ccreg 05-21-1996
REGULAR SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 21, 1996
The Schertz City Council convened in Regular Session on
Tuesday, May 21, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz,
Texas. The following members were present: Mayor Pro Tern
Charles McDonald, presiding; Councilmembers Joe Potempa;
Earl Sawyer; Timothy Swinney and Ken Greenwald. Absent:
Mayor Hal Baldwin. Staff present were City Manager Kerry
Sweatt and City Secretary Norma Althouse.
Mayor Pro Tern Greenwald welcomed everyone and asked them to
rise and join him in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
U
speak
items
HEARING
on agenda
not on the
OF RESI..."".....S: Those citizens wishing
items (other than public hearing items)
agenda, will be heard at this time.
to
or
Mr. L.D. Gilpin of 122 Shearer Hill, San Antonio had
signed up to speak. Since he wanted to speak on the public
hearing item, he opted to wait until the public hearing to
express his views.
t2 MAYOR PRO TEM:
A. Consider and take action appointing Mayor
Pro Tern.
B. Swearing in of Mayor Pro Tern.
A. Consider and take action aooointina Mavor Pro Tern.
Since the City policy is for the Mayor Pro Tern to be
appointed on a rotational basis, Councilman McDonald is the
next one in line to assume those duties. There was no
vote, but Council did give their consensus for Mr.
McDonald to be appointed Mayor Pro Tern.
B. Swearina in of Mavor Pro Tem.
City secretary, Norma Althouse, administered the Oath
Office to Councilman McDonald. Mayor Pro Tern McDonald
replaced Councilmember Greenwald in presiding over
meeting. Mr. Greenwald announced that Mayor Pro
McDonald had made a new gavel and block of wood
presented it to the City for use at Council meetings.
of
then
the
Tem
and
#3 ORDINANCE: Consider and take action
reading of an ordinance approving Tax Abatement
Abatement Agreement for and with ITM.
on final
and Tax
Mr. Sweatt reminded Council this action was reviewed and
the first reading was approved at the last regular meeting
of May 7th. ITM qualified for a 49.5% abatement over a
six-year period. However, the Economic Development
Commission approved a variance and the tax abatement will
be for a four-year period - 90% for the first three years
and 27% for the fourth year. The benefits are a good deal
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for the City.
design firm.
ITM is a high-tech specialty equipment
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald introduced an ordinance and read the
caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 96-T-14
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, APPROVING A TAX ABATEMENT AND A TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH ITM, INC. , A
PROPERTY v...."'R IN THE CITY OF SCHERTZ.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the final reading of an
ordinance approving a Tax Abatement and Tax Abatement
Agreement for and with ITM. Mr. Greenwald seconded the
motion, which carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald,
Potempa,
Sawyer, Swinney
and
NAYS: None.
#4 PUBLIC HEARING: To receive citizen comments on a
request from Ron Wood to rezone 4.5 acres in Live Oak Hills
Subdivision from GB (General Business) to R-2
(Single-Family Dwelling District) and on the recommendation
from Planning and Zoning to rezone additional lots in the
same subdivision from GB (General Business) to R-2
(Single-Family Dwelling District) and from GB (General
Business) to NS (Neighborhood Services).
Mr. L.B. Gilpin of 122 Shearer Hill, San Antonio stated
that he bought property in the Live Oak Hills Subdivision
in 1969 as an investment. The developers never did do
anything they said they were going to do. When the City of
Schertz took it over, they changed the restrictions.
Originally it was required there be a structure of a
minimum of 1400 square feet and 55% masonry. Now there
seems to be no restrictions on what is built on it.
Mr. Gilpin related he owns three lots on Nile Lane and
Wiederstein Road and they want to change that from General
Business. He didn't even know it was General Business
because it was supposed to have been all residential to
begin with. Now they want to change it back to
residential. Since he bought the property for an
investment, it seems it would be better to leave it as
General Business. Being the only small street in the
subdivision, there might be some small business that would
want to locate there. He has 25,200 square feet on a
corner and it would be better for him to leave it zoned as
it is than to rezone it for someone else's convenience. A
certain builder had offered to buy the lots for $500 each
and then finally came up to $10,000 for the three of them.
Conditions that were supposed to occur did not come about
and the builder won't answer phone calls. Mr. Gilpin
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doesn't feel he should be forced to change his desires to
fit the builder's convenience.
Mr. Sweatt advised there are actually two files on this.
