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05_May 2019
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS ma g a z i n e MAY 2019 City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Mark Davis Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez Councilmember Scott Larson Councilmember Cedric Edwards Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Allison Heyward Councilmember Tim Brown Councilmember Executive Team Mark Browne City Manager Brian James Assistant City Manager Kyle Kinateder Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager About Our Magazine Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of 38,000 residents. Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri County area with a circulation of 15,000 copies; including 13,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 12,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants. Mission Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community. Vision Community. Service. Opportunity. Core Values Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do the right thing. Be the best you can. Work cooperatively as a team. TABLE OF CONTENTS 09 16 City Headlines Library 32 41 47 Features Around the Community Calendar FEATURES Honoring Harry Hewlett There Grows the City 32 35 The Daily Grind of Public Works 12 Parks & Recreation 38 SCHERTZ.COM T he City of Schertz is built on a foundation of a strong mission, vision, and set of values. The core values – Respect, Integrity, Ownership, and Teamwork- are guidelines for staff to provide top notch service and a level of excellence. Of these four values, integrity has been one to which I've always remained true. A quote by Oprah reads, “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” With a strong hold on to one’s integrity, we do what is right, not necessarily what is easy. The departments you’ll read about in this issue exemplify this as much of the work they do is behind the scenes and makes major impacts without receiving recognition. The May issue of Schertz Magazine is always an awesome issue to publish because it highlights so many of the City’s departments that make significant differences in the community and honor staff who deserve the recognition. The feature articles this month hit the nail on the head when it comes to service and teamwork. One of the articles is a congratulatory piece honoring long serving firefighter, Harry Hewlett for his thirty years of service to the Schertz Fire Department. Harry is an employee who demonstrates the Melissa Geedman PUBLISHED MONTHLY BYPublic Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Devan FloresMarketing & Communications Specialist _________ Contributing WritersMelissa Geedman, Linda Klepper, Devan Flores, Stacey Lovett, Elizabeth Bertoia, Lauren Shrum, Kyle Kinateder, Chuck McCollough, Cary Corbin Contributing Photographers Melissa Geedman, Linda Klepper, Devan Flores, Stacey Lovett, B. Kay Richter, Chuck McCollough Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1630 or 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 magazine@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 affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official 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 final 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 VOLUME 35 ISSUE 5 City’s core values within his daily work routine and encourages his peers to do the same. The second highlights the City’s Public Works Department and the many projects they are currently working on. This department is up to their necks – quite literally- with projects and is prepared to work diligently and make some serious changes to improve streets and infrastructure in the community. All of these articles are true reflections of what hard work and teamwork truly mean. You’ll also find tucked in this issue several national months and weeks recognizing many departments: Police, Economic Development, Public Works, EMS, and Planning & Community Development. There will be plenty of opportunities in the upcoming weeks to not only interact with these departments at community engagement events but to also lend a sincere ‘thank you’ for their hard work and service. I challenge each and every one of you to do so; and remember, when you see road improvements, the law being enforced, ambulances running calls, and buildings making progress that City staff is backing the results up ensuring nothing but excellence comes of it. Wishing you and your families a wonderful May! Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Schertz Magazine May 2019 7 Schertz Magazine May 2019 9 The first Movie in the Park event of the year, featuring Hop, took place on Friday, March 29 at Wendy Swan Memorial Park. Without a doubt, this event cured spring fever with a beautiful evening of family entertainment. The Easter classic film invited a multitude of children to sport their self-made bunny headpieces and brought delicious refreshments for movie goers to enjoy. Schertz Event Specialist, Cassie Michels passed out wildflower seeds to families for Friday's program. She said that although this was the first event of the year, these types of family-oriented outings will be happening all over the City in the upcoming months. "We will have something happening in every area of Schertz as the series continues over the summer months," Michels said. "We will have a Float and Flick night at the pool and residents can find the schedule online or in the Schertz Parks & Recreation FUN Guide." CityHeadlines Hopping Into Spring with a Festive Movie Michels said the City plans to offer entertainment and outdoor-themed events on Friday nights in various locations around the city. "The next event is the Music in the Park Date Night featuring local musician Austin Forrest on May 3 at Pickrell Park," Michels said. As the weather turns warmer and the months' transition to summer, residents are encouraged to participate in the City programming which is already underway. "July is National Park and Recreation Month, and this year's theme is "Game On!", said the Director of Parks and Recreation, Lauren Shrum. "We're hosting a Family Fun Game Day at Pickrell Park Pool on July 5, a Teen Night on July 12, a Float and Flick at Pickrell Park Pool on July 19, and a Music in the Park event on July 26 at Rhine Valley Park." Residents can find the full listing of events at Schertz.com. In an effort to improve communication during emergency situations, the City of Schertz encourages residents to register for the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) system. Use of this system allows local public safety officials the ability to send mass notifications to registered users through both land-lines and a variety of electronic devices during a natural or man-made emergency in the area. Traditional systems similar to this were previously limited to land-line phones. Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar Counties have improved the system and now register multiple means of communication so that mobile contact information is included in the 911 database. It is important to note that citizens must be registered in REAN to receive notifications. During the registration process users are able to opt-in to receive emergency notifications via phone call, text messaging, and/or email based on addresses that they specify (home, work, school, parent's house, etc.). Alerts will be disseminated during the duration of an emergency and will cease to broadcast when public safety officials deem the imminent threat has passed or activation settings expire. The City of Schertz encourages residents to also stay informed during emergencies by monitoring local radio and television stations. In areas of potential immediate impact, the Police, Fire and EMS Department first responders may go door-to-door with information or instruction. The City's website also provides information to the media and the public during emergency situations. This information can be accessed from a computer or electronic devices. The City of Schertz also encourages residents to stay up to date by following the Schertz Police Department Facebook page. Go to Schertz.com now to register. Sign Up for REAN Alerts Schertz Magazine May 2019 11 Community Brings Awareness of Child Abuse To help bring awareness and prevent child abuse, Schertz Police Department partnered with Childsafe for their Cardboard Kids campaign. At the April 2 Schertz City Council meeting, a proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness month was read and the creative cardboard kids- designed by area community members and Schertz City staff-were displayed in the Council Chambers, each one representing one of the thousands of children who suffer abuse and neglect at the hands of adults in Bexar County every year. In addition, the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, along with Schertz PD, set up their annual Pinwheel displays throughout the City of Schertz on Tuesday, April 2. The pinwheels were placed at RE/MAX, Schertz PD, the Guadalupe County Annex building, and Schertz United Methodist Church. Each pin represents each child that was interviewed at the advocacy center for allegations of abuse/neglect. This year they had 993 pinwheels to set up at each location. SSLGC Plaque Dedication On March 21, the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) held a plaque unveiling ceremony to honor two longtime public servants: former Schertz Mayor, Hal Baldwin and former Seguin City Councilmember, Rodger Weyel. Both individuals dedicated much of their time in public service to the development and growth of the SSLGC water production and delivery systems which provide water for the cities of Schertz and Seguin. SSLGC named the Booster Pump Station building, located at 550 Elm Creek Rd. Seguin, TX, to honor Hal Baldwin and his efforts in ensuring a reliable source of clean drinking water for Schertz residents. The booster pump station building was selected because it is a key part of the system generating the pressure required to push the water to reach Schertz. The plaque reads as follows: "Hal Baldwin served the City of Schertz for almost 40 years as a civic volunteer, an employee, a council member, and Mayor. During his time on the Schertz City Council, Hal Baldwin worked tirelessly to ensure the City of Schertz had an abundant and reliable supply