08-18-2026 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
August 18, 2026
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on August 18, 2026, 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 Rodriguez; Councilmember Mark Davis; Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson;
Councilmember Paul Macaluso; Councilmember Ben Guerrero; Councilmember Robert Westbrook;
Councilmember Sarah Dietz; Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Staff Steve Williams, City Manager; Brian James, Deputy City Manager; Daniel Santee, City Attorney;
present: Sarah Gonzalez, Assistant City Manager; Sheree Courney, Deputy City Secretary
Call to Order
Mayor Rodriguez called the 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 Westbrook)
Councilmember Robert Westbrook provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of
the United States and the State of Texas.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B.James/S.Gonzalez)
Deputy City Manager Brian James provided the announcement of upcoming city events.
*Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S.Williams)
City Manager Steve Williams announced the 3CMA nomination for the 2026 Savvy Awards, received by the
Public Affairs team as finalists in two categories, including Let's Talk Trash Campaign for Communications
and/or Marketing Plans and Now You Know Schertz for Interview/Talk Show/News Programming. He also
gave kudos to Assistant City Engineer John Nowak and Public Affairs for the ribbon -cutting celebration for
the Old Schertz project and informed the community that on August 25, there will be a budget meeting at
5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
City Manager Williams announced employee promotions as follows:
1. Astrid Jaime from Public Safety Communications Officer to Public Safety Communications Supervisor
2. Brandon Caise, Mark McElroy and Jaclynn Zalaya from Police Cadets to Police Officers
3. Maranda Chavez from Utility Billing Specialist to Code Enforcement Officer
. Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R.Rodriguez)
Mayor Ralph Rodriguez provided no announcements or recognitions.
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Hearing of Residents
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.
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member thereof. Any person
making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the Council may be requested to leave
the meeting.
All handouts and/or USB devices must be submitted to the City Secretary no later than noon on the Monday
preceding the meeting. Handouts will be provided to each Councilmemberprior to the start of the meeting by the
City Secretary. All USB devices will be vetted by City IT staff to ensure City property is protected from malware.
Mayor Rodriguez recognized the following residents:
Mekelle Epperson, 10308 Ivy Jade, Schertz, addressed safety concerns the community has with the upcoming
Q-Mart C Store & Truck Store, road conditions in the area, and asked what measurements are being implemented to
protect the residents in the area and the value of their homes.
Maggie Titterington, 1730 Schertz Parkway, provided information on upcoming Chamber events. She announced
that the Chamber will host a Meet the Candidates on October 7th at the Civic Center. She also addressed concerns
businesses have with the recently approved rail grant, specifically referring to the FM 3009 flyover, for which the
Chamber would help them to get answers from TxDOT to ensure a smooth transition.
Dana Eldridge, 2628 Gallant Fox, recognized City Manager Steve Williams and staff for the Budget Meeting and
the information that was presented. He is also grateful to see that a study will be done on Wiederstein Road.
Consent Agenda Items
The Consent Agenda is considered self-explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with one motion. There will
be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed from the Consent Agenda upon the request of the
Mayor or a Councilmember.
1. Minutes -Approval of the minutes from the August 04, 2026 Regular Council Meeting (City Secretary
Sheila Edmondson)
2. City Council Boards, Committees, and Commissions (Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney)
*Resignations, Removals, and Expiring Terms
*Historical Preservation Committee: Maria "Angie" Fain resignation effective August 10, 2026.
3. Resolution 26-R-087 — Authorizing a task order amendment with Freeland Turk Engineering Group, LLC
for additional design and construction phase engineering services for the Bell North Drive Sewer
Extension Project (Senior Engineer Eric Schulze)
4. Resolution 26-R-090 - Approving the SSLGC Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Budget and other matters in
connection therewith. (Director of Public Works Larry Busch)
5. Resolution 26-R-091 - Approving the SSLGC Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Water Rates and other matters in
connection therewith. (Director of Public Works Larry Busch)
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6. Resolution 26-11-095 - Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Selma For Wiederstein Road
Improvements (Assistant City Engineer John Nowak)
Mayor Rodriguez asked if any items needed to be removed for separate action.