Regarding the property being requested to be rezoned by Ron
Wood, 58 letters were sent to property owners within the
required distance, 2 were returned as undeliverable, 3 were
returned in favor and 4 were returned in opposition.
Regarding the additional lots requested to be rezoned by
the Planning and Zoning Commission, 30 letters were sent to
property owners within the required distance, 3 were
returned as undeliverable, 1 was returned in favor and 1
was returned in opposition.
Mr. Gilpin's property is located at the corner of Nile
Lane and Wiederstein Road and Mr. Sweatt pointed that out
on the map. This area was originally zoned residential.
After Schertz Parkway was extended, it was felt that a
strip of General Business zoning (250' on either side of
the center line) would be more appropriate. When Mr. Wood
applied to rezone from General Business to R-2, Planning
and Zoning took another look at the property and made their
recommendations to rezone some of the General Business to
R-2 and some of the General Business to Neighborhood
Services.
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald asked how much land would be left
facing Schertz Parkway that would have a General Business
or Neighborhood Services zoning. Mr. Wood replied that on
the south side of Schertz Parkway there are 17 lots - 9 on
one side and 8 on the other that would have a GB or NS
zoning. Mr. Gilpin's lots front Nile Lane and side to
Wiederstein Road.
Ms. Becky Scheffler, 386 W. Gorgfield Rd. in Cibolo,
commented she owns one lot. She doesn't object to the
rezoning, but just wants to ask what the plans are for the
area. Is Mr. Wood going to build houses on the lots?
Mr. Wood emphasized he is not going to build, he is only
going to develop. Ms. Scheffler then asked if he has
builders who are interested and Mr. Wood replied he has to
sign a note for over a million dollars, and he doesn't
think he would be doing that if he didn't have builders who
were interested. The subdivision was platted in 1963 and
the deed restrictions are filed on record. They have not
changed the deed restrictions, nor can they (at least on
lots they don't own). They can increase the restrictions
on lots they own, they just can't decrease them.
Ms. Scheffler asked more questions about the rezoning in
regard to the size of the houses and if there will be other
hearings. Mr. Sweatt explained the R-2 zoning category
has specific requirements such as side yard setbacks, rear
yard setbacks, etc., but it does not specify the size of
the house. Assuming the rezoning takes place, there will
be other actions such as building streets and putting in
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utilities before building permits would be issued. There
will not be other hearings. The owner of a lot is the only
one who gets to make a decision about who builds there.
Ms. Scheffler expressed concern about shacks being built
on the lots. Mr. Wood pointed out the deed restrictions
call for a minimum of a l250 square foot house. They can
build larger houses, but not ones smaller than the 1250
square feet.
Mayor
was
won't
Pro Tern McDonald thought the best way to explain it
to say that if that's going to be a $20,000 lot, they
build a shack on it. They can't afford to.
City Attorney, Michael Spain, further emphasized
rezoning won't replace existing deed restrictions.
Sweatt added that the City doesn't enforce
restrictions - that is a civil matter.
that
Mr.
deed
Mr. Spain asked when this area was annexed by the City and
Mr. Sweatt replied he thought in the early 70's. Mr.
Spain then verified the property came into the City
originally zoned as R-2 and Mr. Sweatt acknowledged that's
correct. Mr. Spain then asked when the strip on either
side of Schertz Parkway was rezoned to General Business and
Mr. Sweatt replied in 1987. Mr. Spain then said what
they're talking about doing is actually changing the zoning
back to what it was before 1987. If a person owned
property before 1987, then it's just being rezoned back to
what it was when they bought it.
Mr. Swinney told Ron Wood he thinks all subjects are fair
game at a public hearing and there are a lot of worried
property owners who deserve to have their questions
answered. He then asked Mr. Wood if he knows anything
about this Four Star Group. Are they a real estate firm?
Mr. Wood replied he couldn't find anything out about them.
Mr. Swinney then reminded Mr. Wood that at the
meeting he said he hadn't sent out any letters
August. Mr. Wood didn't recall that and said he's
out a lot of correspondence, notices and responses,
doesn't know exactly when the last letter was sent.
last
since
sent
but
Ms. Scheffler recalled that in one of Ron Wood's letters
he stated the property owners would have to pay about
$8,000. Is that still true? When would it have to be
paid? How much of that is Ron Wood picking up? How much
is the City picking up?
