July 2022

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS

SCHERTZ

SCHERTZ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

07 City Headlines

08 Parks & Recreation

12 Library

City Council

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

Executive Team

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

Brian James Assistant City Manager

Charles Kelm Assistant City Manager

Adrian Perez 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.

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 over 42,000 residents.

Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri-County area with a circulation of 16,000 copies; including 14,000+ 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 15,000+ 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.

32 Features

42 Around the Community

47 Calendar

FEATURES

32

Schertz Park & Recreation Expands Outdoor Opportunities

36

Schertz Economic Development Corporation Brings Growth to Town

CITY MANAGER FROM THE DESK OF THE

Hello to all our Schertz residents! We hope you are having a wonderful, if hot, summer. Here’s hoping it rains soon! June was a great month, and we had record-breaking attendance at Pickrell Park pool; we are glad that so many have been able to enjoy our pool this year. We have another wonderful magazine issue this month and we cover a range of subjects.

First, we are very pleased to recognize that July is National Park and Recreation month. We love to recognize our 26 parks and the great work our Parks Department does to maintain and improve them. We work hard to ensure these parks are a great value for the residents of Schertz and add an immeasurable level to the quality of life in our City. Furthermore, our Parks Department holds many year-round activities for all our residents. From the large events such as Fourth of July Jubilee and Christmas Holiday activities to our summer music and movies, Nature Discovery programs and Ed-ZOO-Cation events, we are interested in adding to the positive experience of residents. Our Parks Department also has a trails master plan that is adding a series of walking trails for our residents’ enjoyment now and more in the coming years.

The City has rolled out a new software program called “CityView”, and it is highlighted in our magazine this month. This is a state-of-the-art program that should greatly improve our permitting, plan review, and inspection process as we streamline and improve development projects. Thanks goes to Lesa Wood, Director of Planning & Community Development, and her team for their great work in bringing this program to fruition; we are certain this will be a great benefit to our future development efforts.

Finally, Happy 4th of July to all our residents. We hope you enjoy our Jubilee activities as we celebrate again the birth of our great country. I wish you all the best in the month of July.

JULY 2022

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department

Linda Klepper

Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen

Communications Manager

Madison Porras

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Contributing Writers

Linda Klepper, Sarah Gonzalez, Madison Porras, Kira Villareal, Lauren Shrum, Analyse Miranda, Lizzi Bertoia, Stacey Lovett, Summer Hall, Schertz Economic Development, Anna Kraft, Jennifer Shortess

Contributing Photographers

Madison Porras, Stacey Lovett, Devan Christensen, SCUCISD

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) 619-1600 / Fax (210) 619-1619

Website is Schertz.com

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1633 or email magazine@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. 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) 619-1600.

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.

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

mbrowne@schertz.com

Wildflowers

bloom along the Great Northern Trail, the newest Schertz Parks and Recreation Trail.

City Headlines

Great Northern Trail Grand Opening

The City of Schertz and Schertz Parks and Rec celebrated the opening of the Great Northern Trail on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:00 p.m. Officials cut ribbon on the first segment of the Great Northern Trail after the half-mile portion was completed in the Spring of 2022. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and tours of the newly completed trail.

About the Project

The Great Northern Trail is a multi-use trail that once completed will span 8 miles from Schertz Parkway to the Cypress Point neighborhood in northern Schertz. This initial section of the trail was completed in the spring of 2022. About a halfmile in length, it runs from Schertz Parkway to Wiederstein Road and is already proving to be extremely popular.

Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum says she has had a firsthand look at the trail use and has received plenty testimonials to its popularity. “It’s getting a ton of use – I see it every time I drive by or walk on it,” she said. “People see me checking signage or doing maintenance and they stop me to tell me how much they love it.”

The next section of the trail is already in design and will connect the existing trails in the Riata neighborhood to FM 1103 (near Cibolo Valley Baptist Church). Soon after the next section to be designed will be the connection between the existing trails in the Belmont Park neighborhood to the Riata neighborhood (near Sippel Elementary).

RENT A PARK FACILITY NOW WITH

The City of Schertz is committed to providing a high quality of life for our residents which includes the many events, programs, and facility rentals offered by Schertz Parks & Recreation. CivicRec gives you the ability to view, register, and reserve Schertz Parks & Recreation activities, events, facilities, and manage your account all in one place. Payments for programs and rentals can also be made on CivicRec.

Once you create an account and sign in, be sure to click on “Account” to verify your address and contact information. You can also update your contact preferences. Then you may click on “Catalog” to view recreation programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, pavilion rentals, and more. Here are just some things you can do on Civic Rec:

Check availability for park pavilion rentals

Register for a nature education program

Sign up to volunteer

Purchase a Veteran's Memorial Plaza brick

Go to Schertz.com to log on to CivicRec today to join in on all of the FUN to be had!

SPRING KICKBALL SOCIAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations Team Fuego on taking home the Spring 2022 Kickball League Championship. Registration will open on July 18 for the Fall 2022 Kickball League on Schertz. com. Kickball games are played on Sunday nights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from September 11 to October 16 at Thulemeyer Park.

