February 2023

SCHERTZ SCHERTZ

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Michelle Watson Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Steve Williams City Manager

Brian James Assistant City Manager

Adrian Perez Executive Director

Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

EDITORIAL TEAM

Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen Communications Manager

Caanon Gibbons Marketing & Communications Specialist

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Cassandra Paddock, Anna Kraft, Tyler Bowker, Kira Villarreal, Lizzi Bertoia, Roz Wise

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Linda Klepper, Devan Christensen, Caanon Gibbons, Stacey Lovett, Anna Kraft, Joe Herzeg, Domingo J Muñoz Jr./Muñillar Photography

NEWS POLICY

Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. Publication is not guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email magazine@schertz.com or call (210) 619-1600.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. 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. Any publication of Schertz Magazine is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way without the permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

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Pickrell Park hosted the City’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, December 31st, 2022! The New Year’s Eve in the park offered family-friendly activities and provided an evening of live music by ‘Culture Jam’, food vendors, face painters, crafts, and games. Thanks to the great weather, spectators were able to enjoy all that the evening offered as they rang in 2023 with a Ball Drop. Thank you to all who rang in the new year with us!

City Council Chambers Closed for Upgrades

Work is still underway on the Council Chambers Audio and Video systems upgrade project and the facility is closed until the project is complete. This project is anticipated to be completed by mid-February. Public meetings typically held in the Council Chambers are temporarily being relocated to other meeting spaces in the City until March.

Below is a list of City Council and Board & Commission meetings that are scheduled to take place during this time along with their new location.

Schertz City Hall (Bldg. 1)

1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154

■ City Council - City Hall Courtroom, City Hall

■ Planning and Zoning CommissionCity Hall Courtroom, City Hall

■ Parks & Recreation Board - Bob Andrews Conference Rm, City Hall

■ TSAC Board - Bob Andrews Conference Rm, City Hall

■ Main Street Committee - Bob Andrews Conference Rm, City Hall

■ Historical Preservation CommitteeBob Andrews Conference Rm, City Hall

■ TIRZ Board - Bob Andrews Conference Rm, City Hall

Schertz Public Library 798 Schertz Parkway Schertz, TX 78154

■ Library Board - Library Meeting Rm, Schertz Public Library

■ EDC Board - Library Meeting Rm, Schertz Public Library

Re-Elected Mayor and New Councilmember Sworn into Office

At the January 17 Special City Council meeting, the City of Schertz swore into office re-elected Mayor Ralph Gutierrez and new Councilmember in Place 2 Michelle Watson who will both serve three-year terms after the January 3, 2023 Runoff Election. Congratulations to Mayor Gutierrez who is excited to continue his service to the City and to Councilmember Watson who is ready to serve our residents!

Register now for the Schertz Citizens Police Academy!

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2023 CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY!

The Schertz Police Department Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week course available to interested residents and business members in the Schertz community. The program is designed to give awareness and information about the role of law enforcement and to increase the rapport between citizens and police officers. This course allows police officers to serve as instructors and provide scenarios and roleplay while giving citizens a view of what law enforcement is all about.

The class is held one evening each week from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. During the course, you will learn the basic

information that all police officers must know to perform their jobs, such as criminal investigations, use of force, communications, DWI procedures, and much more.

Admission to the Citizens Police Academy is open to anyone 18 or older, and all applicants must pass a background check. The class will fill up fast, so make sure you get your applications in by Wednesday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m.

Applications can be picked up from the police department or downloaded at Schertz.com/CPA.

2022-2023

Sewer Averaging

Sewer averaging for the winter months began November 1, 2022, and will continue through March 15, 2023, for cycle billing.

Water usage over this period determines your sewer charge for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The water usage readings will be averaged and the average per thousand-gallon usage per month will be multiplied by $4.94. The final calculation result will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months.

If you get your bill on the 10th day of the month your calculation period will be November 1 to March 1 and if you get your bill on the 25th day your period will be November 15 to March 15.

RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE BELOW 12,000 GALLONS

That total will be added to the base rate of $15.01 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.

RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE GREATER THAN 12,001 GALLONS

The first 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $4.94 and the portion of the average above 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $11.33 and that total will be added to the base rate of $15.01 for residential use.

For more information, go to Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100

ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP

March 4 - 19, 2023

Drop off at Republic Services 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 March 4 – 19, 2023. Hazardous items and tires may only be dropped off on the weekend of March 18 – 19. Drop offs may be made at the Republic Services temporary collection point, 125 Pecan Drive, Schertz, TX 78154 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Please follow entry and exit signs, and guidance from the staff manning the event. ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS DURING THIS CITY SPONSORED SPRING CLEAN-UP EVENT.

Please Remember

Year-round, Republic Services will pick up household waste not covered under their normal collection service, such as lumber, major appliances, furniture, and other types of bulk waste. This may incur an additional fee (prices determined by Republic Services). If you have questions regarding the details, please call City of Schertz Utility Billing Department at (210) 619-1000.

