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12_December 2013BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS magazine DECEMBER 2013 5 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 Schertz South. I predict we will hear and say that name more and more as the weeks turn into months and 2014 gives way to 2015 and then we move to 2016. Part of the reason for that you will fi nd in the pages of this month’s Schertz Magazine. Just we looked at the Residential Renaissance in Schertz South in November’s issue, the De- cember magazine illuminates infrastructure work in the area - a signifi cant ingredient for Southern Sector Success. Th e large area between FM 78 and IH-10 East and bisected by FM 1518 is taking on some- thing of a boom town look as public sector and private sector infrastructure work picks up the pace. Multiple stories tell how the City of Schertz, Bexar County, TxDOT and CCMA (Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority) are literally laying the groundwork for an amazing transformation of Schertz South. From a new FM 1518 bridge by TxDOT, to millions of dollars in drainage improvements by Bexar County, to upgraded road and water improvements by the City, to a new treatment plant by CCMA - change is coming. Add the tens of millions of dol- lars in private sector infrastruc- ture for new communities and neighborhoods and you have a formula for quality growth that is intent on preserving and protecting the Southern Sector’s rural and rustic charm. Th en read about a guy who has been part of the City’s infra- structure story for many years. Public Works Director Sam Wil- loughby joined the City staff in 1987 and has seen Schertz triple its population in that time. He tells how the PW Depart- ment has worked to handle and meet the demands of that growth and continue to deliver superior city services. Meet Sherrie Sharp - a one per- son cheer squad. She has a shirt with a motto that defi nes her - Saving the World - One Pillow At A Time. You may run out breath trying to keep up with Sherrie - who seems to have more energy than that rabbit in the battery commercial. Curl up with a comfortable pillow when you read her story - and be inspired. Homes for Pets/Schertz Hu- mane Society President Lisa Connolly gives tips on being a Responsible Pet Owner - always a timely topic - and hopefully even more so for those looking to get a new pet in the New Year. Also look for a story on a desert setting in Schertz - a cactus business - a letter from Miss Schertz and much more in Your Hometown Magazine. Happy Holidays. Editorʼz Letter By Chuck McCollough, Editor FEATUREZ Southern Sector Success 21 Bexar Spends Millionson Schertz South 25 Desert Oasis in Schertz 28 DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez 8 Visionz / Chamber 14 Schertz Sweetheart 17 Responsible Pet Owners 18 COLUMNZ Focuz: Sam Willoughby 34 Profi lez: Sharpʼs Pillows 37 CIVIC NEWZ Updatez 42 CALENDARZ 46 COVER 17 Katie Gibbons, Miss Schertz 2013, closes out our last edition of the year with holiday cheer! Inside... 5 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Aff airs Department David J. HarrisInterim Director Linda KlepperBusiness Manager Chuck McCollough Editor Chris Matzenbacher Sales Director Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Brittany Losey Senior Writer Contributing Staff ers Erin Matlock Client Aff airs Specialist Mary Spence Events Coordinator Graphic Design/Art Direction Souzamaphone Marketing, LLC Contributing WritersChuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Hillory Halbardier, Tom Lovett, Teresa H. Kelley Contributing PhotographersChuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Diana Webb, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, David J. Harris, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Stock Photography: fontsandphotos.com Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Aff airs Department of the City of Schertz. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. The offi cial publication of the City of Schertz promotes city, community, and business activities associated with the City. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial offi ce of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember David Scagliola CouncilmemberGeorge Antuna, Jr. CouncilmemberCedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Sydney H. Verinder Councilmember Executive Team John Kessel City Manager John Bierschwale Executive Director David J. Harris Executive DirectorBrian James Executive Director Subscriptions to Schertz Magazine are free for each Schertz household. Subscriptions for residents and businesses outside the City of Schertz are $19.95 annually. Call 210-619-1630. Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com. NEWS POLICYSchertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affi liation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily refl ect the offi cial position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Magazine, whether draft or fi nal is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz. OFFICIAL FINE PRINT schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 9 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 8 TALK TOWNZOFTHE SZ December Library Events Winter Reading Club Registration: Travel around Schertz Public Library (SPL) Land with us this winter, as we take you on a Winter Reading Road Trip! The Schertz Public Library has a Winter Reading Club for all ages (youth-adult) and it is an excit- ing way to keep entertained during the cool winter months. Reg- istration begins December 21st at the library information desks! 2nd Annual Cocoa & Carols: Join the Schertz Public Library for an evening of merry caroling, scrumptious cocoa and delicious treats. All ages welcome. Tuesday, December 3rd 6:30pm. No Bake Cooking: Holiday Edition: We invite you to put on your apron and grab your measuring cups for an afternoon of no bake cooking. We have lots of yummy treats for you to make & recipes to try at home. Registration is underway and as space is limited. This is a family program. Saturday, December 7th 12:15pm. Yuletide Craft Extravaganza: Come to the Schertz Public Library for creative, self-directed holiday craft activities. All ages welcome; young children may need adult assistance. Saturday, December 7th 3pm. Library Quilt Bee: Join us Tuesday December 10th and Saturday December 21st from 12-3 PM for a few fun hours of quilting and socializing! This group is for beginner and advanced quilters. Pre-registration not required for this program! Pinterest Party @ the Library: Pinterest is a major trend in the social networking world, so why not come to the library for a Pinterest Party!?! Tuesday December 17th from 6-8 PM, we will have a couple different crafts that you can choose from and all supplies will be provided! Pre-Registration required for this program! Hal Baldwin Scholarship Golf Event More than 90 golfers turned out for the 3rd Annual Hal Baldwin Public Service Scholarship Golf Tournament at Olympia Hills Golf & Conference Center Course in Universal City on November 1. The tournament, benefitting scholarships for Schertz high school seniors wanting to pursue a career in the public sec- tor, first started in 2008. It is named after Schertz Mayor Hal Baldwin who served as a City Council member and mayor of Schertz from 1978 until his death in April 2012. To date, more than $30,000 has been raised for scholarships and $7,000 awarded to future public service employees. Trunk or Treat A Real Treat Once again Trunk-or-Treat raised a tricky question? Who had more fun - kids or adults? The answer is - both. An estimated 500 kids in costumes and adults in costumes and uniforms had a blast at the safe Trick or Treat event. City Public Safety personnel were among those taking part in the annual Trunk-or-Treat at Pickrell Park Hallow- een night. The event kicked off at 6:00 PM and ran through 8:00 PM. Trunk-or-Treat offers residents a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treat- ing as youngsters get candy and other goodies from the vehicle trunks (hence the name) of participating groups. Others taking part in the event includ- ed Miss Schertz and many businesses and groups. 