of clean drinking water that would last decades into the future. As Mayor, in the late 1990’s he was an original supporter of the initiative to develop this long-term water supply through the creation of the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation’s regional water project. This booster pump station is an appropriate facility to recognize Mayor Baldwin’s steadfast leadership, strength, and perseverance in this pursuit as it sits here quietly working to bring drinking water to the citizens he served with pride and distinction." For more information on SSLGC or Schertz’ water supply go to Schertz.com. Schertz Magazine May 2019 12 STAY INFORMED!Follow us on Facebook at cityofschertz andcityofschertzparksandrecreation WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT!Follow us on Instagram at @SchertzParksandRec and use #SchertzParksandRec when posting. CRESCENT BEND BIRDING WALK Join us at Crescent Bend Nature Park for the next Birding Walk on May 21 from 8:00 – 11:00 AM. Meet in the first parking lot with leader Sandi Wheeler for a walk through the park to learn about the bird life. Bring your binoculars, cameras, water, and snacks. All levels of birders are welcome from beginners to experts. NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES SPRING 2019 Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This free program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs held at 10:00 AM at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Upcoming 2019 dates and topics are: May 11: Discover What’s Swimming MAKE A SPLASH THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKENDPickrell Park Pool is opening up for a weekend of Memorial Day fun to enjoy the weekend with loved ones and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Join us on Friday, May 24 for a special Movie in the Park Float & Flick featuring Max, a movie about a highly trained military service dog who comes home from the war in Afghanistan to live with his former partner’s brother. The event starts at 7:00 PM and is free to the public. There will be refreshments available for purchase. Pickrell Park Pool will remain open all three days of Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) from 12:00-7:00 PM. Entry is $2 per day and $3 for unlimited entry per day. We hope to see you out at the pool enjoying the first of many warm Texas days! June 8: Discover a Bug’s World Schertz Magazine May 2019 13 The Buffalo Valley Youth Association kicked off their 2019 spring season with all of the small town pomp and circumstance that these little leaguers deserved. Over 1,100 baseball and softball players paraded down Schertz Parkway into the complex alongside their coaches, waving to the family and community onlookers lining the route. This level of support makes it about more than winning or losing a game, it creates the experience of taking part in the togetherness and childhood fun of America’s favorite pastime while also strengthening the community. BVYA President, Johnie McDow, took time out in the opening prayer during the convocation following the parade to make this point – at the end of the day it’s all about the kids and them having fun. This positive sentiment and true team leadership led to an honor McDow deserved that day too – the official unveiling of the ballpark sign reading “Johnie McDow Sports Complex”. Johnie has given a heartfelt dedication of three decades to the BVYA sports association and has not only seen his own kids go through the program but has also stepped up to the plate to lead the next generations in carrying on its spirit. Mayor Michael Carpenter threw out the first baseball pitch of the season, and the Mayor of Cibolo, Stosh J. Boyle, followed with tossing out the first softball, signifying the bond that this volunteer community organization holds with the City. Following the opening ceremonies, everyone broke off for team photos, games, and browsing the local vendors and food trucks. Together, BVYA, the City, volunteers, families, and friends all put on a day of celebration for the kids and knocked the spring sports season out of the park. BVYA SPRING SEASON OPENER A HOME RUN! Schertz Magazine May 2019 14 Schertz Magazine May 2019 15 Keepin’ Schertz Movin’ A little rain didn’t stop Schertz residents from getting out and participating in the 2nd annual Movin’ on Main event. The City and the area YMCA partnered to get the community outside and participating in physical recreational activities while showcasing local programs that do the same. While the spring showers delayed the kickoff by about a half an hour, all ages came out with the sun to walk, bike, scooter, skate, and even unicycle down Main Street among several vendors set up alongside. The puddles only added to the fun as the kids rolled and splashed through them down the half mile stretch of road blocked off from Schertz Parkway to Lindberg Avenue. Participants not only got to enjoy playing in the city streets but visited stops along the way to discover area recreational programs and get information on what vendors had to offer. Movin’ on Main brought fun to the historic center of Schertz by joining with local organizations and businesses. The diversity of organizations that lined Main Street showed off what all they offer from belly dancing, to baton twirling, to Zumba and mommy & me fitness groups. This event allowed people to discover something new to get out and enjoy that also benefits their health and wellbeing - not to mention bring them out and a little closer to their community. Afterall, a community that moves together, grows together! Schertz Magazine May 2019 16 Texas Libraries Launch Local Author Contest Texas Author Project creates opportunities for indie-published authors. Schertz Public Library is pleased to join in the announcement of a local author contest that will accept submissions of adult and young adult fiction, to be recognized as the top independently-published eBooks in Texas. Winners in each category will receive $500 as well as: • Inclusion in Indie Texas a digital collection of local authors on BiblioBoard Library • Honors at the 2020 Public Library Association Conference in Nashville, TN • Opportunities to promote the winning title at Texas public libraries • Inclusion in a full page spread in Library Journal, one of America’s oldest and most renowned trade publications for library news The creation of the Texas Author Project gives librarians not only a chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices, but also an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works. For indie-published authors, the contest is a fantastic prospect to elevate their careers and business. Along with the accolade of the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility in the growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books. Winning authors will reach hundreds if not thousands of new readers via the library, and can also leverage being an award-winning indie author for additional marketing opportunities. The Schertz Public Library is very excited to participate in the first ever Texas Indie Author Project and hope many of our talented local authors submit their work to the contest. • Each book that is submitted to the contest must be: Independently-published • In the category of adult or young adult fiction • Written by a Texas resident • Available in either PDF or ePUB format The contest will accept submissions April 1 through May 31, 2019. Authors can submit at indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/Texas Contact: Lizzi Bertoia, Adult Services Librarian Schertz Public Library (210) 619-1700 ebertoia@schertz.com MAY CALENDAR FOURTH ANNUAL TEE OFF FOR THE LIBRARY During our annual Summer Reading Program at the Schertz Public Library, the Schertz Library Foundation is once again sponsoring the annual Tee Off for the Library event. The mini golf course will be open on Saturday, June 22 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and will give residents of the community an opportunity to experience the library in a new and exciting way. This will be a family-fun event for all ages! All proceeds from this event will help the library add sound mitigating panels to the library foyer in an effort to reduce noise and reverberation. For $5.00 per person you get to play the 18 hole course and will receive a hot dog, chips & a drink. Please contact the library (210) 619-1700 or email librarian@schertz.com for more information. 2019 SUMMER READING PROGRAM Summer Reading is back at the Schertz Public Library this June and July. The theme this summer is A Universe of Stories with a focus on science fiction and outer space. We are planning an exciting program full of fun activities, reading, and exploration for all ages. Be sure to join us at open house registration day on Friday, June 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. BRAINFUSE LIVE ONLINE TUTORING Brainfuse HelpNow is an all-in-one suite of tutoring services designed for a wide range of academic needs whether it’s tackling a tough homework problem, mastering a particular topic, or writing a paper. Students can access live, on-demand academic help from expert tutors from 2:00 - 11:00 PM. With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in our online classroom by typing, drawing, and marking-up lessons and web content. All you need to get started is a Schertz Public Library card. Log in to Brainfuse today at main. schertzh.tx.brainfuse.com. DISCOVERY! The Discovery program offers hands-on exploring for young learners in many different topics including science, literature, technology, and more. This program is designed for elementary-aged kids curious about the world. Come each week and discover something new! Recommended for ages 5 & up. Join us Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 PM or Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 PM in the Program Room. LEGO® LAB Think you're a master LEGO® builder? Join other LEGO® enthusiasts at the library and hone your skills. Our monthly events include a themed LEGO® build where you can create your own masterpiece. You may even find your work on display in the library. This program is free & open to elementary-age children. LEGOS® are provided, just bring your imagination. Join us on May 4 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM in the Program Room. SHORT STORY WRITING WORKSHOP Join veteran publishers and editors, Max Booth III and Lori Michelle, as they lead an 8-month drop-in course on writing an effective short story. The first session will be held Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 PM. They will teach topics including characterization, dialogue, how to avoid plot pitfalls, mistakes short story writers make and how to make your story marketable. This program is intended for adults and older teenagers (15+). TEEN ADVISORY BOARD The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a new monthly open-forum lead by the library’s teen volunteers, where teens discuss the issues related specifically to teen use of the library (materials and events). TAB helps the Youth Services Librarian come up with new library events especially designed for teens. They also spend time hanging out, getting to know each other, and eating free food! We always need more teens willing to share ideas and suggestions on how to make the library a better place for teens. Anyone ages 13 to 18 are welcome to attend the meetings which are held the first Tuesday of each month from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Check the online calendar at schertzlibrary.org for exact dates and times. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 7 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM in the Program Room. SCRAPBOOKING TECHNIQUES CLASS: PRONTO PAGES Want to get your memories into an album fast? Join us for a couple hours for a scrapbooking techniques class to learn Pronto Pages on Thursday, May 30 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Pre-registration is required. We will complete one 2 page layout in 12x12 format. All supplies can be found online or at a local craft store. Please visit schertzlibrary.org for a complete list of supplies. BOOK ENDS AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB The library book club meets the second Thursday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. On Thursday, May 9, join us for a discussion of Leadership by Sandra Kearns Goodwin beginning at 1:30 PM. Pre- registration is not required. POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, May 9 from 6:30-8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of local poets. Sign-up for readers will be available the night of the program. The library holds an open mic event once a month. AFTERNOON CROCHET LESSONS The Schertz Public Library has started a new afternoon crochet program that will teach anyone interested in learning the craft a different lesson each month. This month’s class will be held on Monday, May 6th at 12:30 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. Pre- registration is required. SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGY INFORMATION The Schertz Area Genealogy group meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month, except July, at the Schertz Public Library. The meetings are at 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1 with speakers or general discussion about worldwide research. The May 7 meeting will have a speaker from San Antonio Public Library’s Texana Room who will demonstrate how to find the history of your house. FROM STUCK TO UNSTOPPABLE: A VISION WORKSHOP In 1853, Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, a famous essay which contains a hidden code for prosperous living. During this dynamic workshop, you will unlock this code, so you can harness your life’s purpose and the prosperity you deserve. Join us Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 PM in Library Meeting Room 1. GVEC RUSH HOUR REWARDS PROGRAM PRESENTATION Join us Monday, May 20 from 1:00 -2:00 PM in Library Meeting Room 1 for a presentation by GVEC. They will be at the library to present their Rush Hour Rewards Program and answer any questions. Pre- registration not required. Schertz Magazine May 2019 19 Schertz Rolls Out New Water Meters Schertz Fights the Bite Fourth of July is just around the corner, but itchy mosquito bites may already be a problem in your neighborhood. In honor of their upcoming National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 23—June 29, 2019), the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has tips to help you declare independence from those pesky blood-suckers. AMCA recommends people follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away: • Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week • Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing • Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus Pools are open and grills are going, but are you cooking up a breeding ground for mosquitoes? Make your yard a mosquito-free zone by disposing of any tires as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Some other helpful tips include drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys; repairing leaky outdoor faucets; and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week. Joseph Conlon, AMCA Technical Advisor says, “Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to a community-wide control program. Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.” Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance, their bites can spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus. “We already have the mosquitoes. We are continually importing the diseases they carry,” said Conlon. “We must be prepared to prevent their spread throughout our public health landscape – and this requires safe, effective, sustained mosquito control, and awareness in the community.” For more information on National Mosquito Control Awareness Week and how you can protect yourself and family from mosquitos, please visit AMCA online at mosquito.org. The City of Schertz is purchasing new water meters that will increase efficiencies in the water department and improve accuracy in reading water usage. The vote to approve the new water meters was made during the August 14 Schertz City Council Meeting. Water utility customers will start seeing their water meters replaced as part of the City's Advanced Water Meter System project, a new service enhancement initiative to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) throughout the community. The city-wide installation of 14,208 new meters is projected to take 9 months. Once installed, the new meter system will provide customers with more accurate water usage data that is updated multiple times throughout the day, water budget and water consumption threshold alerts, comparative data, leak alerts and notifications from the City. Professional Meters Inc, (PMI) will be installing these meters on behalf of the City of Schertz. Their vehicles and personnel will be clearly marked. PMI workers can be identified by wearing a neon yellow shirt and driving a PMI marked truck. PMI will be changing out all water meters located on the outside of the residents' home, and the company should never ask to have access to the inside of the house or garage. PMI will make an attempt to see if a resident is home by knocking on the door to inform the resident their meter is going to be changed. PMI will leave a yellow door hanger once the change has been completed. Your water service will see an average of 10 minutes interruption during the meter change out. If you are experiencing any issues and need assistance, please call City of Schertz at (210) 619-1000. City of Schertz Participates in Worldwide Campaign to Promote Building Safety This May, the City of Schertz Planning & Community Development department is participating in the 39th annual Building Safety Month to promote building safety to the community. First observed in 1980, Building Safety Month raises awareness about critical safety issues from structural to fire prevention, plumbing and mechanical systems, and energy efficiency. This year’s theme is No Code. No Confidence. Building codes and the officials who enforce them are making our community safer and more resilient. Homes and buildings that are built in compliance with building safety codes result in resilient structures that minimize the risks of death, injury and property damage. Building safety affects everyone, and updating building codes to meet modern standards can save lives. The international building codes adopted by our community are the most widely used and adopted set of building safety codes in the U.S. and around the world. This year’s themes are: May 1–5, Preparing for Disasters: Build Strong, Build Smart May 6–12, Ensuring a Safer Future Through Training and Education May 13–19, Securing Clean, Abundant Water for All Communities May 20–26, Construction Professionals and Homeowners: Partners in Safety May 27–31, Innovations in Building Safety Local events to promote Building Safety Month include: Ask an Inspector – A City Inspector will be available to answer building code and safety questions at the Schertz Lowe’s, 17280 Interstate 35 N Presentations at local schools Contractor meetings Learn more about Building Safety Month at buildingsafetymonth.org. CityHeadlines The City of Schertz hosted a Community Volunteer Fair on Thursday, April 11 at the Schertz Civic Center where the community gathered to connect with local non-profit agencies and organizations to seek volunteer opportunities. Attendees had a chance to learn more about the volunteer opportunities City Boards & Commissions and local organizations have to offer. The fair was free and open to the public. Over forty organizations came out to the Schertz Civic Center in hopes of attracting some new volunteers. Some of the organizations who participated included Communities in Schools of South Texas, Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center, Meals on Wheels, Love Where You Live, Homes for Pets, and many more! If you missed the Community Volunteer Fair but are interested in volunteering, please contact us at (210) 619-1030. Community Members Strive to Give CityHeadlines Schertz Fire Rescue Launches 2019 Fire Academies The 2019 dates have been announced for the Schertz Fire Rescue Jr. and High School Fire Academies. The Jr. Fire Academy is open to 5th and 6th graders, and the new High School Fire Academy is open to 9th-12th graders. Both academies will be June 3-7 from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. The Schertz Fire Rescue Fire Academies give students a chance to learn about some of