Residents are able to drop off brush and limbs at 125 Pecan Drive, free of charge, DURING THE 2 WEEK CLEAN-UP EVENT ONLY.

What You Need To Know

The Spring Clean-Up is restricted to Schertz residents only. Spring CleanUp 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 City of Schertz utility bill (showing that the City of Schertz is your current garbage collector) 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 load per household. Trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size.

1. Couches, Stoves, Computers/Monitors, etc. that ARE NOT HAZARDOUS can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean-up, Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF Freon tank is removed and certified by a technician. Any questions concerning the Freon tank removal, please contact Republic Services.

3. Older big-screen TVs and tube TVs WILL NOT be accepted.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS/ TIRES DROP OFF

March 18 – 19 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

1. Hazardous items and tires may be dropped off ONLY on the weekend of March 18 – 19, 2023.

2. Tires are limited to eight (8) per household.

3. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to:

a. Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swimming pool cleaners and chemicals

b. Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc. These items will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.

c. TIRES are considered hazardous.

d. Tires on rims, or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.

e. Hazardous waste such as used automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries. Oils will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.

f. Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons – VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.

Items NOT accepted at any time: mercury, explosives, radioactive material, medical waste, freezers, compressed gas, ammunition, PCB’s or dioxins, air conditioners, gunpowder, smoke detectors, business waste.

Questions? For more information about the Spring Clean-Up and what will and will not be accepted, please call Republic Services at (210) 304-2787 or Schertz Public Works at (210) 619-1800. You may also dial 311 within the City of Schertz. The City of Schertz and Republic Services are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event. The City of Schertz and Republic Services reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean-up.

MEET YOUR SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez, Mayor

Mayor Ralph Gutierrez was sworn in as the Mayor of the City of Schertz in November 2019. Previously he served as a City Council member from 2016 – 2019. Gutierrez is a native Texan and has been a Schertz resident since 1991 when he was reassigned to Randolph Air Force Base. Gutierrez graduated from the University of Maryland and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 1994, he retired from the U.S. Air Force, and in January 2016, retired from the U.S. Federal Courts. Ralph and his wife Raquel have been married for 45 years and are proud to have a daughter who graduated from Samuel Clemens High School and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

Mark E. Davis, City Councilmember Place 1

Councilmember Mark Davis has served on City Council since 2016. He and his family have resided in Schertz since 2007. Davis earned an Associate’s Degree in Security Administration from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) in 1995, and a subsequent Associate’s Degree from CCAF in Instructor of Technology and Military Science in 1996. In 1998, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education and

Development from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude. In 2009, Davis completed his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wayland Baptist University and retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. In November 2009, he returned to government employment with the United States Air Force and currently serves as the Chief of Information Protection for the 502d Air Base Wing, at Joint Base San Antonio. Davis has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Traffic Safety Advisory Commission, Schertz Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and was the Chair of the 2015 City Charter Review Commission. He and his wife Sherry have been married since 1980 and they have three children and four grandchildren.

Michelle Watson, City Councilmember Place 2

Councilwoman

Michelle Watson was sworn into office to serve her first term in the Place 2 Council seat on Tuesday, January 17. Ms. Watson is a native Texan and longtime resident of the Texas Tri-County area. Although this is Councilwoman Watson’s first elected position, she has been an active part of the South Texas Community to include time served as an Executive Board Member on the Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce as well as an active member of the popular Kellum Cares Foundation. During her time working with the Kellum Care Foundation, Ms. Watson served as an integral part of the organization’s COVID-19 community vaccination program which included providing over 10,000 much-needed vaccines to areas in need including Crystal City Texas, Castroville Texas, as well as the east, west, and south sides of greater San Antonio. In addition, the Councilwoman has spent time supporting both the Back the Blue

and First Responders Appreciation Volunteer programs. Councilwoman Watson, a small business owner, previously served as the Director of Business Development and Community Relations for Kellum Physician Partners where she was responsible for the growth of the Schertz-based clinic patient base through grassroots community marketing programs.

Councilwoman Watson is a very proud product of both the SCUC ISD as well as the Judson ISD which she is a proud graduate of.

Jill Whittaker, City Councilmember Place 3

Councilmember Jill Whittaker was elected to City Council in 2020. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration from York College of Pennsylvania in 1995 and was selected for the competitive PALACE Acquire Intern program where she worked as a youth recreation specialist for the United States Air Force. After three years working as a civilian with the USAF, Jill desired to serve her country in a greater way and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. After getting married, Jill decided to separate from the Air Force in 2006 in order to focus on raising her family for the next several years. In 2011 Jill’s husband was assigned to Ft. Meade, Maryland where she returned to work as the Music and Theater Ticket Office Manager at the United States Naval Academy. In 2015 the Whittaker family returned to the San Antonio area, and Jill decided to enter the private sector as a licensed REALTOR® with JBGoodwin REALTORS®. She is now the sales manager of JBGoodwin’s newest office in Schertz. Jill is married to Jeff Whittaker, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, and they have three young boys.