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. #5 (210) 619-1600 DE C E M B E R E V E N T S Civic Center: Dec. 3 – Schertz Chamber Luncheon Dec. 7 – Vendor/Craft Fair Dec. 25 – CLOSED Community Center: Dec. 6 – Santa’s Village (Festival of Angels) Dec. 21-22 – Alamo Pet Expo Dec. 25 – CLOSED Jazzercise – M,W,Th,F various times Zumba – M,W,Th 6:00pm Merry Christmas from the Public Affairs & Civic Center Staff! DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 13 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 12 Groundbreaking Held For Hal Baldwin Memorial Plaza SZ From warm climates to the 49th state, residents show hometown pride The City of Schertz was well represented on a recent vacation to Freeport, Bahamas. Schertz Magazine residents from Left to Right are Norma Horton, Martha Cantu, Elaine Salas, Margie Garcia, Betty Jones, & Stella Maloto. (top photo) Meanwhile, former Schertz area resident Nancy Campbell shows her photo with the Schertz Magazine during a fall walk in Chesapeake Beach, MD. (middle photo) And Schertz Magazine made two trips to Alaska. Tony and Cathy Trezza of Schertz took Schertz Magazine along on a trip to the 49th state. While in Alaska the Trezzas and Schertz Magazine encountered icebergs, Native American totem poles, waterfalls and more. (bottom left photo) Jim and Dee Russell hold a copy of Schertz Magazine in Denali National Park in Alaska, which is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. (bottom right photo) Take Schertz Magazine on your next trip and take a photo of the magazine in front of a landmark or interesting background and send to events@schertz.com. We may just use it in the magazine. SZ The City of Schertz held a groundbreaking for the Hal Baldwin Memorial Plaza on Thursday, October 31. The plaza, named for late Mayor Hal Baldwin who served the City of Schertz for more than 30 years, will be located near the front of City Hall, one of a number of buildings in the Hal Bald- win Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway. The Plaza will include three new flag poles, a memorial plaque, and is expected to be finished by year’s end. Among those taking part in the groundbreaking and those in attendance were members of Mayor Bald- win’s family, City, County, State and Federal officials. The family included Hal and Barbara Baldwin’s Children: Susan Baldwin Beck and her husband, Brian, Bill and Wanda Baldwin, Lynn and Kevin Cochram, Rhonda and Tim Grippe and Steven Baldwin. Mayor Baldwin’s brother, Gary Baldwin, Council President in the Borough of Tinton Falls, N.J, and extended family were also in attendance. Schertz officials included: Mayor Michael Carpen- ter, City Councilmember George Antuna Jr., City Manager John Kessel, Executive Directors John Bierschwale, David J. Harris and Brian James. Other dignitaries were State Rep. John Kuempel, Gua- dalupe County Judge Larry Jones, Guadalupe County Commissioners Jim Wol- verton, Judy Cope, and Kyle Kutscher; and Schertz-Ci- bolo-Universal City School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Gibson. Also in attendance were: Mark Gonzales, District Director for Congressman Ruben Hinojosa; Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson and for- mer Schertz City Manager Don Taylor. DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 14 WHAT’S HAPPENIN’ YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK FOR YOU! Thanks to all who participated in our 4th Annual Golf Classic in October! Special Thanks to Naming Sponsor Caterpillar Inc. as well as all sponsors who helped us award over $12,000 to the DECA Programs at Samuel Clemens and Byron Steele High Schools! DECEMBER EVENTS Chamber Luncheon December 3rd Schertz Civic Center @11:30am – 1pm. Topic: “Preparing for the Business Tax Season”. Chamber Mixer – December 18th Hosted by Texas State Optical (TSO) @ 17460 IH 35 North, Suite 412, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. EVERY Monday evening and open to the Public– Schertz Chamber Toastmasters. Meeting begins at 7pm at the Comfort Inn and Suites 15771 IH 35 North, Selma, TX 78154. Contact David Smith, 210-551-7656 or Jan King 210-846-9061 for more information. SAVE THE DATE! JANUARY 25, 2014 2nd Annual Health and Wholeness Fair will be held on January 25, 2014 from 11AM - 3PM. There will be free flu shots, health exams, nutrition, fitness and more! Call the Schertz Chamber or visit our website for more information. Brought to you by the City of Schertz, Schertz Chamber and presenting sponsor Pawderosa Doggie Play and Stay. Experience what the Schertz Chamber of Commerce can do for you! Unique networking opportunities, business education, local and state advocacy and more! Call us at 210-566-9000 or come by and visit us at 1730 Schertz Parkway in Schertz. Help us “Build a Better Tomorrow”. 17 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 SZSchertz SweetheartMiss Schertz My name is Katie Gibbons and I am honored to have been on the Schertz Sweetheart Court for the past two years. Last year I served as Miss Friendly City, and this year I was crowned Miss Schertz. Th e last two years on the Schertz Sweet- heart Court have been fi lled with unfor- gettable learning experiences, fun, and excitement. I am currently a senior at Samuel Clem- ens High School. I am in the PALS (Peer Assisted Learning) program, serve as a senior leader for Meet in the Middle, and am the Pride and Patriotism Cabinet Head for Student Council, which I have been active in for the past three years. I have also been on the Clemens track team and cheer squad. Academics are very important to me as I am in the top 10 percent of my class and a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, some of my hobbies include running, photography, and play- ing piano. I also love animals and have enjoyed volunteering at our local shel- ter. Volunteer service is very important to me. Some of my volunteer activities include volunteering at Roy Maas Alter- native Center, Feed My Starving Children, and working with special needs children and teens. After graduating, I plan to attend Texas A&M University and major in Special Education. Being part of the Schertz Sweetheart Court has allowed me many volunteer opportunities and has given me the privilege to be a role model to young children in my community. I will never forget the wonderful memories I have made on the court and the opportunities I have been given. I love my city and am proud to call Schertz home. DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 18 Being A Responsible Pet Owner By Lisa Connolly, President Homes for Pets/Schertz Humane Society SZ Having worked in animal rescue most of my adult life, and as the owner of my own pet-sitting business for the past eight years, you see a lot of irresponsible pet owners. It just makes the responsible ones all that more wonderful! Considering where we live -- so close to San Antonio (sadly one of the stray capitals in the country) -- the number one action of a responsible pet owner is to spay and neuter your pets. Don’t wait for that fi rst litter! Get it done before that happens! Th ey will be healthier, happier, there won’t be more babies in need of a home, and you have done your part in curbing this awful pet overpopulation! Th is is not to say there are not some responsible breeders out there, who do the right things. Th ose peo- ple are fi ne. It is the mass of “backyard” breeders who keep multiple moth- ers pregnant for profi t, that just adds to the problem. Another point -- pick up after your pet! If you walk your dog, and don’t do so, you know who you are. We’ve all seen the whistling person looking the other way, while their dog does his business on someone else’s lawn. Do the right thing and pick up your dog’s leavings. It is more hygienic, the neighbors will like you and your pet better, and you don’t risk get- ting fi ned if you are caught and turned in. I always off er bags to pet owners when I see this. Some appreciate it, others not so much! Before you get an animal of any sort, please look into what is involved in their care. Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens for Christmas, ducklings and bunnies for Easter, hamsters, mice, lizards, birds, snakes as a pet for a child... so often we see the return part of that, or fi nd that the pet has already died from people not know- ing what to do. Th ey are all cute at fi rst, but some of these animals have a lifespan of 18-20 years, while some parrots can live 75 years! Th e newness wears off quickly. Lizards are left in a small tank and ignored, parrots banished to the garage, dogs and cats are left outside. What does this teach our children? It is all so sad to witness and just wrong. Th ese are living creatures with needs and feelings. Be sure that you are ready to give them a safe, warm, loving indoor environment where they can live as part of the family. Th at is all our furry and feathered friends really need, and want. With proper care and attention, in what- ever way they are capable, they are guaranteed to love you right back! For more information go to www.homesforpets.org. Honoring Those Who ServeThe 2013-14 Sweetheart Court helped honor Veterans during the 43rd Annual Universal City Veteran’s Day Parade Saturday, November 2, 2013. Th e Court, Miss Schertz, Katie Gibbons; Miss Jubi- lee, Sydney Fischer and Miss Friendly City, Ariel Vil- larreal, were among the more than 40 entries paying tribute to veterans of all the United States wars. Pawderosa Ranch Settling in Just want to give a shout out to Pawderosa Ranch Doggie Play & Stay as they get settled into their new location at 7 Commercial Place, just off FM 1418. Th e pet care business moved to the new loca- tion a few months agoafter having been in a dif- ferent location in Schertz for four years. 21 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 Infrastructure Essential to Southern Sector Success By Chuck McCollough FEATUREZ cont’d on page 22 Imagine: Schertz’ Southern Sector in 2024. Schertz residents working in and around downtown San An- tonio and elsewhere head home on IH-10 East and take the FM 1518 exit toward their neighborhoods. As the residents, in this futuristic look, turn on to the newly expanded four-lane FM 1518 and get their minds in relaxation mode, they are greeted by what will become familiar landmarks. First the drivers see a towering, 1-million gallon water tow- er with “SCHERTZ” written in giant letters, and, nearby, a 3-mil- lion gallon ground water tank. Imagine also a few miles away the motorists see a large Cibolo Creek Municipal Authori- ty wastewater treatment plant (with CCMA on the side) pro- ducing recycled water to keep Southern Schertz green. In this 10-year ahead vision, commuters pass a Schertz munici- pal building housing Public Safety - police, fi re rescue and EMS - and Public Works staff and equipment, and, visible as well, are the new Schertz High School and its football stadium. Mid- dle schools and elementary campuses also dot the drive home. Among the Year 2024 commuters turning into the collec- tion of upper-end subdivisions - like Th e Crossvine, Schertz For- est, Willow Grove and Rhine Valley - are gray-haired residents who smile and appreciate that the area kept its rural charm. This scenario - or something simi- lar - depends on millions of dollars in public sector and private sector infrastructure to not only handle the expected growth but to help build the region’s premium reputation. A Clean Slate One diff erence for the South- ern Sector is this - much of the new public and private sector infrastructure will be done about the same time as the new development. It is similar to moving into a new house with new appli- ances and new furniture and having a new car to boot. Pictured is a new, large drainage tunnel south of Schaefer Road. DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 23 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 22 Millions Invested to Build Schertz South Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority is planning a $7 million wastewater treat- ment. Phase 1 capacity of 500,000 gallons per day and Phase 2 capacity of 1 million gallons treat- ed per day and ability to serve 4,000 connections - with expansion capabil- ity to 40,000 connections. Schertz and Cibolo us- ing bond funds to build the plant to serve both cities south of FM 78. Bexar County - (complet- ed) $6 million Schaefer Road project including major drainage improve- ments, street improve- ments and curbs. Since 2003 Bexar County proj- ects total $7.6 million in Southern Schertz. TxDOT - (completed) $1.27 million new bridge on FM 78 over Woman Infrastructure Essential to Southern Sector Success cont’d from page 21 FEATUREZ Everything works good and should for a long time. Schertz Public Works Direc- tor Sam Willoughby is one of the city’s front line players as infrastructure - roads, water lines, wastewater lines, bridges, drainage etc. - increases south of FM 78. Since water and wastewater are two essential services that precede most develop- ment - the area’s rural set- ting is a plus. “One thing that makes our plans (for water and waste- water service expansion in Southern Schertz) so viable is that there’s very little de- velopment here - it is open frontier - pre-planning at its best,” he said. Building infrastructure in a mostly undeveloped area is inherently easier because it doesn’t require dealing with existing development. For instance, construction of the State Highway 130 (toll road extension) from north of Austin to Seguin was ac- complished rather quickly because it runs through mostly farm and ranch land. The Essentials Expansion of water service from the Schertz-Seguin- Local Government Corp. (SSLGC) and wastewater from Cibolo Creek Munici- pal Authority (CCMA) are in the works as part of a citywide effort, especially