the daily operations of the Schertz Fire Department while getting hands on with some fun activities. The program is open to boys and girls in the Schertz community and instils camaraderie, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. Student firefighters will receive hands on training and experience of day-to-day firefighter duties. Participants will learn a variety of firefighting skills including rope rescue, fire streams, hazmat response, vehicle extrication, thermal imagery, pumping operations, fire extinguisher training, fire chemistry and fire prevention. The High School Fire Academy will offer an advanced learning experience where they will dive deeper into these skills and topics. High school students can experience what being a firefighter is like and decide if a career in firefighting is in their future. Registration is now open, and we encourage early registration as space is limited. For more information and to register call (210) 619-1300. Enhancing the Local Economy The City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (“SEDC”) in partnership with the City and area counties celebrates Economic Development Week; this year will be celebrated May 6-11. Economic Development Week was established by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life. Within the City of Schertz, economic development efforts are led by the SEDC, a non-profit industrial development corporation that was establish by Schertz residents in 1998. The SEDC receives one-half of one percent of all sales tax generated within the City of Schertz. The SEDC is authorized to use these funds to undertake specific projects that have been identified to help grow our local economy. Join us and learn more about economic development and the specific efforts within our community through a series of blog posts that will be released on the SEDC website. CityHeadlines Honoring the Blue In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This year, National Police Week will be held the week of May 12 -18. This nationally recognized week pays special gratitude to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others, while honoring America's law enforcement community still serving today. The Schertz Police Department will be hosting a Police Memorial on Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will be held in the Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg 5. The community is welcome to attend the ceremony as we honor the lives of fallen brothers and sisters. While fortunately Texas did not lead the nation this year in officer casualties in the line of duty, in 2018 we suffered a total of 11 fallen officers. Please join us in honoring our police officers this May for their service and sacrifice to our community. Schertz Magazine May 2019 25 Recognizing the Frontline of Health Care National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." EMS Week, recognized May 19-25, 2019, is the perfect time to recognize EMS and all that its practitioners do for our nation. The 2019 EMS Week theme is Beyond the Call. Schertz EMS will be hosting a Take 10 event at the Community Center on May 26 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Take 10 stands for “Take 10 minutes to learn compression only CPR.” It is a community-based CPR training that is simple, fast and free. Cardiac arrest is an all-too-common and deadly event that can happen anywhere, anytime to anyone. If more people know what to do, more people can survive. Take 10 is a 10 minute, three-step, hands-on training that provides practice for giving compressions and the confidence to act in an emergency. In addition to Take 10, the Schertz EMS Community Health Team will be going to thirteen SCUCISD schools throughout EMS Week demonstrating hands only CPR to 3rd graders through high school age students. Last year the department demonstrated hands only CPR to over 7,000 students who were shown how to respond to a cardiac arrest, how to call 911, the information dispatcher might ask, and they were able to practice CPR. Join us in thanking our Emergency Medical Services personnel throughout EMS week for keeping Schertz a safe community. It Starts with Public Works The American Public Works Association (APWA) is proud to announce “It Starts Here” as the theme for the 2019 National Public Works Week, May 19-25, 2019. This theme represents the many facets of modern civilization that grow out of the efforts put forth by the public works professionals across North America. It starts here! Infrastructure starts with public works. Growth and innovation starts with public works. Mobility starts with public works. Security starts with public works. Healthy communities start with public works. The bottom line is that citizens' quality of life starts with public works. Every year National Public Works Week gets bigger and better. The number of participating municipalities continues to grow, which means the number of citizens who are exposed to the value of public works. At APWA one of the main goals is to educate the general public about the value and necessities of public works projects throughout North America. You can find out more about the many projects Schertz Public Works is currently working on and more about the department’s divisions in the feature articles this month. Please join us in thanking our Public Works crews for their hard work and dedication to the Schertz community. Schertz Magazine May 2019 26 Volunteers Needed for City Boards & Commissions One way for the City of Schertz citizens to actively participate in local government is to become involved as a member of a board or commission. All members of these active groups are volunteers who are responsible for making decisions and advising the city council on several issues from expenditure of public funds to zoning questions. Applications can be found at Schertz.com and e-mailed to bdennis@schertz.com or gwilkinson@schertz.com or faxed to (210) 619-1039. For more information contact the City Secretary's Office at (210) 619-1030 or go to Schertz.com. Animal Services Advisory Committee Purpose: To encourage responsible pet ownership by providing an animal registration program, field enforcement services, educational services, and life safety services. The humane care and successful adoption and placement of stray and unwanted animals and the eradication of rabies from the community’s animal population. Members: Members shall include at least one licensed veterinarian, one City official, one person involved in daily operation of the Animal Service Facility, and one representative from an animal welfare organization. Membership consists of 6 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Wednesday of the following months: February, May, August, and November. Meetings are at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4. Economic Development Corporation Board Purpose: The Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is to foster and promote responsibility, economic development activities that result in capital investment, job creation, business retention, an increased tax base and improved and sustainable quality of life for the citizens of Schertz and community at large. The SEDC Board of Directors serves an advisory board for all activities, programs and projects that further these objectives. Members: Membership consists of 7 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers Bldg. 4. In addition to monthly meetings, volunteers are encouraged to contribute additional time to business openings, visits to interested businesses, meetings with staff and prospective clients, and activities that may involve several additional times each month during the day and evening hours. Current Openings: 2 Regular Positions Library Advisory Board Purpose: To advise City Council on continued development and improvements of the Schertz Public Library and services. Members: Membership consists of 12 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Monday of each month. Meetings are at 6:30 PM in Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1. NOTE: There will be no meeting in July. During the following months, the Library Board will meet on the following date: September 9th (the 2nd Monday) Current Openings: 1 Regular Position Schertz Magazine May 2019 27 Transportation Safety Advisory Commission Purpose: Makes recommendations to help identify and resolve transportation-related safety concerns; including local roadway problems, parking, roadway bicycle use, creating pedestrian- friendly areas, and neighborhood traffic calming. Members: Membership consists of 9 members and 2 alternates. Members serve one or two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4. NOTE: There will be no meeting in July or December Board of Adjustment Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking variances to the Zoning Ordinance regulations and construction violations or to a decision made by an administrative official enforcing the ordinance. Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting. Building & Standards Commission Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking an appeal to a decision of the Fire Marshal or Building Official, and reviews and takes action on buildings found to be in violation of certain city ordinance or a public nuisance. Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Additional Qualifications: To the extent possible, members of the Commission should be qualified in one of the following fields: 1. Registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction; 2. Registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical contractor or plumbing contractor; 3. Registered design professional with structural engineering experiences; 4. Registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor; 5. Registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor Registered Design Professional is defined as an individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state of Texas. Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting. Current Openings: 1 Regular Position and 2 Alternate Positions Historical Preservation Committee Purpose: Assist in the preservation of historic Schertz through programs and projects that increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, and architectural preservation. Collect, authenticate, assemble, display and archive artifacts, documents, photographs, structures, and places of historic interests. Members: Membership consists of 14 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the following months: January, April, July, and October. Meetings are at 6:30 PM in the Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1. Current Openings: 1 Regular Position Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Purpose: Provide a forum to communicate between the citizens and City Officials in the stewardship and conservation of Schertz’s natural and recreational resources, while promoting the well being of the community and improvement of the quality of life for all residents. Members: Membership consists of 9 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets bi-monthly on the fourth Monday of the month. Meetings are at 5:30 PM in Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1. NOTE: During the following months, the Parks Board will meet on the following date: May 20th (the 3rd Monday) and November 18th (the 3rd Monday) Current Openings: 2 Regular Positions Planning & Zoning Commission Purpose: To ensure planned and purposeful development in the City of Schertz and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, to protect the integrity of our natural resources and neighborhoods, and to enforce State and Local statutes and ordinances. Members: Membership consists of 7 members and 1 alternate. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Meetings are at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers Bldg. 4. NOTE: During November and December, P&Z only meets once a month: November 13th (the 2nd Wednesday) and December 11th (the 2nd Wednesday) Council on the Go Brings a Packed House It was a packed house for the latest Council on the Go Meeting held in the northern region of Schertz on Tuesday, April 16 at Scenic Hills Community Center. The meeting began at 6:30 PM with a staff meet and greet and proceeded with a viewing of the City’s State of the City video followed by presentations from staff on various topics. Agenda items for discussion included updates on FM 1103 and I-35 construction, area drainage projects, the Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM) program, Parks & Recreation updates, and the Water Meter Replacement Program. A question and answer session followed the presentations. City Engineer, Kathy Woodlee provided attendees updates on FM 1103 and I-35 construction. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) construction continues on the FM 1103 Bridge over IH 35. The future bridge will include turnarounds, two main lanes, and three turn lanes. This construction is estimated to be complete in June of this year. The current let date for the additional roadway improvements on FM 1103 is May 2020. The full construction period is expected to be four years and includes construction in Schertz and Cibolo. The proposed roadway will include four 11 foot travel lanes (two in each direction), raised medians and left turn lanes, two 5 foot bike lanes in each direction, and curbs and 6 foot sidewalks on both sides of the road. TxDOT will also be doing some operational improvements on IH 35 from FM 2252 to Schwab Road and is set to start the I-35 NEX (Northeast Expansion) Project from AT&T Parkway to FM 1103 in 2021. For more information on TxDOT projects in our area, go to txdotsanantonio.blogspot.com. The area drainage project update given by Public Works Manager, Doug Letbetter included information on two area drainage projects on Greenridge located in Fairhaven and Hidden Grove located in Woodland Oaks. These projects were funded using leftover Drainage Bond funds from the 2017-2018 approved budget. The City began the Street Preservation and Maintenance program (SPAM) after the 2016 MicroPAVER Roadway Assessment Report of the City’s street infrastructure. This project comprised of 12.44 miles of road includes Northcliffe, Greenfield Village, Schertz Magazine May 2019 31 The Estates at Wilson’s Preserve, Deer Haven, and Lone Oak. The project also addresses sections of Live Oak Road, Randolph Avenue, Tri-County Parkway, Schertz Parkway, and Curtiss Avenue. Maintenance on these roads consist of chip sealing, crack sealing, spot base repairs, mill & overlay, asphalt leveling, and some full reconstructions. Design is currently being finalized for these projects. Make sure to check Schertz.com for updates regarding this program. Parks & Recreation Director, Lauren Schrum gave an update on the new parks and recreation programs. New this year are two adult recreation leagues – dodgeball and kickball. Several new additions to City parks have been made including the new Community Playscape restrooms, garden pergola and seating area at the Schertz Area Senior Center, and the new monument sign at the newly renamed Johnie McDow Sports Complex. The department is also working diligently on renovations at Ashley Park and parks maintenance projects throughout the City. Two new upcoming projects include a disc golf course at Cypress Point Park and a park development plan for undeveloped park property at Jimmy Walker Dr. Make sure to check out the Schertz Parks & Recreation FUN Guide for more CityHeadlines on everything the Schertz Parks & Recreation Department has to offer! The Water Meter Replacement Program presentation given by Utility Billing Assistant Manager, Rodolfo Rosales, provided an overview of the project and let residents know what they could expect during the replacement process. The presentation also provided a new helpful tool designed to assist customers in understanding the details on their utility bill. This resource can be found on Schertz.com. Residents were encouraged to visit with City staff and council members after the meeting to discuss their concerns and needs. The full video from this meeting can be found on the City of Schertz YouTube Channel. The last Council on the Go meeting of 2019 will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School. S ervice is not doing what’s required of us, rather it is going above and beyond expectations and outperforming. After over thirty years of service given to the Schertz Fire Department, Battalion Chief, Harry Hewlett leads by example to his fellow firefighters just what dedication and commitment stands for. With decades of experience under his belt, Harry now tracks his years of service by counting enhancements made to fire apparatuses, the positions he’s achieved in rank, and advances in firefighting equipment he’s seen evolve. Honoring Harry Hewlett By: Melissa Geedman Schertz Magazine May 2019 32 of fire prevention information. Harry also organized the first fundraiser for a fellow firefighter’s son who was suffering from cancer. The fundraiser was a huge success and was repeated years to follow. This charitable deed evolved and eventually was taken over by the Little Fighter Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps families of children who are dealing with cancer. It goes without saying, Harry truly cares about the wellbeing of people: those closest to him and those he’s never even met. When asked what the most rewarding aspect of working as a firefighter was, he didn’t even hesitate when he said it was being able to be there for some of his friends as their families went through the worst days of their lives. He mentioned how gratifying it was being someone they know they can talk to during difficult times. “I have seen friends and family lose family members and have fires in their homes that have not been easy. I feel extremely blessed to have been given this gift from God to help others,” he graciously mentioned. Much as it is apart of the industry, his enthusiasm and commitment to the Schertz Fire Department were unfortunately met with some up and downhill challenges along the way. Being the family man that he is, Harry said it was incredibly upsetting at times to miss milestone events in his family’s lives, particularly the absence of birthdays, holidays and children’s sporting events, but more so the deaths of his grandfather, parents, sister and nephew, all having occurred on a day he was on shift. These rough patches never deterred Harry’s passion for the firefighting life though, always remembering why he was drawn into the profession as a young man in the first place. “Just about everyone that I come into contact with related to work has helped me be a better firefighter. Many have taught me Born in Dover Township, New Jersey, at the age of seven his family relocated to Cibolo, Texas, a close area to where he continues to reside today. It was the summer of Harry’s freshman year of high school when he was exposed to the world of firefighting as his church brought him close to some of the older men who worked for the Northcliffe Volunteer Fire Department. While he was too young to ride on the engine, when the NVFD received a call, Harry would get to the scene on his bike-sometimes faster than the firefighters- intrigued to learn and see firsthand the ins and outs of their jobs. It didn’t take long for Harry to get hooked and realize his calling for firefighting. “Many of the people living in Northcliffe at the time all knew each other, and to see them hurting from the loss of a fire, I knew that I wanted to do all I could to help stop the cause of that pain,” Harry commented. Harry joined the Schertz Fire Department in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter while he completed his junior year at Samuel Clemens High School. After graduating in 1988, he registered for the fire academy program at Texas A&M. He spent much of his weekends driving back and forth between Schertz and College Station so he could continue to work shifts at the fire station on the weekends. Harry worked through the fire academy as a part-time employee until he was offered full-time employment with the department. The department's equipment, tools, and safety practices were not the only facets to evolve over the past three decades; Harry climbed the ranks of the fire department promoting his way up to where he stands today as Battalion Chief. The first six years of his career were spent as a firefighter and driver (Fire Apparatus Operator). Harry was promoted to Lieutenant in 1992; three short years later he was promoted to Captain. Both the City of Schertz and the Fire Department faced tremendous growth approaching the new millennium, and