11-16-2020 Specal Meeting MinutesMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
November 1612020
A Special Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on
November 16, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council
Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members
present to -wit:
Present: Mayor Ralph Gutierrez; Mayor Pro -Tern Rosemary Scott; Councilmember
Scott Larson; Councilmember Michael Dahle; Councilmember David
Scagliola; Councilmember Allison Heyward; Councilmember Tim Brown;
Councilmember Mark Davis
City City Manager Dr. Mark Browne; Assistant City Manager Brian James;
Staff: Assistant City Manager Charles Kelm; City Secretary Brenda Dennis; Assistant
to the City Manager Sarah Gonzalez; Deputy City Secretary Gayle Wilkinson
Call to Order
Mayor Gutierrez called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Opening Prayer and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and
State of Texas. (Councilmember Dahle)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Councilmember Dahle who provided the opening prayer
followed by the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State
of Texas.
Mayor Gutierrez gave specific requests to guests and staff in reference to wearing their
masks during the City Council meeting and departing the Council meeting. Due to
COVID- 19 concerns, roving the chamber is prohibited.
Hearing of Residents
Residents who choose to watch the meeting via live stream, but who would like to
participate in Residents to be Heard, should email their comments to City
Secretary, Brenda Dennis, at bdennis@schertz.com by 5 :00 p.m. on Friday,
November 13, 2020 , SO THAT THE CITY SECRETARY MAY READ THE
PUBLIC COMMENTS INTO THE RECORD UNDER THE HEARING OF
RESIDENTS. In the body of the email please include your name, your address,
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phone number, agenda item # if applicable or subject of discussion, and yolim
comments.
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each
person should fill out the speaker's register prior to the meeting. Presentations should
be limited to no more than 3 minutes.
Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing
the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
Discussion by the Council of any item not on the agenda shall be limited to statements
of specific factual information given in response to any inquiry, a recitation of existing
policy in response to an inquiry, and /or a proposal to place the item on a future
agenda. The presiding officer, during the Hearing of Residents portion of the agenda,
will call on those persons who have signed up to speak in the order they have
registered. Mayor Gutierrez gave specific requirements for those speaking under
'hearing of residents'.
Mayor Gutierrez recognized the following who spoke:
• Dr. Cathy Marston - 1024 Valley Forge - Spoke about news coverage she saw
about "a horrific and inexcusable police brutality" against a black teenager on
November 2, 2020. Dr. Marston encouraged the Mayor to make police
accountability an agenda item for a future meeting. Dr. Marston recapped an
event that happened to her in the past in Schertz and then asked for a hearing on
police accountability and a police citizens review board be organized in Schertz.
• Bobby F. Jones - 12406 Guy Guisborne - Discussed how there were mistakes
made on both sides of the incident with the Schertz Police Department and a
black teenager on November 2, 2020. Mr. Jones gave passionate remarks about
his past and his desire for there to be help and assistance for our police agencies
that include listening to their heart and not relying solely on training. Mr. Jones
would like conversation had to teach people to care and have compassion for one
another. Mr. Jones concluded his remarks by saying Schertz is a good place and
people make mistakes on both sides.
• Michael Carpenter - 3613 Calvert St. - Gave his thanks for Precinct 3 for electing
him as County Commissioner. Mr. Carpenter thanked Councilmember Scott
Larson for his service over the last several years as a member of council. Mr.
Carpenter also congratulated the reappointed Councilmembers David Scagliola,
Michael Dahle, and newly elected Councilmember Jill Whittaker who will soon
take her seat on council. Mr. Carpenter expressed his respect for the difficult
position council has as they serve their community and commended them for
there work.
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Discussion and Action Items
The following was read into record:
1. Resolution No. 20 -R -133 - Consideration and /or action approving a Resolution
by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas canvassing the returns and
declaring the results of the November 3, 2020, General Election; and other
matters in connection therewith. (Mayor/B. Dennis)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the
results from the November 3, 2020, election and declared that Place 3 being Jill
Whittaker elected, Place 4 being re- elected Michael Dahle, and Place 5 being
re- elected David Scagliola.
