CIBOLO March 2012
Buffalo Chronicle
Newsletter of the City of Cibolo
What’s going on in Cibolo... Parks...The city is very excited that we are nearing the completion of the construction of Schlather Park. Schlather Park is the first phase of the City’s linear park system; it will include hike and bike trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and more. The park, which will be accessible from either Town Creek Road and Wiedner Road or Borgfeld Road, is set to be completed sometime in June. For those of you who already visit Niemietz Park you may have already noticed the new improvements that are being made to the playground area. This was made possible by a Community Development Partnership Program Grant that the City received from Guadalupe Valley Elec. Coop (GVEC) and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). We are very grateful for the improvements to this park, as the old equipment had become somewhat of a hazard and was needing to be torn down. Awards...Recent awards the City has received are the Comptrollers 2011 Gold Leadership Circle Award and the 2011 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The Gold Leadership Award is based on those cities that meet certain fiscal criteria’s. Thanks to our finance director, Anna Marquez, in her role to helping the City accomplish this goal. The Community Economic Development Award was given to the city for exemplifying achievement in Community Economic Development and its ability to acquire Sanjel as one of its leading employers. Thanks to Mark Luft, the city’s Economic Development Director, who made this possible. Traffic Lights...After many accidents and near misses, TxDot is now in the process of placing a light at the intersection of FM1103 and FM78. For those of you who travel this corridor we hope this will be greater comfort and a safer drive for you and your family…it has been long overdue. Sidewalks...Certainly a hot topic around our community as we continue to grow and have a greater need for them. Obviously safety issues on highly traveled roads are a concern and will get a higher priority however, Council, Streets & Drainage commission, and city staff have been working hard to address a policy, a funding mechanism, and prioritize the many needed sidewalk projects in the city. Still a work in progress, Council hopes to have a plan laid out to address these areas in the next few months. Cibolo Valley Drive...The roadway completion was certainly a relief for those of you who traveled and lived along the road however, there are a few details that have not been completed that will make this roadway even safer. One being a light at Green Valley Rd. and C i bolo Valley Dr.; this will be put in under a mutual cost shared agreement between the school district and the city. Other items are a crossing area near the Park and Fire Station and the completion of sidewalks at each end of the project; connecting the Lantana Subdiv. and the opposite end finishing and connecting up to Main St./FM 1103 intersection.
Cibolo as a CITY OF CHOICE
Water and the Future
History and Tradition
B
CIBOLO
new USINESSES Sanjel USA:
Sanjel is a specialized, privately owned global energy service company with almost 30 years of experience. The Company's large-scale, international operations stretch across North America and overseas. Sanjel employs approximately currently over 500 team members in Cibolo alone with further additions in the months and years, they also are located in over 30 field districts, 11 laboratories, 11 regional maintenance facilities and 3 training centers.
manufactured equipment.
Sanjel offers specialized services lines including Acidizing, Cementing, Coiled Tubing, Fracturing and Nitrogen. Each service line is complete with its own innovative engineered products and custom-designed and
Sanjel's global operations are supported by one of North America's largest technical oilfield service facilities. Located on 15 acres of industrial land and encompassing over 225,000 square feet of customized space, Sanjel's Professional Park houses the Company's Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, Supply Chain and Training groups. Dedication to their customers and to their corporate motto, "Pride by Performance", has always been their guiding principle. Sanjel places a strong focus on the individual needs of their customers and will meet those needs with proven, reliable solutions. In every job, Sanjel aims to fulfill their corporate mission of ensuring exceptional value for their customers through superior operations, innovative solutions, and complete team commitment. Sanjel is located in the Industrial Park off FM1103. Empire Roofing: They are a multi facet corporation providing a wide range of services to commercial properties – industrial, office, retail, institutional and others. Flare Ignitors: Provides the oil, natural gas, petrochemical, and pipeline industries with practical and reliable Flare Ignition Systems. They also provide field drilling and well testing; pipeline “Blow-Down” and plant maintenance; permanent production stacks and ignition systems and other services necessary for energy production. Cielito Station Restaurant: Located at 720 FM 78 - near Wells Fargo Bank Building RB Burgers Restaurant: Located at 3929 Cibolo Valley Drive - across the street from Veteran’s Memorial Park Supper Donuts & Bakery: Located at 3929 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste 210 - across the street from Veteran’s Memorial Park Mike Mead State Farm Insurance & Financial Services: Located at 240 E Fm 78 - next door to Timber Tech
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W
ater Conservation $aves Important for availability and costs
Steve Liparoto, Councilman, Place 6 shares....
We have just finished the driest year on record1, predictions are, the drought will continue for many years to come2. The City of Cibolo has worked for the last decade to expand sources of available water supplies and continues to. A combination of drought and heat stressed our system this past summer, pushing it near the upper limits of the system’s capacity. Expansion of the City’s water system capacity is expensive and takes many years. The least expensive water is the water not used. Through water conservation, supply requirements can be decreased, resulting in cost savings to you.
