SHPC Minutes 10-22-2025SCHERTZ HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, BUILDING 1
BOB ANDREWS CONFERENCE ROOM
SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
Call to Order 6:04pm
Committee/Board
Maria "Angie" Fain (Vice Chair)
Jim Burdett
Sophie Rodriguez
Rose Arispe
Lauren Dalton
Kathleen Samsey
City Representatives
Brian James
Zinnia Reed
Council Liaisons
Ben Guerrero
Chairperson Maggie Titterington was not in attendance for this meeting.
Introduction of Guests
Joyce MacMillan, spoke about since having acquired the home 30 years ago, located at 601 Brook
Avenue, she had always been intrigued by the history surrounding her home and the local Pickrell
Park. She recounted her visit from a man, named Duke Davis who claimed to be the grandson of a
significant figure in the community. He provided her with details about the area’s history,
explaining how one could once see pastures and cows from the front door. He also mentioned that
his grandfather was a respected Mason and had lived to the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of
four generations in the family home. He shared stories with her about his grandfather, who
reportedly donated 16.5 acres to the city, which became known as Pickrell Park. Despite her
efforts to confirm through research, Joyce MacMillan found no mention of such a donation in the
local histories.
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Committee member Sophie Rodriguez mentioned she had attempted to research these claims for
an article but encountered numerous dead ends. The park’s naming, she learned, was attributed to
a judge named George W. Pickrell, who was involved in civic matters and had connections with
the city’s development. Despite her extensive efforts, including gathering photographs and
historical documents, Sophie indicated she struggled to compile a comprehensive account.
Mrs. MacMillan mentioned the grandson, Duke Davis, also known as Buckshot, was a country
and western musician who had performed locally. Sophie Rodriguez expressed her desire to
continue her research with Joyce MacMallan's provided info and to piece together more concrete
information the discovery of any current or past residents, able to provide additional insights into
the park’s history and its namesake for the article's completion and community awareness.
Discussion and/or Action Items
Minutes
Following the committee's confirmation of their review from the previous meeting, Kathleen
Samsey motioned for the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held on September 24,
2025, which was seconded by Sophie Rodriguez.
(Motion passed unanimously)
Attachments:
SHPC Minutes 9-24-2025
SHPC Membership Updates
No noted updates or changes.
Review of Financial Statement - Acceptance of the Financial Report for September 2025.
During the review of the September financial report, it was observed that the monthly rent was
recorded as a single expenditure for both September and October. Additionally, it was noted that
no merchandise was sold, resulting in inventory levels remaining unchanged. Sophie Rodriguez
and Kathleen Samsey volunteered for a recent event regarding the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery
Association Landmark designation. They mentioned collecting names and numbers for calendar
preorders, but no funds were received for these pre-orders.
Kathleen Samsey raised inquiries regarding the fiscal year concluding on September 30th,
specifically about fund allocation and whether any unspent funds from September would be
incorporated into the new annual budget. Brian James clarified that any remaining funds would be
redistributed according to the master budget. Kathleen Samsey also had further questions about
whether purchases made in September would be included in that month's financial report. She
inquired specifically about event support items bought via Amazon. Since the transaction was
made using a credit card, it will be reflected in the following month’s statement and will not
appear in the current month's financial report. Kathleen Samsey then made a motion to approve
the financial statement for September, which was seconded by Lauren Dalton.
Motion passed unanimously
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Attachments:
SHPC Financial Report SEPT25
Updates
Outlook 365:Champion, Brian James
In the second phase of the Outlook 365 update, instructions were meant to be sent to everyone;
however, some individuals did not receive their information. Brian James clarified that the new
email addresses will be redistributed and confirmed upon receipt. He also mentioned that the
format will consist of the first initial and last name (unless otherwise preferred), using the domain
schertz.com. Establishing these email profiles will grant users access to the shared drive on
SharePoint. Everything is set to be finalized within 30 days. Additionally, Brian James confirmed
that once the email addresses and profiles are established, new business cards will be created for
the committee.
Main Street Preservation Grant: Champion, Brian James
Pertaining to the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery project, Brian James provided an update concerning
grant funding. Per the previous City Council Meeting, the Main Street Preservation Grant, which
was initially sought for the project, did not receive approval from the Council. Instead, the
Council decided to support the project through the Local Flavor Economic Development Grant.
This decision was influenced by concerns related to the aforementioned treatment of property
designation, specifically addressing distinctions between structural properties and properties
without structures. The agreement for the grant has been sent to Dr. Vazquez for his signature.
We are now in the process of waiting for Dr. Vazquez to sign the document, before moving
forward with the project.
SHPC - Then & Now Calendar:Champion, Roz Wise
In the absence of Roz Wise, Brian James took the lead to provide detailed updates on the calendar
sub-committee's progress of the Then & Now calendar project. He reported that the committee
successfully completed the draft, ensuring that all final edits were addressed, including the
correction of the cemetery address on the back cover page.
The draft had been sent to the chosen printing company for proofs and samples, which are
expected to be delivered by Friday for further refinement as needed. The final proofs will be
forwarded to Chairperson Titterington and Roz Wise for their final review and approval. If the
proof meets standard, the committee plans to move forward with signing the printing contract.
Kathleen Samsey confirmed that the cover image selected by the committee features a smaller
picture repositioned in the left corner of the page, using a picture-in-picture overlay style.
City Event Support:Champion, Kathleen Samsey / Support, Roz Wise, Zii Reed
The committee recently wrapped up a successful city event, the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery
landmark designation, which Sophie Rodriguez and Rose Arispe noted was well-received.
Kathleen Samsey opened the meeting by discussing logistics for the upcoming Farmers Market on
November 1st. During the review of the previous event, it was acknowledged that the cemetery
event's success was partly attributed to the effective use of a shared drive for managing forms,
enhancing overall efficiency.
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The discussion then shifted to the forthcoming Schertz Hometown Harvest Farmers Market,
focusing on volunteer availability. Sophie Rodriguez volunteered to lead this event, with Jim
Burdett offering his support. They also touched upon preparations for the Holidazzle event
scheduled for December 6th, where Kathleen Samsey volunteered to take the lead, with Sophie
assisting. Both the Farmers Market and Holidazzle events will require additional help. The
committee considered incorporating themes or focal points for each event to keep them engaging
and fresh for attendees. They agreed to follow up via email to finalize details and confirm
additional support. Sophie Rodriguez emphasized the necessity of items like sandbags for stability
in windy conditions and adequate lighting for evening events and creating a readiness packet for
each event, including event checklist and log.
Landmark Properties: Champion Becki Babcock, Support Brian James
In Becki Babcock's absence, no updates were made.
Requests and Announcements
Survey/Vote - determination of November meeting date/quorum
Adjournment/Next Meeting Date
TBD for November 2025
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