Michael Dahle, City Councilmember Place 4

Councilmember

Michael Dahle has served on City Council since 2019. Dahle and his family have called Schertz home since 2003. Dahle attended Texas Tech University before moving to San Antonio with his future wife in 1989 where they married and started a family. For the last 6 years, he has worked for a local grocery retailer in various store leadership roles, most recently as a facilities manager, responsible for managing a number of facilities in the San Antonio market. An active volunteer in the Schertz community, Dahle began by founding the Woman Hollering Creek Owners Association to initiate and secure the release of over 3,500 acres of land from San Antonio to Schertz in 2005, culminating in its acquisition by Schertz in 2010. From 2006-2009 he served as chairman of the SCUCISD Bond Oversight Committee as well as serving on the Community Advisory Committee from 2010-2013. Dahle was appointed to the Schertz Planning & Zoning Commission in 2011 and served until his election to City Council in November 2019, serving the last 2 years as Chairman of Planning & Zoning. Dahle and his wife raised their two daughters in Schertz, and both graduated from Samuel Clemens High School.

David Scagliola, City Councilmember Place 5

Councilmember

Scagliola has served on City Council from 2006 – 2014, and 2017 – present. At the age of 19, he came to Texas courtesy of the United States Air Force and completed Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB. Airman Scagliola attended technical training in San Antonio and got married at Brooks AFB. After tours in Germany and South Carolina, his four-year Air Force commitment ended and he returned to college full time. Two

years later he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Mathematics from Eastern Connecticut State College. In addition, he was a distinguished graduate of Air Force ROTC, which started the second part of his Air Force career. He holds an aeronautical rating as a Navigator and logged over 2,200 as an Electronic Warfare Officer in B52s. Following his Air Force retirement, he began teaching math, statistics, and operations management for Park University at Randolph and Lackland AFBs. In 2011, he applied his remaining GI Bill benefits towards earning a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. David and his wife Maria have been married for over 45 years and are blessed with one daughter and a granddaughter.

Allison Heyward, City Councilmember Place 6

Councilmember

Allison Heyward has served on City Council since 2018. She and her family have lived in Schertz since 2011. Heyward earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Texas Southern University in 1990. Following college graduation, Allison worked as a substitute teacher in Houston ISD before joining the Contract Department of Phillips 66 Petroleum in Houston. Allison and her husband (Ferrando) of 33 years are the proud parents of two children. After the birth of her children, her primary focus was on raising them and being available for them during her husband’s many deployments. Once her husband retired from the US Navy, Allison decided the blend of city life and a small-town-friendly atmosphere made Schertz the ideal place for the family to settle. Following the family’s return from overseas, she served as the Logistics and Purchasing Coordinator for Bison Signs from 20082016, and from 2016-2018 she worked as a substitute teacher in Marion ISD

before feeling the desire to serve on Schertz City Council. She is a 2020 graduate of the Chamber Leadership Core Program. She is a Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) as well as a member of the following boards outside the city: TMRS Advisory Board on Benefit Design, TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board, AAMPO Emergency Resiliency Board, AAMPO ATAC board. She is currently the Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 7 Board Director.

Tim Brown, City Councilmember Place 7

Councilmember Tim Brown has served on City Council since 2018. Tim and his family have lived in Schertz since 2000. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from Wayland Baptist University in 2001. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) in 2004 after 28 years of service. After retirement from Randolph AFB, he started a real estate business along with his wife, Nancy. In January 2011, they officially opened as the broker/owners of RE/ MAX Corridor. Tim Brown has served as a Director for the San Antonio Board of Realtors and has held various committee leadership positions since 2005. He is also an active member of our local Chambers of Commerce and presides as the President of the Randolph Area Real Estate Association. Brown has been active in the local community since before his military retirement and served on the Schertz Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for many years and as President of the Board from 20112018. In 2014 he was appointed to the Mayors Advisory Committee, which has since been renamed the Committee of Committees Advisory Board. Tim and Nancy have been married over 43 years and are proud to call Schertz home.

ROAD PROJECT UPDATES

Schertz continues to work on roadway improvements throughout the Community. Below you can find updates on various projects currently underway.

For more up-to-date information and to follow the city’s progress you can go to Schertz.com

TxDOT Updates

Tri-County Parkway

Work continues on the Tri-County reconstruction project. As of early January, the new sanitary sewer lines have been completed and most of the road has been reconstructed. Once the final segment of Tri-County Parkway has been reconstructed the contractor will place a new layer of pavement over Tri-County Parkway and on Lookout Road in the project area. This will fully complete the project and be the final finished surface of the new street. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of February; however, inclement weather could cause some delays.

