Converse Connections - January-March 2019

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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JANUARY - MARCH 2019

CITY HALL

CENTRAL FIRE STATION

JANUARY 12 • 10 AM

JANUARY 19 • 10 AM SEE DETAILS PAGE 14

8th annual CONVERSE GOES GREEN DAY

See page 9

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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CITY OF CONVERSE

DIRECTORY

Converse City Hall (New Building) 406 S. Seguin Administrative............................................210-658-5356

CENTRAL FIRE STATION 602 Toepperwein 210-658-8900 - firechief@conversetx.net

Building Dept............................................210-658-8285 buildingclerk@conversetx.net

Converse Police Department 402 S. Seguin — 210-658-2322

Finance Dept............................................210-658-5357 finance@conversetx.net

Converse Public Library 601 S. Seguin........................................... 210-659-4160 librarian@conversetx.net

Human Resources.................................... 210-566-1446 hr@conversetx.net Municipal Court........................................ 210-658-8021 courtclerk@conversetx.net Park & Pavilion Rentals............................. 210-658-1965 utbill@conversetx.net

Economic Development Corporation 110 W. Legion........................................... 210-659-9163 Toll Free................................................... 800-984-5020 staff@converseedc.com

Utility Billing Pay-by- Phone............................................877-385-7181

Public Works 8711 Business Court................................. 210-659-9513 street-director@conversetx.net

Utility Billing Water/Sewer/Trash................................... 210-658-1965 utbill@conversetx.net

Converse Utilities 9239 Converse Business Lane................210-658-3453 utilities-manager@conversetx.net

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY - DIAL 9-1-1

MEETINGS The following are held in the City Council Chambers located at 402 S. Seguin Rd. City Council.............................................1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month..............................7:00 PM Municipal Court.......................................1st, 2nd & 4th Wednesday.......................Check-in 1:00 PM ....................................................................................................................... Court starts at 2:00 PM Parks and Environmental.........................2nd Monday of the month.......................................6:00 PM Planning & Zoning....................................3rd Monday of the month.......................................7:00 PM The following meetings are held in the Converse Conference Room located at 405 S. Seguin Rd. Building & Standards............................................................................................... Meets as needed Please visit www.conversetx.net to check for meeting date/time and agenda.

Ethics Review Board................................................................................................ Meets as needed Please visit www.conversetx.net to check for meeting date/time and agenda.

Historic Preservation Commission...........1st Wednesday of the month..................................5:30 PM

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Community Magazine

FROM YOUR MAYOR Dear Citizens of Converse,

Thanks for your involvement throughout the year and helping us to have one of our best years yet. We approach the end of 2018 and start 2019 with a balanced budget, low property tax rates (lowest since 1989), a healthy reserve fund balance (40%), and a newly developed 2019-23 Strategic Plan that clearly outlines the City Vision for the next five years. Together, we will continue to make Converse a better place to live and raise a family. We will continue to be very accessible, available, and responsive to ALL your needs. Most importantly, our city staff will always strive to provide you with the best customer services possible. Please contact us anytime for assistance!

Let’s welcome our newly elected City Council members: Marc Gilbert, Deborah James, and Kate Silvas. And welcome our newly appointed Ethics Review Commission members: Jennifer Reents and Denise Robles, Parks & Environmental Commission members: Rachel Buchwalter and Ruby Binion, and Historic Commission member Debra Galerneau-Scanlon. Thank you all for answering the call to serve Converse and making a difference for all the citizens of this great city. Go Team Converse!

the intersection of FM 1604 & Rocket Lane to the City of Converse. The NE BCSO Substation will house approximately 75 plus Sheriff Deputies that will patrol Northeast Bexar County and work very closely with our Converse Police Department. Please stop by and welcome our new partners to the Converse family.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) recently unveiled a $200 million dollar proposed plan to improve FM 1604 from FM 78 to IH-10. The improvements will include frontage roads on the North-South bound sides, a dedicated fly-over exit ramp from the North to Randolph AFB (FM 78), and Overpasses at: Rocket Lane, Lower Seguin Rd, Graytown Rd, and the new Binz-Engleman Rd intersection.

