magazine OCTOBER 2015
City Council Michael Carpenter Mayor Jim Fowler Councilmember Grumpy Azzoz Councilmember Daryl John Councilmember Cedric Edwards, Sr. Councilmember Robin Thompson Councilmember
Executive Team John Kessel City Manager Brian James Executive Director Dudley Wait Executive Director Bob Cantu Executive Director Kyle Kinateder Executive Director
Editor’z Letter
VOLUME 31 ISSUE 10 31 Years and counting...!
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Chuck McCollough Editor Alexis Souza Graphic Design/Art Direction Lucille Sims Thomas Copy Editor Contributing Staffers Erin Matlock Office Manager Mary Spence Events Manager
Contributing Writers Chuck McCollough, Lucille Sims Thomas, Amanda Mercer, Allyson Ortegon, Claudia Pharr,Jesus R. Garcia, Kari Bridges, Jim Webb, Stan Leland, Wendy Kinkade, Taryn McGillivray, Aubrey Parke, Kiko Martinez, Ashley Festa, Rudy Arispe, Mike Harris, Chris Meek, Tom Lovett, Kaylie Kennedy Contributing Photographers Chuck McCollough, Mary Spence, Joshua Nolden, Lisa Green, Diana Webb, Bryan Tobias, Mike Harris, Beverly McCollough, Ross Dye, Marc Bane, Michael Carpenter, Bryan Nguyen, Joe Herczeg, Andrea Allinger, Kari Bridges, Catherine White, Elizabeth Leland, Rudy Ornelas, Christopher Matzenbacher, Samuel Rhodes, Linda Klepper, Amanda Mercer, Calvin True, Elysia Santoya, Alyson Garcia, Erin True, Lisa Green, Kaylie Kennedy, Mike Bowers, Fiona Scoggin, Ethan Bookout, Terrell Mitchell, Mary Oaks, Cindy Kelleher, Aaron Davis Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630. Fax (210) 619-1619. Website is schertz.com and schertzmagazine.com
By Chuck McCollough, Editor
OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. For advertising information: Schertz Magazine, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154; call (210) 619-1630; Fax (210) 619-1619; email sales@schertz.com. NEWS POLICY Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Schertz city limits. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email us at events@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.
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hink October and you think pumpkins, Halloween and much more.
In this month’s issue of Schertz Magazine we serve up the traditional October favorites in several ways. First, read about one of the largest pumpkin patches in this area located not far from the intersection of FM 3009 and FM 2252 (Nacogdoches Road). This is the 14th year Bracken United Methodist Church has run its popular fall event that includes thousands of pumpkins and displays of costume-wearing scarecrows and fantasy characters arranged for perfect picture taking. It is open every day through Halloween and is great family fun. Next, get an update on Schertz’s
World famous Ghost Hunter Brad Klinge. He was featured in the Halloween edition of Schertz Magazine last October in a story about his many adventures. Catch up with the Schertz resident who goes looking for things most people get the jitters over. Then look at the story on the Schertz Public Library’s Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest. The creative folks at the library want to see how creative Schertz Magazine readers and others can be at decorating their pumpkins as a favorite book character! This gives a whole new meaning to the term pumpkin head! When you’re done with the ghosts and goblins theme, explore all the other magazine stories.
EVT Keeps Public Safety Rolling
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Antique Fire Truck Parade Crowd Favorite
P30 Read the story about young veterans helping restore two Dodge WC-54 ambulances that played a central role during WWII transporting wounded soldiers to the medical care they needed. Thanks to Automotivation, a program for wounded warriors, the ambulances will be restored and given the honor and dignity they deserve. Automotivation, a division of Operation Comfort, offers wounded warriors a chance to join with others who enjoy working on vehicles. Speaking of restoring vehicles, check out the article on John Blumentritt and the antique fire truck he restored. When he was 15 years old in 1977, Blumentritt bought a 1930 Model A car. It was dusty and rusty but he dreamed of restoring it back to its original condition. It
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wasn’t until 2011 that he got around to restoring it and he really got the bug. The 1928 fire truck he restored was a labor of love and he shares it with the community in several ways including in parades and letting newlyweds ride in it. It is a story that will make you smile. Also look for complete information on the City of Schertz November election that includes City Council races, two bond projects and 19 City Charter propositions. Information on early voting, Election Day voting and polling places is also included. Also look for photos and a story about the JBSA-Randolph Air Show Oct. 31-Nov. 1, the Fall Clean Up program, a story on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and Breast Cancer Awareness month. All that and more in Your Source For Hometown News Schertz Magazine.
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Restoring History WWII Ambulance
DEPARTMENTZ TALK OF THE TOWNZ Updatez Visionz / Chamber
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CIVIC NEWZ Updatez Voting Special Section
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CALENDARZ
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COVER
John Blumentritt sits on the bumper of his restored 1928 antique fire truck.
TALKOF THE
JBSA-Randolph Air Show Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Headlining the schedule are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, along with the Wings of Blue and U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute teams. The free event is open to the public. Along with 300 minutes of flying time, the show will also feature static displays and fun for all ages. You’ll see the evolution of joint air power and the incredible advancements in technology that have occurred throughout the Air Force’s extraordinary history.
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War birds representing each of those generations of Airmen will be on display, from World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras, to today’s 5th Generation of remotely piloted aircraft, trainer, and fighter weapon systems. At this time, some of the scheduled flying acts are a T-6, Mig-17, T-33, P-51 and the B-25. The schedule is subject to change. For more information, including items prohibited from the air show, visit. www.jbsa.mil.
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TOWNZ
Grab your friends and family and head over to the first air show and open house in San Antonio since 2011.The event is slated for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at JBSA-Randolph Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The free event is open to the public.
SZ Pumpkin Patch Local Family Tradition One of the largest and most entertaining Pumpkin Patches in South Texas is open from 9:AM to sundown every day through the end of October at Bracken United Methodist Church located just east of FM 3009 on FM 2252. This is the 14th year for this fun-filled event that features massive displays of thousands of pumpkins. Special displays of costumed scarecrows and fantasy characters are arranged for taking that perfect picture of your family amid the festival of fall colors. In the evenings and on weekends there are hayrides and the special Pumpkin Patch Express Train rides for the children.
