commented it's a good size lot and you could
easily put two single-family dwellings on it. Mr. Swinney
added whatever Council decides on the mechanical parts,
there's a whole lot of people in the neighborhood who are
unhappy. It may be based on facts, or it may just be
perception.
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Mayor Baldwin suggested waiting until the public hearing to
see what Mr. Dicus says and what the public has to say.
At this point Council was ready for this item to be
included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
'5 Discuss final reading of ordinance rezoning
17.7592 acres from NS (Neighborhood Services) to PUD
(Planned Unit Development) (Laredo Greenshire)
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council this is the second and final
reading of this rezoning ordinance. The land fronts on FM
3009 below the Schertz United Methodist Church down to
Woodland Oaks. There are 48 lots, most of which are 80' x
l20' and some are 80' x l50'. There will be a concrete
fence along FM 3009 except for the drainage ditch.
Planning and Zoning has recommended approval of the zoning
change.
Mayor Baldwin, speaking of concrete fences, informed the
City Manager we ought to require they put up a little
better fence than what they are at Dove Meadows. Someone
has knocked a hole in the fence on Dietz Road over by Dobie
School just where you cross the bridge.
Mayor Baldwin asked Council if they were ready
ordinance rezoning acreage in Greenshire to be
Tuesday night's agenda and they agreed they were.
for
on
the
next
416 Discuss
Abatement and
Distributing.
final
Tax
reading of ordinance approving Tax
Abatement Agreement with DSI
Mr. Sheridan of DSI was present, but no one had questions
for him. Without discussion, Council said they were ready
for this item to be on next Tuesday night's agenda.
417 Discuss first reading of ordinance approving Tax
Abatement and Tax Abatement Agreement with ITM.
Mr. Sweatt advised ITM stands for Instruments, Technology
and Machinery. One of the things they do is robotic work.
They have built, manufactured and sold robotic equipment.
They are relocating here from San Antonio and will be on
Corridor Parkway in the Tri County Business Park. The
tract of land is 2.315 acres currently valued at $29,944.
Based on ITM's plans, the criteria for a tax abatement
would entitle them to a 49.5% abatement on a 6 year
program. There is a breakdown in the packets which
describes additional revenues, both hard and soft numbers,
and the total annual cost of the abatement. Net revenues
cover the cost of the abatement by a ratio of 8.20 to l.
The cost per job is $509.21.
Mark Marquez commented ITM is one of the first really high
tech companies coming out this way. The acid test is their
payroll. You're looking at $750,000 for 19 people. They
will grow, however, and are expecting to go to about 30
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people.
Mr. Potempa asked how long ITM has been in San Antonio and
Mr. Marquez answered since 1983. They are a strong little
company.
Mr. Sweatt commented the real significant numbers are that
the standard six-year abatement will cost $9675.07. Based
on the current tax value, the City is taking in $731 over
that six-year period. That means over the six-year period
of the standard abatement, the City will net revenue of
$79,302. Without the abatement, the City would net
approximately $121.93 per year.
ITM did request, and the Economic Development Commission
did recommend, a variance to the six year abatement
program. They recommended a 49.5% abatement over a
four-year period instead. The first th~ee years are at 90%
and the fourth year at 27% and zero abatement thereafter.
The net result is the same amount of dollars.
Mayor Baldwin asked
construction. Mr.
located by Keebler.
if the building is already under
Marquez replied yes - it is the one
Mr. Greenwald inquired why they're moving out here and Mr.
Marquez answered for more space.
Council indicated their readiness for this item to be
included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
.8 Discuss ordinance declaring
determining necessity for the paving and
streets, the intention to levy assessments
and calling a public hearing.
emergency and
improvement of
and file liens,
Mr. Sweatt told Council as they will recall from past
discussions, it is the intent of the developer of Live Oak
Hills Phase I to move forward. The area beginning with one
tier of lots off Schertz Parkway, running down Wiederstein
Road to one tier of lots facing King Lane, is proposed to
be Phase I. Included in that is a total of 170 lots of
which l62 will subject to the proposed improvements
assessment. Ownership is scattered. Live Oak Hills Ltd.
controls 89 of the lots, the City of Schertz has 4 lots in
this area, and there are 63 other property owners who will
be subject to the assessment.