Water conservation starts with you. You can save water by: •Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation
•Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.
•Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
•Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
•Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
•Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
•Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
•Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
Conservation decreases supply requirements and decreases costs. Sources of water conservation information include:
Texas Water Development Board, www.twdb.state.tx.us/conservation
Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, www.gbra.org/publications
San Antonio Water System, www.saws.org/conservation
City of Cibolo website, www.Cibolotx.gov
1 By Marice Richter,FORT WORTH, Texas | Sat Jan 7, 2012 10:01pm EST (Reuters) - It’s official: 2011 was the driest year on record in Texas, according to the National Weather Service. It was also the second-hottest ever. 2By Jim Forsyth, SAN ANTONIO | Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:06pm EDT, (Reuters) - A devastating Texas drought that has browned city lawns and caused more than $5 billion in damages to the state’s farmers and ranchers could continue for another nine years, a state forecaster said on Thursday.
FROM THE DESK OF THE FIRE CHIEF...
Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department Annual Sausage Supper Mark your Calendars for MAY 12, 2012 - 4pm until midnight for the CVFD Annual Sausage Supper at Niemietz Park (off HWY78) Authentic German Sausage with all the trimmings, Live Auction, Free Dance, Games and Rides for the Children, Refreshments, and a Raffle. Featuring the TOMAN BROTHERS BAND…FUN for Everyone The Sausage Supper began when the Grange Hall wanted to do a benefit for the fledgling Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department. The first sausage supper was held at the Grange Hall located off Main Street and Schlather Street. Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department held sausage suppers at the Grange Hall until they outgrew the space required because of the support of the community. Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department then moved the annual sausage supper to Niemietz Park located off of FM 78. We continue this proud tradition which offers the community a chance to gather and enjoy a family fun environment and a night out in Cibolo. ....history of Niemietz Park Niemietz Park is named after Zygfred (Fred) Niemietz, a long time resident, barber, City council member, Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department Treasurer, and an avid supporter of the Parks System. Fred was instrumental in gaining support to get the land for the City of Cibolo to build a park. Once the land was acquired the Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department donated countless hours in the beginning phases of clearing and cleaning up of this once farm land. There were numerous individuals and families that lent a hand to help on a Saturday or Sunday to clean up or dig trenches for pipes, spruce of the soft ball field. Events were held in the converted farm house and detached garage. Fred organized and held soft ball tournaments and bingos. The sesquicentennial and Cibolo Fest was also held at the Niemietz Park. This Park has blossomed into a stunning example of community effort. Fred would be extremely proud today of the transformation and the number of people utilizing this beautiful park. Cibolo Volunteer Fire Department’s annual tradition of the Sausage Supper lives on at Niemietz Park. Come Visit…You are always welcomed …
FROM THE DESK OF THE POLICE CHIEF...
Pedestrian Safety... The Cibolo Police Department would like to remind residents that state law prohibits parking vehicles on a sidewalk. Many residents park vehicles in their driveway, but may not be aware the sidewalk extends across the driveway. The sidewalk, including the portion extending across driveways is located in the public right-of-way. The police department frequently receives complaints on this issue from citizens, who are trying to stay safe by not walking into the street, but are forced to because of vehicles being parked unlawfully. Frequently children and persons who utilize wheelchairs or mobility devices are diverted into in the street as a result vehicles blocking the sidewalk. The police department has also received complaints from motorists who run/walk in the roadway along Cibolo Valley Drive and other roadways. We recognize our community is active and many of residents enjoy outdoor recreational activities. However pedestrians and vehicles are not able to safely share the roadway. State law requires pedestrians to use an adjacent sidewalk next to a roadway if it is accessible and prohibits the use of the roadway. In addition many of our roadways have limited or no street lighting which poses a greater hazard to pedestrians who have elected to run in the roadway. The main issue is one of safety. So please help us keep our community safe and avoid a potential tragedy. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and more importantly, for our children to walk on, so they can stay out of the path of moving vehicles. In the same context roadways are vehicles and not intended as pathways for pedestrians. Please help us with these issues and use sidewalks to walk on where available and do not park your vehicles on any sidewalks to ensure they are accessible to pedestrian traffic. If you need more information on this issue you can contact Cibolo Police Department at 210-659-1999 or via email at police@cibolotx.gov The following are the Texas State Law (Texas Transportation Code) as they apply to these issues: Sec. 545.302. STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN PLACES. (a) An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle: (1) on the roadway side of a vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street; (2) on a sidewalk; (3) in an intersection; (4) on a crosswalk; For the full version, refer to: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm#545.302 Sec. 552.006. USE OF SIDEWALK. (a) A pedestrian may not walk along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian. For the full version, refer to: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TN/htm/TN.552.htm#552.006 5
Cibolo Annual Spring Clean up March 24, 2012 through April 1, 2012
Items dropped off for Spring Clean up are free of charge to residents as a service paid for by the City of Cibolo. Drop Off Location: Bexar Waste’s temporary collection point - 2221 F.M. 3009 (near Live Oak Road and next to Schertz Funeral Home) - Schertz. ENTRY TO THIS SITE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO CIBOLO RESIDENTS DURING CITY SPONSORED SPRING & FALL CLEAN UP EVENTS Dates: General Drop-off: March 24 - April 1, 2012 between 8 AM and 6 PM daily. Hazardous/Tire Drop-off: ONLY on the weekends of March 24-25 & March 31-April 1, 2012. During the nine day clean up, anything and everything that is NOT HAZARDOUS OR TIRES, can be dropped off, free of charge, during the clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 6 PM. Bexar Waste will accept household waste not covered under their normal collection, such as: General trash, Lumber, Furniture, Brush/Limbs and Major appliances: Appliances will be ACCEPTED FREE ONLY IF the Freon tank is removed; if Freon tank is still attached there will be a $25 fee at time of drop off. Any questions concerning the Freon removal, please call Bexar Waste.
