ccswks 08-27-1986
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S P OCIAL S FSS ION OF TH E CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 27, 1986
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session,
Wednesday August 27, 1986, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
of the Municipal Complex, 1400 Live Oak Road, SChertz, Texas.
The following members were present: Mayor Pro Tern Ken Greenwald;
Charles B. Sharpe; Hal Baldwin; Ray Stanhope; and Adolph Aguilar.
Absent: Mayor Earl W. Sawyer. Staff present were City Manager
Jimmy G. Gilmore and City Secretary June G. Krause.
Mayor Pro Tern Greenwald welcomed everyone to th e meeting and
apologized for some inconvenience caused by the City sending
notification to some people that were not in the newly annexed
area. Also there are possibly some in the annexed area who did
not get notification through oversight. The best way to tell if
you are in the area in question is that if you live west of FM
1518 and south of Randolph Air Force Base, you are annexed; and
only 250 feet east of FM 1518. However, those living east of FM
1518 and are within one mile of FM 1518, are subject to future
annexation. Mr. Greenwald then introduced the City Council
members. He then turned the meeting over to Mr. Gilmore, who
would introduce staff members.
Mr. Gilmore, after explaining that he was the City Manager, said
that he had asked Department Heads to meet with the citizens to
discuss their department functions and to answer questions. He
said he realized that most of the citizens present had been in
San Antonio's city limits and did not get very much cooperation.
Mr. Gilmore said he wanted the people to know that they could
come in or call in and talked to him about the City of Schertz.
He then introduced Tom Funk, Director of the Schertz Area
Facility Emergency Services (SAFES) and Mary Lou Malone, the
assistant director.
Mr. Funk first said that on behalf of th e people of SAFES,
welcome to the City of Schertz. He said SAFES has been in
existence for about twelve years from a totally volunteer basis
to today about 50 percent paid employees. There are about 50% of
the volunteers that are paramedics and the rest are special
skills and EMTs. He said SAFES serves seven cities. When they
started out they had a converted cadillac ambulance and today
they have four modern very expensive modulances, complete with
advanced life support. He explained some of the problems they
have finding rural residences and asked the people when they call
in to give some identifying characteristics - give the dispatcher
what she/he asks for even if it takes a little more time. Mr.
Funk explained that there is a charge for the service but they do
file for medicare for those eligible. He then invited everyone
to stop by their offices next door and tour the facilities. Mr.
Funk explained that if called out and th ey do not have to
transport, there is not a charge. When they were chartered, that
was the decision made and it has not been changed.
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Mr. Funk then answered questions of the audience, such as all
ambulances are housed in Schertz. , He even offered to help one
citizen who had been bil_ed by both SAFES and San Anton_o.
Mr Gi~more then ~ntroduced Mr. Ed Melton, Fire Chief/Emergency
Management Coordinator
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Mr. Melton said the fire department is more or les$ the same as
SAFES' . They have a volunteer group of 40 people with 25 to 26
of those being certified firemen. Durin~ th,e daytime, there are
two paid firemen at the station. He sa1d it take from 8 to 12
minutes to get to the newly annexed area - depending on the exact
location, He mentioned that the Fire Department has a fund
ral.sing event, every year - the Bar-b-que supper - and they mail.
out books of raffle tickets to everyone. They welcome new
members to, the department, with drills being on the first and
second 'ruesday evenings each week at the Fire Station at 7:00
p.m. They are having some additional telephone stickers printed,
which will be available very soon. Their non-emergency phone
number is 658~833l and he urged the citizens to call him for any
additional information about the fire department.
Mr. Gilmore then introduced Police Chief Jamee Keith,
Chief Keith said his department was rather self explanatory.
They have 12 regular officers and two reserves and they will take
applications for reserves at all times. He mentioned that their 0'
department is the only one in the area that takes care of
security inspections. By having your house inspected and
following the recommendations, the people can save from. 10 to 15%
on the insurance. Chief Keith said they are trying to get a car
in the newly annexed area two to three times each shift - every
two to three hours.
Mr. Gilmore advised that the City has vehicle bumper decals in
the shape of a T-shirt of different colors to identify the
different areas of the city. They are available at the Municipal
Offices during working hours. The. first, two ar_e free and each
additional one is only 25 cents.