as a result a second fire station was needed. It was during this time of expansion that Harry was promoted to Battalion Chief. The best way to describe Harry is “get ‘er done,” an expression you’ll often hear him exude loud and proud. Harry sees a need and fills it; this has been recognized from several fundraising initiatives and projects he’s taken on. Over the years, Harry has been instrumental in developing and overseeing the Special Operations Team for Schertz Fire Rescue. His leadership role and ambitious tendencies to grow the Special Ops team lead him and the department to build a five-story rescue training tower located behind Fire Station 1. Harry saw the need for a place to practice the skills necessary for the team’s operations, so he began working with local private sponsors for funding and eventually coordinated the project. His efforts saved the City tens of thousands of dollars and were able to offer new training opportunities for the department. He was also a key leader in the fundraising and implementation of the fire safety house project, which is a tool allowing the department to teach fire safety at local schools and businesses in the city. Today, it is still actively used to engage with students and spread the importance continued on page 34 Schertz Magazine May 2019 33 how to do things - and how not to do things. All the chiefs that I have worked for have been instrumental in making me the firefighter I am today.” When asking Harry if he would recommend the fire industry to men and women interested in joining, he said, “I would absolutely recommend this job to someone that showed interest in it because it has been great to me and my family. Any job is only as good as what you put in it; this has been a great job for me!” Today Harry is one of a handful of firefighters at the Schertz Fire Department having put forth a few decades of service. “We are excited to congratulate Harry Hewlett on his 30 years of service to the City of Schertz,” commented Fire Chief, Kade Long. “He has always been passionate about the city and is dedicated to Schertz Fire Rescue. We value all of the knowledge and experience that he brings to the job each and every day, and I am excited about the leadership that he has brought to our department. He brings passion to developing new leaders and is committed to the health and safety of our firefighters.” His career is not over, and Harry anticipates many more years to come with the ever-changing fire industry. “It has been great being able to work my whole career for the city of Schertz,” mentioned Harry. “I think I’ll keep doing this as long as I still enjoy it and see progress moving forward.” Thank you Battalion Chief, Harry Hewlett for your service to the City of Schertz Fire Department. We look forward to many more years of your service and know you’ll continue to “get ‘er done”. Honoring Harry Hewlett cont’d from page 33 Schertz Magazine May 2019 35 Maske Rd. to Woodland Oaks - This section of street will be completely reconstructed much like the section from Live Oak to Maske Rd was done in 2018. The multi- use pathway on the east side will also be removed and replaced with a new asphalt section. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout construction and the work should take about five months to complete. Live Oak Rd. to Beck - This section of road will receive what is known as a “mill and overlay.” The existing asphalt surface will be “ground off” using a milling machine, a depth of four inches. The base material underneath will be compacted and four inches of new asphalt will be placed. Only one lane of the street will be closed at a time, and the work is expected to take about three weeks to complete. There Grows the City By: Linda Klepper Editors note: These are the currently planned roadway improvements and are subject to modification based on final design, bid, cost, and unforeseen challenges once construction begins. I t is sometimes said that “difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations”. While that seems to be true metaphorically, in reality a difficult road often just leads to an uncomfortable and bumpy ride, something Schertz City Council and staff are working to address. As the city continues to grow, and capacities become stretched, infrastructure maintenance and repair have become increasingly important and remain a top priority for city council. Proper maintenance and repair of existing and aging infrastructure allows residents to move to and from their homes easily, allows water and debris to safely move through drainage channels to prevent flooding on roadways and in neighborhoods, and allows water and wastewater lines to perform at a level where residents have no concern for what will happen when they turn on the tap or flush the toilet. In September of 2018, city council took a big step in addressing these needs with the approval of the FY 2018-19 City Budget which allocated an additional $280,000 for maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure. Schertz Parkway The projects listed below are slated to begin summer 2019 at an estimated cost of $3.2 - $4 million: continued on page 36 By focusing more on maintaining our streets, we extend the life of the infrastructure and keep it in better condition for longer. In a way, its like changing the oil on your car and replacing the tires when they are worn - it extends the life of your cars and saves money over the long term. Assistant City Manager, Brian James Recently the city has adopted a Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM) program to address roadway maintenance and upkeep. This program is designed to take a holistic view of the city’s streets and their conditions to help prioritize projects and funding over a five year period. The city took the first step in developing this program in 2016 with the implementation of the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) study. As a result of the PCI, a number of streets within the city were identified for a range of preservation, maintenance, and reconstruction efforts. Live Oak Rd. from Oak Run to FM 3009 This section of road is scheduled to receive a chip seal treatment but has some larger base repair areas that need to be completed as part of the prep work for the chip seal project. Along with base repair, there may be some minor widening of Live Oak at the FM 3009 intersection to add a left turn lane. Sidewalks, curbs, and gutters will also be installed on both sides of Live Oak Rd. This prep work must be completed before the chip seal can be applied, so because of this, it is likely that the chip seal will not be applied with this project effort. However, the prep work will provide some improvement to the condition of Live Oak Rd. Tri County Parkway from IH-35 to Corridor Parkway This section of street will be completely reconstructed. All of the curb and gutter will be removed and replaced to correct draining issues. This section of the street receives a large amount of storm water runoff and has a high volume of truck traffic on it, so the new pavement section will be constructed with concrete instead of asphalt. The roadway will be closed during construction to accommodate a quicker turn around. Staff anticipates construction to take about one month. There Grows the City cont’d from page 35 Greenfield Village, Lone Oak, Deer Haven, The Estates at Wilson’s Preserve, Curtiss (Lindbergh to Beacon) and Randolph (Exchange to Maple) Roads in these areas will be resurfaced using a chip seal technique; however, before any new street surface is applied some prep work is needed. This prep work includes sealing up larger cracks and repairing potholes and other base failures; this is expected to take a couple of weeks to complete in each area. Greenfield Village will also have some concrete valley gutters installed at key intersections to help improve drainage. This will be done in conjunction with the other prep work for the area. There may be a time lag from when the prep work is completed until the new surface is applied as dry and warm weather conditions (August – October) are the best time to apply new surfacing. Northcliffe Streets in this community will have the existing surface ground up and belended together with cement to be used as the new base for the roads. There will be a new 2 inch asphalt overlay placed on top to finish out the roadway surface. There will also be some drive approach and curb and gutter replacements to correct drainage issues due to settling/moving curb and gutter. Randolph from Main to Exchange This section of street will be completely reconstructed with existing sidewalks, curbs and gutters also being removed and replaced. The street reconstruction will require full road closer during the month long construction process. Greenfield Village Lone Oak Deer Haven The Estates at Wilson’s Preserve Curtiss (Lindbergh to Beacon)Randolph (Exchange to Maple) East Live Oak Ground Storage Tank Painting As part of the critical maintenance schedule for the City’s water storage tanks, each tank needs to be painted approximately every ten years. Both interior and exterior repainting is done to help maintain structural integrity as wells as extend the life of the tank. The 1.5 million gallon ground storage tank at the East Live Oak tank site is being repainted by M&M Tank Coating Company. Construction began in late spring 2019 and is expected to be completed mid summer. The cost of construction is $348,500.00 and is funded from the Water and Sewer fund. Drainage Maintenance Projects The goal of the 2018-19 drainage maintenance projects is to eliminate ongoing maintenance and safety issues for the City. These maintenance projects include installing a drop inlet on Greenridge street and installing an underground storm drainage system in an existing drainage channel between Hidden Grove and Dimrock streets. The project has been awarded to C-3 Environmental Specialties, and construction is scheduled to begin spring 2019 and completed by mid summer. The cost of construction is $400,000.00. FM 1103 Utility Relocations Before TxDOT can release the FM 1103 expansion project for construction, the City of Schertz must relocate the existing water and wastewater pipes within the existing right of way. The utility relocation project is expected to be awarded for construction in April with construction to start shortly