NOVEMBER 23 2004
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SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (4-B BOARD)
NOVEMBER 23,2004
The Schertz Economic Development CotpOration (4-B Board) convened on Tuesday
November 23, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Conference Room, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those members present were as follows: President
Ken Greenwald, presiding; Vice-President Steve White, Secretary Jobnie McDow,
Director Ramon Cook and Director Tony Wilenchik. Absent: Director Steve Simonson
and Director Reginna Agee. Also present Were Interim City Manager John Bierschwale,
Finance Director Juan Santoya and Recording Secretary Norma Althouse.
#1 Call to Order
President Greenwald called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
#2 Approval of Minutes: November 2, 2004
Director Cook pointed out that on page 2, third paragraph, first sentence, where it says
Director Agee referred to (4B) Articles of Corporation, it should read Articles of
Incorporation and By-Laws.
It was also pointed out that throughout the minutes, Mr. Bierschwale's name should have
been spelled Johnny instead of Johnnie.
Secretary McDow moved to approve the minutes for November 2, 2004 with the
corrections mentioned above. Vice-President White seconded the motion, which carried
with the unanimous vote of all members present.
Director Wilenchik inquired if a City Council agenda had been posted and was told yes.
Mr. Bierschwale mentioned at this time he would like to delete Item #8 and come back to
it at a later date with more details and information. Director Cook asked ifhe had a date
in mind because they need to be more specific. Mr. Greenwald suggested possibly the
second week of Jan1l/l1)'. Mrs. Madison related she is attending a briefing on this subject
on January 28th in Austin, so it would be after that. Vice-President White said that's
okay, just so the 4-B Board members are advised in plenty of time before the next
meeting.
#3 Discussion and possible action concerning request from Fire, Police and EMS
for installation of safety garage door sensors.
Vice-President White inquired if there had been a problem with the current system and
was told by Mr. Bierschwale that both EMS and the Police Department had some close
calls. The Fire Department and EMS want motion sensors and the Police Department
wants pressure sensors.
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Director Wilenchik questioned if other cities have this equipment. He then pointed out
they don't have to spend the money just because they have the sales tax revenue.
Director Cook stressed it is a safety issue and would cost approximately $10,600 as
outlined in a letter to the 4-B Board from Police Chief Starr.
After a brief diSCUSSion about why these: weren't installed when the public safety
buildings were built and the fact they shouldn't wait if thcy have unsafe conditions, Vice-
President White moved to approve authorizing approximately $10,600 from 4-B funds
for the installation of safety garage door sensors in the Police, Fire, and EMS
Departments and to pass on that information to City Council for their approval. Secretary
McDow seconded the motion, which carried with the unanimous vote of all members
present.
#4 Discussion and possible action concerning request from Community Services
Director for funds for bleachers.
Gail Douglas, Community Services Director, emphasized the importance of recreational
facilities for youth in the area. Neither the City nor BVY A has any desire to limit
activities, but they are having a difficult time keeping up with demands. They are
currently in need of 6 sets of bleachers. She is requesting the sum of $12,000 from the
4-B Budget be used for the purchase of bleachers for the baseball fields owned by the
City and used by BVY A.
Secretary McDow indicated the bleachers could always be used for other functions.
President Greenwald mentioned their use for the 4th of July Jubilee and for the Chrisbnas
parade. Director Cook asked if the purchase of the bleachers is in the 4-B Board's
purview of regulations and was told it is.
Secretary McDow moved to approve $12,000 from 4-B funds for the purchase of
bleachers for the baseball fields owned by the City and used by BVY A and to pass that
information on to City Council for their approval. Director Wilenchik seconded the
motion, which carried with the unanimous vote of all members present,
#5 Discussion and possible action concerning request from Community Services
Director for funds for playscape project.
Gail Douglas, Community Services Director, stated the major part of the playscape
project was completed in March of 2002. The final phase of the project was to build a
gazebo in the island between the playscape and library and to install decorative lighting
and landscaping. .
Ms. Douglas went on to say she recently discovered this project was not funded for FY
2004/05 even though she was assured it was a high priority. The total cost of the project
is $25,000 and she is requesting that amount from the 4-B budget. If that is viewed as
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unreasonable, then she would at least like approval of the cost for the lighting, which is
essential, and that cost is $8,000.