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

Does your group/organization have a need for volunteers? Complete the volunteer request form and information on your organization’s volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a nonprofit recruiting large numbers of volunteers or an individual looking for a few extra hands or working on a community project, it’s free to place your information on our Volunteer Schertz list! Visit Schertz.com/volunteer for more information.

Volunteering time and talents is a great way to give to the community, build self-esteem, share your skills, and make a positive impact in others’ lives. A variety of opportunities are available in the local area. Visit Schertz.com/Volunteer to sign up today.

Upcoming Opportunities

■ July 4: Jubilee Parade

■ July 4: Jubilee Event

■ July 6: Project Flagline Take-Down

Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This FREE program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome.

Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs the second Saturday of the month, between 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Attendees will meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and the trailhead. Pre-registration is required for all participants.

July 9 Discover Clues and Traces: Find what animals leave behind

Sep 10 Discover Horns and Thorns: Staying alive is tough

Oct 8 Discover Dinosaur Tracks: Tracks tell tales

Nov 12

Discover Early Texans: When kids knew how to live off the land

Celebrate National Park & Recreation Month with Schertz staff during July. Get ready for an activity-packed month with two Float & Flicks at Pickrell Pool and a special activity every Thursday night in July! Be sure to follow Schertz Parks and Recreation on social media for more details about our month-long celebration!

JULY 7

PUPSICLE PARTY Schertz Dog Park / 6:00 p.m.

JULY 14

TACTICAL LASER TAG Pickrell Park / 8:00 p.m.

JULY 21

PICKLEBALL PLAY Pickrell Park / 6:00 p.m.

JULY 28

GLOW IN THE PARK Ashley Park / 8:00 p.m.

VISIT SCHERTZ.COM @schertzparksandrec

CREATIVEBUG

Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Create a free account and log-in with your library card to find a project for any occasion. Topics include art & design, sewing, quilting, paper, knitting, crochet, food & home, jewelry, holiday & party, and classes for kids. Watch videos anytime, anywhere. Since classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace. Please contact the library (210) 619-1700 if you have any questions about creativebug.

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) FAMILY AND FRIENDS SEMINAR

Saturday, July 9, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

NAMI Family and Friends is a free 4-hour seminar that informs and supports family members, partners, friends, and significant others who have loved ones with a mental health condition. Participants will learn about diagnoses, treatment, recovery, communication strategies, crisis preparation and NAMI resources. Registration link is available at schertz.com/adultcalendar

SEW LET IT BEE: LIBRARY QUILT BEE

2nd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday

Join us for a few fun hours of quilting! The Quilt Bee meets on the second Tuesday and third Saturday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. The bee is perfect for advanced quilters as well as those interested in getting started! Join us Tuesday, July 12 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This program is for adults 18+. Visit the calendar for more details at schertz.com/adultcalendar

DIY GREEN AND CLEANER LIVING PROGRAM

Thursday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.

Going Green! If you are looking for more ideas for your "green" living choices, or are new to the concept, join us on Thursday, July 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. in meeting Room 2 for a Make & Take session on cleaner living. We will share some ways to be chemical conscious in choosing cleaning and body products, as well as food options for healthy living.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

IT’S FOAM TIME

SATURDAY, JULY 9 10:00 A.M. -10:45 A.M.

Join us for a foam dance party. The FOAMINATOR creates a continuous Foam for you to go crazy in while the Foam collects into a GIANT pile of hypoallergenic safe and super clean, dense bubble FOAM! Dress to get wet, bring a towel and a water bottle (we will be outside on the library’s courtyard).

POETRY OPEN MIC

MEDICARE 101 PRESENTATION WITH TEXAS MEDICARE SOLUTIONS

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 6:00 P.M.

Thursday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. Michael Salazar with Texas Medicare Solutions will be presenting an information session on Medicare. Pre-registration not required. Medicare 101 will be held in Library Meeting Room 1.

LIBRARY MINI GOLF

QIGONG EXERCISE CLASS AT THE LIBRARY

EVERY MONDAY IN JULY, 10:30 A.M.

Qigong at the library is intended for adults 18+ and led by local certified instructor, Jennifer of Jennifer Eash Yoga. The program will be held each Monday in July at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Courtyard. No additional equipment is required. Visit the calendar for more details at schertz. com/adultcalendar

TEEN TUESDAYS

TUESDAYS 4:30-5:30 P.M.

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. Registration required.

CRAFTERNOON WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Make, then take, your artsy and fun project every week! This program is recommended for children 5 to 12 years old with a parent/caregiver. Materials are provided while supplies last. Registration required.

FAMILY GAME THURSDAYS

THURSDAYS 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Meet up at the library for gaming fun! Drop in to try board games from the library’s games collection. We will have a selection of board games for you to play with your family and friends. Registration required.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 6:30 P.M.

Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, July 14 from 6:308:00 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 on the 2nd Thursday.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

SATURDAY, JULY 23 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Touch-A-Truck is a family friendly event that hosts a wide variety of vehicles for kids of all ages to play on while learning about the automobiles and how they help serve their communities. Join us in the library's back parking lot to explore your favorite vehicles including a fire engine, police car, construction truck, a crane, a dump truck and much more.

SCRAPBOOK AND PAPER CRAFTING CROP

SUNDAY, JULY 24, 12:00 P.M.