in the Southern Sector. Willoughby said the City of Schertz is looking for expan- sion of water and waste- water service to Southern Schertz to be complete around 2016. That is crucial because between 3,000 and 4,000 houses are expected to built in the area in the next five to eight years. (See stories on new residential devel- opment in the November 2013 Schertz Magazine or at schertzmagazine.com) “Think of IH-10 East as IH-35 North - with all the commercial and industrial customers needing reliable water and wastewater ser- vice - and that’s in addition to residential use,” Willough- by emphasized. Water Service The City of Schertz is mov- ing forward with its plans for the elevated 1-million gallon water tank and the 3-million ground tank. Engineering and design of the elevated tank has been approved and a search is underway for a suit- able location between FM 78 and IH-10 along the FM 1518 corridor. Willoughby said the elevated tank will become a Southern Sector icon and be operation- al in the next one to two years. Wastewater Treatment Service Schertz, Cibolo and CCMA are partnering to bring the new wastewater treatment plant to handle growth south of FM 78 for both cit- ies. And most of that growth is predicted to be in the Southern Sector. The CCMA plant’s Phase 1 capacity will be 500,000 gal- lons per day. Phase 2 capac- ity will be 1 million gallons treated per day and the ability to serve 4,000 con- nections - with expansion capability to 40,000 connec- tions. Schertz and Cibolo are using bond funds to build the plant to serve both cities south of FM 78. Additional capacity will come in ad- ditional phases. The plant’s exact location has not be determined. Better Roads More people moving to Southern Schertz means more vehicles and the need for the best roads possible. To that end, the City of Schertz is working on im- proving two major roads in the area - Ware-Seguin Road and Lower Seguin Road. Both roads will be widened and get new surfaces and improved drainage. Schaefer Road - also in the Southern Schertz - was recently upgraded by Bexar County as part of a $6 mil- lion drainage project. Part of Schaefer Road east of FM 1518 was resurfaced and widened from 23 feet to 28 feet with curb, gutter and a sidewalk on one side. TxDOT has a proposal to widen FM 1518 to four- lanes but has no time frame. Future growth in the area will help strengthen the case to do the job sooner rather than later. In the meantime, TxDOT recently completed a $1.27 million project on FM 1518 by building a new bridge over Woman Hollering Creek. Willoughby said the city and a developer were talking to TxDOT about a new bridge back in the 2006-2007 peri- od. “We visited with TxDOT and told them the bridge was underwater every time we had a strong rain and the road was closed. A develop- er paid for the construction plan and an environmental study so the project would be shovel ready when funds became available.” Private Sector Role It is rare that such a large rural area - like that between FM 78 and IH-10 - gets so much development atten- tion at the same time. And for that development to happen, the private sector has to make sizeable infra- structure investment. A drive down FM 1518 these days offers the opportunity to see completed parts of some subdivisions and the initial stages of others. In one subdivision a visitor would see completed streets and houses with water and electrical service. In an- other subdivision the visitor would see trenches being dug to bring water and electrical service and graded areas that will be turned into streets. Typically, the private sector infrastructure becomes public sector after a period of time. In Schertz, new subdivi- sion streets must be built to city code and can become City streets after one year if streets are still in good shape. That same criteria is used with developer- installed water lines and wastewater lines in the private sector. The tens of millions in infrastructure pouring into the Southern Sector are literally laying the groundwork for an area that many predict will become a template for quality devel- opment and private-public cooperation statewide and beyond. Hollering Creek. Previ- ously, the bridge closed for flooding often after strong rain. Near South- ern Schertz - TxDOT (with federal stimulus funds - project com- pleted) $27.6 million ex- pansion of Loop 1604 to four lanes between Lower Seguin Road to IH-10 -- a route also taken by many South- ern Schertz residents. City of Schertz - $5 mil- lion - (completed and pending projects) in- cludes road reconstruc- tion on Ware Seguin Road and Lower Se- guin Road and water line improvement or relocation on Schae- fer Road and FM 1518. Bexar County spent millions of drainage improvements in Schertz South. Public Works Director Sam Willoughby (left) and Executive Director Operations John Bierschwale are involved in the Schertz South infrastructure work. 25 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 Bexar Spends Millions on Schertz South By Chuck McCollough Bexar County Pct. 4 Com- missioner Tommy Adkis- son said the county has spent nearly $8 million on infrastructure in the Southern Sector of Schertz in the past decade. And the lion’s share of that - $6 million - has been spent recently on one giant project. Bexar County is one of a group of pub- lic entities spending millions of dollars for infrastructure in what has been a sparsely populated area that is about to experience a growth boom. Millions more in infracture spend- ing by the private sector is also in the works to make the Southern Sector ready for what many planners hope is quality growth projects like mixed- used, master planned communities. Bexar County has a role in that trans- formation and Adkisson has been a player for some time. In fact, he got an early lesson about infrastructure needs in Southern Schertz. Th e historic fl ood of 1998 in Schertz and beyond started in mid-October -- less than a month before Adkisson was elected to the Bexar precinct that includes Schertz’s Southern Sector. cont’d on page 26 FEATUREZ Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson (right) and Project Construction Manager Chris Trevino use a map showing the area of the Schafer Road Project. Bexar Spends Millions on Schertz South cont’d on page 25 “It was my baptism by fl ood,” the commissioner said recently in his offi ce in downtown San Antonio. “We had to help people pick up the pieces of their lives in the aftermath of that fl ood that made mobile homes fl oat down Cibolo Creek.” Following the fl ood of 1998, Bexar County was involved in a government buyout of homes in the fl ooded Lakewood Acres subdivision near where Schaefer Road crosses Cibolo Creek and in helping relocate those families. Th at same area later be- came the 190-acre Crescent Bend Nature Park main- tained and operated by the City of Schertz in partner- ship with Bexar County. Incredibly, four years later another historic rain storm hit the same area. Th e low- water crossing at Schaefer Road and Cibolo Creek was destroyed in the fl ood of 2002 and eventually re- placed in a $363,000 project that included money from Bexar County with some reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency (FEMA). A decade later Bexar County once again is making an investment -- a large in- vestment -- in the Schaefer Road/Cibolo Creek area. “In