07-01-2025 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
July 1, 2025
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on July
1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz
Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to -wit:
Present: Mayor Ralph Gutierrez; Mayor Pro Tern Allison Heyward; Councilmember Mark
Davis; Councilmember Michelle Watson; Councilmember Paul Macaluso;
Councilmember Ben Guerrero; Councilmember Robert Westbrook; Councilmember
Tim Brown
Staff City Attorney Daniel Santee; Deputy City Manager Brian James; Assistant City
present: Manager Sarah Gonzalez; Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney
Call to Order
Mayor Gutierrez called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Opening Prayer and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of
Texas. (Councilmember Brown)
Councilmember Tim Brown provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance to
the Flags of the United States and State of Texas.
Employee Introductions
• EMS: Division Chief Brandon Hill introduced new part-time Paramedics: Hesham
"Sam" Abielmona; Samantha Blackwell; Christopher Fierro; Sebastian Gonzalez-Lores;
Blaine Leachman; and Michael McInnis.
• Parks & Recreation: Civic Center Manager Athena Nolen introduced new Civic Center
Coordinator Johnny Ruiz.
• Police: Assistant Chief Phillip Waller introduced new Police Cadets Dash Harris and AJ
Demendonca.
• Police: Communications Manager Nichole Kuhlmann introduced new Public Safety
Communications Officer Marcial Johnson.
• Utility Billing: Senior Utility Billing Specialist Tommy Perez introduced new Utility
Billing Specialist Maranda Chavez.
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Presentations
Presentation on the 2025 July 4th Jubilee (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum/C.Paddock)
Recreation Manager Cassie Paddock presented an overview of the 2025 July 4th
Jubilee.
• Project Flagline: started at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, June 30th. Volunteers
consisting of eleven teams put flags along Schertz Parkway. Takedown will be
Monday, July 7th, at 7:00 a.m.
• Marketing: Billboard on IH-35 (May 19—July 7); Media advisories (June 18 &
30); Website; Social Media; Schertz Magazine; E-mail blasts; Letters to all
businesses and residents in Aviation Heights with parade route.
• 4th of July events: Freedom 5K starts at 9:15 a.m.; Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. at
Elbel Road; Carnival opens at 11:00 a.m.; Jubilee at Pickrell Park will start at
6:00 p.m. end with Fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
TAMIO-Awards
Interim Public Affairs Director Devan Christensen and Marketing and
Communications Specialist Tatum Hearn attended the Texas Association of
Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) conference where they received the
'Award of Excellence (2nd Place)' for Internal Communications for their City
Orientation Video, a collaborative effort between HR and Public Affairs. The video
is now a core component of employee orientation and will be refreshed every few
years to stay current with city programs and personnel.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B.James/S.Gonzalez)
Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez announced upcoming city events.
• Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S.Williams)
Deputy City Manager Brian James announced staff promotions for the following:
Joni Johnson from Library Assistant to Library Technician
Dash Harris from Police Cadet to Police Officer
Matthew Muro from Registered HVAC Tech to Certified HVAC Tech
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R.Gutierrez)
Mayor Gutierrez thanked staff and volunteers who participated in Project Flagline. He
stated 6,000 flags along 6 miles of Schertz Parkway are a strong display of patriotism.
Mayor Gutierrez also announced a Council Workshop scheduled for July 15, 2025, at
5:00 p.m. concerning Council's budget.
Hearing of Residents
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person
should fill out the speaker's register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to
no more than 3 minutes.
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All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member
thereof. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing
the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
All handouts and/or USB devices must be submitted to the City Secretary no later than
noon on the Monday preceding the meeting. Handouts will be provided to each
Councilmember prior to the start of the meeting by the City Secretary. All USB devices
will be vetted by City IT staff to ensure City property is protected from malware.
Mayor Pro Tern Heyward recognized the following residents:
Rebecca Robles, 513 Pecan Drive, stated that moving to Frontier Waste is good. Having a
mechanical system for those who do this work will reduce on-the-job injuries. However, as a
healthcare professional, nurse practioner, she stated that taking out the trash is dangerous.
Claims are put in daily for injuries related to strains, back sprains, shoulder injuries, hernias,
etc. She went on to provide concerns related to the risks of moving the 96-gallon trash bins.
