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TABLE OF CONTENTS
06 12 28
City Headlines Library
36 47
Around the Community Calendar
Features
City Council
FEATURES
Ralph Gutierrez Mayor Mark Davis Councilmember Rosemary Scott Councilmember Scott Larson Councilmember Michael Dahle Councilmember
Schertz Welcomes New Public Works Director Suzanne Williams
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
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Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and
The Rhythm of Public Works
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.
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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 41,000 residents. Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri County area with a circulation of 15,000 copies; including 13,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 12,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants.
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SPAM Program Aims to Keep City’s Roads in Great Shape
FROM THE DESK OF THE
CITY MANAGER I want to thank and commend the residents of Schertz for everything you have done in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As I travel about the City I see the vast majority of our residents complying with the requirements of the state, county, and local orders. You may take comfort from the fact that we are all doing our best to slow the spread of the disease, and I truly think we are seeing the benefits of social distancing and keeping only essential services open. I encourage each of us to continue to work together productively to overcome the challenges that may come from this and I sincerely appreciate these efforts and wish you nothing but the best as we go through this time together. We are keenly aware of how hard this has hit small business and we desire to open up at the first opportunity, but we need reasonable assurance that the disease has been contained. We don’t wish any business to suffer, and we hope that the loans and other measures available to our businesses have made a difference. There will come a time for gathering together again and celebrating our victory over the disease, and we hope that is in the very near future. Our public safety crews in police, fire, and EMS have done a marvelous job keeping the City safe and working on the front lines in the current circumstances. They are truly the heroes in this city, and I know they will continue to do a great job through the duration of the situation. If you have time and see one of them please wish them the best or send us a note of thanks and we will pass it on to them. Please be assured that your staff at the City of Schertz are continuing to provide services at this time. If you have questions or concerns please contact the City at any time and we will do our best to give you the right answer. We continue to keep our website, www.Schertz.com, up-to-date as these are fluid times we are living in and things have the tendency to change quickly. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue of Schertz Magazine. Best wishes to you and your family, and we hope everyone stays healthy.
Dr. Mark Browne City Manager mbrowne@schertz.com
MAY 2020 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department Linda Klepper Public Affairs Director Devan Flores Communications Manager Madison Porras Marketing & Communications Specialist _________ Contributing Writers
Linda Klepper, Devan Flores, Madison Porras, Sarah Gonzalez, Lizzi Bertoia, Natalie Shults, Kathy Woodlee, Kira Villarreal, Lucille Sims Thomas, Thomas Lovett
Contributing Photographers
Devan Flores, Madison Porras, Stacey Lovett, Anna Kraft, Jessica Sullivan, John Nowak, Scott McClelland, Joe Herczeg Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1630 / Fax (210) 619-1619 Website is Schertz.com
_________
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) 619-1630. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.
ON THE COVER For this month's cover we wanted to thank our incredible first responders for their strength, service, and sacrifice.
SCHERTZ.COM
City
Headlines
Meet Your
Chiefs
During the month of May, our emergency services departments celebrate National EMS Week (May 17-23), National Police Week (May 10-16), and International Firefighters Day (May 4). You may often see our officers, paramedics, and firefighters around the City, but have you ever wanted to know who the chiefs behind our first responders are? Meet your chiefs with a Q&A with EMS Director Jason Mabbitt, Police Chief Michael Hansen, and Fire Chief Kade Long.
EMS DIRECTOR JASON MABBITT Q: How long have you been in the emergency medical field, and how long have you been the EMS Director for the City of Schertz? A: I have been in the emergency medical field for 27 years, including the past 14 years with the City of Schertz. I have been the EMS Director since 2015.
Q: What is your favorite part about serving the Schertz Community?
A: My favorite part is the community itself. We get so much appreciation for the service we provide. It is such a welcome feeling to be out in the community and it never fails that someone from the community comes up to us and says thanks.
Q: National EMS Week is May 17 – 23. What does it mean to you to celebrate and honor those who provide the dayto-day lifesaving services of medicine's front line? A: I cannot be prouder of our crews and staff and I am honored to show all of our staff how much we need and appreciate them. It is a rewarding career – our crews will say they love the job because every day is different.
Q: What is your vision for the Schertz Emergency Medical Services and how does the community play a role in that? A: I see our Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) programs impacting the community most. We have a few Community Health Programs and are looking to expand them as EMS continues to evolve. The community will play a large role on knowing when to call for an ambulance and when our MIH programs can assist. Right now, we are out in the community with high risk patients who call 911. We want to expand the program for those who are recently released from hospitals to assist them so they do not have return visits.
Q: We are going through unprecedented times – what have you noticed about our community during these times of crisis that has made an impression on you?
A: I am impressed with how our community has increased their support for our public safety agencies, from bringing us food to making home-made masks. It is their support that helps us come to work every day. Working EMS is very difficult, both physically and emotionally. It is such a good feeling to know we have community support.
POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL HANSEN Q: How long have you been in the policing field, and how long have you been the Police Chief for the City of Schertz? A: I have been a police officer for 43 years. Starting in Houston before spending 29 years with the City of Conroe. I rose through the ranks to Deputy Chief in Conroe. In 2013, I was fortunate to be offered the position of Chief in Schertz. Now in
my 7th year, I still feel this has been a blessing. I hope that my time in Conroe and the growth experienced there is of value in my assignment here.
Q: What is your favorite part about serving the Schertz Community?
A: The support of this community, citizens, City Staff and City Council is amazing. I am excited when we are able to participate in a special event. The opportunity for our officers to interact in a positive manner with the citizens is a win-win situation. The officers are able to witness the support and appreciation and the citizens realize that their officers are also a part of the community.
Q: National Police Week is May 10 – 16. What does it mean to you to celebrate and honor America's law enforcement community?
Q: We are going through unprecedented times – what have you noticed about our community during these times of crisis that has made an impression on you?
A: This is an event that has been occurring long before I became an officer. Every year, I have either attended or been involved in a Police Memorial service of some kind. This is a time when we come together as one large family to remember and honor the true heroes, and with their families mourn the loss and finally to celebrate how they lived. For it is how they lived that allows us to proclaim them heroes. In John 15:13; Greater love hath no man that this, that he lay down his life for another.
