08-27-03
---, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL WORKSHOP SESSION
AUGUST 27, 2003
The Schertz City Council convened in Special Workshop Session on Wednesday, August
27, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were Mayor Hal Baldwin, presiding;
Councilmembers Carl Douglas, Steve Simonson, Reginna Agee, Tony Wilenchik and
Ken Greenwald. Also present were City Manager Mark Marquez and City Secretary
Norma Althouse.
#1 HEARING OF RESIDENTS
David Richmond of 2921 Bent Tree Drive had the following comments:
Commented he is disappointed that the traffic light at Dietz Road is going in with high
wires. The Committee for Beautification of FM 78 tried to do away with overhead wires
on FM 78, but they were told the road was too wide. They also lost the battle for arms on
FM 78. If input from City Council has any impact on TXDoT, he would like to see arms
on FM 3009 versus overhead wires. It has a big impact on the City. Mr. Marquez
advised that it would have cost $40,000 more to put in arms and he doesn't know whether
or not it's in TXDoT's future plans. Mayor Baldwin wondered if we could ask TXDoT
\ to replace them when it's in their budget. Mr. Marquez answered we can ask them.
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Remarked he is glad to see the improvements to Schertz Parkway coming along.
Noted the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD always manages to schedule their budget
meetings at the same time as City meetings. He has been on the Planning and Zoning
Commission for 11 years and has never been able to attend a school budget meeting.
Some of the other people on the Planning and Zoning Commission would also be
interested in attending those meetings. It would help if the school district would
determine when the three cities in their district have meetings. Mayor Baldwin advised
the school district has their regular meetings on the third Thursday of the month. Mrs.
Agee said there were special meetings called on the budget.
Indicated he is also interested in possibly speaking on Item #10 when it comes up.
Robert Salas of 1041 Gettysburg brought up the following:
Said he noticed that at Schertz Elementary they have hand-made signs. Mrs. Agee and
Mayor Baldwin asked where and Mr. Salas replied on Curtiss Ave. Police Chief Steve
Cantrell was asked to look into the situation.
Stated that at the last meeting one of the residents kept popping up to ask questions. He
thought once you asked a question, you couldn't speak again.
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//) Robert Brockman of 4505 Grand Forrest made the following remarks;
Mentioned the City needs a new Municipal Complex. The occupancy for this conference
room is probably exceeded. Fire Chief Elroy Friesenhahn said if the occupancy is more
than 50, it should be posted.
Commented the grass at 1017 Schertz Parkway is high. Does the City cut grass by the lift
station?
Stated the lights at Savannah Drive and Schertz Parkway are working. There's a real
traffic jam at the school, and he jokingly added, it's because parents insist on picking up
their own children
Brian Shennan of 3801 ArrOYO Seco spoke regarding Item #3 on the agenda (the
rezoning of 5.448 acres from OP to NS. He said he knows they spent a lot of time talking
about this item last week. . He is on the board of the Arroyo Verde Homeowners
Association and would like for Council to consider several items:
(1) The traffic flow rate at Green Valley Road and FM 3009
(2) The entrance to Arroyo Verde is a single entrance/exit. The developer has proposed a
road off the entrance road. There is a .bump there and people do slow down. He feels
) . they should consider widening the entrance.
(3) He wants the area to look professional, but feels the homeowners should have
something to say about it. Mayor Baldwin asked him if he had seen the pictures and Mr.
Sherman replied yes he had.
Mr. Marquez indicated there's a problem with Green Valley Road. The City of Schertz
could go in and widen it up to our City limits, but then it's Cibolo's road. It's a little
more complicated than it seems. He hates to spend taxpayer money on a road that won't
look good.
Mr. Simonson stated Arroyo Verde was supposed to be connected to Oak Forest. The
City tries to tie things together as best they can, but everything wasn't tied together.
These are the kinds of things we deal with all the time.
Mr. Marquez commented he doesn't think anyone wants to see shoddy development
anywhere in Schertz, but property owners have rights also.
Mr. Shennan noted this has been an educational process.
Mayor Baldwin reminded Mr. Sherman he had issued an invitation last week for them to
come to the workshop for further discussion. Mr. Sherman pointed out that he and Vijay
Jain are here this evening. Mrs. Agee advised Mr. Sherman to keep up with the Planning
and Zoning meetings - that's where plans are approved.