One citizen commented that they have seen more Schertz patrols in
the area in the last 1-1/2 months than they had seen from San
Antonio in the last 12 years.
When asked if the speed limit on Pfeil Road could be lowered, Mr.
Gilmore said a traffic study is being done now to make
recommendations on speed in various areas. Mr. Gilmore said the
Ci ty wants to work with the people and try to give what they
want. We will need input from them as this area is different
from other areas of the city. He invited all to come to the
Planni~g and Zoning meetings and City Council meetings.
There were questions concerning businesses that are already 01
located in the area as it would relate to zoning and P&Z are
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already considering some zoning for the area. Mr. Gilmore said
th e City certainly does not want to impos e a heavy burden on th e
people in this area but he is sure there will be some ordinances
that some will not like.
Mr. Gilmore then introduced Mrs. Gail Douglas, librarian.
Ms. Douglas said she felt the citizens of Schertz were lucky to
have such a nice library. She enumerated the services provided
by the library and encouraged everyone to stop by and use the
library. If the book wanted is not there. they will borrow it
for the patron as they have reciprocal agreement with the
Universal City Library. She also mentioned that there is a large
meeting room that can be rented for meetings.
Mr. Gilmore introduced Mr. Tom Dovey, City Inspector/Tax
Collector.
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Mr. Dovey said the citizens of this area can relax until January
of 1987. He explained that all property is appraised by the
Guadalupe County Appraisal Distr ict even though some of th e
property is in Bexar and Comal Counties. Mr. Dovey said all
exemptions would be honored. Mr. Dovey said that the people
living in Bexar County would not only have to declare their
property, ag exemptions etc. in Bexar County, but also at the
Guadalupe County Appraisal District. The two appraisals might
not be th e same ei th er .
Mr. Dovey then explained some of the functions of the Inspection
Department. He stated that the City uses the Southern Standard
Building Codes, PlUmbing Codes, Gas Codes and the National
Electric Code. He explained that contractors and plumbers both
need bonds and the electricians must be licensed in the City
unless the owner was doing the work him or her self. '!be
department requires a 24 hour notice for all inspections ,and
permits are required even to put up a shed. As far Home
Occupations, it was suggested that the people come in and talk
with Mr. Dovey as each one would be a little different.
Mr. Gilmore was asked if the City was going to get a map showing
the exact area that was' annexed. Mr. Gilmore said we have large
ones now and would have the smaller ones at a later date.
Answering another question, Mr. Gilmore said that the City of
chertz has an agreement with Randolph Air Force Base saying that
the City will protect the AICUZ boundaries.
Mr. Gilmore ,then introduced Mr. Jerry Graham, Streets/Parks
Department.
Mr. Graham said he was supervisor of not only the Streets, roads,
drainage, parks etc. but lastly the Animal Shelter. He said his
department has already tried to clean up the right of way and are
studying signage at this time. As to parks, we have the best
looking city park in the area with four ball diamonds and with
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the Buffalo Valley Youth Association, the City hosts tournaments
each year. We have a City swimming pool that is open from the 0
end of May through September. We have family season passes, or !
daily individual charges. \
Mr. Graham then answered questions, concerning people dumping on
some of the r.oads, a contractor who is tearing up one of the
roads, etc. Mr. Graham asked for the help of the citizens if
they see anyone dumping to please get a license number and call
it in.
Mrs. Coralea Fenner said that the people in the area would like
to thank Mr. Graham's department for mowing and removing trash
that they were never able to get San Antonio to even consider.
Mr. Gilmore was asked about the landfill that some had read about
being located at the end of Schaefer Road. Mr. Gilmore said a
permit has been submitted to the State and is being considered
now; it has not been approved as yet but it looks as if it will
b~. The State goes on technical information and not on emotion.
The location would be monitored thoroughly. Mr. Sharpe reminded
everyone that there would be a public hearing on this issue
before a permit would be issued.
Mayor Pro Tem Greenwald declared a recess at 8:20 p.m.
The Special meeting was reconvened at 8:31 p.m.
Mr. Gilmore' introduced Mr. Steve Simonson, the City's Planning
and Zoning Coordinator, who reviews all plans and provides input
for the P&Z Commission.