A: With the majority of my career in Southeast Texas, I have seen the devastation that can occur from hurricanes. The aftermath reminds me very much of what we are doing now. However, the destruction and hardships from hurricanes are typically short in duration and limited in size. We do not know how long the current crisis will last. It’s reach is without limits. The devastation and hardship will be felt long after we have put away our masks, gloves and sanitizers.
Q: What is your vision for the Schertz Police Department and how does the community play a role in that?
We have been asked to enforce the declarations that have closed business, halted social gatherings and hindered our normal lifestyles. It is not a task that we do without remorse. And, for the most part those that were involved in these activities have been positive and understanding in their responses. Considering what we must do, it could easily be met with resistance. Our community support does not end there. Every other day, the department is the recipient of meals, gifts and donations from our citizens and businesses. The outpouring of support does not go unnoticed. It is appreciated and comes at the most opportune time. We will get through this together.
A: It is not enough that the community is safe, the community must feel safe. In our vision statement we talk about the partnership with the community devoted to excellence in public service and contributing to an exceptional quality of life. To maintain that does require the partnership. The community and police working together to promote a safe environment, protect both person and property and wherever possible, prevent crime and misconduct.
FIRE CHIEF KADE LONG Q: How long have you been in the fire rescue field, and how long have you been the Fire Chief for the City of Schertz?
I have been in the fire service for a little over 22 years and have had the great pleasure to serve the City of Schertz as Fire Chief for the past 3 years. I started my career as a volunteer firefighter and enjoyed the experience, comradery, and being able to help my neighbors. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make a career out of the fire service.
Q: What is your favorite part about serving the Schertz Community?
Schertz is a very supportive and patriotic community. Residents are always supportive of the Fire Department and our events. The city is also a thriving and growing area, and I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the growth. In 2019, the opening of Schertz’ third fire station was a very rewarding experience and the turnout from the community at the grand opening was overwhelming - I felt very proud to be a part of it. The opening of Fire Station 3 marked the culmination of several years of planning and preparation and a great amount of teamwork by numerous City Departments. I'm truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Schertz residents.
Q: May 4 is International Firefighters Day. What does it mean to you to celebrate and honor our firefighters?
I think it is a great time to stop and honor firefighters for their selfless service and dedication to their community. Schertz Fire Rescue has some of the most professional and dedicated firefighters that I've had the privilege to work with, and they go out of their way to provide our community with high-quality service each and every day.
Q: What is your vision for the Schertz Fire Department and how does the community play a role in that?
My vision for Schertz Fire Rescue is for the department to be a model of excellence and to continue to be a leader in best practices. I also want the department to continue to grow and diversify in order to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community. One area the Schertz Fire Department specifically focuses on is continuous improvement in our operations. A large part of that is working towards reducing response times. The opening of Fire Station 3 helped the department take a giant step in this direction by not only reducing response times for the citizens in southern Schertz but all across the city. As we continue to grow, each new fire station will help further reduce response times across the city.
Q: We are going through unprecedented times – what have you noticed about our community during these times of crisis that has made an impression on you?
I have been so proud to see our citizens’ willingness to sacrifice for the good of the whole community. For the most part, residents have followed the stay at home orders and this has undoubtedly saved lives while also keeping the curve flat in Schertz. While social distancing efforts seem to be working, we recognize that many people and businesses in the community are going through tough times. We certainly hope that on the other side of this crisis that the community will continue to come together to support each other and come out stronger. Citizens have also been extremely supportive of our first responders with numerous and generous donations of needed supplies and food. We are all truly grateful for the support and thoughtfulness. This is just another reason why I am so proud to be a part of this great community.
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The City has seen a tremendous effort from residents to comply with the Stay Home Stay Safe orders issued for our area. We know that social distancing has not been easy for most of us, but we are truly inspired by all of the stories shared and happy memories created in the midst of this crisis. Check out these examples of how Schertz is shinning during COVID-19. If you or someone you know has a great story to share, please email Magazine@schertz.com.
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Neighborhood concerns? Here’s who to call: Tall Weeds and Grass Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650
Tree on Property Line Civil Matter between neighbors Trash and Debris Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650
GraďŹƒti Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650
Leaning Fence Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650 Car on Grass Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650
Peeling Paint Code Enforcement (210) 619-1650
Street Parking Police Department (210) 619-1200
Stray or Loose Dogs Animal Services (210) 619-1550
Still unsure who to call? Call 311 and they will direct you to the correct department.
Potholes Public Works (210) 619-1800
Recycle or Waste Cans Utility Billing (210) 619-1100
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TEXAS MUNICPAL LIBRARY DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION AWARD OF LIBRARY EXCELLENCE
For the second year in a row, the Schertz Public Library has been awarded the Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Director’s Association (TMLDA). TMLDA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League. Each year, TMLDA confers awards for outstanding contributions to public libraries. To successfully receive the Achievement of Library Excellence Award, the applicant must exhibit excellence in providing services to underserved and special populations, in enhancing services, in marketing their programs and services in innovative ways, in promoting cultural, topical, and educational programming, in providing literacy support, in providing summer reading clubs, in pursuing collaborative efforts, in supporting workforce development, in providing for digital inclusion, and in comprehensively training staff. According to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 571 public libraries exist in Texas. Of those libraries, only 53 received this award in 2019.
Electronic Resources Offered by Schertz Public Library
E-Books and Audiobooks Lone Star Digital Library via Overdrive Borrow e-Books, e-audiobooks, and more anywhere, anytime! Any Computer | Android | iOS | Amazon | Windows
Online Tutoring Brainfuse HelpNow An all-in-one suite of tutoring services designed for a wide range of academic needs for all ages, including adult learners. Live online tutoring from 2-11 pm every day. Also, features a writing lab where you can submit documents for review within 24 hours!
Android | iOS | Windows Any Computer | Android | iOS
cloudLibrary Browse popular titles and borrow up to 8 e-Books and e-audiobooks at one time! Any Computer | Android | iOS | Windows | Kindle
Online Newspapers America’s News via Newsbank Read local, state, and national newspapers online. Any Computer
Movies & TV Kanopy Stream up to 10 recreational or educational films a month including award-winning documentaries, The Great Courses, PBS and more! Any Computer | Android | iOS | Smart TV’s
Rocket Languages Interactive lessons to help you learn conversational language(s) at your own pace. Including American Sign Language! Any Computer | Android | iOS
Research Morningstar Investment Research Center Provides independent investment research and analysis in the United States and in major international markets. Includes data and analyst reports on stocks and funds, tools to build and analyze a portfolio, and tools to learn new stock and fund-investing strategies and portfolio-building-skills. Any Computer
Additional Resources TexShare Databases Access over 27,000 journals, over 171,000 e-books, and over 15 million images, videos, and interactive resources on the following subjects: Business, Career & Job Skills, Do-It-Yourself, Education Resources, Genealogy & History, General Reference, Health & Medicine, K-12 Resources, Legal Resources, Literature Resources, and Science & Technology Any Computer
Schertz Magazine
May 2020
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Enhancing the Local Economy The City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) - in partnership with the City and area counties - celebrates Economic Development Week from May 4-9. Economic Development Week was established by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and increase the quality of life of communities. Within the City of Schertz, economic development efforts are led by the SEDC, a non-profit industrial development corporation that was established by Schertz residents in 1998. Visit SchertzEDC.com to learn more about the SEDC’s role in economic development through our blog post series and reports.
SHOP LOCAL.
We are in this together.
Local businesses need your support more than ever. GET IT TO GO.
SHOP SMALL ONLINE.
Order from your local restaurants and bars via delivery service, togo, or curbside pickup.
Websites haven’t closed and it’s important to leave positive reviews for local vendors and businesses.
BUY IN ADVANCE.
STAY LOOPED IN.
Purchase gift cards or book services from local businesses to use at a future date.
Keep up with your memberships, and with services that are still offered online.
FOLLOW ALONG.
SAY THANK YOU.
Your favorite local businesses are online and sharing specific ways you can support them.
Many business owners and workers are risking their health to provide critical products and services. Be thankful.
Schertz Magazine
May 2020
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City
Headlines
Keeping Your Lawn Healthy Helps Everyone! As spring rolls into summer, many of us spend a lot of time working to keep our yards in good shape. Most guidelines focus on the conservation of water and energy and the reduction of waste. By following those guidelines, your yard can look even better and you will be contributing to cleaner stormwater runoff. Breaking it down:
Water Conservation: ■
■
■
■
Don’t overwater. Most lawns only need one inch, once a week. Water in the morning when the water has time to soak into the soil and provide time for leaves to dry during the day. Use the mulch setting on the lawnmower to allow grass clippings to mulch the lawn and help retain moisture in the soil. A bonus result of this is that the mulch created acts as a natural, slow-release fertilizer. Plants, trees, and turf varieties can be selected from those that are drought tolerant.
Energy Conservation: ■
■
■
Schedule sprinkler system to operate only when and for as long as necessary. Maintain lawn equipment. Tune up engines, check and change oil when needed, maintain blades. Use manual or electric equipment when possible.
Waste Reduction: ■
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Don’t over fertilize. It can harm your turf and be washed away by stormwater running across the lawn. That’s a
Schertz Magazine
May 2020
■
■
waste of money and it’s a significant source of damaging pollution in our waters. Collect yard waste to use as mulch in plant beds or on the lawn or compost the waste to be used as fertilizer. Reuse as much of the waste as possible. DO NOT sweep, rake, or blow yard waste into the street. The waste pollutes stormwater runoff and clogs stormwater systems. Clogged storm drains cause flooding and cost City resources. Would you rather have your tax dollars spent on cleaning leaves and grass clippings from a storm drain or on a new fire truck, local park, or pothole repair?
The City of Schertz has a number of excellent resources available on the Stormwater Management Page of Schertz.com. Scroll down to “Stormwater Information and Handouts” for information and handy tips on how to do your part to keep the Schertz environment clean and healthy!
DID YOU
KNOW?
REMINDING RESIDENTS OF CITY PROVIDED SERVICES AND RESOURCES
ONLINE RESOURCES FROM SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY Did you know that you can access tons of online resources including e-books and audiobooks, online newspapers, movies and TV, online tutoring, research, and more with your library card? Schertz Public Library has so many online resources that you can easily access at home or on the go on your electronic devices. Go to SchertzLibrary.org for more information. November 2 turned out to be perfect weather for a golf tournament. The Hal Baldwin Scholarship was established in 2008 to encourage high school seniors who are residents of Schertz to consider public service as a career path. It honors Hal Baldwin servedon the city for more Did who you know Schertz.com you can access an interactive map of new residential than 30 years as a civic volunteer, employee, subdivisions and new commercial Council member and then Mayor. To date, sites currently under construction within the City of the Hal Baldwin has proudly Schertz?Scholarship With this feature, residents can easily view what construction is happening in their awarded $30,500.00 in scholarships. neighborhoods. Go to Schertz.com to locate the “Whatʼs Developing in Schertz” feature to see Tournament day began with coffee, breakfast currently under tacos, andwhatʼs a warm welcome fromconstruction. Mrs. Susan Beck, daughter of Mr. Hal Baldwin. Over 100 players and 20 sponsors participated in this year’s event. Players and attendees had the opportunity to win big prizes, including a trip to Vegas for two, Spurs court-side tickets,
SEE WHATʼS DEVELOPING IN SCHERTZ
CITY HEADLINES E-NEWSLETTER Did you know you can sign up to receive bi-weekly emails from the City of Schertz with updates and information on everything going on in our City? The City Headlines e-newsletter is your source of Schertz news and information, and the City strives to provide you with timely information regarding City news and upcoming events. Go to the City Headlines E-Newsletter page on Schertz.com to subscribe. Schertz Magazine
May 2020
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DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
for students ages 8 & 9
for students ages 10 & 11
June 15-19 July 13-17
tools of the police belt fingerprinting k-9 demos basic forensics many other police related topics applications can be picked up from the lobby of the Police Department during normal business hours or downloaded on schertz.com. Call 210-610-1200 for more information
Schertz Magazine
May 2020
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City
Headlines
Get Involved In Your City! One way for the City of Schertz citizens to actively participate in local government is to become involved as a member of a board or commission. All members of these active groups are volunteers who are responsible for making decisions and advising the city council on several issues from expenditure of public funds to zoning questions. Applications can be found at Schertz.com and e-mailed to bdennis@schertz.com or gwilkinson@schertz.com or faxed to (210) 619-1039. For more information contact the City Secretary's Office at (210) 619-1030 or go to Schertz.com.
Animal Services Advisory Committee Purpose: To encourage responsible pet
Economic Development Corporation Board
ownership by providing an animal registration program, field enforcement services, educational services, and life safety services. The humane care and successful adoption and placement of stray and unwanted animals and the eradication of rabies from the community’s animal population.
Purpose: The City of Schertz
Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) mission is to grow the Schertz economy through projects. Specifically, the SEDC pursues projects that focus on the creation and retention of primary jobs and infrastructure improvements. The SEDC Board of Directors serves as an advisory board to City Council for all activities, programs, and projects that further this mission.
Members: Members shall include
at least one licensed veterinarian, one City official, one person involved in daily operation of the Animal Services facility, and one representative from an animal welfare organization. Membership consists of 6 members. Members serve two years.
Meetings: Meets on the first Wednesday of
the following months: February, May, August, and November. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4.
Members: Membership consists of 7 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Building 4. In addition to monthly meetings, volunteers are encouraged to contribute additional time for business openings, meetings with staff, and visits with prospective clients that may occur outside of regular operating hours.
Library Advisory Board Purpose: To advise City Council on continued development and improvements of the Schertz Public Library and services.
Members: Membership consists of 12 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years.
Meetings: Meets on the first Monday of each month with the
exception of September when the Board meets on the second Monday. No meeting is held in July. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1.
Planning & Zoning Commission
Transportation Safety Advisory Commission
Purpose: To ensure planned and purposeful development in
Purpose: Makes recommendations to help identify and resolve
Members: Membership consists of 7 members and 2 alternates.
Members: Membership consists of 9 members and 2 alternates.
Meetings: Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each
Meetings: Meets on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings
the City of Schertz and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, to protect the integrity of our natural resources and neighborhoods, and to enforce State and Local statutes and ordinances. Members serve two years
month. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Bldg. 4. NOTE: During November and December, P&Z only meets once a month: November 18 (the second Wednesday) and December 9 (the second Wednesday).
transportation-related safety concerns; including local roadway problems, parking, roadway bicycle use, creating pedestrianfriendly areas, and neighborhood traffic calming. Members serve one or two years.
are at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4. NOTE: There will be no meeting in January, July or December.
Building & Standards Commission Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking an
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Purpose: Provide a forum to
communicate between the citizens and City Officials in the stewardship and conservation of Schertz’s natural and recreational resources, while promoting the well being of the community and improvement of the quality of life for all residents.
Members:
Membership consists of 9 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years.
Meetings: Meets bi-monthly on
the fourth Monday of the month. Meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1. NOTE: During May and November, the Board will meet on the following dates: May 18 (the third Monday) and November 16 (the third Monday).
Historical Preservation Committee Purpose: Assist in the preservation of historic Schertz through
appeal to a decision of the Fire Marshal or Building Official, and reviews and takes action on buildings found to be in violation of certain city ordinance or a public nuisance.
Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years.
Additional Qualifications: To the extent possible, members of the Commission should be qualified in one of the following fields: 1. Registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction; 2. Registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical contractor or plumbing contractor; 3. Registered design professional with structural engineering experiences; 4. Registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor; 5. Registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor. Registered Design Professional is defined as an individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state of Texas.
Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and
Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting.
Board of Adjustment
programs and projects that increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, and architectural preservation. Collect, authenticate, assemble, display and archive artifacts, documents, photographs, structures, and places of historic interests.
Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking
Members: Membership consists of 14 members. Members serve
Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates.
two years.
Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the following months: January, April, July, and October. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1.
variances to the Zoning Ordinance regulations or appeals to a decision made by an administrative official enforcing the City ordinances in relation to zoning and zoning related decisions. Members serve two years.
Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and
Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting.
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COUNTY ELECTIONS UPDATE Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar County Primary Runoff Elections originally scheduled for May 26 will be postponed to July 14.
ELECTION SCHEDULE Monday, June 1
Last Day to Register to Vote
Thursday, July 2
Last Day to Apply for Mail Ballot (Received, Not Postmarked)
Monday, July 6
First Day to Early Vote
Friday, July 10
Last Day to Early Vote
Tuesday, July 14
Election Day
There's Something New On The Horizon! Have you noticed something new on the horizon of Southern Schertz? The Corbett Elevated Water Storage Tank located off of Ray Corbett Drive was raised by the City’s contractor, Landmark Structures, on Friday, March 13. The raising of the tank took about 5 hours to reach the overall height of 216 feet. The tank is estimated to be fully-functional by July of this year, and we are excited to have our beautiful new water tower on the horizon! Go to YouTube.com/CityofSchertz to view a time-lapse of the tank raising.
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Domestic Violence Safety During COVID-19 Information provided by The National Domestic Violence Hotline Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. We know that any external factors that add stress and financial strain can negatively impact survivors and create circumstances where their safety is further compromised. Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control. Here’s how COVID-19 could uniquely impact intimate partner violence survivors: ■ Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants. ■ Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors, or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms. ■ Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it. ■ Programs that serve survivors may be significantly impacted –- shelters may be full or may even stop intakes altogether. Survivors may also fear entering shelter because of being in close quarters with groups of people. ■ Survivors who are older or have chronic heart or lung conditions may be at increased risk in public places where they would typically get support, like shelters, counseling centers, or courthouses.
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Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to use public transportation or to fly. An abusive partner may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics.
Here’s what Hotline Advocates have heard from some survivors reaching out: ■ “A chatter mentioned that the abuser was using the virus as a scare tactic to keep the survivor away from their kids.” ■ “A chatter said the abuser was using COVID-19 as a scare tactic so that they would not visit family.” ■ “A health professional still living with their abuser called and said they were physically abused that night because their abuser was sure they were trying to infect them with COVID-19.“ If any of the above sound like they may be happening to you or someone you love, here are a few suggestions for survivors that may make this uncertain time feel a little bit safer:
Create a safety plan. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. The Hotline safety plans with victims, friends, family members, and anyone who is concerned about their own safety or the safety of someone else. You and your partner may be told by either or both of your employers to work remotely to limit social interaction. Having a safety plan laid out can help you to protect yourself during this stressful time. You can learn more about safety plans and find an interactive guide to safety planning at TheHotline.org.
Because there may be limited shelter availability due to COVID-19, consider alternatives such as staying with family or friends, staying in motels, or sleeping in your vehicle. Be extra mindful of good hygiene practices if you’re leaving as well – wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, minimize contact with surfaces that other people have had contact with, etc.
Dr. Brandon McGarrell
Practice self-care. COVID-19 is causing uncertainty for many people, but getting through this time while experiencing abuse can feel really overwhelming. Taking time for your health and wellness can make a big difference in how you feel. To learn more about how to build in self-care while staying safe, you can learn more at TheHotline.org. If you’re a friend or family member of someone experiencing abuse, you may not be able to visit them in person if you live in an area where there are COVID-19 cases. Seeing someone you care about being hurt is stressful. Remind yourself that you can’t make decisions for someone else, but you can encourage your loved one to think about their wellbeing, safety plan and practice self-care while they are in their home.
Reach out for help. While people are encouraged to stay at home, you may feel isolated from your friends and family. Even if you are isolated, try to maintain social connections online or over the phone, if it is safe to do so, and try to stick to your daily routines as much as possible. For any victims and survivors who need support, The National Domestic Violence Hotline is here for you, 24/7. Call 1(800) 7997233 or 1(800)787-3224 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto TheHotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. Locally, the Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter remains open to survivors of abuse. All services are free and confidential. They can be reached at (830) 834-2033, and they provide a 24/7 crisis hotline, emergency shelter, and sexual assault response advocacy that are immediately available to survivors. In light of the fear of exposure to the virus, Advocates are performing services by phone or video to maintain the accessibility of services while following social distancing guidelines.
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Schertz Welcomes New Public Works Director Suzanne Williams By: Kira Villarreal
I
f you’ve ever noticed Schertz’s well-maintained streets and new sidewalks, appreciated having clean and safe drinking water or used City recycling and trash pickup services, you’ve benefited from the efforts of the Schertz Public Works Department. Although not often in the spotlight, this department has the important responsibility of maintaining and constructing the infrastructure that allows for many of the essentials upon which Schertz residents depend on every day. These include road and sidewalk maintenance, as well as water and sewer services. Leading this department is Public Works Director Suzanne Williams, who joined the department just six months ago, but brings to the job more than 20 years of experience in public service. Upon speaking to Williams, it is immediately apparent that she loves her job and has a passion for helping others. In the six months she has been on the job, she has already worked to implement a number of strategies to help the department work more efficiently and effectively, continue to ensure the safety of the field employees, and meet the needs of local citizens. Prior to joining the department, Williams spent more than 20 years working in local government and utilities which gave her extensive experience in both water and waste management and street and sidewalk maintenance. She also holds a master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management, which has helped her lead the department’s efforts to be a good steward of the water and energy resources it manages.
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One of the beliefs that has guided Williams’ decision-making throughout her career is that her staff members are her key resource, and she is taking steps to ensure that the 48 employees of the Public Works department have the support they need to succeed in their jobs. “I believe people are the strongest asset and several of my goals are built around that belief,” she said. “I have goals to identify talent and interests within the team and grow those skillsets and foster active engagement. I plan to provide the right tools, such as training, team building, equipment, and increased communication.” To this end, Williams has implemented an increased focus on safety. Since over 95 percent of her staff members are field employees who perform tasks such as street sweeping, sidewalk and water infrastructure maintenance, and road repairs and striping, she is focused on making sure that new employees are properly trained in setting up a worksite, and that all employees have the necessary tools and equipment to do their jobs safely and successfully. Upcoming projects that the department has planned include improvements to its street sweeping program and the installation of new ADA-compliant sidewalks as part of the larger Main Street revitalization program. Other projects in the works may be less immediately noticeable to the general public but are no less important. These include a city-wide program to increase energy efficiency throughout city buildings and properties, and most notably, several projects to build redundancy into the water and sewer system, such as parallel pipeline and back up pumps, helping to ensure the general public will not see disruptions in their service. Williams notes that these efforts are part of her overall strategic plan for the department – one which will benefit citizens by ensuring that the services and resources on which they depend remain available.
I have goals to identify talent and interests within the team and grow those skillsets and foster active engagement.
continued on page 30
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Schertz Welcomes New Public Works Director Suzanne Williams continued from page 29
“It’s important that we are able to be strategic in our efforts so that we can be proactive rather than reactive in providing service to the citizens of Schertz,” she said. “These efforts to build redundancy into our system strengthen our commitment to being able to meet peak water demand whenever needed.” Ultimately, Williams says that her vision couldn’t be carried out without the efforts of her staff, and it is these people who make her department successful and her job personally rewarding. Her field employees are the ones getting the calls at all hours of the night when there is a pipe leak or another critical issue. This group is incredibly dedicated to their jobs, willing to work long hours and late nights and often volunteering at community events in their spare time. In her free time, Williams enjoys supporting local charities and likes to participate in both volunteering and fundraising efforts throughout the community. She is also an avid runner and is
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frequently spotted by colleagues and community members during her daily runs on Schertz Parkway. Overall, Williams is extremely happy with her experience in her first six months on the job and she is excited to continue supporting her team and serving the residents of Schertz. She also wants to continue to promote the projects and efforts of her department in the community, and especially to ensure the public is aware of the important work her team is doing. “Public Works is a vital department within our community, and I can assure the readers they have a team of men and women who are dedicated to working hard to provide the level of quality of life Schertz is accustomed to,” she said. “I look forward to being transparent with our residents, being an active part of our community, and sharing more stories about what Public Works does and who this team is so they are recognized beyond a main break or pothole.”
THE RHYTHM OF PUBLIC WORKS National Public Works Week is May 17-23 and this year’s American Public Works Association (APWA) 2020 National Public Works Week theme is "The Rhythm of Public Works". This theme challenges residents to think about our community as a symphony of essential services, working in concert to create a great place to live. Every community has a rhythm, a heartbeat that reflects its essence and tempo of life. Public works keeps Schertz’ rhythm moving by providing an orchestra of infrastructure services in transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater management, public buildings and spaces, grounds, emergency management and first response, solid waste, and rightof-way management. Public works provides the harmony needed for collaboration with all the stakeholders in capital projects, infrastructure solutions, and quality of life services. Every year National Public Works Week gets bigger and better. The number of participating municipalities continues to grow, which means the number of citizens who are exposed to the value of public works grows. One of the main goals of the APWA is to educate the general public about the value and necessities of public works projects and our public works professionals. This week allows us to energize and remind everyone on the importance of public works in our daily lives from the sidewalks we walk on, the safe roads we drive on, and the fresh water we drink. On Friday, May 22 we encourage you to wear orange in support of our Public Works team. Please take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who often work behind the scenes and at the heart of Schertz to improve everyday quality of life.
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK MAY 17-23, 2020
R hythm THE
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SPAM Program Aims to Keep City’s Roads in Great Shape By: Lucille Sims Thomas
A
s many Schertz residents may already know, the city’s Street Preservation and Maintenance (SPAM) program is currently in full swing. Some streets have already been completed and others are in the middle of repair work.
“Once you have this data, you can start planning and prioritizing which streets to do first and what repair strategies to utilize to try to restore those streets to a higher condition index and then maintain them from that point going forward,” Nowak said.
The SPAM program, created in 2016, is a data-based program aimed at maintaining streets in the City of Schertz while identifying the most appropriate methods for restoring and improving the condition of city roads. The comprehensive roadway program prioritizes streets by need with the ultimate goal of slowly working through the entire city to ensure all streets are repaired over time.
City Engineer Kathy Woodlee said the program or some form of it will be ongoing for the foreseeable future.
“Early groundwork for the program started in 2016 when the city did a comprehensive pavement condition evaluation on all of the streets in the city,” said John Nowak, an engineer for the City of Schertz. Nowak said data collection from the first evaluation led to a numeric score being assigned to each city street – known as a pavement condition index – or PCI. The PCI score is an indication of the condition of the street and the amount of work needed to restore a road to nearly new condition. A PCI score of 100 is a perfect street or a brand-new street and a score of 0 means the street is basically non-existent or probably a gravel road.
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“Projects like this should ideally be underway constantly in order to preserve the quality of our streets and keep them from falling further into disrepair,” Woodlee said. “The ultimate goal is to have street preservation projects going on in different parts of the city as part of regular upkeep of our transportation network.” So how will all of this road repair impact the lives of Schertz residents? Woodlee said in some cases motorists may need to take a different route for a few days and it also may sometimes mean finding a different parking spot that may be less convenient to their house. “While we work to limit inconvenience to our citizens and businesses, it is a necessary occurrence in the name of improvement,” Woodlee said.
Below is a rundown of the streets in the first phase of the SPAM program with a timeline and details on what work will be done in various areas of town. Weather will impact these timelines as some road repairs require certain temperatures and sunny days to move forward. All of the work is slated to be done by the end of the city’s fiscal year in September. Nowak asks that motorists please slow down, follow the traffic control devices, and allow extra time when driving through each project area. The (SPAM) program currently consists of three separate work efforts or projects, that have their own timelines and budgets. Each project has it’s own webpage on Schertz.com where weekly project updates are provided. The three projects are generally identified as follows:
underneath will be ground up and blended with cement. A new layer of asphalt will also be placed on top of the “recycled” material to create a more improved driving surface. During the course of construction, there will be times when parking on the street will not be allowed. Additionally, some curbs, gutters, and sidewalks will be replaced. The replacement areas will be restricted to the intersection corners; areas where portions of curb and gutter that have settled, causing drainage issues; and some drive approaches and sidewalk sections associated with the curb and gutter replacements. Randolph, Main to Exchange: The existing street will be completely reconstructed. The pavement and material underneath will be removed and a new base layer will be placed with a new asphalt layer on top. The new pavement will be stronger and more durable than the existing pavement. The existing sidewalks and curb and gutter will also be replaced as part of this effort. Schertz Parkway, Live Oak to Beck: The existing asphalt and a portion of the material underneath will be ground off and two new layers of asphalt will be added to the surface. The additional asphalt layers are being added so the total asphalt thickness on Schertz Parkway can be increased. Increased thickness creates a stronger road that is better able to handle the traffic loads on Schertz Parkway. During construction, traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction at times.
SPAM Resurfacing The SPAM Resurfacing project will apply a new driving surface to the streets in the project area. Before the new surface can be applied, there is some prep work that needs to be done. The prep Northcliffe Community work involves repairing potholes, repair base failure areas, crack Units &2 sealing and1leveling asphalt. Additionally, some concrete valley gutters will be installed in the Greenfield Village subdivision to help improve drainage. By improving the drainage, the roadway improvements will last longer. Once the prep work is completed, • Fulfills resident expectations then the new surface will be added. • Reclaim existing street The new surface will be what is called a chip seal. This involves section, cement stabilization, andspraying overlay a layer of oil onto the street, then dropping a layer of
small diameter rocks (called chips) into the oil. Rubber tired
• Address curb and gutter rollers are used to work the chips into the oil. Initially, after the issues (drainage problems havecurb beenand spread and rolled, there will be excess chips duechips to shifted gutter)
on the surface. This is normal. The excess chips need to remain until the oil has a chance to cure. Once the oil has cured for a few days, the excess chips will be swept up and removed from the street. Right after the chips have been applied to the surface, the street can be driven on, however, care must be taken. 2
SPAM Rehabilitation The SPAM rehabilitation project covers three different areas in the city: a portion of the Northcliffe neighborhood; Randolph Avenue from Main Street to Exchange Avenue; and Schertz Parkway from Live Oak Road to Beck Street. The project began on April 6 and is expected to be completed in July. The total cost of this project is $2,881,784 Northcliffe area: The existing streets in this project area will be “recycled” and combined with cement to create a stronger and more stable street. Essentially, the existing asphalt and material
The streets getting this treatment include Randolph, north of Exchange; Curtiss, between Lindbergh and Beacon; Live Oak, between Schertz Parkway and FM 3009; and the streets in the Greenfield Village, Deer Haven, Estates at Wilsons Preserve, and Lone Oak subdivisions. Vehicles getting around in the work zones should drive slowly, at or below the 20-mph speed limit on the residential streets. Also, turning the wheels while stopped should be avoided. Any movement, forward or backward, even very slowly should be done while turning the wheels. continued on page 34
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SPAM Program Aims to Keep City’s Roads in Great Shape continued from page 33
east side of the street and will be similar to the recently replaced pathway between Live Oak and Maske Road. The street will be reconstructed half at a time which means traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction. The contractor will start on the eastern half of the street at the Woodland Oaks intersection, so left turns will also be prohibited at Woodland Oaks in order to help keep traffic moving through the project area. Once the east side of the street has been completed, traffic will be switched over and the west side of the street will be reconstructed. The reconstruction will cost $871,764. The City Engineering Department is working hard to complete these projects and providing regular updates to residents. Updates on the SPAM program and other Capital Improvement Projects can be found on Schertz.com.
Greenfield Village Units 1 & 2
• Chip seal • Provides a new driving surface • Spot drainage (valley gutters) and base repairs and chip seal
This project is currently underway and most of the prep work has been completed. There is no definite completion date because this project is greatly impacted by the weather. Warmer, dry weather is needed to properly apply the chip seal. Because it’s not known when the proper weather will occur, there’s no exact completion date, but it is hoped that it can be done by the end of the summer. The total cost of this project is $686,192.
1
Sch
W
SPAM Reconstruction The first part of the SPAM Reconstruction project has already been completed. The Tri-County Parkway reconstruction was finished in March 2020 with a new stronger and much more durable concrete pavement being added. The Schertz Parkway reconstruction began on April 7 and is expected to be complete by early July. Reconstruction of this road will entail replacing current asphalt with concrete pavement. Curb and gutter will also be replaced in the project area. This project will also improve the multi-use path on the
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• Re
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Lady Knight Becomes State Wrestling Champion
The Steele Lady Knights wrestling team began the 2019-20 season after coming off a successful season where they were back to back District Champions and securing their first Regional Championship title. Having to replace three of the ten members of that championship team including a 3X State Qualifier was going to require hard work and an opportunity for some of the underclassmen to rise to the challenge. The girls team went on to compete in numerous tournaments this season and came away as Tournament Champions in six of those tournaments including a second-place finish at the CyFair Invitation in Cypress that consisted of 83 teams. Gaining momentum at the end of the year, the Lady Knights went on to win their 3rd consecutive District Championship title, their fourth in five years and won the Regional Championship title for the second consecutive year. Anchoring the girl’s team is Junior Traeh Haynes. Traeh enrolled as a freshman at Steele after having two successful athletic years at Dobie Junior High where she excelled in football, basketball, and track. As a freshman, Traeh played defensive lineman on the freshman football team, threw shot put, and tried her hand
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at wrestling after being persuaded by her high school wrestling coaches. Traeh found immediate success, and as a freshman posted a 33-13 record, finished as a District and Regional Champion, and had a 3rd Place finish at the State Tournament. As a sophomore, she improved to 38-5 with 37 of those wins coming by pins. After repeating as a District and Regional Champion, Traeh was in the state title match and lost in a hardfought decision. This season, Traeh was determined to get back to the championship match. Dominating her opponents along the way, she remained undefeated and finished as a 3X District and Regional Champion heading to State ranked as the #2 wrestler in her weight class in 6A. “The State title means everything to me,” Traeh expresses. “It means that everything my coaches, my team, and I have worked on throughout the years have paid off and that I just have to work even harder to accomplish another.” The Steele girls had five qualifiers heading to State with one alternate, however, one of their qualifiers suffered a seasonending injury at Regionals and was unable to compete. Two
advanced to Day 2 at State with one of them being Traeh. After securing wins in her first two matches, she was to meet the #1 ranked girl from Coppell in the semi-final match. The winner of this match would undoubtedly be favored to win in the finals and become the state champion. Focused and determined to win, Traeh was up one point in the waning seconds before being called on a technical violation which forced the match to go into overtime. Undeterred, Traeh managed to get a takedown in the first overtime period, thereby securing her goal to be in the title match. Her final match of the season resulted in a 1st period pin, capping an undefeated 39-0 record and becoming Steele’s first girls wrestling Champion. “The State title, for my team, means that anyone can accomplish it because the coaching is there,” Traeh says. “It means that all anyone has to do is work hard for it and want it.” Steele’s wrestling program began competing at the UIL level in the 2012-13 school year. Over that time, both the boys and girls have found success at many levels. The boys had their first State Champion in 2016 when Henry Willoughby won the 6A-220lb title. Steele Boys have had 15 wrestlers compete in the State Tournament, five of those went on to become State Placers (two silver medalists) and had seven District Champions and three Regional Champions. The Steele Girls have enjoyed success as well by sending 22 wrestlers to compete in the State tournament. Five of those went on to become State placers and three decided to compete collegiately garnering All-American and National Champion status. Continuing the tradition started in 2012-13, the Lady Knights have added 19 individual District Champions and six Regional Champions to the long list of accomplishments and milestones for the program. As a team, the Lady Knights marked their 40th tournament placing third or higher with 22 of those being Tournament Champions. Traeh’s state title in 2020 is significant because like in 2016, state titles are very hard to win given the level of competition across the state. Large metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and El
Paso have an advantage over the South Central region of Texas because of their populations, the number of high schools that offer wrestling, and the close proximity to neighboring states that have strong wrestling programs. " We are obviously very proud of Traeh and all our wrestlers for that matter for what was accomplished this year. Traeh was very disappointed in her title match last year and it served as motivation for her to get stronger and become more focused and aggressive in practice,” Wrestling Coach Thomas Lovett said. “We had no doubt that this season was going to be special for her and her success this season was a result of her determination and hard work. To see her grow from a freshman who had no idea what wrestling was about, to becoming a State Champion by her junior year is definitely something you don’t see very often and she deserves all the accolades she is getting.”
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Hello my name is Olivia Coats and I have been blessed to serve as Miss Sunshine for a second year. It has been my honor to serve as an ambassador for the City of Schertz and my community. I am the youngest child in my family, and I have two older brothers – Joshua who is a member of the Air Guard at Lackland AFB and Jacob who is a student/pitcher at Houston Baptist University. My parents Gary and Betsy have been married for 28 years, 21 of those years living here in Schertz. I am also a member of the Bet Shalom Messianic Assembly in New Braunfels, TX. My faith is a big part of who I am and how I face each day. This year I am honored to serve as Chaplain for the PIE (Positively Influencing Everyone) club at Clemens High School where I am a sophomore this year. I participate in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and I am also a swimmer for the Clemens Swim Team. This past year I've had to face some challenges due to a shoulder injury and lot of physical therapy, but I'm finally back in the pool. My new adventure this year is to serve as a Student Athletic Trainer (SAT) for the Clemens sport teams, and I am also the Secretary of the organization. I am using my experience with injuries to help other players, and I have really enjoyed meeting new students, working with the athletes and all the coaches. I have the best view during Friday night games – the sidelines! I love all animals and my passion for horses started at age 3 with my first trip to Retama Park to pet the race horses. Since that time, I've made sure to keep in contact with horses through trail rides and riding lessons. I hope to seek a career around animals such as Equine Therapy. I want to thank all my teachers at Paschal Elementary, Wilder Intermediate and Corbett Junior High for teaching me as well as all of the students who became friends and teammates. Since I’ve grown up in Schertz, every visit to any business is often a reunion with someone from one of these schools! I know these relationships have shaped me for my high school career and prepared me to be an Honors student. I am confident I will always remember my time as Miss Sunshine and all the experiences during my tenure. I have really enjoyed all the opportunities to meet the other residents of Schertz, and of course, the furry residents too at the Paws in the Pool and other animal adoption events. During this last year, I hope I brought a little sunshine to someone's cloudy day.
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MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
MONDAY, MAY 25 / 9:00 A.M. / VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAZA The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8315 will honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces for their selfless service by hosting its 6th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The Post is hopeful for a live ceremony, but are working on using social media, via Facebook, to live-stream if needed. In the event the ceremony is restricted to 10 people or less, the Post is working with the Knights of Columbus to open the hall for guests to view the ceremony from inside (with proper social distancing) and will offer the same option in the Hall of Flags at the VFW.
If you have any questions, contact VFW Commander, David Rice at drice34@aol.com or call (210) 658-6325.
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Mosquito Prevention and Protection Always remember the 3 D’s of protection from mosquitoes Dress
Drain Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house. • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dispose of any tires. Tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers. Clear roof gutters of debris. Clean pet water dishes regularly. Check and empty children’s toys. Repair leaky outdoor faucets. Change the water in bird baths at least once a week. Canoes and other boats should be turned over. Avoid water collecting on pool covers. Empty water collected in tarps around the yard or on woodpiles. Plug tree holes. Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs. (bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.)
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Studies have shown that some of the 174 mosquito species in the United States are more attracted to dark clothing and most can readily bite through tight-fitting clothing of loose weave. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.
Defend Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions. Four repellents that are approved and recommended are: • DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) • Picaridin (KBR 3023) • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8diol, or PMD) • IR3535
Here are some rules to follow when using repellents: • Read the directions on the label carefully before applying. • Avoid applying repellents to portions of children’s hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth. • Apply repellent sparingly, only to exposed skin (not on clothing).
• Keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips: do not inhale or ingest repellents or get them into the eyes. • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that DEET-based repellents can be used on children as young as two months of age. Generally, the AAP recommends concentrations of 10% or less, unless disease risk is imminent, then concentration can be increased to 30% or less.
• Repellents can be used by pregnant or nursing women. The EPA does not recommend any additional precautions for repellent use by pregnant or nursing women. • Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin. • Use repellent sparingly and reapply as needed. Saturation does not increase efficacy. • Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors. • If a suspected reaction to insect repellents occurs, wash treated skin, and call a physician. Take the repellent container to the physician.
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Schertz Magazine
May 2020
@AMCAupdates facebook.com/AmericanMosquitoControl
Schertz
Wildflowers in Full Bloom
The sun is shining, spring is in the air, and the Schertz wildflowers are in full bloom! The area bluebonnets certainly did not disappoint this year, and the picture perfect photos everyone has been taking prove this to be true. We asked you to share your best wildflower shots with us, and we were overwhelmed with so many beautiful pics it was hard to choose which ones to use. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. We loved getting to see everyone out enjoying the lovely spring season here in Schertz.
Schertz Magazine
May 2020
43
Congratulations CLASS OF
2020 Seniors WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
SHAPE YOUR FUTURE
T H E M O S T I M P O R TA N T NUMBERS A BANK C A N T H R O W A T YO U
Your response matters
A R E 2 4 A N D 7.
Health clinics. Fire departments. Schools. Even roads and highways. The census can shape many different aspects of your community. You call and we answer around the clock, right here in Texas. Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.
MEMBER FDIC
2020CENSUS.GOV
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! e to the z Magazin rt e h c S r he kota. rroll took Minot, North Da Joyce Ca stfest in Norsk Ho
Schertz Magazine.
David and Ann Dumas and Patsy and Mike Foxworth in Sedon a, AZ with their Schertz Magazine.
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LOOKING BACK
May QUOTE OF NOTE
“To be an American is to believe that the status we are born into is never the final word.” Wilfred M. McClay, Professor of History, Univ. of Oklahoma
LOCAL HISTORY
On May 25, 1905, Saint Joseph’s Chapel was dedicated at the Comal Settlement, which today is a portion (north sector) of the City of Schertz.
TEXAS HISTORY
On May 23, 1934, Depression-era Texas outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker were killed in a roadside ambush arranged by Texas Ranger Frank Hamer outside of Gibsland, Louisiana. Riddled by some 167 bullets, the bodies were taken to Arcadia and later put on public display in Dallas before being buried in their respective family burial plots.
Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.
IMPORTANT SCHERTZ
CONTACT INFO
Schertz City Council Mayor: Ralph Gutierrez
Council Members:
(210) 619-1040 ralphgutierrez@schertz.com
Mark Davis
(210) 376-9141 markdavis@schertz.com
Rosemary Scott
(210) 419-8472 rscott@schertz.com
Scott Larson
(210) 376-9835 scottlarson@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 Animal Control Business/Utilities City Manager City Secretary Civic Center Customer Care/311 Economic Development EMS (non-emergency) Fire (non-emergency) Human Resources Information Technology Inspections Marshal Services Municipal Court Parks & Recreation Planning & Zoning Police (non-emergency) Police Records Public Affairs Public Library Public Works Records
(210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1550 (210) 619-1100 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1030 (210) 619-1600 (210) 619-1000 (210) 619-1070 (210) 619-1400 (210) 619-1300 (210) 619-1150 (210) 619-1180 (210) 619-1750 (210) 619-1650 (210) 619-1500 (210) 619-1850 (210) 619-1780 (210) 619-1274 (210) 619-1200 (210) 619-1630 (210) 619-1700 (210) 619-1800 (210) 619-1030
SCHERTZ.COM
MAY SUN
2020
CITY CALENDAR MON
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Due to the current situation surrounding COVID-19, these events may be subject to cancellation. Please check Schertz.com for the most recent updates.
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City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Animal Services Adv Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Transp Safety Adv Board Meeting 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers
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City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Planning and Zoning Comm Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
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Parks & Rec Adv Board 5:30 p.m. Bob Andrews Conf Room
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SSLGC Meeting 1:30 p.m. SSLGC Admin Building
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Memorial Day
City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Planning and Zoning Comm Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Economic Dev Corp Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY SCHERTZ, TEXAS 78154
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