For more up-to-date information please go to schertzedc.com/ tricounty

Lookout Road

The City of Schertz is planning two projects for Lookout Road between Schertz Parkway and Doerr Lane. One project includes the installation of a new traffic signal at the Lookout Road and Schertz Parkway intersection. This project is currently being bid, however, due to long lead times for the traffic signal equipment, construction of the new signal is not expected to start until Summer 2023. This project is being funded by the Schertz Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the City of Selma.

The second project on Lookout Road includes replacement of the sanitary sewer line and reconstruction of the roadway. This work will build off of the work done on Tri-County Parkway. This project is currently in design and construction is not expected to start until Summer 2023. Funding for this project was also provided by the Schertz EDC. The City will be reaching out to the businesses in the area to keep them informed about the project and to get feedback on how best to phase construction for the project. More information and updates will also be available on the City’s website as the project continues to progress.

FM 1103

The reconstruction and widening of the roadway is currently underway. This project will take a while to complete, so traffic control will be in place and traffic will be affected for some time. Please allow extra time to travel through the project area.

IH-35 NEX Project

Work is actively underway on the project in other parts of the region. The bulk of the work is being performed at night, to minimize traffic impacts. This project has a long construction duration, so there will be an ongoing activity in the project area for the foreseeable future. There is some geotechnical testing occurring in the Schertz section of IH-35. There can be periodic lane closures while soil samples are collected using large drill rigs. For more information follow I-35 NEX Central on Facebook.

IH-10

Work continues on improvement to the IH-10 corridor. Work is being done at all times of the day, depending on the work activity. This project also has a long construction duration, so there will be ongoing activity for the foreseeable future.

City Begins Update on Comprehensive Land Use Plan

SCHERTZ CITY COUNCIL RECENTLY ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FREESE AND NICHOLS, INC. FOR AN UPDATE TO THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE LAND PLAN AND UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE.

The Comprehensive Land Plan (CLP) is a guide for future development and a tool for decision-making in the community.

Orderly development can help a community absorb population growth while preserving the quality of life. In addition, good planning can save the city money by increasing the efficiency of decision-making. It allows the community to achieve a vision for what it wants to be in the future.

“It is important to update the plan to keep up with growth in the area and changes in the community's vision and goals,” says Director of Planning and Community Development Lesa Wood.

The last update to the plan was adopted by City Council in July of 2013 which included updates to portions of northern, southern, and the historic downtown areas of Schertz.

The specific focus during this effort will be on updating the City's land use plan — particularly in the areas of southern Schertz — that are most in transition. Other elements of the plan will be updated based on the amount of time since their last update, the amount of change in direction since that update, and the degree to which changes in other parts of the plan necessitate adjustments. The contract for this update also provides for the City to choose to do more significant updates or increase the focus on areas based on input during the process.

Stay tuned for more details as the City moves along in this process –your feedback is needed!

City Manager Steve Williams Connects with the Community

SCHERTZ’S NEW CITY MANAGER STEVE WILLIAMS HAS ONLY BEEN ON THE JOB FOR A FEW MONTHS, BUT HIS NEW COMMUNITY IS ALREADY PROVING TO BE A GREAT FIT.

By KIRA VILLARREAL

Williams started in his role on December 1st, relocating to Schertz from Conroe, TX, where he served as the Assistant City Manager and CFO for 17½ years. Williams brings a wealth of experience, having spent his entire career in public administration.

Williams earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of North Texas. He started his career as a Sr. Budget Analyst with the City of Dallas and later served as the Director of Budget and Research for the Town of Flower Mound, TX. During his tenure in the City of Conroe, he started out as the Director of Finance and was later promoted to Assistant City Administrator.

Although he is new to Schertz, Williams had long been aware of the city’s reputation for being a friendly and welcoming place as well as a growing community with lots of exciting opportunities. He also had several friends who lived and worked

in Schertz and had great things to say about the area.

“Schertz was an opportunity I had looked at over the years, and there were a lot of things that attracted me to the area,” he said. “I knew it was a growing community that will change dramatically over the next 10 years, and it’s also in a beautiful part of the state with lots of things to do.”

In his new role, Williams will oversee more than 400 employees and will be

in charge of all City departments such as fire, police, emergency medical services, economic development, parks and recreation, public works, and planning and development. As he looks forward to the coming year, Williams says he’s excited about several capital improvement and economic development projects that are currently in progress. With his financial background and expertise, he’s also looking forward to the budgeting process and planning for the future.

Williams’ first impressions of his new role and community have so far been overwhelmingly positive. In his first days on the job, he had the opportunity to attend the holiday tree lighting and the Holidazzle event, giving him an opportunity to experience firsthand the sense of community for which the area is known.

“So far, I’ve been really impressed with the City staff as well as the positivity and closeness of the community in general,” he said. “It was encouraging to see so many people at a community event participating and having a great time.”