Join us on the 4th Sunday of each month from 12:00-5:00 p.m. in the Program Room for a paper crafting meet-up. Visit the calendar for more details at schertz.com/ adultcalendar

SATURDAY, JULY 30 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Join us for 9 holes of mini golf to commemorate the end of our Summer Reading Program. The mini golf course will be set up in the Children’s Library until 4:00 p.m. This is a fun opportunity for the whole family. Please note the Children’s Library will not be open for regular library business while the mini golf course is set up.

SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGISTS LIBRARY PRESENTATION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 6:30 P.M.

The Schertz Area Genealogists will host a special presentation by Lizzi Bertoia, Adult Services Librarian at the August meeting. If you are interested in getting started with genealogical research or want to learn about the many resources available to you through the library, join us Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. The Schertz Area Genealogists meet at the library the 1st Tuesday of each month, except the month of July. Connect

For a comprehensive listing of all library events please visit SchertzLibrary.org.

Schertz City Council Elections

Filing for Schertz City Council Election for November 8, 2022, Begins July 25, 2022

The City of Schertz will be holding its General Election on November 8, 2022, for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Council Members in Place 1 and Place 2 for a three-year term, from November 2022 to November 2025.

Any candidate desiring to have his or her name on the Official Ballot shall file with the City Secretary an application in writing in the form prescribed by the Texas Election Code declaring themselves a candidate. The filing date is no sooner than July 23, 2022, (but since the 23rd falls on a Saturday and City Offices are closed, the date moves to Monday, July 25, 2022) and no later than Monday, August 22, 2022, by 5:00 p.m.

Qualifications for candidacy include the following: must have attained the age of eighteen or older on the first day of the term of office applied for, be a registered voter of the City of Schertz, and have been a resident of the City of Schertz 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 Schertz.com. Should you have any questions, please contact the City Secretary’s office at (210) 619-1030.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Last day to Register to Vote in the November 8, 2022, election is Tuesday, October 11, 2022. Early voting will begin Monday, October 24, 2022, and end November 4, 2022. Early voting locations dates and times will be posted on the City website.

Schertz Public Affairs Earns Two Awards of Excellence

The City of Schertz Public Affairs team recently attended the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) conference in Houston, TX. Each year, Public Affairs submits entries within several communication categories of work completed and executed over the past year. This year the team was proud to be finalists in the Print Flyer & Posters category for an employee door decorating competition and in the Electronic Reports category for the 2022 State of the City video. The team received the Award of Excellence in both of the categories.

The TAMI Awards, founded in 2001, distinguish the efforts of municipal communications and marketing professionals around the state. In 2022 there were over 400 submissions for the TAMI Awards. The winners were announced at a special TAMI Awards Dinner at the conference on Thursday, June 9.

TAMIO is an active network of communications professionals dedicated to informing Texas residents of important issues in municipal government. TAMIO was developed as a result of the increasingly complex role of public information in municipal government. When organized in 1974, only a few Texas cities employed professional communications staffs. Today, TAMIO has an increasing number of public information professionals serving small communities as well as urban centers throughout the state.

Local Student Receives Hal Baldwin Scholarship Award

On June 7, 2022, City Council approved Resolution 22-R-49 awarding the 2022 Hal Baldwin Scholarship to Emily Layton. The Hal Baldwin Scholarship Committee, a committee that assists the City Council with the scholarship process, reviewed the applications and recommended that Ms. Layton receive the scholarship.

The Committee selected Ms. Layton to receive the top scholarship at $5,000. Emily is a graduate from Samuel Clemens High School and will attend the University of Texas in the fall.

The Hal Baldwin Scholarship was established in 2009 to encourage high school seniors who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path in education, local, state and/or federal government. The scholarship honors Hal Baldwin, who served the City for more than 30 years as a civic volunteer, an employee, a Councilmember, and Mayor.

Funds for the Hal Baldwin Scholarship come from donations and profits from the Hal Baldwin Golf Tournament which is held annually in the fall. To date, over $50,000 has been awarded in scholarship money.

10 MINUTES TO PREPAREDNESS

PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

Safety Tips Summer

Keep these tips in mind as you and your family enjoy summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics and the Fourth of July.

Fire safety

Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn.

If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts. Sparklers can reach 1,200 F and cause third-degree burns.

Use chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits outdoors only and at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.

10 feet

Use propane, charcoal and wood pellet barbecue grills outdoors only. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Place your grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.

City Headlines

Fire Academy Recap

Summer is in full swing, and Schertz Fire Rescue brought the heat with the 6th Annual Jr. Fire Academy and the 3rd Annual High School Fire Academy. This camp (June 6 - 10) offered kids a chance to learn about some of the daily operations of the Schertz Fire Department while getting hands-on with some fun activities.

The program is open to boys and girls in the Schertz community and instills camaraderie, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. Our firefighters thoroughly enjoy showing the kids of our community some of the activities and equipment they use on a daily basis. It is the fire departments hope to spark an interest in these boy’s and girl’s that might develop into career aspirations later on. Lieutenant Carl Schultze organized the academy, and firefighters from each shift assisted with the daily activities.