Councilmember Robert Sheridan asked for Agenda Item #4—Resolution 26-R-090, and Agenda Item
#5—Resolution 26-R-091 be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed separately.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items # 1,2, 3, and 6.
Moved by Councilmember Robert Westbrook; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson.
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle
Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember
Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Councilmember Robert Sheridan to address the removal of Agenda Item
#4—Resolution 26-R-090 from Consent.
Councilmember Sheridan requested additional information regarding the SSLGC projects driving the cost
increase. Director of Public Works Larry Busch, along with SSLGC Assistant General Manager Phillip
DeFrancesco and Deputy City Manager Brian James, explained the cost increase reflected in the budget.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-090.
Moved by Councilmember Mark Davis; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson.
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle
Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember
Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Councilmember Robert Sheridan to address the removal of Agenda Item
#5—Resolution 26-R-091 from Consent.
Councilmember Sheridan requested this Agenda Item removed as it was related to Resolution 26-R-90.
Director of Public Works Larry Busch explained the 1.78 cost increase this year included the information
previously mentioned both during the Resolution 26-R-090 discussion and the Proposed Budget.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-091.
Moved by Councilmember Robert Westbrook, seconded by Councilmember Robert Sheridan
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
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Discussion and Action Items
7. Resolution 26-R-076 - Establishing a legislative platform and priorities for the 90th legislative session in
Texas (Director of Public Affairs Krystal Haynes)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Director of Public Affairs Krystal Haynes, who brought forward Resolution
26-R-076. Ms. Haynes presented the City of Schertz's 2027 legislative agenda for the upcoming 90th
Texas Legislative Session.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council and staff discussed the top priorities of the legislation, identifying the City's priorities.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-076.
Moved by Councilmember Sarah Dietz, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
8. Ordinance 26-M-025 - Amend the City of Schertz Code of Ordinances and certain other ordinances by
amending and establishing fees for certain licenses, permits, and other services (Finance Director James
Walters)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Finance Director James Walters, who brought forward Ordinance
26-M-025. Mr. James presented proposed updates to the City's fee schedule.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
No discussion occurred.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 26-M-025.
Moved by Councilmember Mark Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
9. Resolution 26-R-098 - Resolution accepting the state defined tax rates and setting the preliminary 2026
tax rate (Finance Director James Walters)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Finance Director James Walters, who brought forward Resolution
26-R-098. He reviewed FY 2026-27 budget development process, budget priorities, fund balance strategy,
and proposed tax rates. City Manager Steve Williams noted that the next budget special meeting was
scheduled for the following Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council clarified that the no -new -revenue tax rate applies to existing properties and does not account for
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revenue generated from new development and the adoption of the preliminary rate would not prevent
Council from ultimately adopting a lower rate.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-098.
Moved by Councilmember Paul Macaluso, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz
NAY: Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
10. Accepting the City of Schertz Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan (Interim
Director of Economic Development Amy Madison)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Interim Director of Economic Development Amy Madison, who, along with
TIP Strategies Founder & CEO Tom Stellman, presented the Strategic Plan, its details and goals.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council discussed the potential impacts of the Strategic Plan.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to accept the City of Schertz Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategic Plan.
Moved by Councilmember Robert Westbrook, seconded by Councilmember Robert Sheridan
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
11. Council Liaison Assignment for Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (Deputy City Secretary
Sheree Courney)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney, who brought forward the Council
Liaison Assignment, advising that, due to recent statutory changes for CIAC, a City Council liaison was
needed.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council discussed the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) liaison assignment and meeting
schedule. Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson volunteered to serve as the primary liaison.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve the appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson to
the liaison assignment for the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee.
Moved by Councilmember Robert Westbrook, seconded by Councilmember Ben Guerrero
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AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Public Hearings
12. Resolution 26-R-093 - Conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution accepting a petition for
voluntary annexation of approximately 10.7 acres of land, located approximately 900 feet north-west of
the intersection of FM 482 and Schwab Road, more specifically known as Comal County Property
Identification Number 56613, Comal County, Texas (Senior Planner Daisy Marquez)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Senior Planner Daisy Marquez, who introduced Resolution 26-R-093,
accepting a petition for voluntary annexation and noting that staff recommends approval of the Resolution.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m.
