08-06-2020 MinutesNortheast Partnership for Economic Development
_ City of Schertz
Civic Center Conference Hall
1400 Schertz parkway, Building #5
Schertz, Texas 78154
MINUTES OF WORKSHOP
August 6, 2020
I. Call to Order and Establish a Quorum.
Mayor Williams called the workshop to order at 6:30 p.m., those present introduced
themselves.
II. Introduction of those present and roll call.
Members present were:
Mayor Walt Williams, New Berlin
Mayor Jeff Hunt, Santa Clara
Mayor Larry Thompson, Garden Ridge
Mayor Mary Dennis, City of Live Oak
Mayor Stosh Boyle, Cibolo
Mayor Tom Daly, Selma
Mayor Ralph Gutierrez, Schertz
Mayor Victor Contreras, Marion
Guests: City Secretary Brenda Dennis, Schertz
III. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion and possible action regarding future NEP Regular Meetings.
(Mayor Walt Williams)
Mayor Walt Williams opened the floor for discussion on having regular NEP meetings.
Mayors discussed the logistics of holding the regular NEP meeting at Olympia Hills
Golf and Conference Center, practicing social distancing. Mayor discussed not having
a regular meeting in August but schedule one for September.
Mayor Walt Williams stated he would send out a letter to the membership asking their
thoughts about holding a regular meeting next month utilizing social distancing. They
also discussed the possibility of members bringing the exact amount thus not having us
to give out change.
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The consensus was to meet for a regular NEP meeting at Olympia Hills Golf and
Conference Center in September of 2020. No motion was made. Put on the September
agenda for members discussion. Mayor continued discussion holding regular meetings
or zoom meetings. Consensus to see what the members come back with regarding the
Chair's letter.
Mayor Williams discussed having Mr. Balous Miller who is on the Governor's Task
Committee for opening up Texas and businesses, come and speak at a future meeting.
2. Update /status regarding the NEP City's COVID -19 assistance checks and
distribution.
Mayor Walt Williams provided the Mayor's on how he came about with the distribution
of funds for each city to distribute to their local businesses. Mayors discussed having
a large NEP check made available to those to give the checks out for photo
opportunities. Mayors discussed taking a photo of all the Mayors with the large check
and sending the photo and information to the Herald. Mayors are to provide the names
of the businesses and amounts to Treasurer Mayor Jeff Hunt, he will get the checks to
each Mayor to disperse out. Mayor Williams discussed the remaining funds from the
amount agreed to could be provided to the Chambers for fundraising activities for the
businesses.
IV. Items of interest by Member cities.
Mayor Gutierrez discussed the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development name,
that they don't do much economic development. He suggested The Northeast Partnership
for Development name or suggested by Mayor Walt Williams, The Northeast Partnership.
Mayors present discussed the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development name and
discussed that they don't do much economic development. Mayors discussed possibly
changing the name to The Northeast Partnership. The name change of The Northeast
Partnership better fits with our mission statement and goals. Motion was made by Mayor
Ralph Gutierrez seconded by Mayor Larry Thompson to change the name to The Northeast
Partnership. Motion passed.
Mayor Jeff Hunt stated that their 700+ home development is under negotiations and hope
to trade some ETJ with Cibolo. Tax time they are staying at the same rate $0.16 per
hundred. They are looking for a used Police Vehicle and used Backhoe should anyone have
these for sale. Mayor Hunt announced they are working on re- establishing their City
Marshal position.
Mayor Larry Thompson announced their $0.321106 total tax rate, same as last year, budget
hearings and tax rate hearings are coming up. They are working on a proposal for sewer
line on FM 2252, working with a developer who wants to build garden homes. He updated
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the Mayor's regarding the recent robbery at the EZ Mart where a store clerk was killed. A
recent candlelight vigil was held at the station.
Mayor Stosh Boyle stated that the Cibolo Valley Drive project is moving along very well,
at their last City Council meeting they passed a $7.5 Million to finish it— IH 35 to Walmart.
He announced their city was not affected as much as other cities with the COVID -19 virus.
The larger businesses such as Walmart, CVS were not affected, but some of the smaller
businesses along Main street are struggling.
Mayor Tom Daly things are moving along well with the COVID -19 virus situation — he is
keeping his city informed. He stated their tax rate will be staying the same at the $.019.68
rate. Mayor Daly discussed the information coming out of Bexar County and that these
numbers do not reflect what cases the City of Selma has, especially with the increase
numbers of those being tested in Bexar County.
Mayor Gutierrez concurred, that the numbers are being skewed by the number of new
testing being made available.
Mayor Victor Contreras thanked all the Mayor's he has reached out to recently and those
that reached out to him. The City remains at no cases at this time with 7 recovered. Things
are going will in Marion, they are in the middle of securing GLO grants for the city as they
have hired a grant writer.
Mayor Contreras stated he has been pushing to complete recent subdivision negotiations
that were blocked. They are back in their newly remodeled City Hall building. They have
been able to remodel two buildings at less cost than renting the portable building, which
will be removed. Lastly, in 2 weeks he will be turning 65.
Mayor Walt Williams stated that they are still 0 property tax. They have had 0 COVID -19
cases in their city. Businesses are closing down, bars included. Mayor Williams spoke
regarding how TML can help our small cities, about how can we get a message to our
Judges, State Representatives and Governor that the Mayors of the small cities should be
able to be making their own decisions with regard to opening up businesses.
Mayor Gutierrez stated that the City of Converse sold us their old blocker engine as ours
what destroyed.
Mayor Williams recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who stated that TML Region 7
will be hosting a Virtual Meeting on August 28, 2020 — information has been sent out,
please respond and sign up.
V. Establish a Date, Time & Location of the next NEP Workshop Meeting. (Next up is
the City of Marion) to host for September 3, 2020.
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Mayor Walt Williams discussed the need for a meeting and stated that he would let the
Mayors know if it is necessary to meet in September. If the Mayor's decide to have a
September meeting, the City of Marion can accommodate them.
VI. Establish a date, time for the next regular meeting of NEP.
Next meeting will be scheduled for September 10, 2020.
VII. Adjournment.
Mayor Williams adjourned the workshop at 7.38 p.m. -�
Mayor Walt Wil isms, NE Chairman
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