03-19-2024 MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
March 19, 2024
A Regular Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on March
19, 2024, 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 Gutierrez; Mayor Pro -Tern Paul Macaluso; Councilmember Mark
Davis; Councilmember Michelle Watson; Councilmember Tiffany Gibson;
Councilmember Robert Westbrook; Councilmember Allison Heyward;
Councilmember Tim Brown
Staff City Manager Steve Williams; Deputy City Manager Brian James; Assistant City
present: Manager Sarah Gonzalez; City Attorney Daniel Santee; City Secretary Sheila
Edmondson; Deputy City Secretary Sheree Courney
Call to Order
Mayor Gutierrez 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)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Mayor Pro -Tern Macaluso who provided the opening prayer and
led the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of Texas.
Special Announcements
e Hal Baldwin Scholarship
Mayor Gutierrez instructed students in attendance for the Hal Baldwin Scholarship to sign
in. Anyone with questions regarding the Hal Baldwin Scholarship should contact
Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez via email at sonzalez@schertz.com or by phone
at 210-619-1015.
Proclamations
a 311 Appreciation Day -March 11, 2024
Mayor Gutierrez presented the 311 Appreciation Day - March 11, 2024, Proclamation to
311 Supervisor Devan Christensen who recognized and thanked the 311 team members,
Sherry Davis, Lidia Martinez, and Lupe Martinez.
a Take Down Tobacco Day -April 1, 2024
Mayor Gutierrez presented the Take Down Tobacco Day - April 1, 2024, Proclamation to
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Katarina Eberhard, Coalition Coordinator for Guadalupe County under the San Antonio
Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness; Theresa Spies, Executive Director, American
Heart Association of San Antonio; Marla Echeverria; Gyna Juarez; Jerry Saavedra;
Abigail Allen; Roberto Arreola; Victoria Kesinger; and Courtney Worsham.
City Events and Announcements
• Announcements of upcoming City Events (B. James/S. Gonzalez)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Assistant City Manager Sarah Gonzalez, who provided the
following:
Saturday, March 23
Star Party
Crescent Bend Nature Park
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 24
Owl Prowl
Crescent Bend Nature Park
8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 30
HYPER Committee Shred Day
Schertz Chamber Office
1730 Schertz Parkway
9:00 a.m. - noon
Free with suggested $5 donation
Saturday, March 30
Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Lions Club
Easter in the Park
Pickrell Park
9:30 a.m. - noon
Appearance by the Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt.
Tuesday, April 2
Next Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
6:00 p.m.
• Announcements and recognitions by the City Manager (S. Williams)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Manager Steve Williams, who recognized and
congratulated Assistant Police Chief Daniel Roman, for his achievement in graduating
with the FBI National Academy Class 289 on March 15, 2024. This is a very prestigious
honor.
• Announcements and recognitions by the Mayor (R. Gutierrez)
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Mayor Gutierrez made no announcements or provided any recognitions.
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.
No residents addressed Council.
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 - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the regular meeting
minutes of March 5, 2024. (S.Edmondson/S.Coumey)
2. Resolution 24-R-35 - Authorization of EMS, Utility Billing, Schertz Magazine, and
Library debt revenue adjustments. (S.Gonzalez/J.Walters)
3. Appointment/Reappointment For
Boards/Commissions/Committees (S.Edmondson)
• Appointments
Lauren Dalton - Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Martin Powell - Board of Adjustments, Alternate 2
Clayton Wallace - Planning and Zoning Committee, Alternate 2
Charles Cornelisse - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee (from Alternate 1)
Christopher Hormel - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee, Alternate 1 (from
Alternate 2)
Robert Marks - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee, Alternate 2
• Reappointments
Lisa Connolly - Animal Services Advisory Committee
Becki Babcock - Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Rosalyn Wise - Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Christopher Hormel - Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Richard Dziewit - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee, Chair
Ronald Stevens - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
Paul Wiley - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
Steven Icke - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
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Michael Winter - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
• Resignations
Michele Helgren - Animal Services Advisory Committee
Andres Dominguez - Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee
4. Resolution 24-11-31 - Authorizing the revised Bylaws of the Schertz Historical
Preservation Committee, and other matters in connection therewith
(B.James/C. Simmons)
5. Resolution 24-R-32 — Authorizing expenditures with Prime Controls, LP at the
Nacogdoches Water Facility for the SCADA Upgrade Project
(B . James/L. Bus ch/N. Ferris)
Mayor Gutierrez asked Council if any items needed to be removed from Consent for
further discussion. No items were removed. Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to
approve Consent Agenda Items #1 - #5.
