In Cibolo Magazine Summer 2025

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INCIBOLO INCIBOLO

SUMMER 2025

IMPORTANT INFO

CITY OF CIBOLO CITY COUNCIL

Welcome New CouncilMembers

Councilmember Jeff McGlothin, Place 1, brings a strong background in military and public service to Cibolo City Council. Originally from Oregon, he holds degrees in Intelligence Technologies and Criminal Justice. Jeff served as an Intelligence Officer in the Air Force Reserve and worked for the Department of Homeland Security, managing security for federal facilities. After moving to Cibolo in 2019, he quickly became involved in the community, serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustment before being elected to City Council in 2024. Jeff is committed to supporting local businesses and preserving Cibolo’s small-town charm while helping guide its future growth.

Councilmember Donetta Roberts, Place 6 At-Large, is a proud Texan who has called Cibolo home since 2004. A UTSA graduate with a degree in Political Science, she brings over 30 years of leadership experience from the real estate title industry. Donetta previously served on the Parks & Recreation Commission and is active with the Cibolo Senior Center and Meals on Wheels. She’s dedicated to responsible growth and enhancing community spaces. A devoted wife and mother of three, Donetta also enjoys time with her Shih Tzu, her “Velcro dog.” She is committed to making Cibolo an even better place to live.

Help Shape the Future of Old Town Cibolo

The City of Cibolo, in partnership with Lionheart Places, has officially kicked off an exciting effort to update the Cibolo Downtown Revitalization Plan, which was originally adopted in 2014. This project aims to reimagine and revitalize the historic heart of the City, which is commonly known as “Old Town,” by establishing a longrange vision that guides its preservation, enhancement, and future growth.

This planning initiative is grounded in the community’s shared goals, drawing from key recommendations outlined in the City Council Strategic Plan and the Cibolo Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. The project aims to create a vibrant, walkable, and economically sustainable Old Town district that celebrates its unique character and history. Through this plan, the City will explore opportunities to improve mobility and pedestrian access, refine land use and zoning districts, modernize infrastructure, activate public spaces, and identify catalytic redevelopment sites that can help revitalize the area and support local businesses.

Over the next 12 to 18 months, community feedback will be essential to shaping the plan’s direction. Old Town residents, business owners, and stakeholders will help define priorities and provide insights to ensure the plan reflects community values. Public input will be gathered through a variety of engagement opportunities, including open houses, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and online surveys.

Get Involved

The City of Cibolo is currently accepting applications from residents and business owners interested in serving on the Old Town Steering Committee. This volunteer committee will play an important role in shaping the plan by representing the voices of the community.

If you’re excited about the future of Old Town and want to contribute to this effort, we encourage you to apply. To learn more or submit your application, please contact the Planning Department at planning@cibolotx.gov.

Visit www.cibolotomorrow.com to subscribe

Cibolo Launches Comprehensive Rewrite of Unified Development Code

The City of Cibolo has officially launched a comprehensive rewrite of its Unified Development Code (UDC), the regulatory document that guides land use, zoning, and development throughout the City. Originally adopted in 2013, the UDC has undergone numerous amendments over the years, resulting in a complex and, at times, inconsistent document. This rewrite aims to modernize the code, making it more effective, user-friendly, and aligned with the vision set forth in the recently adopted Cibolo Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan.

The rewrite is a complete overhaul of the UDC, eliminating outdated language, resolving conflicting standards, and incorporating best practices in planning and development. The goal is to create a streamlined regulatory framework that supports Cibolo’s continued growth, economic development, and community values while also aligning with current state laws.

The revised code will be easier to understand and navigate—benefiting not only developers and business owners but also residents and City staff. The intent is to foster a process that invites collaboration and ensures the final product reflects the community’s needs and priorities.

The project is being led by Kendig Keast Collaborative, a nationally recognized planning and zoning firm, in partnership with City staff. The rewrite process is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months and will include extensive research, stakeholder input, and public engagement opportunities.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Public participation is essential to the success of the UDC Rewrite. The City is committed to an inclusive and transparent process, offering several ways for the community to get involved:

• Community Open Houses & Workshops

• Online Comment & Feedback Tools at cibolotomorrow.com

• Public Meetings with the UDC Advisory Committee, Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council

• Focus Groups & Stakeholder Meetings with residents, developers, business owners, and more

Get Involved

The City of Cibolo is currently accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the UDC Advisory Committee. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the City’s development regulations in a way that reflects the unique needs, values, and priorities of our growing community.