Mayor Pro Tem McDonald told Ms. Scheffler the City will
pick up none of the cost, Mr. Wood will pick up 10% and
the lot owner will pick up 90%. The street assessment will
be somewhere in the neighborhood of $7500 per lot. That
figure is not definite yet. When that figure is definite
and has been approved and the ordinance enacted, the
property owners will have ten days to pay the assessment
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fee. It can be paid in full up front or can be paid by
putting one-third of the amount down, then paying one-third
at the end of one year and the remaining one-third at the
end of the second year. The interest will be 8% if the
amount is not all paid up front. That amount does not
include the water/sewer fees. If a person chooses to build
on the lot, then those fees would have to be paid at the
time of application for a building permit. The water/sewer
fees are estimated to be approximately $4500.
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald further stated a property owner who
currently owns a lot and chooses not to sell it to Ron Wood
and then chooses to build on that lot after the streets
have been improved, will have to pay approximately $l2,000
in fees (street assessment and water/sewer). Mr. Wood
tells City Council that once the streets are improved, the
lots will be worth about $22,000.
Ms. Scheffler asked if she understands'correctly that Mr.
Wood is putting money up front in an account for the street
improvements and then the property owners would essentially
be paying him back when they pay their fees. Mr. Sweatt
answered that's correct.
Ms. Scheffler then inquired if the streets are improved and
the taxes go up, will the lots set for a while and how long
will it be before houses go up. Mr. Wood replied
hopefully the builders will be ready to go once the street
improvements have been completed.
Mr. spain explained to
streets are improved, she
her lot, whatever she wants
Ms. Scheffler
could build on
to do.
that after
her lot or
the
sell
Mr. Swinney asked Mr. Wood if these loose deed
restrictions are of concern to home builders or is there a
way around that. Mr. Wood answered it is a concern on
those lots you don't own. He believes if everything is a
go and this project comes about, his company will be able
to acquire a large majority of the outstanding lots.
Mr. Potempa noted he had lived in the area for 25 years.
The original developers of Live Oak Hills (Continental
Homes) apparently promised a lot of things that did not
corne about. If you drive down there today, the place is a
dump. He feels with the zoning of R-2, GB and NS, they
will see development and won't have any problems out there.
Mr. Potempa asked Ron Wood who the electric utility would
be for the subdivision and Mr. Wood replied CPS.
There being no further comments or questions, Mayor Pro Tern
McDonald closed the public hearing.
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#5 ORDINANCE: Consider and
reading of an ordinance rezoning
(lO.75 from GB to R-2) (3.25 from
Hills Subdivision.
take action on first
approximately 14 acres
GB to NS) in the Live Oak
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald introduced an ordinance and read the
caption as follows:
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 87-S-1
BY REZONING APPROXIMATELY 14 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF
GUADALUPE COUNTY AND REFLECTING SUCH CHANGES ON
CERTAIN ZONING MAPS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
SCHERTZ ZONING ORDINANCE.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve the first reading of an
ordinance rezoning approximately 14 acres (10.75 from GB to
R-2) (3.25 from GB to NS) in the Live Oak Hills
Subdivision. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers Potempa, Swinney and Greenwald.
NAYS: Councilmember Sawyer.
#6 ORDINANCE: Consideration and approval of an
Ordinance approving and adopting the estimate, statement
and report prepared by or approved by the City's Engineer
with reference to the improvement of certain streets and
avenues or portions thereof in the City of Schertz, Texas;
determining the type of improvements to be made and the
estimated costs to be assessed per front foot against the
owners of the benefitted properties and their properties;
the estimated total cost of the improvements and the
estimated amount of the total costs of the improvements
which it is proposed shall be paid by the City and the
estimated amount of the total costs of the improvements
which it is proposed shall be assessed against the
benefitted properties and the real and true owners thereof;
determining the manner and terms of payment of the proposed
assessments; ordering that a hearing shall be given to the
owners and to all persons owning or claiming an interest in
or lien upon any property abutting the streets and avenues
or portions thereof to be improved, and to all other
interested parties and to their agents and attorneys;
fixing the time and place for such hearing; directing the
Mayor and City Secretary to give notice of said hearing;
specifying the type of and the manner in which such notice
shall be given; making other findings and enacting other
provisions incident and relating to the subject; and
providing that should any section of or part of any section
of this Ordinance be held void, the remaining portions
shall not be affected; and declaring an emergency.