This seems to be the only workable plan in which
centralized improvement cost can ever be done and the
neighborhood brought up to development standards. The
estimated cost of the streets and drainage would indicate a
charge of about $91.63 per running foot. There will be an
equal assessment in another sort of way for the water and
sewer cost. The City has a pro rata ordinance that spells
out that arrangement. The cost to the property owner for
water and sewer could be as much as $4500 for each lot.
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The $4500 for water and sewer would not normally be paid by
the owner of the lot, but by the person building and
developing on that lot.
Mr. McDonald asked who pays for the water and sewer
improvement. Mr. Sweatt replied the developer will enter
into an agreement for the City to collect the money and
return it to him at a subsequent date as connections are
made.
Mayor Baldwin asked what kind of arrangements will be made
for people to payout this assessment fee. Mr. Sweatt
answered the current proposal is that the assessment be
paid in three installments. One third will be due at the
time the work is completed, an additional third at the end
of one year and the final one third at the end of two
years.
Mr. Sweatt went on to say one of the things the City would
be doing is filing a notice of intent to file liens with
the Guadalupe County Deed Record office. Once the public
hearing is held on the matter, bids will be taken. The
liens will be filed based on the engineering estimates.
After the opening of the bids, the developer will be
required to deposit the necessary funds in escrow and the
City will work with the contracts and the receipts.
Mr. Sawyer inquired if the City will handle the contracts
and was told by Mr. Sweatt the City will be contractor to
assure that the bids are a fair amount and that the
contract is being handled properly.
Mr. sawyer wondered what kind of people own the lots. He
thinks they were sold back when he was young, so it may be
mostly elderly people who can't come up with that kind of
money. Mr. McDonald observed these improvements will give
them a marketable piece of property that perhaps they can
sell.
Mr. Sawyer asked if there will be an absolute guarantee up
front that the money for this is available so the other
taxpayers of the City don't get stuck with the cost. Mr.
Sweatt replied there will be an absolute guarantee up
front.
Mr. Sawyer asked who came up with the $91.63 per linear
foot. Mr. Sweatt answered the developer's engineer and
then the City's engineer approved it.
Mr. sawyer asked if the City takes a person who doesn't
pay to court. Mr. Sweatt replied that at the end of the
second year the liens are foreclosable. Mr. Sawyer wanted
to know if the City forecloses the liens. Mr. Sweatt
indicated that would be between City Council and the owner
of the Paving Certificate. Mr. Sawyer questioned if the
City will be responsible for foreclosing the liens. Mr.
Sweatt replied it will be done in the City's name.
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Mr. McDonald verified that after we foreclose, we would
own the lot and the obligation against that lot.
Mr. Potempa questioned if the City could then sell the lot
and was told they could - they would pay the bill and
assess it at a fair market value
Mr.
we
sent
Sawyer then wondered if we are notifying anybody that
are doing this. Mr. Sweatt replied notices will be
by the City to all the property owners involved.
Mr. Greenwald, speaking for Council, said he doesn't
they have any problem with a public hearing. Let's
one and listen to what the people say.
think
have
Mr. Sawyer asked when the public hearing is scheduled and
Mr. Sweatt replied sometime in June.
Mayor Baldwin
explained to
hearing.
asked why the emergency and
meet the time frame for setting
Mr.
the
Sweatt
public
'9 Discuss planning and zoning process for gated
communities.
Mr. Sweatt stated this is in response to Council's request
as to how the City will deal with gated communities. As it
will stand under the new UDC, a developer could come
forward to Council with a request for zoning that doesn't
even say it's a gated community and Council would have to
either approve or disapprove the zoning. Council wanted
some alternatives so they would know, in fact, it's a gated
community.