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Mr'. Simonson stated that according to the Zoning and Subdivision
ordinances aI-I new areas come into the City as Predevelopment.
What this means is that if anybody wants to make changes., they
have to come in and request a special use permit and that
protects the citizens until such time as the area is rezoned.
Mr. Simonson explained that the P&Z meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday
of each month at 7:00 p.m. and invited everyone to at~end any or
all of these meetings. He, also invited anyone interested in
becoming a part of this Commission to express their desires and
should, an opening occur, they would be invited to talk with the
Commission, who will make a recommendation to the Council who
would then make the appointment. .
Mr. Simonson explained that the City has five different
residential zoning categories, three business zonings - Office
and Professional, Neighborhood Services and General Business;
then we have light and heavy industrial. Members of the P&Z have
been traveling this new area to see if it meets any of the
zonings we already have or if we will have to have different
zoning.
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Mr. Simonson then answered some questions of the audience. He
said that you only have to file a subdivision plat if you are
subdividing the land. Such as if someone wanted to sell a piece
of their property, they would have to subdivide.
Mr. Gilmore explained that the Planning & Zoning Commission has
seven members, mandated by th e City Charter. In order to
increase the number of members, it would take a Charter
amendment.
Mr. Gilmore then introduced John Bierschwale, Water and Waste
Water Supervisor.
Mr. Bierschwale said his department consists of ten people with
one supervisor. At present the City has about 3400 accounts,
with two well sites and 4 pumps. Mr. Bierschwale said their
department has been in the design stage for this area for about
eight months. They have to comply with State and Federal
regulations and will be contacting the ones with land but no
water to get input from them. Mr. Bierschwale said the City is
also looking for additional storage in this area so that we can
have a water network program. He explained the type and size of
lines already in the area and some of the plans for the future.
Mr. Bierschwale said they have not even started on the waste
water because the first priority is water. He said we would like
to get everybody water by the end of 1987. He said they would
design and space so that they could get fire plugs and trucks to
within 1000 feet.
Mr. Gilmore said they had heard from all the department heads and
that theyt were all here to help in any way we can. Come in any
time to see him or the department heads. If the people have
problems, let the City Manager know and we can address them. Mr.
Gilmore answered some questions, such as using the CPS number for
identification purposes.
Answer ing questions concerning elections, Mrs. Krause explained
that the City has one precinct and all City elections are held at
the Community Center. Regular elections are the first Saturday
in April.
Mr. Gilmore said that regarding hunting on their own property,
the same restrictions they have pad in the past are still valid -
th ey cannot shoot across any public road and must conf ine th e
shooting to their own property, unless we have complaints from
neighbors.
Mayor ProTem Greenwald thanked everyone for coming
meeting. He said we hope staff has been able to answer
the questions. He again said for the citizens to come in
anytime.
to th e
most of
or call
Mrs. Fenner said she was speaking for all the citizens when she
thanked everyone for being so helpful and being so accessible.
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Mayor ProTem Greenwald called for a short recess at 9:08 p.m.
The Special Meeting was reconvened at 9:18 p.m.
.2 ,BOI1D COIIIlftBB:.. First Mr. Greenwald apologized to the
Bond Committee members for - the long wait. He said we did not'
anticipate such a large turnout or, so many questions.
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Mr. Gilmore said that the committee members had been meeting
across the hall with the Water/Sewer and Streets/Parks
supervisors.
Mr. Graham briefly relayed what they had been discussing with the
committee, using the priorities Mr. Gilmore had submitted to Mr.
Anderlitch in June. In his estimation the priorities remain the
same with Phase I being seal coating, Phase II - recycling
project: Buffalo' Valley South; Phase III - overlay project and
Mobile Villa street system; Phase IV - Street and roadway
maintenance; Phase V - widening of FM 78.
Mr. Graham also discussed the Parks Dep~rtment priorities. Phase
I is park and recreation administration building, as well as _ a
park operations/maintenance facility., Phase II is Youth
Activities complex, to include basebal~- ~,s..oftball fi.elds,. '
Mr. Bierschwale listed the water. system improvements: Phase I -
Schertz Parkway Development Standpipe Storage Tank.; Phase II - 0
Water & Waste Water Office & Maintenance complex; Phase III -
Schertz Parkway, ,w.ellsite; Phase IV - Schaefer Road Water System I
improvements; 'J'hase V - Shirmer.ville water improvements; Phase
VI - Schaefer Road Water System improvements in -the Lost Meadow
Subdivision.