Ms. Robles stated that the cans are 4' tall and weigh 49 lbs empty. Even with wheels, they are
not ergonomically sound, which creates the risk of injury and increased healthcare costs. She
urged Council to consider getting smaller trash bins as an option.
Dana Giggy, 3825 Overlook, stated she lives in a 55+ community and that she and many of
her neighbors have made the decision not to recycle because the bins are too large. In the 6
years she has lived in Schertz, she has never had a trash can. She doesn't generate that much
garbage. She was able to take her small trash bag to the curb. She would like options. One of
her neighbors was hospitalized for two weeks following an incident with the trash bin.
Michele Tereletsky, 705 Marilyn Drive, requested code enforcement to come out and assess
the ditch behind her home and write a violation for the owner. She stated that the grass is
longer than her easement. She is concerned with mosquitoes, weeds, snakes, possums, and
raccoons.
Mark Tudyk, 18940 Old Wiederstein Rd, spoke in opposition to Ordinance 25-S-027. He
stated that this property has been the subject of proposed re -zoning twice before and the
reasons to deny this application are the same. The infrastructure is not there. Surrounding
residents have no support or interest in this project. No assurance that the type of housing
proposed will be what is developed.
Consent Agenda Items
The Consent Agenda is considered self-explanatory and will be enacted by the Council with
one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless they are removed from
the Consent Agenda upon the request of the Mayor or a Councilmember.
1. Minutes — Approval of the minutes from the City Council Meeting on June 17,
2025 (S.Edmondson/S.Coumey)
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2. Appointments, Re -appointments, and Resignations - City of Schertz Boards,
Commissions and Committees
Resignations
Parks and Recreation - Sharon Denson
3. Resolution 25-R-072 - Accepting semi-annual reports on the progress of the Capital
Recovery Capital Improvements Plan during the second half of fiscal year 2023-2024
and the first half of fiscal year 2024-2025 (B.James/K.Woodlee)
4. Resolution 25-R-084 - Authorizing a commercial lease agreement for the Kramer
House with The CHAMBER (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Area) (S.Williams/S.Gonzalez)
Mayor Gutierrez asked if any items needed to be removed for separate action.
No items were removed.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items # 1 - #4.
Moved by Councilmember Tim Brown, seconded by Councilmember Michelle
Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro Tem Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
5. Resolution 25-R-080 - Authorizing an application to FEMA for the Staffing
Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program
(S. Williams/G.Rodgers)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Fire Chief Greg Rodgers who introduced Resolution
25-R-080. The SAFER grant program is administered by FEMA and falls under the
Department of Homeland Security. It is designed to provide funding directly to Fire
Departments to meet staffing, response and operational standards established by the
National Fire Protection Association. Excellent for cities like Schertz that are
growing quickly. It helps lessen the initial fiscal impact. It's a 3-year program with
shared costs. In years 1 and 2, the grant funding covers 75% of costs and the city
picks up 25%. In year 3, the grant covers 65% of the costs, and the city picks up the
remaining 35%. The grant would pay a total of $1.2 million toward the overall costs.
This resolution authorizes the City Manager to sign the grant application.
Councilmember Westbrook asked how the positions were determined. Chief
Rodgers responded that when we open a fire station we staff them with four
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personnel per apparatus across three shifts. So, we need 12 total. Six have been
hired; this funding would help secure the other six. Councilmember Westbrook then
asked Deputy City Manager Brian James if the salaries would be absorbed by the
General Fund after the third year. Mr. James responded that it was correct, and then
provided that the city would hire the personnel anyway, so the grant would save the
city funding.
Councilmember Guerrero asked why the funding match percentage was lower in the
third year. Chief Rodgers stated that the percentages are determined by FEMA and
non-negotiable.
