Advisory Committee Minutes 1-23-2001( ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES
January 23, 2001
The Schertz Advisory Committee convened in Special Session on Tuesday January 23,
2001, at 6:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Bob Andrews Conference Room, 1400
Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as follows:
IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
David Richmond
Ernie Evans
Gary Wallace
Tony Moreno
Joyce Briscoe
Ken Greenwald, Councilman
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY STAFF
Steve Simonson,
Interim City Manager/
Planning Coordinator
Mary Ybarra, Planning &
Recording Secretary
OTHERS PRESENT
William Sommers Ed Ford, Ford Engineering,
Johnny Bierschwale, PM Director
Tim Fetter, Realtor
#1 Call to Order.
David Richmond called the January 23, 2001 special session to order at 6:00pm.
#2 Approval of Minutes: Minutes of November 28, 2000
David Richmond asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of
November 28, 2000.
With none voiced, Tony Moreno moved to approve the minutes of as written. Gary
Wallace seconded the motion. With a vote being called, the vote was as follows:
Ayes: Tony Moreno, Gary Wallace, David Richmond and Joyce Briscoe.
Abstention: Ernie Evans (absent at said meeting).
Motion approved.
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Johnny stated that within a week every citizen in Schertz would be receiving a brochure
with much information explaining these issues (water rates, etc.). Johnny reported on a .
test conducted with the FOCUS group at a meeting held on Thursday, where the group
was presented with bogus numbers on water rate increases. It was surprising that the
group did not have one compliant on rate increase, but did had have some very good
comments on how to improve the program.
There was discussion among the committee as to when the rates would go into effect,
at which time Johnny advised the committee that the rate increase would go into effect
on May 3`d, with first payment on June 1,5% 2001 of that billing cycle. Johnny added that
the city's public relations personnel (Amy Madison) would be sending out brochures with
information to educate the public. These brochures are to explain the water system,
water & sewer rate information, and most importantly water saving ideas.
David Richmond stated that he believes the information could be a bit difficult to
understand and suggested sending an information sheet on each citizen explaining
water usage based on individual usage and how increases would affect cost. In brief
discussion, it was agreed that not every individual account could be sent out; however
possibly a mock bill used as an example could help everyone understand the rate
increase. Mr. Simonson added that a more extensive brochure is being prepared with a
lot more information and a phone number to call for those citizens with more questions.
Steve Simonson added that a program (Social Service Agency) would be set up to help
citizens at the lower end of the scale, such as senior citizens, single parents, etc. having
difficult adjusting. This assistance would be given to qualifying citizens, more of a
helping hand for a period of four months. Other information such as retro fitting homes
(toilets, showerheads, etc.), and xeriscape will also be provided as part of the program.
Johnny Brieschwale concluded by saying that the issues discussed are items that have
been introduced to the committee for review and input. The improvement package of (5)
five million dollars being considered by city council is something that has to be done to
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happens to be the ideal location because, of gravity feeding the water back through the
area without increasing any additional cost to feed the system.
Tony Moreno asked what is the timetable for improvements to come on line? Johnny
Brieschwale replied that the system improvements of 5 million dollars (rate increase) will
be before the City Council tomorrow night, however, the 38 million dollars for the
Schertz/Seguin Corporation will have to be acquired first before the five million for
system improvements. Johnny stated that the system improvement for Live Oak Road
would have to be on line by March of 2002, which would be phase one. The elevation
tank design is in the works with the first tank coming on line by June of 2002, and
second tank approximately 6 months later.
In conclusion, Johnny Bierschwale stated that at the next meeting Mr. Ford would be
explaining wastewater recovery costs.
With no further discussion, the meeting adjourned.
#3 Adjournment:
Gary Wallace moved to adjourn. Tony Moreno seconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
ATTEST:
Planning Secretary, City of Scherrz
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Chairman, Advisory Committee