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Mr. Sherman thanked Council for their time.
#2 Discuss final reading of Ordinance rezoning 14.57 acre~ from R-5 to R-6.
Mr. Marquez mentioned this is the Ollie Burkett property and there is nothing new to
report. After being asked by Mayor Baldwin, Council agreed they were ready for this
item to be on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#3 Discuss fmal reading of Ordinance rezoning 5.448 acres from OP to NS.
. Mr. Marquez reported there is nothing new. The final reading of the Ordinance is the .
next step.
Mayor Baldwin asked if there's any discussion about the road that will come off Arroyo
Verde. . Mr. Marquez stressed that internal circulation is the key. They don't want
another curb cut off FM 3009.
Mr. Simonson wondered if it would be better to widen it for turning radius or is there a
problem with the bump, etc. Mr. Marquez answered they try to follow the rules. The last
thing a City should do is violate its own rules.
) Another gentleman in the audience asked to speak, but Mayor Baldwin told him the
discussion is closed and invited him to come back next week.
The developer, Steve Braha, advised everyone they intend to build a first-class product.
As far as accesses, it is critical to have proper flow and access. Mayor Baldwin told Mr.
Braha he appreciated his patience with the residents at the public hearing on this item last
week.
Council indicated they were prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#4 Discuss final reading of Ordinance regarding placement of traffic lights.
Mr. Marquez explained these are the two traffic lights on Schertz Parkway, They are
already up, but they are just putting it in an Ordinance. Council said they were ready for
this item to be included on next Tuesday night's agenda.
#5 Discuss bids for Municipal Complex Additional Parking.
Mr. Marquez acknowledged that some months ago they made arrangements with the 4-B
Board for additional parking. The funds were approved and it has now been 60 days, so
they can spend the money. They went out for bids and of the bids received, Ford
Engineering is recommending they go with Mort Roszell Company in the amount of
$83,635.85.
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Mrs. Agee asked what kind of bid they anticipated and John Bierschwale, Asst. City
Manager, replied about $119,000. Mr. Marquez said they feel this bid from Mort Roszell
Company is a good bid. Mr. Greenwald asked if they had checked the bonding on this
company and was told they had.
Council indicated their readiness for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#6 Discuss EMS write-offs.
Mr. Marquez explained the $604,000 would write off all Alexander accounts currently
with our collection agency. It will clean up the books and was recommended by the
auditor. Dudley Wait, EMS Director, said he could provide reports to Council on a
regular basis. They have no choice about MedicareIMedicaid.
Mr. Douglas recommended sending a copy to the Guadalupe County Judge. Mr.
Simonson agreed with that suggestion. Mayor Baldwin observed it is still a lot of money.
Mr. Greenwald asked if we're tracking Guadalupe County calls versus other calls. Mr.
Wait replied yes, they are working on it and will report to all jurisdictions. Mrs. Agee
indicated she would like to see a quarterly report for all jurisdictions. Mr. Greenwald
} stated it is $6.60 per capita and will probably go up next year. Mayor Baldwin asked if
Schertz went up this year and was told they did not.
Council indicated they were prepared for this item to be included on next Tuesday night's
agenda.
#7 Discussion and action on reappointment of Gloria Rivera to the Schertz/Seguin
Local Government Corporation Board.
Mayor Baldwin stated Ms. Rivera is a Seguin. resident and has clearly been a strong
representative on the Board. Mrs. Agee asked if she changed her mind because she was
under the impression she did not want to be nominated again. Mr. Marques replied that
they misunderstood. Her reappointment would maintain the continuity of the Board. He
will draft a letter from the Schertz Mayor to the Seguin Mayor.
Mr. Greenwald moved to reappoint Gloria Rivera to the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Corporation Board. Mr. Douglas seconded the motion, which carried with
the following votes:
AYES; CouncilmembersDouglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
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-J Mr. Greenwald mentioned it would be .desirable for the Mayor to send a letter to Region
L supporting her. Mr. Simonson agreed saying she made sure the Schertz/Seguin Local
Government Corporation was in the Region L plan.
#8 Discussion regarding public hearing (Sept. 2, 2003) on tax rate.
Mr. Marquez said he had been reminded a second reading on the Ordinance.approving
the tax rate is not required. Regarding the Ordinance on the budget, they could do a
second reading, but they would have to call a special meeting to do so. There is no
reason not to pass the budget as an emergency.
