SHPC Minutes 05-28-2025SCHERTZ HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, BUILDING 1
BOB ANDREWS CONFERENCE ROOM
SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
Call to Order 6:01pm
Board/Committee
Maggie Titterington
Angie Fain - Vice Chair
Kathleen Samsey
Roz Wise
Laren Dalton
Sophie Rodriquez
City Representatives
Zinnia (Zii) Reed - Administrative Asst.
Brian James - Deputy City Manager
Council Liaisons
Ben Guerrero - Councilmember Place 4
Introduction of Guests & Hearing of Resident
Jim Burdett Deeds Collector/Schertz History Enthusiast
Rose Arispe Community/Committee Applicant
Sarah & Court Hewell Community/Historic Designation Grant Recipient
Raul Sorria Community/Historic Designation Grant Applicant
Marlys Stahl Photographer
Miguel Vazquez President of the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery Association
Mark Thorton S.C.H.S.H.C.
Raul Soria, the owner of the Old Hospital at 805 Main Street, reported on the building's status. Over
the past five years, he has remodeled the property, showcasing impressive before-and-after photographs.
He expressed his desire to share the building’s story. However, he noted that some repairs, including
electrical work and exterior preservation, remain incomplete. Previously, the building operated as an
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Airbnb, and it currently houses long-term tenants, including second-generation residents. Mr. Soria is
seeking assistance, potentially through grants, to aid with exterior preservation efforts, such as fencing
and landscaping.
Marlys Stahl, a local to Schertz for 12 years and photographer since February 2016, was
commissioned by Vice Chair Angie Fain to capture the calendar photos for the upcoming SHPC
calendar in April. She expressed her strong interest in history and passion for photography, which made
this project ideal for her.
Jim Burdette, a Deeds Collector and enthusiastic historian of Schertz, is keen to join their committee
and actively participates in SHPC meetings. He has shared captivating photos and deeds, starting with a
1954 aerial photograph of Schertz. This image highlights notable areas like Vulcan, Bolton, and
Redmond (formerly known as Randolph Heights), along with roads such as Stringer Hill Road and Zeel
Road. It showcases the Adolph Schertz Grain Company and illustrates Highway 1518 extending down
Aviation Road.
Additionally, he provided a 1932 aerial view of Randolph, featuring Kitty Hawk and Cibolo Creek. In
this view, Highway 1518 was identified as Civil War Road or FM 1620. The Lone Star Addition
subdivision is located near Dobecks Field, and he has insights concerning Sherritt School, which was
originally named Grant School and renamed in 1908, later becoming part of the Schertz Civil Level
District Number Nine. Lastly, an 1841 survey revealed that the region utilized the old Austin and San
Antonio Indian Trails, with no homes existing between Austin and San Antonio at that time.
Rose Arispe is a candidate applying to become a committee member. Originally from Schertz, she
spent some time away due to her role as a military spouse. Nonetheless, as the saying goes, “there’s truly
no place like home.” Rose has a deep interest in Schertz's history, having witnessed its growth over the
years. She aspires to join the committee to contribute to the preservation of Schertz's heritage.
Miguel Vasquez serves as the president of the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery Association. The
organization is responsible for maintaining the Schertz-Cibolo Cemetery, which is recognized as a Texas
State Historic Site, as well as a county and city site. The association is actively working on
improvements for the cemetery, with a major upcoming project involving the installation of interpretive
panels throughout the area, connected by a walking path. Miguel was invited by Brian to discuss grant
opportunities to assist in completing the renovations.
Mark Thornton is an SHPC supporter and sponsors the History Club at Samuel Clemen's High
School. He also collaborates with the Church Political Preservation Society on a variety of projects.
Cort and Sarah Hewell attended March's meeting to secure historical preservation for their home,
which was successfully accepted. They were present to discuss the details of the grant.
Discussion and/or Action Items
1.Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the minutes of the regular meeting of the
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1.Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the minutes of the regular meeting of the
April 23, 2025 meeting.
Roz Wise made a comment regarding the inclusion of age in the minutes, suggesting it be
excluded. A recommendation was made to approve the minutes with removal of this
information. The committee agreed. It was also suggested to alter the terminology for the
introduction of guests. Instead of stating that Rita Arispe"joined," it was recommended to use
"attended," emphasizing the distinction between attending and joining for committee members
v.s guests. Maggie Tiiterington motion to approve the minutes with the proposed changes and
seconded by Roz Wise.
Motion passed unanimously
2.Review of Financial Statement - Acceptance of Financial Reports from October 2024 to
April 2025
The committee reviewed the financial reports for the period from October 2024 to April 2025.
The reports have been organized using a standardized template format.