The academy kicked off with a special breakfast cooked and served by Schertz firefighters. Throughout the week, junior and high school firefighters went through interactive training with

several Schertz fire staff to experience what a firefighter does daily. Students were introduced to a variety of firefighting skills including fire streams, vehicle extrication, thermal imagery, pumping operations, fire extinguisher training, fire chemistry, and fire prevention.

Students were also able to participate in a number of firerelated activities including a visit to the fire safety house, getting hands-on by putting on hazmat suits and learning about specialized hazmat skills, and participating in search and rescue exercises. Other academy activities included a lesson on fire service history, a physical agility test, ladder exercises, and ropes, confined space, repelling, and rope rescue training led by our firefighters.

Officials from city council and city management greeted students throughout the week as they progressed through the academies. A graduation pizza party was held on Friday, June 10 to congratulate the Jr. and HS firefighters on a job well done.

City Headlines

Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is one of the best ways to get exercise and move about in your community while saving on gas. It’s estimated about 80 million bicyclist shares the roadway with motorized vehicles each day around the world. However, our cyclists face a lot of hazards on the roads and we’re not just talking about the heat. Typically, when a crash occurs between a car and a bike, the cyclist is often the one who is injured. The Schertz Police Department wants to ensure we all share the roads safely and encourages both cyclists and drivers to take the necessary safety precautions.

Before jumping on your bicycle, ensure your equipment is working safely. Just like a vehicle, you need to check for any mechanical problems. For example, check the bike's tires, ensure your reflectors are on the rear, front pedals, and spokes, and that you have a horn or a bell. In addition, the National Safety Council recommends having a rear-view mirror.

Dress to be seen.

A cyclist needs to wear clothing that is neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors. It is best to ride during the daytime. However, if you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and have a front headlight on your bicycle. Sometimes a cyclist can be hard to see. Therefore, wearing bright or reflective clothing is the best way to draw attention to you.

Wear a helmet.

The best protection a cyclist can have is a properly fitted helmet. Make sure the helmet is level on your head and covers your forehead. You want it to sit one to two fingers width above the eyebrows. Your helmet should not rock more than one-inch

side to side or front to back. Also, the chin strap needs to be fastened and snug, but no more than one to two fingers between the strap and chin. If you need help making sure you have a properly fitting helmet, check out www.nhtsa.gov for their guide on a properly fitted helmet. Remember, "A properly-fitted helmet is the most effective way to prevent a head injury resulting from a bicycle crash." ~ Safekids.org

Follow the rules of the road.

Bicycles on the roadway are vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. For example, a cyclist must stop at red lights and stop signs. They also have to travel in the same direction as traffic. When riding on the road, the cyclist must ride as close to the right side as practicable. The cyclist must use hand signals to indicate if they want to turn right, left, or stop. When you ride with a group of cyclists, you must ride in a single file and the direction of travel. As you approach an intersection, check left, right, and left. Before entering the intersection, make eye contact with the vehicle driver to ensure the driver sees you.

Additionally, we would like to offer some safety tips for vehicle drivers. First, give cyclists room and don't pass too closely. As a driver, when you pass a cyclist, you need to follow the same laws as passing a motor vehicle. Also, yield to a cyclist as you would another motorist.

Remembering these safety tips will help us all share the road safely. Since both bikes and cars are classified as vehicles, we must not forget to respect each other on the roadways. Everyone in our community wants to get home safely and in order to help this happen, we must look out for one another.

The Schertz Fire Department reminds residents that fireworks are prohibited inside the city limits of Schertz. City Code of Ordinances 30.64 prohibits the sale, use, or possession of fireworks in the City. If you are unsure whether you reside within the city limits of Schertz you can go to the Interactive Map on Schertz.com and type in your address.

For more information, call the Fire Department at (210) 619-1300.

City Headlines

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Stormwater Pollution Prevention - Background

The City of Schertz operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, commonly called an MS4. Our MS4 is a collection of channels, ditches, inlets, pipes, and other structures that collect stormwater runoff and transport it to streams and creeks. Stormwater is a growing source of water pollution in Dry Comal and Cibolo Creek Watersheds. Urbanization and climate change will continue to contribute to water pollution in our area. The City of Schertz intends to revise our current standards in order to raise the bar in terms of water quality.

Low-Impact Development is an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible. Low-Impact Development seeks to capture and treat “first flush” contaminants. These practices use vegetation, soils, and natural processes to infiltrate water and make it available to plants.

Follow this article series for more information on nine low-impact development practices: bioretention, bioswales, permeable pavement, stormwater wetlands, planter boxes, sand filters, vegetated filter strip, vegetated swale, and rain barrels. You could see one of these practices in your neighborhood soon!

Stormwater Pollution Prevention –Permeable Pavement

The third of nine low-impact development practices that will be discussed in this article series are Permeable Pavements.

How it works: Permeable pavements, such as permeable interlocking concrete pavers, pervious concrete, or porous asphalt, retains the infiltration capacity of underlying soils in place of directing stormwater to a designated stormwater BMP. Small voids in the permeable pavement or aggregate filled joints collect water in an aggregate reservoir layer which drains to soils or flows to other downstream stormwater control systems.

