07-21-2026 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
July 21, 2026
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on July
21, 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 Sarah Dietz; Councilmember
Robert Sheridan
Staff Steve Williams, City Manager; Daniel Santee, City Attorney; Brian James, Deputy
present: City Manager; Sheila Edmondson, City Secretary; Sheree Courney, Deputy City
Secretary
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 State of Texas.
Presentations
Presentation of the Schertz City Flag to Ms. Allison Heyward (Mayor Rodriguez/CM
Steve Williams)
Mayor Rodriguez presented a City of Schertz flag to former Place 6 Councilmember Ms.
Allison Heyward in recognition of her dedicated service and contributions to the City of
Schertz.
Municipal Clerk's Office Achievement of Excellence Award- Presenter City Secretary
Shelley Goodwin, TRMC, MMC, City of Rockport, TX
Mayor Rodriguez introduced Ms. Shelley Goodwin, City Secretary for the City of
Rockport and a Trustee of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA), who
presented the Municipal Clerk's Office Achievement of Excellence Award to City
Secretary Sheila Edmondson, Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney, Assistant City
Secretary Irene Chavez, and Records Management Coordinator Mellissa Zipp.
Ms. Goodwin provided an overview of the award criteria and application process, noting
that the award recognizes excellence in the efficient and effective management of a
municipal clerk's office. She explained that recipients must demonstrate achievement in at
least nine of twelve performance categories, including records management, compliance
with the Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act, and open government
transparency. Ms. Goodwin stated that completing the application process is an
accomplishment in itself and that the award reflects the office's commitment to
professionalism, innovation, transparency, and exceptional public service. On behalf of
the TMCA Board of Trustees and Directors, she congratulated the City Secretary's Office
and the City of Schertz on receiving the award.
Ms. Edmondson thanked Ms. Goodwin for presenting the award and recognized the City
Secretary's Office staff for their dedication and hard work, specifically acknowledging
Deputy City Secretary Sheree Coumey for leading the application process. She noted that
this is the second time the City of Schertz has received the award and the first time it has
been earned by the current City Secretary's Office team.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (Deputy City Manager Brian James)
Deputy City Manager Brian James provided the announcements of upcoming city events.
. Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (City Manager Steve Williams)
City Manager Steve Williams provided kudos to staff for the hard work they put in during
the rain event, from the first responders to the staff that assisted with opening a shelter and
answering phones all night. He shared an email from Ms. Claire Layton, who expressed
kudos to the City for the presentation of "current and useful" information on the website
during the event.
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (Mayor Ralph Rodriguez)
Mayor Rodriguez also provided kudos to the city staff, and thanked the residents for their
cooperation during the 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 he 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
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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 resident:
Gregory Sebold, 3841 Green Ridge, speaking on behalf of the Scenic Hills Community
Association, reiterated the community's concerns regarding stormwater drainage issues that he
stated have resulted in more than $300,000 in damages to the community. He described the
community as a 55+ neighborhood of 211 lots and stated that many residents have been
significantly impacted financially by recurring flooding and related infrastructure damage. Mr.
Sebold referenced concerns previously presented to the Council regarding a roadway collapse and
stated that a meeting had been scheduled with Mr. Brian James and the HOA president for later
this week. He remains concerned that the City does not acknowledge responsibility for the
drainage issues. He contended that residential development and subsequent stormwater
improvements redirected runoff into the Scenic Hills storm drainage system, contributing to
flooding and infrastructure damage. Mr. Sebold cited Texas Water Code Section 11.086
regarding the diversion of surface water and requested that the City Council adopt a resolution to
compensate Scenic Hills Community Association residents for damages they attribute to the
stormwater diversion.
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 July 7, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
(Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney/Assistant City Secretary Irene Chavez)
2. Resolution 26-R-086 - Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with the
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District for the 2026-2027 School
Year for School Resource Officer services (Police Chief James Lowery)
3. Resolution 26-R-081— Authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District for the Schertz Young Leaders
Program. (Recreation Manager Cassie Paddock)
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 #1-3.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Sarah Dietz
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AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Sarah Dietz,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
4. Ordinance 26-M-029 - Amending Council Rules of Conduct and Procedure:
Appointment Process for City Council Liaison Positions (Deputy City Secretary
Sheree Courney)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney, who presented
Ordinance 26-M-029, amending the City Council Rules of Conduct and Procedure by
reinstating Section 5.3, Appointment Procedure for City Council Member and City
Council Liaison Positions to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees, which had been
inadvertently omitted with the adoption of Ordinance 23-M-28. The proposed revisions
incorporated Council direction provided during the June 16, 2026, workshop and the July
7, 2026, City Council meeting.