Moved by Councilmember Tim Brown, seconded by Councilmember Michelle
Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Discussion and Action Items
6. Resolution 24-R-34 - Accepting the Audit Report and the Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report. (S.Gonzalez/J.Walters)
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Finance Director James Walters, who introduced Paula
Lowe of Pattillo, Brown, & Hill. Ms. Lowe presented the audit results for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2023. Auditors rendered an unmodified opinion and stated
the City of Schertz financial statements present fairly in all material respects. This is
the highest level of assurance the auditor is able to provide. She went on to identify a
few highlights in the financial report, such as the net fund balance to show the
financial health of the city at fiscal year end. The unassigned fund balance for the
General Fund reflects well and is in line with what is generally recommended.
A Single Audit Report was also conducted on federal funds expended by the City.
This is required when expenditures exceed $750,000 per year. The City of Schertz
expended $1.3 million in federal funding in fiscal year 2023, triggering the
required Single Audit Report. This is a compliance report to ensure the City is
spending the funds in compliance with the federal agency's guidelines. The internal
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controls and compliance with spending these funds resulted in no findings.
Ms. Lowe closed stating the audit of the financial statements was an unmodified
opinion, no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies for federal awards or
compliance for single audit findings.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for discussion. No discussion. Mayor
Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Resolution 24-R-34.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember Tiffany
Gibson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
7. Ordinance 24-S-04 - Approving amendments to Part III of the Schertz Code of
Ordinances, Unified Development Code (UDC) to Article 16 - Definitions.
Final Reading (B.James/L.Wood/S.Haas)
Mayor Gutierrez stated Ordinance 24-S-04 passed on the First Reading and asked if
Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear
the presentation again. Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance
24-S-04.
Moved by Councilmember Mark Davis, seconded by Councilmember Michelle
Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
8. Ordinance 24-S-05 — Approving a request to rezone approximately 26.11 acres of
land from Single -Family Residential / Agricultural District (R-A) to General Business
District (GB), a portion of 11209 E FM 1518 generally located 600ft northwest of the
intersection of Lisa Meadows and FM 1518, City of Schertz Bexar County, Texas,
also known as Bexar County Property Identification Number 308363. Final Reading.
(B.James/L.Wood/S.Haas).
Mayor Gutierrez stated Ordinance 24-S-05 passed on the First Reading and asked if
Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear
the presentation again. Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance
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Moved by Councilmember Tiffany Gibson, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Paul
Macaluso
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem. Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
9. Ordinance 24-14-03 - Approving amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 34
Health, Article I - General and Article II - Food Establishments. Final Reading
(B.James/L. Wood/A. Cantu)
Mayor Gutierrez stated Ordinance 24-H-03 passed on the First Reading and asked if
Council wanted to hear the presentation again. Council declined to hear
the presentation again. Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance
24-H-03.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember
Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
10. Resolution 24-R-36 - authorizing an increase in the not to exceed amount with Freese
and Nichols, Inc. to update the City's Parks Master Plan element of the Comprehensive
Plan. (B. James/S. Williams).
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Deputy City Manager Brian James who gave a summary
of the Freese and Nichols update to the City's Parks Master Plan element of the
Comprehensive Plan. The additional cost for the Parks Master Plan element is
estimated at $20,000 with the overall additional cost for the Comprehensive Plan
estimated at $25,000. Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council for discussion. No
discussion occurred.
Moved by Councilmember Allison Heyward, seconded by Councilmember
Michelle Watson
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Michelle Watson,
Councilmember Tiffany Gibson, Councilmember Robert Westbrook,
Councilmember Allison Heyward, Councilmember Tim Brown
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Other: Councilmember Mark Davis (ABSTAIN)
Passed
Public Hearings
11. Ordinance 24-S-06 - Conduct a public hearing and consider amendments to the City
of Schertz Comprehensive Plan. First Reading (B.James/L.Wood/S.Haas).