Mayor Gutierrez stated this is a great opportunity to help with the budget of bringing
fire station 4 online. He then asked for a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-080.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Tim
Brown
AYE: Mayor Pro Tem. Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
6. Resolution 25-R-070 - Approving the Guadalupe Appraisal District Real Estate
Acquisition and Renovation of 216 E College Street, Seguin, TX (Mayor/S.Williams)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Mr. Peter Snaddon who introduced Resolution
25-R-070. Mr. Sanddon explained the inadequacies and challenges present at the
current Guadalupe Appraisal District (GAD) location and the advantages of acquiring
the new property. He further stated that the GAD must obtain approval of 3/4 of its
governing body via resolution to acquire and renovate the property located at 216 E
College Street, Seguin. Mr. Snaddon shared the 20-year Strategic Plan adopted by
the GAD, and the significance of this acquisition in meeting their goals. He went on
to share the plans for the renovation of the space and the proposed budget.
Mayor Pro Tern Heyward asked if the budget included any contingency for overrun.
Mr. Snaddon confirmed contingency funds for unforeseen costs is included in the
budget.
Councilmember Guerrero asked about the plan to increase personnel. Mr. Snaddon
explained the process for addressing staffing needs and the proposed timeframe.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 25-R-070.
Moved by Councilmember Tim Brown, seconded by Councilmember Mark Davis
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AYE: Mayor Pro Tem Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Tim Brown
NAY: Councilmember Michelle Watson
Passed
Public Hearings
7. Ordinance 25-S-026 - Conduct a public hearing and consider amendments to Part III
of the Schertz Code of Ordinance, Unified Development Code (UDC), to Article 8,
Section 21.8.9 - Outdoor Display and Storage. (B.James/L.Wood/D.Marquez)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Planner Daisy Marquez who introduced Ordinance
25-S-026, proposing amendments to Article 8, Section 21.8.9. Ms. Marquez
explained that the reasons for the amendments are to create new categories for
Outdoor Display and Outdoor Storage, amend definitions, clarify general
requirements, and expand exceptions. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a
public hearing for the item and made a recommendation of approval with
amendments as shown to City Council with a unanimous vote. Staff recommends
approval of Ordinance 25-S-026.
Mayor Gutierrez stated this item is on the agenda as a public hearing.
Public Hearing opened at 7:04 p.m.
No public came forward to speak.
Public Hearing closed at 7:04 p.m.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council requested clarification on several points: the MSMU (Main Street Mixed
Use) zoning; fencing requirement (chain link vs wrought iron); types of issues during
pre -development meetings; and implementation for businesses like Lowe's and Home
Depot. Staff provided clarifications.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 25-S-026.
Moved by Councilmember Mark Davis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Allison
Heyward
AYE: Mayor Pro Tem Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
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8. Ordinance 25-S-027 - Conduct a public hearing and consider a request to rezone
approximately 19 acres of land from Single -Family Residential / Agricultural District
(R-A) to Middle Density Residential District (R-5) known as Guadalupe County
Property Identification Number 68302, and 68303, also known as 19018 Old
Wiederstein Road, City of Schertz, Guadalupe County, Texas.
(B.James/L. Wood/S.Haas)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Senior Planner Samuel Haas who introduced Ordinance
25-S-027. Per the Letter of Intent, the applicant is proposing to rezone to Middle
Density Residential District to be developed into multifamily -style senior housing
with a density of 7.65 dwelling units per acre. The city cannot enforce the intent, the
R-5 designation allows up to 12 units per acre. On May 23, 2025, a total of 19 Public
Hearing Notices were sent. There were four responses received in opposition, four
responses received in favor, and no responses received that were neutral. One sign
was posted on the property. The Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 4,
2025, and recommended approval with a 6-1 vote. The proposed zone change aligns
with the Comprehensive Land Plan and is consistent with surrounding land uses.
Additionally, no objections were received from the Schertz Fire, EMS, or Police
Departments. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 25-S-027.
Mayor Gutierrez invited the applicant to address the Council. The applicant, Thomas
Group Development, and their attorney, Mr. Patrick Christensen, were present. Mr.
Christensen stated this is not a tax credit project, they will be market -rate apartments
for seniors. Mr. Matthew Thomas, Thomas Group Development, provided an
overview of the planned development. Mr. Thomas stated that they are a 55+
developer and homebuilder, focused on age -targeted and age -restricted communities.
Mr. Chris Crim, HMT Engineering, presented a preliminary traffic impact analysis
and spoke to the dedicated right-of-way for the project.
Mayor Gutierrez stated this item is on the agenda as an open public hearing.