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Mayor Pro Tern McDonald introduced an ordinance and read the
caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 95-M-15
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING AND Au",.: ..ING THE ESTIMATE, STATEMENT
AND REPORT PREPARED BY OR APPROVED BY THE CITY'S
ENGINEER WITH REFERENCE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF
CERTAIN S.."""",..S AND AVENUES OR PORTIONS THEREOF
IN THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS; ..,~...<.RMINING THE
.. U '" OF IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE AND THE ESTIMATED
COSTS TO BE ASSESSED PER FRONT FOOT AGAINST THE
OWNERS OF THE BENEFIu""~ PROPERTIES AND THEIR
PROPERTIES; THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF THE
IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF THE
TOTAL COSTS OF THE IMPROVE}.."....'" WHICH IT IS
PROPOSED SHALL BE PAID BY THE CITY AND THE
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF THE TOTAL COSTS OF THE
IMPROVEMENTS WHICH IT IS PROPOSED SHALL BE
ASSESSED AGAINST THE BENEFITTED PROPERTIES AND
THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS THEREOF; LO,,,,..,,,...UNING
THE MANNER AND TERMS OF PAYMENT OF THE PROPOSED
ASSESSMENTS; ORDERING THAT A HEARING SHALL BE
GIVEN TO THE ~".I""RS AND TO ALL PERSONS OWNING OR
CI.AIMING AN INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON ANY PRvr"'A..t
ABUTTING THE STREETS AND AVENUES OR PORTIONS
THEREOF TO BE IMPROVED, AND TO ALL OTHER
INTERESTED PARTIES AND TO THEIR Au"'....S AND
ATTORNEYS; FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR SUCH
HEARING; DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY SE..."""....RY
TO GIVE NOTICE OF SAID HEARING; SPECIFYING THE
TYPE OF AND THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH NOTICE SHALL
BE GIVEN; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND ENACTING
OTHER PROVISIONS INCI~"".... AND RELATING TO THE
SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING THAT SHOULD ANY SECTION
OF OR PART OF ANY SECTION OF THIS ORDINANCE BE
HELD VOID, THE REMAINING PORTIONS SHALL NOT BE
AFFECTED; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sweatt advised this item concerns the Live Oak Hills
Subdivision and deals with those issues discussed earlier.
This Ordinance sets the date for the public hearing as June
18th. The public hearing will be on issues related to the
making of assessments against property owners and
provisions for their share of the cost of improving those
streets included in the property. Also included in the
Ordinance is a description of the project itself and the
list of streets that will be improved with curb and gutter
and drainage. The estimates by the developers engineer and
approved by the City'S engineer are included in the
Ordinance. Those work out to be $91.23 per front foot of
property.
Mr. Sweatt continued on, saying the Ordinance prescribes
that notices will be sent to each and every property owner
in the subdivision affected by the proposed assessments.
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Prescribed notices, under the terms of the State law, will
be run in the official publication of the City. At the
public hearing, citizens will be allowed to express their
opinions on the matter. Mr. Sweatt deferred to Mr. Spain
to answer any questions.
Mr. Spain stated there is a change in the charge per front
foot and it is now $92.96. The public hearing will be in
the Council Chambers on June 18th at 7:00 p.m. The notice
will be published in the paper three times - May 24th, May
3lst and June 7th. Notices will also be mailed to all
property owners. That notice is attached to Council's copy
of the Ordinance. The City took the initial step two weeks
ago and this is the second step. Neither the City nor the
developer are committed to do anything until after the
public hearing. At that time Council will make a decision
on whether to move forward or not. At that same meeting,
the City will be presented with proposed agreements between
the City and the developer in which the'developer would put
up all the funds in advance to pay the cost of the
improvements, including the 10% that is the City's portion.
The property owners can only be assessed for nine-tenths of
the cost of the project and the City pays the difference.
In this case the City is receiving that lOt from the
developer. Presumably all those agreements would be
approved on June l8th. If Council doesn't approve a part
of it, they don't approve any of it.
Mr. Sweatt asked if this Ordinance is filed with the deed
records and Mr. Spain replied it won't be filed until they
know the amount of the assessment.
Mayor Pro
ordinance
paid by
City is
received
Tern McDonald pointed out the caption of the
says improvements which it is proposed shall be
the City. Mr. Spain reiterated the fact that the
paying a portion, but it is paying it with money
from the developer.
Mr. Greenwald asked if its approved, will the City have a
separate contract with the developer to pay them the money
and Mr. Spain affirmed that's correct.
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald asked if that includes water and
sewer and Mr. Sweatt answered no, that's a separate issue.