the Schaefer Road area there has been a patchwork of eff orts by residents to address the problems in that location -- in an unin- corporated, extraterritorial jurisdiction part of Schertz. Bexar County wanted to help make sense of those ef- fort and do things right and in a professional manner,” Adkisson said. “Th at is what we have been doing,” he said looking down at a map showing a $6 mil- lion drainage improvement Bexar County just fi nished in the Schaeff er Road area east of FM 1518 between FM 78 and IH-10 East. Th e Schaefer Road Drain- age project has a number of benefi ts said Chris Trevino, project construc- tion manager for the Bexar County Flood Control CIP (Construction Improvement Projects). “Th e benefi ts include al- leviating fl ooding along the road and adjacent proper- ties and areas, improving the safety of drivers and fi rst responders in minor and major storm events and construction of new streets and waterlines. Th e project included: • 3,000 linear feet of Schaefer Road widened from 23 feet to 28 feet. • Curb, gutter and a side- walk on the north side of the road. • Replacing 3,000 linear feet of 6-inch water main with a 12-inch wa- ter main (to better serve the increased demand for water now and in the future). • A number of large con- crete box culverts and two earthen drainage areas to redirect water away from residences. In addition to the recent Schaefer Road drainage project, the 2003 replace- ment bridge over Cibolo Creek and upgrades to Crescent Bend Nature Park, Bexar County partnered with the City of Schertz to improve water service to the Hillbrook Community in Southern Schertz near Randolph AFB. Bexar County’s infrastruc- ture investment in the Schertz Southern Sector is around $7.6 million since 2003, Adkisson said. Th e longtime commis- sioner said Bexar County will continue to work with other public sector and pri- vate sector partners in the development of the Schertz Southern Sector and IH-10 East Corridor. In fact, Adkisson made a prediction. He envisions a San Antonio- to-Houston commuter rail in the future. “Th ere is an ef- fort to get a San Antonio-to- Austin commuter line - Th e Lone Star Rail along IH-35. “And, I foresee a commuter rail along IH-10 East in 15- 20 years. It could be called the Gulf Coast Rail and it would run through South- ern Schertz,” he said. DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 29 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 28 FEATUREZ Desert Oasis in Schertz By Jim Webb Photos By Diana Webb When driving along Schertz Parkway toward FM 78, just before you cross the railroad tracks, you may have noticed a lush desert landscaping display on your left. Then you might have found your- self wondering, as we did, what such a display was doing here on the cusp of the Texas Hill Country. It turns out that location, 200 Schertz Parkway, is the site of Paul’s Desert, a company dealing in cacti and succulents from around the world. It also carries a variety of other items such as native American art; jewelry and craft; rocks and crystals; and petrified wood. The Paul in the firm’s name refers to its owner, Paul Kibler. Paul grew up in the Cincinnati area, but gradu- ated from high school in Nixon, Texas. In fact, he and his wife, Lisa, met while attending high school in Nixon. Paul’s first business vocation, and one the family is still involved in, was air conditioning and heating repair. His wife operates an appliance parts and repair business. All three busi- nesses, and the Kibler’s resi- dence, are collocated at the site on Schertz Parkway. Paul’s interest in cacti began years ago and he started collecting plants for his own pleasure. In 1990 he joined the San Antonio cactus club, wanting to expand his knowledge of the plants. His first sale of cacti was at a San Antonio cactus club sales event. In the next couple of years he made additional sales at the San Antonio and Austin clubs’ annual shows. Then, some people who became aware of him and his plants, came to his home seeking to make purchases. In the ensuing two decades, the number of customers grew and, in response to this busi- ness growth, he expanded both his inventory and his growing facilities. Today, when you visit the nursery, you encounter greenhouses brimming with plants and outdoor areas with addition- al plants in various stages of growth. Paul obtains most of his plants from wholesalers in Arizona and Southern California. He and Lisa make annual trips to these dealers and load their trailer with the purchased items. Many of these plants are sold soon after he puts them on display. Others he plants or re-pots in his nursery for later sale. Most of his plants are cold hardy but, when the temperatures approach freezing, he is able to heat the greenhouses. During the warm weather and if there is not sufficient rainfall, he wa- ters the plants about every five days. The 1998 floods in the San Antonio area wiped out Paul’s inventory and grow- ing facilities. Following that event, he designed and built the in-ground beds in the front of his property that now yield such a visual de- light to visitors and passers- by alike. About 10 years ago, Paul established a website for the business, www. paulsdesert.com Visitors to the website can see samples of his inventory, learn about new arrivals, and ask ques- tions of Paul. Recently, he has added a presence on Facebook at www.facebook. com/paulsdesert. Paul has customers from several different states as well as Canada and Mexico. All sales, however, occur in-person at the nursery. Customers either take their purchases with them or mail them home themselves. I asked if he had a large base of repeat customers, devel- oped over the past 20 years. He explained that most of his customers were one- time buyers, because they purchased items for land- scaping their yards and were not likely to require addi- tional or replacement plants for a long time. About 10 years ago, Paul and Lisa visited native American arts/craft shows in Albuquerque and Gallup, N.M., and fell in love with the quality, craftsmanship and beauty of the jewelry, pottery, paintings, etc. Also, they visited a gem/mineral show in Tucson and were similarly impacted by the variety and beauty of the rocks and stones. They pur- chased some of the products and created a display in the cont’d on page 30 offi ce area to off er these items for sale to interested customers. Each year they bring new items to their inventory of these products. Potential customers can view samples of these items on Paul’s website. Paul has no formal training in horticulture. His knowl- edge comes from years of self-study and from his passion for his job. He reads extensively, and attends cactus club meetings, where he shares his expertise and obtains new information about cacti. One of the chal- lenging things he has had to learn is the proper botanical names for each plant. He ex- plained that, when dealing with wholesalers and to en- sure you receive exactly the plant you ordered, you must provide the item’s botani- cal name. Th e list of known Desert Oasis in Schertz cont’d from page 29 cacti is not a static one. Paul says new plant species are discovered each year, and there are new offi cial names to be added to his database. Paul also explained that sci- entifi c advances are chang- ing how some species are grown. For example, there are agave