January 2022

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS

SCHERTZ

SCHERTZ

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 City Headlines

08 Parks & Recreation

12 Library

City Council

Ralph Gutierrez Mayor

Mark Davis Councilmember

Rosemary Scott Councilmember

Jill Whittaker Councilmember

Michael Dahle Councilmember

David Scagliola Councilmember

Allison Heyward Councilmember

Tim Brown Councilmember

Executive Team

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

Brian James Assistant City Manager

Charles Kelm Assistant City Manager

Adrian Perez Executive Director

Sarah Gonzalez Assistant to the City Manager

Mission

Leading, improving, and serving a livable, sustainable, and financially sound community.

Vision

Community. Service. Opportunity.

Core Values

Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Do the right thing. Be the best you can. Work cooperatively as a team.

About Our Magazine

Schertz Magazine is a monthly popular lifestyle/entertainment/ community events publication wholly owned and operated by the City of Schertz and produced internally by the Schertz Public Affairs Department. It serves as the primary dissemination source for government information for a growing city of over 42,000 residents.

Today, Schertz Magazine is the leading publication in the Tri-County area with a circulation of 16,000 copies; including 14,000+ direct mailed and 500+ subscriptions from Austin through San Antonio and around the country (including dozens of out-of-state readers). The magazine is mailed to 15,000+ local households and over 1,000 businesses with hundreds of copies made available at local and regional banks, hospitals and clinics, schools, pharmacies, and restaurants.

36 Features

44 Around the Community

47 Calendar

FEATURES

36

New Development on Main Street

40

Schertz EMS Feels Effects of the Pandemic

CITY MANAGER

Hello Schertz residents and Happy New Year. We hope you had a super holiday season. Our holiday activities were very successful this year including our tree lighting and our Holidazzle activities as well as the Festival of Angels parade. 2022 is now upon us and with it brings many new challenges and opportunities for the City of Schertz.

We have an exciting magazine for you this month. As you may be aware, the City has been putting new emphasis on our Main Street area with new businesses and greater development. In this edition, we highlight some of those businesses that are contributing to the changing look of this part of town. The City is also planning an infrastructure investment to repave Main Street and add decorative pavers and other features.

Additionally, we are running a feature story on our wonderful Emergency Medical Services team and their experiences through the COVID pandemic which has generated new protocols and procedures. These outstanding professionals do a wonderful job keeping us safe every day and responding to calls for medical service throughout the Northeast San Antonio region, now including Randolph Air Force base. Our EMS department is truly a regional service provider!

The voters of the City of Schertz recently approved a $15M bond issue to build fire station number 4. The package includes design, engineering, and construction of the new station as well as purchasing a new ladder truck and the acquisition of land for the station. The location has not been completely determined, but we will locate the station somewhere in the vicinity of the industrial park area so that area receives adequate coverage as the City continues to grow. We appreciate the support of the voters of Schertz in sustaining our efforts to improve our public safety service.

Finally, the City held a grand opening in December for our newly remodeled Fleet vehicle repair facility on Commercial Place. This $1M plus project converted an existing building into a new state-of-the-art fleet facility. This will give us the ability to expand the number of bays available for repair and also includes office space, a break room, service pits, and new lifts for greater capacity as well as a facility for our outstanding sign shop that does such a great job making signs for our vehicles and streets. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine this month and don’t forget to take it with you on vacation and send us your pictures!

The City of Schertz wishes each of our residents all the best in the New Year and we hope that 2022 will be a fantastic year for our City.

JANUARY 2022

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Public Affairs Department

Linda Klepper

Public Affairs Director

Devan Christensen Communications Manager

Madison Porras

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Contributing Writers

Linda Klepper, Devan Christensen, Madison Porras, Sarah Gonzalez, Kira Villarreal, Jaime Cline, Stacey Lovett, Vanessa DiCiolla, Lizzi Bertoia, Mary Spence, Michelle Yang, Emily Delgado, Anna Kraft, Roz Wise

Contributing Photographers

Devan Christensen, Madison Porras, Stacey Lovett, Joe Herczeg, Anna Kraft, Service Dogs, Inc

Schertz Magazine is published monthly by the Public Affairs Department of the City of Schertz promoting city, community, and business activities. Our mailing address is 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. © City of Schertz, Texas

The editorial office of Schertz Magazine is at 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas 78154. Call (210) 619-1600 / Fax (210) 619-1619 Website is Schertz.com

OFFICIAL FINE PRINT

Send queries about articles or photographs to Schertz Magazine at magazine@schertz.com. For advertising information call (210) 619-1633 or email magazine@schertz.com.

NEWS POLICY

Schertz Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Schertz Magazine, email us at magazine@schertz.com or call us at (210) 619-1600.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the City of Schertz. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other non-merit factor of purchaser, user or patron.

Articles that appear in Schertz Magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of the City of Schertz and does not constitute an endorsement therein. The appearance of any advertisement in Schertz Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the goods or services advertised. Any publication of Schertz Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the City of Schertz and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the City of Schertz.

Dr. Mark Browne City Manager

mbrowne@schertz.com

Schertz residents have more new reasons to venture downtown than ever before, as 2021 has marked an exciting year for new development on Main Street.

Every first weekend of December the City of Schertz holds its annual Holidazzle event packed full of festive fun for the whole family. Santa kicks off the day by hosting a pancake breakfast to all who were nice this year –and who pre-purchased tickets for the private dining event sponsored by Abel’s Diner.

Local vendors set up shop in the Civic Center for the Kris Kringle Market bringing the holiday shopping experience under one roof for handmade gifts, specialty food items, and independent consultant products.

The Holiday Hoopla is a crowd favorite filled with free family events including the return of Mt. Schertz, snow angel play areas, bouncy houses, and plenty of holiday-themed photo ops around the complex. Rested from a belly full of breakfast, Santa made another appearance for photos that afternoon with his crew of elves alongside all of the fun and games. The Purpose Church set up Christmas-themed lawn activities for the kids and in between all the entertainment, they had the opportunity to write their letters to Santa as well as seasons greetings and well wishes to the troops overseas. Face painting and balloon art were a hit as well as the DIY s’mores station provided by River City Community Church.

Local food vendors were on hand with everything from BBQ and turkey legs to sweet treats before the Festival of Angels Lighted Night Parade which ran from Main Street down Schertz Parkway into the Johnie McDow Sports Complex. The parade was open to local businesses and non-profit groups as well as individuals and brought about 800 participants with 44 entries this year.

More than 50 community volunteers were to thank for helping make this year’s Holidazzle event a success as well as a generous sponsorship from Gunn Buick/GMC.

TITLE SPONSOR

The City of Schertz would also like to send out a big thank you to their staff, Legacy Traditional Schools, Schertz Bank and Trust, South Texas Ford Truck Mafia, Texas Truck Alliance, Samuel Clemens High School Athletics, Byron Steele High School Athletics, River City Community Church, The Purpose Church, and all of the community residents at large for sharing both the holiday and community spirit at this year’s event.