Williams also realizes that he’ll have some challenges ahead, many of them related to the area’s rapid growth that’s expected to continue in the coming years. As he works to implement capital improvements, increase personnel, and expand programs to support that growth, he plans to be especially mindful that the City is continuing to meet the needs of its citizens and its employees.

“As we work to implement the City’s strategic plan, my goal is to provide an environment that our employees are excited and proud to be a part of, showing them the vision of where we plan to be and how we intend to succeed in getting there,” he said.

On a personal note, Williams grew up in Texas and has been married to his wife, Carrie, for 29 years. The couple has four children: a daughter who lives in Arlington, VA, and three sons who live in and around the Conroe area. In his free time, Williams enjoys outdoor activities and sports, including skiing, martial arts and golf.

In the near future, he’s looking forward to getting to know his new community better, and if you happen to see him out

My goal is to provide an environment that our employees are excited and proud to be a part of, showing them the vision of where we plan to be and how we intend to succeed in getting there.

and about, he says you’re more than welcome to say hello.

“I like to meet people. I’m very approachable and I’m excited about the opportunity to get involved in the community. If you see me and you want to say hi, I’d like that.”

REGISTER ONLINE AT SCHERTZ.COM

1K AND 5K

PEPRALLY AND 5KRUN

Join the City of Schertz in the Kick Cancer Pep Rally and 5k Run, formally the Wilenchik Walk for Life, on Saturday, March 4 as the community comes together to rally in support of the many cancer research programs of the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In 2009, the city hosted the inaugural 5K event in honor of former Schertz City Councilmember, Tony Wilenchik. Tony was diagnosed in 2006 with Stage-4 Leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Tony’s determination to face the disease head-on motivated the city to create a fundraising event to help support cancer research. Since the walk began, more than $193,000 has been raised and donated to the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center to aid in their research.

Kick Cancer will allow participants to celebrate cancer research, remember family members lost to cancer, and honor those still fighting.

LET’S KICK CANCER TOGETHER!

Register online at Schertz.com/KickCancer or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office located at 10 Commercial Place, Bldg. 1. For more information call (210) 619-1850, or email parksandrec@schertz.com.

Check-in/Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Welcome/Warm-up begins at 8:30 a.m. Walk/Runs begin at 9:00 a.m.

PRICING & INFO

1K Run - $20.00

5K Run - $35.00

Signs of Love - $20.00

Sponsors are welcome. If you are interested in sponsoring the Kick Cancer Pep Rally & Run, please call (210) 619-1850. Registered participants will receive a custom race medal, event t-shirt, race bib if registered by February 20. Registration will remain open through March 4 (race t-shirts are not guaranteed).

Race goodie bags will be available Friday, March 3, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Schertz Parks & Recreation Office, 10 Commercial Place, Bldg 1. and Saturday, March 4 during the event.

BENEFITTING

Jumping Into the New Year!

Each year the brave souls of our community come out to the Cold for a Cause Polar Bear Plunge to make the jump into the chilly waters of Pickrell Park Pool. The annual event is a partnership between the Parks & Rec Department and the Schertz Family YMCA as our take on the worldwide polar plunge that has become a widely anticipated experience to ring in the new year with a little thrill. Over 60 jumpers pre-registered for this year’s plunge with a handful more joining in at the gate, including the YMCA sponsor staff with Councilmember Tim Brown even taking a dip. As participants dried off in their commemorative Polar Plunge 2023 t-shirts, they were met with warm fireside treats of s’mores, hot cocoa, and a generous donation of sandwiches from Jimmy John’s. A special

thanks goes out to our sponsors, iCode, Kiddie Academy, JaniKing, Lady’s of Justice, and Jimmy Johns for making this event a great success. The Polar Plunge kicks off a year of fun family-friendly community events from Schertz Parks & Recreation and the Schertz Family YMCA.

Upcoming Social Leagues

Volunteers Needed

Volunteering your time and talents is a great way to give back to the community, build self-esteem, share your skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. A variety of opportunities are available at local nonprofits and events. Visit Schertz.com/volunteer to sign up today! Upcoming event volunteer opportunities:

■ March 4: Kick Cancer Pep Rally & 5K Run

■ April 2: Movin’ on Main

Schertz Parks & Recreation is excited to announce our Spring 2023 Adult Social Leagues! Kickball and Cornhole Leagues to kick off in April, so gather your team and get ready as registration is open now. Kickball games will be played on Sunday nights from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. running April 16 – May 21, and cornhole games will be played on Tuesday nights from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. running April 18 –May 23. Get ready to have some FUN and meet some new friends! Register at Schertz.com/CivicRec

Connect with us on social media

CityofSchertz or cityofschertzparksandrecreation

Post a pic @SchertzParksandRec

Use #SchertzParksandRec

Game On!

