07-23-2020 MinutesSCHERTZ HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MUNICIPAL COMPLEX CONFERENCE ROOM
1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, CIVIC CENTER
SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
Meeting Minutes
THURSDAY, July 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Call to Order — the meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Dean Weirtz at 6:30.
Members present included: Daniel "Frenchy" Bourgeois, Pete Perez, John Baker, Sabrina
Allen, Charles Reynolds, Guillermo "Will" Soto, Rosalyn Wise, Paul Ringenbach,
Howard Alperin and Dean Midlick (who arrived during the presentations). Members
introduced themselves. Dean Weirtz mentioned that Chairperson Elizabeth Strong had
resigned as she had moved out of state for work. Howard Alperin passed out a survey to
all members about their experience during the COVID Pandemic that would be used in an
article that he is working on with Dean Weirtz.
Brian James, Assistant City Manager, was in attendance.
Miguel Vazquez a citizen was in attendance. Mr. Vazquez explained his background and
interest in historic cemeteries during the introduction of members at the start of the
meeting.
Presentations
• Discussion regarding the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Agenda Reporting System — Brian James explained how the City had
acquired a software program for creating and managing agendas and
associated documents for City Council, boards and commissions. The City
has been rolling this out over the last year or so — starting with the City
Council and Planning and Zoning Commission and then adding other
boards and commissions. The Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
(SHPC) is unique among the boards and commissions in that committee
members develop the agenda and distribute materials. Normally staff does
that. The SHPC only meets quarterly, whereas some meet twice per
month.
The new software program streamlines this process — both in coordinating
the agenda and minutes, but also in posting them to the City's webpage
and storing them. Finally, distribution by staff ensures that staff is aware
of all communication among members and daisy chain communications
are avoided. While the SHPC is not subject to the Open Meetings act that
prohibits communication among a majority of members like the City
Council is on matters before Council, it is important that the board
activities are transparent.
Brian James mentioned that staff wanted to offer this option to the SHPC
if they were interested. This was to reduce the workload on SHPC
members, much as staff has taken on tracking finances and drafting the
minutes. He indicated that staff was fine continuing to allow SHPC
members to develop the agenda and distribute it as has been occurring,
particularly if the current system is working, as there is no reason to
overcomplicate it or fix something that is not broken. Dean Weirtz noted
the emails he had sent SHPC members on this topic. Members discussed
the matter and generally concurred the current system is working and thus
there was no need to change. Some discussion occurred as to how
corrections and changes are made to things like the minutes and the
publications.
• Main Street Committee Update — Brian James gave an update on the
Main Street efforts. He reminded members that the City Council Main
Street Committee was meeting quarterly to provide guidance and keep the
effort moving forward. Construction of sidewalks on Main Street is about
to begin. The contractor will also construct sidewalks where none exist.
They are also going to replace broken curbs. The cost of the project is
around $200,000. Work will begin after the contractor completes the
sidewalk project on Westchester near Clemens HS — which we wanted to
complete before school is scheduled to start. One challenge on the Main
Street sidewalk project is the concrete drainage channel across from Pfeil
Street. Initially there was to be a small bridge, but there was no way to
meet ADA requirements. This will be adjusted with the bump out phase of
the project.
Staff is drafting an amendment to the Main Street Mixed Use District to
allow restaurants and taverns by right. Brian James noted that the Main
Street Committee had approved the general locations for the sculptures.
They also gave direction and support for the large sculpture scene. The
Committee has been meeting for about a year and working to move
forward the various studies that have been done in the past. The City is
also working to acquire property for a public parking lot.
Brian James reviewed some images of the type of life size bronze
sculptures the City is considering for Main Street. Brian James reviewed
the order of the Main Street project — sidewalks, art and then street work
and lights, benches, trash cans, etc. Some discussion occurred about
ongoing street repair projects around the City.
Discussion and/or Action Items
1. Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes
of the regular meeting of January 23, 2020. The motion to accept the
Committee meeting minutes as written was made by Pete Perez and seconded
by Dean Midlick. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Fund Expenditures — Dean Weirtz asked if anyone had any expenditures to
present. It was noted there were no expenditures since the last meeting, so no
action was needed. Dean Weirtz explained the process of expending
Committee funds and then getting approval.
3. Book Sales Report — Dean Weirtz indicated that only 2 books had been sold
this fiscal year, compared to the many sold last year. Dean Weirtz indicted he
had an idea for a Christmas in July marketing campaign that would go out
with the newsletter email to encourage folks to buy the books as Christmas
gifts. As part of this promotion mailing would be free. Dean Weirtz would
submit the postage costs to the Committee. No vote was needed as this was
just an information item.
4. Publication of the Spring/Summer Newsletter and Remembrances Special
Edition Article 2020 -2, Article 2020 -3, & Article 2020 -4. Dean Weirtz
noted he had just emailed out a revised newsletter to the Committee earlier in
the day and asked if everyone had received his email. He had added a
paragraph and picture regarding a mural by high school students on FM 78.
Dean Weirtz called for a motion. A motion was made by Rosalyn Wise and
seconded by John Baker to accept the publication of both the Spring
Newsletter and the Remembrances Special Edition Articles 2020 -2, 2020 -3,
and 2020 -4. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Schertz Landmark Property /Heritage Neighborhood Designation
Nominations — Dean Weirtz provided of the Committee's objective to locate,
research and designate historic homes business and properties in the
community. There are nearly 30 properties identified that have been
designated and have a plaque. Dean Weirtz noted where information and
forms could be found and encouraged members to keep an eye out for
properties that may be suitable for designation. Dean Midlick mentioned the
Love Where You Live program that works to fix houses in the older parts of
Schertz. Some discussion occurred regarding resources to fix older structures.