The developer will pay that at the time of the
construction. He lets his own contract. The City enters
into a pro rata agreement with the developer.
Mr. Swinney inquired if the appraisal of land will be
provided at the public hearing. Mr. Spain indicated they
should have that information available at the hearing, if
not before.
Mr. Potempa moved to approve the ordinance as captioned
above. Mr. Greenwald seconded the motion, which carried
with the following votes:
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AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald.
Potempa,
Sawyer, swinney
and
NAYS: None.
#7 PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICY: Consider and
on public library policy regarding residence
or library cards.
take action
requirements
Mr. Sweatt advised the Library Board has recommended
Council consider adopting a revision in residence
requirements. Currently employees of Guadalupe County who
are not residents of either the City or the County are
allowed to have library service and free library cards.
Teachers in the SCUC ISD who are not residents of the City
or of Guadalupe County are also extended that privilege.
Other employees of any company that is in Schertz, even
though they are not residents of the City or of Guadalupe
County, are currently extended that privilege. Because of
resources and growth, the Library Board feels that policy
is a bit too broad in application and has recommended that
those three categories of persons who frequently enjoy a
nO-Charge library card be revised. The policy would now
provide service without use charge to non-residents who own
property in Guadalupe County or the City of Schertz,
employees of the City of Schertz and students in the SCUC
IDS. There would be a one-year grace period allowed for
those people who have previously received cards and as they
are being renewed, they will be renewed for one year.
After that year, they will be required to secure a card by
paying a user fee.
Mr. Sweatt went on to say the user fee is charged
other non-residents. The individual fee is $10.00
family fee is $25.00 annually. It is recommended
authorize the revised policy.
to all
and the
Council
Mr. Sweatt stated there was some discussion at the
workshop about corporate sponsorships and that information
has been transmitted back to the Library Board. They will
be discussing that and recommending future amendments.
Mr. Swinney asked if those
in two to three months.
probably adequate time.
amendments would be forthcoming
Mr. Sweatt thought that was
Mayor Pro Tern McDonald mentioned a potentially serious
problem in that the County says they may not fund the
library anymore. He thinks they currently fund it to the
tune of about $60,000.
Mr. Greenwald move~ to approve the revised library policy
regarding residence requirements for library cards. Mr.
Swinney seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
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AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald.
Potempa,
Sawyer, Swinney
and
NAYS: None.
#8 ORDINANCE:
ordinance regarding
measures.
Consider and take action on emergency
water conservation demand reduction
Mayor Pro Tem McDonald introduced an ordinance and read the
caption as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 96-F-16
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS, BE AMENDED BY REVISING
ARTICLE IV, MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION, SECTION
19-96(a), SECTION 19-96(c) AND SECTION 19-96(d);
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Mr. Sawyer moved to approve an
regarding water conservation demand
Mr. Swinney seconded the motion.
emergency ordinance
reduction measures.
Mr. Sweatt distributed to Council minor revisions to the
handout and a new booklet for clarification. The
differences deal with the issue of which days watering is
allowed. The days in the old handout are the same, but
hopefully this one is a little clearer.
The residential odd-numberd addresses are allowed to water
on Sundays and Thursdays and every other week reduce to one
day and drop the Thursday. Residential even-numbered
addressed are allowed to water on Saturday and Tuesday and
every other week reduce to one day and drop the Tuesday.
Commercial businesses are allowed to water on Monday and
Friday and every other week reduce to one day and drop the
Friday. Sprinklers can be used on the permitted watering
days. Hand use watering is still allowed anytime.
Mr. Sweatt mentioned Council may have read that things are
moving rapidly to Stage IV. Stage IV in the ordinance does
not have a specific trigger date. It's initiated at the
discretion of the City Council upon recommendation of the
City Manager in consultation with the Edwards Authority.
It reads very similar to those of other communities
dependent upon the Edwards Aquifer. As the stream flow
becomes more critical, the City will be receiving
recommendations from the Edwards. We may be moving toward
Stage IV(A) very rapidly. At that time significant
restrictions kick in as well as surcharges.
At this time a vote was taken and the ordinance passed as
follows:
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AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald.
Potempa,
Sawyer, Swinney
and
NAYS: None.
Mr. Sawyer asked if the City will have any water
inspectors out early in the morning. Mr. Sweatt replied
yes they will. The Police Service as well as members of
the Public Works Department will be serving as water
inspectors.
Mr. Sweatt commented the customers have really responded
well to the need for water conservation.
#9 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVISIONS: Consider and take
action to approve mid-year budget revisions.
