08-20-2024 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
August 20, 2024
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on
August 20, 2024, 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 Gutierrez; Mayor Pro -Tern Tiffany Gibson; Councilmember Mark
Davis; Councilmember Michelle Watson; Councilmember Paul Macaluso;
Councilmember Robert Westbrook; Councilmember Allison Heyward;
Councilmember Tim Brown
Staff City Manager Steve Williams; City Attorney Daniel Santee; Deputy City Manager
present: Brian James; Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez•, Deputy City Secretary Sheree
Coumey
Call to Order
Mayor Gutierrez 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 Tim Brown)
Councilmember Brown provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance to the
Flags of the United States and State of Texas.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B. James/S. Gonzalez)
Deputy City Manager Brian James announced upcoming City Events.
• Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S. Williams)
City Manager Steve Williams announced the following staff promotions:
Christopher Meek - Fire Captain
Nichole Sosa-Sterling - Police Officer
Aidan Martin - Paramedic
Katherine Myers - Police Officer
Carl Schultze - Battalion Chief
Zachary Lowery - Fire Lieutenant
Jason Tymrak - Fire Lieutenant
Justin Schwersinske - Fire Lieutenant
Zachary Jewett - Fire Apparatus Operator
Donald Scibienski - Fire Apparatus Operator
Kevin Hoes - Fire Apparatus Operator
Eric Herzog - Fire Apparatus Operator
John Perry - Assistant Fire Chief
Matthew Garcia - Fire Apparatus Operator
Mr. Williams recognized veterans in honor of National Purple Heart Day, August 7,
2024.
He thanked the Police Alumni Association for volunteering their services at the start of
the school year.
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R. Gutierrez)
Mayor Gutierrez congratulated Staff on their promotions.
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
Councilmember prior 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 Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson recognized the following resident:
Jesse Ward, 500 Brooks Ave, expressed concerns regarding traffic in Schertz. He asked
Council to consider adding police officers to address vehicles driving in excess of the speed
limit.
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 - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the Minutes for the
August 6, 2024, City Council Workshop and City Council Regular Meeting.
(S.Edmondson/S. Coumey)
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2. Appointments, Re -appointments and Resignations
Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
• Resignation - Tricia Whitman
• Appointment - Kathleen Samsey
3. Resolution 24-R-83 - Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Texas Municipal
League Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML) To Participate In The Joint Cyber
Liability And Data Breach Response Self -Insurance Fund.
(S . Gonzalez/J. Kurz/D. El lenburg)
No items were removed for separate action.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 41 - 3.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember
Allison Heyward
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
4. Resolution 24-R-87 - A Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas
authorizing the purchase of an ambulance remount. (S.Willliams/J.Mabbitt)
EMS Chief Jason Mabbitt presented Resolution 24-R-87 authorizing the purchase of
an ambulance remount.
No Council discussion occurred.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem
Tiffany Gibson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
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5. Resolution 24-R-97 - Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements with
Cigna Healthcare, Delta Dental, Community Eye Care, The Hartford, Symetra and
Deer Oaks for insurance coverage and employee assistance program
services (S. Gonzalez/J. Kurz)
HR and Purchasing Director Jessica Kurz presented Resolution 24-R-97. She
provided the criteria and selection process for the Employee Benefits package. Plan
will be effective January 1, 2025. Cost savings to the City is $749,090 annually.
Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, seconded by Councilmember
Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
6. Resolution 24-R-95 - Authorizing Subdivision Improvement Agreements for the
Saddlebrook Development. (S.Williams/B.James)
Deputy City Manager Brian James presented Resolution 24-R-95 authorizing
subdivision improvement agreements for the Saddlebrook development. Mr. James
explained that the improvement agreements were requested by the developer due to
the inability to complete the lift station before contractual land transfers are required
to be completed. He stated the developer, through no fault of their own, was
experiencing delays in receiving equipment and supplies to complete the lift station.
Staff did not recommend approval nor denial of the resolution.
Council requested clarification regarding the agreements to which Mr. James
responded. Councilmember Brown stated this is not a shift in policy. Councilmember
Davis followed, stating this was a variance due to extenuating circumstances.
Moved by Councilmember Mark Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tern. Tiffany
Gibson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
NAY: Councilmember Paul Macaluso
Passed
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7. Resolution 24-R-96 - Authorizing a tenth amendment to the Interlocal Agreement
with the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) to provide funding for
transit services in the City of Schertz. (S.WilliamsB.James)
Deputy City Manager Brian James presented Resolution 24-R-96 authorizing a tenth
amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with AACOG to provide funding for transit
services in the City of Schertz. Mr. James provided an explanation of services, trends
in usage of the program, and the total cost to the City.
After brief Council discussion, Deputy City Manager stated he would tell AACOG
they need to provide statistics by the end of October. Staff wants to bring the
contract for next year to Council in November. Additionally, Staff will research
alternative options and provide information to Council prior to the end of next year's
contract.
Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, seconded by Councilmember
Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
8. Ordinance 24-S-145 - Approving a request to rezone approximately 3.3 acres of
land from Manufacturing — Light District (M-1) to Single -Family Residential District
(R-6), known as Comal County Property Identification Number 75307, a portion of
the property also known as 7444 FM 482, City of Schertz, Comal County, Texas.