DECK THE CITY HALL USHERS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The City of Schertz officially welcomed in the 2021 holiday season with the lighting of the Schertz Christmas tree and viewing of the menorah on December 2 in the company of fellow city officials and local citizens. Cookies and cocoa sponsored by The ChamberSchertz, Cibolo, Selma, and shared by River City Community Church set the festive spirit as everyone gathered around the tree to get their photo opportunities. The YMCA provided an activity for the little ones with a chance to write a letter to Santa and post it in his mailbox on site that night. In addition to the tree this year, the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex was illuminated bringing a little more season’s greetings to Schertz Parkway and a daily reminder of community as we share that light with our fellow residents and those stationed abroad during the holidays.

The City of Schertz is committed to providing a high quality of life for our residents which includes the many events, programs, and facility rentals offered by Schertz Parks & Recreation. CivicRec gives you the ability to view, register, and reserve Schertz Parks & Recreation activities, events, facilities, and manage your account all in one place. Payments for programs and rentals can also be made on CivicRec.

Once you create an account and sign in, be sure to click on “Account” to verify your address and contact information. You can also update your contact preferences. Then you may click on “Catalog” to view recreation programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, pavilion rentals, and more.

Here are just some things you can do on Civic Rec:

Check availability for park pavilion rentals

Register for a nature education program

Sign up to volunteer

Purchase a Veteran's Memorial Plaza brick

Go to Schertz.com to log on to CivicRec today to join in on all of the FUN to be had!

volunteer SCHERTZ

GET READY TO VOLUNTEER!

Volunteering time and talents is a great way to give to the community, build self-esteem, share your skills, and make a positive impact in others’ lives. A variety of opportunities are available in the local area. Visit Schertz.com/Volunteer to sign up today!

Upcoming Opportunities

■ Feb 18 – 19: Dynamic Duos DO-OVER

■ March 5: Kick Cancer Pep Rally & 5K Run

■ March 26: Star Party

■ April 3: Movin on Main

COLD CA SE FOR A

SCHERTZ PARKS & REC RECEIVES TFEA AWARDS

Congratulations to the Schertz Parks and Recreation Department who we were recently awarded several first, second, and third place prizes in the Texas Festival & Event Association’s Kaliff Marketing Awards. A special thanks goes out to the Schertz Public Affairs team, and all of our sponsors and partners for elevating the city’s events and programs this year.

Gold

■ Best Promotional Brochure, Parks Fun Guide

■ Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials Single Page, Music & Movies in the Park Series

■ Best Cover Design, 2021 Schertz Magazine

Silver

■ Best Digital/Social Ad Series, A Spooky Social Distanced

■ Best Outdoor Billboard, Movin on Main

■ Best Education Program, Ed-Zoo-Cation

■ Best Campaign Outreach Program, Popsicle Parties

■ Best New Event, Dark Skies & Fireflies

Bronze

■ Best Overall Hybrid Event, A Spooky Social Distanced

do over

Events are open to all dads/ daughters, moms/sons, or any parent/child. Tickets on sale beginning January 3.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children.

Seating is limited at each session. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Calling all superheroes!

Superhero fathers and mothers grab your capes and get ready to treat that special super girl or super boy to a power-filled night.

Superheroes unite at the Schertz Parks & Recreation Dynamic Duos DO-OVER for a night of heroic adventures. The night of Dynamic Duos will be conquered with music, duo dancing, refreshments, crafts, and some boom, pow, zap, and kapow! Make sure to bring those superpowers with you!

Celebrate the Dynamic Duos super strength at the Schertz Civic Center on Friday, February 18 and Saturday, February 19! Mothers and sons will Thor down the hammer on Friday night from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., and daddies and daughters will Marvel in the night with activities on Saturday evening from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. or from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

CREATIVEBUG

Creativebug.com has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts

EXTREME BOOK

Our year-long Extreme Book Nerd Reading

read for 5 hours DECEMBER 18 - FEBRUARY

Light Up Your World with great books and make reading a habit this winter!

The whole family (Kids! Teens! Adults!) is invited to join the Winter Reading Challenge. Read 5 books or read 5 hours (you choose!). Choose to log 5 books or 5 hours and record your reading on your reading log. Turn in your completed reading log by February 5 to be entered to win a raffle prize. For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, please visit Schertz.com/wrc.

VISIT SCHERTZLIBRARY.ORG

NERD 2021

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

QIGONG CLASS AT THE LIBRARY

SCHERTZ AREA GENEALOGY MEETING INFORMATION

The Schertz Area Genealogy group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, except July, at the Schertz Public Library. The meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1 with speakers or general discussion about worldwide research.

POETRY OPEN MIC

Join us for a relaxed and friendly open mic poetry night on Thursday, January 13 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in Library Meeting Room 1. This open mic will give poets the opportunity to socialize and network with other writers. Everyone is invited to come enjoy the work of our local poets. Sign-up for readers will be available the night of the program. The library holds an open mic event once a month on the second Thursday.

SEW LET IT BEE: LIBRARY QUILT BEE

Join us for a few fun hours of quilting! The Quilt Bee meets on the second Tuesday and third Saturday of each month in Library Meeting Room 1. The bee is perfect for advanced quilters as well as those interested in getting started! Join us Tuesday, January 11 from 12 – 3 p.m. and Saturday, January 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This program is for adults 18+. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.

Join us for our newest exercise program at the library, Qigong for adults 18+ with local certified instructor, Jennifer Eash. The program will be held Tuesday, January 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Courtyard and again Monday, January 10 at 6:15 p.m. in the Library Program Room. What is Qigong? Pronounced "chee gong", it is an ancient Chinese practice inspired by nature. Qigong means "energy skill" or "energy work" and is an extremely diverse practice that helps you develop skills in working with your own energy, expanding your self-awareness of your connection to yourself, other people, and the world around you. We will be using gentle, guided, standing practices, combining breath with movement, to remove old energy and bring in fresh energy, supporting you in developing more strength, resilience, agility, and focus. No additional equipment is required. This program is for adults 18+. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.

SCRAPBOOK AND PAPER CRAFTING

Join us on the fourth Sunday of each month from 12 – 5 p.m. in the Program Room for a paper crafting meet-up. Visit the calendar for more details at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.

STORY & SWIM TIME

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 FROM 10:00 – 11:30 A.M.

The Schertz Family YMCA and the Schertz Public Library would like to invite children ages 6 and younger to join our Story & Swim time. Ms. April will present story time followed by a craft or activity. We end the morning with swim time with a certified instructor. Join us the first Friday of every month September through May from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign up at the Schertz Aquatic Welcome Center. Parents are required to participate with child(ren) and accompany them in the pool.