plants now being grown from tissue cultures as opposed to from seed. Paul Kibler is a success- ful entrepreneur not only because his business is thriving, but also because his job is his hobby. When I asked him if he ever gets to take vacations since the plant business is a seven day a week responsibility, he replied that, for him, every day is a vacation because he spends it doing what he loves. We’re here with online banking, mobile banking, 1,100+ ATMs and a banker that answers the phone when you call. TECHNOLOGY YOU EXPECT FROM A BIG BANK. SERVICE YOU DON’T. frostbank.com MEMBER FDIC Schertz (210) 220-6938 16895 Interstate 35 N Schertz, TX 78154 DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 35 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 34 FOCUZ Special Section Dedicated to the Hard Working Employees at the City of Schertz Willoughby and Public Works Keep City Rolling By Chuck McCollough Sam Willoughby’s path to Schertz included Aggies, oil wells and fishing buddies. The City of Schertz Public Works Director had very different career plans before he took a job on a City water crew 26 ago years in May. “I graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a degree in animal science (then call animal hus- bandry) with an eye on becoming a veterinarian. But there was a waiting list to get into the A&M Vet school at that time and I needed to make some money,” he said. Willoughby went live with his brother who was attending technical school in the San Antonio area. They later moved to Schertz and Willough- by took a job in the oil industry in South Texas. “I worked 7 days on and 7 days off in the oil patch and moved up quickly. Within nine months I was a driller. After about five or six years things slowed down and we had to work an oil rig with fewer people and that made it more dangerous.” At that time Willoughby enjoyed fishing with a group that included his brother and the brother in-law of a City of Schertz foreman. “I heard about a job open- ing in the water department and applied and was hired as an entry level serviceman in May 1987,” he said. The job included reading meters, repairing water lines, and work on City sewer lines and backing up what was then the Schertz Voluntary Fire Department. In those days one City department handled water and wastewater (sewer) issues while another depart- ment was responsible for streets, parks and animal control. Eventually, all those City functions were pulled to- gether into one department and renamed Public Works. Parks and Animal Control were later move out of Pub- lic Works. Willoughby said that made a lot of sense. “The change was much more efficient for everyone. Previ- ously when the water depart- ment had to do a repair job along a street it had to con- tact the street department and wait on them of have an open date. Having all opera- tions under one roof means coordinating all the activity and better service,” he said. And more efficiency was cru- cial as the City moved into the 1990s and the tremen- dous growth that followed. “Around 1993 Public Works Director John Bierschwale promoted me to assistant Public Works Director,” Wil- loughby said. Bierschwale is now the City Executive Director of Operation s. As assistant Public Works Director, Willoughby was at the forefront of continued change in the way the City maintained and enhanced its infrastructure and basic City services. FEATUREZ cont’d on page 36 DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 37 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 36 Willoughby And Public Works Keep City Rolling cont’d from page 35 “The changes in the Public Works Department were speeded up by the City’s growth - residential, commercial and industrial,” he said. All that growth put increasing demand on City services - especially Public Works - and required innovation and creativity from City staff. “The City realized more and more the importance and benefit of staff train- ing. That was really helpful in Public Works where cross-training was crucial. If we were short handed in one area we could pull from another area,” said Willoughby who was named Public Works Director in 2003. “When I started here in 1987 the population was about 10,000,” Wil- loughby said. “Now it is three times that and there are more roads, more water lines, more drainage area, more sidewalks, more of everything.” Willoughby said he prefers to be out of the office as much as possible - check- ing on the myriad of things Public Works is doing. “I don’t have the same job everyday. There is always some new and dif- ferent going on in our department … mostly in response to the pace of growth in our City. Just last January a two-man repair team that was part of the Facilities Maintenance depart- ment moved to Public Works. When the Public Works Director is not thinking about his department (he admitted that does happen) Wil- loughby likes to go for walks with his wife, Reesa, and spend time with his children and grandkids. He also likes to learn new things usu- ally by reading a book of exploring the vast Internet. Sharp Saving the World One Pillow At A Time By Lucille Sims ThomasSherrie Sharp knows what she is supposed to be doing with her life. Spend just five minutes in her presence and her passion for helping others will take your breath away. This enthusiastic vol- unteer leads the way when it comes to getting thing done that will benefit those in need. The Air Force veteran, wife of a 24-year Air Force veteran and mother of two, sacrifices her time, energy and money to put a smile on the faces of others with her comfort pillows. The pillows are her latest way of trying to ease the pain of people in hospitals or those diag- nosed with life-threatening illnesses. “This is my heart — this is what I do for a living. I don’t have a real paid job. I volun- teer throughout the commu- nity, and I do a lot in Schertz and I do a lot in the sur- rounding community and at Randolph,” Sharp said. Sharp met husband Noel while both were in the Air Force and after settling down to raise a family she started volunteering at a hospital in Elkhorn, Wis. As the patient advocate, Sharp started to give pillow and blankets to patients as a way to brighten their day while doing surveys as part of her volunteer duties. “I would take a basket of pillows in and I would give ’em a pillow and it brought the biggest smile to these people. And people started wanting pillows and I was like oh my God — I can’t take money for these pil- lows.” But making the pillows was expensive so she started do- ing fundraisers to offset the costs. This was the humble begin- ning of a ministry Sharp now calls Helping Hands Hand Stitched from the Heart. She and her hus- band are working on the documentation needed to turn the ministry into a real not-for-profit organiza- tion. Sharp makes it clear that her husband, though mostly remaining behind the scenes, is a very impor- tant part of her being able to successfully chase after her passion. “I could not do what I do without this man (her hus- band), Sharp said as tears welled up in her eyes. “He’s given me thousands. Every time I get a birthday gift - money- it goes right back into the ministry. He is my soul mate — he supports me in my endeavors.” The Sharp family moved to Schertz about eight PROFILEZ COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FEATURE