We are always seeking ways to improve our services to you. As always, I invite you to attend “Mayor’s Call” which I hold every other weekend on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, no appointment is ever required, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the City Hall Conference Room located at 405 S. Seguin. Please feel free to email me anytime at mayorsuarez@conversetx.net or contact me at 210-204-0557. Let’s keep making a difference together! We look forward to hearing from you very soon.

The City of Converse continues to be among the safest and most affordable city to live and raise a family. Public Safety and the safety of all Converse residents will always be our first priority.

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT, please have a SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION!

I would like to personally thank the Converse residents for overwhelmingly passing Proposition A to establish a sales use tax for the Maintenance of ALL Converse streets. Your Voice and strong Vote (72%) of confidence has been heard loud and clear. My thanks to those city council members that formulated this initiative to solve one of the most complicated problems (street improvements) in Converse: Kathy Richel, Nancy Droneburg, My Best Regards to everyone, Marc Gilbert, Shawn Russell, Chris Clark and Jeff Beehler. Thank you Converse residents for the high Vote of confidence. We will now get it done with your approval and assistance.

Let’s welcome the newly opened Northeast Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Substation located at

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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EVENTS CALENDAR January 2019

National Blood Donor Month n 1st — New Year’s Day (City Offices Closed) n 12th — New City Hall Grand Opening - 406 S. Seguin @ 10:00 AM n 16th — Storybook Theater presents “New Little Red Riding Hood” Performances (See page 14 for more information) Where: Converse Public Library (601 S. Seguin) Time: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM Please arrive early, seating is limited. All Ages Welcome n 19th — Central Fire Station Grand Opening 602 Toepperwein Rd. @ 10:00 AM n 21st — Martin Luther King Jr. Day (City Offices Closed)

February

FEB 14

National American Heart Month n 13th — Preschool Valentine’s Day Parties Where: Converse Public Library (601 S. Seguin) Time: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM Please feel free to bring Valentines to share! n 14th — Valentine’s Day n 18th — Presidents Day (City Offices Closed)

SAVE THE DATE APRIL

March

National Caffeine Awareness Month n 13th — Magik Theater presenting Kingdom of Texas Where: Converse Public Library (See Page 15 for more information) Time: 2:00 PM n 16th — Converse Goes Green Day Where: Judson Stadium Parking Lot Time: 10:00 am — 2:00 pm If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor, Vendor or Business that would like to participate, please contact Heather Weidenbach, Event Coordinator beginning January 8, 2019 at 210-658-5356. hweidenbach@conversetx.net n 17th — n 20th —

St. Patrick’s Day First Day of Spring

1st April Fool’s Day 14th Palm Sunday 19th Good Friday (City Offices Closed) 21st Easter Sunday 22nd Earth Day

MAY

2nd National Day of Prayer 12th Mother’s Day 18th Armed Forces Day 27th Memorial Day (City Offices Closed) 27th City Pool Opens

JUNE 16th 21st

Recurring Event

MARCH 17 4

Father’s Day 1st Day of Summer

Mayor’s Call 2nd and 4th Saturdays Converse Conference Room — 405 S. Seguin 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Community Magazine

MAJOR PROJECTS

Santé 51

Bexar County Sheriff’s Substation Grand Opening

Converse New 51-Acre Development The northeast portion of Converse is going to have some new scenery on the east side of 1604 near JBSA-Randolph. If you have not heard the recent development news, a new $8 million, 13,500 sq.ft. Bexar County Sheriff ’s Substation was celebrated with a Grand Opening on November 17th.

In addition to this new public facility, a mixed-use master development concept is being proposed to include retail, restaurant, office space and a hotel.

County Commissioner Tommy Calvert leads the charge for Santé 51 with a public-private partnership between Bexar County and developers to take advantage of the local growth and offer cit-

izens more resources for shopping and entertainment. This project will pave the way for additional development projects along 1604.

As Converse continues to see more and more rooftops, along with recent news from TXDOT on large infrastructure investments on 1604 and I-10, additional commercial and retail developments will be heavily targeted by community leaders and economic development efforts.

Converse has great opportunity on the horizon, and as your economic development team, the EDC is excited to be a partner for continued growth.

