June 2019 by City of Schertz

YOU

THE

CITY

SCHERTZ,

TEXAS

magazine

BROUGHT

JUNE 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

City Council

09 12 16

City Headlines Parks & Recreation Library

34 40 47

Features Around the Community Calendar

Michael Carpenter Mayor Mark Davis Councilmember Ralph Gutierrez Councilmember Scott Larson Councilmember Cedric Edwards Councilmember David Scagliola Councilmember Allison Heyward Councilmember Tim Brown Councilmember

FEATURES

Executive Team Mark Browne City Manager Brian James Assistant City Manager Charles Kelm Assistant City Manager Kyle Kinateder Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

Mission Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community.

Vision Community. Service. Opportunity.

Charles Kelm Appointed as Assistant City Manager

Core Values Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do the right thing. Be the best you can. Work cooperatively as a team.

About Our Magazine Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of 38,000 residents. Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri County area with a circulation of 15,000 copies; including 13,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 12,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants.

Good Neighbor. Better Community.

VOLUME 35 ISSUE 6 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

Melissa Geedman

appy June, Schertz community! This time of year always brings with it a sense of joy and new season greetings. I mean, does it get better than long Texas, summer days soaking in sunshine and enjoying time spent with friends and family? As the days get a little longer and the heat gets a little hotter, it just means it’s time for some summer livin’. This issue of Schertz Magazine brings with it an inside look into our great community and the wonderful things going on in it. Whether you’ve lived in Schertz your entire life or have recently found it to be home, it goes without saying a community identity is present. Does anyone else get excited to see fellow neighbors driving the thoroughfares of San Antonio and neighboring cities and you know instantly by a small t-shirt decal that home is a commonality that you share? That – and so much more – is what sets Schertz apart. A quote by Anthony J. D’Angelo reads, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” One of the feature articles this month touches on

the importance of being a good neighbor and aims to provide some simple tips on what you can do as a neighbor to keep your home looking great and a sense of community feeling strong. In this issue you’ll also read about Charles Kelm, our new Assistant City Manager who brings with him a great wealth of experience and leadership. We’re excited to welcome him to Schertz for a long, successful career. Also tucked into this issue you’ll find things to keep you and your families busy throughout the month including Parks & Rec and Library programs as well as some enjoyable special events. I hope you find comfort being a part of a community that is so much more than streets, houses, and businesses. We’re a community built on strong values and we’re proud to call it home. Have a wonderful month, Schertz!

Cheers, Melissa Geedman Communications Manager

SCHERTZ.COM

Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Devan Flores Marketing & Communications Specialist _________ Contributing Writers

Melissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Linda Klepper, Stacey Lovett, Elizabeth Bertoia, Lauren Shrum, Mary Spence, Kira Villarreal, Cecilia Palomo, Emily Delgado, Cary Corbin

Contributing Photographers

Melissa Geedman, Devan Flores, Linda Klepper, Stacey Lovett, Helen Lafitte

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

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1630 or 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 magazine@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.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

City

Headlines

Blues, Soul, & a Whole Lotta Rain The Texas springtime weather set the mood alongside local musician Austin Forrest for Schertzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music in the Park Date Night held at Pickrell Park on Friday, May 3. Relocated under the pavilion due to the rain, local couples didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow the elements to put a damper on a good time as they enjoyed being serenaded with the contemporary pop, blues, soul, and R&B tunes. Dinner and dessert were even available for picnicking as The Purple Pig BBQ and Mister Softee food trucks were parked on site. Unfortunately the storm cut the set a bit short for the concert going couples; however, this event leads way into a number of park activities for local families to enjoy during the upcoming summer months through August. The next Music in the Park Date Night will be held on June 21. Check out the City of Schertz Parks and Recreation social media pages as well as Schertz.com for information on all upcoming events.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Animal Adoption Center Reopens We are pleased to announce the Schertz Animal Adoption Center has reopened to the public after major renovations took place. The facility was in great need of new flooring as the older one was an acrylic coating system applied directly to the concrete. It was decided that an epoxy coating would be the way to go for a new flooring application because it makes the concrete exceptionally durable and protects the concrete floor from underlying moisture, stains, grease and cracks. Additionally, the facility landscape was refreshed with new plantings and trees, the irrigation system was repaired, a new gate was installed in the dog run, new paint was added to the kennels and throughout the building, the HVAC system was repaired and cleaned, and the kennel gates and sliding doors were adjusted and repaired. Staff is finishing up some additional renovation items to include a full HVAC review and repair and enclosing the fencing around the back of the building for safety and animal management. We appreciate your patience during this time as we strive to provide the very best shelter and care to our animals. We invite you to come visit the Animal Adoption Center at 800 Community Circle Drive Schertz, TX 78154. For more information on Animal Services, go to Schertz.com.

Sign Up for REAN Alerts In an effort to improve communication during emergency situations, the City of Schertz encourages residents to register for the Regional Emergency Alert Network (REAN) system. Use of this system allows local public safety officials the ability to send mass notifications to registered users through both land-lines and a variety of electronic devices during a natural or man-made emergency in the area. Traditional systems similar to this were previously limited to landline phones. Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar Counties have improved the system and now register multiple means of communication so that mobile contact information is included in the 911 database. It is important to note that citizens must be registered in REAN to receive notifications. During the registration process users are able to optin to receive emergency notifications via phone call, text messaging, and/or email based on addresses that they specify (home, work, school, parent's house, etc.). Alerts will be disseminated during the duration of an emergency and will cease to broadcast when public safety officials deem the imminent threat has passed or activation settings expire. The City of Schertz encourages residents to also stay informed during emergencies by monitoring local radio and television stations. In areas of potential immediate impact, the Police, Fire and EMS Department first responders may go door-to-door with information or instruction. The City's website also provides information to the media and the public during emergency situations. This information can be accessed from a computer or electronic devices. The City of Schertz also encourages residents to stay up to date by following the Schertz Police Department Facebook page. Go to Schertz.com now to register.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

STAY INFORMED!

WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT!

LASER TAG LIGHTS UP PICKRELL PARK NIGHTS

Stryker Tactical Laser Tag has raised the bar in the laser tag industry and is bringing out the latest technology to Pickrell Park for a live gaming experience. This experience incorporates incredibly realistic weaponry and involves combat simulations, role-play style games, and various precise and competitive goals. Join us for Tactical Laser Tag in the park every Tuesday night in July from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Tactical Laser Tag is open to all incoming high school freshman and older, and participants will meet at the Aero pavilion. Thank you to everyone who participated in our free demo night event last month; we hope you will join us for the rest of the league! Contact Cassandra Michels at (210) 619-1635 or email cmichels@schertz.com for more information.

GET INVOLVED!

