01-07-2021 Workshop minutesNortheast Partnership
City of Santa Clara
Santa Clara City Hall
1653 N. Santa Clara Road
Marion TX 78124
MINUTES OF WORKSHOP
January 7, 2021
I. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum.
Mayor Williams called the workshop to order at 6:35 p.m.
II. Introduction of those present and roll call.
Members present were:
Mayor Walt Williams, New Berlin
Mayor Jeff Hunt, Santa Clara
Mayor Larry Thompson, Garden Ridge
Mayor Stosh Boyle, Cibolo
Mayor Ralph Gutierrez, Schertz
Mayor Tom Daly, Selma
Mayor Victor Contreras, Marion
Guests: City Secretary Brenda Dennis, Schertz
III. New Business:
1. Discussion regarding upcoming speaker presentations.
Mayor Walt Williams stated that there are several speakers for next week due to
getting caught up on requests:
• Presentation and updates regarding JBSA, 502 ABW & 12 FTW. (J. Anderson/R. King/
C. Robertson/Maj R. Martin)
• Presentation and update regarding COVID -19 by Mr. Balous Miller.
• Presentation regarding Unemployment Claims and Local 4 Year Strategic Plan. (Adrian Lopez -
Workforce Solutions)
2. Discussion and possible action regarding letter of support from NEP for
Cibolo to extend the widening of FM 1103 from Steel High School to FM 78.
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Mayor Boyle provided information regarding the request of a letter of support.
Mayor's present discussed and decided that each individual city would provide a
letter should they desire to do so. Mayor Boyle to send out draft.
IV. Items of interest by Member Cities.
Mayor Hunt, City of New Berlin stated that he pulled the population information and
invoices will be going out to each member city. New Berlin City Marshal is existing thanks
to Marion — you will see him around. Currently most of his stops are from individuals out
of town and not local. They will be pulling his court judge and clerk from the City ofNixon;
they are still looking for a Prosecutor.
Mayor Gutierrez — City of Schertz stated that recently provided the COVID-19 vaccine and
invited all the first responders in our County. Normally there is 10 doses per bottle — some
we had there were 12 doses. Where there were extra doses, they started calling Schertz
staff to come take the vaccine (there was a 20- minute window once called). Mayor
Gutierrez stated that he would contact each Member Mayor and provide Chief Long's
contact information so that when Guadalupe County opens it up again, they will be notified.
He also stated that he would contact the Member Mayors' when this happens. The next
group (1B) will be involved as well as others that did not get the vaccine the first time
around.
Mayor Daly — City of Selma thanked Mayor Boyle — City of Cibolo for the invitation to
Magnolia Pancake Haus. Mayor Daly indicated that 40% of his Police Department
indicated that would be interested in taking the vaccine and 60% said no. Mayor Daly
discussed cities that were requiring it to be mandatory to take the vaccine. Mayor Daly
commented on recent comments from Senator Ted Cruz and stated that he will be writing
a letter as he is a bipartisan Mayor.
Mayor Thompson — City of Garden Ridge also thanked Mayor Boyle for the invitation to
the Magnolia Pancake Haus. It was nice to get together safely. Mayor Thompson
commented on those in his city that were able to get the vaccine and on cities which were
requiring it to be mandatory to take the vaccine. Mayor Thompson spoke regarding the
updated numbers from the Governor and indicated that some of the bars in his city had to
closed. Further comments were provided by other Mayor cities regarding bar closings.
Mayor Thompson stated that he has a problem with TML, he would like TML to give them
facts and not opinions. He stated that the last communication he had with them was a
month ago where they said that the Governor does not allow the cities to do anything about
the Governors orders etc., - this was incorrect as it was totally editorial — we do have
control.
Mayor Boyle — City of Cibolo thanked all those that attended the grand opening of the
Magnolia Pancake Haus. Great get together. Mayor Boyle reflected on the past year and
stated that a 1/3 of their City Hall has COVID -19, starting to have to make some
adjustments in work schedules, etc., and hopefully this is the last push for outbreak cases,
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this is really scary. He is trying to take control of what is going on in his community.
Upcoming events is a drive through prayer for MLK Day at St. Paul's church across from
City Hall, Emilie's Coffee shop will be open to serve coffee.
He spoke regarding the recent parade where they had 85 participants — wall to wall lined
up citizens to see it, our citizens are starved for that type of events and he will be working
on planning more. In the next month and a half, we all need to be super careful. He
appreciates the support of the mayors for his project and will send over 2 sample letters for
Mrs. Dennis to send out. He is very appreciated of the NEP Group and the sharing with all
the Mayors.
Mayor Contreras stated that they are going out for another CDBG Grant, one of their areas
had experienced problems with their sewage plant, they are working on getting that
resolved. Their first Santa Program they ran themselves was very successful - Fire
Department kudos. He would like to bring an Intern through ICMA that is working in the
City currently to the next meeting. He is wanting to learn how to do public works reports.
Questions on their stop light, Mayor stated that TxDOT is moving very slowly on this.
Chairman NEP - Mayor Williams — City of New Berlin stated that the Seguin Mayor has
talked to him about coming to a meeting and seeing what we do, and he indicated to her
that it would not be a problem. Questions arose about the City of Converse, Kirby, and
Windcrest Mayors why they are not participating. Mayor Williams stated that he would
reach out to each of them.
Mayor Williams also asked if the Member Mayor's had received their 1St responders
checks, only 2 at the time of this writing have sent Mayor Hunt a request for the check,
again it is 20% of the dues paid by your city, is the amount that will be given to take care
of all our people. He also stated they would be opening up a new Mexican food restaurant
and he would invite the Mayors to lunch.
Mayor Hunt — City of Santa Clara he reached out to Rudy to get the Development
Agreement executed. Pump and Dump vs. septic — Mayor Boyle stated that is a meeting
on the 181h, Mayor Hunt stated that he did get word on this and will be attending. Mayor
Contreras also stated that they will be doing a pump and dump seminar in Marion as well.
They are working with a developer on small lots development and the City does not want
this type of development in their city and have been in contact with someone that is very
versed in development agreements.
He listened to the White House briefing where the CARES Act is going to be extended
next year and did not know that you had to first spend the 75% first. Mayor Boyle provided
a few items that they are utilizing the CARES Act money toward.
V. Establish a Date, Time & Location of the next NEP Workshop Meeting. (Next up is
the City of Schertz) to host for February 4, 2021.
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Mayor Walt Williams stated the next City to host the Mayor's Workshop would be the City
of Schertz February 4, 2021.
VI. Establish a date, time for the next regular meeting of NEP January 14, 2021.
Next meeting will be scheduled for January 14, 2021. Schertz to provide door prizes.
VII. Adjournment.
Mayor Williams adjourned the workshop at 7:16 p. 1/
Mayor Walt Williams, NEP Chairman
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