thereafter. The project is estimated to cost $900,000.00. The city is also planning for growth and expansion of southern Schertz with the addition of a new elevated water storage tank located at the northern end of Ray Corbett Drive. This one-million gallon tank and associated distribution waterlines, which began construction in early 2019, will help provide adequate water service to one of the fastest growing areas in the community. This project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2020 at a cost of approximately $4.6 million. A second phase of this project will follow with the construction of a three million gallon ground storage tank which will provide additional water capacity to the entire area and will improve water service across the whole city. For up to date information on current and upcoming infrastructure projects please go to Schertz.com. In addition to roadway maintenance and repairs, the city has a number of larger capital improvement projects scheduled to begin in 2019 which will address not only aging and low performing infrastructure, but also aid in area growth. Residents should see construction begin summer 2019 on the following projects: Schertz Magazine May 2019 38 O ne may not recognize the importance public works has on our daily lives. From providing residents with clean drinking water to ensuring motorists can travel safely to destinations throughout the City, the fact of the matter is public works crews are working behind the scenes day in and day out to keep the city going strong. The Schertz Public Works Department works persistently in planning, building, managing, and operating at the heart of our community in order to improve our everyday quality of life. The Schertz Public Works Department consists of three separate divisions: Streets, Drainage, and Water/Wastewater. The Streets Division is responsible for maintaining and preserving city streets. The goal of the Streets Division is to support all Public Works operations and maintain City streets and create a safe travel experience for drivers. The Streets Division consists of fourteen employees. To ensure streets maintained and kept clean, two employees operate city street sweepers five days a week to cover approximately 163 miles of roadways. Three employees operate the sign shop and maintain four city traffic signal lights and numerous school flashing lights. They are also responsible for doing traffic vehicle counts, assisting in street luminaire lighting management, and message board displays. A certified welder is also on hand to accomplish any special projects or repairs needed within city facilities. The sign shop fabricates The Daily Grind of Public Works By: Devan Flores and installs all signage according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) within City limits and newly developed subdivisions. The sign shop also fabricates all signing and banners for various city events. These employees attend yearly training classes in order to stay educated with new technology with traffic control devices and also with changes in signing according to the MUTCD. Road maintenance is a huge priority of the Streets Division. They maintain all streets within Schertz and ensure residents can get from place to place. This routine maintenance consists of pot hole repairs, crack sealing, minor and major street repairs, guardrail and handrail repairs, and concrete repairs such as sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and retaining walls. The Streets Division is also responsible for painting pavement markings such as school crosswalks, stop bars, centerline stripping, parking lot stripping, and thermal markings application which is used in some areas. Streets Division employees also assist when needed with traffic control when requested from the Police and Fire departments during emergency situations. Personnel are on call after hours, weekends and holidays in the event inclement weather such as flooding, freezing ice, and snow creates a hazard on roadways. Street crews attend yearly training on flagger safety and construction site safety as well as numerous other safety topics related to equipment operation and personal protective equipment. The Drainage Division is responsible for the maintenance and Schertz Magazine May 2019 39 repair of drainage ditches and storm drains throughout the city. There are eight employees who work daily to minimize or reduce the potential flooding of streets and neighborhoods during periods of high rainfall by maintaining the City’s drainage system. Drainage system maintenance includes silt removal, grading the channels, tree trimming, and repairing concrete. Maintaining drainage ditches is critical in preventing storm runoff. If grass is not mowed, ditches and storm systems can become obstructed with plants and grass and become unable to handle as much storm runoff. Crews mow 5.15 acres of alleyway, 118.07 acres of right-of-way, and 228 acres of drainage channel regularly. Graffiti is removed, herbicide is applied, and debris must also be picked up from right-of-ways and other city-owned areas. The Drainage Division also helps other Public Works Divisions on projects as needed. The Water/ Wastewater Division provides residents with safe drinking water and maintains city sewage lines. The primary purpose of a water system is to protect public health. The Water Division consists of eighteen employees who ensure customers are provided safe drinking water. Water samples are taken daily to ensure all water is safe for drinking and other daily purposes. They work diligently everyday to keep consumer’s water free of cross connections, lead, waterborne diseases, and dangerous chemicals. The division repairs all service leaks in lines that run from the city water main to customer meters. The team also repairs major water main breaks which can become dangerous when employees must climb into different sized holes and trenches underground to fix breaks in our city’s main water infrastructure system. These lines are anywhere from two to 24 inches in diameter. When a line breaks, the amount of water pressure can be, and is usually, extremely dangerous and destructive. This potentially becomes disruptive for our residents as it is mandatory that the break is isolated and water services be shut down in order for the repair to take place. Employees are trained and skilled in doing their best to get water back on to customers in the fastest period of time possible. Meter readings, pump and motor maintenance, fire hydrant maintenance, and daily chlorine residuals are also operated and maintained by the Water Division. Another piece to the Water/Wastewater Division are the duties of maintaining the city’s eighteen lift stations which are the collection sites for wastewater. This includes meter readings, pump & motor maintenance, keeping track of and managing daily flow charts, and making adjustments to keep wastewater levels stable. This is where our residents and community can join in being a part of the solution. It is important to never dump grease down sinks or dispose of flushable wipes into toilets as it may cause substantial issues within the city’s wastewater collection system. Not partaking in these types of acts will continue to ensure pipes are free flowing so that waste is able to flow from homes to treatment facilities. Other duties of the division include proactive and preventative maintenance on sewer lines throughout the city’s infrastructure up to the customer laterals, which includes cleaning sewer mains with high-pressured water from the sewer jetter truck. The City provides a curb side chipping service for Schertz residents. Chipping service is performed on Fridays during normal business hours. All divisions of the Public Works Department share the responsibility of running this service. The individuals that choose to serve the City in this capacity are rarely recognized for their hard and diligent work and often hear the frustrations of the community firsthand. Many times, these folks are working relentlessly throughout the nights, weekends, holidays, and in any type of weather conditions. These teams continuously put their lives in jeopardy, all in the name of trying to maintain a safe environment for the community. The Public Works Department takes pride in providing excellent customer service, safe and efficient streets, community services and development, and water services. They strive to prepare for the future and the ever-growing city as new projects emerge in order to better the lives of citizens. We are truly thankful for all they do. Schertz Magazine May 2019 41 YMCA Makes a Splash for a Second Year with Easter Event Collecting 10,000 floating Easter eggs from a swimming pool is no easy feat but Schertz kids ages 1-13 showed they had what it took to get the job done at the second annual Easter Egg-stravaganza held at the community natatorium. They were divided into age groups to scoop up as many colorful plastic eggs as they could fit in their bags in a thirty minute span then unloaded their loot in trade for goodie bags to take home. Area businesses and organizations were set up in the courtyard with crafts, games and information on their services as well as community summer programs and events from the Schertz Library, Parks & Recreation, and the local YMCA. The Schertz area YMCA partners with the City to put on this unique egg hunt to promote water recreation and also safety – something they strongly push. Parents of the little swimmers under age 6 were required to take part in the water fun alongside their kids and those 7 and up were required to pass a swim test prior to showing off their egg collecting skills. Five hundred registrants participated in this year’s Egg-stravaganza which also included an additional morning session for the little ones under 5 years of age. The Easter bunny didn’t miss out on the fun either, posing for photos throughout the evening and hopping in at the end for a splash as well to join in with the Steele High School swim team volunteers who helped clear out the last of the eggs out of the pool. Schertz hosts several water-themed events throughout the year including Float & Flick movies in the pool, Dunkin’ for Pumpkins, and even Paws in the Pool for the four-legged family members. Stay tuned on social media as well as Schertz.com for upcoming events and visit the Schertz area