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meets on the fourth Monday every other month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Bob Andrews Conference Room. The meetings are open to the public and we welcome your participation. Call (210) 619-1850 for more information. The Friends of Crescent Bend Nature Park is an informal group of residents who are passionate about the nature park and supportive of the nature programs the city provides at the park. They meet the third Monday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at the Parks & Recreation Office. They are always looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining the bird blinds at the park. See their website for more information at friendscbnp.zenfolio.com.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

JUNE 7: AQUAMAN - PICKRELL PARK POOL (FLOAT & FLICK) JUNE 21: MARCY GRACE - PICKRELL PARK JULY 19: FINDING DORY - PICKRELL PARK POOL (FLOAT & FLICK) JULY 26: INCREDIBLES 2 - RHINE VALLEY PARK AUGUST 9: KICKING & SCREAMING - SCHERTZ SOCCER COMPLEX

SCHERTZ FLOAT WINS AT FIESTA FLAMBEAU PARADE

The Schertz Sweetheart Court ambassadors participated in the 2019 Fiesta Flambeau Parade on April 27 in Downtown San Antonio. The parade is the largest illuminated night parade in the country, and this year’s theme was Reflections of Music Past. The Schertz float was the third place winner in the “Out of Town Float” category and featured a jukebox, records, music notes, and a playlist of popular hits throughout the decades. Great job to the Schertz team who built this float!

CRESCENT BEND BIRDING WALK

Join us at Crescent Bend Nature Park for the next Birding Walk on Sunday, June 23 from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Meet in the first parking lot with leader Sandi Wheeler for a walk through the park to learn about the bird life. Bring your binoculars, cameras, water, and snacks. All levels of birders are welcome – from beginners to experts.

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES SPRING 2019

Does your little one enjoy being outdoors and searching for creepy crawlies? Do Mom and Dad want to get the family outside more enjoying time together? Then the Nature Discovery Series is for you! The program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are welcome too. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers lead the free programs held at 10:00 a.m. at the following locations: June 8: Discover a Bug’s World at Crescent Bend Nature Park July 10: Discover Early Texans at the Schertz Public Library (note location change to beat the heat!)

UPCOMING MASTER NATURALIST COURSE

Are you interested in becoming a Master Naturalist? Master Naturalists learn about conservation of Texas’ natural resources through courses taught by university professors and staff from Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Once the program is completed, Master Naturalists volunteer out in the community sharing nature-related information with others through programs at parks and libraries. Master Naturalists also participate in citizen science projects, invasive species removal, guided interpretive hikes, and much more. The course runs every other Tuesday from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. starting August 13 – November 9, 2019 and is held at the AgriLife Extension Building at 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin, Texas. The course fee is $110 and includes curriculum book, name tags, and t-shirt. To learn more about the program, everyone is welcome to attend the Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, July 17 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the North Center, 3501 Morning Dr, Schertz, Texas 78108. Applications are also available online at txmn.org/ Guadalupe.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

JUNE CALENDAR 2019 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

FROM STUCK TO UNSTOPPABLE: A VISION WORKSHOP

The Schertz Public Library’s Annual Scholastic Book Fair opens on Tuesday, June 4. Funds raised will help purchase books for the children’s collection. The book fair will be held in the Program Room from Tuesday, June 4 to Friday, June 7. Check the library’s online calendar for open days and times.

In 1853, Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, a famous essay which contains a hidden code for prosperous living. During this dynamic workshop, you will unlock this code, so you can harness your life’s purpose and the prosperity you deserve. Join us Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1.

SPIKEY MIKEY

SHORT STORY WRITING WORKSHOP

Summer Reading is back at the Schertz Public Library this June and July. The theme this summer is A Universe of Stories with a focus on science fiction and outer space. We are planning an exciting program full of fun activities, reading, and exploration for all ages. Be sure to join us at open house registration day on Friday, June 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Enter the magical world of Spikey Mikey! San Antonio’s favorite magician is coming to the Schertz Public Library to share his magic and motivate summer readers. Join us in the Program Room on Friday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m.

PLUG INTO LEARNING!

Get charged up about electricity with electrical science. Join GVEC on Thursday, June 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Schertz Public Library for an Electrical Safety Program. Children will learn how electricity flows and how circuits are created and broken.

SCUC DAY @ THE LIBRARY

SCUC supports summer reading and invites students to visit their local public library. Join the SCUC librarians, principals, teachers, administration, and more at the library this summer. We will read, play games and be creative. Visit with us at the Universal City Public Library on Tuesday, June 18 and at the Schertz Public Library on Tuesday, July 23.

SCRAPBOOKING 101

Local resident, Kristin Friesenhahn will be teaching a beginning scrapbooking class at the library on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 2 located in the Children’s Library. This session will be informational, so the only supplies you will need are a notebook and writing utensil. Students will learn everything they need to know about scrapbooking in a couple of hours! This program is for adults 18+.

PAINT PARTY

We will be hosting a Paint Party for adults 18+ with Matt Wagner at the Library on Thursday, June 27 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. All supplies will be provided. Registration will be required to attend this event and space will be limited. Once all details are finalized the information will be available on the library calendar. For more information call the library at (210) 619-1700.

BOOK ENDS AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB

The library book club meets the second Thursday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. On Thursday, June 13, join us for a discussion of Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, June 13 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of our local poets. Sign-up for readers will be available the night of the program. The library holds an open mic event once a month.

Join veteran publishers and editors, Max Booth III and Lori Michelle, as they lead an 8-month drop-in course on writing an effective short story. The next session will be held Tuesday, June 25 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. They will teach topics including: characterization, dialogue, how to avoid plot pitfalls, mistakes short story writers make and how to make your story marketable. This program is intended for adults and older teenagers (15+).

SCI-FI SHORT STORY WRITING CONTEST

Chronicle your own version of mythology or new tale of science fiction with our summer-long sci-fi writing contest for adults 18 and up. The contest will begin June 7 and all entries must be submitted to any information desk in the library by Friday, July 12 at 6:00 p.m. Entries must be a minimum of 2,500 words and not exceed 5,000 words. Two prizes will be awarded after judging.

FUNGI IN SPACE

Did you know that there are fungi in space? In this one-hour presentation by the host of the Fungi Town podcast, find out how fungi got there, why they've survived, and what they can do for us. Get the chance to hear your voice on the show while you enjoy free refreshments and have your questions about space fungi answered on Friday, June 7, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

The Schertz Public Library is having a Book Battle and we want to know which one will be chosen as the community favorite! There are 4 different bookmarks with 8 books each from our different age groups. To participate in our Book Battle you must read at least 3 of the books listed on the bookmark and choose your favorite. Circle or highlight the books you read. Check or “x” the box of your favorite. Turn this bookmark in at the library during the month of July to cast your vote. Votes will be tallied and you will find out which book is the community favorite by August 14!

SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGY INFORMATION

The Schertz Area Genealogy group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, except July, at the Schertz Public Library. The meetings are from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1 with speakers or general discussion about worldwide research. A Schertz Public Library staff member will be presenting the new library website at the June 4 meeting.