What you need to know: The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Cibolo residents only. A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop-off. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial/rental property clean ups, large property clean up, lot or acreage clean up, or lot and property land clearing. Commercial tree trimmers are not eligible for this service. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Materials WILL BE sorted by the customer, NOT BY Bexar Waste employees. LIMITS: Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of 3 Pick-up truck loads per household or a maximum of 2 trailer loads per household. (Trailers are not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size.)
Hazardous Items/Tires and Drop Off Times: may be dropped off ONLY on the weekends of March 24-25 & March 31-April 1, 2012. Tires are considered hazardous and drop off limited to four (4) per household. Hazardous waste includes but is not limited to: a. Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning and bleach products, swim ming pool cleaners & chemicals. b. Enamel & latex paints in cans & aerosol dis pensers, varnish & stains, paint thinners & re movers, acetone, etc. c. Hazardous waste such as used automotive & cooking oils, filters & batteries will be accepted. *Oils will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.
d. Empty propane tanks up to seven (7) gallons- VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED.
*These items will have a combined 20 gallon limit per household.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Tires on rims or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires WILL NOT be accepted.
Mercury WILL NOT be accepted. Questions? Contact Bexar Waste (210-556-5454) or the City of Cibolo (210-658-9900) for more information about the Spring Clean Up and what will & will not be accepted. The City of Cibolo and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or injury to citizens during this event. The City of Cibolo and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for not following the rules of the clean up.
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FROM THE DESK OF THE POLICE CHIEF...
Vacant or Abandon Homes...
Like many of our surrounding communities, the economy and issues associated sub-prime mortgage lending have affected homeowners in our city. As a result some of our neighborhoods are now faced with homes that have been foreclosed on and others which have been abandoned and left vacant by former residents. The City has recently been made aware of several of these homes by citizens who observed suspicious activity occurring.
Upon investigating these locations, most of the homes were found to be in violation of code enforcement issues due to high grass and weeds. Others were found unsecure and neighbors reported that children and teens had been playing and involved in mischief related activities in and around the homes. City Officials are making a concerted effort to identify these homes and ensure that the financial institution or management company responsible for property is held accountable. However the City has found that is often months before we are made aware of the abandon/vacant homes. The City is seeking assistance to aid in identifying these and other issues within our community. If you observe activities in your neighborhood which appear to be suspicious or unusual please report them. To address immediate situations call 210-619-1200 to have a police officer respond to the location or you can email us at police@cibolotx.gov. There are also a variety of resources listed on the city website (www.cibolotx.gov) and other methods of contacting the city for assistance. Please help us avoid unwanted situations and do not let children play in or around abandoned homes. For a safer community, please report abandoned dwellings and any illegal activity that you observe.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR...
S
What’s igns … Signs … Signs....We see them everywhere.
g n o
WR
With that Sign?
Street Spam is the term for illegal signs along roadways, at intersections, on traffic signs or utility poles, and even on private property. Illegal street signs are also called vertical litter, bandit signs, snipe signs, utility pole advertising and stuff on a stick (SOS). The signs may advertise multilevel marketing schemes selling weight loss products, health insurance, sample sales, landscaping services and even child care in my home services. Some of the most common spam signs have the come-on “Work at Home, Work From Home, I Lost 30 Pounds in 30 Days, Have a PC, We Buy Houses, Affordable Health Insurance, Budget Health Plans, and Going Out of Business.” Street Spam is a safety hazard. These signs can distract drivers, block vision of drivers, cause equipment damage, become litter, and the list goes on. The City spends a considerable amount of time picking up illegally placed signs. If it is not your property, you don’t have permission, you didn’t get a permit, or you are unaware of the City Sign Ordinance; become more aware; be an advocate before putting that sign out. One of the biggest concerns regarding signs is that our citizen(s) may put them out however, don’t return to pick them up.