No residents came forward to speak.
Mayor Rodriguez closed the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council discussed zone alternatives for the subject property and staff advised that the
recommended Public Use District (PUB) zoning as part of the Parks Master Plan and its designation for
Dry Comal Creek Nature Park, which includes a conceptual plan for a natural trail.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-093.
Moved by Councilmember Paul Macaluso, seconded by Councilmember Mark Davis
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
13. Resolution 26-R-094 - Conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution accepting a petition for
voluntary annexation of approximately 0.19 acres of land, known as 12235 Aztec Way, more specifically
known as a portion of Bexar County Property Identification Number 308309, Bexar County, Texas
(Senior Planner Daisy Marquez)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Senior Planner Daisy Marquez, who introduced Resolution 26-R-094,
accepting a petition for voluntary annexation and noting that staff recommends approval of the Resolution.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m.
No residents came forward to speak.
Mayor Rodriguez closed the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
No discussion occurred.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-094.
Moved by Councilmember Ben Guerrero, seconded by Councilmember Paul Macaluso
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AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul
Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember
Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Workshop
14. Presentation of the 2026 Employee Engagement Survey Results (Director of Human Resources Jessica
Kurz)
Mayor Rodriguez introduced Director of Human Resources Jessica Kurz, who, along with Dr. Noel
Landuyt, Director of The University of Texas at Austin's Institute for Organizational Excellence,
presented the results of the survey.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council discussed the administration of the Employee Engagement Survey, and the results.
15. Workshop regarding Current Impact Fees (City Engineer Kathryn Woodlee)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Engineer Kathryn Woodlee, who presented an overview of the City's
water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees, which are governed by Texas Local Government Code
Chapter 395.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council discussed concerns regarding the competitiveness of the City's impact fees, particularly for
commercial development, and requested additional comparisons with surrounding communities, including
roadway, water, and wastewater fees.
Mayor Rodriguez recessed to Closed Session at 9:01 p.m.
Closed Session
16. Called in accordance with Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code,
Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations; Closed Meeting. The
governmental body is not required to conduct an open meeting (1) to discuss or deliberate
regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a
business prospect that the governmental body seeks to locate, stay, or expand in or near the
territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting
economic development negotiations; or (2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other
incentive to a business prospect.
• Project Holly
17. The City Council will meet in closed session in accordance with Section 551.072, Texas Government
Code deliberation regarding the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of Real Properties for future
roadways, roadway extensions, and roadway expansions; city facilities, drainage and detention; and
general municipal uses.
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Reconvene into Regular Session
Mayor Rodriguez reconvened into Regular Session at 9:58 p.m.
18. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #16.
No action was taken based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #16.
19. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #17.
No action was taken based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #17.
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
No requests from the Mayor or Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff.
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a future City Council
agenda
No requests from the Mayor or Councilmembers to place items or presentations on a future City Council
agenda.
• City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
--Councilmember Mark Davis attended the Old Schertz ribbon cutting.
--Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Watson attended the NEP and the Chambers luncheons.
--Councilmember Benjamin Guerrero attended the 2026 Hog Wild and the H7 Sports Training & Wellness
Center ribbon cutting.
--Councilmember Robert Westbrook attended the 2026 Hog Wild, the Cibolo Town Hall: Data Center, and
the Chamber luncheon.
--Councilmember Sarah Dietz attended the NEP and the Chamber luncheons and the Old Schertz ribbon
cutting.
—Councilmember Robert Sheridan attended the NEP and the Chamber luncheons and the Old Schertz
ribbon cutting.
--Mayor Ralph Rodriguez attended the Chamber luncheon, the Breakfast with the Mayor with the Metro San
Antonio Chamber, and the Child Advocacy fundraiser.
Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
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