During the mornings, school and special children’s groups from four counties celebrate a day at the Bracken Pumpkin Patch. They participate in special entertainment centers where they paint pumpkins, sing songs, hear stories, play games and everyone goes home with a special pumpkin. You will find pumpkins from baseball size to monsters that will take two people to carry. There will be decorated and painted pumpkins and colorful gourds of every size and description. Prices for the pumpkins start as low as fifty cents. Everyone in the community is invited to come out and enjoy the Pumpkin Patch festivities. Dress the
Everyone has fun at a pumpkin patch children in Halloween costumes and take fabulous pictures of them enjoying their day in a wondrous setting of seemingly endless pumpkins. The Pumpkin Patch will be open from 9:00 AM until dusk seven days a week. The Church is located at 20377 FM 2252 located just a mile and a half
northeast of the intersection at FM 3009. FM 2252 is the extension of Nacogdoches Road and the Bracken Pumpkin Patch is only about five and a half miles outside Northeast Loop 1604 at Rolling Oaks Mall. For more information or directions, call Bracken UMC at 830-606-6717 or visit bracken-umc.org.
South Texas will celebrate NNO on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 6-8:30 PM Schertz residents and neighborhoods can register with the Schertz Police Department. Contact Officer Helen Lafitte at (210) 619-1264 or by email at hlafitte@schertz.com. NNO 2014 involved 37.8 million people in 16,124 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2015 is expected to be the largest ever as the event turns 32.
NNO, a yearlong community building campaign, is designed to: (1) heighten crime prevention awareness (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Along with the traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events.
Children visit with a K-9 officer and police dog during NNO 2014. 32nd National Night October 6
TALK OF THE TOWNZ
October Library Events Schertz Library Conducting Community Needs Assessment Survey - Please Share Your Opinions!
Please take 5 minutes to complete a survey about the Schertz Public Library! The survey will be open for two weeks from Monday, October 5th until Monday, October 19th. It is available online at www.schertzlibrary.org in the Spotlight section and there are physical copies at the library’s Circulation and Information Desks. We are interested in YOUR opinion about the services we provide. The more feedback we get, the better equipped we will be to improve our existing services and develop new ones to meet emerging needs in your library. Thank you!
Schertz Library Now a Texas Talking Book Demonstration Site
Schertz Public Library announces that it is now a new demonstration site for the Texas Talking Book Program (TBP), a free library service for people who cannot read standard print because of visual, physical, or reading disabilities, whether permanent or temporary. All equipment and services are free, including return postage. Schertz Public Library has a digital player and cartridge for demonstration, as well as information about TBP, including brochures and applications. Visit Schertz Public Library to get more information and try out the digital audio player.
Alzheimer’s Association Presentation Series
The San Antonio Alzheimer’s Association will be presenting a different topic on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm through December 2015. This program is funded by the GVEC Power Up Grant. Registration is available online at schertzlibrary.org/calendar or via telephone (210) 619-1700.
Open Mic Poetry & Song
Thursday October 22nd at 6:30 PM will be our next open mic poetry and song event. All local poets and songwriters are invited to share their talents with the community. Anyone interested in hearing local talent please join us!
Sweethearts and Ghouls
Let’s revel Halloween in style with the Sweetheart Court. Join us for a ghoulish time of fun activities, treats, and crafts! Costumes encouraged! Join us at the Schertz Public Library on October 16, 2015 from 4-5:30 PM in the Library Program Room.
Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Decorate your pumpkin as your favorite book character! Paint it, dress it, accessorize it, but NO CARVING!! You can do this as a family or as an individual. Winner will be determined by popular vote. We will accept entries at Children’s Information Desk October 13th through October 16th. Voting will take place on October 17th from 12 PM-6 PM. Invite your family and friends to come to the library to vote for your pumpkin! Pumpkins will be on display in the Children’s Library through October 24th.
Schertz Library Autumn Book Sale The Schertz Library Autumn Book Sale will be held on Friday, October 23rd from 10 AM to 5PM and Saturday, October 24th from noon to 5PM. in the meeting room in the Children’s area. Pay $3 for a bag and fill it with excellent reading material from our varied inventory. While you’re there check out our Read Before Book Store and browse our interesting collection of Vintage books.
Star Wars Reads Day
Let’s celebrate all things Star Wars with fun activities, treats, and crafts. Costumes encouraged! Join us at the Schertz Public Library in the Library Program Room on October 10, 2015 from 1-3 PM.
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Schertz Famous Ghost Hunter Update Editor’s Note: A year ago Schertz Magazine profiled local Ghost Hunter Brad Klinge and his nearly lifelong interest in things that go boo and bump in the night. As Halloween 2015 creeps closer and closer like a spider in the night Schertz Magazine checks in on Schertz’ World Famous Ghost Hunter and what has happened in the last 12 months. A lot has happened to me over the past year since the last article. I started a production company a couple years ago called 9 Diamond Productions. After being on Ghost Lab on the Discovery Channel, I learned quite a bit on how to film television shows--especially paranormal ones. I started out with a documen-
tary called Shadows on 66 about an old haunted bordello in Galena, Kansas that earned me an Emmy nomination. I then created documentary series called Strange Curiosity that has had a lot of success as a web series. Currently there are four episodes released, with a fifth and sixth in editing right now.
My world-wide notoriety with Ghost Lab helped spread the popularity of Strange Curiosity. The web is amazing when it comes to reach and the analytics behind it, and as of the end of August, that series had been viewed in all 191 undisputed/ recognized sovereign countries on the planet.
For a complete version of the story go to schertzmagazine.com schertzmagazine.com
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In Canada...
Pam Rogers took Schertz Magazine to the Women’s World Cup in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
In St. Kitts West Indies... Evelyn Wills and her family took Schertz Magazine with them on a trip to St. Kitts known as The Gibraltar of the West Indies.
Schertz Magazine All Over The Map
SZ s for k n a Th ng! o l a ’ us takin
On Mexican beach...
Maegen Fox and Eric Zimmermann took Schertz Magazine on a vacation trip to Riviera Maya in Mexico.
In Africa...
David A. King took Schertz Magazine with him on a trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa
In Alaska...
Schertz area residents in group picture (taken by Chuck Ervin) in Juneau, Alaska include: Rose Ervin, Sandra Farrow, Curtiss and Janet Jenkins, Merle and Doris Jenkins, Kenneth Jenkins, Nicole Jenkins, Nicholas Jenkins, Michael Ontko, William and Patricia Woodward.