$15 Million Kneupper Park SUP Approved The Special Use Permit (SUP) for the Business Park is located at Kneupper Road between FM 78 and Steves Street. This proposed business park

will offer multi-tenant and single-tenant options.

A location for business growth and quality jobs for our citizens. — More details to come!

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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GRAND RE-OPENINGS

Supporting our local businesses

McDonald’s Restaurant located at 7975 Kitty Hawk celebrated a Ribbon Cutting on October 13th after a full interior and exterior renovation. This McDonald’s, owned by Haljohn-San Antonio, Inc., first opened in Converse, April 4, 1988.

Big Lots! located at Lott’s Landing Shopping Center, 8318 FM 78, celebrated a Ribbon Cutting on October 26th after a full interior remodel. Guests received gift bags and the store donated $5.00 for every Big Rewards redeemed between 10/26-12/8 to Junior Achievement of South Texas.

RENOVATIONS Take 5 Oil Change renovated Express Lube located at 9280 FM 78.

Stay informed by connecting with us on Facebook and our webpage. www.facebook.com/ConverseEDC/ • Website: www.ChooseConverse.com

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Community Magazine

DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HORIZON

Converse EDC Announces New Executive Director On November 5th, Jimsi Kuborn joined the EDC as the new Executive Director.

Kuborn brings 15+ years of experience in business development, real estate and economic development.

New Business Development Located at 8845 FM 1976.

This development will offer 16,000 sq. ft. of lease space with multiple options to be subdivided. The projected opening is late March 2019.

For inquiries and pre-leasing call Mike Afsous, PH: 210.264.6661

EDC is tasked to create and retain jobs by promoting the city for capital investment opportunities.

Your EDC team is a planning, sales, and marketing team promoting our community for future development opportunities. We are also available to assist local businesses who are looking for resources and space to grow.

Stay informed by connecting with us on Facebook and our website. www.facebook.com/ConverseEDC/ Website: www.ChooseConverse.com

UPCOMING Next EDC Board Meetings 2019 First Quarter January 8th, February 12th & March 12th City Council Chambers New Retail Development A new Auto Zone started construction at 7890 Kitty Hawk located next to First Choice Emergency Room.

The projected opening is the first quarter 2019.

EDC’s next opportunity to promote Converse!

Red River States Conference & Deal Making regional event January 9 – 11 will include key retail industry professionals from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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PROJECT UPDATES Adding Capital Investment and New Jobs to Our Local Economy

Bella on the Vine Event Center at 8607 FM 1976 located next to Papa Dante’s Restaurant finished last minute details for their booked holiday events. The bocce and event center with ten big screens, Audio Visual, dance floor and space for live music is a great place for large or small gatherings. Call 210.658.5261 to schedule your event.

Converse Business Center The entrance sign at the new industrial flex development at 9012 FM 1976 has been installed.

City of Converse EDC 110 Legion Dr. West Converse, TX 78109 (210) 659.9163 8

Community Magazine

If you want to expand your business or relocate to Converse, call TJ Elite Properties at PH: 210.387.0774. Planned opening is December 2018.

Saturday March 16, 2019 10 am - 2 pm

• Educational Workshops • Door Prizes • Rides & Games • Food Trucks

Converse Goes Green Day is a day to celebrate going “Green”. It’s a way to help teach our citizens and businesses on how to save money all while conserving our resources. During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about sustainability, recycle old electronics, shred documents, dispose of expired and/or unused medications and attend workshops about plant care, rainwater harvesting, gardening and more!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor, or business that would like to participate in this event, please contact Heather Weidenbach, City of Converse Event Coordinator at 210-658-5356 or hweidenbach@conversetx.net

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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LAW ENFORCEMENT

& CRIME PREVENTION

Security Camera Registry Program The Converse Police Department has tremendous success in capturing criminal suspects by obtaining home video footage from homeowners with video surveillance cameras at their homes or businesses. However, obtaining the camera footage is time-consuming and inefficient.

