DISTRICT 9 NEWS City Council In Review
November/December 2008
As 2008 winds down so too does my first year on Council. It has been a truly blessed experience to have been able to serve you these past 11 months and I want to once again thank Kevin Wolff, the city council and all of you for this opportunity. For this final message of 2008 I wanted to touch on a few of the items that we have achieved together this year.
Voelcker Park. The master plan was approved in May of this year after an unprecedented amount of public consultation. As we move forward with the implementation of this plan your advice will continue to be sought. Together we will develop a world-class park.
Salado Creek Greenway. On November 22nd I dedicated the 1st phase of the Salado Greenway project along with former Mayor Howard Peak and Councilwoman Diane Cibrian.
The Stone Oak Parkway Traffic Study. In June of this year we loaded up a van with District 9 leaders from the northern part of our district and staff from city Public Works. As a direct result, I have so far secured funding for intersection improvements at Huebner & Stone Oak Parkway and Knights Cross & Stone Oak Parkway
Evans & 281. My office is teaming up with HEB to make improvements to the left and right turn facilities on Evans. Traffic turning to go south on 281 from Evans has been a source of congestion for years. An additional lane will help with the traffic.
Skid Resistent Surfacing. I was able to secure a pilot program to test a skid resistent surface on two stretches of road in District 9. One is on Heubner along the Vineyards and the other is on Bitters Rd. just east of Blanco.
Flags at City Facilities. My colleague Councilman John Clamp built a flag pole at a library after a veteran pointed out that there was one missing at the facility. After hearing that story at a neighborhood meeting I decided to take action. Consequently, because of my Council Consideration Request the city will be phasing in the addition of flagpoles at all city facilities in the next three years.
Stop Thief Initiative. Several months ago our office was approached to help with a novel idea. A placard to be hung on the rear view mirror that simultaneously reminds us to remove our valuables from the car and warns potential thieves that there is nothing to take. In October at the Quarry we kicked off the program with the Alamo Area Crime Prevention Association, SAPD's North Sub-Station and Police Chief William McManus.
Cellular on Patrol. I have been pleased to help several neighborhoods establish Cellular on Patrol programs. My office was also pleased to help fund Northwest Neighborhood's Against Crime as they train neighborhood COP programs at the Prue Rd. Police Substation.
Added Police and Emergency Responders. During the 2009 budget process our city added 100 new police officers and 60 new firefighters and paramedics. This is a continuation of policy in recent years but there is more work yet to be done.
Increased Money for Streets. This year we increased the money for street maintenance by 10%.
Property Tax Reduction. Despite disappointment that my efforts for a greater tax increase were not realized, the council did cut the property tax rate by 1/2 cent.
City Financial Status. The City of San Antonio raised its financial reserves to 9% and our strong fiscal management directly lead to City's bond rating is now rated "AAA" by Standard & Poors - one of only two Cities in the nation with population over 1 million to have such rating.
In addition to the many goals we realized this year there are several projects yet to be finished in 2009 and more challenges to confront.
Camp Bullis Joint Land Use Study. The study will be completed during the first quarter of 2009. City and county leaders will then need to choose which options we would like to pursue and see those options implemented.
Seven City Initiatives to Protect Camp Bullis. At our last council meeting of 2008 we passed the first ordinance among many that we have committed to helping preserve the mission at Camp Bullis. The first ordinance, initiated by myself and Councilwoman Diane Cibrian, will mandate Dark Sky lighting for new developments near Camp Bullis. We will need to pass at least 3 more ordinances next year to complete work on the 7 initiatives approved by council this summer.
Crime Near Larkspur Elementary. Our Police Chief Bill McManus has committed an unprecedented amount of attention on our issues near Larkspur Elementary. Similarly the City Manager has made it a priority to address these longstanding problems. I am confident that we are finally going to be able to come up with short term and long term solutions to protect families near Larkspur Elementary.
Bexar Met. We must continue our efforts to see that Bexar Met customer's receive adequate water service at a reasonable price.
Hardy Oak Boulevard and Wurzbach Parkway. For years these two roads have remained incomplete. Newly elected commissioner Kevin Wolff secured a contribution from the city to the completion of Wurzbach Pkwy. I have been able to work with NEISD for help with Hardy Oak Blvd. With the help of TxDOT and the MPO I am confident that we can finally see these two projects to completion.