The ordinance establishes qualifications, appointment procedures, biennial review of
assignments, expectations for Council Members and Council Liaisons serving on Boards,
Commissions, and Committees, procedures for reassignment and removal, standards of
conduct, and the role of liaisons in facilitating communication between the City Council
and advisory bodies. The ordinance also amends Section 6.1(b) to require the City Council
agenda to identify the name and title of the individual(s) expected to present each agenda
item. Ms. Courney stated the amendments create a single, comprehensive Council Liaison
policy by consolidating the applicable provisions of the Code of Ethics and the Council
Rules of Conduct and Procedure.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
No discussion occurred.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 26-M-029.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Robert
Westbrook
AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Sarah Dietz,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
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5. Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Appoint City Councilmembers as Members
and/or Liaisons to City Council Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Deputy City
Secretary Sheree Courney)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney, who opened the
discussion by noting that, with the adoption of Ordinance 26-M-029, Section 5.3(b), newly
elected officials may assume the appointments of their predecessors pending the next
scheduled biennial review, unless the Council objects or the newly elected official
declines the assignment. Then Council was asked whether there were any objections. No
objections were noted. Newly elected Councilmembers Sarah Dietz and Robert Sheridan
III, were then asked whether they were willing to accept their predecessors' assignments in
order to ratify the appointments. Both Councilmembers agreed to assume and fulfill the
responsibilities of their predecessors' assignments.
6. Resolution 26-R-083- TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool -Nomination to Board of
Trustees (City Secretary Sheila Edmondson)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Secretary Sheila Edmondson who introduced
Resolution 26-R-083 to nominate a candidate for reappointment. Council considered
nominations for the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board of
Trustees. Four trustee positions have terms expiring October 1, 2026:
• Place 1: J.W. "Buzz" Fullen, Commissioner, Henderson Housing Authority
• Place 2: Emily Crawford, City Manager, Abilene
• Place 3: David Rutledge, Mayor, Bridge City (not seeking reappointment)
• Place 4: Austin Bleess, City Manager, Jersey Village
The governing body of each Pool member may nominate one qualified individual for
election. Nominations must be submitted to the Board Secretary by August 2, 2026.
Ballots will be distributed to Pool members by Board Secretary David Reagan on or before
August 17, 2026.
Council was advised that there is currently one nomination each for Places 1 and 4, and
two nominations each for Places 2 and 3. Mr. David Rutledge, the current trustee for Place
3, is not seeking reappointment, while the trustees for Places 1, 2, and 4 are seeking
reappointment.
Mayor Rodriguez asked whether any member of the Council wished to nominate any of
the candidates. City Manager Steve Williams expressed his endorsement of Ms. Emily
Crawford for reappointment. Councilmember Westbrook asked former Councilmember
Allison Heyward for her perspective on the endorsement, and she indicated her support for
Ms. Crawford's nomination.
Councilmember Westbrook recommended the nomination of Ms. Emily Crawford.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to nominate Ms. Emily Crawford for the Texas
Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.
k,
Moved by Councilmember Robert Westbrook, seconded by Councilmember Paul
Macaluso
AYE: Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Paul Macaluso,
Councilmember Ben Guerrero, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Sarah Dietz, Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Other: Mayor Pro Tem Mark Davis (ABSTAIN)
Passed
7. Resolution 26-R-084 - Authorizing expenditures with HEAT Safety Equipment for
Fire Department Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) (Fire Chief Greg
Rodgers)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized Fire Chief Greg Rodgers, who introduced Resolution
26-R-084 authorizing expenditures with HEAT Safety Equipment for Fire Department
Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Chief Rodgers presented the proposed
replacement of the department's SCBA, explaining that replacement is required to comply
with NFPA 1580, which was adopted by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP)
in 2024 and is now mandatory for Texas fire departments. The standard establishes a
15-year service life for SCBAs, and because the department's equipment spans multiple
standards, the system must be replaced as a whole to maintain compliance and ensure
firefighter safety.