Permeable pavements are the only stormwater pollution prevention system which doubles as both transportation infrastructure and a BMP.

Because of the wide range of options for permeable pavements, designs can include light or heavy traffic loading situations from sidewalks to emergency vehicles.

2021 Drinking Water Quality Report Available in July

The City of Schertz Water Department is pleased to report that testing in accordance with EPA and TCEQ guidelines has shown that our drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements.

To view the report and learn more about your drinking water, visit us at Schertz.com/waterqualityreport

This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water.

The City of Schertz will no longer mail printed copies of the report to all of our customers. If, however, you would like a hard copy of the report, please email us at customercare@schertz.com. Please provide your name and address and a copy of the report will be sent to you.

If you prefer, you may complete the form below and mail it in to receive a copy of the report.

PLEASE MAIL ME A COPY OF THE 2021 WATER QUALITY REPORT!

First and Last Name: ________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________ City: _________ State: _____ Zip Code: _______

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________

Please mail or drop off this form to: Schertz Public Works, 10 Commercial Place, Bldg 2, Schertz, TX 78154.

City Headlines

Schertz Launches CityView Software

Need to pull a permit, request an inspection, or report a code violation? The City of Schertz is glad to assist residents and businesses with these requests using the newly launched CityView software.

“To experience the features CityView provides, customers will need to simply create an account through the online portal. They can then access items, such as reporting code violations, submitting permits online, paying fees, receiving staff-generated review comments, requesting inspections, and even being issued permits or certificates of occupancy, all from the comfort of their office or home,” said Lesa Wood, Director of Planning and Community Development.

CityView, a community development software that provides comprehensive permitting, inspections, reviews, and approvals, is expected to help reduce staff time, cost, and errors throughout the development and review processes. Approved by City Council in 2018, the software was originally scheduled to launch in 2020, however, due to COVID-19, the CityView project was delayed until its launch on Monday, May 16, 2022.

This year's long project involved several departments across the city including Planning, IT, GIS, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Environmental Health, Permits and Inspections, Engineering, Fire, Public Works, and Parks.

“This project really was a team effort,” said Assistant City Manager, Brian James. "Staff from every department has had to map out all the different processes for all the different types of permits that we

have. As part of this effort, it has led to a lot of discussions among staff about why we require the things we do and to what degree those add value or protect our residents.”

“We are excited to finally roll this program out to the community. Having this software in place will allow staff to ensure a permit or revision doesn’t get lost or not reviewed in a timely manner,” says Wood. “We can also better track the status of permits and set alerts when permits don’t move forward in the expected timeframes.”

This new platform will not only streamline staff efforts to serve the public but will also meet the growing demand for online services across the City.

how we Communicate

Through various forms of communication, Schertz Public Affairs staff aims to be the primary source of City information. Our goal is to disseminate accurate and timely information to residents and the media during emergency and non-emergency situations.

SCHERTZ MAGAZINE SCHERTZ MAGAZINE

Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle, entertainment, and community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. Schertz Magazine serves as the primary source of city information and reaches over 60,000 people. It is printed and mailed to every household and is also available online at Schertz.com/SchertzMagazine.

SCHERTZ.COM

Schertz.com gives residents the most up-to-date information on city news as well as provides ease of access to online payments, meeting and event details, and information on all city services.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The City of Schertz utilizes several social media platforms to promote city events, programs, and services. Make sure to follow the City of Schertz on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and check out the channels for several other city departments as well!

CITY HEADLINES E-NEWSLETTER

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Schertz Park & Recreation Expands Outdoor Opportunities

By: Kira Villarreal

Schertz residents will have plenty of good reasons to get outside this summer, thanks to the Schertz Parks and Recreation Department and an exciting list of projects that have been completed or are currently in progress. These include new and expanded trails, local park renovations, recreation programing, and more. It has been a busy year for the department, and residents are benefiting from enhanced opportunities to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the city’s many beautiful outdoor areas.

One of the most noteworthy projects is the Great Northern Trail, a multi-use trail which began construction in March 2021 and will be 8 miles in length when finished. The initial section of the trail was recently completed in the spring of 2022. About a half mile in length, it runs from Schertz Parkway to Wiederstein Road and is already proving to be extremely popular. A second smaller section of about a tenth of a mile in length has also been completed near Cibolo Valley Baptist Church. This will connect to planned F.M. 1103 pedestrian improvements by TxDOT. The plan is to make future connections to area neighborhoods and city staff is working with those homeowner associations on the plan.

Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Shrum says she has had a firsthand look at the trail use and has received plenty testimonials to its popularity. “It’s getting a ton of use – I see it every time I drive by or walk on it,” she said. “People see me checking the trail with my maintenance crew and they stop me to tell me how much they love it.”

One of the main benefits of the initial section of the trail is that it serves as a connector from Schertz Parkway to several nearby neighborhoods, allowing residents to access Schertz Parkway safely without walking along

Wiederstein Road on a blind hill, as they had to do before this section of the trail was constructed.

Another ambitious project in which the City is currently involved will create a 100-mile trail network stretching all the way from San Antonio to Austin by 2036. The Great Springs Trail is planned to connect Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs, using existing trails in cities and counties along the way and constructing new connector sections to create the entire route.

