April '24 Newsletter

City of Windcrest 8601 Midcrown Windcrest, TX 78239-2598

City Administration & Municipal Court

Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 210-655-0022

Contracted Post Office

Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

City Manager: Rafael Castillo, Jr. Ext. 2120 rcastillo@windcrest-tx.gov

City Council

Mayor: Dan Reese 210-419-0099 | dreese@windcrest-tx.gov

Mayor Pro Tem/Place 2: Cindy Strzelecki cstrzelecki@windcrest-tx.gov

Place 1: Wes Manning wmanning@windcrest-tx.gov

Place 3: Greg Turner gturner@windcrest-tx.gov

Place 4: Marcus Yax 210-246-8895 | myax@windcrest-tx.gov

Place 5: Adam Astleford aastleford@windcrest-tx.gov

City Departments: 210-655-0022

City Secretary: Rachel C. Dominguez Ext: 2100 | citysecretary@windcrest-tx.gov

Permits: Shannon Strey Ext. 2430 | permits@windcrest-tx.gov

Municipal Court: Claudia Carrera Ext. 2250 | court@windcrest-tx.gov

Public Works: Chris Gamboa

Ext. 2490 | cgamboa@windcrest-tx.gov

Finance: Natalia Witmer (MFO) Ext. 2820 | nwitmer@windcrest-tx.gov

Utilities: Kathryn Sittenauer

Mon – Thu 8 AM – 4 PM | Fri 8 AM – 3 PM

Ext. 1053 | utilities@windcrest-tx.gov

Fire Department: Chief Ivan Hernandez Ext. 2180 | firechief@windcrest-tx.gov

FD Admin: Delma Cortez Ext. 2320 | dcortez@windcrest-tx.gov

Fire Inspector: Tim Zelenak Ext. 2990 | tzelenak@windcrest-tx.gov

Police Department: Chief Jim Cole

Ext. 2130 | jcole@windcrest-tx.gov

Code Enforcement | Animal Control 210-655-2666

City Website: www.windcrest-tx.gov

Windcrest Economic Development Corporation

Director: Mario Hernandez

210-469-6802 | marioh@satx.rr.com

Coordinator: Karen K. Nelson

210-469-6800 | knelson@windcrest-tx.gov

Bexar County Water District #10

General Manager: David Wallace

210-655-2888 | gmbcwcid10@gmail.com

Mon – Thu 8 AM – 4 PM | Fri 8 AM – 3 PM Water Emergencies: 210-422-4159

24-Hour Police Non-Emergency 210-655-2666

EMERGENCIES

Mayor’s Message Dan Reese

April showers bring May flowers! The two concerns I receive most are speeding and code enforcement. With the rain and the moderate temperatures of spring, we can expect plant growth everywhere, particularly on our lawns. Windcrest has a proud tradition as a showcase community. We enjoy wide streets, mature trees, and large lawns. We pay taxes, in part, to keep our streets maintained to present a proud community and maintain our property values. It’s up to the homeowners to maintain lawns to help keep the positive look of Windcrest. We have ordinances that determine the maximum height of grass (10 inches), but we hope that code enforcement will not be required. As we enter into this season of plant growth, let us try to stay on top of our lawns and help out our neighbors if they are having trouble maintaining their lawns.

I Want To Know What the Ordinance Says… Our City website (wincrest-tx.gov) has many features. One of them is the ability to see what our Ordinances say. All you have to do is go to the website and select “Stay Connected.” On the next page, select “City Charter & Code of Ordinances.” The “Code of Ordinances” page allows you to read the ordinance or just put a word in the search bar and you will see all of ordinances that have that word in them.

Do not want Solicitors? I was contacted last month by a resident who had unwanted solicitors at his door. You may not know this, but we have an ordinance that requires Peddlers, hawkers, or solicitors to obtain a peddler’s license in accordance with our Code of Ordinances (Chapter 18, Section 18-55). Note: A canvasser is not required to have a peddler’s license. When the Peddler is issued a license, they are given a list of addresses they are NOT allowed to make contact with. If you want to put your address on the “No Visit List” go to www.windcrest-tx.gov/peddlers. Another way to avoid unwanted soliciting is to put a “no soliciting’ sign on your door!