Take your copy of Schertz Magazine when you travel and take a photo of the mag and you in front of a recognizable place and send to events@schertz.com. You might just make it into the magazine. schertzmagazine.com
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SZ Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer By Justin Boatsman, M.D. South Texas Radiology Imaging Centers October is a month to raise awareness about breast cancer. To remind women and men that despite the many advances in treatment and understanding the disease, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women. After skin cancer, it is the most diagnosed cancer in women. One out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and most new cases do not have a significant family history of breast cancer. With these statistics, it does not take long to find a sister, mother, wife, daughter, or friend who has been impacted. Early detection remains a cornerstone to saving lives. The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and several other organizations recommend screening mammograms annually beginning at age 40 for as long as a woman is in good health. A screening mammogram is an effective test shown to decrease mortality due to breast cancer. Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (also known as a DBT or 3D mammography) has become a popular tool for women in the fight against breast cancer. This technology has the potential to provide additional information for your radiologist by creating “sliced� images that show more breast tissue. This new technology is available in the San Antonio area including Schertz Imaging Center located at 5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite 500. While a screening mammogram will detect most breast cancers, a small percentage cannot be detected. A recent negative mammogram should not prevent a woman from seeking medical attention for a new breast abnormality, especially a new lump, pain, skin change, or nipple discharge. In the setting of symptoms like these, your provider or radiologist may request additional tests including an ultrasound. Routine screening remains the standard of care. If you are a woman over 40 or have a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer, contact your provider to find out how to schedule your exam. One thing is certain; mammograms cannot find cancers and detect them early if women do not have them.
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Schertz Chamber Monthly Calendar of Events October 1st the Schertz Chamber will host Cibolo Meet the Candidates from 6:00-7:30 at Cibolo City Hall.
Meet the Candidates is a question-and-answer forum with Candidates running for Cibolo City Council and the SCUCISD board of trustees.
October 14 the Schertz Chamber of Commerce will host Meet the Candidates from 6:30-7:30 at the Schertz Civic Center.
Meet the Candidates is a question-and-answser forum with Candidates running for Schertz City Council and the SCUCISD board of trustees.
October 15th will be the date of the Chamber-After Hours Mixer from 5:30 - 7:00pm at SurePoint Self Storage FM 3009 located at 17305 IH35 North. Join us for food, fun,
networking, and a chance to win Chamber CASH! *General attendance $10, Chamber Members FREE!
October 20th will be the date of the Chamber Monthly Luncheon from 11:30am 1:00pm at the Schertz Civic Center. We will feature guest speaker Lora Schafer of Grow Strong Consulting on the topic of Management Development. Please RSVP your attendance by October 13th. *General admission $28 and $18 for Chamber Members.
October 22nd, join us for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of The Legacy at Forest Ridge from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Legacy at Forest
Ridge is located at 5001 Schertz Parkway. Help us welcome our area’s newest assisted living and memory care facility.
Serving cities Schertz, Selma and Cibolo, covering 6 counties and over 100 miles of businesses, the Schertz Chamber of Commerce is your source for networking, marketing and advocacy. To find out how to join, stop by our offices at 1730 Schertz Parkway, call 210-619-1950 or go to our website at schertzchamber.org.
FEATUREZ EVT Keeps Public Safety Rolling
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By Chuck McCollough
Where does a Schertz ambulance go when it gets sick? Answer: The Schertz Fleet division where an amazing transformation is taking place regarding the city’s public safety rolling stock. The city’s fleet operation is making a quantum leap when it comes to working on the city’s fire, police and EMS Vehicles. The evolution is akin to going from first aid to brain surgery.
from the manufacturer. The difference is tens of thousands of dollars and the ability to service that equipment faster and at a lower cost. “Time is our biggest enemy when it comes to servicing emergency vehicles like ambulances. They have top priority and need to be back in service as soon as possible,” Harshman said.
according to Harshman.. In 2011 Fleet recognized that one of the challenges the division faced was specific training and education needed for the servicing and repair of City emergency vehicles. At the time, most of the repairs were outsourced to various vendors. ”Our in-house maintenance program was lacking substance and
For years, Fleet has done routine maintenance and repairs on police, fire and EMS vehicles but also was asked to try to repair the more sophisticated equipment on the emergency vehicles, said Fleet Manager Jon Harshman. “We learned a lot from years of trying to service emergency vehicle problems like malfunctioning emergency lights on a police car.” “So we have gone from just servicing and repairing emergency vehicles to the next level to save the city time and money,” Harshman said. A major example of Fleet’s enhanced capacity is being able to install emergency equipment like lights and sirens on a new ambulance or police car instead of buying a fully equipped unit
The Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) program adopted by Fleet is making that happen ASAP. The program trains technicians to work on the more technology filled emergency vehicles instead of sending them to an outside vendor. Outsourcing an ambulance repair can take weeks, months. With our EVT program we could get an ambulance back on the road in three days instead of three months,
true accountability,” Harshman said. Fleet worked with the City’s Public Safety Departments to approve a new position within Fleet with EVT Certification requirements. EVT training was the next evolutionary step, he said, in ensuring the Fleet staff is the best and has the best education and training regimen
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FEATUREZ EVT Keeping Public Safety Rolling cont’d from page 21
available to them. “This certification program equips our personnel with the knowledge and expertise to handle any service or repair issue that presents itself. As Fleet continues to advance our capabilities and grow our services to include outfitting emergency vehicles with the emergency lighting, electronics and communications equipment, as well as the basics of competent maintenance and repairing of our existing emergency service vehicles, Fleet continues to look for ways to benefit the city with our services. Harshman said the overall goal once this program is fully utilized is to have one of the most certified and best trained city Fleet departments in the state. Part of that learning curve from traditional service and repair of Schertz emergency
vehicles to the next level involved a “take it apart and see what makes it tick” approach. Fleet borrowed two Schertz police cars - one fully equipped with emergency lights, siren, radio etc. and the other unit without the equipment. Fleet EVTs then “dissected the vehicles front to back” to catalog the parts and make schematics of where the parts go and how to remove and put them back on, Harshman said. And Fleet learned a lot from that “dissection.” During a pilot program in summer 2014, EVTs took two other police vehicles and applied a premium maintenance strategy and a different mindset. “We experimented with a new thought process, a mentality
“We experimented with a new thought process, a mentality that said no shortcuts, perfection is the goal.”
that said no shortcuts, perfection is the goal. Anywhere there was a weak link fix it -- get ahead of problems. We created a system where the cars not only performed to the best of their abilities but the parts were easily removable for fast service,” he said.
trocom cities if their regular vendor could not get the work done soon enough.
Those two police cars had not required repairs nearly a year later thanks to the enhanced maintenance process.
“All of the cities around here have mutual aid agreements and count on each other when there is a major incident,” he said.
Fleet is partnering with the city’s IT department to upgrade and maintain computers in ambulances in another example of in-house ability.