Director Wilenchik asked if they have to go out for bids and was informed by Ms.
Douglas they have already done that. Director Cook questioned if underground electric
was included in the bid and was told yes.
Director Cook moved to approve a maximum of $25,000 from 4-B funds for the
playscape project and to pass that information on to City Council for their approval.
Secretary McDow seconded the motion, which carried with the unanimous vote of all
members present.
#6 Discussion and possible action concerning request from Community
Development Director for funds for Four Oaks LaneIRoad extension.
Mr. Bierschwale advised this had been approved by the 4-8 Board previously, but was
not forwarded to City Council for action.
Mrs. Madison mentioned the original plan for Four Oaks Lane has been revised. The
original plan brought the road to the south side of the tree and the new plan brings the
road to the north side of the tree and this actually fits into the new major/minor
thoroughfare plan recently approved by City Council. The 4-B members had received a
map of the road in their packets. Mrs. Madison stated it is imperative they move quickly
because construction is under way and she feels the cost for the road will not exceed
$50,000.
Director Cook inquired if they have the right-of-way and Mrs. Madison replied that Eric
White would have to go with more right-of-way. Director Cook then questioned if the
road will counect to another road and Mr, Bierschwale replied it would eventually
intertwine with Wiederstein Road. Mrs, Madison pointed out there would be a road
parallel to lli-35.
Secretary McDow moved to approve a maximum of $50,000 from 4-B funds for the Four
Oaks LaneIRoad extension and that this information be passed on to City Council for
their approval. Director Cook seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous vote of
all members present.
#7 Discussion and possible action concerning 4-B realignment of Revenues and
Expenditures.
Mr. Bierschwale advised he is asking the 4-B Board to consider action on a proposed
budget amendment for revenues and expenditures. Upon monitoring and operating the
current 4-B budget, it has been observed the General Fund is subsidizing 4-B, meaning
the current Community Development Department is receiving General Fund tax dollars
to support Economic Development. He has realigned that to come out of the 4-B budget.
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The salaries of the Community Development Director and the Executive Assistant should
come out of the 4-B Budget. The total realignment consists of increasing revenues from
$856,000 to $959,153.and expenditures from $830,718 to $959,153.
Mr. Bierschwale also mentioned that sales tax revenue had been underestimated for taxes
generated by Wal-Mart (including new strip centers on FM 3009 and 1lI-35 southbound
frontage road and Tri-County Industrial Park).
Mr. Bierschwale then noted the realignment would enable Council to consider a salary
market adjustment to pay structures for Police, Fire, EMS and other City departments.
Mr. Wilenchik thought the consensus was to be conservative about the sales tax revenue
from Wal-Mart for the first year. Mr. Bierschwale indicated it was estimatd at $75,000,
but should have been $200,000 plus.
Mr. Bierschwale then related that based on a market study from. TML that he would be
providing to City Council, Schertz is the second lowest paying City for police officers,
they are almost 60% out of market for the Public Information Officer and the EcoBomic
Development Director is out of market by about two step grades. He then advised they
are also looking at hiring a Certified Planning Director.
Vice-President White pointed out that the 4-B Board has always asked that the budget be
ultra-conservative, even if the reserve is a healthy /llllount.
Mrs. Madison mentioned she is the only Economic Development Director in the State
not funded by 4-B money. She is also the only one not serving as Executive Director of
the 4-B Board.
Director Wilenchik moved to realign the 4-B budget by increasing revenues from
$856,000 to $959,153 and expenditures from $830,718 to $959,153 and to include the
Economic Development Department under the 4-B budget and to pass this information on
to City Council for their approval. Vice-President White seconded the motion, which
carried by unanimous vote of all members present.
#8 (deleted by Mr. Bierschwale earlier in the meeting).
#9 Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, President Greenwald adjourned the meeting at
6:50 p.m.
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NIIl~TUTES-APPROVED this th~~- day of ,
Signature of all Directors required whether pres nt or not.
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President uector
Vice-President Director
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Secretary Director
Treasurer Director