Schertz Fights the Bite Fourth of July is just around the corner, but itchy mosquito bites may already be a problem in your neighborhood. In honor of their upcoming National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 23—June 29, 2019), the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has tips to help you declare independence from those pesky blood-suckers. AMCA recommends people follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away: • Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week • Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing • Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus Pools are open and grills are going, but are you cooking up a breeding ground for mosquitoes? Make your yard a mosquito-free zone by disposing of any tires as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Some other helpful tips include drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters

of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys; repairing leaky outdoor faucets; and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week. Joseph Conlon, AMCA Technical Advisor says, “Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to a community-wide control program. Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.” Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance, their bites can spread diseases such as Zika and West Nile Virus. “We already have the mosquitoes. We are continually importing the diseases they carry,” said Conlon. “We must be prepared to prevent their spread throughout our public health landscape – and this requires safe, effective, sustained mosquito control, and awareness in the community.” For more information on National Mosquito Control Awareness Week and how you can protect yourself and family from mosquitos, please visit AMCA online at mosquito.org.

Schertz Rolls Out New Water Meters The City of Schertz is purchasing new water meters that will increase efficiencies in the water department and improve accuracy in reading water usage. The vote to approve the new water meters was made during the August 14 Schertz City Council Meeting. Water utility customers will start seeing their water meters replaced as part of the City's Advanced Water Meter System project, a new service enhancement initiative to install advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) throughout the community. The city-wide installation of 14,208 new meters is projected to take 9 months. Once installed, the new meter system will provide customers with more accurate water usage data that is updated multiple times throughout the day, water budget and water consumption threshold alerts, comparative data, leak alerts and notifications from the City.

Professional Meters Inc, (PMI) will be installing these meters on behalf of the City of Schertz. Their vehicles and personnel will be clearly marked. PMI workers can be identified by wearing a neon yellow shirt and driving a PMI marked truck. PMI will be changing out all water meters located on the outside of the residents' home, and the company should never ask to have access to the inside of the house or garage. PMI will make an attempt to see if a resident is home by knocking on the door to inform the resident their meter is going to be changed. PMI will leave a yellow door hanger once the change has been completed. Your water service will see an average of 10 minutes interruption during the meter change out. If you are experiencing any issues and need assistance, please call City of Schertz at (210) 619-1000.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Final Council on the Go of the Year The last Council on the Go Meeting of 2019 was held in the central region of Schertz on Tuesday, May 21 at Laura Ingalls Wilder Intermediate School. The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with a staff meet and greet and proceeded with a viewing of the City’s State of the City video followed by presentations from staff on various topics. Agenda items for discussion included updates on FM 1103 and I-35 construction, Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM), the Water Meter Replacement Program, and the Wiederstein Road expansion project. City Engineer, Kathy Woodlee, provided attendees updates on FM 1103 and I-35 construction. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) construction continues on the FM 1103 Bridge over IH 35. The future bridge will include turnarounds, two main lanes, and three turn lanes. This construction is estimated to be complete by the end of this month. The current let date for the additional roadway improvements on FM 1103 is May 2020. The full construction period is expected to be four years and includes construction in Schertz and Cibolo. The proposed roadway will include four 11 foot travel lanes (two in each direction), raised medians and left turn lanes, two 5 foot bike lanes in each direction, and curbs and 6 foot sidewalks on both sides of the road. TxDOT will also be doing some operational improvements on IH 35 from FM 2252 to Schwab Road and is set to start the I-35 NEX (Northeast Expansion) Project from AT&T Parkway to FM 1103 in 2021. For more information on TxDOT projects in our area, go to txdotsanantonio.blogspot.com. Engineer, John Nowak provided an update on the Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM) program. The SPAM program began after the 2016 MicroPAVER Roadway Assessment Report of the City’s street infrastructure. This project comprised of 12.44 miles of road

includes Northcliffe, Greenfield Village, The Estates at Wilson’s Preserve, Deer Haven, and Lone Oak. The project also addresses sections of Live Oak Road, Randolph Avenue, Tri-County Parkway, Schertz Parkway, and Curtiss Avenue. Maintenance on these roads consist of chip sealing, crack sealing, spot base repairs, mill & overlay, asphalt leveling, and some full reconstructions. Design is currently being finalized for these projects. Make sure to check Schertz.com for updates regarding this program. The Water Meter Replacement Program presentation given by Utility Billing Assistant Manager, Rodolfo Rosales provided an overview of the project and let residents know what they could expect during the replacement process. The presentation also provided a new helpful tool designed to assist customers in understanding the details on their utility bill. This resource can be found on Schertz.com. As of May 13, there are only 65 water meters to still be replaced. Assistant City Manager, Brian James, gave attendees an overview of the Wiederstein Road expansion project. This is a joint project between the City of Schertz and the City of Cibolo. Both cities unanimously voted to approve the agreement regarding cost sharing for the project (Schertz approved the item on April 23; Cibolo approved the item on May 14.) The improvements will be from IH-35 to Old Wiederstein Road. Cibolo will be responsible for the construction of all of the improvements. Construction plans must be approved by the City of Schertz and the project will be inspected by the City of Schertz. Residents were encouraged to visit with City staff and council members after the meeting to discuss their concerns and needs. The full video from this meeting can be found on the City of Schertz YouTube Channel. Stay tuned for more information about next year’s Council on the Go Meetings.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

City

Headlines

Bike Rodeo Roundup May is National Bike Month which includes events such as Bike to School Day, Bike to Work Day, and Bicycle Rodeos across the nation. The City of Schertz’ Police, Public Works, and Engineering departments joined forces with John A. Sippel Elementary for Sippel’s annual Bicycle Rodeo event this past April, kicking off National Bike Month. The Rodeo was a side event at Sippel’s evening family event which included a book fair. With the assistance of several local entities such as Ghisallo Cycling Initiative, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and STORM (South Texas Off Road Mountain-Bikers), the Bicycle Rodeo was a special event for young cyclists to practice and develop skills that help them become better bicyclists. Essentially, the rodeo is a bicycle safety clinic geared to educate young children about the ‘Rules of the Road’ and how to practice the rules providing for a safe bike ride. The rodeo event was a series of stations beginning with registration and bike check-up and then different purpose stations with obstacle courses. The idea of joining forces with Sippel came about from the installation of Bike Lanes on Fairlawn Avenue and Belmont Parkway which encompass Sippel Elementary. The City anticipates more bicycle traffic and wanted to build community relations with the affected neighborhoods. Local resident and bicycle enthusiast, John Sullivan had this to say, "It is great to see the City involved in bicycle safety at local schools. One of the reasons I moved to Schertz is because of our neighborhood schools. This is a great asset and keeping children safe through education is the first step in promoting safe routes to schools in our community. Bicycling to school gets kids outside, aware of their surroundings, and has been shown to improve health and focus. Not only that, but increased bicycle ridership helps to reduce our growing traffic congestion issues, especially around schools. This is a win for everyone! Thank you to city staff for helping to build a safer community."