Mr. Potempa
revisions. Mr.
moved to approve the mid-year
Sawyer seconded the motion.
budget
Mr.
when
they
Greenwald remarked Council has said for ten
the businesses came in and the money was
would get the employees pay raises.
years that
available,
Mr. Swinney observed the City employees have been working
on all cylinders just hanging in there with loyalty. They
deserve a raise.
At this time the vote was taken and the motion carried as
follows:
AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald.
Potempa,
Sawyer, Swinney
and
NAYS: None.
#10 BID AWARD: Consider and take action awarding
bid for SAFES remount.
Mr. Sweatt requested that Council table this item. They
are still discussing and reviewing the bids and need to
research a couple of things.
Mr. Sawyer moved to table action on awarding the bid for
SAFES remount. Mr. Potempa seconded the motion, which
carried with the following votes:
AYES: Councilmembers
Greenwald.
potempa,
Sawyer, Swinney
and
NAYS: None.
#ll CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Reminded Council to mark
their calendars for the tour on June 8th.
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#l2 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Potemoa' A. Distributed a
chart from the Public Utility Commission of the State of
Texas. The City Public Service Board only charges 60.63
per thousand kilowatt hours. GVEC charges 75.37 per
thousand. The State average is 73.27 per thousand. This
is why he asked Ron Wood who would be supplying the
electric in the Live Oak Hills subdivision.
Mr. Sawyer remarked GVEC used to be the lowest, but
they've steadily increased their prices over the years.
Mr. Swinney said he understands that in the not too
distant future you're going to be able to buy electricity
from almost anywhere because of the open transmission
lines. Mr. Sweatt admitted that's what they've heard, but
he doubts if they will go after the individual residential
customer. They will try to negotiate supply contracts with
fairly large users.
B. Reported his wife sends a sincere thank you for the
lovely flowers sent to her while she was in the hospital.
Mr. Sawver: A. Noticed Mr. Sweatt had submitted a memo
to them asking for recommendations for the Charter Review
Committee. His recommendation is that Mr. McDonald be the
chairman and the other members of the Committee be Mary
Marsh, Barbara Stanhope, Adolph Aguilar, Charles Sharpe and
possibly Jeff Duffield. Suggested Mr. Sweatt send a
letter to these folks to see if they are able to serve on
the Committee. Mr. McDonald's idea of asking former
Councilmembers and Mayors to be on this Committee was
excellent. The rest of Council concurred with Mr. Sawyer.
B. Observed some land clearing on E. Live Oak Road.
Who's doing that? Mr. Sweatt replied the property is
owned by Ollie Burkett. No plat has been filed. There was
some discussion about the zoning of the property.
Mr. Swinnev: A. Mentioned the information on the walking
fitness course sent to him in the mail by Ruth Tienor. If
everyone's amenable to it, he would like to discuss it at
the next workshop. His idea is to get a corporate
sponsorship from each fitness center.
B. Reported he tried to get hold of General Marsh today
and was not successful, but left her a message. Mr.
Sawyer said if it was about the building with graffiti on
it, the VFW is going to have it blasted with water. Mr.
sawyer had asked her to get hold of him at the earliest
possible convenience and she's supposed to contact him by
the end of the week.
Mr. Sawyer told Mr. Swinney they could get started on the
graffiti program at the building in Lone Oak. Mr. Swinney
advised they are working on getting permission from the
property owner.
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.-~
B. Asked if a date had ever been decided on for the group
photograph. City Secretary, Norma Althouse, related she
had spoken with Sarah's Reflections and the photographer
will come to the Municipal Complex for a sitting fee of
$50.00. Mr. Swinney thought the price was $30.00, but was
told by Mrs. Althouse that was only if they went to her
studio. Mr. Sweatt thought they might want the group
photograph taken in the Chambers. Mr. Swinney suggested
setting something up for July.
C. Announced he will be out of the City on vacation from
June 7th through the 22nd.
D. Noticed the grass and weeds are high along FM 78.
E. Complimented the Public Works Department. There's a
nice straight line now going out of Lone Oak and it looks
so much better.
#13 ITEMS BY MAYOR: Remarked the
still standing wide open. Mr. Sweatt
had been taken care of this afternoon.
gate on Dimrock is
said he thought that
#l4 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Potempa, seconded
by Mr. Greenwald and unanimously carried, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
II
fiD-1i/l1
ATTEST:
~~/1")
City Secretary, City of Schertz
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