05-05-2026 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
May 5, 2026
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on May
5, 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 Paul
Macaluso; Councilmember Michelle Watson; 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; City Secretary Sheila
Edmondson; 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 Macaluso)
Councilmember Paul Macaluso provided the opening prayer and led the Pledges of
Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.
Proclamations
57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week - May 3-9, 2026
Mayor Rodriguez presented the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week
— May 3-9, 2026, proclamation to City Secretary Sheila Edmondson, Deputy
City Secretary Sheree Courney, Assistant City Secretary Irene Chavez, and
Records Management Coordinator Mellissa Zipp.
Economic Development Week - May 4-8, 2026
Councilmember Allison Heyward presented the Economic Development Week -
May 4-8, 2026, proclamation to the Economic Development Corporation
Executive Director Scott Wayman, Deputy Director Amy Madison, and
Administrative Assistant Kimberly Lovejoy.
National Police Week — May 10-16, 2026, and Police Officer Memorial Day —
May 15, 2026
Mayor Rodriguez presented the National Police Week — May 10-16, 2026, and
Police Officer Memorial Day — May 15, 2026, proclamations to Assistant Police
Chief Phillip Waller, Police Lieutenant Darin S. LaCour, Police Sergeant John
Eisen, and Police Officer Ashley Aldaba.
Employee Introductions
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Department Heads who introduced the following new
staff:
• EDC: Administrative Assistant Kimberly Lovejoy
• Fire: Firefighters Elijah Bustos, Zachary Baldwin, Joseph Crisp, Albert Lopez, Peyton
Stefek, and Ryan McCosh
• Parks: Administrative Assistant Taylor Corbin
• Police: Police Officer Ashley Aldaba
• Public Works -Drainage: Drainage Worker Trainees Kevin Joler and Gregory Mauldin
• Public Works -Street: Street Maintenance Worker Trainee Michael Padilla
• Public Works -Water: Water/Wastewater Operator Trainees Matthew Carpio, Kade
Guardiola, Aaron Abel, Kevin Davis, Aishiteru Lauterbach,Tyler Bradley, and Adam
Kopas
• Utility Billing: Utility Billing Specialist Emilia Zapata
Presentations
Presentation on the 50th July 4th Jubilee and America 250 Celebration
(S. Gonzalez/L. Shrum)
Mayor Rodriguez introduced Recreation Manager Cassie Paddock who presented
plans for the 50th July 4th Jubilee and America's 250th Celebration of
Independence, noting expanded patriotic programming and community
engagement leading up to the event. Preparations include patriotic-themed
Movies and Music in the Park events, commemorative T-shirt sales, special street
banners along Schertz Parkway and Main Street, historical social media features,
and red, white, and blue Parks and Recreation Month shirts.
Ms. Paddock reported that Project Flagline will take place June 29, with
approximately 100 volunteers placing flags along Schertz Parkway, and flag
removal scheduled for July 6.
This year the celebration will expand to a two-day event on July 3 and 4. New
July 3 activities include a concert at Pickrell Park featuring the Josh Abbott Band,
carnival operations from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., food vendors, and shuttle service
from the Schertz Soccer Complex to alleviate parking congestion. Traditional
July 4 activities will continue, including the Freedom 5K, parade, carnival at
Meyer Park, live music, food trucks, family activities, floating fireworks, and an
expanded fireworks display pending approval. New activities include pie baking
and pie eating contests. Ms. Paddock also announced a historic flyover
coordinated with the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing featuring a
D-Day lead aircraft. The evening program at Pickrell Park will include remarks
from the Mayor and Council, the national anthem, and the fireworks finale.
Presentation of Kick Cancer Pep Rally & 5K Run 2026 Donation to Mays Cancer
Center at UT Health San Antonio (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum/C.Paddock)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Parks Manager Cassie Paddock, who provided an
overview of the annual Kick Cancer 5K held on March 7 in honor of former
Council Member Tony Wilcheck. The event drew 467 runners, including 19 clubs
and teams, with the largest team being the Pascal Patriots (103 participants).