Did you know board games teach critical thinking, strategic skills, offer social opportunities for participants, keep minds sharp and are just plain fun? Join us on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. for Game On! Learn a new game or play an old favorite. Our goal is to connect families, teach social skills, learn problem solving skills, and to have fun. A parent or guardian is required to participate with child(ren). Attendance is free, but we do ask that you register in advance (or be prepared to sign in at the door). Registration is available on the library’s online calendar at Schertz.com/youthcalendar

2023 Extreme Book Nerd Challenge

The library’s year-long Extreme Book Nerd Reading Challenge for 2023 will begin on Wednesday, February 1st. The Extreme Book Nerd Challenge is a yearlong reading challenge for ages 5-adult that encourages participants to read throughout the year, try new genres, and read subjects you wouldn’t normally pick up on your own. For more information about the book nerd reading challenge visit schertz.com/booknerd.

Sunday Afternoon Mindful Meditation Practice

The library is offering monthly meditation classes led by instructor Mike Brown. Classes are approximately 45 minutes and are held one Sunday afternoon each month. Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. will be the next practice. The cultivation of mindfulness can help us navigate the ups and downs of daily stressors and promote health and wellness. This session is suitable for beginning and experienced meditators. You’re welcome to bring your own meditation cushion; chairs will be provided. Visit the library calendar of events for additional details and registration.

Human Library Applications for Summer 2023

The Schertz Public Library is working on a Human Library Project for Summer of 2023. The Human Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. We cannot have a human library without the human books! We are looking for volunteers to be a Human Book that can engage in interactive conversation with the community. If you are interested, please stop by the library to complete an application, or complete the form online at schertz. com/src Applying to be a Human Book does not guarantee a spot on the Bookshelf. To learn more about Human Libraries visit https://humanlibrary./org.

Read Before Bookstore Book Sale

The Read Before Bookstore will be holding their Winter Book Sale on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Bags will be provided and cost $5.00 per bag. The book sale will be held in the Library Program Room located in the Children’s Library.

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A COMPREHENSIVE LISTING OF ALL LIBRARY EVENTS PLEASE VISIT SCHERTZLIBRARY.ORG.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH in Schertz

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

TEEN TUESDAYS

Tuesdays @ 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Schertz Public Library Program Room All teens, ages 13-18 are welcome to come hang out at the library. Activities vary from week to week — sometimes we game, sometimes we watch movies, sometimes we art... you help decide.

Join us in the Library Program Room on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

NEXT MONTH IN SCHERTZ...

RECURRING LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Total Body Strength Classes Mondays @ 10:30 a.m.

Walk-in Tech Help Select Mondays, Feb. 6 & 20 @12:30 p.m.; Select Wednesdays, Feb. 1 & 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Library Quilt Bee Second and Fourth Tuesday and third Saturday (Time varies, check online)

Toddler Storytime (Ages 20 months – 3yrs.)

Preschool Storytime (Ages 3 – 6 yrs.)

Teen Tuesdays (Ages 13 – 18 yrs.)

Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Thursdays @ 11 – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays, @ 11 – 11:45 a.m.

Tuesdays @ 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

S.P.A.R.K. Family Workshop Tuesdays @ 6 – 8 p.m.

ESL Advanced Pronunciation Wednesdays @ 10 a.m.

ESL Beginner Pronunciation Wednesdays @ 11 a.m.

Discovery! (Ages 6 – 9 yrs.)

Baby & Me Storytime (Ages Birth – 24 months)

iCode @ The Library (Ages 5 – 9 yrs.)

Wednesdays @ 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Thursdays @ 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

Thursdays @ 4 – 4:45 p.m.

Library Program Room

Library Meeting Room 1

Library Meeting Room 1

Library Program Room

Library Program Room

Library Program Room

Library Meeting Room 2

Library Meeting Room 1

Library Meeting Room 1

Library Program Room

Library Program Room

Library Program Room

EASTER

EGG-STRAVAGANZA

March 24 | Schertz Aquatic Center Session 1: 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: 6:15 p.m. | Session 3: 7 p.m. We are partnering with the YMCA for our annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Schertz Aquatic Center! Bring your swimsuit and towels, because this egg search is in the pool. Hunt your eggs, then turn them in for a goodie bag! In addition, local businesses will be on the splash pad for activities, food vendors will be present and so much more.

Registration opens February 10 at ymcasatx.org/schertz.

SELMA SCHERTZ

event sponsor

DID YOU KNOW

Reminding Residents of City Provided Services and Programs

Get Your Pet Microchipped

Did you know that Schertz Animal Services offers a microchipping service? The City of Schertz has passed an ordinance that requires all cat and dog owners within the city limits of Schertz to have their pets microchipped. This ordinance eliminates the annual requirement for citizens to register their pet with Schertz Animal Services. A microchip greatly increases the likelihood that a pet will be returned to its owner if lost.