REMEMBER - Total Eclipse is April 8th. Windcrest is in the line of a total solar eclipse on April 8th. We are just on the edge of the “total” part of the ellipse path. The “total ellipse” path will be West of San Antonio and the dead center of the path is to the west towards Boerne, Helotes, and Kerrville. I could not find out when the next “total” eclipse will happen, but I found a record of one in 1397 – so I am guessing this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for our area. Make sure you get eclipse glasses if you are going to watch. Maybe some of you still have them from the partial eclipse we experienced in October.

“Coffee with the Mayor” happens every Saturday that I am in town. Please see my Facebook page (Dan Reese, Mayor, City of Windcrest) for updates. We begin at 8:30 at Las Palapas on Walzem. You are welcome to come anytime you wish and leave as you choose to. Coffee is on me!

“The credibility of the message is intrinsically tied to the integrity of the messenger.”

~Chip Ingram

VOTE in the May 2024 MUNICIPAL AND RUNOFF ELECTIONS

Make an impact – vote in the May Municpal and Runoff Elections. Participate in choosing candidates for the November 2024 election.

Municipal Election

J Early Voting is April 22-30

J Election day is May 4

This election will include several school districts and municipalities, as well as a first-time countywide election for three members of the Bexar County Appraisal District. More details will be available closer to the election.

Runoff Election

J Early Voting is May 20-May 24

J Election day is May 28

This is the runoff election for the Republican and Democratic primary races in which no candidate received more than 50% of the votes. People who voted in the March 5 primary can vote only on the ballot of the same party whose ballot they chose in the March 5 primary. Those who did not vote in the primary can choose which ballot they want.

The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area (lwvsa.org ) is a nonpartisan organization that publishes a Voters Guide before each major election. It is typically distributed to all public libraries, the Bibliotechs, and many additional locations a week or two before Early Voting begins. An interactive version of the Guide can be found at Vote411.org.

By Karen K. Nelson, WEDC Coordinator

Thanks to the recent purchase agreement between Rackspace and Industrial Commercial Properties, Windcrest is poised to witness a surge in new businesses. In addition, the new warehouses currently under construction on Eisenhauer will further attract commercial entities. As a result, the real estate pages on the Windcrest Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) website will need to be updated. The updates will make these pages more visually appealing to potential businesses.

To achieve this, the WEDC Board of Directors has formed a committee to assess the current information on available properties and suggest ways to present them digitally that make them more attractive to prospective businesses. Some tasks may include updating visuals, adding drone footage, or modifying the page layouts to showcase the community better. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, your insights, experiences, and ideas are more important than ever.

We are seeking suggestions on what visitors want to see on our website and are asking for input on any visually appealing representation of the community that would be more attractive to non-Windcrest citizens or business owners. We will use the feedback to improve the website and provide a better user experience.

If you have any suggestions, please send them via email to knelson@ windcrest-tx.gov.

You can review the current WEDC website at https://windcrest-txedc. com/. Thank you for helping us make the WEDC website the best it can be!

Oak tree restrictions are in effect

In Windcrest, Texas, cutting down or trimming an oak tree in April, May, June is NOT allowed within the city limits, due to the potential risk of Oak Wilt.

What is Oak Wilt? Oak Wilt is a deadly disease caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, which spreads rapidly among oak trees, particularly during the spring and summer months. Oak Wilt primarily affects oak trees in the red oak group, including species such as Shumard oak, blackjack oak, and Spanish oak. The disease is spread through interconnected root systems and by sap-feeding beetles that are attracted to open wounds on trees, such as those caused by pruning or cutting. Once a tree becomes infected with Oak Wilt, it can quickly decline and die, posing a threat to surrounding trees in the area.

To prevent the spread of Oak Wilt, it is important to NOT cut down or trim oak trees during the active transmission period which includes April, May, and June.

In Windcrest, Texas, there are often regulations and guidelines in place to protect oak trees and prevent the spread of Oak Wilt. It is advisable to consult with the Permit Division for the permitting process and fee. Residents must ensure compliance with regulations and protect the health of the local oak tree population. Remember, preserving oak trees helps to maintain the ecosystem balance and beauty of Windcrest, Texas for current and future generations.

Fire Department News

By Ivan Hernandez Windcrest Fire Chief

Spring is Coming and Grass and Weeds will be Growing.