Activities included a pep rally with Clemens High School cheerleaders and a
warm-up led by Recreation Specialist Amy Stevens. Sponsors included Iron
Sponsors HEB and Schertz Emergency Clinic, and T-shirt sponsors GVEC,
Schertz Bank and Trust, Bluebonnet Palace, Orange Theory Fitness, Rapid
Plumbing, and Renewal by Anderson. Ms. Paddock presented a 2026 donation of
$11,255.33 to May's Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, bringing the total
raised since the race's inception to $237,517.92. Valerie Wilcheck, Tony
Wilcheck's wife, participated in the check presentation and photo with the Mayor.
YMCA -Presentation by CEO Louis Lopez -YMCA Presentation of Benefits and
Opportunities
Mayor Rodriguez introduced Louis Lopez, CEO of the YMCA of Greater San
Antonio, who provided an update on services and partnerships at the Schertz
Family YMCA, celebrating its 15th anniversary and the YMCA's 150-year
milestone. Mr. Lopez highlighted alignment with the City's strategic plan to
improve community wellbeing, noting that membership has grown from 696 in
2010 to 15,568, including over 2,000 seniors, achieving a 34% community
penetration rate and a record net promoter score of 77. He outlined programs and
impact statistics, including after -school programs serving over 500 children,
summer camps and swim lessons for 300 participants, more than 3,000 youth
sports participants, 8,000 swim skills lessons, over $100,000 in financial
assistance, and 20 free community events serving more than 15,000 residents.
Mental health counseling services were provided to veterans, seniors, teens, and
families, with 250 sessions completed last year. Lopez also highlighted volunteer
programs, healthy living initiatives, and a new partnership with Gordon Hartman
and Morgan's Wonderland to develop a YMCA designed for individuals with
special needs and disabilities, which will serve as a model for the entire YMCA
system.
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 announced a promotion for David Mosqueda from
Drainage Worker -Trainee to Water/Wastewater Operator Trainee in April.
He also shared information regarding Schertz residents, David and Barbara Williams,
who expressed their gratitude to Code Enforcement Officer Steve Miller, for his
exceptional assistance identifying and trimming low hanging tree limbs to ensure
compliance with city ordinance.
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R.Rodriguez)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Secretary staff for the success of the banquet
celebrating Boards, Committees, and Commissions volunteers. He also recognized the
Samuel Clemens High School baseball team for advancing to the second round of the
playoffs. Lastly, he thanked and commended staff who worked to ensure the 2026
Thunderbird Show was a successful event.
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 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 Rodriguez recognized the following residents:
Amber Cartton, 624 Heather Way, Seguin, introduced herself as a member of the
Chamber's Leadership Core Class of 2026. She thanked the council and city staff for their
leadership and service, noting her participation in the Chamber's CORE Leadership
Program has increased her appreciation for city operations and community service.
Arthur Porter, 4328 Golden Oak, spoke in support of the Senior Center, commending its
professional service to the community's seniors and stating that city funds are being well
spent.
Daniel Jamerson, 1000 FM 78, speaking on behalf of the VFW, thanked the Mayor and
Council for their service, announced upcoming VFW events including a breakfast and flag
retirement ceremony, and encouraged community involvement and support.
Raquel Gutierrez, 1016 Silvertree, raised concerns regarding alleged election -related
conduct, including campaign sign handling, polling place interactions, public meeting
camera positioning, and candidate forum behavior, and urged the Council to review the
matters to preserve public trust and election integrity.
Edward Ryan Mercado, 101 Firestone, ceded his time to Raquel Gutierrez.
Michele Tereletsky, 705 Marilyn Dr., thanked City staff and Public Works employees for
their responsiveness and assistance with concerns related to the Senior Center and a water
issue at her residence. She also thanked the mayor for his responsiveness to her phone calls
and text messages.
Dana Eldridge, 2628 Gallant Fox, addressed concerns regarding divisiveness in the
community, expressed support for current and prospective city leadership, and commented
on upcoming trash service rate considerations.
Lauren Dalton, 117 Carmel Dr. Cibolo, introduced herself as a member of the Chamber's
Leadership Core Class of 2026. She expressed appreciation for the Council and city staff,
noting that her involvement with the Chamber and the Leadership CORE program has
increased her understanding of and appreciation for city operations.