Schertz emergency vehicles would have priority but helping a sister city get its emergency vehicle back sooner actually benefits the whole community, Harshman said.
Harshman said the Schertz EVT program is likely to grow in scope and sophistication and add more technicians to service emergency vehicles. That opens the possibility of being able to service emergency vehicles from other Meschertzmagazine.com
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FEATUREZ
Antique Fire Truck Parade Crowd Favorite By Stan Leland
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San Angelo native John Blumentritt was 15 years old in 1977 when he bought a 1930 Model A car. It was dusty and rusty but he dreamed of restoring it back to its original condition. The project remained on hold as he finished high school. In 1980, he went to college and then entered the Air Force. The car went into storage in San Angelo and stayed there the entire 27 years of his Air Force career.
ing over 100 restored Model A’s. Their expertise and especially that of master restorer Jay Pearcy led Blumentritt through the process of restoration and finding needed parts. They also knew where to send parts to be repaired or rebuilt. In his typically disciplined,
the third stage of the restoration process that began with preservation, then restoration and finally maintaining the vehicle. Besides the meticulous accuracy of the restoration, Blumentritt added a few more touches to the car. He found
“It was exactly what I wanted, the flowing curves of the fenders and the painting details are just beautiful,” by military personnel to gain access to the former Goodfellow Field near San Angelo. “It’s a tribute to my Air Force years and boyhood home,” Blumentritt said.
Blumentritt retired in Schertz and now works at JBSARandolph as a contractor. In September, 2011, he decided the restoration of the Model A had waited long enough and he hauled it home to Schertz. The entire car was dissembled and inventoried. “I’m not a restoration expert” said Blumentritt, “my talents are in project management.” This was definitely a project that would need close management and talent from others. His first task was deciding what needed to be repaired, replaced or just cleaned. The disassembly process was like an archeological dig. The vehicle identification number gave the date of May, 1930 as the date the car rolled off the Ford assembly line. Fortunately, Blumentritt found several parts of the car that still had the original paint color. “When I bought the car it was painted gray and under that someone had brush painted parts of it blue,” he said. The car now has the factory correct two-tone paint color. Blumentritt was assisted by the Alamo A’s of San Antonio, a local Model A club with almost 100 members represent-
Schertz Fire Chief David Covington stands next to the 1928 fire truck John Blumentritt restored.
project manager style, Blumentritt had budgeted a certain amount of money each month for the restoration. If he ran out of money, work on the car stopped until the following month. Finally, in April 2013 Blumentritt declared the car finished. He was now at
Pictured to left - John Blumentritt sits in the 1930 Model A car he restored
original 1930 license plates and had them restored to their original condition and color. The State of Texas allows antique vehicles to use antique license plates as long as there is a front and back plate. He also located an original military base pass that was used
After finishing the car, Blumentritt decided he wanted to restore a Model A truck. “I am fascinated by the 1920’s and 1930’s,” Blumentritt said with a smile. . Model A’s were produced from 1927 to 1931 -- right in the middle of that
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Kick off the Holiday season! Festival of Angels Friday, December 4 Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex
For more info: visitschertz.com
FEATUREZ Antique Fire Truck cont’d from page 25
era. He found a suitable fire truck online and bought it. “It was exactly what I wanted, the flowing curves of the fenders and the painting details are just beautiful,” he said. The vehicle is a 1928 AA truck, originally used by the Winsted, Conn., fire department. When it became obsolete they retained it as a training vehicle and then used it in parades and displays as the mascot of the department. As a result, it was reasonably well maintained. The restoration started in August of 2013 and was completed in January of 2014. The majority of the work was body work and cosmetic issues. Complete disassembly wasn’t needed. However, in the process of removing the running boards that were obviously not original, Blumentritt discovered the original running boards underneath. “You rarely find the original running boards on these trucks because they are one of the first things to rust out,” he said. Built on an elongated Model A frame, the engine is the same size as the one used in the car. The fire truck is essentially a mobile water pump designed to run hose from a fire hydrant or even a pond or lake to the fire. It used the truck motor to power the pump with enough pressure to spray multi-story building fires. The truck also contains a 150 gallon water reservoir for use on small fires.
The truck has a number of original accessories such as the canvas covered fire hose, the two-foot-long fire nozzles and the oak tool box on the running board. Blumentritt has made every effort to create the authentic look of a 1928 fire truck. When he completed the project, Blumentritt notified the local fire department that it was at their disposal if they wanted to display it at one of their functions. As a result, the Schertz Fire Chief asked Blumentritt to display his fire truck as the department dedicated their new fire truck on May 1, 2014. On another occasion, a young lady from Kyle contacted Blumentritt about using the truck at her wedding. Her husband was a firefighter and she wanted to surprise him with the truck. At the end of the reception they both climbed into the back of the fire truck and Blumentritt drove them to their waiting getaway car. The truck has also become a regular participant in the Schertz 4th of July parade. “If I didn’t step up and restore these vehicles they would just rust away and be covered in weeds and brush,” Blumentritt said. “For the price of an average new car, I can have two works of art and preserve a part of our past, which means a lot to me.”