Shrum is a member of The Great Springs Project steering committee, which brings together representatives from the involved cities to help move the project forward. She recently hosted a Trail Connect meeting in Schertz which included stakeholders from surrounding areas of Cibolo, Garden Ridge, Selma, and New Braunfels. The group discussed plans for working together to connect trails within their city limits. Although it’s still in the planning stages, The Great Springs Trail is an exciting prospect for area residents. For the next steps in this effort, the city representatives are looking for opportunities to collaborate on applications for federal funding.

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People see me checking the trail with my maintenance crew and they stop me to tell me how much they love it.

Schertz Park & Recreation Expands Outdoor Opportunities

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In addition to the trail projects, there have been a few improvements to existing city parks, most notably the new splash pad that is scheduled to open this year at Wendy Swan Memorial Park in Northern Schertz. The splash pad will take the place of the current city swimming pool that has been unable to open for the past two years. Formerly part of the neighborhood HOA, the pool has always been limited in capacity due to its small size. During the first summer of the Covid pandemic in 2020, additional capacity restrictions forced it to remain closed, and the freeze of 2021 resulted in damage at the restrooms that didn’t allow it to reopen last summer.

The City had been having conversations for a few years to convert the pool into a splash pad and made the decision to move forward with that plan as a way to increase the number of residents who were able to enjoy water recreation each season. Since the splash pad does not need to be staffed with lifeguards, it will be able to stay open from 9am to 9pm every day. In addition to the longer opening hours, it will also be able to remain open for a much longer season. The pool was typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, whereas the splash pad will be open all the way from March to October, allowing residents to take full advantage of the warm spring and fall weather. The splash pad will not be gated and there will be no admission fees. Construction is expected to begin soon and should only take about 6-8 weeks to complete. If all goes as planned, residents will be able to start enjoying this new feature as soon as August 2022.

Improvements are also being made to Ashley Park as part of a three-phase renovation project that began in 2019. Earlier phases of the project added new playground climbing equipment, a water fountain, and improvements to a concrete loop trail.

Phase three of the project includes a new picnic pavilion, which was recently completed, and another new playscape feature, which is scheduled to be completed in July.

Finally, the city completed improvements to Veteran’s Memorial Plaza this past year. These included new landscaping beds and construction of a tiered amphitheater-like seating area, as well as the addition of an accessible sidewalk and parking space.

In addition to the park and trail improvements, residents will also be able to enjoy some new recreational activities organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. One of the most popular so far has been the adult cornhole league, which sold out in its first season last year with 32 participating teams. The popular adult kickball league also added a fall season and had 120 participants on nine teams. The department plans to continue these popular activities and will look for opportunities to provide additional adult leagues and recreation programming.

Looking back on the achievements of the past year, Shrum notes that there have been some unique challenges. “Among other things, we’ve had to deal with supply chain issues, product shortages, labor shortages, getting on contractors' busy schedules,” she noted. “We're a small staff, so we rely on a lot of contractors, and it can be difficult to get on their schedule and keep projects moving forward.”

But despite the challenges, Shrum is proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish and she’s especially happy that the community is now able to enjoy the results of the recent park and trail improvements. And with many of these projects expected to continue long term, residents can rest assured that there will be much more to come.

Schertz Economic Development Corporation Brings Growth to Town

By: SEDC

It’s ingrained in all of us –– the mythical resilience and determination and toughness is the stuff of legends.

Whether you were born here or arrived later, most either possess innately or absorb the pride to call themselves Texan.

It’s not just people that love Texas. Texas is now home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other state. For every adjective that describes being a Texan, there is an equal number of reasons for companies to love Texas: lower cost of living, highway infrastructure, cheaper utilities costs and gas prices, and no state income tax. Texas is now also home to many Tier-1 universities. Most importantly, Texas is known for its businessfriendly common sense regulatory environment.

Like everything else Texas does different, so does the idea of placing the power of government at the local level. A quick

history lesson teaches us that because Texas was so big, early founders wanted counties to be small enough that residents could travel on horseback in a day for business at the county seats – the responsible party for courts, jails, schools, and roads. To this day, the county determines these above-mentioned responsibilities along with the levying of taxes.

In 1979, the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1979 was created to give cities and counties the ability to finance new and expanding businesses, via tools such as abatements or refunds of property tax to help underdeveloped or blighted areas. In 1997, the City of Schertz adopted the policy via local voter approval and thus began the operations of the Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

Since the inception of the SEDC, the local business community has grown to 124 primary employers with over 7,500 employees. In the last year and half alone, three Fortune 500 companies have chosen to expand their companies in Schertz, with local officials citing pride to partner with global brands that are doubling down in Schertz.

In 2012, Fortune 500 company Amazon invested in over a million square feet facility in Schertz and in 2021, expanded their footprint with a new last mile delivery station that brought new, full-time jobs. Schertz Mayor Ralph Gutierrez said, “Amazon continues to provide opportunities and reaffirm the competitiveness of our city and region as a premier location for business.”

“We welcome the expansion and continued investment from this global industry leader”, he said.