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 Council Meeting on April 21,
2026 (S.Edmondson/S. Coumey/1. Chavez)
2. Resolution 26-R-058 - Authorizing an application for the FY 2027 Motor Vehicle
Crime Prevention Authority Grant (S.Williams/J.Lowery)
3. Resolution 26-R-059 - Authorizing the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation
(SSLGC) Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (B.James/L.Busch/N.Ferris)
4. Resolution 26-R-061 - Authorizing an amendment to the service agreement with
Magic in the Sky, LLC, for an expanded fireworks display for the 50th Jubilee &
America 250 Celebration. (S.Gonzalez/L.Shrum)
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- 4.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern. Mark
Davis
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 7:16 p.m.
5. The City Council will meet in closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code
Sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.074 (personnel) to discuss the
following matters:
a. The legal issues and options related to concerns raised in relation to the municipal
special election (consultation with attorney).
b. Discussion and deliberation regarding concerns raised about certain actions of the
City Manager related to the municipal special election (personnel). The City Manager
may request that any discussion and deliberation take place in a public hearing.
Reconvene into Regular Session
Mayor Rodriguez reconvened Regular Session at 9:16 p.m.
6. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #
5a.
No action was taken based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item
#5a.
7. Take any action based on discussion held in Closed Session under Agenda Item #
5b.
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Mayor Pro Tem Mark Davis, who provided the following
statement on behalf of City Council. After review in closed session with the City
Attorney and City Manager and examination of applicable City Charter provisions,
policies, and relevant records including email correspondence, considered six
allegations of misconduct and/or political interference involving the City Manager. The
Council found no substantiated or definitive violations of policy related to election
processes or activities. The City Manager has been directed to remind all staff
regarding City policies and standards governing political activity and interactions with
candidates. A motion was made that no further action be taken by the City Council.
The vote was paused when Councilmember Westbrook requested recognition to
provide a statement. He identified two separate issues before the Council: the
underlying actions of the City Manager and the transparency of the review process.
Based on the information reviewed, Councilmember Westbrook agreed with the
presumed outcome and found little fault with the City Manager's actions. However, he
expressed that the public would have been better served by a more transparent process
within legal limits, noting that public confidence depends not only on the outcome but
also on understanding how the decision was reached. He encouraged Council to
strengthen communication regarding the steps taken, standards applied, and any policy
improvements considered in matters involving City leadership, with the goal of
ensuring fair outcomes while maintaining as much transparency as legally possible.
Mayor Rodriguez then restated the motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis, seconded
by Councilmember 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
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
8. May 2026 Major Projects in Progress/CIP
9. Information Regarding Citywide Al & Technology Efficiencies
(S . GonzalezB . James/S . Williams)
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.
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on
a future City Council agenda
No requests by Mayor or Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a
future City Council agenda.
• City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
Councilmember Watson attended the volunteer banquet.
Councilmember Macaluso attended the Air Show, the Hal Baldwin Committee
meeting, and the Clemens first series in baseball playoffs.
Councilmember Guerrero attended the Historical Preservation Committee meeting,
close-out soccer ceremony, visited the library to recognize volunteers, annual
volunteer banquet, and the Air Show.
Councilmember Westbrook attended the Schertz Historical Preservation Society
meeting, the volunteer banquet, and the Schertz Bank and Trust/Chamber Golf
Tournament. He also voted in the SCUCISD Bond election.
Councilmember Heyward attended the volunteer banquet, and modeled in the
Universal City first annual 55+ fashion show.
Councilmember Sheridan attended the Nichole Kuhlmann retirement, the Air Show,
a tour of SSLGC, and the volunteer banquet. He reminded residents to complete the
trash survey which is in the Schertz magazine and on the website.
Mayor Rodriguez attended the Air Show, emceed the volunteer banquet, played in the
Schertz Bank and Trust/Chamber Golf Tournament, and took part in the closing
ceremonies for soccer. He cheered on the Clemens baseball team and reminded
residents to complete the trash survey.
Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.
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