STORYTIME RESUMES WITH REGISTRATION

Come read, sing, and move with Ms. Michelle during storytime at the library. Storytime resumes the week of January 16 for six weeks. We are moving inside the Children’s Library during the cold weather months of winter. Registration will be required for all youth programs beginning in January 2022. Each program will have a registration link on the library’s online calendar at Schertz.com/youthcalendar.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

TUESDAYS AT 10:15 A.M.

Preschool Storytimes are appropriate for children ages 3-6 years with an accompanying adult. This program is a language-rich experience with books and songs for children who are getting ready for school. Participants will receive a take-home craft after storytime. Join us Tuesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. Registration required. Go to Schertz.com/ youthcalendar for more information.

TODDLER STORYTIME

WEDNESDAYS AT 10:15 A.M.

Toddler Storytime is for library users between the ages of 20 months to 3 years with an accompanying adult. We will share fingerplays, songs, stories, and rhymes. Participants will receive a take-home craft after storytime. Join us Wednesday mornings 10:15 a.m. Registration required. Go to Schertz.com/youthcalendar for more information.

BABY & ME STORYTIME

THURSDAYS AT 10:15 A.M.

Baby & Me Storytime is for our youngest library users, those from birth to 24 months with an accompanying adult. We will share short stories, songs, and rhymes. Join us Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m. in the Courtyard. Registration required. Go to Schertz.com/ youthcalendar for more information.

For a comprehensive listing of all library events please visit SchertzLibrary.org.

Meet Your Schertz City Council

RALPH GUTIERREZ, MAYOR

Mayor Ralph Gutierrez was sworn in as the Mayor of the City of Schertz in November 2019. Previously he served as a City Council member from 2016 – 2019. Gutierrez is a native Texan and has been a Schertz resident since 1991 when he was reassigned to Randolph Air Force Base. Gutierrez graduated from the University of Maryland and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In 1994, he retired from the U.S. Air Force, and in January 2016, retired from the U.S. Federal Courts. Ralph and his wife Raquel have been married for 43 years and are proud to have a daughter who graduated from Samuel Clemens High School and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

MARK E. DAVIS, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 1

Councilmember Mark Davis has served on City Council since 2016. He and his family have resided in Schertz since 2007. Davis earned an Associate’s Degree in Security Administration from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) in 1995, and a subsequent Associate’s Degree from CCAF in Instructor of Technology and Military Science in 1996. In 1998, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude. In 2009, Davis completed his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wayland Baptist University and retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. In November 2009, he returned to government employment with the United States Air Force and currently serves as an Operations Analyst in the Integrated Defense Cell at the Air Force Installation

and Mission Support Center, Port San Antonio, Texas. Davis has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Traffic Safety Advisory Commission, and Schertz Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. He and his wife Sherry have been married since 1980 and they have three children and three grandchildren.

ROSEMARY SCOTT, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 2

Councilmember Rosemary Scott was elected to City Council in 2019. Scott grew up in San Antonio and moved to Schertz in 1998 with her husband Guy, and their four children who attended SCUCISD schools. Scott is a graduate of Trinity University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English, and she is currently an English Teacher and Publications Advisor at Wagner High School. Prior to teaching, Scott was a nationally-recognized research director who worked in Broadcast Media for 20 years and was included in the prestigious group “Most Influential Women in Radio” for 10 years. As a business marketing specialist, Scott has been published in magazines and newspapers across the United States. Scott has been active in the Schertz community for more than two decades, volunteering for many school and civic events. She joined the Schertz Economic Corporation Board of Directors in 2010 and became the Secretary-Treasurer in 2011. The military is important to Rosemary, with her father, brothers, husband, and sons serving our country. Her husband is an Air Force Veteran, and two sons currently serve in the military.

JILL WHITTAKER, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 3

Councilmember Jill Whittaker was elected to City Council in 2020. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Administration from York College of Pennsylvania in 1995 and was selected for the competitive PALACE Acquire Intern program where she worked as a youth recreation specialist for the United States Air Force. After three years working as a civilian with the USAF, Jill desired to serve her country in a greater way and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. After getting married, Jill decided to separate from the Air Force in 2006 in order to focus on raising her family for the next several years. In 2011 Jill’s husband was assigned to Ft. Meade, Maryland where she returned to work as the Music and Theater Ticket Office Manager at the United States Naval Academy. In 2015 the Whittaker family returned to the San Antonio area, and Jill decided to enter the private sector as a licensed REALTOR® with JBGoodwin REALTORS®. She is now the sales manager of JBGoodwin’s newest office in Schertz. Jill is married to Jeff Whittaker, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, and they have three young boys.

MICHAEL DAHLE, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 4 & MAYOR PRO TEM

Councilmember Michael Dahle has served on City Council since 2019. Dahle and his family have called Schertz home since 2003. Dahle attended Texas Tech University before moving to San Antonio with his future wife in 1989 where they married and started a family. For the last 6 years, he has worked for a local grocery retailer in various store leadership roles, most recently as a facilities manager, responsible for managing a number of facilities in the San Antonio market. An active volunteer in the Schertz community, Dahle began by founding the Woman Hollering Creek Owners Association to initiate and secure the release of over 3,500 acres of land from San Antonio to Schertz in 2005, culminating in its acquisition by Schertz in 2010. From 2006-2009 he served as chairman of the SCUCISD Bond Oversight Committee as well as serving on the Community Advisory Committee from 2010-2013. Dahle was appointed to the Schertz Planning & Zoning Commission in 2011 and served until his election to City Council in November 2019, serving the last 2 years as Chairman of Planning & Zoning. Dahle and his wife raised their two daughters in Schertz, and both graduated from Samuel Clemens High School.

DR. DAVID SCAGLIOLA, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 5

Councilmember Scagliola has served on City Council from 2006 – 2014, and 2017 – present. At the age of 19, he came to Texas courtesy of the United States Air Force and completed Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB. Airman Scagliola attended technical training in San Antonio and got married at Brooks AFB. After tours in Germany and South Carolina, his four-year Air Force commitment ended and he returned to college full time. Two years later he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Mathematics from Eastern Connecticut State College. In addition, he was a distinguished graduate of Air Force ROTC, which started the second part of his Air Force career. He holds an aeronautical rating as a Navigator and logged over 2,200 as an Electronic Warfare Officer in B52s. Following his Air Force retirement, he began teaching math, statistics, and operations management for Park University at Randolph and Lackland AFBs. In 2011, he applied his remaining GI Bill benefits towards earning a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. David and his wife Maria have been married for over 45 years and are blessed with one daughter and a granddaughter.