In addition to bicycle safety, Ghisallo and STORM provided bicycle maintenance assistance where kids could have their brakes, seats, and pedals adjusted; helmets were also distributed. The opportunity provided by Sippel’s invitation for all organizations to participate made for a great event. Clarie Bristow, Sippel Elementary Principal said, “Due to the help of many, the evening bike rodeo event turned out to be a great success. Cool temps and lots of family fun, topped off with a book fair in the library. Thanks to all those who partner with us for student success at Sippel!” The City will be installing trails and adding bike lanes in central Schertz later this year and aims to continue building community relations with local schools. The Woodland Oaks and Savannah Drive bike lanes are expected to have increased use with new striping and thoroughfare improvement. Make sure to follow the City of Schertz on Facebook and go to Schertz.com regularly for updates on projects and information on future events.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

City

Headlines

City Acquires New Agenda Software Recently the City of Schertz invested in a new software that is to be utilized for the creation of the various agendas for City Council and other Boards and Commissions. Over the last couple of months city staff has been working together to create various templates using AgendaQuick which will be utilized in creating the packets (agenda and all backup material) for meetings.

the agenda itself. This means that on the longer agendas (several hundred pages) the resident will no longer have to search page by page within the full packet to find the item(s) they are interested in. Rather with AgendaQuick residents will be able to select an item from the agenda itself and be able to go directly to that agenda item and backup material.

This software is very exciting for the city staff members that create agendas. It will help to reduce the amount of time allocated towards agenda packet creation which will free up staff time to work on other tasks; reduce human error when creating agenda packets, especially for the longer agendas; is very simple to use; and will have exciting features that the residents will experience.

Another feature that AgendaQuick offers that City staff will implement in the future is a website integration. This means that residents will be able to easily find agendas and minutes from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website by selecting the type of meeting and the date. There is also an ability to search for a specific date or meeting based on an item. This will greatly increase the ease for residents to access and view the agendas and minutes.

Currently, staff is prepared to start utilizing the software for both the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Although the agendas themselves will appear very similar to the those that everyone is familiar with, there are changes that will help residents access and use the agenda and packets. For instance, AgendaQuick will allow staff to create packets with all backup material remaining in its original value to ensure that residents are able to view the agenda material in a clear, consistent fashion. This means that all documents within the packet regardless of the type or size will be able to be scaled and provided in their original format; no longer will the documents just be scanned. Another feature that will greatly impact the residents in terms of functionality for the agendas is the ability for AgendaQuick to automatically bookmark agenda items and backup material within

Schertz Magazine June 2019

At this time City staff has concentrated on City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission; however, in the upcoming months staff will be working towards moving all boards and commissions into utilizing AgendaQuick. This standardization between the boards and commissions will ensure that city wide the same format is being followed for residents to be able to review every type of agenda easier. Although the agenda itself will look similar there is increased flexibility and ease of use for both the residents and City staff. If you would like more information about AgendaQuick or the changes to the agendas and packets, please call the City Secretaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office at (210) 619-1030 or the Planning Division at (210) 619-1780.

City

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Online Donations Now Accepted The City of Schertz recently launched a new feature on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website that allows the public to contribute donations to specific programs and services. One of the first projects available for donations is the restoration of the 1956 fire truck; this fire truck responded to some memorable fires over it's life and was in service from 1958-1995. After the apparatus was retired it became the official engine to be used in parades. Between 1995-2017 the iconic fire engine carried City Councilmembers and their families throughout many 4th of July and holiday parades. Unfortunately, due to the age of the truck and the expense associated with repairs and maintenance the fire truck has not participated in any parades the past couple of years. If you would like to see this iconic piece of Schertz history make its way down Main Street yet again, please consider contributing by going online to Schertz.com. The restoration of the this fire truck is anticipated to cost $25,000.00. Additional programs and services will be accepting online donations in the near future, so stay tuned on Schertz.com to see how you can donate to Library, Parks, or Animal Services programs.

Stay Up to Date on City CIPs The City now provides regular and timely updates on major Capital Improvement Projects during the design and construction phases. These major construction projects help maintain or expand the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities and infrastructure. Some of the projects include Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM), Fire Station #3, the East Live Oak ground storage tank painting, and FM 1103 utility relocations. This information will be updated as the projects progress through completion. To find out more about current City projects, visit the Capital Improvement Projects page on Schertz.com

Schertz Magazine June 2019

A New Court Has Been Crowned The City of Schertz is pleased to announce the 2019-2020 Schertz Sweetheart Court. The Schertz Sweetheart Coronation was held on Thursday, May 2 at the Schertz Civic Center. Members of the new court include: Megan Morales, Miss Schertz; Kylyn Gillespie, Miss Jubilee; Sarah Vazquez, Miss Friendly City; Olivia Coats, Miss Sunshine. Contestants were judged by an independent panel: Mrs. Kay Scott, Executive Director-Family Life Center; Mr. Ivory Freeman, New York Life Insurance Representative; and Ms. Rebecca Mendoza, founder Community Connection Warriors and current Miss San Antonio for the Miss America Organization. Judges scores were based 60%

on a personal interview, 20% on talent, and 20% on poise and evening gown. Established in 1989, the Sweetheart Court Ambassadors represent the City in parades, fairs, festivals and participate in community service projects. The name ‘Sweetheart’ has become recognizable over the past 30 years not only within Schertz but also in dozens of surrounding communities. Members earn scholarship dollars to assist with their higher education costs. A big thank you to Chick-fil-A Schertz, Mattenga’s Pizzeria, The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma), and all of our supporters and volunteers.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

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Schertz Transportation, Our Priority The Transportation Safety Advisory Commission's (TSAC) goal is to improve our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life through a citizen government partnership that promotes safe and secure roads, which provide convenience, recreational and leisure activities, and continued beautification of the City of Schertz. TSAC also investigates safety issues and makes recommendations with respect to city roadways, sidewalks, paths, etc. This includes reviewing speed bump applications, speed limit increase or decrease requests, hike and bike lanes, and no parking zone, yield, and stop sign requests. These traffic control devices are incredibly important to ensuring drivers and residents safety while out on the roads.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

When driving through residential areas, people often assume the roadways are safe and they may not be as cautious as they need to be. In reality, residential areas actually require much more awareness as residents are regularly walking, biking, and playing near the road. We encourage residents to be a good neighbor and take the time to familiarize themselves with residential traffic laws and the different traffic control devices that are in place throughout your neighborhoods.

Where should STOP signs be installed?

STOP signs should only be placed if they meet a Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) warrant. Stop signs are frequently violated if unwarranted. STOP signs should be used to stop vehicles on streets with less traffic. A stop sign may also be warranted at an intersection where one or more of the following conditions exist: Warrants for a STOP signs: •

Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the regular right-of-way rule is hazardous

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Street entering a through highway or street

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Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area

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Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view, and serious accident record indicates a need for control by the stop sign

Can STOP signs control speed?

Does Stopping Stop the Problem?