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Restoring History
WWII Ambulance
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By Stan Leland The Dodge WC-54 ambulance played a central role during WWII transporting wounded soldiers to the medical care they needed. Two of the old, rusty ambulances are owned by the AMEDD museum at Ft. Sam Houston and have been in storage for decades -- but they haven’t been forgotten. Thanks to Automotivation, a program for wounded warriors, the ambulances will be restored and given the honor and dignity they deserve. Many Iraqi and Afghan War veterans are unable to reconnect with family and friends because of their combat experiences; they feel alone and lonely. Many feel they’ve been put on the shelf -- but they are not forgotten. Thanks to Automotivation, wounded warriors are getting help and encouragement and are being given the honor and dignity they deserve. Automotivation, a division of Operation Comfort, provides the chance for wounded warriors to join with others who enjoy working on cars. A fully equipped garage is made available for them to work on their own car or help with the ambulance restoration project. Chris Leverkuhn and Vic Hash oversee the garage and both know firsthand the challenges faced by returning combat veterans. The time spent by the veterans getting grease and oil on their hands has a therapeutic effect that car buffs can readily appreciate. When Automotivation was asked to restore the ambulances, the original plan was to use one for parts to restore the other. However as the ambulances were examined more closely, Leverkuhn and Hash decided to restore both vehicles. One had a cracked block, which made the
engine unrepairable. This ambulance will be restored to authentic WWII condition and will become a static display for the AMEDD museum. This particular vehicle was used in North Africa during the war. The other ambulance will be restored to original running condition using authentic parts, new old stock, or remanufactured parts. It will be used for parades and displays for the AMEDD museum. This ambulance has become a detective story for Hash and Leverkuhn. In the disassembly process, Hash noticed that the radiator had a French manufacturer plate and the fan belt had a French name as well, leading him to believe it saw service in Europe. “We actually found chalk marks on the interior that were markers for the assembly line workers building the ambulance,” Hash said. The engine block was made in 1943, which is probably the year the ambulance rolled off the Dodge assembly line. “We have photos of everything as we disassembled the vehicle,” Hash said. Currently Hash is in the process of remanufacturing the 40 gallon gas tank. The lower half of the original tank was rusted out, so he is remanufacturing the lower half and will then weld it to top portion. The goal is that most of the ambulance will be original. That presents a problem since many parts are hard to find and expensive when located. The seats for the ambulance currently cost over $3000 (if you can find them) and that’s just for the metal springs and frame. They would still have to be upholstered. The entire restoration of both vehicles depends on donations and only moves forward when money is available. Of the original estimate of $25,000 to restore the first ambulance to running condition, Automotivation has already spent $8,000. Approximately $4,000 is needed now for parts to allow the project to move forward. The project takes up one corner of the garage where all the parts are organized and labeled waiting either for reassembly or restoration. The body of the ambulance
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O CT O B E R
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FEATUREZ Restoring History cont’d from page 31 is mounted on an ingenious power assisted rotisserie. The body can be turned a full 360 degrees, which allows access to any part of the exterior. “If we have a guy in wheelchair, we can adjust the vehicle so he can work on it. If we have an amputee, the power assist feature allows him to move the entire body with just one hand,” Hash said.
Currently Accepting New Patients
OUR SERVICES
The Automotivation garage is open five days a week and is available to any veteran who
culture he was from equated the ability to work on cars with manhood. If you couldn’t work on your car you weren’t a man. Leverkuhn worked with him and after a short while the two had devised a way for the veteran to change his own tire. “You would have thought he had won the lottery when he changed the tire by himself,” Hash said. “It was a defining and freeing moment in his life. Anything was possible after that.”
Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations for Children and Adults Hearing Aid Fitting and Consultations Hearing Aid Repairs Custom Hearing Protection Tinnitus Evaluations Contact Us Today!
Doss Audiology & Hearing Center 5000 Schertz Parkway, Suite 300 Schertz, TX 78154 Phone: 210.819.5002 www.dossaudiology.com
wants to work on cars. The program is not limited to Gulf War veterans. Veterans from the Vietnam era are welcome as well. For those veterans interested in checking out the garage, call Operation Comfort at (210) 826-0500 to set up an appointment. Hash and Leverkuhn provide individual instruction or advice as needed depending on what the warrior wants to accomplish. The veteran determines how much time they want to spend in the garage. One soldier contacted them who had lost both legs and one arm to a bomb blast. The
Donations are needed and greatly appreciated and can be made by contacting Operation Comfort by phone or online through Paypal at operationcomfort.org. If a business would like to help sponsor the ambulance project, call Operation Comfort. This rusty old Dodge M-54 ambulance is still on duty helping wounded soldiers get the assistance they need to heal. Both the veterans and the ambulance are being restored to their rightful place of dignity and respect.
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PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CHURCH
Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace
Proclaiming the Gospel, Embracing the Doctrines of Grace
Join Us this Sunday Sunday School: 9:30 am | Worship Service: 11:00 Member
Currently Meeting at the Schertz Civic Center: 1400 Schertz Pkwy, Building #5 Schertz, TX 78154 210-858-8503 | pcc_schertz@yahoo.com
www.pcc-schertz.com A reformed church and member of the SBC.
Community Center: Demory Ballroom Dancing every Monday at 8:00 pm Senior Line Dancing every Tuesday at 9:00 am October 30, 2015 Lions Club Teen Dance October 2-3, 2015 Beading House Sweet Sensations every Monday and Wednesday evenings
CIVIC NEWZ YOUR EXCLUSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS FROM THE CITY OF SCHERTZ
Mike DeLeon gets City Flag from Johnny Bierschwale
DeLeon Honored for 35 Years of Service to City General Services Director Mike Deleon got a standing ovation at the City Council meeting August 25 when he was honored for 35 years with the city. City Manager John Kessel presented Deleon with his Legacy Pin and said he was now the longest tenured employee after former Deputy City Manager Johnny Bierschwale retired recently. Deleon was hired as part-time
custodian during his senior year of high school and then in June 1980, after graduation, he was brought on full time.
in the late 90’s. His role was operating the emergency shelter and managing it until the Red Cross arrived.
As more custodial staff were hired he was promoted to facility maintenance supervisor, then to facilities manager and then, in 2006, he was promoted to General Services Director.
“Mike has done so much during his tenure here – whether it be from initializing the city’s consolidated purchasing program or developing the security procedures for the employee access control system, his hard work and leadership is palatable throughout his 35 years of employment,” Kessel said.
As with many of our tenured employees, Deleon was directly involved when the city experienced the devastating floods
City Council OK’s FY 2015-2016 Budget, Tax Rate The Schertz City Council on September 1 adopted the city’s FY 2015-2016 budget of $70,441,483, which is greater than the FY 2014-2015 budget of $64,008,742. Some of the budget highlights for new fiscal year are: action on the recent
Classification and Compensation Study recommendations, 3 additional firefighters, a replacement fire apparatus, vehicle replacements, funding for a southeast water storage tank and distribution lines, additional sewer lines and lift station in southern Schertz, and Northcliffe waterline
replacements. Council also passed the FY 2015-16 tax rate of 0.4911 per $100 of valuation, down from the 2014-15 rate of 0.4974 per $100 valuation. The new budget and tax rate took effect October 1, 2015.
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and the area since 1975. Through the years, P&Z has been a voice of experience and best choices for many interactions between the city, developers and residents. That has helped Schertz become a premier city with a model municipality reputation, quality development and a heralded quality of life. Richmond has seen the city grow, evolve and change for the better during his long tenure.
P&Z Helps Steer Schertz Success By Chuck McCollough The Schertz Planning & Zoning Commission is somewhat unusual with its double duty focus, according to Chairman David Richmond. “From an organizational standpoint many other cities separate their planning and their zoning issues into different bodies. I think it makes a lot of sense to have planning and zoning in one commission that can take a strategic look at current issues for a better overall understanding.” “It has worked well for Schertz for many years,” said Richmond, who will mark 23 years on the commission in November - 16 as chairman.