ALLISON HEYWARD, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 6

Councilmember Allison Heyward has served on City Council since 2018. She and her family have lived in Schertz since 2011. Heyward earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Texas Southern University in 1990. Following college graduation, Allison worked as a substitute teacher in Houston ISD before joining the Contract Department of Phillips 66 Petroleum in Houston. Allison and her husband (Ferrando) of 30 years are the proud parents of two children. After the birth of her children, her primary focus was on raising them and being available to them during her husband’s many deployments. After her husband retired from the US Navy, Allison decided the blend of city life and a small-town-friendly atmosphere made Schertz the ideal place for the family to settle. Following the family’s return from overseas, she served as the Logistics and Purchasing Coordinator for Bison Signs from 2008-2016, and from 2016-2018 she worked as a substitute teacher in Marion ISD before feeling the desire to serve on Schertz City Council. She is a 2020 graduate of the Chamber Leadership Core Program. She is a Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) as well as a member of the TMRS Advisory Board on Benefit Design. She is currently the Texas Municipal League (TML) Region 7 Board Director.

TIM BROWN, CITY COUNCILMEMBER PLACE 7

Councilmember Tim Brown has served on City Council since 2018. Tim and his family have lived in Schertz since 2000. Brown earned a Community College of the Air Force Associates Degree in Air Traffic Control in 1986 and completed his Bachelor of Science in Management from Wayland Baptist University in 2001. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) in 2004 after 28 years of service. After retirement from Randolph AFB, he started a real estate business along with his wife, Nancy. In January 2011, they officially opened as the broker/owners of RE/MAX Corridor. Tim Brown has served as a Director for the San Antonio Board of Realtors since 2016 and has held various committee leadership positions since 2005. He is also an active member of our local Chambers of Commerce and presides as the President of the Randolph Area Real Estate Association. Brown has been active in the local community since before his military retirement and served on the Schertz Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for many years and as President of the Board from 2011-2018. In 2014 he was appointed to the Mayors Advisory Committee, which has since been renamed the Committee of Committees Advisory Board.

Planning & Community Development

From the Development Whiteboard

Planning and Community Development 2021 Year in Review

Neighborhood Services Division is excited to be a part of the Planning and Community Development Department and for future interactions with residents.

In 2021 the Inspection Division continued their training through virtual classes. Additionally, several Inspections team members attended the Building Professional Institute conference in Irving, TX. With the knowledge gained through these trainings, it will provide the Inspectors the ability to ensure safe and cohesive development throughout the City.

The Planning and Community Development Department continued seeing new projects come in and the completion of those from the previous year. In 2021, the Inspections Division issued over 200 residential permits as well as permits for new and expanded commercial development. Additionally, the Planning Division processed over 100 planning and zoning cases.

In 2021 the Planning and Community Development Department grew by an entire division! In October of 2021, the Department welcomed Neighborhood Services as a new division, which encompasses both Code Enforcement and Environmental Health. The Neighborhood Services Division is intended to provide education and enforcement services to the public in order to minimize environmental and consumer health hazards. This is done by promoting public health and safety best practices in accordance with local and state ordinances, rules, and laws. With the transition of Neighborhood Services, Rebecca Vera, formerly the City Sanitarian, was promoted to Neighborhood Services Manager. With the promotion of Ms. Vera, the City of Schertz welcomed a new Sanitarian, Amanda Cantu. The

In 2021 the Planning Division attended, virtually, both the National American Planning Association conference and the American Planning Association Texas Chapter conference. These trainings provided valuable educational opportunities that staff will utilize in 2022 in relation to the highly anticipated Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment and Unified Development Code amendments.

Another exciting outcome of 2021 was the forward progress on the community development software, CityView. The Planning and Community Development Department has been diligently working to bring this new software to the residents and development community of Schertz. With an anticipated go live for the new software in early 2022, CityView will revolutionize the development permitting process.

Overall, 2021 was a successful year for the department and the City. If you have interest in remodeling or new development, or just want to know more about the development occurring in the City, please give us a call or stop by. We are here and happy to assist you in your development needs.

Happy New Year from the Planning & Community Development Staff!

City Headlines

Holiday Tree Disposal

Republic Services will begin picking up Christmas Trees during the second and third weeks of January. Trees will be picked up only on the second service day for customers with twice per week service.

Customers with service on Mondays and Thursdays will have their trees picked up on Thursday. Customers with service on Tuesdays and Fridays will have their trees picked up on Friday. Customers with once per week service will have their trees picked up on their

regular service days. Wednesday customers will have their trees picked up on Wednesday. Friday customers will have the trees picked up on Friday.

Trees must be placed at the curb. Any trees taller than 7 feet must be cut in half. Any trees at the curb after the third week would need to be called in as a bulk pick up.

For more information contact (210) 619-1800.

2021-2022

Sewer Averaging

Sewer averaging for the winter months begins November 1, 2021, and will continue through March 15, 2022, for cycle billing. Water usage over this period determines your sewer charge for the next billing year, which begins April 1. The water usage readings will be averaged and the average per thousand-gallon usage per month will be multiplied by $4.75. The final calculation result will be your sewer charge for the next 12 months.

If you get your bill on the 10th day of the month your calculation period will be November 1 to March 1 and if you get your bill on the 25th day your period will be November 15 to March 15.

RESIDENTS

For more information, go to Schertz.com or call (210) 619-1100.

WITH

AN AVERAGE BELOW 12,000 GALLONS

That total will be added to the base rate of $14.43 for residents with an average below 12,000 gallons.

RESIDENTS WITH AN AVERAGE GREATER THAN

12,001 GALLONS

The first 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $4.75 and the portion of the average above 12,000 gallons will be multiplied by $10.79 and that total will be added to the base rate of $14.43 for residential use.

SCHERTZ PROJECTS

PUBLIC WORKS CRACK SEALING UPDATE

The city’s crack sealing maintenance program runs from October to May, based upon temperatures. The street crew has recently been working in the Dove Meadows subdivision and will begin in the Arroyo Verde subdivision next. Other preventative maintenance projects will continue in other subdivisions throughout the year.

The City Council approved a new crack sealing machine in the 2021-2022 budget year to replace the thirteen-year-old machine currently in rotation. The new model has an air blower to remove debris from the crack allowing for a stronger and more precise seal using less product. It also features a Crafco Super Shot 250 Diesel Melter heated hose that allows the material to stay warm, making the clean-up of excess material in the hose possible. Other upgraded features include quick & easy start-up, automatic agitator shut-off, splash-proof lid, integrated operator control systems, and efficient burner. This beauty is scheduled to be delivered by the end of January!

City Headlines

Street Sweeping Schedule Update

Maintaining roadways, drainage channels, and other infrastructure systems are a high priority for Schertz Public Works Streets and Drainage Divisions. One way the city does this is through preventative maintenance measures including monthly street sweeping. City street sweepers clean almost 356 lane miles of roadway, including lanes on FM 3009 and FM 78.

Check out the Monthly Street Sweeping Schedule to see when your roads will be swept. For more information or if you have any questions, contact Public Works at (210) 619-1800 or go to Schertz.com/streets.