YMCA’s webpage at YMCASatx. org/schertz for the variety of classes and camps they offer for swimming & safety. AROUND THECOMMUNITY Schertz Magazine May 2019 42 Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 27 9:00 AM Veterans Memorial The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their selfless service by hosting its 5th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony with collaborative efforts from the City of Schertz. This event is free and open to the public. Project Graduation Byron P. Steele and Samuel Clemens High Schools will be hosting their 2019 Graduation Ceremonies on Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7. Following the ceremonies, students will have the opportunity to attend a Project Graduation celebration, a safe, alcohol and drug-free, all-night senior class party! Statistics show, and history has proven, that graduation night is one of the deadliest for teenagers drinking and driving. High schools across the United States celebrate Project Graduation with the same common goal: keep our students safe on graduation night. Parents will have peace of mind knowing their graduate is celebrating in a safe, fun environment supervised by adults. Project Graduation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization run 100% by volunteer parents and funded 100% by fundraising, donations and contributions. Funds are raised throughout the year so every graduating senior can attend the party for free. Both local high schools have Project Graduation groups and have been working all year to raise the necessary funds to make this dream a reality. If you or your business are interested in making a donation, monetary funding and prize donations are still desperately needed! Follow Steele Project Graduation on Facebook at facebook.com/ steeleknightsprojectgraduation2019 or email Steeleprojectgraduation19@ gmail.com for more information. Easter in the Park is Fun on the Run The Easter Bunny paid visit to the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club Easter in the Park event held in Pickrell Park on Saturday, April 20. The local event put thousands of Easter eggs in the baskets of hundreds of children in just a few hours. The long-eared character can’t beat that! “This is the 10th annual Easter in the Park and it keeps growing,” said Rhonda Williams, chairperson of the event committee. “I got involved in year three and we had about 200 to 300 children and about 5,000 [plastic] eggs for the kids. This year we had about 1,000 children and 15,000 eggs,” Williams said, adding that H-E-B and Schertz Bank sponsor the event with the S-C Lions Club. The Easter egg hunts were broken down by age from “crawlers” to 10 years. The crawlers were on a mat under the pavilion and the other egg hunts were in a nearby grassy area. As each age group charged out to get eggs it was pure fun for the children and their families cheering them on from behind a fence. It was a case of fun on the run. The staggered age egg hunts were about 15 minutes apart and it took about five to 10 minutes to scatter the eggs. Each age group took about one to two minutes to scoop up all the eggs. The event included 500 prize eggs and awards for the best Easter hat worn in each age group. Anissa and Chris Walker, who live near Converse, were making their first trip to the local Easter event with four-year old son Dawson who was keen to get things started. “Dawson is very excited! We told him to get as many eggs as you can as fast as you can and here we go,” Anissa said. Shantil Reeve and daughter Bethany, 10, were enjoying the little kids’ egg hunts. Bethany said she had a strategy when she was little and searching for Easter eggs. “I got the eggs on the outer rim of the yard while all the other kids went to the middle. I got a lot of eggs that way,” she said with a smile. The 10 year Easter event proved once again to be a community favorite. Thank you to the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club and area sponsors for putting on this great event! Schertz Magazine May 2019 43 Bring your Schertz Magazine along during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com. You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of Schertz Magazine! Schertz Magazine All Over the Map (Below) Maureen Maus travelled to Paris, France with her Schertz Magazine. (Above) Andrea and Merci took Schertz Magazine with them to Ketchikan, Alaska. (Left) Mike and Cai Schramm took Schertz Magazine on a trip to Camino de Santiago to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. (Below) Kelvin Belcher took his Schertz Magazine on a trip to Aruba. (Left) Robert and Alexandrea Jayassi went to Santorini Oia, Greece with their Schertz Magazine. Schertz Magazine May 2019 44 Love Where You Live Holds 7th Community Clean Up An area of Northcliffe is the latest beneficiary of a Schertz Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 13. More than 100 volunteers from local churches, organizations and individuals pitched in to improve over 25 houses from Harvest Drive to Morning Drive. The crew of helpers got an early start around 8:00 AM and hit the ground running to get as much done as possible before forecasted storms moved into the area. The sound of chainsaws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, tree limbs falling and the racking of leaves could be heard up and down the five streets targeted for help. In addition to yard work, some homeowners got their leaning fences propped up with new posts anchored in cement. It was easy to pick out the homeowners because they had the biggest smiles in the crowd. “I can’t tell you how important this is to me. I could not afford to get this yard work done, and I couldn’t do it, so I really thank everyone who is helping me. I am blessed,” said homeowner, Gloria Bush. AROUND THECOMMUNITY City of Schertz Environmental Law Enforcement Officer, Thomas Brooks said events like Love Where You Live clean ups are a win-win for everyone. “It helps Schertz homeowners who cannot afford nor can do work themselves house repairs and yard maintenance. It brings their property up to code and makes the neighborhood look better,” he said adding it also shows a caring community. Love Where You Live Board of Directors Eric Wilbur and Jim Flower said the seven community cleanups so far have improved more than 200 houses, sheltering hundreds of Schertz residents. The next community cleanup will be in the same area of Northcliffe in fall with a project date of October 12. Clemens Student Triumphs in Golf and Bowling Samuel Clemens High School student, Bret Gray, has a knack for recreational sports, and he has been raking in the accolades. The Clemens boys' bowling team recently attended the Texas High School Bowling Club State Championship Tournament March 30 – 31 at the Forum Bowling Center in Grand Prairie, TX. The boys advanced to the Sweet 16 bracket before being eliminated. Bret went on to capture the state singles title at the tournament. Bret is also thriving in golf as he recently qualified for the Regional Spring Meet for Conference 6A Region IV. Bret shot a 73 to make the cut. Congratulations to Bret and the Samuel Clemens Bowling Team and Golf Team for their great achievements this year. Spring Showers Brought Plentiful Flowers The sun is shining, spring is in the air, and the Schertz wildflowers are in full bloom! The area bluebonnets certainly did not disappoint this year, and the picture perfect photos everyone has been taking prove this to be true. We asked you to share your best wildflower shots with us, and we were overwhelmed with so many beautiful pics it was hard to choose which ones to use. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. We loved getting to see everyone out enjoying the lovely spring season here in Schertz. Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies. LOOKING BACK May QUOTE OF NOTE “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than injures the hated.” Coretta Scott King LOCAL HISTORY On May 1, 1967, the Randolph Mason’s Lodge #1268 voted to sponsor a DeMolay chapter for the young men of the community. The proposal originated over coffee at the Ol Bossie Dairy Café across the street from the Lodge. The William M. Randolph Order of DeMolay was instituted in August 19, 1967, TEXAS HISTORY On May 14, 1888 a week-long celebration began dedicating the present Capitol building of Texas. Unfortunately, the Capitol Board refused to accept the structure because its copper roof leaked and because of several other minor problems. After builder Gustav Wilke repaired the roof and made other corrections, the board accepted the building on December 6 of that year. Schertz City Council Mayor: Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 mcarpenter@schertz.com Council Members: Mark Davis (210) 376-9141 MarkDavis@schertz.com Ralph Gutierrez (210) 376-9231 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com Scott Larson (210) 376-9835 scottlarson@schertz.com Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 cedwards@schertz.com David Scagliola (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543 Allisonheyward@schertz.com Tim Brown (210) 608-2381 Timbrown@schertz.com 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 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 PHONE NUMBERS SCHERTZ.COM MAY 2019CITY CALENDAR 4 115 12 19 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 18171314 20 21 15 16 27 City Council Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers Economic Development Corp6:00 PMCouncil Chambers Be sure to go to Schertz.com for more event information. Meetings are subject to change. 23 24 25 26 SSLGC Meeting, 1:30 PMSSLGC Administrative Building Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM Council Chambers Conference Room Schertz Sweetheart Coronation Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers 22 City Council Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers 28 Council on the GoMeeting 30 3129 Animal Services Advisory Committee6:00 PM, Council Chambers Library AdvisoryBoard, 6:30 PMSchertz PublicLibrary Parks & Rec Advisory Board, 5:30 PMBob Andrews Conference Room City Council Meeting, 6:00 PMCouncil Chambers Movie in the ParkFloat & Flick Mother’s Day Armed Forces Day Memorial Day (Offices Closed) Music in the Park SCHERTZ.COM PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154