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City Council created the Planning and Zoning Commission with an ordinance passed in 1987. It includes seven regular members and two alternates appointed by the council for two-year terms. Its primary functions are to identify the community’s residential and commercial needs, recommend zoning changes to help implement those needs, advise City Council on shortand long-range development plans, ensure orderly development and city expansion and recommend plans and policies to improve the health and welfare of citizens. The commission works closely with city planning staff and
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other officials to ensure that proposed development is in line with the Unified Development Code and Comprehensive Land Plan. It meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in City Council chambers. P&Z reviews and considers master plans and plats and makes recommendations to City Council on comprehensive plan amendments, UDC amendments, specific use permits, and zoning requests. Commission members welcome input from residents and others interested in development and smart growth in the city, said Richmond, who has lived in Schertz since 1990
In fact, he and other long-time members like Ernest Evans and Ken Greenwald - along with the rest of the P&Z Commission - have overseen the city’s development from a community of just over 10,000 in the early 1990s to just under 40,000 in the mid 20-teens. For years P&Z invited developers interested in Schertz to present new and different ideas for their projects to help give the city a more diverse look, Richmond said. The commission got few takers on the invitation until recently with The Crossvine in southern Schertz. “We were surprised that they were interested. We usually are presented with the same traditional design for residential development - and that is not what the city wanted,” he emphasized. That traditional mold was bypassed when The Crossvine officials and city officials (including P&Z and other
boards and commissions) held a series of meetings and brainstorming sessions to come up with a unique mixed-use project with residential and commercial development. At over 500 acres, The Crossvine will be developed in phases over an expected tenyear span and will potentially include 1,600 residences along with recreational, civic, and commercial land uses. Richmond said P&Z has also worked closely on other southern Schertz residential developments such as Rhine Valley, Willow Grove and Laura Heights. Several years ago P&Z was involved in long-range planning efforts focusing primarily on growth to the north and south sectors. Those planning efforts underscore the unusual nature of Schertz, located in three counties and with two interstate highways, I-35 an I-10, where the city has a total of 21 miles of frontage. “There is a lot of space between
FM 78 and I-10 and interest in southern Schertz keeps growing,� Richmond said, adding it is an area P&Z will be watching closely. P&Z works to help developers and other property owners understand the kind of mixed development the City Council wants in various parts of the city. Richmond said P&Z looks at the various sectors - north, south and the central Main Street/FM 78 - and helps advise City Council on what is the best development in those areas to meet the city’s vision. For instance, the central sector has a historic significance factor while the north area could get a train station as part of the Lone Star Rail system. Planning and Zoning issues for those two sectors, as well as growth issues down south and close work with Joint Base Randolph, will continue to come before P&Z in the future as it strives to give Schertz enhanced quality development.
P&Z Chairman David Richmond
City Council Ballot Information The following City Council candidates will appear on the City of Schertz election ballot for the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Election:
Place 3
Rosemary Scott Daryl John
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Place 4
Cedric Edwards Don E. Taylor
Place 5
Robin Tompson Bert Crawford
Are You Ready for the
November 3 Election?
SPECIAL SECTION NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION To the registered voters of the City of Schertz: Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., November 3, 2015, for voting in the general election to elect Councilmembers for Place 3, Place 4 and for Place 5, City Charter Amendments and a bond election. Locations of Early Voting Polling Places: Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted as listed below: Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to: Guadalupe County Early Voting Clerk, Lisa Adams, P.O. Box 1346, Seguin, Texas 781561346; Bexar County Early Voting Clerk, Jacque Callanen, 203 W. Nueva, Suite 3.61, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4045. Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on October 23, 2014.
Guadalupe & Comal Counties’
Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Location Monday, Oct. 19th through Friday, Oct. 23rd, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 26th through Friday, Oct. 30st, 2015 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Guadalupe & Comal Counties: Seguin Elections Office-215 So. Milan Street, Seguin, TX (Main Early Voting Location)
Grace Memorial Church-3240 FM725-New Braunfels, TX
Central Texas Technology Center-Room 118 Conference Room, 2189 FM 758, New Braunfels, TX
Schertz Elections Office Annex-1101 Elbel Rd.-Schertz, TX
New Berlin Community Center-8815 FM 775-New Berlin, TX
Navarro ISD Central Office – 6450 N. State Highway 123 – Seguin, TX
Location, Dates & Hours of Temporary Branch Early Voting Polling Locations NAVARRO ISD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA - 300 Link Road Seguin, TX Thursday, Oct. 29th, 2015 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. MARION ISD SECONDARY CAFETERIA - 503 Bulldog Lane, Marion, TX Thursday, Oct. 29th, 2015 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30th, 2015 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Early Voting Clerk: Lisa Adam P.O. Box 1346 Seguin, Texas 78156-1346 Presiding Judge of the Early Voting Ballot Board: Lisa Adam schertzmagazine.com
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SPECIAL SECTION cont’d
COMAL AND GUADALUPE COUNTY’S ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 3, 2014 POLLING PLACES Polls Open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Comal County:
Precinct 202 John Paul II Catholic High School, 6720 FM 482, New Braunfels 301 Westside Community Center, 2932 So. IH 35, New Braunfels
Guadalupe County:
Precinct 303 Schertz Elections Office 1101 Elbel Rd., Schertz 304 Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 Roy Richard Dr., Schertz 305 Selma City Hall, 9375 Corporate Dr., Selma 306 Crosspoint Fellowship Church, 2600 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz 401 Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 212 N. Barnett St., Marion 402 Schertz Community Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz 403 Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway, Schertz 404 Schertz Community Center North, 3501 Morning Dr., Schertz 409 Elaine S. Schlather Intermediate School, 230 Elaine S. Schlather Parkway, Cibolo
MAIN AND PERMENANT BRANCH POLLING PLACES, DATES, AND TIMES IN BEXAR COUNTY Early voting begins Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015
Early Voting Clerk: Jacquelyn F. Callanen 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100 San Antonio Texas 78207-6328 Presiding Judge of the Early Voting Ballot Board: Jacquelyn F. Callanen
Location, Dates & Hours of Main Early Voting Polling Places in Bexar County Bexar County Elections Department 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100 San Antonio Texas Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 23, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2015 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2015 through Wednesday, October 28, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ***Early voting will not be conducted on Saturday or Sunday or after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays at the Bexar County Justice Center. Any voter who is entitled to vote an early ballot by personal appearance may do so at the Main Early Voting Site.