The Chief reported the department currently has approximately 50 SCBAs. By 2027,
roughly two-thirds of the inventory will no longer meet current standards. The new
equipment will improve firefighter communications, reduce carcinogen exposure through
enhanced cleaning capabilities, and restore interoperability with neighboring mutual aid
departments that have already upgraded their systems.
The replacement program is expected to keep the department compliant through at least
2042, with the potential to extend to 2047 depending on future standards. The Chief also
noted that replacing the system now establishes a long-term replacement plan, includes
warranty coverage that minimizes maintenance costs, and avoids continued repair
expenses on aging equipment.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
Council requested clarification regarding SCBA terminology, replacement planning,
equipment service life, standards updates, and procurement. The Fire Chief explained that
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops fire service standards and Texas
Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts applicable standards as mandatory
requirements. The Chief also stated that the new SCBAs are expected to meet their
15-year service life with proper maintenance, with warranty coverage for normal -use
failures and City responsibility for damage caused by negligence.
Council also discussed the age of the current equipment, NFPA updates, vendor selection,
and the importance of interoperability with mutual aid partners. The Fire Chief explained
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that existing SCBAs were purchased under previous standards, that NFPA standards are
generally updated every four to five years, and that the purchase will be made through a
competitively bid cooperative purchasing program. He stated that future wholesale
replacements will be planned through the City's capital improvement program to reduce
financial impacts. He emphasized that compatible SCBAs are essential for emergency
operations and firefighter safety, allowing agencies to work together and share equipment
during major incidents.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-084.
Moved by Councilmember Paul Macaluso, seconded by Councilmember Ben Guerrero
AYE: Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Sarah Dietz,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
8. Resolution 26-R-080 - Requesting Financial Assistance from the Texas Water
Development Board; Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Assistance (City
Engineer Kathryn Woodlee)
Mayor Rodriguez recognized City Engineer Kathryn Woodlee, who introduced Resolution
No. 26-R-080, authorizing the filing of an application for financial assistance through the
Texas Water Development Board's one-time Water Supply Infrastructure Grant Program.
She explained that the program was established following the Legislature's appropriation
of $1.038 billion for statewide water infrastructure projects. Ms. Woodlee stated that the
proposed project, previously delayed due to easement acquisition issues, is being
reactivated for grant consideration. The application is due July 31.
She noted a typographical error in the resolution regarding the population eligibility
threshold, clarifying that the correct category is 10,001 to 150,000, making the City
eligible to apply for up to $21 million in grant funding. She added that the project is
estimated at approximately $32 million and is included in the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP). If awarded, the grant would accelerate project implementation and allow
previously allocated bond funds to be redirected to other capital projects.
Mayor Rodriguez opened the floor to Council for discussion.
No discussion occurred.
Mayor Rodriguez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 26-R-080.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Mark Davis
VA
AYE: Mayor Pro Tem Mark Davis, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Ben Guerrero,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Sarah Dietz,
Councilmember Robert Sheridan
Passed
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
9. Check Report - June 2026 (Finance Director James Walters)
Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
Councilmember Watson requested information on amending the Unified Development
Code (UDC) to provide a more defined classification for data centers and consider removing
them from the Industrial zoning district. She indicated she would provide a follow-up email
with additional details but indicated a 90-day deadline for the information. She also
requested information on Council recognitions from the City Secretary and possibly the
Mayor.
Councilmember Westbrook asked for information on the City's membership in the National
League of Cities, including the renewal timeline and whether the Council wishes to continue
its membership. Staff indicated the membership is believed to be included in the budget.
*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 Guerrero attended the Chupacabra Ribbon Cutting
*Councilmember Dietz attended the NEP and The Chamber Luncheons and will be
attending the TML Newly Elected Officials Training next week.
*Councilmember Sheridan attended the SSLGC meeting and The Chamber Luncheon.
*Mayor Rodriguez will be attending the 82nd Guam Liberation Day celebration at Pickrell
Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
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Adjournment
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
ATTEST:
Shei a Edmondson, TRMC
City Secretary