Because of this, Converse PD has unveiled a new Security Camera Registry Program. This program will allow for Converse PD to directly contact registrants who use an exterior security video system in an area where a crime has occurred to check their video surveillance for a specific date and time that may show criminal activity, a person(s) of interest and if a getaway vehicle was used. If any video evidence is found, the registrant contacts the Criminal Investigations Division at (210) 988-1518 to schedule an appointment so the video may be retrieved.

With assistance from the community through this program, it better allows us to identify possible suspects and bring them to justice.

For more information about the program, to register or to read the Program Policy and Terms of Use, please visit Converse Police website www.conversetx.net or you can contact 210.658.2322 and ask to speak with Captain Robert Avella, or e-mail: ravella@conversepd.com 10

Crime Prevention Tips

Registering your security camera is

Please remember these crime tips:

1. Free;

1. Lock your doors, vehicle and home

2. Can be done on-line; 3. Is totally voluntary; 4. Saves the Police time in potentially identifying suspects and making arrests.

2. Secure package deliveries as soon as possible 3. Report suspicious persons and vehicles 4. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle 5. Be aware of your surroundings

Converse Police Department 402 S. Seguin 210-658-2322 In case of emergency, call 9-1-1

Community Magazine

City of CONVERSE

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Converse Opens New Central Fire Station The new fire station is a beautiful facility that will accommodate the department needs both now and in the future.”

— Luis Valdez, Fire Chief The City of Converse will open its new Central Fire Station, located at 602 Toepperwein Rd, on January 19 2019 at 10:00 AM. The new state-of-the-art facility boasts five drive-through apparatus bays, 10 bedrooms, a large training room, full-size kitchen, a fitness gym, 6 showers, a workshop and storage room for gear and equipment. The new fire station replaces the old fire station located on Station St. that was built in the 1950’s and had several renovations along the way.

citizens, Mayor and City Council. This investment in the City’s Emergency Services clearly indicates that the safety of the community is a priority”.

The Fire Department will be hosting several events and safety classes in the near future at the new Central Fire Station. Citizens are welcome to schedule a tour of the new fire station by calling, 210-658-8900.

The new fire station was funded through the City’s recent facilities bond project, and came in under budget at less than 3 million dollars. The new fire station provides uninterrupted emergency response and protection by its location on the West side of the train tracks that transverse the City of Converse. In addition, the fire station accommodates the growth in staffing of the department, by offering more room for firefighters as they work their overnight shifts. The planning for the new facility also considered improving the capability of the fire department to better manage emergency responses in the fast-growing community, both from within the city limits, and plans for annexation. The smart design of the fire station also includes energy saving LED lighting throughout, a firefighter alert system that notifies firefighters of emergency calls anywhere within the building, and more.

Fire Chief Valdez stated, “The new fire station is a beautiful facility that will accommodate the department needs both now and in the future. We are very grateful and blessed to have such support from our JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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LIBRARY EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 16

Little Red Riding Hood Converse Public Library will be having Storybook Theater present the New Little Red Riding Hood for two performances on Wednesday, January 16th!

Our morning performance will be at 10:30 am and our afternoon show will be at 1:30 pm. Please arrive early, seating is limited. “A fractured fairytale, The

New Little Red Riding Hood is surprisingly different from what you might expect. Wanda Wolf, Granny Red, puppets, songs, lots of interaction, and more make this story a crowd pleaser for all ages!” (Storybook Theater, 2018). *Partially funded through the Texas Commission on the Arts Performance Support Grant.

Wednesday, February 13th the Library will have our Preschool Valentine’s Day Parties at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Please feel free to bring Valentine Cards to share!

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Community Magazine

Kingdom of Texas

Wednesday, March 13

Magik Theater will be at the Converse Public Library during Spring Break! Wednesday, March 13th at 2:00 pm they will be presenting Kingdom of Texas.

“For more than 100 years Texas was a Spanish Colony known as ‘The Kingdom of Texas’ – that’s just one of many Texas facts in this crash course in Texas lore.

Including stories like the Legend of the Bluebonnets, the tale of Pecos Bill, and of course, Davey Crockett and the saga of the Alamo.” *Partially funded through the Texas Commission on the Arts Performance Support Grant.

Please see our Calendar, Facebook or Twitter accounts for Crafternoons, Preschool Storytimes and Book Club Dates!