Borrow Tools at No Cost

Did you know that you can borrow tools from the Schertz Community Tool Shed to complete your home projects? The Tool Shed presented by the Neighborhood Services Division contains a collection of hand and gas power tools that can be used at no cost by residents, businesses, and community groups to clean and improve their properties. Residents are able to reserve equipment online by going to Schertz.com/toolshed and creating an account. Equipment is available to borrow by appointment only for use up to 3 days per reservation. Saturday pick-up and return hours are offered on the first weekend of each month. Tools can be delivered upon request. Proof of residency is required when borrowing any item.

Go to Schertz.com/toolshed to reserve your equipment and call Neighborhood Services at (210) 619-1650 if you have any questions

Get your pets microchipped at the Schertz Animal Adoption Center for only $15! Proof of rabies vaccine is required for the microchip. If you have any questions, contact Animal Services at (210) 619-1550.

Sign up for Emergency Notifications

Did you know you can sign up to receive emergency alerts and severe weather warnings that could directly impact you and your family? The City of Schertz uses CivicReady to send emergency alerts and other notifications during emergency situations. The use of this system allows local public safety officials to send mass notifications to registered users through both landlines and a variety of electronic devices during a natural or man-made emergency.

Subscribers can register to receive emergency alerts and other notifications via phone call, text message, and/or email. Residents are encouraged to sign up now for CivicReady by going to Schertz.com/alerts.

Think Heart-Healthy for

American Heart Month

Heart disease remains the NUMBER 1 cause of death in the United States.

Approximately every 40 SECONDS an American will have a heart attack.

Each February, the American Heart Association celebrates American Heart Month by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease.

Focusing on your heart health has never been more important. People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Your heart muscle needs oxygen to survive. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood flow can become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that together are called plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis.

ACT, DON'T WAIT

When a heart attack occurs, the heart muscle that has lost blood supply begins to suffer injury. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the size of the area supplied by the blocked artery and the time between injury and treatment. The heart is a very tough organ. Even though a part of it may have been severely injured, the rest of the heart keeps working. But, because of the damage, your heart may be weakened and unable to pump as much blood as usual. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes after a heart attack, further damage can be limited or prevented. Do not wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.

Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

■ Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like a squeezing, dull, sharp, or crushing pain. Pain that travels to one or both arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach. You may become short of breath and break out in a cold sweat. Men and women have some similar signs and symptoms like chest pain, but women are more likely to have shortness of breath, back or jaw pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

■ With sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.

■ A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest (also called sudden cardiac death or SCD), death results when the heart suddenly stops working properly. This is caused by irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias.

■ The most common arrhythmia in cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation. This is when the heart’s lower chambers suddenly start beating chaotically and do not pump blood. Death occurs within minutes after the heart stops.

■ Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is performed and a defibrillator is used within minutes to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm.

■ To prevent any of these things from occurring, it is important to implement daily habits that will help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

February is set aside for national teen dating violence awareness and prevention. It is estimated that 1 in 10 teens will experience dating violence, and we need to take the opportunity to highlight this issue.

Dating is part of life that many will first experience as a teen. However, as an adult, we all know that a healthy relationship requires hard work, communication, and a level of maturity that isn’t always present in teens.

WHAT IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE?

“Teen dating violence includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse; harassment; or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.” [1] Teen dating violence can be done in person, over the phone, or electronically. Social media is the most common for teenagers.

Nationally, one in three teenagers admits to being in an unhealthy relationship. While both girls and boys can be victims of dating violence, girls are more likely to become victims. Studies have estimated that 10% of adolescents report being a victim of physical violence from their intimate partner. In addition, teens that are involved in unhealthy or abusive relationships are more likely to suffer longterm health and behavioral consequences. Some of these consequences are depression, aggression, alcohol/drug abuse, eating disorders, and suicide attempts/thoughts.

PREVENT DATING VIOLENCE

This issue affects everyone, not only teenagers but their parents, teachers, friends, and community. So, how can we prevent teen dating violence? Like us adults, our teenagers are probably embarrassed to admit they are a victim of dating violence and will not seek assistance or guidance. Therefore, talk to your children and encourage them to speak to you about any issues or concerns. Let them know that relationships are built on trust, respect, and honesty. Together we can raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.

For resources regarding dating abuse or helplines, go to teendvmonth.org/resources. Also, if you or you know someone in an abusive relationship, contact the police department at (210) 619-1200. We can help you and put you in contact with our Crime Victim Liaison.

Sources: https://youth.gov and https://www.teendvmonth.org/what-is-teen-dating-violence/

FEE

A fee of $40 will appear on the customer's water bill for the pickup of a single brush pile according to the dimensions outlined in the guidelines section below.

DELAYS

In the event of any unforeseen delays, including weather, chip jobs not done on the scheduled Tuesday will be completed on the next possible business day.