Public Safety. Astounding gains have been made over the last few years. More police officers have been added in the last three years than had been added in the previous ten. We must continue to catch up to our obligations of police manpower.
Infrastructure. We have over $20 billion in infrastructure needs in our city. From streets to drainage to utilities our infrastructure demands our attention. With our economic future uncertain and revenues sure to be in decline, our city's leaders must focus on basic services more than ever.
I have been pleased with the progress we have been able to make in just one year. Though there is much work to be done, together we have accomplished much. Though there are many challenges left for us they boil down to three primary categories: protecting the military mission in San Antonio, increasing public safety and improving our infrastructure. All the while, City Council must be responsible with our tax dollars.
Our city, state and nation's economy is unsure. 2009 is going to be a test of our city's recent economic gains. I am absolutely committed to ensuring that the San Antonio economy remains strong. That means keeping taxes as low as possible, attracting businesses to San Antonio and encouraging job creation.
Highlights From The Agenda: Important Council Agenda Items from Last Month
Police Officers Honored
Officer Jeremy Swindells was honored for reacting quickly to an attack by armed bulglary suspects. Due to his quick actions no other officers or citizens were injured in this incident.
Officers Lawrence Robarts and Brandy Roell along with Officer Samuel Sedillo were serving an arrest warrant on a felony family violence when a suspect opened fire on them and wounded both officer Robarts and Roell.
Honored for helping save the two wounded officers while under fire were...
Sergeant Daniel Contreras
Officers Pedro Garcia III
Michael Garza
Joseph Garza
Carlos Kela
Michel "Mitch" Perez
Daniel Pue
Matthew Broihier
Gabriel Mendoza
Joe Garcia
Lee Biegert
SAWS rate approved by City Council
o The new rates become effective on January 11, 2009; the overall rate increase will be 3.9%
o Incresed revenue will be used for infrstructure improvements, operations and maintanence, and to identify and secure new water sources
o Original rate increase of 4.8% was revised to 3.9% in consideration of the current economic conditions
Council approves contract with Insight Public Sector, Inc. for the purchase of handheld ticket writing hardware
o This process will improve the effectiveness and effeicney of the data captured and transmitted and reduce overall errors
o The e-Citation system will utilize handheld units that will electronically capture parking violations (with pictures) and automatically transfer data to the Municipal Courts parking violation system for the Downtown Operations Department
City Council approves a "dark skies" ordinance that will be used to regulate new lighting around Camp Bullis
o The Planning and Development Services Department and City Attorney's Office coordinated on an amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) creating a military lighting overlay zoning district
o Lights in place prior to the property being rezoned would be legally nonconforming (grandfathered)
o Council also approved a resolution that directs the Planning and Development Services Department to initiate a rezoning case to apply the new overlay district to properties within approximately three miles from the perimeter of Camp Bullis/Camp Stanley
City Council approves land donation for site of new District 9 library in the Stone Oak Area
o A new library in this area is crucial to the Library Department's efforts to serve this rapidly growing area of the city
o There is no cost for the land; however, the land itself is valued at $3,049,200.00
o The land is being offered as a donation for use as a site for the District 9 Branch Library
City Council approves purchase of additional aquifer conservation easements through the Proposition One Edwards Aquifer Protection Venue Project
o These easements are located over the recharge zone and contain many recharge features including significant fractures, fissures, and exposed Edwards Limestone that conduct surface waters to the aquifer
o The proposed tracts would constitute the 18th, 19th and 20th tracts of land under the current program protecting 72,717 acres in addition to the 6,539 acres in the first program for a total of 79,256 protected acres
Sale of bonds totalling $177 Million approved by unanimous Council vote
o The 2008 Certificates will be used for the purpose of providing funds for the payment of contractual obligations to be incurred for making permanent public improvements and for other public purposes
o Bonds are part of an overall larger bond package approved by voters in May 2007 with an aggregated total of $550 Million
o Bonds will be used for constructing, renovating, and improving municipal facilities; constructing improvements for flood control including dams and bridge improvements; and other large scale public projects including the construction of a new Public Safety Headquarters