Mr. Bierschwale said these are the most critical areas. In
accordance with our ordinances, state law and the State Board of
Insurance we have to provide each citizen withl85 gallon of
water storage facilities. We are about 2.2 million gallons sho~t
of s tor'age now.
Mr. Gilmore said that the capitol recovery is a fee placed on
each new home that is built in our city. This fee is their
share of what we have already paid for and transmission lines for
the future. Also you have to keep adding parks as the population
increases' to' meet state requirements. He also said that if we go
for all the bonds, we need to stress to the people that they will
not all be sold at one time.
Council discussed the size of the package they feel the public
will buy and the possibility of going out for some now and two or
three years going out for additional bonds.
.3 Discussion of a proposed ordinance specifying weight
limits for East Live Oak Road.
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Mr. Gilmore said the state Highway Department recommended setting
~ weight limit of one ton and to put a through truck route on FM
3009 and FM 78.
Icouncil discussed various weight limits and finally concurred
! that a three ton weight limit would allow for school buses and
small trucks. Also that the weight limit should start at Elbel
Road at Live Oak Road and go around East Live Oak Road to Jack
Hays Boulevard.
#4 CITY MARAGm'S REPORT: Mr. Gilmore had a draft copy of
an ordinance indemnifying the City, which was based on a San
Antonio ordinance and written by our attorney. It was agreed
that this should be an item for the next agenda.
B. Mr. Gilmore said the City has filed against the Youngs who
allowed the party on their property at the time the ambulance was
damaged. Mrs. Young called and was most concerned. Our attorney
said he would contact her and let her know if they want to pay
for the damage and all the fees, we will not take them to court.
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C. Have received estimates for the sprinkler system needed to
landscape out front of this building. The area next to the
building would cost $809.20 and the two pieces out near the road
would be $4980 - this is just for the water.
#5 ITEMS BY COUNCIL: Mr. Stanhope asked the status of Mr.
Halls claim against th e city. Mr. Gilmor e said it has been
settled with the City paying $3000 and CCMA 'paying $3000. The
checks have been sent to Richard Harris and he will forward them
as soon as he gets a signed release agreement.
Mr. Aguilar suggested that when money figures are discussed on
different things, it should be discussed in executive session.
Mr. Stanhope asked about the house on Maple where there are so
many animals and a health problem. Mr. Gilmore said the Health
Officer went out but there is really nothing in the health
ordinance for him to act on. Mr. Gilmore said we will get the
Animal Control Officer out there this week.
Mr. Baldwin had two things he wanted to ask about: (1) someone
told him that there was a train derailment in Schertz and they
had seen Mr. Gilmore on TV. Mr. Baldwin said he did not know
anything about it and he felt Council should be notified. (2)
through the grapevine, Mr. Baldwin heard that we have two police
officers abusing prisoners. Mr. Gilmore assured him that was not
true. There was a complaint but no consideration given it.
Mr. Sharpe said Council had talked about sending a letter to the
,.-- Guadalupe County Appraisal District urging them to stick with the
appraisals in a timely manner. Also saying that we were not
interested in them collecting taxes for the City. Council
concensus was for the letter to be sent.
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.6 I"l"BIS BY IlAYOR: Mayor Pro Tem Greenwald had bid
proposals on recorder system for the conference-room. He said,he rl
had called several places and this seems to be the best one U
available. Council concensus was to go with this bid and order
the recorder.
Hr. Greenwald advised that the P&Z have finished with the zoning
ordinance and subdivision ordinance is about finished. A lot of
work went into these ordinance and they will be presented to
Council in the near future.
Mr. Baldwin mentioned that the week of September 21st through the
28th was Emergency Medical Services Week and it might be nice to
get out a proclamation to that effect for the City.
Mr. Sharpe mentioned that th e latest Corridor newspaper has an
article on Schertz.
.7 ADJOORRMERT: There being no further business, Mayor Pro
Tem Greenwald-declared the meeting to be adjourned at 11:55 p.m.
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Mayor Pro Tem, City of Schertz
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