Monthly Tracking: Expenses and revenues are now reported in the month they occurred, rather
than the month they were processed by finance, to provide a clearer picture of financial activities.
Timely Receipt Collection
Brian James' discussion with Zii Reed and the committee led to an agreement to collect receipts
for expenditures and revenues promptly. This ensures accurate monthly records, even if
payments are processed later. For instance, sales from events at the end of a month will be
recorded in that month to avoid discrepancies. The only exceptions noted were if c harges for
street signs and calendars will be processed once the work is completed, regardless of the fiscal
year in which it occurs.
Clarifications on Donations and Sales
It was noted that some items are classified as donations rather than sales, possibly due to
previous decisions. Direct donations are recorded separately, while shirt sales are treated as
donations and book sales as sales, with applicable sales tax deducted. The report format has been
reviewed and deemed clear and effective for future reporting.
Storage Fees: Storage fees were not encumbered this year and are being paid as they arise, as
reflected in the expenditures section.
Event Tracking: A recommendation was made to include event details related to book sales in
future reports for better tracking.
Roz Wise made the motion to approve, seconded by Angie Fain.
Motion passed unanimously.
Payment requests and further financial discussions were deferred to maintain order, to be
discussed later in the meeting
3.Committee Membership Update -
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3.Committee Membership Update -
Two vacancies were discussed during the meeting. Rose Aristi was introduced as a prospective
committee member. Maggie Titterington & Kathleen Samsey interviewed her, expressing
enthusiasm about her potential contribution. Maggie Titterington made a motion to welcome her
to the committee, which was seconded by Angie Fain.
Motion passed unanimously.
Kathleen Samsey inquired about the current number of committee members, noting a
discrepancy between the agenda, which stated two vacancies, and the handout distributed at
events. She sought clarification on whether the committee is limited to 14 members or if other
guidelines apply. The current understanding is that there are ten members, but this will be
confirmed due to potential outdated information. It was noted that after former member, Miguel's
departure, the bylaws were updated to reduce the number of members and include three
non-residents.
Rose Arispe was reminded that she received a positive recommendation from the Planning and
Zoning Commission and will present to the City Council on June 17. Following this, she will
officially become a member but is encouraged to attend meetings in the interim.
Roz Wise made a suggestion to update the roster to indicate resident and non-resident vacancies,
which could assist with recruitment efforts. Brian James emailed the city secretary for
clarification on current residency statuses. It was confirmed that there are three non-resident
members on the committee. The committee will reconvene to verify these details and ensure all
members are informed for the next meeting.
4.Updates
Consideration of Main Street Preservation Grant for 420 Curtis Avenue
Brian James led the discussion about the Main Street Preservation Grant for 420 Curtis
Avenue, qualifying the property for a historic preservation grant of up to $20,000 for roof
replacement, approved by City Council. The grant functions as a 50/50 matching fund,
with payment processed after work completion, including permits and final inspections.
The total roof cost is over $40,000, with the grant covering half.
Additional Annotations
Roof replacement is typically done in one phase, but owners can complete segments for
cost management.
The city does not verify contractor payments before reimbursement, aiming to expedite
payment within a week if requested.
The proposed standing-seam metal roof meets Secretary of the Interior standards, allowing
modern materials while preserving the historic character.
Roofing costs rise from removing original wooden shingles due to fire hazards, with
estimates based on building inspections.
Homeowners can choose any contractor, with the city offering a list of compliant local
options.
Maggie Titterington made motion to approve the grant, Roz Wise seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
It will be presented to the City Council on June 17th, likely in the consent agenda.
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Office 365 Usage Inquiry:
Brian James raised a question about the familiarity of Microsoft Office 365 among
participants. Most of the committee are versed in using the application. A brief overview
will be provided on accessing and using Office 365. If any participant remains uncertain
after the overview, individual sessions can be arranged.
Preservation Grants for Multifamily Projects and Cemeteries
The discussion on preservation grants for multifamily projects and cemeteries focused on
proposed amendments and grant eligibility. The two grant types being:
Historic Grant: Recommended for approval and applicable to commercial and
residential structures/properties, initially only aimed at single-family homes. Eligible for
limited residential repairs (roof, foundation, walls) and a broader range of eligible
improvements for commercial properties.
Main Street Local Flavor Grants: Primarily targeted to businesses.
Key points included:
Raul Sorria's old hospital (now an apartment complex) raised classification questions, as
zoning views it as residential while building codes treat it as commercial.
Consideration to classify buildings with three or more units as commercial for grant
eligibility.
Definition of multifamily housing as having three or more units, distinct from duplexes.
Debate on treating apartment complexes as businesses for grants and concerns about
defining multifamily housing for those leasing rooms
Recommendations were made to address whether to expand the historic grant to include
site improvements, particularly for landmark properties without structures. The committee
decided to limit site improvement grants to properties lacking structures to maintain clarity
and avoid potential misuse of grants.