Unanimous vote by City Council authorizes additional funding for 742 ADA compliant wheelchair ramps to be installed City-wide
o The implementation of wheelchair ramps will address one of the components of the proposed ADA Infrastructure Implementation Plan
o An integral piece of the plan is to align with the Department of Justice ADA title II regulations (28 CFR 35.151) which requires that newly constructed or "altered" streets contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway
o These change orders were requested by the City of San Antonio mainly to construct wheelchair ramps for street maintenance projects that will be undergoing rehabilitation in FY 2008 and FY 2009
Council approves contract with Facility Solutions Group to install energy-efficient lighting at City Hall and Municipal Plaza
o In response to Texas Senate Bill 12, which calls for municipalities to reduce its energy consumption by 2013, City Hall and Municipal Plaza buildings underwent an interior lighting audit
o The audit revealed that 547,189 kilowatt hours per year could be saved by replacing the remaining ballasts and lamps
o The proposed upgrades are anticipated to save $71,878.00 in electricity costs the first full year of operation and an additional $249,106.00 over the next four years
o This project is eligible to receive a potential rebate of up to $78,170.00 from CPS Energy
o This retrofit process is a test pilot for other city buildings that will undergo this lighting upgrade
Council moves to adopt an ordinance clarifying the role of the City's Internal Auditor
o Ordinance changes the composition of Council Audit to include three City Council Members and two citizens that have applicable experience in financial and/or audit matters
o The ordinance also clarified and defining the provisions of the City Charter regarding the City Auditor and its oversight by the City Council Audit Committee
o Recommendations for changes were provided to and adopted by City Council from the Mayor's ad hoc committee to examine the role and authority of the City Auditor
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Past Council Agendas & Vote Results
District 9 News
North
Tired of sitting in traffic? Well, I am happy to report that relief is on its way! I have approved funding for the following roadway improvemetns in order to mitigate traffic congestion within the Stone Oak area:
o Increased capacity improvements at the Evans and 281 intersection
o Intersection improvements at Huebner & Stone Oak Parkway and Knights Cross & Stone Oak Parkway
o Seeking funding for completion of Hardy Oak Blvd.
Although this constitutues only a small number of much-needed improvements, I will continue to work to resolve the problems associated with this important issue.
Central
November 22, 2008 marked a new era for San Antonio! The opening of the first segment of the Salado Creek Greenway combines much needed urban greenspace with hike and bike trails and an unprecedented adventure.
I had the great fortune of joining Councilwoman Cibrian and former Mayor Howard Peak in dedicating the first segment. Once completed the greenway is slated to have over 50 miles of hike and bike trails. With these trails, the quality and accessibility of Voelcker Park will be enhanced and will further provide a quality of life enhancement for all San Antonio residents.
Salado Creek Map and Project Plan...
http://www.sanantonio.gov/creekways/saladocreekmap.pdf
More Info: http://www.sanantonio.gov/creekways/
South
Wondering where to take those holiday guests? Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the San Antonio Botanical Garden or venture over to the first class Witte Museum.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is $7 adult, $4 child, and $5 students, military and seniors. Check the web site www.sabot.org for other special events offered year-round.
The Witte Museum is open year-round except for the third Monday in October, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Monday - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday - Noon - 5 p.m. The Witte Museum is San Antonio 's premiere museum of South Texas history, culture, and natural science. Located in Brackenridge Park , on the banks of the San Antonio River , the Witte offers permanent exhibits that include dinosaur skeletons, cave drawings, wildlife dioramas, and even some live animals.
San Antonio News
San Antonio's National Night Out tops in nation
The City of San Antonio was awarded second place in the nation under Category 1 for this year's National Night Out (NNO) event. The state of Texas was awarded first place in the nation under the state category.
The success of National Night Out 2008, which San Antonio participated in on October 7, would not have been possible without the tremendous effort of the citizens of San Antonio. The official date across the country was celebrated in August but the event was changed for Texas due to heat and mosquito problems the state experiences during that month.
This year's event was the largest ever involving 37 million people in 15,449 communities from all across the country. It also marked the 25th Anniversary of the drug and crime prevention event.