In order to maintain all of the roadways, the City asks that residents DO NOT dump, push, sweep, or blow yard waste –including leaves, tree limbs, or brush – into City streets or right of ways. This will help our street sweeping efforts run smoothly.

Breakfast with the Blue Brings Officers and Community Together

On Tuesday, December 14, the Schertz Police Department and El Jalisco’s hosted a Breakfast with the Blue event. Officers were able to greet guests, visit with them, and enjoy a delicious breakfast together. The officers were also joined by several City Council members, Mayor Gutierrez, City Management, and several members of the Police Department Command Staff.

The Schertz PD Breakfast with the Blue program brings local police officers and the community members they serve together to learn more about each other in a relaxed setting. If you are a local business and would like to host a Breakfast with the Blue or an event similar, don't hesitate to contact Officer Anna Kraft at (210) 619-1264 or akraft@schertz.com.

Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Collecting Items for Time Capsule

The Schertz Historical Preservation Committee (SHPC) is asking local residents of Schertz to participate in the City of Schertz Time Capsule. The collection will consist of tangible and intangible items which you may feel will be of historic value and of interest to all when the time capsule is opened. The time capsule will be opened at a City of Schertz/Schertz Historical Preservation Committee public ceremony in the year 2032 (15 years). Items to be considered should be from the years 2020 to 2022 that are personal and/or company writings, photos, space, technology,

poetry expression, art, etc. Companies and individuals may write on their experiences and struggles of how business/life changed during the pandemic. The collecting of items will end on June 30, 2022.

Please contact the SHPC member below for further information.

Name: Dean Weirtz

Phone: 210-651-0394

Email: weirtz1@yahoo.com

Hosted by the Schertz Historical Preservations Committee Dean Weirtz, Chair of Time Capsule Subcommittee, weirtz1@yahoo.com

City Headlines

Schertz PD Bring Joy this

Holiday Season

During the holiday season, the Schertz Police Department prioritizes giving back to the community. For over 20 years, the Schertz Police Department Blue Santa program has provided food and toys to hundreds of families within the City of Schertz. This year the Department was able to grant 124 children their Christmas wishes, yet none of this could have been possible without our community and sponsors.

Last year the department improved the Blue Santa Program, and it was a great success! The Department placed their Blue Santa Tree in the police department lobby, and tags for each child were placed on the tree. These tags had a child’s age, gender, and the three items on their Christmas wish list. The community was invited to “adopt” a child’s wish and return the tag with the unwrapped gifts. We eventually had more people requesting to adopt a child than we had tags. The Blue Santa Tree was set up on November 22, and all the wishes were adopted by November 29.

Again, this program could not have happened without our community. We want to say a special thank you to the Schertz Police Volunteer Auxiliary, Schertz Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Starbucks, Randolph Area Retired Education Teachers Association, Clemens Drama Club, Kung Jung Mu Sul of Schertz, and to the monetary donation donors. Without these sponsors and the community making sure all the families could enjoy their presents for the holidays would not have happened.

Also, for the third year, the Schertz Police Department provided the Operation Polar Express program. This program was created to help combat “porch pirates” from taking boxes from the porches of our citizens. The program allowed residents to mail their packages to the Police Department for free. Because of this great program, residents’ packages were received and made it safely to the rightful owners for the holidays.

For more information about other Schertz Police Department programs, go to Schertz.com and follow them on social media.

Preparing your Home for Winter Weather

Schertz Public Works is busy once again preparing for winter weather by winterizing our water and wastewater facilities. Here are a few things homeowners can do to optimize their winterization.

Check your roof to ensure your shingles are intact. Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts are free and clear of leaves and branches. This also helps reduce the risk of ice forming inside them.

Check any exterior steps and handrails for loose fittings and remove any standing water that may freeze to help keep your family and visitors from slipping on walkways and driveways.

If your home has a crawl space, you may want to insulate it and check for any damage from rodents or water.

Make sure your pipes are protected against freezing by adding pipe insulation and insulated spigot covers. Disconnect and drain any water hoses. Frozen pipes can burst, wreaking havoc on your plumbing and causing water damage to your home.

Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to plug drafts. Replace your door seals, door sweeps, or thresholds to keep cold outside air from seeping into your home.

For single-pane windows, a window insulation kit will increase window efficiency by up to 90%.

Caulk around baseboards and crown molding if any drafts are detected.

Set your ceiling fans on the clockwise-directional setting as that direction forces warm air that gathers near the ceiling down into living spaces. Select the slowest speed – a higher one will create a cool breeze feeling.

Make sure your attic and basements have enough insulation to help counteract heat loss. Consult an R-value chart to determine the appropriate amount. We are located in Zone 2.

Make sure you have a home emergency kit on hand as well as enough supplies to last for three days for each member of your household. Your emergency kit should include water in bottles or jugs, non-perishable food, flashlights, candles, batteries, matches, a battery-operated radio, blankets, prescriptions, and over-thecounter medications.

Don’t forget about the needs of your pets during this time. Make sure they have adequate shelter, preferably indoors, away from the wintry elements. Stock enough food and water to get them through the same amount of time you and your family will be required to endure.

Should weather conditions keep you inside, a few fun activities will keep you from going stir-crazy. Playing cards, board games, arts and crafts, and musical instruments can help pass the time.

COMMUNITY HEALTH COURSES

Schertz EMS is an American Health & Safety Institute Training Center and an American Heart Association Training Site. The EMS Community Health Division offers a variety of different services to the citizens of all of the communities that we serve. From Child and Babysitting Safety to CPR/First Aid courses, we are always interested in helping keep our citizens safe and trained to respond to emergencies

CPR AND FIRST AID

Schertz EMS holds monthly CPR/AED and First Aid classes throughout the year. These classes are open to the public and provide a certification that is good for two years and can be used in several different professional settings. Most importantly, these classes teach a pivotal skill that you never know when you may need to use on a loved one. Bystander CPR can be done immediately after someone collapses into sudden cardiac arrest to save their life. For every 1 minute that someone is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chances of survival reduces by 10%. Waiting to do anything until an ambulance arrives after the person has collapsed can decrease their chances of survival significantly. We encourage everyone to become CPR/AED trained at a minimum.

In order to take the class, you only need to be able to read and write, so even older children and teenagers are encouraged to attend. The skill itself can be incredibly easy to learn; however, this class will also give you background information as to why it is important to learn CPR and how chest compressions are effective during cardiac arrest. The class allows ample time for skills practice on manikins.

The First Aid course goes over many common injuries and illnesses as well as how you can treat them at home prior to more advanced help arriving. This course offers a little bit of knowledge in a lot of different areas. We also allow time for practicing skills such as how to control bleeding during the class.