FEATUREZ cont’d on page 38 Sharp Saving the World cont’d from page 37 years ago courtesy of the Air Force and decided to make the town their home after Noel retired from the military. Right after arriving here, Sharp started looking for volunteer opportunities and ways to put her fund- raising skills to good use. She joined the Randolph Enlisted Spouses Club and soon became assistant treasurer; volunteered at the Randolph Air Force Base Th rift Shop; helped at Silver Tree and Autumn Winds nursing homes and also of- fered her time and energy to Grasp Th rift Shop in Univer- sal City. She’s also assisted with fund-raisers for the local Lion’s Club. “Everywhere we’ve ever lived, I just stay busy,” Sharp said. Five years ago she became involved with a nonprofi t agency called A World For Children. According to its website, A World For Chil- dren is a nonprofi t agency that contracts with and is li- censed by the state of Texas to provide foster and foster- to-adopt services for abused and neglected children across the state. Sharp has used her expertise to raise money and solicit donations for the agency, which she said is near and dear to her heart. “I get emotional because old people and the young people are what I really focus on,” she said. In 2009, Sharp received the Air Force Certifi cate of Volunteer Excellence. Recipients of this award are selected annually by base commanders and are civilians who have demon- impacted by Hurricane Katrina. She’s learned how to get everyone from local businesses to high school students involved in her eff orts. Sharp was recently able to corral the community of Schertz together to send aid to the victims of the Oklahoma City tornadoes that happened earlier this year. She organized a huge community garage sale, got free use of the civic cen- ter, had her husband put together fl yers and pounded the pavement until the City of Schertz was able to send a check for $3,200 to the American Red Cross to help the tornado victims. Although she lost the sup- port of one of her biggest supporters with the recent death of her mother-in-law, Sharp still gets the whole family involved when she can. Sharp was born in Scotland to a father who was in the Air Force and a mother who was a native of that country. She has spent half of her life in Scotland and half in the U.S. Her daughter Cartney, a junior at Clemens High School, also makes pil- lows and sometimes goes to nursing homes with her mother. “It’s a family thing. I want her to be a good person and touch lives. Sometimes she writes stuff about me and I realize she’s paying at- tention to what I’m doing,” Sharp said. Son Rikki, 26, recently moved to Washington, D.C. He also has donated money and let his mother know he is proud of what she does. And since retiring from the military, her husband works in IT and also sets up web- sites to assist her fundrais- ing eff orts. Sharp admits it can get hec- tic sometimes as she strives to do as much volunteer work as possible. “It’s very stressful. You know who’s got cancer — you know whose kid’s been diagnosed with something. I can’t tell you how many pillows I’ve made for gener- als and colonels and people at the base because they’ve been diagnosed with some- thing. I’ve sent pillows all the way to Scotland.” Her best guess is that she has made over 3,500 pillows and she is still going strong. “To me, if you put a smile on someone’s face — that’s more rewarding than money or rank or prestige in a job. I live to bring a smile and to try to make the world a bet- ter place.” strated “exceptionally meri- torious volunteer service to the United States Air Force community.” While she and her fam- ily were in Elkhorn, Sharp honed her fund-raising skills by bringing the entire town together to send aid to a number of large scale disaster areas including the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia in 2004. She’s also led eff orts to as- sist victims of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks and those Sharp and husband Noel 41 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 CIVIC NEWZ YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ Schertz PD Holiday Safety Tips Are you planning to be out of town for the holiday season? Here are suggestions for you from the Schertz Police Department to ensure you return to your home without any undue surprises! 2. Donʼt Tip Off Criminals on the Web In a world where it seems everyone is using social networking sites like Face- book and Twitter, it’s im- portant to stop and think: Who exactly is reading this stuff ? Th e anonymity of the Internet can encourage us to share personal informa- tion without fully realizing that there may be hundreds of complete strangers receiving our daily updates. You should think twice about posting your detailed vacation plans on Twitter or Facebook -- especially if that information is visible to Internet users other than your friends and fam- ily (and it probably is). Be careful what you say on your answering machine or voice mail too. Callers don’t need to know that you’re not home -- they just need to know that you can’t come to the phone right now. 1. Ask a Friend to Help A way to gain peace of mind while traveling is to ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you’re away. He or she should also have your con- tact information and a copy of your itinerary in case of emergencies. Do you have more than one person visit- ing your house while you’re away? If so, tell them about each other. 3. Curtains Closed -- or Open? Before you leave for va- cation, you may decide to close your curtains to prevent people from peer- ing inside your home to see whether you’re there. However, closed curtains also stop those who aim to help -- the police, your neighbors or friends -- from seeing inside your house. So what’s your best bet? Leave your curtains exactly as you usually keep them when you’re home, since noticeable changes could hint that you’re not around. Move expensive items, like jewelry or cash, out of plain sight if they’re visible from the window. 4. The Lights Are on But No Oneʼs Home Don’t leave your lights on at home throughout your entire vacation in an eff ort to make it look like some- one is in the house. House lights blazing throughout the night might look a bit odd, no? Instead, purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. Criminals keeping an eye on your house will notice lights fl ipping on and off , and will probably assume someone is doing the fl ip- ping. 5. Stop Your Mail Either place a “stop” order on mail and newspapers, or arrange to have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail while you’re away. Oth- erwise, a week’s worth of letters piled on your front step could signal to crimi- nals that this particular homeowner is out of town. It’s easy to put your mail on hold, just go to the United States Postal Service Web site and you can place a “stop” order in a matter of minutes. 