Currently, TSAC receives numerous requests for STOP signs to interrupt traffic or slow speeding vehicles in order to protect children and residents in the area. However, the addition of a stop sign does not always solve the problem. Studies have shown that speeds are as high or higher between intersections than before the signs were installed. This is caused by motorists “making up for lost time.”

Many studies have shown that stop signs are not an effective measure for controlling or reducing midblock speeds. In fact, the overuse of stop signs may cause drivers to carelessly stop at the stop signs that are installed. Recent studies show approximately half or more of all motorists came to a rolling stop and 25 percent did not stop at all. Stop signs can give pedestrians a false sense of safety if it is assumed that all vehicles will come to a complete stop at the proper location. Research has also showed that placing stop signs along a street may actually increase the peak speed of vehicles because motorists tend to increase their speed between stop signs to regain the time spent at the stop signs. Concerns regarding traffic in your area should be communicated to the Police Department on their non-emergency line at (210) 619-1274 or to the Transportation Safety Advisory Commission at TSAC@ schertz.com. Join us for Transportation Safety Advisory Commission meetings every first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg 4.

What is the purpose of a STOP sign?

Stop signs are intended to assign the right-of-way among motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at an intersection.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

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EMS Hosts CPR Training Schertz EMS holds monthly CPR/AED and First Aid classes throughout the year. These classes are open to the public and provide a certification that is good for two years and can be used in a several different professional settings. Most importantly, these classes teach a pivotal skill that you never know when you may need to use on a loved one. Bystander CPR can be done immediately after someone collapses in to sudden cardiac arrest to save their life. For every 1 minute that someone is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chances of survival reduce by 10%. Waiting to do anything until an ambulance arrives after the person has collapsed can decrease their chances of survival significantly. We encourage everyone to become CPR/AED trained at a minimum. In order to take the class, you only need to be able to read and write, so even older children and teenagers are encouraged to attend. The skill itself can be incredibly easy to learn; however, this class will also give you background information as to why it is important to learn CPR and how chest compressions are effective during cardiac arrest. The class allows ample time for skills practice on manikins. The First Aid course goes over many common injuries and illnesses as well as how you can treat them at home prior to more advanced help arriving. This course offers a little bit of knowledge in a lot of different areas. We also allow time for practicing skills such as how to control bleeding during the class. CPR/AED training will run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the First Aid course will run from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The cost is $30 for one course or $50 for two. The classes are held in the EMS Training Room. Below are the upcoming training dates: June 8 July 20 August 10 September 14 October 12 November 2 December 7 For more information contact EMS at (210) 619-1400.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Stay Code Compliant Spring showers can certainly bring some beautiful wild flowers, but they can also bring an abundance of overgrown yards and lots. With all the rain we have received recently the City’s Code Enforcement Officers are busy managing the influx of overgrown lot complaints. The City would like to remind residents of some tips that can help manage the increased growth this time of year: •

Proper maintenance of your yards - maintaining your property not only improves the look of your property, but also helps keep critters from finding a home in your yard or even in your home. Keeping grass and weeds shorter than 8 inches also helps reduce the risk of fires when the greenery starts to dry out in the coming months.

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Appropriate trimming of your trees - properly trimmed trees can reduce damage to property, fences, and injuries to people and pets.

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If your neighborhood has an HOA, check with them to ensure your home is compliant to their regulations and standards in addition to the City’s.

If you have any concerns about a lot or yard in your area, you can contact Code Enforcement through 311, (210) 619-1000 or submit a complaint online at Schertz.com. Once a complaint is received it is assigned to a Code Enforcement Officer who will begin to address the complaint. Keep in mind most complaints will not be corrected right away and may take several days before the property comes back into compliance.

Filing for Schertz City Council Election The City of Schertz will be holding its General Election on November 5, 2019 for the purpose of re-electing Council Members in Place 1, Place 2 and for Mayor for a three-year term, from November 2019 to November 2022. Any candidate desiring to have his or her name on the Official Ballot shall, no sooner than July 20, 2019, (but since the 20th falls on a Saturday and City offices are closed) the date moves to Monday, July 22, 2019 and no later than Monday August 19, 2019, by 5:00 p.m. file with the City Secretary an application in writing in the form prescribed by the Texas Election Code requesting that his or her name be placed on the Official Ballot and declaring themselves as a candidate. All candidates for office in the City of Schertz must, at the time of filing for office, have attained the age of eighteen or older on the first day of the term of office applied for, be a registered voter, and have been a resident of the City for at least twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the deadline for filing for an application for a place on the ballot. The Candidate packet is available in the City Secretary’s office at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 2, or it can be found online at www.schertz.com. Should you have any questions, please contact the City Secretary’s office at (210) 619-1030.

Fire Station #3 Gains Momentum The construction of Fire Station #3 has continued to make great progress over the last few months. The uniqueness of this project is that the structure is being built in two sections: the bay side and the living quarters side. This is done due to the construction staging and sequencing process. While each side of the station makes progress at different points in construction, at this time all plumbing and the installation of structural steel beams are 100% complete for the entire station. Throughout June the public will be able to see vertical progression as the interior and exterior walls are being completed and construction moves forward. At this point in construction, the bay side of the facility is nearly ready for the installment of the bay doors and electrical work. The roofing has been completed on the bay side, and all interior and exterior walls have been completed. The fire sprinkler system will be installed and the exterior finishing is expected to begin in early June. The living quarters side of the station is also seeing great progress as the roof decking process has been completed. The interior and exterior walls are currently being constructed and are anticipated to be complete in June.

Once all interior and exterior walls have been completed the electrical process will begin inside the facility. The fire hydrants have also been installed on the property allowing a major water source to the site. “I’m excited with the progress that Byrne Construction has made while navigating some of the slowdowns with the rainy weather we’ve been receiving. I look forward to continued progress over the summer and still anticipate a completion of October 2019,” commented Fire Chief, Kade Long. Fire Station #3 is on track to open by Fall 2019. For more information and updates, go to Schertz.com.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

he success of any organization is heavily dependent upon the effectiveness of its managers and the leaders put forth to sustain forward thinking momentum. An effective leadership team requires people who have positive working relationships with partners and key stakeholders and have a demonstrated track record of effective staff management. They must have the ability to foster innovative solutions to any problem that may arise and must possess strong budget and fiscal management skills.