Spring has sprung and so has the grass. Please be a good neighbor and mow your lawn regularly. When a lawn is neglected, it reflects negatively on the neighborhood and can become a health and safety hazard. Overgrown grass and weeds attract insects and rodents and can provide fuel for fires during dry months. Property owners are not to allow grass or weeds to exceed ten (10) inches in height. Property owners and tenants are responsible for keeping their lawns mowed to the edge of the roadway.

The hot and dry conditions forecasted for April serve as a good reminder for Windcrest residents and landscape contractors to do their part to reduce the continued threat of wildfires this season by using proper equipment and adhere to the following recommendations when cutting and maintaining dry seasonal grasses. As part of this requirement, property owners, contractors, and retailers must be aware of the proper mechanical equipment recommended for safe weed abatement and how to safely use that equipment to prevent additional fires this season in our community.

The Windcrest Fire Department has responded to numerous fires that were preventable. In many cases improper equipment was being used to cut dry grasses and open fields. Most mowers are designed to cut normal residential grass. Operators should not attempt to use a lawn mower to mow through unusually tall, dry grass or piles of dry leaves.

The metal blades can strike a rock and ignite a fire.

Let us keep our lovely city of Windcrest safe.

A Message From Fire Inspector Zelenak

Doing laundry is part of your everyday routine. But did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire in your home.

J Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.

J Make sure to clean the lint filter before each load of laundry. Remove all lint that has collected around the drum.

J Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.

J Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating, also check for birds’ nest if the vent is damaged.

J Once a year having your air exhaust vent pipe cleaned to remove any lint build up is highly recommended.

J Keep the area around your clothes dryer clean of things that will burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc.

J Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

By Jim Cole, Police Chief

April is here and it is a special month for a very vital part of our police family- our dispatchers! We will celebrate them during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14-20, 2024. Check our Facebook page during this week to see our highlights!

The past few months have been busy as usual for the police department! Our dedicated officers continue with their training, always fitting in more training to their already busy schedules. The ALERRT training (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) has our officers and staff further prepared in the event of an active shooter situation. Led by our own Command Sergeant Mound, we had our entire police family attend. Also, in March we hosted Introduction to Supervision training taught by Robert K. Hartle.

We are also providing an increased traffic presence at the elementary schools in our city- if you see a situation where we can help, please let us know and we will be happy to assist

Wearing the Windcrest Badge

Highlighting Badge 301

Sergeant Mercedes Underwood wears Windcrest Police Department Badge 301. Sergeant Underwood has been a member of the Windcrest Police Department since 2016. She holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Peace Officer Certification. In her free time, Sergeant Underwood enjoys spending time with her children, watching scary movies, visiting museums, and traveling.

CITY SECRETARY

By Rachel C. Dominguez City Secretary

New fence regulation

If you are a homeowner in Windcrest, Texas and are considering installing a fence on your property, you may be required to obtain a fence permit from the city before beginning construction. Before you start building your fence, it is important to understand the requirements for obtaining a permit and the process involved in securing one.

The City of Windcrest has specific guidelines in place for fences to ensure they meet safety and building standards. These guidelines include the height and location of the fence. Before applying for a fence permit, it is important to review the guidelines to ensure your fence will comply with city regulations. You may refer to Ordinance 2023-022(R) at https://library.municode.com/tx/windcrest/codes/ code_of_ordinances.

To apply for a fence permit in Windcrest, you will need to submit an application to the city’s permit division through our online portal at https://www.windcrest-tx.gov/137/Building-Services. The application will typically include details about the proposed fence, such as its height, location on the property, and any other relevant information. You may also be required to provide a site plan showing the location of the fence on your property identifying the front, side, and back yard setbacks.

In addition to the application, you will also need to pay a permit fee. The fee amount can vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Once your application has been submitted, city officials will review it to ensure it complies with zoning regulations and other requirements. If your application is approved, you will receive a permit that authorizes you to begin construction on your fence.

It is important to note that failing to obtain a permit for your fence will result in fines or other penalties. By following the proper procedures and obtaining a permit, you can ensure that your fence is built in compliance with city regulations and will not cause any issues in the future.

If you have any questions about applying for a fence permit in Windcrest, you can contact the city’s permit clerk at permits@windcrest-tx. gov for more information. Someone will be able to provide guidance on the permit process and answer any questions you may have about building a fence on your property.