CPR/AED training will run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the First Aid course will run from 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. The cost is $30 for one course or $50 for two. The classes are held in the EMS Training Room. Classes are offered on the following dates:

January 22, 2022

March 26, 2022

May 21, 2022

July 9, 2022

September 17, 2022

November 5, 2022

February 12, 2022

April 9, 2022

June 11, 2022

August 20, 2022

October 15, 2022

December 10, 2022

CHILD AND BABYSITTING SAFETY

The Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program from ASHI gives teenagers and young adults everything they need to know for safe and successful babysitting. From dealing with parents and children, to key safety, caregiving, and first aid tips. The magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style video make learning fun. This class is perfect for teens and young adults interested in babysitting or who are responsible for younger family members. There are no prerequisites, however, CPR/AED and Basic First Aid certifications are strongly recommended. Students must complete a written and skills examination. Students who successfully complete the course receive a certification that is good for 2 years. Classes are offered on the following dates:

April 23, 2022

July 16, 2022

August 6, 2022

June 4, 2022

July 23, 2022

C.R.A.S.E AND STOP THE BLEED

The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (C.R.A.S.E.) course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004, provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. The Stop the Bleed course prepares you to respond to emergencies where there is a high suspicion of massive bleeding from an injury. Massive uncontrolled bleeding from any cause can result in death in 5 to 10 minutes. However, anyone at the scene can act as an immediate responder and save lives if they know what to do to stop life-threatening bleeding. These classes are taught in conjunction with each other 6 times a year. This three-hour combo is taught by Schertz EMS and Schertz Police departments at no charge from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

February 26, 2022

June 25, 2022

October 22, 2022

April 30, 2022

August 27, 2022

December 17, 2022

For more information or to register, please call (210) 619-1410 or visit Schertz.com. Dates subject to change or cancellation.

Public Works Employee Honored for Long-Time Service

The City of Schertz is proud of our employees and we are incredibly thankful for their great service and dedication to our community. We are excited to recognize long-time city employee Kevin Anderson who has recently reached a milestone 25 years of service in his City career. Kevin Anderson of the Schertz Public Works Department had the honor of being recognized at the December 7 Schertz City Council Meeting.

Kevin started his career with the City on August 20, 1996 and is now the Drainage Superintendent. In his role, he oversees the care of all City-owned drainage areas and right-of-way. Kevin was born at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, TX and in 1996 he graduated from Samuel Clemens High School. He has been married to his wife Amber for 16 years and they have been together for 27 years. They have a 9-year-old daughter named Madison. Kevin enjoys fishing in the summer and hunting in the winter and hanging out with his family as much as he can. His wife and daughter also enjoy hunting and fishing with him. Congratulations Kevin on 25 years of service and we look forward to many more!

HeatingSafety

There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

be warm and safe this winter!

• Keep anything that can burn at least three-feet (one metre) away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

• Have a three-foot (one metre) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

FACT

Half of home heating fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February.

City Celebrates Grand Opening of New Fleet Facility

On Tuesday, December 7, City staff, management, and City Council gathered for the grand opening of the new 15,753 square foot fleet facility located at 27 Commercial Place. This $1,372,794 facility will be used to diagnose and repair all City-owned equipment and vehicles. The facility will benefit the City and other departments by increasing the amount of work that can be completed in the shop area. This project was a huge team effort from several City departments together with F.A. Nunnelly, RVK Architecture, and Sledge Engineering.

The new shop has illuminated pits that provide better access for the mechanics and allows for them to maneuver safely under a

vehicle. The new shop also has brighter and more efficient LED lighting that is strategically placed to provide light directly onto the vehicles and equipment, another feature that does not exist in the current shop. In addition to the Fleet Division, the City Light and Sign Shop will also be housed in this facility. The Light and Sign Shop creates all of the City’s street signs, vehicle decals, and any other signage or banners needed by other departments, in addition to maintaining all street and traffic lights, school lights, and pedestrian crossings.

It was an exciting event to celebrate all of the hard work that went into the amazing new facility!

Bond Approves New Fire Station #4

During the November 2 Special Bond Election, the bond was passed and approved the issuance of $15,450,000 for public safety facilities including a new fire station and fire apparatus. Nearly 70% of the votes were in favor of the issuance of funds. This new public safety facility will be the City’s fourth fire station to be constructed in the vicinity of the industrial area of the City. The bid and design process for the station is set to begin in the spring.

“We are excited that the citizens have once again put their trust in us to construct another Fire Station as we continue to try and keep up with growth,” says Fire Chief Kade Long. “It is always our goal to work towards reducing response times across the City as we continue to grow and this new station will certainly help us with that goal.”

Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry.

Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry.

Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry.

Dr. Mark Penshorn welcomes Dr. Cody Strahler as his new partner in dentistry.

Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions , sedation, and smile makeovers.

Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions , sedation, and smile makeovers.

Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers.

Dr. Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions , sedation, and smile makeovers.

Dr Strahler is accepting new patients and also expands our services to include implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, sedation, and smile makeovers.

Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379

Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379

Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379

Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379

Come see us at 2501 FM 3009. Call us at 210-659-1379

Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com

Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com

Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com

Check our website for more information on Dr. Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com

Check our website for more information on Dr Strahler at www.drpenshorn.com

Cody Strahler, DDS

Mark Penshorn, DDS

Cody Strahler, DDS

Mark Penshorn, DDS

Cody Strahler, DDS

Mark Penshorn, DDS

Cody Strahler, DDS

Mark Penshorn, DDS

Cody Strahler, DDS

Mark Penshorn, DDS

Happy New Year from dentists Dr. Cody Strahler and Dr. Mark Penshorn!

New Development on Main Street

By: Kira Villarreal

Schertz residents have more new reasons to venture downtown than ever before, as 2021 has marked an exciting year for new development on Main Street. Public improvements to the area have been ongoing for the past several years and explosive population growth has fueled the need for more retail offerings. Local businesses that have recently opened or are in the works include a BBQ restaurant, a farmer’s market, a dance studio, a bar, and an ice cream shop. We caught up with some of Schertz’s Main Street business owners to see how things have changed over the past year and talk about their vision for the future.

Judy Goldick and her son Jacob Goldick opened Americana Coffee just over a year ago at 816 Main Street. A real estate broker and owner of Regal Realty, Goldick was new to the coffee business but was encouraged by her son, a coffee expert who crafts the menu and makes all of Americana’s syrups in house. Though they opened during the height of the COVID pandemic,

the business has done well and Goldick found that people were happy to have a truly local place where they could get a great coffee or espresso.

Goldick’s newest venture is an ice cream shop called Frostbite Soft Serve Bar, located at 820 Main Street, which will offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors as well as plant-based options. She is also opening a food trailer called Kind Kitchen that will

specialize in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Kind Kitchen will share an indoor dining space with Frostbite, and customers will be able to scan a code on their phones to order from the food truck. Both businesses are expected to be open by the end of 2021.