Charles Kelm Appointed as Assistant City Manager By: Melissa Geedman

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Recently, the City of Schertz has seen some positive City Management changes with the addition of Dr. Mark Browne joining Schertz as City Manager. Now, after an extensive search for the best candidate to fill the role, Schertz welcomes a new Assistant City Manager, Charles Kelm. He joins the city after serving as a Principal and Executive Director of Project Execution for Alpha Facilities Solutions where he provided strategic guidance to teams and project managers in facility condition assessment, capital planning, maintenance management, investment strategy, space planning services, and lifecycle management delivery. Charles brings to the City extensive leadership and financial management skills and has built and lead diverse teams in designing, developing, scheduling, and deploying large programs and projects over his career. “The City of Schertz is very pleased to have Charles Kelm join our team as the new Assistant City Manager,” commented City Manager, Mark Browne. “He brings many years of experienced leadership that will greatly benefit our citizens, city council and staff. We are indeed fortunate to have someone of the skill and ability of Charles on the Schertz team and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our community. His early professional development began with his service in the United States Air Force from 1996-2017, retiring in the rank of Colonel as the Deputy Director and the Senior military leader of the Air Force Civil Engineer Agency (AFCEC). In this role, he advised and assisted the Director (Senior Executive Service) in leading a 1,900-person organization in 75 locations worldwide. He was responsible for providing responsive, flexible full-spectrum installation engineering services for $11.8B effort in facility investment planning, design, construction, operations support, real property management, combat readiness, energy support, environmental compliance and restoration and $8.3B in privatized housing property, acquisition and program management for 166 Air Force installations worldwide. He also had the privilege of leading the 87th Mission Support Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst where he guided and mentored 3,700 personnel in six uniquely different organizations providing operational support and quality of life programs for 38,000 people in 4,000 facilities across 42,000 acres.

I am excited to be part of team and to have the opportunity to share in their innovation and have the opportunity to dream more, learn more, and become more with them, as Schertz continues to be the place so many want to call home. “Charles will be an outstanding fit for the community for many reasons,” Browne emphasized. “First, he spent 21 years in the US Air Force, achieving the rank of full colonel and in the course of his duties was a civil engineering squadron commander and a mission support group commander (base commander) with responsibility for 3,700 military and civilian employees. He is a civil engineer by education and background, and this experience will help provide leadership for our public works department and assist the City in its many development endeavors.” In an interview Charles mentioned that he is most excited about tackling the challenges of the community and helping navigate the growth anticipated in the future. He eagerly joins Schertz City Management ready to oversee Fire Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Police, Public Works, Fleet & Facility Services, and Human Resources/Purchasing. “Our City will continue to grow over the next decade or so, and our teams will strongly influence and shape our growth,” mentioned Kelm. “Our Public Works crews are addressing maintenance of the streets and water systems. EMS and Fire are committed to being the best at what they do in providing a helping hand when one is needed. Our brave police officers have and will continue to focus on securing our streets and neighborhoods. Human Resources and Purchasing will navigate the sea of personnel talent we have and need to provide quality services. Fleet will continue to “let us roll” with some of the best vehicles and maintenance of vehicles I have seen in my career.”

Charles developed strategic plans for and led Law Enforcement, Public Works, Fire and Emergency Services, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Human Resources, Education Development and training, Communication Infrastructure and Delivery, Logistics, Housing, Contracting/Acquisition, Security, and the Emergency Operations Center Charles expressed his enthusiasm and appreciation for being for the Joint Base. selected to serve as Assistant City Manager. “I would like to say thank you to the City Council and Dr. Mark Browne for this tremendous Possessing a rich educational background, Charles has a Master of opportunity. True leadership is found in those who invest in others, Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War provide a vision, and then encourage them to succeed. During my College in Washington, D.C. and a Master of Business Administration first week, I have seen our City leadership engaged in a number from Webster University in St. Louis MO. He also holds a Certificate of issues affecting our fellow citizens with one goal in mind, 'to in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University in Washington, provide outstanding community service and opportunities for our D.C. and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M community.' With the level of commitment and energy they have University in College Station, TX. He is a Distinguished Graduate from shared with me, I am truly inspired to work every day, as hard as I can the Naval School Explosive Ordinance Disposal and is a registered Project for our City.” Management Professional and Engineer-in-Training. Charles has been recognized as an Air Force Federal Engineer of the Year and Top 10 DoD The announcement of Kelm’s appointment was made to Schertz City Engineer of the Year and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, several Council at the Tuesday, May 7 meeting and his official first day of Air Force Meritorious Service Medals and other decorations for his employment with the City of Schertz was Monday, May 13. service.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Good Neighbor. Better Community. By: Kira Villarreal

or anyone who currently owns or who has ever owned a home, the ability to maintain and/or increase property value is an important concern. Purchasing a home is the largest investment that many individuals will ever make, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understandable to want to protect the value of that investment. What people often do not realize is that protecting home values is a community effort, and that by taking some simple steps to be a good neighbor, they can help raise the value of their own homes, and make their entire community a more desirable and enjoyable place to live. Here in Schertz, there are many local Homeowners Associations (HOAs) which are an important ally for homeowners when it comes to protecting property values, but these organizations are often misunderstood, and few people are aware of the full scope of the

Schertz Magazine June 2019

services that they provide. When they think of HOAs, some people think of an organization that is always looking to collect money, but there are many things HOAs do that people might not even realize. Among the major services provided by the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s officers, Board of Directors and vendors are the maintenance of various community amenities which are for the exclusive use of community residents, such as swimming pools, playgrounds and walking trails. The HOA also establishes standards for home maintenance, alterations and improvements. These are designed not only to ensure that the entire community is attractive and well-maintained for current residents, but also to present the community in the best possible light for potential new home buyers, which increases property values for all residents.

HOAs are established as a positive action by and for the residents... volunteers to manage the day-to-day business. Unfortunately, many see the HOA as a separate entity that gets in their business, but it helps when they learn that the same rules apply to everyone, and no one is exempt - including the board members.” There are many things that individual homeowners can do to help increase the value of their homes, and residents will be pleased to note that most of these things are simple and require very little effort, relative to the benefit that they provide. Curb appeal is a major factor in a desirable neighborhood, and things as simple as taking in the garbage cans and watering the lawn can have a big impact. Residents can also help by making sure that gates and fences are painted and well-maintained, weeding flower beds, cutting the grass and making sure their home exteriors are cleaned and repaired. The most common issues that HOAs typically see are residents failing to maintain the exterior of their homes and yards, as well as parking recreational or non-working vehicles in the driveway. Glenn Ratchford, President of the Woodland Oaks HOA in Schertz, said, “A community that appears to be well maintained is very attractive to potential buyers, but anything that suggests that the residents continued on page 39

As James LeVan, President of the Greenshire Homeowners Association notes, it’s not just the Board Members that make up an HOA. Everyone in the community is a part of it, and HOAs can be most successful when everyone realizes that they are working together for a common goal. “HOAs are established as a positive action by and for the residents,” says LeVan. “It is the residents that make up the HOA, and they elect