Judging will take place the LAST week of the month for the upcoming month.

April 24th - 30th for May 2024 Yard Award

GARDEN CLUB

May 25th - 31st for June 2024 Yard Award

By: Kathleen Mulkey

June 24th - 30th for July 2024 Yard Award Yard Award Winners are published in the Windcrest newsletter two month later.

Windcrest Garden Club Plant Sale Fundraiser

There are seven separate sections that are judged. Sections one, two, five and six have garden homes that are judged in addition to homes with full sized yards.

Yard of the Month contest begins

When: April 20, 2024

Where:

United Methodist Church

There are seven separate sections that are judged. Sections one, two, five and six have garden homes that are judged in addition to homes with full sized yards.

There are seven separate sections that are judged. Sections one, two, five and six have garden homes that are judged in addition to homes with full sized yards.

the Month” yard sign shall be displayed in your yard for one month, and you will monthly newsletter. Winners will also receive a certificate and each winner whom Windcrest Garden Club, will receive a complimentary one-year membership. If you have Mulkey at mulkeykt1970@gmail.com. We hope that all residents will participate beautiful!

Judging will take place the LAST week of the month for the upcoming month.

J April 24th - 30th for May 2024 Yard Award

J May 25th - 31st for June 2024 Yard Award

J June 24th - 30th for July 2024 Yard Award

Yard Award Winners are published in the Windcrest newsletter two months later. A yard may win only once each summer.

Along with boasting rights, the “Yard of the Month” yard sign shall be displayed in your yard for one month, and you will receive recognition in the Windcrest monthly newsletter. Winners will also receive a certificate and each winner whom is not already a member of the Windcrest Garden Club, will receive a complimentary one-year membership. If you have any questions, you may contact Kitty Mulkey at mulkeykt1970@gmail.com. We hope that all residents will participate and help make Windcrest even more beautiful!

Yard Award Criteria Appearance/Neatness

J

J

Time: 8am - 2pm

Windcrest GOLF

by Mary Wold

Along with boasting rights, the “Yard of the Month” yard sign shall be displayed in your yard for one month, and you will receive recognition in the Windcrest monthly newsletter. Winners will also receive a certificate and each winner whom is not already a member of the Windcrest Garden Club, will receive a complimentary one-year membership. If you have any questions, you may contact Kitty Mulkey at mulkeykt1970@gmail.com. We hope that all residents will participate and help make Windcrest even more beautiful! Judging will take place the

Don’t be fooled by imitations! Windcrest Golf is the REAL THING! Real friendly, Real low prices and Really good fun! Ladies play on Thursday, Tee time is 9am. We welcome all levels of lady golfers. Information or questions please call Mary at 210-608-9645

How to make Cascarones

Cascarones, those vibrant, confetti-filled eggshells, are a delightful tradition at Fiesta time in San Antonio. Originating from Mexico, these colorful creations bring an extra dose of joy to any celebration. Making cascarones is not only a fun activity but also a creative way to add flair to your festivities. Here’s a simple guide to crafting your own:

Ingredients

J Eggs: Start by gathering empty eggshells. You can either crack the eggs carefully to preserve the shells or use a small tool to create a small hole at the top of each egg and drain the contents.

J Confetti or colored paper: Choose brightly colored tissue paper or cut up scraps of colored paper to fill your cascarones.

J Glue: You’ll need a non-toxic glue to seal the holes after filling the eggs.

J Paints or food coloring: If you want to decorate your cascarones, gather some paints or food coloring for a splash of color.

J Brushes: Small paintbrushes will help you apply the glue and paint.

J Optional Decorations: Ribbons, glitter, or stickers can add extra pizzazz to your cascarones.

Instructions

J Prepare the eggs: After draining the eggs, rinse the shells thoroughly and let them dry completely.

J Fill with confetti: Once dry, carefully fill each eggshell with confetti or colored paper through the small hole at the top.

J Seal the eggs: Apply a small amount of glue around the edges of the hole and press a small piece of tissue paper over it to seal the opening. Let the glue dry completely.

J Decorate (optional): If you want to add decorative touches, paint the outside of the eggshells with vibrant colors or add stickers and glitter for extra sparkle.