GUIDELINES

All brush and tree limbs must be at the front of the curb of the billing address and stacked neatly for easy access (parked vehicles cleared of brush pile) with ABSOLUTELY NO TREE STUMPS PLACED ON TOP OF LIMBS. All brush must be curbside by 7:30 am on the date of the scheduled service.

Ideally, branches and limbs should be at least 3-7 ft in length but must not exceed 7 ft in length in order to be chipped. Otherwise, the limbs must be trimmed off/down to fit dimensions appropriately. Stumps must be cut 18 inches in length and less than 12 inches in diameter (or split in half) in order for pickup and MUST be

CURBSIDE CHIPPING SERVICE

The City of Schertz provides a Curbside Chipping service during the year for Schertz residents. Chipping services will be performed on Tuesdays during normal business hours. Appointments will be scheduled according to availability.

placed in a separate pile along the curb. Stumps will not be chipped but must be accessible and able to be lifted by a single person in order to be removed from the location. These guidelines must be followed or stumps will not be removed.

Brush piles MUST fall within the following dimensions: 5’ in height x 20’ in length x 7’ in width and limbs cannot be more than 6” in diameter or more than 8' in length.

NOT ALLOWED

The following items WILL NOT be picked up:

■ Lumber

■ Palm trees

■ Cactus of any kind

■ Bamboo

■ Banana trees

■ Palmetto bushes

■ Limbs, trees, or bushes with any type of thorns attached

■ Household trash, etc.

There is no lot clearing allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS.

OTHER RULES

City employees will not go onto private property to drag brush and/or tree limbs

to the curb, and they will not enter alleys, easements, or undeveloped lots to chip brush. The brush must be at the curb prior to staff’s arrival.

This is a residential service only and only allows one house per pile. Please do not join piles with neighbors, as each house must have their address on the list to be picked up for that date. When hiring a contractor for any tree trimming or landscaping, it then becomes the responsibility of the resident to have the contractor remove all limbs and debris. This is a brush removal service for residents who have not hired professional services to administer tree trimming. NO EXCEPTIONS. Chips will not be shoveled out of the truck or shot into the resident’s yard with the chipper. Schedule

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!

Clemens Student, Aidan Federico, took his Schertz Magazine and travelled to see the Temple of Athena Polias on the Acropolis.

Elaine and James Ratcliff took their Schertz Magazine on their trip to Villa Botanica, St. Thomas, USVI.

Doug and Sharon Van Dusen went to Seydisfjordur, Iceland and packed their Schertz Magazine for the trip.

Kathia McConnico and her mother, Catalina, took their Schertz Magazine all the way to Montego Bay, Jamaica!

LOOKING BACK Schertz Texas

Something To Think About . . .

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

Henry Ford

Schertz History

Schertz occupies a part of the black land prairie of the Gulf Coastal Region where agriculture and urban uses are predominate. The City’s northern boundary is but a few miles south from the Balcones Escarpment Zone (Texas Hill Country). The Zone is where the Gulf Coastal Plains transition into the Texas Hill Country. Vastly different uses of land appear on either side of the Escarpment. North of the Escarpment is ranching and grazing lands, while south of the Zone is the prairie land used for agriculture and ranching. Artesian wells situated along the Zone feed San Marcos and Comal Springs. Plentiful limestone deposits are found along the Escarpment. The terrain from north to south gradually slopes downward from the Escarpment through Schertz. The Main Street and portions of Aviation Heights and portions of North Schertz are within a 100-year floodplain and both areas have experienced damaging flood

conditions at times. Schertz was at one time called “Cut Off” due to certain access routes being flooded during periods of severe rains.

Texas History

The flag of Texas has an incredible history. A history quite unlike any other state. Over the years of fighting and hardship, Texas has come to have an identity of its own and that can be seen in the colors of the Flag. In 1939, the Congress of Texas voted to change the colors of the flag from a yellow star in the middle of a dark blue background to what we see today. Today’s flag has a single white star on the left-hand side in the middle of the blue bar. There are two horizontal bars on the right, the top being white and bottom being red. While these colors do match that of the United States, it is said that the blue stands for loyalty, the red for bravery, and the white for purity.

Official City Meetings and Office Closures

CITY COUNCIL

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor (210) 619-1040 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Mark Davis Councilmember (210) 376-9141 markdavis@schertz.com

Michelle Watson Councilmember 210-419-8472 mwatson @schertz.com

Jill Whittaker Councilmember (210) 846-8768 jwhittaker@schertz.com

Michael Dahle Councilmember (210) 419-9337 mdahle@schertz.com

David Scagliola Councilmember (830) 606-1130 davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward Councilmember (210) 608-9543 allisonheyward@schertz.com

Tim Brown Councilmember (210) 608-2381 timbrown@schertz.com

If you would like to share your memories living in Schertz before 1970, please submit to Rozwise@aol.com, Schertz Historical Preservation Committee. Information presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.