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Good Neighbor. Better Community. cont’d from page 37

don’t care about the appearance of their homes is a huge turn-off. There’s nothing else a resident can do that will have the same impact on property values as these routine things to maintain the properties curb appeal.” Community safety is also an important concern for Homeowners Associations, and residents have a role to play in this area as well. Although HOAs are not enforcement agencies, they can assist law enforcement by being the eyes and ears of the community and making sure any issues are promptly brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities. Many HOAs have active neighborhood watch programs, which deter crime, but require the vigilance and participation of the entire community. Beyond looking out for potential crime and keeping their own homes maintained, there are nearly unlimited ways that residents can help in their communities. From assisting with projects like picking up trash along the roads to helping with community newsletters or message boards, it’s easy for residents to make a difference in their community with just an hour or two of volunteer work per month. For those who want to take a more active role, there are almost always opportunities to be a part of HOA leadership. In fact, this can be a great option for those who have concerns about the way their HOA is currently operating. “If there’s one message I wish I could deliver to anyone who is a member of an HOA, it’s that they are the HOA, not the officers, not the board, not the community or property management companies,” says Ratchford. “So if they’re unhappy with their HOA,

they can always volunteer to take a leadership role and work to make sure their concerns are addressed.” Ultimately, all residents bear the responsibility of making sure that their neighborhood is a desirable place to live, and most of this responsibility can be described simply as being a good neighbor. If residents take pride in their homes and their communities, look out for each other, and strive to be considerate of others, they will be making their neighborhood a better place for their families and for the entire community.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

(Above) Timothy and Sharon ONeil went to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO with their Schertz Magazine. (Upper Left) Ibery, Kraven and Ramases Tirado went to Zermatt, Switzerland with their Schertz Magazine. (Lower Left) Ken and Dawn Bauer took Schertz Magazine on a trip to Aruba. (Bottom) Phyllis, Karen, Dolly, & Barbara traveled to Yucatan, Mexico with their Schertz Magazine.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

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Schertz Magazine All Over the Map Bring your Schertz Magazine along during your travels and send us a high resolution photo of you and your magazine to magazine@schertz.com. You may see your photo in an upcoming issue of

Schertz Magazine!

(Above) The Silvas went to Washington D.C. with their Schertz Magazine. (Right) Sylvia Smith took Schertz Magazine to New York City with her. (Lower Right) Thaddeus and Anne Chase took Schertz Magazine with them to Blarney Castle in Ireland. (Bottom) Cindy Fossum, Sandy Farrow, Ken Jenkins, Mike (Taco) Ontko, Jan Jenkins, and Curtis Jenkins traveled to Columbia with their Schertz Magazine. (Upper Left) Reggie Burke went on the Explorer of the Seas, in Juneau Alaska with his Schertz Magazine. (Lower Left) Greg and Susan Moses traveled to Mt. Stanserhorn in the Alps of Switzerland with their Schertz Magazine.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Summer Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Schertz

Join the First Baptist Church of Schertz for Vacation Bible School Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. daily. This year’s theme is In the Wild! VBS is wonderful way for your child to make new friends and experience music, crafts, music, bible and mission stories, and more. Contact Crystal Pena at children@fbcschertz. org for more information and register your child at fbcschertz.org/vbs_ registration_2019. The deadline to register is Sunday, June 9.

Alamo Rocketeers Global Rocket Launch Challenge

The Alamo Rocketeers will be doing a model rocket launch on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m. at the Kitty Hawk Flying Field. This launch coincides exactly with the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11 that took the first humans safely to the moon and back. Fliers of all experience levels are welcome. For more information go to Facebook.com/ AlamoRocketeers.

River City Community Church Vacation Bible School

Join River City Community Church Rio Adventure Children’s Ministry for Vacation Bible School from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26 from 6:30 9:00 p.m. (preschool ends at 8:30 p.m.). This year’s theme is Roar! Through music, Bible lessons, and fun activities, children will learn that Life is Wild - God is Good. Children 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to attend this free school. Register your children today at rccc.ccbchurch. com/goto/forms/792/responses/new. Online registration will close at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 21. Walk-in registration will open at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, July 22 while space is available.

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Camp Invention: Supercharged

Unlock your child’s potential at Camp Invention®! Camp Invention is a STEM summer program that turns curious students into innovative thinkers. This nationwide program will be held in Schertz at Schertz United Methodist Church from Monday, June 17 to Friday, June 21 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily. Participants will learn about creative problem solving, STEM application, innovation, and confidence. This program is open to children entering kindergarten to 6th grade. Go to invent.org/programs/camp-invention for more information and to register.

Soccer Association for Youth Of San Antonio Soccer Camps The Soccer Association for Youth Of San Antonio will offer soccer summer camps for those 3-16 years old. Children will participate in fundamental soccer activities, games, and stories, designed to develop technical skills along with physical and social development. The TinyTykes camp for ages 3-5 will be held from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., and the half day program for those ages 6-16 will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Schertz Soccer Complex on Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. For more information and to register go to saysat.org.

Kid’s Aerial Yoga Demo Class

Kid’s Aerial Yoga is coming to We Rock The Spectrum-San Antonio located at 932 Coronado Blvd., Universal City, Texas 78148. Join them on Wednesday, June 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. for a free 30 minute demo. This demo is open to those ages 5-13. Call (210) 659-9330 to reserve a spot as space is limited.

Happenings Schertz Family YMCA Endurance, Sports, and Games Camp

Go above and beyond at the Schertz Family YMCA Endurance, Sports, and Games Camp! Endurance, Sports and Games is a Recreation Pathways program after completing requirements for a yellow wristband swim test. This program continues to build endurance on all major competitive strokes and encourages aquatic sports and games as a healthy lifestyle. This camp will help participants enhance swimming skills and perfect stroke mechanics, develop knowledge in various aquatic skills and sports such as water volleyball, water baseball, water polo, and water basketball, and increase endurance in competitive strokes. This camp will be held from Monday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pickrell Park Pool. Register online at ymcasatx.org or at the Welcome Center by June 28.

Schertz Family YMCA Shark Week Camp

Safety around water is jawsome! Take a bite out of summer at the Schertz Family YMCA Shark Week Camp. This one week program will introduce children to shark biology through hands-on activities, marine life conservation, and safety swim lessons. Campers will participate in swim lessons, shark/marine life biology, camp songs, activities, and so much more. Session 1 will be July 8-12, and Session 2 will be July 15-19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participants will need to come in a swimsuit; bring a towel, water bottle, shoes/ sandals, sunscreen, dry clothes; and be ready to learn! Register now at ymcasatx.org.

Schertz Family YMCA Junior Lifeguard Camp

Learn to save lives while having fun at the Schertz Family YMCA Junior Lifeguard Camp! Learn water safety awareness and develop physical skills while having fun and making new friends. Participants will enjoy a variety of water and land activities designed to promote fitness, self-esteem and teamwork. All participants will receive a First Aid certification from the American Safety Health Institute valid for 2 years, a fanny pack, whistle, and junior lifeguard t-shirt. Session 1 will be June 3-7 (ages 9-12), and Session 2 will be June 10-14 (ages 13-15) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Classes will include videos, lectures, skills practice, games, and physical activities. Participants are required to arrive in a swimsuit, bring a towel, goggles, change of clothes, shoes, and a lunch. Register now at ymcasatx.org.

Schertz Family YMCA Schertz Community First Camp

Campers ages 9-14 will have the opportunity to learn about our community through working at the community garden, visiting the library, learning about city government, and even organizing and carrying out a service project. This camp is a great experience for everyone and will teach participants leadership, communication, volunteerism and community pride. This camp runs from Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 12. Activities will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Campers will enjoy a fun day within the community! Bring a sack lunch, sunscreen, and water bottle each day. Register online at ymcasatx.org or at the YMCA Welcome Center. For more YMCA Camps going on in our area go to ymcasatx.org/schertz.