A suggestion was made to classify multifamily/apartment buildings as commercial for
grant purposes was proposed, followed by a vote. The meeting concluded with the need to
clarify guidelines on grant eligibility.
SHPC Policies and Procedures
With the committee in possession of both Chris Hormel's revision and the updates from
Brian James and Maggie Titterington (included in the agenda), the committee reviewed
and discussed the revised version by Brian James and Maggie Titterington Policies &
Procedures. Previously, Chris emphasized merging the bylaws into policies and procedures
for clarity. However, concerns arose regarding potential confusion since bylaws require
city council approval, while policies do not.
Content Clarification: Maggie Titterington and Brian James removed the following
elements inappropriate for policies, such as:
Purpose and Responsibilities, which should be in the bylaws.
Unnecessary Terms and Definitions were also eliminated.
The committee aims to prioritize policies that remain relevant, to avoid conflicts and to
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maintain and operate from stable, essential policies.
A streamlined version of the policies and procedures was proposed to include the
following:
Mailing address for correspondence
Meeting scheduling guidelines
Committee processes for running & resignations
Publication and forms
Property & Artifacts
Designation & Heritage
Member expenses & vouchering
Appendices A and B should be combined into a single page for purchases to enhance
clarity and efficiency.
The vote on the document will be tabled until next month for further review
by the committee.
Calendar
The discussion on the calendar was initiated but a decision was made to table the calendar
discussion for next month's meeting.
Gift Request Protocol
Angie Fain is currently drafting a letter to request gifts. Maggie Titterington requested a
copy to review, noting that a draft generated with ChatGPT seemed effective and
welcomed others to review and modify it as needed. Appreciation was expressed for the
efforts made. A follow-up was requested on any remaining items that require voting.
Event Support and Planning
Good Shepherd’s Catholic Church Event - May 24,2025
The recent event held at Good Shepherd’s Catholic Church took place on Saturday,
May 24th. Kathleen Samsey led the event, setting up and organized using a checklist
created as a result from prior events, which proved to be useful and a learning
opportunity. Roz Wise joined in to support the event while Kathleen
Samsey subsequently drafted and completed an after-action report.
Trivia Night
The committee agreed to set up a display/promotional table at Trivia Night. Kathleen
Samsey volunteered but was aware of others' commitments. Maggie Titterington
underlined the necessity for supporting additional events would require shared
responsibilities and ample support from committee members. Discussion included
whether to offer books and T-shirts at the table, which might limit support for the
Trivia Night Event activities. It was noted additional help is required for the table
management if so.
Fall Farmers Market Vote
The committee considered supporting an additional farmer's market event in the fall,
with a potential timeframe for October or November. The goal was to have the
calendars ready and printed by October, aligning with the event. Maggie
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calendars ready and printed by October, aligning with the event. Maggie
Titterington expressed support of the fall farmers market, contingent on volunteer
availability. While no specific date has been set, it is typically held on the first
Saturday. Kathleen is to confirm the date by September 30, moving forward with
the decision to support the fall farmer's market.
Kathleen Samsey made motion to support the fall farmer's market, Roz Wise
seconded, followed by voting.
Motion passed unanimously.
Planning for Upcoming Events
Event Support Materials/Budget
Kathleen Samsey proposed a vote in reference to last month's discussion
about allocation of funds for table support, as recorded in the minutes. A proposal
has been made for the committee to approve approximately $300 for purchasing
event support items. Of this amount, $100 is intended to be kept to initiate the cash
box for change. A draft shopping list has been prepared for the committee members
to review.
The proposed purchases include a lantern and flashlight for the storage unit, due to
low visibility, along with holders, a protective box for brochures, and a donation box.
The expected total is below $200, but an approval for this budget is requested.
Kathleen will manage the $100 cash. It is anticipated that the shopping will be done
collaboratively, ensuring the $200 limit is not exceeded.
Maggie Titterington made a motion to approve up to $300 for these
expenses, seconded by Lauren Dalton.
Motion passed unanimously.
Upcoming Cemetery Event in Mid-October
The cemetery is set to host an event in mid-October. Miguel has extended an
invitation to the committee for support, and he will reach out as the date approaches.
Though Kathleen Samsey is serving as champion for event support, as Chair, Maggie
Titterington will assess whether the committee can proceed with additional events.
Although Miguel merely suggested the idea, awareness of the October event is
beneficial for planning purposes.
Checklist Draft/Update
Kathleen Samsey has indicated that the final draft of the form, checklist, and other
related materials is expected to be completed by next month. Upon approval, these
documents may be included as an appendix to the policies and procedures. The
process for cash submission is still under development, with details yet to be
finalized.