J Let them dry: Allow your cascarones to dry completely before handling them to avoid smudging the decorations.

J Celebrate: Once dry, your cascarones are ready to add a burst of color and fun to your Fiesta celebrations. Crack them (gently, please) over friends and family’s heads to spread joy and laughter.

CLUB

Spring is here: a beautiful time of the year In Windcrest! The Windcrest Women’s Club’s April 24th program will get you excited to jump right into the season. Jennifer Rodriquez, from BFI Treasures, will share all sorts of ideas to refresh your home, warm your heart, and give gifts to those you love. Be sure to save the date and join us at the Windcrest Red Lobster at 6 pm on April 24th. As always, dining is optional; so, do not hesitate to come have some fun. We will vote on our new officers for the 2024-2025 Club year. Watch your email for candidate names and positions.

The 9 May Old Bag Luncheon is fast approaching. The variety and quality of purses this year is spectacular! You do not want to miss out. Seats are filling up fast, so do not wait to get tickets. Tickets are $30.00 each & seating is limited. Go to windcrestwomensclub.com and purchase tickets, or call Connie Ball, 210-656-3035 for cash/check purchase. Once again, Roosevelt High School’s award-winning Culinary Department is catering to our event. They “rocked it” last year!!

The fun for next year starts in August. Go online or use the attached form to JOIN or RENEW your membership now! Our installation of officers is May 22nd at the beautiful Petroleum Club. All new, renewed & guests are invited. Watch for details in the MAY newsletter!

Enroll online

LIONS CLUB NEWS

By Lion Tim Flick

Thank you again to everyone who came out and supported the Lions Club at our Pancake/Sausage Breakfast. Your support at fundraisers like these allows us to continue to help those in need in our community and do things like continuing to support our local elementary schools and senior centers. We could not do it without the support of our wonderful Windcrest residents!

Your Windcrest Lions Club members recently voted to sponsor a team at the Windcrest Little League! An important part of our mission is to support area youth, so our members were happy to support a team. Please come out this season and cheer on your Windcrest Lions Little League team!

Lions Club and LEO Club members recently went to Mobility Worldwide to help assemble PET carts for the leg disabled around the world. PET carts are hand-cranked Mobility Carts, vehicles that allow them to go where ordinary wheelchairs will not go. They are provided at no cost to the recipient and gives them the Gift of Mobility.

The Windcrest Lions Club is a community service-oriented organization and makes a real and positive difference in people’s lives. If you would like to be a part of the goodness, serve your community and work with like-minded people, we would love to have you join us! You can reach out to our membership chair at tkflick@gmail.com

Interested in joining the Lions Club?

Contact us at 210-951-9463 or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/WindcrestLions.

You can also learn more about our organization at windcrestlionsclub.org. Give us a call and join us for one of our meetings at the Takas Park Civic Center.

Public Works

By Chris Gamboa, Public Works Director

April Showers bring May Flowers!

Curb Side Pickup will start on April 1st through April 19th.

Please do not dispose of any of the following items:

J Ammunition, chemicals, concrete, paints, pharmaceuticals, or tires.

J Only air conditioning units and refrigerators that have had all freon professionally removed and tagged will be accepted.

Please check city’s website for further information regarding specific pick-up dates and maps.

Windcrest Animal Control Task Force

By Pam Dodson

210-562-0299

April is going to be an eventful month! We are participating in the Spring Festival at the United Methodist Church right here in Windcrest on April 13th! And we continue to hold our PetSmart “Meet and Greet” on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays (1 – 4) of each month so you can come to see our dogs. Be sure to check out our TxWeACT Facebook page where we have lots of good information and photos. In fact, here are the dogs we have right now!!

Jude Isabel Matthew

DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS • MIRRORED WALLS

REPLACEMENT GLASS • SHOWER ENCLOSURES

GLASS TABLE TOPS

Free Estimates

Just give 210-562-0299 a call to meet your next best friend! If adoption or fostering is not something you can do, then we can talk about the sponsoring of one of these dogs!

Thank you for all the support for Toes Malone … photos to come!!!

Meetings: the 4th Tuesday of the month

Disclaimer: Pamela Dodson did not write the TxWeACT article in the February newsletter.