Public Hearing opened at 7:30 p.m.
The following residents spoke:
Dana Eldridge, 2628 Gallant Fox Dr., Belmont Park Subdivision, stated he had no
real objection to the development, but has concerns with Old Wiederstein Road. The
road needs to be fixed and accessible before adding more residents to the area.
Mark Tudyk; 18940 Old Wiederstein Rd., reiterated his point that this development
is not practical for the area. No supporting infrastructure, not just Old Wiederstein,
but also the utilities. Expressed his opposition to the rezoning.
Public Hearing closed at 7:34 p.m.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Councilmember Macaluso and Davis stated they see the need for this type of housing
in Schertz. The greater Council discussion involved the need for improvement to Old
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Wiederstein Road. Councilmembers were in agreement that improvements to Old
Wiederstein need to be a priority.
Mr. Crim, HTM Engineeing, presented a concept plan that included ingress/egress
for the development.
Mr. James explained the needs for Old Wiederstein, and what this project is bringing
to the improvements planned for the road and the cost savings of getting the
right-of-way designation for the city. Most of the details associated with the
infrastructure would be addressed during the platting process.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 25-S-027.
Moved by Councilmember Tim Brown, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. Allison
Heyward
AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
9. Ordinance 25-S-029 — Conduct a public hearing and consider a request to rezone
approximately 173 acres of land from Agricultural District (AD) and Single -Family
Residential / Agricultural District (R-A) to Single -Family Residential District (R-1),
Single -Family Residential District (R-2), and Single -Family Residential District
(R-6), known as Bexar County Property Identification Number 310012, 309425,
309427, generally located 1,000 feet to the west of Cibolo Creek on Lower Seguin
Road, City of Schertz, Bexar County, Texas. (B.James/L.Wood/S.Haas)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Senior Planner Samuel Haas who introduced Ordinance
25-S-029. Per the Letter of Intent, the applicant is proposing to rezone three tracts: 95
acres as R-1, 51 acres as R-2, and 27 acres as R-6, for a single-family subdivision
with a mixture of housing types and lot sizes. On May 23, 2025, a total of 8 Public
Hearing Notices were sent. There were no responses received in opposition, one
response received in favor, and no responses received that were neutral. One sign
was posted on the property. The Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 4,
2025, and recommended approval with a 7-0 vote. The proposed zone change aligns
with the Comprehensive Land Plan and is consistent with surrounding land uses.
Additionally, no objections were received from the Schertz Fire, EMS, or Police
Departments. Staff recommended approval of Ordinance 25-S-029.
Mayor Gutierrez invited the applicant to address the Council. Mr. Paul Lando, MTR
Engineers, representing the developer, stated that the 80' lots are expected to be
slightly larger than the minimum lot sizes required in the R-1 area.
Mayor Gutierrez stated this was on the agenda as an open public hearing.
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Public Hearing opened at 8:02 p.m.
No public came forward to speak.
Public Hearing closed at 8:03 p.m.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Councilmember Macaluso stated he supports projects that support a variety within
residential developments.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 25-S-029.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Paul
Macaluso
AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Allison Heyward, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
10. Monthly Update - Major Projects in Progress/CIP (B.James/K.Woodlee)
11. Quarterly Update -City Council Approved Zoning and Specific Use Permit
Ordinances in relation to current development status (B.James/L.Wood/E.Delgado)
Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
No requests by Mayor or Councilmembers for updates or information from staff were
made.
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a
future City Council agenda
Mayor Pro Tern Heyward requested that membership in the American Flood Coalition
and a resolution announcing support for CABT, which is a coalition against bigger
trucks, be added to a future agenda.
• City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
Mayor Pro Tern Heyward hosted the TML Board Meeting at the Bluebonnet Palace
and took the members on a tour of River Whey Creamery (Schertz); attended the
Animal Advisory Committee and the TML Legislative Update.
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Councilmember Westbrook attended the Northeast Partnership Mixer at Schertz Bier
Garten, a mariachi concert at Steele High School, and participated in Project Flagline
with the San Antonio Young Marine Detachment.
Adjournment
Mayor Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
ATTEST:
I IVA
Sheila Edmondson, eity Secretary
- A PI
ph G ' errez, Mayor
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