Historic Street Signs
Design Elements
The signs presented featured the street name "Aviation Heights" in script on a metal
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plate. Questions arose regarding the orange color and the inclusion of the city seal.
While the design is favored, The public affairs team suggested that a black and white
seal version might appear cleaner and more straightforward. A decision on
preferences is still pending though the blue/yellow seal option was agrred by the
committee to be more eye-catching.
Decision on Color
The blue/yellow seal option is more favored, but a vote indicated support for the
blue/yellow: seal: 12 in favor, 3 opposed, and 4 abstaining.The recommendation is to
start with Aviation Heights to assess the design's impact before expanding to other
neighborhoods.
Heritage Neighborhoods
Clarification was provided regarding the three heritage neighborhoods:
The old Shaffer family neighborhood (a residential area south of 78 at First Street).
Aviation Heights, as discussed.
The Comal Settlement area, which lacks city streets and is therefore unable to support
street signs.
Proposal to City Council
A workshop presentation to the city council was proposed to pitch the idea.
Anticipated Feedback
Potential opposition may arise from residents, if alternative neighborhood names are
used. Plans may need to be reassessed if there is significant push-back.
Timeline and Budget
The committee aims to add this on the agenda for June or July City Council meeting,
with a potential roll-out in the fall. Estimated costs range from $6,000 to $8,000,
covering materials and labor.
Request for Information and Future Agenda Items
Roz Wise inquired about the process for submitting agenda item suggestions, noting
that her ideas often develop just before finalization, about a week in advance. She
expressed the need for a system that accommodates late-arriving agenda item
suggestions. Brian James proposed a structured approach, suggesting that at the
conclusion of meetings, members should have the opportunity to propose agenda
items. The committee could then review and vote on these suggestions.
Brian James emphasized the importance of a dedicated agenda item submission
protocol, to ensure consensus on what should be included. For time-sensitive matters
arising between meetings, he advised emailing Chairperson Maggie Titterington to
assess urgency. If deemed non-urgent, it could be raised at the next meeting for
group discussion or vote. Roz Wise queried the cutoff date for agenda submissions,
suggesting ten days before the meeting, and asked about the typical agenda
distribution timeline. Brian James clarified that the agenda is generally distributed to
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distribution timeline. Brian James clarified that the agenda is generally distributed to
the board the Wednesday before the meeting, necessitating suggestions by the
preceding two Mondays. This timeline helps manage last-minute submissions to
Chairperson Maggie Titterington.
Event Support Budget and Material Requests
Roz Wise revisited a discussion from the previous month regarding the purchase of a
screen for professional displays of photos and the committee’s mission, to furnish at
our events. She asked if there were any objections to the screen purchase, noting that
unless the cost exceeds the initial budget significantly, it aligns with previously
discussed event-related purchases.
Kathleen Samsey proposed increasing the initial budget by a few hundred dollars,
setting a total of $500 for the necessary items, including the screen.
Chairperson Maggie Titterington stressed the need to specify the desired screen type
and suggested revisiting the topic in June. She noted that while it could be included
in the current budget, other expenses would need approval, and the motion was
amended to raise the initial cap from $300 to $500. Kathleen Samsey and Roz Wise
will finalize the details. Chairperson Maggie Titterington requested Roz Wise to
provide a screen sample and price within two weeks. The topic will be reviewed and
voted at the June Meeting.
5.Request & Announcements
Agenda Items Tabled/Postponed/Requested:
IT department on SharePoint email addresses will be postponed due to a busy agenda
Clarification on current residency statuses
Calendar Status
Trivia night summary/feedback
Event support materials - Decision on requested purchase of screen or display
The presentation on the interpretation of the German Bible is postponed until next month
Adjournment/Next Meeting Date
The meeting was officially adjourned at 7:27 PM.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 6:00 PM, Bob Andrews Conference Room
CERTIFICATION
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CERTIFICATION
I, ZINNIA REED, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, CITY MANAGEMENT OFFICE, OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE AGENDA WAS PREPARED AND POSTED ON THE
OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARDS ON THIS THE ______ DAY OF _____________, 2025 AT _________ WHICH IS A
PLACE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES AND THAT SAID NOTICE WAS POSTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 551, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE.
ZINNIA REED
I CERTIFY THAT THE ATTACHED NOTICE AND AGENDA OF ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL WAS REMOVED BY ME FROM THE OFFICIAL BULLETIN BOARD ON _____DAY OF
_______________, 2025. TITLE: ______________
This facility is accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Handicapped parking spaces are
available. If you require special assistance or have a request for sign interpretative services or other services, please call
210-619-1030.
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