LEON VALLEY CHARTER AMENDMENTS ELECTION
There are 13 propositions for your voting consideration to amend Leon Valley’s Home Rule Charter on the November 8th ballot. All citizens should have received in the mail the propositions with the changes unanimously approved by the Council. The accompanying letter asked citizens to call me or any council member with questions. Additionally, the August -September Lions Roar gave some background information to citizens regarding these propositions. Everyone is encouraged to VOTE on all state and local races, as well as the Leon Valley Home Rule Charter propositions. Every vote does count!
CITY COUNCIL MEETING –NOVEMBER 1ST
The following are highlights of council actions from the November 1st council meeting:
- We started with an executive session for an update of the Vista Del Rey Apartment lawsuit filed by the City of Leon Valley to address and correct various code enforcement issues.
- Seneca West Drainage Project - In 2016 the City performed a study of this area to relieve flooding and reclaim land with an estimate of $1.346 million for construction. The City owns approximately 27 acres in this area. In 2019, Bexar County Commissioner’s Court awarded the City a reimbursement grant of $1.346 million. Engineering was completed and the project was submitted to San Antonio River Authority (SARA) for approval (2021). In September 2022, the City received a Conditional Letter of Map Revision from SARA, and a bid package was developed and advertised. On October 11, 2022, a total of 7 companies submitted bids. The lowest bidder, J3 Construction, bid at $1.815 million. Public Works Director Moritz reported to council the project had a $832,498 cost overrun with the original construction bid of $1.345 million. The city is considering options for securing additional funds needed over the Commissioner’s Court grant.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Renewal between the City of Leon Valley and the Leon Valley Historical Society – The MOU was signed in January 2020 and the majority of intentions stated were not met by the Historical Society due to the impact of the pandemic, which started in March, 2020. The Council directed the City Manager to update the MOU and bring back for any changes, so it can be re-considered by the end of the year, when the current MOU expires.
- SOOFA SIGNS -Community Relations Director, Crystal Miranda presented the idea of adding these 100% solar powered outdoor advertising with a smart city communication platform in our city park, library, and city hall. They operate 23 hours per day. The cost was $25,000 per sign with a $6,200 annual fee for a sign with no advertising. Two other options for ad-supported ($18,000 per sign and $6,200 annual fee) and Ad & Sponsorship supported ($16,000 per sign and a $2,000 annual fee) were discussed. The Council had many questions in which staff will research and bring back options to consider in the future.
- Approval of Leon Valley Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan – Public Works Director Moritz presented a plan for improvements to city facilities and programs to allow disabled persons to fully and actively participate in city life, as well as comply with state and federal law. This plan identifies barriers which may limit access to City programs and services and develops a plan to eliminate them. Short term solutions are identified that can be accomplished within the next several years within the department’s budget. Other major improvements such as the swimming pools, library annex and public works building have been identified by the Capital Facilities Oversight Committee. The Council set a goal of improving these major facilities by 2032. This plan can be amended every five years. Council had discussed a potential bond package to address these major facilities, but with current high interest rates, it was decided to wait for a better economic climate.
- Presentation & Discussion on an Ordinance Amending the City of Leon Valley Code of Ordinances regulating Alcoholic Beverages and to obtain appropriate licenses. This amendment will comply with State and Federal law, update the 1972 Code and be more business friendly by offering options such as late hours permit, variances and an appeals process. This will be voted on by Council at the 11/18/22 council meeting.
- Discussion of an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances to Consider Prohibiting Alcohol Consumption at City-Owned Swimming Pool Facilities -The Park Commission unanimously recommended this change to City Council. Council specifically asked what were the incidents that warranted this change. There was only one incident in 2005 reported in the police department records. The Council by a vote of 4-1 moved to table this agenda item indefinitely commenting that the evidence did not show a problem existed.
- 2023 City Council Meeting Schedule – Council moved to cancel the following council meetings in 2023, with the caveat that we can always call a meeting if needed: January 3, 2023 (New Year’s); July 4, 2023 (Independence Day), October 3rd, 2023 (National Night out and annual Texas Municipal League Conference).
DID YOU KNOW?
- Pioneer Blue Jean Gala – benefitting the Leon Valley Historical Society’s “A Night in Bavaria” for the Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stagecoach Stop Restoration: Friday, November 4th from 6:30 – 10:30 pm in the Community Center. $40 per ticket for members; $45 for non-member. Traditional German dinner and music, plus a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LVHistoricalSociety.org or call (210) 313-7484. TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
- Congratulations to Ann Sawyer and Kishore Kamaraju for their appointments to the Park Commission and Economic and Community Development Advisory Board. Your volunteer service is appreciated.
If you are interested in serving on a committee, please call or email me or any of your council members. Remember the council and I work for you!
Sincerely, Chris
(210) 618-2092
mayorriley@leonvalleytexas.gov
Original source can be found here.
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