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Bexar County Justice Center*** Blossom Athletic Center
300 Dolorosa 12002 Jones Maltsberger
Brookhollow Library
530 Heimer Road
Castle Hills City Hall (southeast corner of Council Chambers)
209 Lemonwood Dr.
Claude Black Center
2805 East Commerce
Cody Library
11441 Vance Jackson
Converse City Hall
405 S. Seguin Rd
Copernicus Community Center
5003 Lord Rd.
East Central Independent School District Admin Building
6634 New Sulphur Springs Road
Encino Branch Library
2512 East Evans Rd
Fair Oaks Ranch City Hall (Council Chambers)
7286 Dietz Elkhorn
Great Northwest Library
9050 Wellwood
Helotes City Hall
12951 Bandera Rd.
Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library
7978 W Military Drive
John Igo Library
13330 Kyle Seale Parkway
Johnston Library
6307 Sun Valley Drive
Julia Yates Semmes Library @ Comanche Lookout Park
15060 Judson Road
Las Palmas Library
515 Castroville Road
Leon Valley Library
6421 Evers Rd
Lion’s Field
2809 Broadway
Maury Maverick, Jr. Library
8700 Mystic Park
McCreless Library
1023 Ada Street
Memorial Library
3222 Culebra
Mission Library
3134 Roosevelt Ave.
Northside Activity Center
7001 Culebra
Olmos City Hall
120 El Prado W
Parman Library @ Stone Oak
20735 Wilderness Oak
Precinct 1 Satellite Office
3505 Pleasanton Rd.
Shavano Park City Hall (Council Chambers)
900 Saddletree Ct
Somerset High School
7650 South 1604 West, Somerset
South Park Mall
2310 S.W. Military
Tobin Library @ Oakwell
4134 Harry Wurzbach
Universal City – City Hall
2150 Universal City Blvd.
Windcrest Takas Park Civic Center
9310 Jim Seal Dr.
Wonderland Mall Of The Americas @ Crossroads
4522 Fredericksburg
Bexar County Election Day Polling Locations Polls Open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Precincts 4087, 4126, and 4127 Ray D. Corbett Junior High 12000 Ray Corbett Drive ***subject to change
EARLY VOTING BY MAIL Applications for voting by mail should be mailed to be received no earlier than Friday, September 4, 2015 and no later than the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on Friday, October 23, 2015. Applications should be mailed to: Comal and Guadalupe Counties Lisa Adam Election Administrator P. O. Box 1346 Seguin, Texas 78156-1346 Bexar County Jacquelyn F. Callanen, Election Administrator 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100 San Antonio, Texas 78207-6328
For more information go to schertz.com. schertzmagazine.com
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Bond and City Charter Propositions When they go to the polls November 3, Schertz residents will have a chance to vote on two bond propositions and 19 City Charter propositions. They are: Proposition No 1 “THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $7,000,000 OF CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR STREETS (PRIMARILY FM 1103 AND FM 1518), BRIDGES, AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE LEVYING OF A TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF” Proposition No 2 “THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $8,000,000 OF CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES, INCLUDING A NEW FIRE STATION, AND THE LEVYING OF A TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF” Charter Proposition 1 “The Amendment of the City Charter eliminating those provisions which are redundant of State Law or other sections of the Charter.” Charter Proposition 2 “The Amendment of the City Charter changing the number of Council Members from five (5) to seven (7).” Charter Proposition 3 “The Amendment of the City Charter changing the term of office of City Council members and the Mayor from two (2) years to three (3) years.” Charter Proposition 4 “The Amendment of the City Charter providing for prohibitions and forfeitures of office and creating a due process procedure.” Charter Proposition 5 “The Amendment of the City Charter revising the City’s financial procedures.” Charter Proposition 6 “The Amendment of the City
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Charter to provide that elections are to be conducted pursuant to State law.” Charter Proposition 7 “The Amendment of the City Charter to provide that initiative and Referendum petitions must be signed by fifteen (15) percent of the number of voters registered to vote at the last general City election and that recall petitions must be signed by qualified voters of the City equal in number to at least twenty (20) percent of the number of voters registered to vote at the last general City election.” Charter Proposition 8 “The Amendment of the City Charter to provide a process for disannexation of City property as required by State law.” Charter Proposition 9 “The Amendment of the City Charter clarifying that the Mayor is the official signatory for official documents unless otherwise designated by Council.”
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Charter Proposition 10 The Amendment of the City Charter deleting the requirement for City Council to appoint Assistant City Managers. Charter Proposition 11 “The Amendment of the City Charter authorizing the City Manager or a designee to attend all City Council meetings.” Charter Proposition 12 “The Amendment of the City Charter revising the process for adopting operational and personnel policies. “ Charter Proposition 13 “The Amendment of the City Charter authorizing the City Secretary to hire and supervise deputy city secretaries.” Charter Proposition 14 “The Amendment of the City Charter deleting the section requiring the creation of a planning and zoning commission as repetitive of State law.” Charter Proposition 15 “The Amendment of the City Charter to provide a process for amending or repealing an ordinance adopted as a result of a petition by the voters.” Charter Proposition 16 “The Amendment of the City Charter prohibiting city officials and city council members from violating the State law on conflicts of interest.” Charter Proposition 17 “The Amendment of the City Charter to require the Charter Review Commission to consist of no less than 5 and not more than 11 citizens of the City.”
Charter Proposition 18 “The Amendment of the City Charter to provide the term of office of the Charter Review Commission shall be 180 days after the date of the first meeting with the first meeting to occur within forty-five (45) days of the date of appointment.” Charter Proposition 19 “The Amendment of the City Charter to provide a process for reconstituting the City Council if required after a common disaster.”
Fiscal Impact: There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the City from the passage of amendments 1, and 3 through 19. For Proposition 2: Fiscal Impact: The estimated average annual cost for this Charter section is approximately $12,500; if approved, this amendment is estimated to have a fiscal impact to the City of an increase of approximately $12,500 per year.
Annual Fall Clean Up Dates: October 3 – 18, 2015 Drop off at Bexar Waste Site
Items dropped off here will be free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Schertz. The Drop off Site will be open October 3 – 18, 2015. (See below for hazardous items drop off times) Drop offs may be made at Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point, 2221 F.M. 3009 (Near Live Oak Road) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS DURING CITY SPONSORED SPRING AND FALL CLEAN UP EVENTS.
Please Remember
For a fee, Bexar Waste will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber and general trash as well as major appliances and furniture (prices determined by Bexar Waste). If you have questions regarding the details, please call Bexar Waste (210-566-5454). Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 2221 FM 3009, free of charge, DURING THE 2 WEEK CLEAN-UP EVENT ONLY. What you need to know: The Fall Clean Up is restricted to Schertz residents
only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Fall Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial/rental property clean ups, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service. A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Commercial waste will not be accepted.