Remember to

Windcrest Spring Bulk and Brush Pick Up: April 1 – April 19, 2024

The City of Windcrest Curbside Brush and Bulk Pick Up Will Run April 1 To April 19, 2024.

This service is for WINDCREST RESIDENTS ONLY. Brush and bulk collection will be picked up in sections throughout the city. For your reference, please refer to the guidelines below to identify the section your collection will occur.

Our SPRING bulk and brush collection will begin in SECTION 1.

SECTION 1

All homes located west of Midcrown are located in Section 1. Curb side service will begin on Monday, April 1, collecting through Friday, April 5 ONLY. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be placed out on the curb NO EARLIER than Monday, March 25, and NO LATER than Sunday, March 31. Collection will only be picked up once in each Section. Republic Service WILL NOT RETURN for additional pick-ups or missed pick-ups due to collection not being placed out by Sunday, MARCH 31. NO EXCEPTIONS.

SECTION 2

All homes located east of Midcrown, south of Crestway, and west of Eaglecrest are located in Section 2. Curb side service will begin on Monday, April 8, collecting through Friday, April 12. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be placed out on the curb NO EARLIER than Monday, April 1, and NO LATER than Sunday, April 7. Collection will only be picked up once in each section. Republic Service WILL NOT RETURN for additional collection or missed collections due to items not being placed out by Sunday, April 7. NO EXCEPTIONS.

SECTION 3

All homes located north of Crestway and east of Eaglecrest are located in Section 3. Curb side service will begin on Monday, April 15, collecting through Friday, April 19. ALL brush and bulk items to be collected MUST be placed out on the curb NO EARLIER than Monday, April 8 and NO LATER than Sunday, April 14. Collection will only be picked up once in each Section. Republic Service WILL NOT RETURN for additional collection or missed collections due to items not being placed out by Sunday, April 14. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Refer to the map above to confirm the SECTION your collection will be picked up. Each SECTION will be serviced ONLY ONCE. Your collection must be out on the curb by the prescribed date. If your items are not on the curb by your SECTION deadline, your house will be MISSED.

THERE WILL NOT BE ANY RETURN VISITS FOR PICK UP. Any materials placed out after your street has been serviced, the homeowner will be responsible for disposing the materials at the Republic dumpsite and pay their dumping fees.

Need to know what are acceptable collections for this service? Refer to the guidelines listed below. Any questions regarding materials not listed below, please contact Republic Services directly at 210-3042700.

Brush/Bulky Guidelines

J Limit your brush pile to five (5) cubic yards. If over five (5) cubic yard, it will not be picked up.

J To determine the cubic yards take the Length x Width x Height of the pile and divide by 27. (this will equal the cubic yards for example 5ft long by 5ft Wide by 5ft High = 125 divided by 27 equals 4.63 cubic yards.

J Brush must be placed within eight (8) feet of the curb.

J Do not place brush piles in front of parked cars, near fences, trees, mailboxes, beneath overhead wires, low-hanging tree limbs, or on top of gas/water meters.

Accepted Materials

Shrubs, Tree Branches, Woody Vines, Other herbaceous and woody plants, BBQ grills (without compressed gas tanks), Carpeting, Fencing, Furniture, Mattresses, Toilets, Water heaters, Appliances ***Refrigerators, freezers, and a/c window units will be collected only if refrigerant has been removed and the appliance is tagged and certified, indicating removal of refrigerant***.

Materials Not Accepted

Household Trash, Construction Debris, Glass (such as doors or Windows), Hazardous Materials (paints, household cleaners), Compressed Gas Tanks, Tires, Televisions, Computers, Waste Oil, Medical Waste, Appliances with refrigerant that has not been removed and certified.

Better Business Bureau REPORT

Keep Your Cool: Trustworthy AC Repair Tips

By Jason Meza

Regional Director - San Antonio

Slowly but surely, that famous Texas heat is returning and will be back in triple digits. It’s important to be prepared in case you begin experiencing problems with your air conditioning unit or just need a preventative maintenance check.

According to energy.gov, furnaces and air conditioners need their filters cleaned and changed every couple of months. A dirty filter can also increase energy costs and damage equipment. Maintaining your home’s heating and cooling systems can improve the overall air quality of your home, cut energy costs and help alleviate allergies.