Mayor Gutierrez remarked on the large turnout for the election and thanked the
community for exercising their right to vote.
Moved by Councilmember Scott Larson, seconded by Councilmember
Michael Dahle to approve Resolution No. 20 -R -133.
AYE: Councilmember Tim Brown, Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor
Pro -Tem Rosemary Scott, Councilmember Scott Larson,
Councilmember Michael Dahle, Councilmember David Scagliola,
Councilmember Allison Heyward
Passed
Roll Call Vote Confirmation
Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the roll call
vote confirmation for agenda item 1.
2. Farewell Comments /Remarks - Mayor and Councilmembers departing
comments for Councilmember Scott Larson (Mayor /Council)
Mayor Gutierrez began with his farewell remarks followed by all the
Councilmembers. Each Councilmember spoke with gratitude, respect, and a
thankful heart for Councilmember Larson's time on council.
3. Farewell Recognition and Farewell Address - Recognition to Councilmember
Scott Larson for his service to the City of Schertz and his Farewell address.
(Mayor/Council/B. Dennis)
Mayor Gutierrez asked City Secretary Brenda Dennis and Councilmember Scott
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Larson to join him at the podium. Mayor Gutierrez began by presenting
Councilmember Larson with a city flag in gratitude for all his service to the
city. Mayor Gutierrez also presented Councilmember Larson with an award in
appreciation for all he did for the city and his years of service.
Mayor Gutierrez gave Councilmember Scott Larson the opportunity to provide
his farewell remarks. Councilmember Larson gave a passionate address
expressing his enjoyment of serving on Council, how much he has learned, and
his great love for politics from every aspect and remarked how politics allow us
to get government out of the way and let individuals be the best version of
themselves. Councilmember Larson noted the City of Schertz is an exceptional
city with exceptional staff, an exceptional City Manager, and an exceptional
group of leadership. Councilmember Larson expressed his unworthiness of the
honor to have set on council and expressed how thankful he is for having had
the opportunity.
Councilmember Larson received a standing ovation while he shook the hand of
each Councilmember.
Mayor Gutierrez gave a ceremonial gavel for Councilmember Larson's years of
service.
4. Oath of Office
* Newly and Re- Elected Officers - Oath of Office. (B. Dennis)
1. Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember Place 3 Jill
Whittaker. (Ceremonial placement of name plate by family member)
2. Oath of Office to reelected Councilmember Place 4, Michael Dahle.
3. Oath of Office to reelected Councilmember Place 5 David L. Scaliola.
City Secretary Brenda Dennis provided the Oath of Office to newly elected
Councilmember Jill Whittaker and re- elected Councilmembers Michael
Dahle and David Scagliola. Newly elected Councilmember Jill
Whittaker's husband and youngest son were asked to come forward and place
her name tag on the dais.
*Certificates of Election - Presentation of Certificate of Election. (B. Dennis)
City Secretary Brenda Dennis presented a certificate of election to each sworn
in Councilmember.
Mayor Gutierrez presented Schertz 2020- 2021 City Council and stated they
were now seated.
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5. Comments by Newly Elected and Re- elected Councilmembers.
1. Comments by Councilmember Jill Whittaker.
2. Comments by Councilmember Michael Dahle.
3. Comments by Councilmember David Scagliola.
Mayor Gutierrez congratulated and introduced Councilmember Jill Whittaker
and gave her an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Whittaker introduced
herself and gave a hearty thank you to all who helped in her campaign and all
those that voted for her.
Mayor Gutierrez congratulated Councilmember Michael Dahle for his
re- election and gave him an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Dahle
thanked his wife and family for their support and the multitude of voters who
took the time to cast a vote for him even though he was unopposed.
Mayor Gutierrez congratulated Councilmember David Scagliola for his
reelection and gave him an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Scagliola
thanked his wife for her support and expressed how honored he is to represent
the citizens of Schertz for three more years.
Mayor Gutierrez invited all to join them at the Civic Center for light
refreshments.
Adjournment
As there was no further business, Mayor Gutierrez adjourned the me ing at 6:49 p.m.
OW ' utierrez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Brenda Dennis, City Secretary