Tax Forms available

Tax Forms will be available at the Library as early as late January! Please be aware new tax reform has changed the forms that are being published.

The IRS has created a shorter, simpler Form 1040 for the 2019 tax season. This new 1040 Form replaces the current 1040, the 1040A and the 1040EZ. The new method uses a “building block approach” allowing for a simple form that can be supplemented with additional schedules if needed.

Reward your employees or thank your clients!

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JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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CITY HALL GRAND OPENING

January 12, 2019 • 10 am 406 S. Seguin Road

GRAND OPENING Central Fire Station

JANUARY 19, 2019 10 AM 602 Toepperwein Road 14

Community Magazine

BRUSH ONLY

BULK & BRUSH PICK UP

BULK ONLY BULK & SWEEPER

2019 CALENDAR

SWEEPER ONLY

Brush Pick Up is by Zone Only.

Bulk Pick Up - Contact Utility Billing by 12 PM the Friday prior to pickup at 210-658-1965 to be placed on pickup schedule January

Su Mo Tu 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

We 2 9 16 23 30

Th 3 10 17 24 31

Fr 4 11 18 25

Sa 5 12 19 26

February

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Brush – Zone 2

Brush – Zone 1

May

Su Mo Tu We 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

Su 1 8 15 22 29

Mo 2 9 16 23 30

Brush – Zone 1

September

October

Tu 3 10 17 24

We 4 11 18 25

Th 5 12 19 26

Fr 3 10 17 24 31

Fr 6 13 20 27

Sa 4 11 18 25

June

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Brush – Zone 2

Th 2 9 16 23 30

Sa 7 14 21 28

Su Mo Tu 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

Brush – Zone 1

We 2 9 16 23 30

Th 3 10 17 24 31

Fr 4 11 18 25

Sa 5 12 19 26

Brush – Zone 2

March

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 Brush – Zone 3 31 Su Mo 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

Tu 2 9 16 23 30

July We 3 10 17 24 31

Th 4 11 18 25

Fr 5 12 19 26

Sa 2 9 16 23 30

Su Mo 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

April

Tu 2 9 16 23 30

We 3 10 17 24

Th 4 11 18 25

Sa 6 13 20 27

Fr 2 9 16 23 30

Sa 3 10 17 24 31

Fr 6 13 20 27

Sa 7 14 21 28

Brush – Zone 4

Sa 6 13 20 27

August

Su Mo Tu We Th 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29

Brush – Zone 3

Brush – Zone 4

November

December

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29

Fr 5 12 19 26

Sa 2 9 16 23 30

Brush – Zone 3

Su 1 8 15 22 29

Mo 2 9 16 23 30

Tu 3 10 17 24 31

We 4 11 18 25

Th 5 12 19 26

Brush – Zone 4

CITY HOLIDAYS Jan 1

New Year’s Day

Jan 21

Martin Luther King Day

Feb 18

Presidents’ Day

April 19

Good Friday (City Holiday)

May 27

Memorial Day

Jul 4

Independence Day

Sep 2

Labor Day

Oct 14

Columbus Day

Nov 11

Veterans Day

Nov 28

Thanksgiving Day

Nov 29

Day After (City Holiday)

Dec 24 & 25

Christmas Eve & Day

STREET SWEEPING Our Street Department crew sweeps once a month and is done the last full week of the month except for the months of January, February, October and December in which sweeping occurs the third week of the month.

Please be sure to move your vehicle(s), trash and recycle bins from the street during your street sweeping week.

To view the current street sweeping, please visit www.conversetx.net

JANUARY-MARCH 2019

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403 S. Seguin Converse, TX 78109

Yu have access t yur accut 24 hurs a day 365 days a year It’s a cveiet way t pay yur Utiity bi  yur w tie – with  waitig!

Other Ways to Pay your Utility bill: -ACH Bank Drafting * -Credit Card Auto Pay * -Mail in a check or money order -Night drop box

Pease visit ur website fr detais wwwcversetxet

877-385-7181 City f Cverse Utiity Biig Departet 407 S Segui Cverse TX 78109

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Community Magazine