Calendar
Holiday Lights
Date: throughout the holiday season
Location: various locations throughout San Antonio
Fiesta de las Luminarias
Stroll the River Walk lit by more than 2,500 candles in sand-filled bags. The centuries-old tradition is at dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
Incarnate Word University
Just north of downtown, the sprawling, tree-studded campus of the University of the Incarnate Word glitters with a million twinkling lights during its annual Light the Way celebration. Visitors can take a driving tour of campus; the lights stay on through the first week of the new year.
Botanical Gardens Holiday Cheer
Date: now through Sunday, December 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: 555 Funston @ North New Braunfels Avenue
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is full of holiday cheer and they are excited to celebrate this joyous time with your family. Visit the gardens this holiday season and enjoy the sights and sounds of model trains zipping through the gardens. Five tracks of large outdoor garden G-scale model trains will be set up through Sunday, December 14
http://www.sabot.org/ama/orig/Holiday-Fun-Release-11-08.doc
Winter Holiday Spectacular
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 12 Noon to 6 p.m.
The winter festival will feature live entertainment, Christmas caroling, and a playground of snow. The big guy himself, Santa, will also make a special appearance. After the festivities end, stick around and enjoy a Movies by Moonlight triple feature showcasing some of the best in holiday cinema. Concessions will be available for purchase.
FREE Parking at the Durango Lots
http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/marketsquare/pdf/Winter%20Holiday%20Spectacular%20Flyer.pdf
Valero Alamo Bowl
Date: Monday, December 29
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Alamodome
The Alamo Bowl, which features teams from the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, is scheduled to take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29. Official notice of which teams will be participating in the bowl game has not yet occurred, but football fans of teams that may be participating and fans alike are encouraged to start making plans for their week-long stay in San Antonio.
Celebrate San Antonio
Date: Wednesday, December 31
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Location: South Alamo Street between Market and Durango
It's the biggest party of the year! San Antonio's New Year's Eve spectacular, Celebrate San Antonio. This event offers something for all San Antonians including five musical stages and special entertainment areas for children and families. This free event is produced by the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the City of San Antonio and is sponsored by KENS-TV.
As always, it is an honor and a pleasure to serve you on City Council. Please let me know how I can help you in any way.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Louis E. Rowe
San Antonio City Council
District 9
District 9
City Hall
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283
(210) 207-7040
Councilman Louis Rowe
Kyle Whatley
Adam Ash
Constituent Office
900 Isom Rd., Ste. 102
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 341-2390
Tiffany Covington
E-Mail
district9@sanantonio.gov
City Services
San Antonio Police
(Non Emergency)
(210) 207-7273
San Antonio Fire/EMS
(Non Emergency)
(210) 207-7744
-
Department of Public Works
311
-
Development Services and Planning (and Zoning) Department
1901 South Alamo
San Antonio, TX 78204
(210) 207-1111
Neighborhood Services
1400 South Flores
San Antonio, Texas 78204
(210) 207-7881
Animal Care Services
4710 State Highway 151
San Antonio, Texas 78227
210.207.4PET
Household Hazordous Waste
Need to get rid of those dangerous chemicals or enviornmentally toxic products?
Residents looking for a safe way to dispose of household items such as paint, motor oil, antifreeze, pool chemicals, batteries, pesticides, herbicides and florescent light bulbs and who missed the mobile collection on December 13, at Blossom Stadium can still bring those items to the main collection center located at 6802 Culebra. The center is open on Fridays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The center is open to San Antonio residents who are customers of the Solid Waste Management Department. Please bring a picture ID and current CPS Energy bill as proof of residency.
Christmas and New Year's Holiday
Schedule of City Services
City offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24, Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1, to observe the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays. In observance of the holidays, there will be no garbage or recyclable collection on December 25 or January 1. Other City services will operate as follows:
Central Library and all branch libraries will be closed
Downtown visitors will enjoy a parking meter holiday
Municipal Court, 401 S. Frio, will be closed
Animal Care Services lobby and adoption center will be closed
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 7030 Culebra, will be closed
The City Base, Las Palmas, Oak Ridge Plaza and Valley View Community Link Service Centers will be closed
All municipal golf courses and facilities will be open
Bitters Brush Recycling Center, 1800 Bitters Road, will be open
Dead animal collection crews, animal care officers, and police, fire and EMS personnel will be on duty as usual
