09-18-2008
Minutes
Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Meeting of September 18, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Chairman Dean Weirtz with a quorum
present
Voting Members Present Members Absent
Lula Mae Schertz John Correu
Walter Schertz
Rose Ackermann
Malford Ackermann
Debbie Krause
Pat Ramirez
Larry Brenner
Tom DeKunder
Dean Weirtz
Merle Behne
Hal Baldwin
N on-Voting Members Present:
Gail Hyatt
Lou Foehrkolb
Pat Dawson
I. Guest introductions: Beverly Jobe
II. Announcements:
A. Newspaper article (Seguin Gazette Enterprise) reported Aug. 24, 2008 that:
(1) $25K grant by the Lower Colorado River Authority (Community
Development Partnership Program - CDPP) awarded to the Seguin conservation
Society for renovations to the Texas Theater ($2.5 million project)
(2) $25K grant by the Lower Colorado River Authority CDPP awarded to
the Seguin Savings Building Project in support of the Sequin Chamber of Commerce
information services program.
B. Carol Keller offered her mother's 1938 Schertz High School Class ring for
placement in the future Schertz Historical Museum. All committee members asked to
look out for Schertz High School memorabilia.
C. Mayor Baldwin announced that Merle Behne has joined the Committee as a
new voting member.
D. Items of historical interest were presented by Gail Hyatt and Debbie Krause
(Gail displayed a photo of her great-grandfather on the Biegert side of the
family & Debbie displayed a notary journal of her mother's that could be a
part of a museum piece)
E. Mayor Baldwin announced that he intends to view materials at Schertz
Elementary School prior to demolition looking for historical memorabilia.
III. Subcommittee Reports
A. Cemetery - The subcommittee is planning to begin work session soon
to advance its program.
B. Historian - Reported upon the Seguin City Historical Museum being in
the news and a GVEC article discussing 40 reasons to live in Schertz.
C. Outreach
(1) As a follow-up to three committee related topics of interest, Chairman
Weirtz attempted to make contact with the Schertz Public Affairs Office for
advise/assistance. All of the topics dealt with outreach efforts of the Committee: 1 st -
too seek an answer as to whether the Committee might obtain printing assistance from the
printing firm that produces the Schertz Tales Magazine for the production of the
Committee's newly produced promotional brochure 2nd - to pass on the suggestion of
including a Schertz write-up in particular state-wide tourist magazines 3rd - to ask for
possible leads on the printing of the Committee's City History Research Project. There
were no return calls and follow-up revealed evidence of a City Manager's Office policy
that excluded direct contact between the City Manager's staff and Chairman Weirtz.
Chairman Weirtz requested an explanation from the City Manager and in a telephone
conversation with the City Manager Chairman Weirtz was told that the Public Affairs
Office did respond to his calls. Chairman Weirtz claims there is no evidence of such a
return call and believes evidence exists that the Public Affairs staff were told to avoid
direct communication with him. The City Secretary has advised that the city does not
think it cost effective to advertise in the traveler magazines. No answer to questions
regarding printing assistance or with regards to staff communication with Chairman
Weirtz.
(2) Chairman Weirtz suggested that the committee consider participating in the
50th Anniversary Committee's November wine tasting event. A motion was made and
approved to participate in the event. A subcommittee comprised of members Gail Hyatt,
Tom DeKunder, Debbie Krause, Lou Foehrkolb and Dean Weirtz was formed to plan for
the event.
D. Museum - No further action pending update on availability date. Discussion
was undertaken regarding including Cibolo and Randolph AFB history features in the
museum. Gail Hyatt discussed the idea of beginning a genealogy group for the public to
participate in that could include having seakers to guide citizens in learning how and
where to search for their ancestors. Merle Behne advised that she has been an instructor
on genealogy research.
E. Schertz City History Research Project: Manuscript submitted by Chairman
Weirtz to the Committee for review and approval prior to publication. A subcommittee
was formed for the purpose reviewing the contents of the manuscript. The members of
the subcommittee are: Lula Mae Schertz, Debbie Krause, Rose Ackermann, and Merle
Benhe. The subcommittee members will each review the manuscript and report on its
contents to the Committee at its next meeting. A copy of the manuscript was furnished to
Mayor Baldwin to submit to the Schertz City Attorney for approval prior to publication
as a committee sponsored publication.
IV. Regular Meeting Agenda
A. Minutes: Minutes of the August 21,2008 meeting were approved with
the correction of three spelling errors.
B. Historic Place Designation: Mayor Baldwin reported that the old
Community Hospital on Main Street will be the next building to be designated as historic.
The subcommittee will develop wording for a plaque that will be placed somewhere near
the street where the property is situated.
C. Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Grant Application: A
package has been prepared by Tom DeKunder and Chairman Weirtz and will be
submitted for a $20K grant prior to September 30, 2008.
V. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
MINUTES APPROVED this 16th day of October 2008.
I