LIMITS:
Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of 2 pick-up truck loads per household or a maximum of 1 trailer loads per household, trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size. Couches, Refrigerators, Stoves, Computer/ Monitors, anything and everything that IS NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Materials WILL BE sorted by customer, NOT BY
Bexar Waste employees. Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed; if Freon tank is still attached there will be a $35.00 fee at time of drop off. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Bexar Waste.
Hazardous Items/ Tires and Drop off Times
HAZARDOUS ITEMS and TIRES may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of October 1011 and 17-18, 2015. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: • Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals • Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc.These items will have a combined 10 gallon limit per household. • TIRES are considered hazardous • Tires on rims, or
•
•
•
wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires will not be accepted. Hazardous waste such as used automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries- Oils will have a combined 10 gallon limit per household. Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED. Mercury WILL NOT be accepted.
Questions?
For more information about the Fall Clean Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Bexar Waste (210-5665454) or Schertz Public Works (210-619-1800). You may also dial 311 within the City of Schertz. The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event. The City of Schertz and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up. Any items brought that are not listed/accepted or are over limits are subject to a fee (at Bexar Waste’s discretion).
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Fire Prevention Week October 4-10 By Fire Chief David Covington October brings fall colors, cooling temperatures, ghosts and goblins. But it also brings us a message of prevention. The week in which October 9 falls is the time we celebrate Fire Prevention Week across the nation. It started in 1922 and was meant to commemorate one of the most notorious fires in our history, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Rumor has it the fire started with the kick of Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, knocking over a lantern while being milked. Some 250 people died and 100,000 were left homeless in a fire that burned 17,400 buildings, which is about the size of Schertz. While the guilt of the cow is disputed to this day, there is no argument with the fact that there were actually two great fires that day. Besides the Great Chicago Fire, a wildland fire called the Peshtigo Fire erupted in northeast Wisconsin. Still the largest wildland fire in American history, the Peshtigo Fire devoured 16 towns and 1.2 million acres and killed 1,152 people.
Each October reminds us of how fragile we are when it comes to fire and each year Schertz Fire Rescue, like so many other fire departments across the country, will gear up for Fire Prevention Week by giving public talks and visiting schoolchildren to get the message out. This year the message is: “HEAR THE BEEP WHERE YOU SLEEP: EVERY BEDROOM NEEDS A WORKING SMOKE ALARM” According to NFPA statistics, half of all U.S. home fire deaths occur at night between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, when people are most likely to be sleeping. Having a working smoke alarm in the home cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half. These facts underscore the extreme importance of having working smoke alarms in all bedrooms. Schertz Fire Rescue Department will focus on home fire safety and protecting families. For more information on Fire Prevention Week, go to www.fpw.org and on Facebook like us at Schertz Fire Rescue.
Sewer Averaging Will Affect Residents’ 2015-2016 Bills Sewer averaging for the winter months begins on October 24, 2015 and continues through March 6, 2016, for cycle billing. Meter readings taken over this period determine your sewer average for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The readings will be averaged, and the average will be multiplied by $3.51 and that total added to the base rate of $9.22 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.
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For residents with usage greater than 12,001 gallons, that portion of the average will be multiplied by $6.95 and that total will be added to the rate of $9.22 for residential use. The resulting average will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months. For more information, go to Schertz.com or call 210-619-1100.
CITY
CALENDARZ
Annual Events: October
National Night Out October 6
October 2015 Thursday, 1
TSAC, 5:30 PM City Council Chambers
Tuesday, 6
Steve Simonson Volunteer of the Year and Boards and Commission Recognition October 15
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
Trunk or Treat October 31
City Holiday Columbus Day (City Offices Closed)
November
Hal Baldwin Scholarship Golf Tournament November 6 Veterans Day Ceremony November 11 Schertz Chamber Of Commerce Banquet November 13 Turkey Trot November 27
December
Festival of Angels December 4
Be sure to check out visitschertz.com for more event info!
#info
Monday, 12
Tuesday, 13
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
Wednesday,14
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Thursday, 22
EDC Board, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Monday, 26
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 PM Bob Andrews Room
Tuesday, 27
City Council, 6:00 PM Council Chamber
Wednesday, 28
Planning & Zoning, 6:00 PM Council Chambers
Meeting locations may change, please visit the calendar at www.schertz.com for more information.
City of Schertz Elected Officials Mayor: Michael Carpenter
Council Members: Jim Fowler Grumpy Azzoz Daryl John Cedric Edwards, Sr. Robin Thompson
(210) 619-1045 (210) 658-1442 (210) 488-4214 (210) 204-2750 (210) 566-4540 (210) 204-8649
City Departments:
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Looking Back October
Quote of Note
Lt. John Correu shakes hands with Michael Riggs of Bexar Metro 911 as Eddie Taylor looks on
“History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity” Dexter Perkins
Local History
Schertz Police Dept. Lt John Correu accepts a grant donation from the Guadalupe County 100 Club
SPD Gets Two Funding Grants The Guadalupe County 100 club awarded the Schertz Police Department a grant to purchase (2) Stinger Spike Systems used to deflate tires in the event of a vehicle pursuit. Jim Blair was present from the 100 club to be recognized for the award. Bexar Metro 911 District awarded PD a grant to purchase the equipment needed for a “point to point” system. The system lets police monitor the cameras at SCUC schools to support the School Resource Officer (SRO) operations and in the event of any incident to include sporting event security. Michael Riggs was present on behalf of Bexar Metro along with Eddie Taylor.
On October 6, 1972, the Schertz City Council voted to hire a city manager in place of the existing city secretary. Mayor Graham proposed that the council conduct a telephonic interview with a particular candidate for the city manager post. Two councilmen walked out of the meeting following the mayor’s suggestion that a telephone interview be conducted. The telephone interview was conducted and the mayor’s suggested candidate, Mr. Danny L. Arnold, was hired as City Manager by a vote of the three remaining councilmen.
Texas History
On October 1, 1837, John P. Borden opened the General Land Office in Houston, Texas. He began the office with no funds or persons to assist him. He was faced with the monumental task of compiling and preserving the many Spanish and Mexican land titles issued before the republic. In 1839 he moved the General Land Office to Austin and transported almost 5,000 pounds of documents by wagon. Nearly 75 million acres of land was granted to Texans during Borden’s term as head of the Land Office.
Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154