If you’re interested in contributing to thoughtful growth, quality design, and ensuring the City’s regulations align with the needs of our residents and businesses, we encourage you to apply. To learn more or submit your application, please contact the Planning Department at planning@cibolotx.gov.

Stay Connected!

Visit www.cibolotomorrow.com to subscribe for updates and notifications.

Major Roadway Improvements Coming to Cibolo in FY25

The City of Cibolo is moving forward with six significant roadway rehabilitation projects as part of its Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Program. These projects are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing safety.

FY25 Street Rehabilitation Package 1 is underway, and work has begun on Deer Creek Blvd. These projects include the rehabilitation of:

• Deer Creek Blvd (Cibolo Valley Dr to Cordero Dr)

• Green Valley Rd (Cibolo Valley Dr to Brook Hollow Dr)

• Green Valley Road (Dean Rd to Westmont)

Construction for this package is expected to take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete, weather permitting. These improvements will address pavement conditions, pavement conditions and extend the life of these critical roadways.

FY25 Street Rehabilitation Package 2 was approved by City Council at the July 8 City Council meeting. Construction on these roads is expected to begin in Late Summer 2025 with a nine-month completion time frame. This package includes:

• Town Creek Rd (Kove Ln to Weidner Rd)

• Firebird Run (Silver Wing Rd to Kipper)

• Silver Wing (Cibolo Valley Dr to Thistle Creek)

Looking Ahead: City of Cibolo Proposes Five Major Projects for FY 26-FY30 Capital Improvement Program

City staff has proposed the following projects as part of its Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). City Council will review and provide feedback during the FY26 budget season.

• Cibolo South Neighborhood Project

• Haeckerville Road Extension

• Green Valley Rd Traffic Improvements

• Lift Station Decommission Project

• Weidner Road Reconstruction Project

2024 Bond Program: Prop A Update Animal Services Facility

In November 2024, Cibolo voters approved Proposition A, allocating $9 million to build a much-needed Animal Services Facility. Thanks to the community’s support, the City is moving forward with planning and design efforts for the new City facility.

Proposition A Vote Totals

The project’s total cost of $9 million covers building construction ($7.2 million), design services ($864,000), testing ($216,000), and capital administration ($720,000). Quorum Architects, hired in FY23, provided initial renderings and cost estimates based on a comprehensive needs assessment. Their work adhered to Texas Administrative Code standards and best practices for animal shelters statewide.

The facility needs assessment identified essential components to support Cibolo’s growing population and animal intake needs. Planned features include additional kennels each for stray and adoptable dogs and kennels for quarantines and isolations as well. For cats, the design includes stray kennels, adoption kennels, and kennels for isolation and quarantine. Additional amenities include dog and cat play areas, meet-and-greet spaces, a medical room, laundry, grooming area, and offices for shelter staff.

The new shelter is proposed for City-owned land on Haeckerville Rd, between FM 78 and E. Schaeffer Rd. The City anticipates placing a driveway from Schaeffer Rd. to the facility to provide additional access.

On June 10, the City Council approved the City Manager to negotiate a contract for engineering/architectural design services for a new animal shelter. Interviews with qualified architectural firms were conducted in April. Quorum Architects was selected by the City’s interview panel to design the new facility. The design of the new facility will take approximately nine months, with facility construction expected to begin in FY26. Total construction time is anticipated to be 18 months, with project completion in 2027.

The City is excited to bring this vital project to life, ensuring a safe and modern environment for the animals and the community.

2024 Bond Program: Prop B Update Public Safety Facility

In November 2024, voters approved Proposition B, allocating $17,065,000 for the construction of a new Public Safety Facility. The project budget includes $12.78 million for building construction, $1.53 million for design, $383,400 for testing, $1.28 million for capital administration, and $1.09 million for water and wastewater connections.

Proposition B Vote Totals

Eikon Architects, hired by the City, completed the facility’s construction and design drawings in FY24. The planned single-story facility will feature a four-bay fire station with 75-foot drive-through bays, capable of housing a ladder truck, fire engine, brush truck, and EMS unit. It will also provide living quarters for 12 firefighters, a kitchen/ day room, physical fitness room, alarm room, and offices.

Additionally, the facility will include a police report room, EMS supply and exam rooms, laundry, public restrooms, and an emergency operations center, community and training room. A backup generator and space for future expansion, including a Dispatch Center, are also planned.

The City will move forward with designing water and wastewater lines along Bolton Rd to serve the facility. The City is actively exploring grant opportunities to support the development of its new Public Safety Facility. As part of this effort, the City has submitted a 2025 application for the federal SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant to fund staffing for up to 15 firefighters. The timing of the facility’s construction will depend on the outcome of this grant, with plans to begin as early as Fall 2025 or potentially shift to Fall 2026.