This is your City … Let’s do our part and keep it Safe and Beautiful.
The City of Cibolo has an ordinance addressing signs. Any specific questions can be answered by our Staff or our Code Compliance Officer, Guy Hart at (210) 658-4175.
GENERAL ELECTION May 12, 2012
The following position are up for election on May 12, 2012 Council Place 1 Council Place 4 Council Place 5 Council Place 6
LOCATION(S) OF POLLING PLACE Cibolo City Hall, 200 S. Main, Cibolo TX May 12, 2012 - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm EARLY VOTING by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at: Guadalupe County Elections Office Suite 7, 1101 Elbel Rd., Schertz Texas. Monday, April 30, 2012 through Friday, May 4, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 7 and Tuesday May 8, 2012 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No early voting will be conducted on weekends or official State holidays. Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on May 4, 2012. Sue Basham, County Election Administrator - 215 S. Milam - Seguin, Texas 78155
Calender April 6, 2012 Good Friday– City Hall Closed April 8, 2012 Easter May 12, 2012 General Election May 12, 2012 CVFD Sausage Supper May 13, 2012 Mother’s Day May 28, 2012 Memorial Day-City Hall Closed Memorial Day Commemoration 8
City of Cibolo
City Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Meetings are held at City Hall, 200 S. Main - Cibolo
Cibolo Council
Mayor Jennifer Hartman Mayor Pro-tem/Place 6 Steve Liparoto City Council Place 1 Place 2 Place 3 Place 4 Place 5 Place 7
Ron Pedde Miguel Troncoso Gabriel Castro Karen Hale Larry Carlton Melvin Hicks
SURPRISE GROUND BREAKING EXTREME MAKE-OVER HOME EDITION IN CIBOLO
The Helping a Hero foundation and Extreme Make-Over Home Edition surprised some wounded warriors with a surprise ground breaking of a home. The Del Rio family being one of them, broke ground on January 12, 2012 in the Buffalo Crossing Subdivision. The houses will be especially designed and equipped to meet the special needs of these wounded warriors.
Memorial Day Commemoration! On 28th of May 2012 The event will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, located on Cibolo Valley Drive. More information will be provided closer to the event date on the City’s website www.cibolotx.gov
Happy Retirement to Claudia Schneider Claudia has served the city for over 20 years. Claudia has not only been an employee of the city but a resident. Her presence will be missed. Thank you Claudia for all the years of faithful, loyal service.
Cibolo Veteran’s Park Brick Program Name Address Phone (
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Cell
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Bricks are $25.00 each Three lines per brick. 18 spaces per line (including spaces)
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One form for each brick purchased. Please return this portion with payment to: City of Cibolo - Attn: Cibolo Veteran’s Park Brick Program PO Box 826 / 200 S. Main St., Cibolo, TX 78108
Cibolo Fest 2012 The City of Cibolo will be hosting the annual Cibolo Fest on
Saturday, October 13th, 2012 10am to 10pm. We are looking for Craft and/or Product Vendors and Food Vendors to participate at the festival.
Booth Rental: $35.00
Electricity: $15.00 Tent Rental: $30.00 (optional)
Applications are available on the City’s website at www.cibolotx.gov or for more information or an application please contact Peggy Cimics at (210) 566-6111 or pcimics@cibolotx.gov
PAWS 4 Cibolo Association PAWS 4 Cibolo Association (PAWS4CA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well being and humane treatment of homeless, unwanted, stray, dumped, abused and neglected animals through educating the public of responsible animal care and to place in new safe and loving homes through adoption or transfer to no kill rescue organizations.
We are looking for volunteers for PAWS 4 Cibolo and the Cibolo Animal Shelter. The Cibolo Animal Shelter is open 8-5pm Mon. thru Fri.and on Sat. from 8-12pm. Please stop by and see us. If interested in volunteering please email us at PAWS4Cibolo@hotmail.com “Thor” Adopted
City of Cibolo Main Number: (210) 658-9900 Business Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Web Site: www.cibolotx.gov
City Manager (Interim)
Roger Niemietz
ext. 107
City Secretary/HR
Peggy Cimics
ext. 107
Finance
Anna Marquez
ext. 108
Fire Chief
Roger Niemietz
ext. 120
Community Development
Robert Stricker
ext. 110
Economic Development
Mark Luft
ext. 118
Court
Tonya Fullenwider ext. 102
Interim Public Works Dir.
Bill Dee
Police Department
(Non-Emergency) 659-1999
Police Chief
Gary Cox
658-9900 659-1999