04-07-2026 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
April 7, 2026
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on April
7, 2026, 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 Rodriguez; Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis; Councilmember Michelle
Watson; Councilmember Paul Macaluso; Councilmember Ben Guerrero;
Councilmember Robert Westbrook; Councilmember Allison Heyward;
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Staff City Manager Steve Williams; City Attorney Daniel Santee; Deputy City Manager
present: Brian James; Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez; Deputy City Secretary
Sheree Courney; Assistant City Secretary Irene Chavez
Call to Order
Mayor Rodriguez 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 Sheridan)
Councilmember Robert Sheridan provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of Allegiance
to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
Special Announcement
• Hal Baldwin Scholarship - Students attending for the Hal Baldwin Scholarship need to
sign in on the sheet located on the back podium. If you are watching remotely, please
email Sarah Gonzalez at sonzalez@schertz.com to virtually sign in. Please direct any
questions to Ms. Gonzalez.
Proclamations
National Crime Victims' Rights Week -April 19-25, 2026 (Councilmember Watson)
Councilmember Watson presented the National Crime Victims' Rights Week - April
19-25, 2026, Proclamation to Crime Victim Liaison Heather Davis and Detective Helen
Lafitte of the Schertz Police Department.
Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month -April 2026 (Councilmember Macaluso)
Councilmember Macaluso presented the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month -
April 2026 proclamation to Christy Williams, Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy
Center, and Brandon Rossett, Thriving Hearts, along with members of their respective
teams and members of the City of Schertz Police Department.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month -April 2026 (Councilmember Guerrero)
Councilmember Guerrero presented the Sexual Assault Awareness Month - April 2026
proclamation to Christy Williams (Guadalupe County Children's Advocacy Center),
Brandon Rossett (Thriving Hearts), and members of the Schertz Police Department:
Crime Victim Liaison Heather Davis, Detective Helen Lafitte, Lt. Danny Trevino, and
Chief Jim Lowery.
Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week - April 12-18, 2026 (Councilmember
Heyward)
Councilmember Heyward presented the Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week -
April 12-18, 2026, to Animal Services Manager Megan Legunas; and Animal Services
Officers Ashley Evans and Luis Gonzales; and Police Chief Jim Lowery.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week -April 12-18, 2026 (Councilmember
Westbrook)
Councilmember Westbrook presented the National Public Safety Telecommunicators
Week - April 12-18, 2026, proclamation to Public Safety Communications Manager
Nichole Kuhlmann and Police Chief Jim Lowery.
Military Child Month -April 2026 (Councilmember Sheridan)
Councilmember Sheridan presented the Military Child Month — April 2026 proclamation
to retired Air Force member Neil West, his wife, Melissa, and their children, Alexis and
Iris. Councilmember Sheridan shared a heartfelt sentiment that military children are
essential members of our community and deserve recognition for their strength and
sacrifice.
Employee Introduction
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Department Heads who introduced the following new staff:
• Neighborhood Services: Steven Miller -Code Enforcement Officer
• Public Works -Drainage: Drainage Worker Trainees, Victor Guerrero and David Mosqueda.
Presentations
25 Year Tenure Milestone Service Pin: Presentation for Fire Lieutenant Mack Melancon
City Manager Steve Williams presented Fire Lt. Mack Melancon with a pin in honor and
gratitude for his 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Schertz.
The 2026 Bond for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (Superintendent Paige Meloni)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Ms. Paige Meloni, Superintendent of
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, who presented information regarding the district's
2026 bond election. Ms. Meloni explained that the May 2 election will allow the district
to finance large-scale school construction projects through long-term debt, which is
repaid through the interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate. The bond package includes three
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propositions as required by state law: Proposition A for district -wide facility
improvements, security upgrades, and enhanced learning environments; Proposition B for
stadium expansion and upgrades, including seating, safety, and infrastructure
improvements; and Proposition C for student and staff technology devices, financed over
a shorter term.
Presentation of Schertz Police Department 2025 Annual Report Presentation
(J.Lowery/P.Waller)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Police Chief Jim Lowery who presented the Schertz Police
Department 2025 Annual Report. The report will be released each March moving forward
to promote transparency and highlight departmental performance. The report includes
leadership messages, organizational structure, staffing updates, and public safety metrics.
Chief Lowery noted current staffing levels, recent retirements and hires, and shared that
the city continues to rank among the safest in the region, state, and nation. The report also
outlines use -of -force data, demographic information, and increased investigative activity
within the Criminal Investigations Division. Additional highlights included advancements
in technology such as drone deployment and exploration of a Drone First Responder
program, as well as the department's expanded service demands through dispatch
operations. Chief Lowery emphasized community engagement efforts, school
partnerships through the School Resource Officer program, and ongoing training and
professional standards. He closed the presentation by thanking staff for their contributions
and city leadership for their continued support.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B.James/S.Gonzalez)
Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez provided the announcements of upcoming City
Events.
• Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S.Williams)
City Manager Steve Williams recognized the following five staff promotions:
1. Sean Hilla promoted to Paramedic
2. Henry Fahnert promoted to Police Sergeant
3. Levi Flickinger promoted to MIH Paramedic
4. Dallas Hopper promoted to Police Lieutenant
5. Jeremy Jacoway promoted to Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee
Mr. Williams also stated that the City will be dedicating the Council Chambers Conference
Room in honor of Councilmember Tim Brown on May 15th at 10:30 a.m., followed by the
interment of both Councilmember Brown and his wife, Nancy, at Ft. Sam National Houston
cemetery at 12:45 p.m.
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R.Rodriguez)
Mayor Rodriguez announced his deliverance of a proclamation in honor of Samuel Clemens
High School graduate and internationally recognized musician, Peso Pluma, noting recent
performances in Houston and San Antonio and his positive impact on students across the
SCUCISD community. Mayor Rodriguez thanked the artist for taking the time to engage
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with the community.
Mayor Rodriguez stated he had recently toured the CCMA Plant and highlighted the
expansion efforts being made to meet the needs of the region's continued growth.
He commended them for the great work being done.
Hearing of Residents
This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person should
fill out the speaker's register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to no more
than 3 minutes,
All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any individual member
thereof. Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the
Council may be requested to leave the meeting.
All handouts andlor 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 Rodriguez recognized the following residents:
Jordyn Barnes, 4616 Silverton Dr., a student at Samuel Clemens High School, spoke in support
of the SCUCISD bond. Ms. Barnes stated that it directly impacts students. Therefore, their voices
should be heard. She shared her involvement with extracurricular activities in fine arts and
Career and Technical Education (CTE), including dance team and FFA, highlighting frequent use
of the stadium and agricultural barn, both in need of updates to better support student activities
and learning. She identified daily challenges, such as overcrowded cafeteria, outdated elementary
school facilities, noting how they negatively impact students. Ms. Barnes urged the community to
vote in the May 2 election and consider the importance of the bond to improving school facilities
for the students.
Jay Starr, 9835 Mulhouse Dr, expressed discontent regarding Frontier Waste Solutions
following the city's approval of the contract that went into effect in July. He stated rates have
increased by approximately 33% while services were reduced or eliminated, including
construction material pickup and seasonal cleanup programs. He went on to report ongoing
service issues, including missed trash and/or recycling pickups, inconsistent service times, and
leaving receptacles in the middle of the street. With respect to the disposal of construction
materials and fencing, Mr. Starr stated it is a challenge to comply with city ordinances when the
city doesn't provide disposal options. Mr. Starr requested a resident survey be done to assess
satisfaction with Frontier- and identify solutions for bulk pickup.
Kate Deyermond Littel, 140 Harley Hay, introduced herself as a member of The Chamber
CORE Leadership class.
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Maggie Titterington, 1730 Schertz Parkway, provided information on upcoming Chamber
events. She announced a groundbreaking ceremony for Gringo's on May 21 at 2:00 p.m. and a
ribbon cutting for Portillo's later in May. She expressed appreciation to Frontier Waste Solutions
for their support of the CORE Leadership program, including funding student travel to Austin.
Ms. Titterington closed with her support of the SCUCISD bond. She noted significant areas
needing improvement in a recent tour of district facilities, including aging HVAC systems. The
bond reflects essential needs rather than optional projects, and she encouraged residents to vote in
favor of it on May 2.
Herman Harlohs, 11564 Ware Seguin Rd., addressed Council with concerns related to poor road
conditions in southern Schertz, particularly along Ware Seguin Road. He stated that increasing
truck traffic, including large commercial and hazardous material vehicles, is using local roads as
detours when accidents or construction on I-10 and Loop 1604 cause delays. Mr. Harlohs stated
that this increased truck traffic is contributing to infrastructure damage, including water leaks. He
requested that the City implement measures, such as "No Thru Truck Traffic" signage and
improved traffic control during highway closures to prevent large trucks and hazardous material
vehicles from using residential and secondary roads. Amanda Villegas, 9120 E FM 1518N,
introduced herself as a member of The Chamber CORE Leadership class.