2024 Bond Program: Prop C Update

Public

Safety

Tax Rate Election

With the voter-approved tax increase to $0.4990, the City raised the starting pay for all uniformed, sworn Police and Fire personnel to an estimated 100% market average from the cities that were surveyed. In addition, an additional 2% was provided to all essential Public Works personnel who had received a 98% market average adjustment to starting pay back in September of 2024, bringing those positions to 100% market average from the cities that were surveyed.

Proposition C Vote Totals

“Hiring and retaining top talent in the fire service is more competitive than ever. Thanks to the passage of Proposition C, we’ve been able to make crucial compensation adjustments that allow us to remain competitive with surrounding agencies,” said Fire Chief Mario Troncoso. “That investment directly contributed to our success during a recent severe weather event, where our team performed eight swift water rescues, saved 12 lives, and responded to two structure fires in a single day. Proposition C isn’t just about compensation, it’s about public safety and ensuring we have the right people in place when our community needs them most.”

Sworn police officer’s pay now starts at $64,196.50 annually compared to the prior amount of $58,544.72. This adjustment for police officers make Cibolo competitive with Boerne, Schertz, Seguin, San Marcos, Buda, and Live Oak. Uniformed firefighter’s pay now starts at $60,470.35 annually compared to the prior amount of $55,031.55. This adjustment for firefighters makes Cibolo competitive with Boerne, Schertz, Seguin, and Live Oak.

“The passage of Proposition C has made a significant and lasting impact on our department,” said Police Chief Thedrick Andres. “In a time when law enforcement agencies are competing for talent, the voter-approved market adjustments have helped us remain competitive in both recruiting and retention. We’ve been able to attract experienced officers from other agencies, strengthen our cadet program, and maintain our sworn officer ranks.”

Meet the Newest Directors

Rick Vasquez – Director of Economic Development and Planning

Rick Vasquez brings over 25 years of executive experience in municipal management, economic development, and urban planning. With a strong background in redevelopment and publicprivate partnerships, he will lead projects like the Old Town Master Plan and the 2025 Unified Development Code update as he helps to guide the future growth of the City to achieve the community’s vision.

Elizabeth Taplin – People & Performance Director

Elizabeth Taplin joins the City with more than two decades of HR leadership in local and state government, including key roles with the Texas Legislative Budget Board and City of Pflugerville. She will focus on workforce strategies, policy design, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

Julio Gomez – Public Works Director

Julio Gomez, a seasoned public works professional and United States Army Veteran, steps into the role after serving as CIP Manager. With 22 years of experience and expertise in infrastructure, utilities, and operations, he will play a key role in advancing Cibolo’s capital and transportation projects as well as overseeing the growth in our water and wastewater utilities.

Attention Small Businesses!

The City of Cibolo Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to announce the launch of the Economic Development Growth & Enhancement (EDGE) Grant Program in the summer of 2025. This initiative aims to invigorate Cibolo’s local economy by providing financial support to small businesses for visually enhancing their establishments. Eligible projects include façade improvements, sign upgrades, property enhancements, and new construction, with grants offering up to 50% matching, capped at $15,000. Available citywide, excluding the Old Town District and FM 78 Corridor, the program welcomes applications from any new or existing businesses meeting the requirements. Detailed information on application deadlines and guidelines is available on the CEDC website. Strengthen your business’s aesthetic presence and contribute to Cibolo’s vibrant commercial landscape.

Apply at www.cibolotx.gov/EDC

Cibolo Earns Improved ISO Rating, Advancing Public Safety Standards

The City of Cibolo is proud to announce an enhanced Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating of 02/2X, effective April 1, 2025, as determined by the Texas Department of Insurance. This improvement reflects Cibolo’s strong commitment to public safety and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The ISO rating system evaluates a community’s fire protection capabilities and directly impacts residential and commercial insurance premiums. Scores range from Class 1 (best) to Class 10, with lower numbers representing superior fire protection. Cibolo’s new rating of 02/2X represents a notable advancement from its previous 3/3X classification, which had been in place since 2017.

Under the new rating:

Properties within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant or water supply suction point and within five miles of a fire station will receive a Class 02 designation.

Properties beyond 1,000 feet from a hydrant or water source but still within five miles of a fire station will fall under Class 2X.