Council agreed this item should be placed on next Tuesday's agenda.
#9 Discussion and action regarding date for Schertz Parkway Grand Opening.
Mr. Marquez commented the options are either the 20th or the 27th of September. They
have to start sending out invitations.
Mr. Simonson expressed concern about the road being done on time.
Mayor Baldwin suggested they have the Grand Opening on the 27th. Larry Dublin from
Ford Engineering thought that would be a good date.
) Mr. Marquez stated there would be an ordinance dissolving the Schertz Parkway Zone
Board oil an upcoming agenda. Mr. Simonson suggested that ordinance be on the agenda
of September 16th. Mr. Greenwald then suggested making it effective on September
27th.
Mr. Greenwald moved to approve September 27, 2003 as the date for the Schertz
Parkway Grand Opening. Mrs. Agee seconded the motion, which carried with the
following votes:
AYES: Councilmeinbers Douglas, Simonson, Agee, Wilenchik and Greenwald.
NAYS: None.
After the vote, Mr. Greenwald suggested they attempt to contact former City Manager
Jimmy Gilmore and his wife Betty about the Grand Opening.
#10 Discussion regarding Planning and Zoning.
Mayor Baldwin mentioned they feel it is time to meet with Planning and Zoning to
establish our goals so we all understand the direction in which we're headed. Mr.
Marquez added there has been a significant change in Staff the last couple of years and
., we can't have a lack of cooperation between Boards and Commissions. Mr. Richmond,
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Chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission, has been cooperative and we want to see
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(' if we need to help him more. His suggestion was a joint meeting on either a City Council
" } meeting night or a Planning and Zoning meeting night. Mr. Richmond stated it doesn't
matter to him.
Mrs. Agee remarked they need to discuss with them their roles as far as the goals we
want to achieve and the direction we want them to go. The City is rapidly changing.
Mr. Marquez pointed out the City Council has delegated some .serious responsibilities to
Planning and Zoning.
Mr. Greenwald thought the rules and procedures should be reviewed. Mr. . Douglas
mentioned City Council needs to be prepared. to discuss these things with Planning and
Zoning. Mr. Marquez assured Council all the necessary documents would be available to
them, probably at the next workshop.
Mr. Simonson felt it would be good to have this discussion. Mayor Baldwin thought the
problems and difficulties should come out in the open. Mrs. Agee said as a body they
need one voice. Mr. Douglas stated Planning and Zoning needs to have a comfortable
feeling they have City Council's support. Mr. Richmond emphasized that's why they've
had joint meetings in the past.
#11 Items by City Manager
( ) General Announcements
Elbel Road Closure
Related they are expecting a number of phone calls on the Elbel Road closure. Mrs.
Agee mentioned the school would be flooded with calls. Mr. Douglas noted it's a short-
time sacrifice for long-term benefits. Mr. Simonson agreed it needs to be done.
Referred to the packet and said he had sent them a sample of some informational reports.
Also referred to the memo in the packet on the Post Office update.
Said he had received a draft of the Ordinance and the By-Laws from David Allen
wanting to change the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee to a Commission.
Hopefully it will be on the next workshop agenda.
Mentioned Chief Cantrell is working up a franchise ordinance for wrecking services.
#12 Items by City Council
General Announcements
Councilmember Douglas
Liaison EDC
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') Related he has reservations in Austin on the 12th and 13th of September at a Conference
for new Councilmembers. He thanked City Secretary Norma Althouse for her help.
Councilmember Simonson
4-B Board
Liaison BVYA
Mentioned he had a long talk with a citizen about vandalism and the defacing of property.
The person claimed they never see a policeman in their neighborhood and also asked why
Schertz is never in the Police Blotter in the Herald newspaper. Chief Cantrell advised
that Schertz is in the Police Blotter. Went on to say the person he spoke with mentioned
bypassing the Schertz Police Department and going directly to the Guadalupe County
Sheriff.
Commented he would be attending the Greenshire Homeowners Association meeting.
Mr. Wilenchik asked if anyone else was going to the Greenshire Homeowners
Association meeting.. David Richmond said they rarely have anyone attend and he looks
forward to someone's attention.
Councilmember Agee
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Housing Authority
) Liaison Schertz LibraryBoard.
Mrs. Agee had nothing to report.