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 regular Council Meeting on March 17,
2026 (S.Edmondson/S.Courney/LChavez)
2. Appointments, Re -appointments, and Resignations - City of Schertz Boards,
Commissions, and Committees
• Appointments
• n/a
• Re -appointments
• Schertz Historical Preservation Committee for the term ending 03/31/2028:
Becki Babcock, Lauren Dalton, Sophie Rodriguez, Kathleen Samsey, Rosalyn
Wise
• Capital Improvement Advisory Committee for the term ending 06/30/2028:
Dr. Mark Penshorn and Mr. Bryan Jones
• Resignations, Removals, and Expiring Terms
• CIAC: Tamara Brown, Judy, Goldick, Roderick Hector, David Hughes, Patrick
McMaster, Glen Outlaw, and Clayton Wallace
3. Councilmember Absence - Approve Councilmember Allison Heyward's absence on
March 3, 2026, in accordance with City Council Rules of Conduct and Procedure, Article
2.2.2.13 (R.Rodriguez/S.Edmondson)
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4. Resolution 26-R-032 - Authorizing an amendment to the professional services agreement
with Halff Associates for the FM 1518 Utility Relocation Project
(B.James/K. Woodlee/E. Schulze)
5. Resolution 26-R-034 - Authorizing the purchase of software licenses with
SHI (B.James/D.Hardin/J.Bluebird)
6. Resolution 26-R-046 - Adopting the State -mandated Texas Women's Privacy Act Policy
(B.James/D.Hardin/C.Lonsberry)
7. Resolution 26-R-047 - Authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept funds from
the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) to purchase a tethered unmanned aircraft
system (UAS) in order to improve and enhance department and city UAS
capabilities (S.Williams/G.Rodgers)
8. Resolution 26-R-049 - Authorizing a Task Order Amendment with Kimley-Horn and
Associates, Inc. for the Schertz Forest Roadway and Waterline Improvements Project
(B.James/K. Woodlee/J.Nowak)
9. Resolution 26-R-021 - Authorizing expenditures with Versalift for the acquisition of an
Aerial Bucket Truck as part of the FY2025-26 Supplemental
Vehicle/Equipment Replacement/Acquisition program (B.James/D.Hardin/M.Chappell)
Mayor Rodriguez asked if any items needed to be removed for separate action.
No items were removed.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Consent Agenda Items # 1 - 9.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Michelle
Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro Tem Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
10. Resolution 26-R-037 - Authorizing the purchase and installation of twenty-six (26)
HVAC systems from Way Mechanical (B.James/D.Hardin/C.Lonsberry)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Facilities Maintenance Superintendent Chad Lonsberry who
introduced Resolution 26-R-037. Mr. Lonsberry stated there are 26 HVAC systems across
the city nearing the end of their life expectancy, including the library, rec center, City
Hall, and the Council Chambers. All systems need to be replaced to avoid outages.
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Additionally, City Hall needs upgrades to meet current building code requirements. A
competitive bid process was considered; however, staff chose to use purchasing
cooperatives to obtain better pricing. Wayne Mechanical, a TIPS cooperative vendor,
was selected as the lowest -cost provider, $150,000 less than the lowest bid.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
No discussion occurred.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-037.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Michelle
Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Closed Session
Mayor Rodriguez recessed to Closed Session at 7:17 p.m.
11. The City Council will meet in closed session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas
Government Code. The City of Schertz will consult in closed session with its attorney to
receive legal advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation, a settlement offer, or
matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas
Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts
with this chapter, to include the unauthorized use of City property.
Closed Session for Agenda Item 11 start time: 7:22 p.m.
Closed Session for Agenda Item 11 end time: 7:48 p.m.
12. The City Council will meet in closed session in accordance with Section 551.072, Texas
Government Code deliberation regarding the purchase, sale, exchange, lease, or value of
water lease rights.
Closed Session for Agenda Item 12 start time: 7:48 p.m.
Closed Session for Agenda Item 12 end time: 8:12 p.m.
Reconvene into Regular Session
Mayor Rodriguez reconvened into Regular Session at 8:16 p.m.
13. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #11.
No action was taken on the discussion held in Closed Session Agenda under Item #11.
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14. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #12.
No action was taken on the discussion held in Closed Session Agenda under Item #12.
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
15. Quarterly Update -City Council Approved Zoning and Specific Use Permit Ordinances in
relation to current development status (B.James/L.Wood/E.Delgado)
16. Tim Brown Memorial Plaque for Council Chamber Conference Room (B.James/D.Hardin)
17. Check Report - February 2026 (S.Gonzalez/J.Walters)
18. Monthly Update - Major Projects in Progress/CIP (B.James/K.Woodlee)
Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
No requests by the Mayor or Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff.
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a future
City Council agenda
Mayor Rodriguez requested the following items or presentations be placed on a future City
Council agenda:
1. Workshop to discuss lack of lighting on Schertz Parkway, particularly near the
elementary school.
2. Workshop to discuss lack of lighting on Green Valley Road, including the area near
FM 3009.
3. Workshop to discuss sidewalk infrastructure along FM 1103 from Davenport Middle
School to I-35.
4. Conduct a resident survey regarding Frontier Waste Solutions to assess satisfaction
with services and areas for improvement.
• City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
No discussion regarding city and community events took place.
Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
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