If those businesses didn’t keep her busy enough, Goldick has also started to organize the Main Street Commons Farmers Market, a combination craft fair and market which brings a rotating variety of about 15-20 vendors to Main Street each month. These events are typically held on the third Saturday of each month, with a break in January, so the next one is planned for February 2022.

When asked why she chose to invest in Main Street and why she continues to do so, Goldick cites her love of Schertz and the importance of investing locally.

“I love the idea of being on Main Street and the way that we were able to transform the spaces for our businesses,” she said. "I think it’s important to invest in your community and I would love to see people bring their families and come out to Main Street to see what Schertz has to offer.”

Another entrepreneur who is well known in the local business community is Nick Marquez. Many know him as the owner of the Bar House on Main, but he has spent the past few years helping to bring all types of retail businesses into the area. He currently leases space to a counseling business, a mortgage company, a spa, several salons, a real estate agency, and a pet grooming business, among others.

One of Marquez’s current and biggest ventures is a new construction project on the corner of Schertz Parkway and Main Street. When completed, this strip center will provide about 10,600 square feet of downtown space. More than half of the space has already been pre-leased and will include offices, retail establishments, and possibly a restaurant. The strip center is planned to open by the end of 2022.

Marquez has also recently purchased and renovated a home on Main Street that was built in 1880. The property is called Landmark House and will be available for rent on Airbnb, making it the first lodging located directly on Main Street. Directly behind Landmark House will be a new bar/venue called Hidden Grove, which will be open on weekends.

Marquez notes the city’s growth as well as his desire to help build a distinct local atmosphere as factors in his decision to invest in Main Street.

“I’m from the area so I have confidence in the area, and it’s in an extreme growing phase right now,” he said. “There is so much continued on page 38

There is so much growth and potential for the next 10-15 years, and we can make this downtown area into a real gathering place.

New Development on Main Street

continued from page 37

growth and potential for the next 10-15 years, and we can make this downtown area into a real gathering place, but we need local businesses – not just corporations and chains.”

One of the newest local businesses to open on Main Street is The Purple Pig BBQ. Owners Demetric Herron and his wife Cherise operated the business successfully from two food trucks for six years before opening the full restaurant on November 6, 2021. One of the two food trucks had been parked semi-permanently outside of the Bar House on Main and had been doing well in that spot, so when the opportunity arose to lease a building next door to the bar, the Herrons decided to go for it.

Demetric Herron describes his food as Midwest-style BBQ –usually cooked at higher temperatures and with pecan wood as opposed to the mesquite that may be more familiar to most Texans. At first, Herron was a little worried about making such a big leap but soon saw that the restaurant was quickly gaining popularity. Now he is seeing his work pay off, and he’s proud that it is truly a family effort, with his wife and all five of his children helping to run the business.

“I think we are really establishing our roots as a restaurant and becoming one of the city’s own,” he said. “We want people to think of The Purple Pig when they think of Schertz, and vice versa.”

The need to keep up with the extreme growth in the area was a topic that came up often, and Assistant City Manager Brian James brought the data to support it. James says that, according to the 2020 census, the city has grown by more than 10,000 residents in the past ten years to a current population of more than 42,000. The growth is expected to continue, and the city continues to encourage development on Main Street. According to James, more of the city’s Local Flavor grants and Historic Preservation grants have been awarded in 2020 and 2021 than in any prior year.

The city also continues to improve the outdoor public spaces around Main Street. Currently, there is a public art project in the works to install about six bronze sculptures throughout the city. A new parking lot has also been added on the corner of Randolph and Main which has about 20 additional parking spaces.

In addition to the new businesses and new activities like the market days, the city’s popular Movin on Main festival continues, with the next event scheduled for April 2022. Citizens have also expressed interest in having a music event, and the city is looking into this possibility. Events like these have always provided a great reason for residents to check out what’s new in the downtown area. These days, however, Schertz’s Main Street is becoming an attraction in its own right, just as local business owners and city officials had hoped. If recent growth is any indication, residents will continue to see exciting changes in the area in the coming year and beyond.

Schertz EMS Feels Effects of the Pandemic

By: Jaime Cline

The coronavirus pandemic has completely upended dayto-day life. This has happened on an individual level, as our routines have been abandoned in favor of social distancing, working from home, and the donning of masks. It’s also occurring on larger societal and economic levels as well. Many of the enormous changes that have happened in response to the virus will more than likely return to normal. Some things, however, may never go back to the way they were. Schertz EMS Division Chief of Operations, Brandon Hill, knows this all too well.

"The first couple weeks of the pandemic, there were so many unknowns. Our EMS team was rapidly trying to gather as much information as possible and try to manage the growing concern across the agency. We were following the CDC's guidelines and just trying to make some good sound decisions. The safety and protection of our crews was one of our top priorities," Hill explains.

The Schertz EMS Department has 78 paramedics and EMTs on staff and supports eight different cities spanning over 220 square miles.

The department rapidly initiated mask requirements for their paramedics and the team tried to social distance as much as they possibly could while they were in the station. The ambulances normally have two medics in the front seat which made social distancing during calls extremely challenging. Medic teams had to clean up after every call—using foggers, a portable sprayer, and hospital-grade disinfectant on the vehicles and the equipment. The team would use the hospital bays to disinfect the units after dropping a patient off prior to going out on the next call. They donned full gowns, masks, and face shields on calls that indicated the person was in respiratory distress and stayed as vigilant as they could. The team was given extra time to shower between calls and an extra change of clothes to limit the chances of spreading the virus.

The team had to change their treatment methods as well. They halted nebulizer medications to avoid the patient spreading the droplets across the truck when they exhaled. They also were not using traditional intubation methods for risk of proximity to people’s airways. The department did everything they could do to not only help the patient but also protect their crews from exposure.

“We also struggled with supply chain issues just like everyone else. We had a hard time finding masks, disinfectant, and cleaning supplies. We had trouble even finding hand sanitizer. We definitely felt the effects of supply issues and availability of items,” he shares.

Another challenge they faced was staffing constraints. The quarantine periods had impacted the normal influx of people graduating from paramedic school and hiring was affected.

“We are still navigating and working through those staffing challenges now— almost two years later. We couldn’t quarantine every time someone was exposed, or we wouldn’t have any staff left to support the community. Our crews were working a massive amount of overtime in those first few months. We were dealing with people having to stay home for ten days that had symptoms, an increased workload, and a staffing shortage. It was sometimes hard to continue to ask people to come in for overtime knowing the stress, fast-paced environment, and the uncertainty they were walking into every day,” Hill says.

One option the department had for its crews to help alleviate some of their stress during the pandemic is a visit with one of the service dogs that works out of the local hospital. The nonprofit, called Service Dogs, Inc., provides trained service dogs to visit with doctors, nurses, social workers, police, firefighters, and paramedics to offer stress relief—a service that has become increasingly valuable during the hectic season of the pandemic. The dogs provide a welcome break for the first responders. After a few minutes of play, some belly scratches, and ear rubs, they are re-energized to go back out to serve the community.

continued on page 42

We’re looking forward to connecting with people on a much more personal level and in a non-emergency type setting.