In 2012, Fortune 500 company Sysco built a 630,000 square foot facility to serve as a regional distribution center and combine two locations into one. In 2022, the corporation announced plans to expand the facility by adding 100,000 square feet and 40 jobs. Sysco Regional President John Miller said Sysco was committed to continuing the growth trajectory in Schertz with these substantial investments and increased the employee count to over 500.

Additionally, Sysco and the SEDC were able to help secure a State Enterprise Zone project designation, an economic development tool to be considered for State of Texas sales tax refund of qualifying expenditures based on the number of good-paying jobs and sales tax paid. Companies must meet the capital investment thresholds and/or retain jobs that employ a certain percentage of economically disadvantaged individuals, enterprise zone residents, or veterans.

“Tools like the EZP continue to make Texas a preferred choice for companies considering new investments,” said Adrian Perez, Executive Director of the Schertz Economic Development Corporation. “Sysco is a model corporate partner and is the first project to be nominated for a State Enterprise Project designation,” added Perez.

The EZP is a tool provided by the State of Texas that provides local jurisdictions to utilize Sales Taxes Collected by the State of Texas to ensure that local companies are encouraged to expand in the Great State of Texas. The State puts its money where its mouth is. For the first time in its history, the City of Schertz took hold of this authority and adopted the local ordinance that allows the City to make these nominations. Its first nomination was Sysco and in a particularly competitive year for these nominations - the State chose Sysco.

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We are helping our customers build a better, more sustainable world by executing our strategy through operational excellence, expanded offerings, services and sustainability.

Schertz Economic Development Corporation Brings Growth to Town

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In 2010, Fortune-500 company Caterpillar Inc. established a manufacturing facility that machined C27 and C32 liter engine blocks and 9.3-18-liter cylinder heads to support various Caterpillar products, particularly the Large Engines business in nearby Seguin, Texas. In 2022, Caterpillar announced plans to expand investment in the City of Schertz, adding $24 million in state-of-the-art equipment to the manufacturing facility, and 24 new primary jobs by 2026, on top of the existing 145 jobs. This addition will bring the total payroll to more than $8 million.

Under the 10-year agreement, Caterpillar will maintain a total of 169 jobs and a base payroll exceeding $8 million. The company must also maintain a minimum in personal property investment. With a successful annual performance, the company will receive a grant from the Schertz Economic Development Corporation.

“Schertz is a wonderful place to work, and we’re excited to be a part of this community,” said Mark Stratton, General Manager of Large Engines in Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division. “We are helping our customers build a better, more sustainable world by executing our strategy through operational excellence, expanded offerings, services and sustainability.”

These three Fortune 500 companies in Schertz continue to recognize the benefits and profitability of doing business in Schertz, TX and that is a reflection of Texas core values and business practices.

The State of Texas does it right. They lead by example, support the local government in providing the tools to keep secure better jobs and investment, and stay true to what makes Texas one of the fastest growing states in the Country.

BRAGGING RIGHTS ARE DUE

With over 1200 cities and 254 counties practicing economic development in the State of Texas, it’s no wonder the state is:

■ #1 for Corporate Moves, 6 years in a Row

■ #1 in Capital Investment, by Site Selection magazine

■ #1 in Population Growth

■ #1 Energy Producer in the US

■ #2 for Agricultural Science Doctorate Degrees

■ 9th largest economy in the world

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Remembering and Honoring all who Served

The Cities of Schertz and Cibolo along with the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Cibolo Valley Post 8315 and its auxiliary sponsored the 2022 Memorial Day Ceremony and Remembrance at the Veterans Memorial Park in Cibolo.

Post Commander and US Army Sergeant Major (Retired) Henry R. Conway opened the ceremony and lead the event as officials and community members paid tribute and honored those who served our country.

Special guests included Schertz Mayor Ralph Gutierrez and Cibolo Mayor Stosh Boyle as well as councilmembers and city officials from each city. Dr. Joseph Minton from Everyday Church addressed the crowd as the guest speaker before the benediction was given ending out the ceremony and adjourning to refreshments provided by City of Cibolo Parks and Recreation. The group continues to join in continued support with the community to dedicate their time and honor to those who have served and their families.

OLPH Celebrates Championship Win

On May 5th, 2022 Our Lady of Perpetual Help softball team won the AIAL class AA City Championship. This followed an exceptional 14-2 regular season that also included an AIAL District 5 title which was the 1st time in school history. The team was headed by Head Coach Lee Scheel, Assistant Coaches :Amanda Scheel, Rodney Marbach and Ken Marbach. This has been a phenomenal celebration for OLPH catholic school and its community!

Team players: Emersyn Scheel, Christina Torrez, Sophia Valencia, Julianna Trevino, Jocelyn Seaborn, Haiden Hammac, Emily Scherer, Aubrey Whittington, Hailey Davis, Sofia Gonzalez, Breanna Benavides

RACAP’s 2022 Back-to-School Program

Every year, the Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP) conducts a Back-to-School Program to help provide school supplies for children in our community. RACAP is committed to providing basic school supplies for eligible children in grades K-12. RACAP will accept applications for “School Supply” assistance from July 11, 2022, through August 12, 2022.

This year’s program runs from July 11 through August 12, 2022.