This achievement supports Strategic Goal 4.2 in the City’s FY2024–FY2027 Strategic Plan under the “Quality of Life” core strategy: Create and sustain safe and wellkept neighborhoods that residents love to call home. Specifically, Action 4.2.9 calls for the City to study and implement ISO improvements.

To assist in this process, the City engaged Mike Pietsch, P.E. Consulting Services, Inc. in December 2023 to evaluate the key components of the ISO rating, including fire department operations, water supply, emergency communications, and community risk reduction. The final report concluded that Cibolo had made significant progress in all areas, supporting the improved 02/2X rating.

“This improved ISO rating is the result of years of strategic planning and investment,” said Cibolo Fire Chief Mario Troncoso. “The addition of Fire Station 3, our focus on training and retaining a highly skilled team, the fleet replacement plan, and major improvements to our water and roadway infrastructure all contributed to this success. We’ve also expanded our community risk reduction initiatives, including our Smoke Detector Program and the Senior Center Fire Prevention Program.”

Cibolo now joins many neighboring communities with top-tier ISO classifications, reinforcing the City’s commitment to maintaining high public safety standards as the community continues to grow. To

A Heart for Cibolo: David Weaver Wins 2024 Gary Kelly Award

David Weaver, the unwavering spirit behind Cibolo Grange #1541, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Gary Kelly Award for his extraordinary service to the community. For over a decade, Weaver has transformed the Grange Hall into a cornerstone of civic life, hosting programs for youth, veterans, seniors, and individuals with special needs.

“Mr. Weaver is the driving force behind everything that the Grange does,” the nomination reads. “He is a problem solver with a big heart… giving of himself, time, resources to improve the lives of those around him.”

From organizing annual Thanksgiving dinners for Lackland Air Force Base trainees and homebound seniors to leading the ROAD Foundation’s social group for adults with disabilities, Weaver’s compassion touches every corner of Cibolo. He’s also helped deliver more than 1,000 Quilts of Valor to veterans and supports countless initiatives, including Meals on Wheels and a community food locker.

City Manager Wayne Reed praised Weaver’s impact, saying, “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Weaver for his hospitality and generosity in hosting the Cibolo Senior Program since its inception in 2022.” The program will transition to the former Noble Group Event Center in September 2025.

Cibolo is truly better because of David Weaver.

Congrats to the 2024-2025 Cibolo Youth Advisory Council

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the 2024–2025 Cibolo Youth Council Advisory Council for their commitment to learning about and engaging with local government. Through their participation in meetings and collaboration with city officials, they are building leadership skills and making a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you for your dedication to civic involvement and for helping shape the future of Cibolo! If you are interested in being part of the next advisory board, please visit www.cibolotx.gov/CYAC for more information.

Special thanks to: Daniel Hall, Bennett Cunningham, Nalah Ashby, Tralee Warren, Michael Boyd, Eli Mitchell, Genavieve Jones, Brook Merritt, Jameson Ardis, Madison Gastol, Layla Kines, Elijah Jones, Parker J. Gilman, Jason McGhee, Alex Girard, and Wesley Jeffords.

Police Department’s Drone Program Enhances Public Safety

The Cibolo Police Department’s drone program is proving to be a powerful tool in enhancing public safety, supporting investigations, and expanding the department’s capabilities across a variety of situations. With seven FAA Part 107-certified drone pilots, including Sgt. Zitkus and Officers Russo, Gray, Spilman, Mireles, Dahlstein, and Brennan, the team operates a fleet that includes thermal drones, and drones for indoor operations and training.

Drones are used for aerial reconnaissance, thermal imaging during night operations, indoor surveillance, public service videos, and search-and-rescue missions— often in challenging weather conditions. The unit also supports other agencies and city departments, including Public Works and the Cibolo Fire Department.

Recent notable successes include locating a missing 92-year-old with dementia at night, assisting Schertz Police Department with an active shooter incident, and helping apprehend a vehicle burglary suspect. Drones have also been deployed at major events like Cibolofest and the Holiday Parade for aerial overwatch, and have supported security during special VIP visits, including two events hosted by the Governor. Officers on patrol use drones for suspicious activity calls, and in a recent burglary call, a drone was flown inside a home to safely clear each room before officers entered.

Inspired by innovation and teamwork?

There’s never been a better time to be part of the Cibolo Police Department.

Take the next step in your law enforcement career with a department that values growth, service, and community.

• Licensed Peace Officers can earn between $64,196 –$87,817, with higher pay available for qualified lateral applicants.

• New Academy Sponsorship! We now sponsor cadets through the police academy—earn $52,000 plus full health benefits while you train.

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Learn from some of our Cibolo Police Officers.

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