6. Cibolo Valley Community Museum Association ( CVCMA) Guadalupe
Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) Power Up Grant application and
associated activities - Dean Weirtz noted that the Committee approved $999
to support the grant application to support the renovation. That grant was not
awarded and as such the funds did not need to be expensed. The CVCMA is a
facilitator of historic preservation and it works in concert with this Committee.
Dean Weirtz is the President of the CVCMA. He provided an overview of
areas they had worked in concert. The first was the Kramer House which was
done some 10 years ago and houses a number of exhibits. Outside are an
official State Historical Marker, a model railroad and trestle track exhibit.
Across the street is the old farm implement. The next building was the Schertz
Memorial Public Library that has a number of historic documents.
In about 2010 the CVCMA took the lead in expanding the exhibit project —
three real estate offices, Staybridge Hotel, and recently in the new Guadalupe
County Services building have items on display. The display in the County
building focuses on the six different communities that are located in the
Cibolo Valley which includes Randolph Air Force Base. Dean Weirtz
received a round of applause for his efforts. Dean Weirtz noted this was a
group effort and mentioned the work of other volunteers. It was mentioned
that the six communities are: Marion, Cibolo, Santa Clara, Schertz, Randolph
AFB and Selma. At this site is also the restored railroad caboose that has
numerous different historic items. It is kept locked, but Dean Weirtz can
provide tours to small groups.
Discussion occurred about the challenges associated with folks touring the
caboose, including it being difficult to access. The Committee discussed a
number of items and suggestions including some items on the outside. It was
noted that anything would need to be coordinated with the County. Volunteer
opportunities were also discussed. Paul Ringenbach suggested a subcommittee
to discuss in further detail. Rosalyn Wise and Charles Reynolds volunteered to
work with Dean Weirtz on this effort.
7. Proposed Committee Oral History /Podcast Activity — Dean noted we have
recorded 3 sessions with individuals who are long -time residents talking about
their involvement in the area. If there was interest the idea was to create a
subcommittee headed up by Sabrina Allen. Howard Alperin indicated he was
interested and suggested interviewing some of the SHPC members to start.
Sabrina Allen thought that they could interview former Chairperson Elizabeth
Strong. Some discussion occurred as to where the recordings could be
accessed by those interested — City website, etc.
8. Historic Mural Project — Dean Weirtz noted the graffiti mural that was done
by high school students for last year's graduation on the Lopez Law firm
office building on FM 78. Dean Weirtz indicated they are open to a mural
highlighting the history of the area and they have discussed themes. He noted
some possible options to fund it could be a combination of - grants, donations
or SHPC funds. He noted the first step was settling on a theme then selecting
the appropriate artist. The SHPC was receptive to the idea. Dean Weirtz
mentioned some themes he had been thinking of. early Schertz agriculture,
railroad, travel from the coast to Schertz, Native American presence, buffalo,
Air Force, etc.
9. Committee Officer Nominations — Dean Weirtz noted that a new
Chairperson was necessary given that Elizabeth Strong has resigned as she
had moved. Dean Weirtz nominated "Frenchy" Bourgeois. Sabrina Allen
seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous to elect "Frenchy" Bourgeois
as Chairperson.
10. Subcommittee Reports —Discussion Only
Historian — Dean Weirtz noted he was currently serving as historian but
would turn those duties over to anyone else who might want to take this
on. He mentioned the effort to develop a special report story on the
COVID 19 pandemic that he was working on with Howard Alperin. It
would not be distributed like the Newsletter and Special Remembrances
articles as it was more appropriate for future researchers. Rosalyn Wise
suggested doing a time capsule. Discussion occurred on a time capsule.
Rosalyn Wise, Dean Midlick and Howard Alperin volunteered to work on
this and bring a recommendation forward at the next meeting.
Dean Weirtz brought up a contest sponsored each year by the National
Trust. There is a new effort to fund improvements /repairs to national parks
and public lands. There is also a Texas History Day contest. Four students
from a school in Texas won this contest. It was suggested that the SHPC
send a letter congratulating them on winning.
Biblioboard/Social Media — Dean Weirtz noted that Elizabeth Strong had
been the person supporting this effort. Dean Weirtz asked that if anyone
had anything they wanted promoted via social media to let him or the
City's Public Affairs Department know.
Outreach — Dean Weirtz asked if anyone had any items to mention. He
noted most outreach was being done through the CVCMA. He noted the
primary outreach effort was the historic themed art project contest with
SCUCISD.
Requests and Announcements
11. Requests by Committee Members that items be placed on a future agenda —
Dean Weirtz noted items that had already been discussed: time capsule, mural,
podcast, and the railroad caboose. Howard Alperin brought up the idea of a
charity walk. Dean Weirtz noted the City has long supported the Wilenchik
Walk for Life (now rebranded as the Kick Cancer 5K). Also the SHPC
supports the City's volunteer fair. Dean Midlick asked to have a presentation
on the Love Where You Live effort and said he would coordinate that.
12. Requests by Committee Members to City Manager and Staff for information —
nothing.
13. Announcements by Committee Members — nothing
ADJOURNMENT — adjournment occurred at approximately 8:30 PM.
CERTIFICATION
Daniel "Frenchy" Bourgeois