Mayor Gutierrez recognized Sr. Planner Samuel Haas who provided a briefing
outlining the proposed amendments to the City of Schertz Comprehensive Plan. This is
the culmination of a year's long work across many City Departments. Mr. Haas
introduced the Freese and Nichols representatives to explain the documents. Mr. Shad
Comeaux, Principal and Vice President, served as project manager for the Schertz
Comprehensive Plan update. Mr. Comeaux walked Council through the process and
explained the fluidity of a comprehensive plan. He stated this project looked at
Future Land Use, Economic Strategy, Transportation and Mobility, and Parks and
Recreation. He then turned the presentation over to Caitlin Admire to provide an
overview of the document components. She provided a snapshot for planning context
that showed demographics, physical features, market analysis, and strengths,
weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities. This leads to policy statements that are used
as a tool to ensure future decisions are aligned with the plan. There are five focus areas
for Schertz that could potentially contain additional development, areas that are
susceptible to change, (1) SE Schertz which includes a lot of land currently in the ETJ
but expected to become part of the city in the near future; (2) South of JBSA
Randolph; (3) mainly undeveloped but has a working quarry; (4) North of I-35; and (5)
NE Schertz which includes a lot of land currently in the ETJ but expected to become
part of the city in the near future. Residents were asked what Schertz would be known
for in 2044, of which 62% responded with safe neighborhoods. When asked
what types of retail services Schertz needs, 55% responded with sit-down, full -service
dining; 38% with entertainment, recreation; and 32% with better healthy grocery
options (32%). The goal is to have complete communities. Residents should be able to
go about all their essential daily activities and needs within a short distance of their
home. Ms. Admire shared fiscal impacts. The proposed scenario is projected to result
in $2.1 billion of net new fiscal benefits over a 30-year period. To conclude her
presentation, she provided an implementation matrix with recommended action items
based on the individual's role in the process.
Mr. Haas stated the current comprehensive plan has 19 different land use
categories. The current plan has reduced that number to 9 land use categories. He
provided a description and an explanation of each new land use category.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m.
Dana Sommers, 1016 Antler Drive, stated she didn't believe the presenters sought
out community involvement as they stated. She stated the comprehensive plan was
first requested in November but was not provided until 6 days ago. Additionally, they
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weren't informed that this issue would be heard at tonight's meeting until today. She
stated she lives in Deer Haven and on January 10, 2018, zoning for the lot on Fawn
Drive went to P&Z committee for use as neighborhood services. P&Z voted
unanimously to deny the rezoning. In December 2023, a proposed change to GB was
brought to P&Z. Reason they should not allow the GB zoning include TxDOT will not
allow a curb -cut, draining and safety are concerns.
William Sommers, 1016 Antler Drive, stated all residential lots in Deer Haven have a
deed restriction. The restriction was initiated in 1980 and states lots may only be used
for residential purposes. He asked that action on the Comp Plan be delayed.
Mayor Gutierrez closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m.
Mayor Gutierrez opened the floor to Council and recognized Councilmember Davis,
who thanked the residents who spoke. He stated that the issue at hand is the approval
of the Comprehensive Plan and not a zoning issue. Any issue related to zoning would
be addressed separately.
Councilmember Brown concurred with Councilmember Davis, adding that the
Comprehensive Plan provides broad and general guidance and not specific zoning.
Mayor Gutierrez asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 24-S-06.
Moved by Councilmember Michelle Watson, seconded by Councilmember Tim
Brown
AYE: Mayor Pro-Tem Paul Macaluso, Councilmember Mark Davis,
Councilmember Michelle Watson, Councilmember Tiffany Gibson,
Councilmember Robert Westbrook, Councilmember Allison Heyward,
Councilmember Tim Brown
Passed
Information available in City Council Packets - NO DISCUSSION TO OCCUR
12. Monthly Update - Major Projects In Progress/CIP (B.James/K.Woodlee)
13. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Information on low to
moderate income guidelines.
Requests and Announcements
• Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers for updates or information from Staff
No requests for updates or information from Staff were made.
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. Requests by Mayor and Councilmembers that items or presentations be placed on a future
City Council agenda
No items or presentations were requested to be placed on a future City Council agenda.
. City and Community Events attended and to be attended (Council)
Councilmember Watson attended the Northeast Partnership Luncheon.
Councilmember Gibson attended the TML Mid -Year Conference and the Chamber
Luncheon.
Councilmember Westbrook attended the TML Mid -Year Conference.
Councilmember Heyward attended the TML Small Cities Problem -Solving, the AGRIP
Governance Conference, the Audit Committee meeting, the National League of Cities
City Conference, the TML Mid -Year Conference, and the Chamber Luncheon.
Councilmember Brown attended the Northeast Partnership Luncheon.
Adjournment
Mayor Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
Sheila Edmondso. , City Secretary
A�
ph G 'errez, Mayor
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