If your AC needs a bit of work or isn’t cooling properly, annual spring maintenance can help improve efficiency and prolong the life of your unit. In 2019, Better Business Bureau (BBB) received 2,800+ complaints regarding HVAC contractors nationwide. These complaints can range up to $1,500 in financial loss and common issues deal with billing, the quality of workmanship or lack of proper permits.

As a homeowner, you should also always be on the lookout for red flags of unreliable businesses. BBB warns against these signs for untrustworthy AC Contractors or any other home improvement services:

J Start with research. Visit bbb.org to see a business’s profile and check their complaint history and customer reviews. BBB Request-A-Quote is a tool allowing you to get fast quotes from accredited businesses. Ask for referrals from trusted people.

J Verify licenses. Often, low rated businesses in this industry don’t have the proper licenses to do repair or installation work. Verify with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR.texas.gov/LicenseSearch) that they have updated licenses matching the business name.

J Avoid high pressure tactics. Typically, they might try this by offering you a great deal and saying its only good right then. In most cases, if a deal is good one day, it will be good the next. Be

especially careful with door-to-door solicitors who might not be working with legitimate businesses.

J Get everything in writing. Another common complaint is warranty issues. Getting everything in writing can help your case if you find yourself in this situation. Get up to 3 estimates and make payment using reliable methods such as check or credit card.

J Asks for a large upfront payment. A typical payment schedule should follow the “Rule of Thirds.” The first payment is given when signing the contract and helps pay for materials, the second payment when work begins, and the final payment when the job is finished, and you are satisfied with the quality of work.

J To find a trustworthy AC Repair company, file a complaint or leave a positive review, visit bbb.org.

OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION

ORGANIZATIONS:

American Legion - Jack Leonhardt - jackleonhardt@aol.com

Boy Scout of America: Justin Buckner - 210-744-7296 - buckj64@gmail.com

FIT High-Performance Tennis Academy & Pickleball Center - 210-405-3781www.fithptennisacademy.com

GRASP Transit: 210-658-6351 - grasp211.org/windcrest-shuttle/

Lion’s Club - Timothy Flick - 210-951-9463 - tkflick@gmail.com

TxWeAct - Pam Dodson - 210-562-0299 - txweact@yahoo.com

Windcrest Garden Club - Kity Mulkey - 210-780-1037

Windcrest Golf Course - 210-655-1421

Windcrest Little League - Aaron Garcia - 210-608-2729 - windcrestlittleleague@gmail.com - www. windcrestbaseball.org

Windcrest Volunteers - Anita Luna-Caulk - volunteers@windcrest-tx.gov

Windcrest Women’s Club - Lois Wooten - 210-827-4357

Windcrest Citizen’s Patrol:

• Team 1 Captain - James Senseney - 210-823-1726

• Team 2 Captain - Joe Regan - 210-655-2355

• Team 3 Captain - Mike Magallanez - 210-267-8390

• Team 4 Captain - Elvie Ortiz - 210-861-5558

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS:

Refer to the City of Windcrest Board and Commission web page for a current list of vacancies. Applications accepted year-round.

Board of Adjustments

Billy Gipson

George Alva

Robert Rohleder - Chair

Susie Hamilton

Dr. Bruce Thompson

A1. Gwen Wilson

A2. VACANT

A3. VACANT

Ethics Commission

Rose Marie Caballero

Jill S. Vogel

Vanessa Rye

Peter Van Dusen - Chair

Victoria Moe

A1. VACANT

A2. VACANT

Parks & Recreation Commission

Jim Flinn - Chair

Landon Patterson

Jay Eldridge

Lamar Lawson

Scott Lee Ross – Vice Chair

Justin Prochnow

Monica Baietti

A1. Angel Selina

A2. Jesus Martin

CUTOFF DATES FOR THE NEXT NEWSLETTER NOTICES TO CITY HALL :

To provide timely information in the next Newsletter, notices must be in the Administration Office by noon on February 29th, and announce activities occurring after Mar. 31st only. Please email articles to newsletter@windcrest-tx.gov in ‘Word’ documents only so articles can be edited for misspellings, etc. which cannot be done in PDF or any other format. Also, please provide a contact name & phone number for City Hall.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Rainbeau Presti - Chair