Councilmember Wilenchik
4-B Board
Liaison Schertz Humane Society
Liaison HOACoalition
Deferred to Chief Cantrell about a call he received last night. Chief Cantrell said they
received a call about 6:00 p.m. which was an abuse complaint about multiple pit bulls.
Everyone from Animal Control and he answered the call. In all, there were 59 animals.
There were some deceased animals. The landowner was arrested on the spot and is in our
custody. There will be a ruling on Friday. The animals are already deemed vicious and
most likely all will be destroyed. Hopefully the media attention will get due diligence.
The County will get a big bill.
Chief Cantrell went on to say they got a wonderful bill of health on the Animal Shelter.
Pit bulls can't co-habitate. They've already had calls about adopting some of them, but
they are already under court order. It's an unusual situation. They are trying to upgrade
the charge to a felony, it's currently an animal cruelty charge. Mayor Baldwin asked if
the Humane Society is getting involved and Mr. Wilenchik answered there's nothing they
'~ can do.
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\.. ) Going back to Mr. Wilenchik, he mentioned the Humane Society had a record number of
adoptions (39) last month. They will be holding a holiday bazaar fund-raiser at the
Community Center on November 15th. Mr. Marquez suggested he get with Tony
Wilson, Public Information Officer, regarding publicity. Mr. Wilson said it would be in
the Herald and Mr. Wilenchik suggested it also be in the Schertz Tales.
Said he had observed someone parked on the access road off IH-35 who was soliciting.
.They had about twelve dogs (registered puppies). Chief Cantrell said he would
investigate.
Reported he has a broken rib, but is recovering.
Councilmember Greenwald
4-B Board
Ex-officio P&Z Commission
Ex-officio S/SLGC
Announced the Randolph Air Show is November 1st and 2nd. The Blue Angels will be
there.
Related that as of noon today, there are no more 100% security checks at the Randolph
Air Force Base gate - only random checks.
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-' Commented the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation met last Thursday. Well.
#7 is done and they are drilling Well #8. They are letting bids for roads and pipelines. .
Mr. Marquez added that in an upcoming packet, Council would have copies of contracts
with Selma and Universal City and also agreements with Universal City for tanks and
wells. Contracts to sell water are required to be approved by both Schertz and Seguin.
Mentioned the American Planning Conference is October 1 st through October 3rd in San
Antonio.
Stated Vestal Subdivision on Red Iron Road is dividing one of their lots into two lots.
Noted they had a request come in last night at the Planning and Zoning meeting for a
Specific Use Permit. The property is in Comal County on FM 482 with IH-35 frontage
and they want to locate three mobile homes on ten acres. Comal County requires
access to a public road on any plat.
Commented Continental Homes is discussing the building of 500 plus homes on 154
acres next to Freeway Manor. They will keep the General Business frontage and they
have to do work on some roads. Mayor Baldwin asked if it is an Industrial Zone and was
told it is not. Mr. Marquez told Council he and Mr. Bierschwale will bring something to
them shortly regarding Freeway Manor.
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#13 Items by Mayor
General Announcements
Mentioned the Region 7 TML meeting is in Converse on September 18th. He would like
to see some representation from Schertz. Mr. Marquez said to contact Norma Althouse
about RSVP's.
#14 BUDGETWORKSHOP
Mr. Marquez stated Council has new budget books. If Council is comfortable with the
budget, he will start making preparations for everything to be ready on October 1, 2003.
Mr. Bierschwale mentioned there are plans to put in some bicycle lanes at various places
such as Woodland Oaks Drive and Schertz Parkway.
Mr. Marquez reported getting an e-mail request from a former Councilmember for e-mail
addresses for the Mayor and Council. He told the person those were private. Mrs. Agee
suggested maybe Council needs an e-mail address at the City.
Mr. Douglas said he had been comparing the old budget with the new and saw some cuts.
in the Police Department. Mr. Marquez explained Animal Control had been assigned to
the Police Department, but they are now an Animal Control Department.
Robert Brockman asked if the Scout Hut is still standing and was told by Mr. Marquez .
for the moment. It will be coming down shortly.
Robert Salas spoke about a situation at the apartments across the street from City Hall,
but Mayor Baldwin informed him that was privately owned property.
#15 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, M
8:41 p.m.
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ATTEST:
7'7~t7t.(L) (l&~t'--t-La-ej
City Secretary, City of Schertz, Texas
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