Mr. McDonald
property is
permission to
commented that as it is today, if
zoned for it, a developer doesn't
build a gated community.
the
need
Mr.
going
they
was
it's
Sweatt
to be
wanted
going to
okay for
noted there are some restrictions that are
eliminated under the UDC. Council indicated
more authority and/or forewarning that there
be a gated community and that they could say
residential, but not for a gated community.
Mr. Sawyer remarked Council wants a separate zoning
category for a gated community.
Mr. Sweatt reported several approaches were suggested as
how to handle the issue. Mr. Greenwald observed the
simplest and quickest would be to add a G if it's a gated
community. For example, R-6G. Mr. Swinney asked if that
gives Council the option of approving it as residential
and/or as gated and was told it does. Council agreed with
Mr. Greenwald's suggestion.
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Mr. Sweatt indicated
changes to the UDC.
applicable to all the R
Council's wishes will require
Article VII would have to be
categories.
some
made
tl0 CITY
be canvassing
meeting.
MANAGER'S REPORT: A. Declared Council will
the election results at next Tuesday night's
B. Reported Council had asked several weeks ago
having photographs taken. Information was provided
packets about some photographers and their prices.
It was decided to have a group photograph taken on the
first available night everyone could get together.
about
in the
C. Commented everyone should have received an invitation
to a luncheon in Fredericksburg on May 9th celebrating
their l50th anniversary. Mayor Baldwin apologized, saying
he had received an invitation several weeks ago and forgot
to mention it. No one was available to attend.
,1l ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Swinney: A. Stated he had
spoken with the new manager of Pizza Hut and was assured a
new sign to replace the one that's been damaged for a while
is on the way.
B. Noticed, in the packet, some derogatory comments about
the Police Department which were unsigned. complimented
the Police Department on their response to his report of a
possible crime. They arrived at the scene in about three
minutes. Also observed the Police Department is very
professional. They're slim and trim and very courteous.
C. Extended best wishes to all the candidates in the
election this Saturday.
Mr. potemoa: Reported there's a petition going around
Mobile Villa. Planning and zoning turned down a request to
rezone the corner of IH-35 and Irola Drive for a used car
lot. Now they're petitioning the residents in Mobile Villa
to get it changed.
Mr. Greenwald told Mr. Potempa if he had seen the plat
they presented to Planning and zoning, he would know why it
was turned down.
Mr. Sawyer: A. Asked how we're doing on the painting
program for graffiti. Mr. swinney said he had not heard
from Judge Cinnamon. Mr. Sweatt reported Judge Cinnamon
is on vacation and as soon as he gets back he will have
some volunteers for the project.
B. Questioned who the Taxpayers for Good Government are.
Noticed one of the letters turned in for the Floyd Dicus
public hearing was signed Taxpayers for Good Government.
No one seemed to know for sure who they are.
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Mr. McDonald: A. Commented the financial report is
great. Suggested a possible tax reduction to eliminate
some of next year's surplus (not the reserve) and then turn
around and promote a bond issue to get the things we need
done and it would offset any tax reduction we may be able
to entertain. Doesn't think we'll ever sell a bond issue
with a tax increase.
Mr. Sweatt encouraged Mr.
at the mid-year budget
decisions.
McDonald to wait until he looks
before making any of those
B. Reported some of the Councilmembers attended the BVYA
meeting the other night. They brought up an interesting
point about bringing in lots of tournaments and they need
some help with their scoreboard. Maybe at some future date
we can use some of our hotel/motel tax money to ,help them
make that a class park over there. Those tournaments are a
tourist venture. Mr. Greenwald has the facts on what they
need for the scoreboard.
C. Stated he would like to get the land office deal out in
the open. If the Council wants him to shut up right now,
he will. Mr. Sweatt felt they have made some headway,
it's currently not an issue, and he doesn't feel the time
is right to bring it up. Mr. McDonald said they lied to
us.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned
are being addressed.
resolution date and
days.
the City had some concerns and they
Mr. Swinney asked if we have a
Mr. Sweatt replied probably 15-20
Mr. Greenwald commented if they circumvent everything, it
will be political death for them and there are quite a few
entities involved.