Terry McDowell

Steven Hall

Fern Dallas

Debora Huber

Barbara Meade

Matthew Halbert

A1. Tanya Aksamentova

A2. VACANT

A3. VACANT

WCCPD Board of Directors

Mike Arnold

Rhonda Rowland

William Lambrides

Margaret Weidenbach – Vice President

Dr. William R. Mueller – President

James Senseney

Tim Dehn

Economic Development Corporation

Melissa Cervera-Castro

Tanya Aksamentova

Frank Martin

Rainbeau Presti – Vice President

John Fagin

Ritchie “Rip” Stimpson

Jennifer Newman – President

BCWCID #10

Sue Alexander

Salexanderbcwcid10@gmail.com

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To advertise in this newsletter, please contact Neighborhood News at 210-558-3160 or sales@ neighborhoodnews.com

Refer to the City Website windcrest-tx.gov and city hall Marquee for City Council and Board & Commission meeting dates.

Recipe Corner

No-Bake Lemon Tarts

Yields: 6 servings. Total time, 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Ingredients

J Crust

J 14 Graham crackers

J 7 Tbsp. Unsalted butter, melted

J Filling

J 2 Cups heavy cream

J 1/2 Cup granulated sugar

J 2 Tsp. Lemon zest

J 1/3 Cup lemon juice

Decorations

J Sliced strawberries, raspberries, halvedcherries, sliced mango, and edibleflowers, for serving

J Chocolate butterflies, for serving

Directions

J STEP 1: In a food processor, pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs. Add butter and pulse to combine. Divide mixture among six 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms; press evenly on bottoms and up sides. Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.

J STEP 2: Meanwhile, prepare lemon filling: In a medium saucepan, combine cream and sugar and cook over low heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.

J STEP 3: Bring to a boil, then simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and add lemon zest and juice. Let cool 20 minutes, then divide among crust-lined tart shells and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

J STEP 4: Make chocolate butterflies (optional): Fold a piece of parchment paper in half, then open. Using a resealable plastic bag filled with melted chocolate, outline butterfly wings on each side of the fold, then prop up between two plates so that each wing is slightly elevated and the paper isn’t completely flat; let set. If desired, once set, fill in with melted chocolate.

J STEP 5: Serve with sliced strawberries, raspberries, halved cherries, sliced mango (arranged in overlapping concentric circles), edible flowers,and chocolate butterflies.

How to stay safe while walking

Walking is a healthy activity, but you should know the rules of pedestrian safety first. This is especially true if you are walking in an area where there aren’t sidewalks or paths separate from the road. To stay safe while walking, follow these rules of the road:

J Walk facing traffic when walking on the side of the road

If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic.

J Cross safely

Look both ways before crossing any street. At controlled intersections, cross only when you have the pedestrian crossing light. But even then, drivers and bikers may have a green light to turn and won’t be expecting you to be in the crosswalk. Make sure they see you.

J Walk single file when not separated from the road

Unless you are on a sidewalk separated from the road or in a wide bike/pedestrian lane, you should walk in single file. This is especially important on a road with lots of curves and where traffic has only a split second chance of seeing you.

J Be aware of bikers and runners

Share the road and path with bikers and runners. Bike riders should alert you when approaching from behind with a bike bell or a “passing on the left/right.” Listen for them, and move to walk single file, allowing them to pass safely. Runners should also call out for passing.

J Be visible

Wear brightly colored clothing when walking in the daytime. When walking at night, wear light-colored or reflective clothing to be visible. Drivers are often not expecting walkers to be out after dark, and you need to give them every chance to see you, even at street crossings that have crossing signals. Be just as cautious at dawn or twilight, as drivers still have limited visibility or may even have the setting or rising sun directly in their eyes.

J Keep the volume down

Don’t drown out your environment when listening to your earbuds or headphones. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear bike bells and warnings from other walkers and runners coming up behind you.

J Hang up and eyes up

Chatting, texting, or playing games on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as doing those things while driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, passing joggers and bikers or tripping hazards. Potential criminals see you as a distracted easy target. Keep your phone in your pocket.

J Be aware of stranger danger

Choose your walking route for paths frequented by other walkers, joggers, and bikers. If you see someone suspicious, be prepared to alter your course or go into a store or public building to avoid them. Acting alert and aware can convince bad guys to choose an easier target.

Source: https://www.verywell.com/walking-safety-rules-3435079