Schertz EMS Feels Effects of the Pandemic

continued from page 41

“We are incredibly lucky. The liaison for the local hospital actually works part-time with us. It’s such an interesting program. The dogs are able to evaluate stress levels and become attuned to finding the person in the room that’s really struggling. They actively engage them and it’s amazing how much they are able to do in such a short amount of time to calm people down, lower stress levels, and help them recharge. If our team has a stressful call or feels the need to stop in and visit the dogs after they drop a patient off at the hospital, we highly encourage it,” Hill says.

As the team begins to forge forward in the new era, they have continued to evolve their procedures and protocols as more information comes out.

They recently purchased a new ambulance truck— one that has a UV light built into the patient compartment of the truck. Once they have assisted the patient or dropped them off at the hospital, they place their gear in the back and turn on the light for ten minutes. The UV light kills the micro bacteria that could be lingering in the ambulance or on their equipment. Moving forward, their plan is to continue to equip future trucks with the same technology.

EMS Director Jason Mabbitt says that it is imperative that we give our staff the ability and the tools to adequately work in this new environment of COVID. “COVID is not going away, and we need to protect our staff as much as we can”, he says.

The department has now lifted some of the stricter requirements that were in place at the start of the pandemic. The crews are not gowning up for all calls and are only wearing masks for the calls that involve respiratory distress. As the team has settled into a new “norm”, they are more comfortable navigating it. The introduction of the vaccine has also eased some of the anxiety as the department was able to see some of the cases decrease with its rollout.

Another impactful change the department has made is the new partnership with Affinity Family Care in their Mobile House

Call Program. Due to COVID, there were a large number of telemedicine appointments that were happening, but it was sometimes challenging for doctors to get a fair assessment of the symptoms over the phone. This newly created unit partners with the doctors of Affinity Family Care to provide “house calls” where the paramedic drives to the patient’s home in a subdued vehicle to check vital signs, give IV fluids, draw blood, and perform strep, flu, and COVID testing. They can also do EKGs. They then report the findings to the doctor who can prescribe medication, a treatment plan, or request that the patient come into the office for assistance.

“We are so excited about this new partnership. A lot of people don’t have the ability to get to the doctor—due to mobility issues, transportation restraints, potential health conditions, or simply a lack of readily available appointments. This is a great resource for people that potentially don’t feel up to coming into the office that day, they can simply set up a house call, and we can see them in the comfort of their own home. Our team is excited to interact with the community in this new convenient and accessible way. We’re looking forward to connecting with people on a much more personal level and in a non-emergency type setting,” Hill explains.

The pilot program began on December 1st and is serving the Live Oak, Universal City, and Schertz areas.

For more information on Service Dogs, Inc. visit: www.servicedogs.org

To make your own mobile house call appointment contact: Affinity Family Care Clinic (210) 247-2248

Photo courtesy of Service Dogs, Inc

Schertz Magazine Travels the World in 2021

Can you believe 2021 is already over? Schertz Magazine has done its fair share of traveling over the past several years, and each year we like to look back on the amazing locations you all have taken the publication.

Thanks to our wonderful readers who trek it with them wherever they go, from the North Pole to the South Pole and dozens of places far and in between, Schertz Magazine continues to be a traveling icon for Schertz residents. Where will it go to next? Well that's for you to decide. Check out the various destinations the magazine has traveled in 2021, and remember to keep sending in your Schertz Magazine All Over The Map photos throughout 2022!

Jim and Barbaranne Kelly paddled three miles in a kayak with their Schertz Magazine to the Light Station on Sand Island on Lake Superior.

Andrew Zamora brought his Schertz Magazine to Valdez, Alaska.

LOOKING BACK January

QUOTE OF NOTE

“What you are will show in what you do.”

– Thomas Edison

LOCAL HISTORY

In pre-settlement times, South Central Texas was covered with a sea of grass that buffalo and other native wild animals fed upon. Along the creeks and rivers, there were small trees such as huisache and native pecans. Mesquite trees were introduced when the Spanish brought longhorn cattle from Mexico. Cibolo Creek forms the boundary between eastern Bexar and western Guadalupe counties. Along the creek are several bluffs where native Americans and immigrants hunted buffalo.

TEXAS HISTORY

Mission San Antonio de Valero, whose chapel would later be known as The Alamo, was established in May 1718. The Alamo became a major South Texas settlement – a way station between missions already existing in East Texas and other base missions in Mexico. Eventually, the East Texas missions closed and reformed or moved to locations along the San Antonio River. They were Mission San José (1720), and Mission Concepción, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada in 1731. This ensemble is the most complete and most intact example of Spain’s efforts to colonize, evangelize, and defend the northern frontier of New Spain in North America. Each mission had its own ranch, one believed to be located in the Schertz-Cibolo region and known as Mount (Monte) Galvan (aka: Galban). By 1824, all the missions were secularized and a struggle for control was underway. On March 6, 1836, the famed Battle of the Alamo was fought. The Alamo is a Texas shrine since the war for Texas independence. In 2011, the Texas Legislature and Governor Rick Perry designated the Texas General Land Office (GLO) the custodian of the Alamo, previously under the care of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas since 1906.

Presented by the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee in the interest of historical perspective and community awareness of local historical legacies.

IMPORTANT SCHERTZ CONTACT INFO

Schertz City Council

Mayor:

Ralph Gutierrez (210) 619-1040

ralphgutierrez@schertz.com

Council Members:

Mark Davis (210) 376-9141

markdavis@schertz.com

Rosemary Scott (210) 419-8472

rscott@schertz.com

Jill Whittaker (210) 846-8768

jwhittaker@schertz.com

Michael Dahle (210) 419-9337

mdahle@schertz.com

David Scagliola (830) 606-1130

davidscagliola@schertz.com

Allison Heyward (210) 608-9543

allisonheyward@schertz.com

Tim Brown (210) 608-2381

timbrown@schertz.com

City Departments: City of Schertz/311 (210) 619-1000

Animal Services (210) 619-1550

City Manager (210) 619-1000

City Secretary (210) 619-1030

Civic Center (210) 619-1600

Economic Development (210) 619-1070

EMS (non-emergency) (210) 619-1400

Fire (non-emergency) (210) 619-1300

Inspections (210) 619-1750

Municipal Court (210) 619-1500

Parks & Recreation (210) 619-1850

Planning & Zoning (210) 619-1780

Police (non-emergency) (210) 619-1274

Police Records (210) 619-1200

Public Affairs (210) 619-1600

Public Library (210) 619-1700

Public Works (210) 619-1800

Records (210) 619-1030

Trash & Recycling (210) 619-1100

Utility Billing (210) 619-1100