6. Remove Your Spare Key So reach under the mat, into the mailbox, above the door frame or into the fl ower pot and remove your spare key before you leave on your vacation. Are you planning to be out of town for the holiday season? Here are suggestions for you from the Schertz Police 3. Curtains Closed -- odd, no? Instead, purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. Criminals keeping an eye on your house will notice lights fl ipping on and off , and will probably assume 43 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 Supervisor Honored for Helping Deliver Baby - over the phone Veterans Memorial Plaza Gets Marble Plaques & Benches Crews from the City of Schertz Public Works Department and from GVEC recently moved marble benches and fi ve U.S. Military plaques into place at the Schertz Veterans Memorial Plaza on Schertz Park- way. Th e benches were set atop an inner star-shaped structure and the plaques - representing the military branches - were placed at the points of a larger, perimeter star-shape structure. Th e plaza is expect- ed to be completed by next summer. Sewer Averaging Will Affect Residentsʼ 2013-2014 Bills Sewer averaging for the winter months began on October 24, 2013, and continues through March 6, 2014, for cycle billing. Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. Th e readings will be averaged, and the average will be multiplied by $2.98 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons. For residents with averages greater than 12,001 gallons, the average will be multiplied by $3.83. Th at total will be added to the base rate of $5.06 for residential use. Th e result- ing average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, visit Schertz.com or call (210) 619- 1100. Wednesday, September 18, 2013, is a day Schertz Police Department Emergency Services Communications Super- visor Christine Cosen- tino will not soon forget. She calmed down an ex- cited 911 caller and then cooly led the person step by step in the in the delivery of a baby boy. Th e baby, Isaiah Ed- wards, his mother Cas- sandra Edwards, grand- father Matt Long, and Aunt Tracy Anderson attended a City Council meeting where Cosen- tino was honored by Schertz Police Chief Michael Hansen with an Exemplary Service Award. EMS Director Dudley Wait said it is a tradi- tion when individuals deliver a child that they are presented with a certifi cate and stork pin. Wait presented Cosen- tino, Matt Long, and Tracy Anderson with a certifi cate and stork pin. DECEMBER 2013 schertzmagazine.com 45 schertzmagazine.com DECEMBER 2013 44 Schertz Named One of the Safest Cities in Texas Schertz has been named one of the safest cities in Texas by Safewise, a home security com- pany. Safewise rated Schertz No. 28 on a list of 50 Safest Cities in Texas. The company said: “We’ve paired data from the most recent FBI Crime in the U.S. Report with our own thorough research to create a comprehen- sive list of the top 50 safest cities in Texas, with 20,000 residents or more, as of 2011. “If you’re considering a move to the Lone Star state, you’ll find the important FBI statistics and insightful community overviews provided in this report incredibly helpful,” Safewise said. And the security company had this to say about Schertz: Foresight, innovation and its location within the desirable San Antonio metropolitan area make Schertz a popular place to move to. The community is also decid- edly family oriented and safe. The FBI’s Crime Report shows authorities were made aware 70 burglaries in 2011, and no mur- ders or arsons. Business owners relocating to Schertz will be glad to know that it has the region’s highest propor- tion of military veterans, and a highly educated workforce (more than 30 percent of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher). A dozen colleges and universities surround the fast growing city, so there’s lots of opportunity for continuing education. Schertz cost of living is below the na- tional average and low property tax rates make homeownership refreshingly affordable. Kerrville was the only other San Antonio area city on the list. It was rated No. 42. Mayor Michael Carpenter re- marked “It is very satisfying to be ranked amongst the safest cities in Texas.” “We did not achieve this by ac- cident, nor did we develop this over the last few weeks - our Police Department, as well as our Marshal Service, Fire Depart- ment, EMS, the Schertz Citizen’s Patrol and the many neighbor- hood watch programs through- out the city made this happen, to- gether, over time,” he continued. “In the last year we have added hundreds of jobs, added a multi- tude of city services and lowered the city tax rate - doing those critical things while maintaining an environment that is safe for our families, in a nutshell, what defines a premier city. That’s who we believe we are, and who we continue to aspire to be, here in Schertz.” City Manager John Kessel said “Our Police Department and our Marshal’s Department deserve to be recognized for their con- sistent, dedicated service to the citizens of Schertz. I couldn’t be more proud of the both depart- ments for achieving this ranking.” Schertz Police Chief Michael Hansen reinforced the Mayor’s statement by saying, “For the City of Schertz to be recognized as one of the safest cities in Texas is a great honor and a testament to the partnership that is in place between the Community, the City and the Police Department.” He went on to explain, “Crime prevention is only effective when approached from the perspective of this partnership. The Police alone cannot stop crime. The City alone cannot create a safe setting. The Community, working in cooperation and partnership with the City and the Police is what creates the safe environ- ment. We all must continue these efforts without reduction, without lessening of our labors to maintain a unified vigilance.” The Marshal’s Department works with the Police Depart- ment, Council, Courts and other departments to create a safer and more attractive environment for everyone who lives or visits our City. We are proud of our employ- ees and citizens for helping us to be recognized as one of the safest cities in Texas. The Marshal’s Department works closely with residents, businesses, home- owner’s associations and neigh- boring law enforcement agencies to assure a great quality of life in Schertz,” Schertz Marshal Beverly Todd said City of Schertz Elected Offi cials Mayor: Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 Council Members: Jim Fowler (210) 658-1442 David Scagliola (830) 606-1130 George Antuna, Jr. (210) 627-9297 Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 Sydney H. Verinder (210) 204-2750 City Departments: City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 #info City Departments: (cont’d) Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com IMPORTANT SCHERTZ WEBSITES schertz.com visitschertz.com schertzmagazine.com Like us on Facebook December 2013 CITY CALENDARZ Tuesday, 3 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber Tuesday, 10 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 17 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Wednesday, 18 Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Monday, 23 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room Board of Adjustments, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 24 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Wednesday, 25 City Holiday Christmas Day (offi ces closed) Thursday, 26 Economic Development Corporation, 6:00 PM Council Chambers Tuesday, 31 City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber ***Meeting locations may change, please visit the calen- dar at www.schertz.com for confi rmation.*** SZ OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154