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Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry Collects More Than 6,930 Pounds of Food During Food Drive for RACAP Many children depend on their schools for regular, nutritious meals. When school is out, some kids do not have enough to eat. That’s why summer is the busiest time of year for the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP), a food pantry that serves families in portions of Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties. RACAP provides services to approximately 1,500 families each year, collecting donations of food and monetary gifts to feed and assist people in their service area. RACAP relies solely on churches, businesses and individual donations to help stock its pantry.

To help make sure that all children in the area have enough to eat this summer, employees of Hanson Aggregates – Servtex Quarry teamed up with local schools and municipalities to collect 6,930 pounds of food during its sixth annual Food Drive for RACAP in April and May. Servtex Quarry worked with students at Garden Ridge Elementary School in Garden Ridge, along with Danville Middle School, Watts and Wiederstein Elementary Schools in Cibolo, and Green Valley Elementary School in Schertz. The winning class at each school received a pizza party courtesy of Servtex Quarry.

Servtex Quarry, which is located in Garden Ridge, is one of the top producing aggregates quarries in the state of Texas. The quarry produces several million tons of crushed stone a year, which is used mainly for road, residential and commercial construction in San Antonio, South and East Texas.

City halls in Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Selma and Universal City also served as collection sites for the food drive.

Project Graduation Byron P. Steele and Samuel Clemens High Schools will be hosting their 2019 Graduation Ceremonies on Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7. Following the ceremonies, students will have the opportunity to attend a Project Graduation celebration, a safe, alcohol and drug-free, all-night senior class party! Statistics show, and history has proven, that graduation night is one of the deadliest for teenagers drinking and driving. High schools across the United States celebrate Project Graduation with the same common goal: keep our students safe on graduation night. Parents will have peace of mind knowing their graduate is celebrating in a safe, fun environment supervised by adults. Steele High School Project Graduation and Clemens High School Project Graduation will be held after graduation on June 6 and June 7 from 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. at Santikos in Cibolo. Graduates will have unlimited access to watch movies, bowl, play laser tag, play arcade games, and much more. Dinner and breakfast tacos will be provided and unlimited popcorn, fountain drinks, and desserts will be available throughout the night.

Schertz Magazine June 2019

Project Graduation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization run 100% by volunteer parents and funded 100% by fundraising, donations and contributions. Funds are raised throughout the year so every graduating senior can attend the party for free. Both local high schools have Project Graduation groups and have been working all year to raise the necessary funds to make this dream a reality. If you or your business are interested in making a donation, monetary funding and prize donations are still desperately needed! Follow Steele Project Graduation on Facebook at facebook. com/steeleknightsprojectgraduation2019 or email Steeleprojectgraduation19@gmail.com for more information. Follow Samuel Clemens Project Graduation on Facebook at facebook.com/scprojectgrad19 or email them at samuelclemensprojectgrad@gmail.com for more information.

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Wall Mural Reflects Schertz Pride Have you checked out the new wall mural at the Schertz Family YMCA? Former YMCA employee, Leandra Rodriguez recently designed and painted a Schertz mural on the wall of the YMCA Kidz Club which symbolizes the love for not only Texas, but for the great City of Schertz. Everything represented on the wall is a part of Schertz and our community, all the way down to the Whataburger cup. This mural was in the works for about two months and was completed at the beginning of March. Leandra has always loved art, and was studying art in college. She

has since moved on to a different job opportunity, but worked at the Y for about two years. The Y wanted the mural to represent the pride they have in our city and state. Schertz Family YMCA Youth & Family Coordinator, Rachael Enzer, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We feel that the members and employees at the Schertz Family YMCA and Schertz go hand in hand, and we wanted to say that 24/7 365 days a year by having it up for everyone to see.â&#x20AC;?

Schertz Magazine June 2019

LOOKING BACK

June QUOTE OF NOTE

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow human beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." Thurgood Marshall

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ

PHONE NUMBERS Schertz City Council Mayor:

Michael Carpenter (210) 619-1045 mcarpenter@schertz.com

Council Members:

Mark Davis (210) 376-9141 MarkDavis@schertz.com Ralph Gutierrez (210) 376-9231 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com Scott Larson (210) 376-9835 scottlarson@schertz.com

LOCAL HISTORY

On June 4, 1978, the first public library was opened in Schertz.

In June 1970, the newspaper “The Valley News” reported brisk construction of homes in Schertz subdivisions Village #3 and Rio Vista. However, the expected housing boom of the 1970s and 1980s did not occur and, in fact, not a single subdivision was plotted during the 1970s or 1980s.

TEXAS HISTORY

On June 23, 1931, Texas native Wiley Post and Harold Gatty took off in an attempt to fly around the world. Post, born at Corinth in Van Zandt County, was one of the best-known fliers in the world. He and Gatty circled the globe in 8 days, 15 hours, and 51 minutes. Their route passed through the northern latitudes and was some 15,000 miles long. Two years later, Post beat his earlier time by more than twenty-one hours. He is most famous, however, for piloting the plane in which he and humorist Will Rogers died at Point Barrow, Alaska, on August 15, 1935. Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

Cedric Edwards, Sr. (210) 566-4540 cedwards@schertz.com David Scagliola (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543 Allisonheyward@schertz.com Tim Brown (210) 608-2381 Timbrown@schertz.com

City Departments:

City of Schertz (210) 619-1000 Animal Control (210) 619-1550 Business/Utilities (210) 619-1100 City Manager (210) 619-1000 City Secretary (210) 619-1030 Civic Center (210) 619-1600 Customer Care/311 (210) 619-1000 Economic Development (210) 619-1070 EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400 Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300 Human Resources (210) 619-1150 Information Technology (210) 619-1180 Inspections (210) 619-1750 Marshal Services (210) 619-1650 Municipal Court (210) 619-1500 Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850 Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780 Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1200 Public Affairs (210) 619-1630 Public Library (210) 619-1700 Public Works (210) 619-1800 Records (210) 619-1030 Website schertz.com

SCHERTZ.COM

JUNE

2019

CITY CALENDAR 1

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Wendy Swan Memorial Park Pool Opens

Pickrell Park Pool Opens

Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Library Advisory Board, 6:30 PM Schertz Public Library

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Committee of Committees Advisory Board Meeting, 3:00 PM, Council Chambers

Planning and Zoning Meeting, 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Transportation Safety Advisory Commission, 5:30 PM Council Chambers

Movie in the Park Float & Flick Summer Reading Registration Open House

Flag Day

SSLGC Meeting, 1:30 PM SSLGC Administrative Building

Summer Begins

Economic Development Corp 6:00 PM Council Chambers

Music in the Park

Be sure to go to Schertz.com for more event information. Meetings are subject to change.

Tee Off for the Library

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154