Final Reading (B.James/L.Wood/S.Haas)
Senior Planner Samuel Haas provided a brief presentation for Ordinance 24-S-145.
No Council discussion occurred.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-145.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember
Allison Heyward
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
9. Resolution 24-R-100 - Authorizing a purchase from Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, a
Buyboard Purchasing Cooperative Vendor, for the Schertz Soccer Complex Lighting
Project. (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez presented Resolution 24-R-100 authorizing
the purchase of lighting for the Schertz Soccer Complex Lighting Project from
Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
Councilmember Macaluso asked about the current policy for the use of the fields.
Specifically, whether a fee is charged. Ms. Gonzalez indicated there is a fee, but the
current agreements would be reviewed due to the additional cost for electricity.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Tim
Brown
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Public Hearings
10. Ordinance 24-T-150 - Conduct a Public Hearing and Adopt a budget for the fiscal
year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025, in accordance with
the Charter of the City of Schertz, Texas; providing for the filing of the Budget;
providing that this Ordinance shall be cumulative of all Ordinances; providing a
Severability Clause; and providing an Effective Date. First Reading
(S.Gonzalez/J. Walters)
Finance Director James Walters presented the proposed budget for the fiscal year
beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. City Manager Steve
Williams provided four budget options related to the tax rate, ECI, Incentive Pay,
and Fee Changes for Council's consideration.
Public Hearing opened at 7:21 p.m.
No residents came forward to speak.
Public Hearing closed at 7:22 p.m.
Council deliberations regarding the four options presented by Mr. Williams occurred.
Most discussion centered on the tax rate and ECI rate for staff.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-T-150.
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Moved by Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, seconded by Councilmember
Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
NAY: Councilmember Mark Davis
Passed
11. Ordinance 24-T-151— Conduct a Public Hearing and approve an Ordinance
approving the appraisal roll; setting the tax rate; levying and assessing general and
special ad valorem taxes for the use and support of the municipal government of the
City of Schertz, Texas. First Reading (S. Gonzalez/J. Walters)
Finance Director James Walters presented Ordinance 24-T-151 to set the tax rate.
Ordinance must pass by a 5-2 or better vote.
Public Hearing opened at 7:46 p.m.
No residents came forward to speak.
Public Hearing closed at 7:47 p.m.
Councilmembers discussed the four tax rate options provided by staff and the overall
impact each would have on the budget.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve the tax rate at .4931 as listed in
option 4.
Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson moved that the property tax rate be increased
by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.4931, which is effectively a 2.6% increase in
the tax rate, seconded by Councilmember Allison Heyward
AYE: Mayor Pro -Tern Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward
NAY: Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Failed
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for further discussion. Councilmember
Brown reminded Council that the Ordinance is just to set the tax rate. It does not
affect other items listed under the options.
Councilmember Paul Macaluso moved that the property tax rate be increased
by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.4872, which is effectively a 1.4% increase in
the tax rate, seconded by Councilmember Mark Davis
AYE: Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Tim Brown
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NAY: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward
Failed
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for further discussion.
Councilmembers provided statements to support their stance on the tax rate.
Councilmember Robert Westbrook moved that the property tax rate be
increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.4900, which is effectively a 2.0%
increase in the tax rate, seconded by Councilmember Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
NAY: Councilmember Mark Davis, Councilmember Paul Macaluso
Passed
Workshop
12. Workshop regarding City funding the cost of steel utility poles. (S.Williams/B.James)
Deputy City Manager Brian James provided background information on the City's
policy regarding steel utility poles. Previous direction from Council indicated steel
poles would be considered only for major roads. The City would pay the difference
between wood poles and steel poles if CPS had to upgrade services only for those
roads identified as major roads due to the cost. Mr. James asked if Council wanted to
expand the list to include a number of additional roads.
Council was not open to expanding the list of premier, major roads. Guidance given
was to focus on high visibility roads. For poles on I-35, we should be consistent with
what other cities around us are doing. If they are using steel poles, Schertz should
use steel poles. Conversely, if they are using wood poles, Schertz should use wood
poles.
13. Workshop on proposed amendments to Chapter 86 Traffic and Motor Vehicles
(S.WilliamsB.James)
Deputy City Manager provided an overview of proposed amendments to Chapter 86
Traffic and Motor Vehicles. Last major update was done in 1995, so the changes
will include clean-up and clarification of the language/terminology. Updates will
come to Council as ordinances when final edits have been completed.
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
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Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff.
No requests 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 for items or presentations to be placed on a future City Council agenda.
• City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
Mayor Pro-Tem Gibson attended the Adobo Throwdown and the Chamber luncheon.
Councilmember Heyward attended the Adobo Throwdown, TML TAMCC Newly
Elected Officials Workshop, City event at Retama Park, and the Chamber luncheon.
Councilmember Brown attended the Chamber luncheon.
Adjournment
Mayor Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Sheree Courney, Deputy City Secre
-Xlgie�
ph errez, Mayor
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