Mr. Swinney suggested if we're not in a corner, let's
don't start swinging yet.
Mr. Sawyer remarked if our best information says
progressing favorably for us, then leave it alone.
McDonald felt the City will live to regret that.
it's
Mr.
Mr. Greenwald: A. Reported BVYA had some poles donated
and GVEC will put them in. They are putting up lights on
the softball field for little kids. They've been short two
scoreboards and there's a league over in the Windcrest area
they heard was folding and getting rid of everything, so
they secured four scoreboards for free. The boards need
some work. They will probably be able to take the four and
make two good ones. They need a total of about $1,000.
Mr. Sawyer asked if the City couldn't take that from the
hotel/motel tax. Mr. Sweatt replied he believes that
is probably a legitimate expenditure.
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Mr. Greenwald went on to say there are three tournaments
coming up. The first starts tomorrow night (Thursday) and
goes through sunday. Seventy teams will be participating.
One of the things they've asked (and he doesn't know if Mr.
Sweatt got the letter yet) is to make Aero from Oak to FM
1518 one way and have diagonal parking on the one side.
The Catholic church Festival is Sunday
pavilion and they also will need parking.
Columbus love it - they figure they will
sales.
at
The
make
the large
Knights of
more food
Mr. Sawyer asked if the gate blocked off near the swimming
pool with a chain could be opened. It was opened for the
4th of July last year for extra parking.
Mayor Baldwin asked why BVYA is so late in letting us know
about this. Mr. Greenwald explained this was supposed to
have been approved several weeks ago, but for some reason
it wasn't. Also, BVYA has taken a tournament they hadn't
intended to because the City that was going to host it
backed out. That is not this tournament, but a future one.
B. Informed Council there will be a ten minute oil change
business at the corner of Borgfeld Road and FM 3009.
Planning and zoning approved it last week. Mayor Baldwin
asked if had to meet all the requirements of the overlay
and was told it did and the owner loves it.
C. Noted there's an article in the paper about Schertz
luring businesses to the City.
D. Remarked Planning and Zoning had already approved the
expansion of Windy Meadow some time back and are now
starting to get complaints about speeders and about people
using Oak Street instead of FM 1518 and Windy Meadow Drive.
Is there some way we can get a three month count and look
at the tickets and accidents in the area? The plans for
expansion include an additional 170 units.
Before going on to Items by Mayor, Mr. Sawyer said the
politicians need to be reminded to pick up their signs
after the election.
#l2 ITEMS BY MAYOR: A. Announced he had a letter from
the Mayor of Fair Oaks regarding a public seminar on the
pros and cons of city/county consolidation. For anyone
interested in attending, the times and dates are listed in
the letter. It was suggested the Mayor of Fair Oaks be
sent a copy of the letter written on behalf of the City of
Schertz about consolidation.
B. Asked if the City has any kind of emergency evacuation
route in case of a train wreck. While he was out
campaigning, the Lone Oak Homeowners Association asked him
about it. The Mayor was informed by other Councilmembers
there's a copy of the plan in the City's Emergency
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Operation Plan book.
C. Mentioned he had passed around the
from the Texaco being found innocent.
anyone to testify to substantiate the
The jury felt the prosecution did
evidence.
article about "Andy"
They couldn't find
charges against him.
not present enough
Before adjournment, Mr. Greenwald had a few more things to
mention:
(I) The Schertz Humane Society is up and running again. Do
we have a liaison? It was determined Barbara Stanhope was
the previous liaison.
(2) Thanked Rachel Drady for the
paper about the mortgage company.
phone calls and people have walked
article she ran in the
He has received numerous
up t~ him to thank him.
.10 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by
seconded by Mr. Potempa and unanimously
meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Mr. Swinney,
approved, the
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
~~
City Secretary, City of Schertz
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