RACAP is blessed to have an abundance of school supplies and funds specifically designated to purchase any needed supplies this year. Financial donations from churches, businesses, groups or individuals are greatly appreciated but will be used for RACAP’s regular programs to assist with rent, utilities, RX and to restock the pantry. Please make all donations payable to RACAP and designate on the check that the donation is for the ‘General Fund’. Donations designated for the General Fund allow RACAP to use the excess funds in any area. Please visit www.racap.org to donate or obtain further information.

Families who reside in our zip code service areas (78108, 78109, 78124, 78148, 78154, 78132, 78233 (Live Oak only), 78247, and 78266) and meet income qualifications are eligible. Applications may be picked up at the RACAP office, 307 Pfeil St., Schertz, starting July 13, 2022.

Anyone interested in applying for assistance or helping RACAP in providing assistance may contact RACAP at (210) 658-1613 or visit our website www.racap.org.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY

Local Students Sign Letters of Intent

20 student-athletes from Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District recently signed their letters-ofintent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Nine seniors at Samuel Clemens signed their letters-of-intent and 11 seniors at Byron P. Steele High School signed letters-ofintent in separate ceremonies held on May 18.

Congratulations to our local star athletes for this incredible accomplishment and we wish them good luck in their bright futures!

SAMUEL CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL

Deja Hinson Basketball Cisco College

Theo Grant Basketball Temple College

Nehikhare Igiehon Basketball Victoria College

Kobe Gonzalez Baseball Western Texas College

Kyle Herbsleb Baseball Coastal Bend College

Harvey Nuñez Baseball Hill Junior College

Brody Simons Baseball Coastal Bend College

Ashlyn Suarez Soccer Texas Lutheran University

Jordan Betterton Soccer Barclay College (Kansas)

BYRON P. STEELE HIGH SCHOOL

Mark Henderson Baseball Schreiner University

Jessica Robinson Soccer Texas Lutheran University

Kalea Ajel Soccer Hawaii Pacific University

Rachel Baleto Soccer Mount Holyoke College (Massachusetts)

Daniel Deguzman Soccer University of the Incarnate Word

Leila Curtis Basketball UNT-Dallas

Hailey Cleggett Basketball UNT-Dallas

Cade Marler Track & Field University of Southern Arkansas

Janice Corona Softball Coastal Bend College

Alyssa Vicenty Softball Ranger College

Davis Donicht Swimming University of Missouri-St. Louis

Curtis Jenkins, Jan Jenkins, and Mike (Taco) Ontko visited Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico with their Schertz Magazine.

John Nowak took his Schertz Magazine to the Coliseum in Rome, Italy.

Don and Geri Kraft took their Schertz Magazine to St. Kitts.

RonaldPerryvisitedIndependence HallinPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania with his SchertzMagazine.

LOOKING BACK

QUOTE OF NOTE

“Alone

LOCAL HISTORY

At the turn of the 20th century, there were no public cemeteries in the Cibolo Valley Settlement area. Families would designate a couple of acres or less of the family farm as a cemetery. There are many such family burial plots within the Schertz city limits and/or within its extra territorial jurisdiction. As of 2021, three of those cemeteries have been designated as historical cemeteries by the State of Texas (two Seiler plots and the Saint Joseph’s Cemetery). Eight of the cemeteries are centrally located within the city, short distances off of highways FM 1516 and FM 78. A seventh cemetery (St. Paul’s) is located off FM 78 in Cibolo and has several early Schertz citizens buried there. Three cemeteries in South Schertz are the resting place for several early Schertz-Cibolo families. Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in north Schertz contains many of the first settlers of the Comal Settlement (now Schertz) area.

TEXAS HISTORY

Texas Revolution begins as tension grew between Texas and Mexico. Texans, with a growing influx of American settlers, pushed for separate statehood, resulting in many minor skirmishes with Mexico.

The first notable battle of the Texas Revolution occurred with Texans at Gonzales refused to return a small cannon lent to them by Mexican authorities. On October 2, 1835, Colonel John H. Moore and his company famously rolled out the cannon under a flag that read, “Come and Take It.” And so, the famous words came about. The short fight that resulted sparked the beginning of The Revolution. Mexicans retreated, but the battle had just begun.

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ CONTACT INFO

Schertz City Council

Mayor:

Ralph Gutierrez (210) 619-1040

ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Council Members:

Mark Davis (210) 376-9141

markdavis@schertz.com

Jill Whittaker (210) 846-8768

jwhittaker@schertz.com

Michael Dahle (210) 419-9337

mdahle@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/311 (210) 619-1000

Animal Services (210) 619-1550

City Manager (210) 619-1000

City Secretary (210) 619-1030

Civic Center (210) 619-1600

Economic Development (210) 619-1070

EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400

Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300

Inspections (210) 619-1750

Municipal Court (210) 619-1500

Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850

Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780

Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1274

Police Records (210) 619-1200

Public Affairs (210) 619-1600

Public Library (210) 619-1700

Public Works (210) 619-1800

Records (210) 619-1030

Trash & Recycling (210) 619-1100

Utility Billing (210) 619-1100

If you would like to share your memories living in Schertz before 1970, please submit to Roz Wise, Historian of Schertz Historical Preservation Committee, Rozwise@aol.com.

Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller