a view from the heights
TRANSCRIPT
1948 City of Balcones Heights ~ Monthly Newsletter 2019
A V I E W F R O M T H E H E I G H T S
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR SUZANNE DE LEON
Balcones Heights – A City on the Move
Hello to All ~
A new year is beginning and we have the opportunity for a fresh start, review and update our personal goals, make new friendships or renew old friendships and perhaps we can get involved to help others by volunteering with a non-profit
organization who is always looking for people to help promote their mission to improve others’ lives. There’s all kinds of ways that we can make a difference and help others by being actively involved in our community. We should all take pride in our city and do our best to make it a better place to live. With a little thought and effort – it can be done.
As always, your Balcones Heights City Council and staff are working hard to accomplish some significant goals for 2019. Many things still need to be done to keep our city moving forward, and one of the most important things we need to address is how to bring in new revenue so services will never need to be disrupted. Also, we are working hard to address the significant need to improve infrastructure and not put any new tax burden on residents. Bringing new development into our city is the key.
While it may sometimes overwhelm us when we take a look at the big picture with so many depressing and negative things happening in our world, if we try to focus on our own neighborhood, we can improve our community – it is doable! I encourage everyone to look around when you drive through our city. What do you notice? What do you like and where are some areas that could use improvement? This is what we want to hear from you so please share your concerns, whether good or bad.
Did You Know . . .
San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
SAWS has revised a program called “Up Lift, Helping Neighbors in Need.” “Having trouble paying your water bill? Your neighbors at San Antonio Water System are here to help ease the burden of utility costs for qualifying customers.” Log onto saws.org and click on “Affordability Programs” for more information.
City Public Service (CPS Energy)
City Public Services contributes $1 million or more per year to the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) to provide real assistance for homeowners who qualify to pay their energy bill.
To qualify for REAP, you must meet certain requirements, such as have an income at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines and be experiencing financial hardship, be elderly, handicapped, have small children in your home, or require critical-care equipment, and be a resident of San Antonio or Bexar County.
If you qualify for REAP your maximum assistance is $400 per year. You will be asked to present proof of income, hardship and number of family members. Log onto cpsenergy.com for more infor-mation.
Wishing you all a safe, wonderful and blessed 2019!
Suzanne
2019 CITY LEADERS FOR A DAY - City Leaders For A Day essay contest winners from St. Gregory the Great Catholic School - Student Mayor Ava Delgado, Student Mayor Pro-Tem Lawton Acquart and Student City Administrator Evan Primus. “These young people were selected from a record 39 entries. Each year I am amazed at how bright these students are, I was so proud of them, as I am certain their parents were,” said Suzanne de Leon. Special thanks to St. Gregory Principal, Daniel Martinez and his staff; their support was invaluable. Also invaluable was the support of Mayor Pro-Tem Jack Burton, and our City Administrator David Harris, Police Chief Darrell Volz, Fire Chief Brock Ward and their staff. We appreciate the time spent to make this such a memorable evening for our students, guests and their families. Special thanks to Chrissie Kolb, the Community Relations Manager for coordinating this spectacular evening that helped provide an experience these young people will not soon forget. Pictured left photo below from left to right - Back row: Mayor Suzanne de Leon, Mayor Pro-Tem Jack Burton, City Administrator, David Harris - Front row left to right - Ava Delgado, Lawton Acquart and Evan Primus.
City Council Update - November 19, 2018 Regular Meeting
PRESENTATIONS:
Certificate of Appreciation – Years of Service at Fire Department - Mayor de Leon presented Firefighter/EMTB and Fire Inspector Andrew Flores with a Certificate of Appreciation and a pin for 10 years of service with the City of Balcones Heights.
A Certificate of Appreciation was given to Firefighter/EMTB Joseph Lopez for 9 years of service with the City of Balcones Heights.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: (PASSED)
Approval of minutes for Regular meeting of October 22, 2018 & Finance Report for the month of October 2018, Lara, Absent - Pacheco, Absent - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Consideration and ACTION to approve a nominee application submitted for appointment to the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals. (Mayor) (PASSED)
Board Member Shana Halpin resigned effective 11-19-2018. Ms. Galish submitted a nominee application for appointment to the Board of Adjustments. Lara, Absent - Pacheco, Absent - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Consideration and ACTION to approve funds for repairs on Babcock Road and appropriate budgetary
transfer. (Hoyl) (PASSED)
Mrs. Hoyl gave background on this item that was tabled at the last meeting to allow an opportunity to contact P2 Emulsions. Staff recommendation is to approve funds for repairs on Babcock Road. Lara, Absent - Pacheco, Absent - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Consideration and ACTION to approve bid for IT services. (Messick) (PASSED)
Staff recommendation is to approve RRGP Agreement for IT Service effective January 1, 2019. Lara, Absent - Pacheco, Absent - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Consideration and ACTION to approve an Interlocal Agreement with SAWS. (Messick) (PASSED)
Mr. Messick gave background on this item and staff recommendation was to approve.
Discussion and possible ACTION to approve adjoining or connecting unenclosed carports. (White)
City Attorney informed council they could discuss this item and appoint committee if needed but it needs to be placed on a Planning and Zoning Commission agenda prior to council action.
Committee Appointed: Councilmember White as Chair, Councilmember Burton, Fire Chief Brock Ward, John and Shana Halpin, and Rita Hoyl. No action was taken.
Photo below: Left to right - City Manager David Harris, Mayor de Leon, Fire Chief Brock Ward, Firefighter/EMTB & Fire Inspector Andrew Flores and son, Firefighter Joe Gloria and Firefighter Albert Paez. - Right photo Andrew Flores & Mayor Suzanne de Leon.
City Council Update - December 17, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting
PRESENTATIONS:
Proclamation – School Choice Week (Mayor) - Proclamation mailed to Julie Collier at National School Choice.
West Chamber of Commerce Presentation (Nastasi)
Representatives from the West Chamber of Commerce came up to inform Council of the services they offer to include training, i.e. Active Shooter Classes.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: (PASSED)
Approval of minutes for Regular meeting of November 19, 2018 - Finance Report for the month of November 2018. Lara, Aye - Pacheco, Aye - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Consideration and ACTION to approve a nominee application submitted for appointment to the Planning and
Zoning Commission. (Mayor) (PASSED)
Nominee Applicant Juan M. Lecea for the Planning and Zoning Commission – Came up to introduce himself and offered his expertise to the community. Lara, Aye - Pacheco, Aye - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Aye
Discussion and possible ACTION on Tax Freeze. (White) (POSTPONED)
This agenda item was postponed for more investigation without incurring legal costs to be done so council can make an informed decision. Lara, Aye - Pacheco, Aye - Burton, Aye - Gillian, Aye - White, Nay
INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL?
May 4, 2019 Joint/General Election Important Dates
Candidate Packets available for pick-up at Justice Center or on-line @ www.bhtx.gov
The following seats are open for election to the Balcones Heights City Council:
City Council Place 3, City Council Place 4, City Council Place 5
Friday, February 15, 2019: Last day for candidate to file an application for a place on the ballot by 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019: Deadline for write-in candidates to file declarations of write-in candidacy by 5:00 p.m.
Friday, February 22, 2019: Last day for a candidate to withdraw and last day for a write-in candidate to withdraw in general election
Thursday, April 4, 2019: Last day to register to vote in the Saturday, May 4, 2019 General Election
Monday, April 22, 2019: First day to vote early in person
Tuesday, April 30, 2019: Last day to vote early by personal appearance
Saturday, May 4, 2019: ELECTION DAY
If you have questions contact Delia R. Sanchez, City Secretary, [email protected] Visit the Balcones
Heights city website for more Election information. https://bhtx.gov/city-services/city-notices/
Balcones Heights welcomes COVERAGE2CARE
Wonderland of the Americas 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., Suite A79
Their agency is a resource for the adult & senior community.
Resource Center offers: * Variety of Monthly Workshops
* Need Group Health Coverage or Life Insurance?
* Individual Health & Life Coverage for all ages
* Notary Public/Join our Book Club/Looking for Senior Volunteers
* Need education on Medicare or Medicaid?
* Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement Plans
* Apply for programs; Lower drug costs/Medicare Savings Program
Visit www.coverage2care.com or call for an appointment 210-392-0312
COMMISSIONER PAUL ELIZONDO June 12, 1935 - December 27, 2018
Rest in Peace Commissioner Elizondo
“Paul was truly an amazing man. His tireless work and dedication to the City of San Antonio is like no other. He will be sorely missed. I’m praying for his family during this difficult time.” - Mayor Suzanne de
Leon.
Thank you San Antonio Express-News for running this great photo of Commissioner Paul Elizondo's appearance at the 20th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in 2013. Fondly remembering how Paul was at first reluctant when I invited him to consider coming out of retirement and bringing his group back together to commemorate the anniversary festival. We had many conversations, his hesitancy began to soften, and finally he agreed. He graciously appeared on television to promote the event, and was a pleasure to work with in every way! Yes, he was a trouper, on-stage, in Commissioners' Court, and indeed, in life.” - Lorenzo
Nastasi, Balcones Heights Economic Dev. & Public Affairs Director.
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY
January 9th was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). With nearly one-million law enforcement officers across the county, L.E.A.D. began several years ago by organizations across the country to honor law enforcement officers and recognize their public service. The Balcones Heights Police Department was visited by KENS 5 News and KLOVE Radio who showed their support. Thank you to all of the members of the community for your encouragement and appreciation!
Mayor Suzanne de Leon Earns Certified
Municipal Official Designation
Congratulations Mayor de Leon for being recognized by the Texas Municipal League (TML) for participating in and earning over 72 Continuing Education Units including two additional hours of open government training (one hour of training for Open Meetings Act and one hour of the Public Information Act.
Congratulations on earning your
Certified Municipal Official designation! The Texas Municipal League (TML) has been around since 1913 to help city leaders meet the ever-changing challenges of governance. Guided by our purpose statement--Empowering Texas cities to serve their citizens.-- the League exists to provide legal, legislative, and training services to city govern-
ments in Texas.
Garbage Collection Billing & Payments
Billing is done quarterly or in advance - In order to avoid suspension of service please make pay-ments within 10 days of receipt of invoice and/or start of each quarter - If you have questions please contact C6: 210-375-0066.
1. You can send your check or money order by US Postal Service. Remit payments to P.O. Box 160489, San Antonio, TX 78280-2689
2. You can go online to C6 website - click on the Pay Your Bill Online button and follow the directions
https://www.c6disposal.com/payments/
3. Go to office - 2123 FM 1516, Converse, TX 78109 - pay with check or credit card. Due to the threat of credit card fraud and identity theft they will not accept credit card payments by phone.
Important dates and information from C-6
Bulk/Brush Collection Monday April 8th thru Friday April 12th
Hazardous Waste Collection dates Saturday April 13th
City Wide Clean-Up Day Saturday June 15th
Bulk/Brush Collection Monday September 23rd thru Friday September 27th
CITY MAIN NUMBER 210.957.3000
Dispatch 210.957.3170
Police Department 210.957.3150
Fire Department 210.957.3140
Economic Development 210.957.2990
NAME TITLE DEPARTMENT NUMBER
Suzanne de Leon
Mayor City Council 210.957.3540
David Harris
City Administrator Administration 210.957.3541
Delia Sanchez
City Secretary Administration 210.957.3542
Lisa Merlo
Finance/Admin Clerk Finance 210.957.3543
Floyd Messick
Finance Director Finance 210.957.3544
Rita Hoyl
Community Develop-
ment Director
Community Development 210.957.3545
Lorenzo Nastasi
Economic Develop-
ment & Public Affairs
Director
Economic Development &
Public Affairs
210.957.2991
Chrissie Kolb
Community Relations
Manager
Economic Development &
Public Affairs
210.957.2992
Yvonne Baez
Senior Court Clerk Municipal Court 210.957.3063
Peggy Ortiz
Deputy Clerk Municipal Court 210.957.3064
Micaela Ceniceros
Deputy Clerk Municipal Court 210.957.3065
Brock Ward
Fire Chief Fire Department 210.957.3141
Darrell Volz
Police Chief Police Department 210.957.3151
Stan “Smitty” Smith
Photo Enforcement
Officer
Photo Enforcement 210.957.3160
210.957.3162
City Adopts New Commercial Exterior Color Standards
In 2017, the City adopted regulations for Exterior Construction and Design Standards in all districts except single and dual family residential. We did not however, include color guidelines.
In order to expand on our vision to enhance the overall appearance and create a harmonious identity of Balcones Heights, this past Fall, the City of Balcones Heights initiated an amendment to the City’s Commercial Exterior Construction and Design standards. The amendment included color guidelines for new development and existing structures painted after the effective date of the approved ordinance.
We discussed an objective way to establish guidelines is to utilize an objective color system. Staff selected the Munsell Book of Color. What is the Munsell Book of Color? It is three-dimensional concept of color (HUE, VALUE, CHROMA) and is organized much like a globe. HUE (represents basic color), VALUE (represents lightness/darkness of a given color). CHROMA (represents brightness or saturation of a color). This guideline will allow staff to measure proposed colors outlined in the regulations.
An illustration of the Munsell Color System is shown below.
A brief overview of what colors can and cannot be used?
Owners will be allowed to use any color, but in limited amounts.
• The Primary Wall Color of any exterior surface may only be painted in muted colors and may not exceed a
CHROMA of (4) on the Munsell chart.
• Primary Wall Color is color applied to 10% or more of building elevation.
• No more than three (3) colors allowed on any single elevation.
• Signage or roof color will not count toward this limit.
• High-intensity, extremely bright, metallic or fluorescent colors in excess of 2% of the total square footage of any
exterior elevation will not be allowed.
• In the Munsell chart, bright or fluorescent colors are defined as having a minimum VALUE of 8 or CHROMA of 10.
You can find a complete ordinance on our website:
https://bhtx.gov/sites/default/files/panels/files/ord_2018-15_exterior_colors_-_commercial_building.pdf
You can also download the Munsell Color app for free on your mobile device (Munsell Viewer).
https://munsell.com/color-blog/color-phone-apps-2/
FREE Admittance. The team at Expo Quinceaneras 2019, are proud to present all of their beautiful Quinceaneras Gown Collection 2019 by Adrianas Casa de Novias. At Expo Quinceaneras, believe in the fantasy created around a quinceanera celebration. This is the most important event in a woman’s life because a quinceanera happens. Free Entrance. Registration - Wonderland of the America’s entrance or Fashion Show Quinceanera dresses are by www.adrianascasadenovias.com. Quinceanera Collection and Fiesta Gowns 2019. Vendor for Tuxedos, Photograph / Video, Decorations, Gifts, Cakes, Receptions Halls, Beauty Makeup Jewelry, Gifts and more will be available for your questions. Expo Quinceaneras is growing every year in the Community of Balcones Heights, San Antonio and surrounding cities!! Presented by Adrianas Casa de Novias in Wonderland of the America’s - 4522 Fredericksburg.
Balcones Heights, Texas 78201. We are the complete local guide that leads to customize the perfect quinceanera celebration. Adrianas inspires to create Quinceanera dreams and the perfect quince event!!
BALCONES HEIGHTS MAYOR, CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
Photo - Back: Stephen Lara, Councilmember Place 1,
Jack Burton, Mayor Pro-tem, Councilmember Place 3,
Lamar Gillian, Councilmember Place 4, Front: Jesse
Pacheco, Councilmember Place 2, Mayor Suzanne de
Leon, Charles White, Councilmember Place 5
March 8 International Women’s Day
March 10 Daylight Savings
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
March 19 Planning & Zoning Meeting - 6 p.m.
March 20 1st Day of Spring
* March is National Women’s Month!
For more information please visit the city website bhtx.gov and find
and like us on facebook.com/BalconesHeights
FEBRUARY 2019 CALENDAR MARCH 2019 CALENDAR
Feb. 15 Last day for candidate to file application
Feb. 18 Presidents Day Holiday - All city offices closed
Feb. 19 Planning & Zoning Meeting - 6 p.m.
Feb. 19 Last day for a candidate to withdraw
Feb. 25 Regular City Council Meeting - 6 p.m.
Email Chrissie Kolb, [email protected], Community Relations
Manager and give her your email address to receive up-to-date
information.
NOVEM- BER 2016 CALEN- DAR
Newsletter Editor: Chrissie Kolb, Community Relations Manager
For questions or comments contact [email protected]
REMINDER:
Move your
clock forward
Sunday,
March 10
2:00 a.m.
FLOAT - VOTED “BEST PLACE TO GET PAMPERED”
“BEST MED SPA” 4535 FREDERICKSBURG RD.
CALL 210-562-3310 TO SCHEDULE YOUR “FLOAT”