21 minute read
Library
from May 2021
NICHE ACADEMY
Find tutorials and step-by-step instructions for accessing a variety of online resources, including eBook services and databases available to you with your library card. This service is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission (Grant #LS-246561-OLS-20)).
HOTSPOTS AVAILABLE FOR CIRCULATION
In partnership with Bexar County’s BiblioTech, the Schertz Public Library is now circulating hotspots! Anyone who finds themselves without access to the Internet can check out a hotspot to be used at home. Uses include, but aren’t limited to:
■ Conducting personal business ■ Continuing with educational endeavors ■ Participating in recreational opportunities ■ Applying for jobs or benefits, ■ Continue operating businesses This program has been funded for a twelve-month period with the hope that the Digital Divide further expanded by this pandemic, can be bridged. Many thanks to Bexar County’s BiblioTech. For more information, contact the library (210) 619-1700.
ROCKET LANGUAGES
An award-winning interactive online language learning system. Library cardholders can use this interactive website to learn conversational language at their own pace. Rocket Languages can be accessed from home and provides lifelong language learning. You can access it as streaming learning or by downloading it for easy access on all MP3 compatible devices. You can go at your own pace and study whenever you have time! Languages available: Spanish (Latin American), Arabic, French, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, English (Spanish Speakers), English (Japanese Speakers), and American Sign Language.
SchertzLibrary.org
CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY WEBSITE REDESIGN!
During Mid-April you might have noticed that schertzlibrary.org looks a little different. With this redesign, we hope that the navigation is more accessible and allows for a better user experience.
We did add some graphic quick links that will take you to the City’s additional websites. However, any bookmarks you may have will still work! Everything “lives” in the same place, just with a new, refreshed look.
TEXAS TALKING BOOKS PROGRAM
The Talking Book Program provides free library services to Texans who are unable to read standard print material due to visual, physical or reading disabilitieswhether permanent or temporary. Books and magazines are available in different formats, mainly on digital cartridges, but also digital audio, and in braille and large print. Best of all, books are delivered right to your door. All of the items are sent and returned through the mail free of charge. The program offers more than 80,000 titles in fiction and nonfiction, plus 80 national magazines for adults and children. Library staff is available to demo the Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM) that will be loaned to you by the Talking Book Program if you are eligible for the services.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS & KITS
TAKE & MAKE CRAFT KITS FOR ADULTS
This month the library is offering creative doodling take and make kits for adults. This kit also comes with instructions on how to access the library’s newest crafting database CreativeBug. Once you have established a free account with CreativeBug you can explore a variety of crafting tutorials and videos. We have a limited supply of craft kits that can be picked up in the library or via curbside service. For the most current information on kits for adults, visit the adult virtual programming page at Schertz.com/ adultvirtual.
POETRY IN YOUR PAJAMAS
THURSDAY, MAY 13, 6:30 P.M. Our monthly adult library poetry open mic has moved to a virtual format. The virtual program, Poetry in Your Pajamas is held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. via GotoMeeting. Join us to listen to poetry from local poets or to share poetry of your own. Meeting Access information can be found on the library website calendar at Schertz.com/adultcalendar.
BYOB(OOK) EXTREME BOOK NERD VIRTUAL BOOK DISCUSSION
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 6:30 P.M. Select any book you’d like that fits the category for the month and come share what you read with others. This month the category for discussion is biographies. Meeting access information can be found on the library’s calendar at Schertz.com/ adultcalendar.
For a comprehensive listing of all library events please visit SchertzLibrary.org.
Connect With Us on Social Media
Facebook.com/ SchertzLibrary Instagram.com/ SchertzPublicLibrary Twitter.com/ SchertzLibrary
Headlines
Celebrating National Week Designations
NATIONAL EMS WEEK EMS is Caring for Our Community
May 16-22, 2021, is the 46th annual National Emergency Medical Services Week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. This year's theme is This Is EMS: Caring for Our Communities. National EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." EMS Week is the perfect time to recognize our EMS staff and paramedics for all that they do for our City and surrounding areas. In past year’s Schertz EMS was able to make in-person visits to many schools and organizations during EMS Week to educate and interact with the public. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Schertz EMS shifted their focus to assisting the community with COVID testing and vaccinations. Currently, Schertz EMS continues to educate the community with several different health courses including CPR & First Aid and Babysitting classes. Go to Schertz.com for more information on Community Health Courses. Join us in thanking our Schertz EMS personnel for caring for our community, and make sure to follow Schertz Emergency Medical Services on Facebook to keep up with all they have going on!
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK Honoring the Blue
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week in which that date falls is known as Police Week. This year, National Police Week will be held May 9-15. This nationally recognized week pays special gratitude to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others, while honoring America’s law enforcement community still serving today.
The Cibolo Police Department will be hosting a Police Memorial on Thursday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Cibolo MultiEvent Center (200 S Main Street).
The community is welcome to attend the ceremony as we honor the lives of fallen brothers and sisters. Texas leads the nation in officer casualties in the line of duty. In 2020, we suffered a total of 84 fallen officers. Please join us in honoring our police officers this May for their service and sacrifice to our community.
National Public Works Week is May 16-22 and this year’s American Public Works Association (APWA) 2021 National Public Works Week theme is "Stronger Together". This year's theme challenges our members and their citizens to think about the role public works plays in creating a great place to live. By working together, the impact citizens and public works professionals can have on their communities is magnified and results in the ability to accomplish goals once thought unattainable. Schertz Public Works helps maintain our community’s strength by working together to provide an infrastructure of services in transportation, water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment, public buildings and spaces, parks, and grounds, emergency management and first response, solid waste, and right-of-way management. Public Works provides togetherness needed for collaboration with all the stakeholders in capital projects, infrastructure solutions, and quality of life services. Every year National Public Works Week gets bigger and better. The number of participating municipalities continues to grow, which means the number of citizens who are exposed to the value of public works grows. One of the main goals of the APWA is to educate the general public about the value and necessities of public works projects and our public works professionals. This week allows us to energize and remind everyone on the importance of public works in our daily lives from the sidewalks we walk on, the safe roads we drive on, and the fresh water we drink. On Friday, May 21 we encourage you to wear orange in support of our Public Works team and invite you to take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who often work behind the scenes and at the heart of Schertz to improve everyday quality of life.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK Enhancing the Local Economy
The City of Schertz Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) - in partnership with the City and area counties - celebrates Economic Development Week from May 9-15. Economic Development Week was established by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and increase the quality of life of communities. Within the City of Schertz, economic development efforts are led by the SEDC, a non-profit industrial development corporation that was established by Schertz residents in 1998. Visit SchertzEDC.com to learn more about the SEDC’s role in economic development for the city through the SEDC’s blog post series and reports found at SchertzEDC.com/blog.
Headlines
Manny Casas Becomes Schertz Police Captain
During his 20 years with the Schertz Police Department, Manny Casas has held numerous leadership positions in different departmental units and divisions and he has successfully advanced through the ranks from an officer to now Captain. “In this new Captain role, I am most excited about being a leader within the City, and to advocate for others to create and build an organizational culture that works,” says Casas. “I’m excited to be able to develop values, priorities, and goals and, more importantly, see them implemented.” “The returning of the captain’s positions is an incredible assist to the infrastructure of the department,” says Police Chief Michael Hansen. “This is an extremely important position that will assure that all of the operational units are working together. The need for this position was highlighted in the city’s recent staffing study which stated that the importance of returning the captain was such a priority that it should be considered immediately.” Serving as a senior leader of the police department, the Captain position is the third-highest ranked in the department, is administrative in nature and requires considerable responsibility for making decisions regarding actions to be taken, independent judgment in the interpretation of policies and procedures, and application of laws and ordinances. A Captain provides highly complex staff assistance to the Police Chief as the Operations Bureau Commander that oversees the Uniform Services Division and the Investigations Division. A Captain must be flexible enough to assume the duties of other ranks within all divisions of the department. As a Captain and the Operation Bureau Commander, and with Lieutenants' assistance, Captain Casas oversees many police department units, from daily patrol operations to current investigations. The Captain position is also the chief financial officer for the police department in charge of one of the City's largest budgets. In addition, the Captain plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and implements the department’s comprehensive police services and law enforcement programs. Chief Hansen says, “Manny Casas has prepared himself for this position for years. His education and experience make him a viable candidate for many chiefs positions and we are fortunate that he has chosen to remain with this department and remain a driving force for the future. His experience specifically with Schertz and Schertz Police made his transition to the new position seamless. He had already been performing at that level in numerous tasks and obviously was able to simply continue after his promotion.” Casas says “An immediate goal that we have started is developing a peer mentor support program within our police department. Law enforcement, in general, can be challenging on many levels. Police officers witness and experience traumatic events, and we need a program that can assist our officers with emotional wellness. This new program also includes revitalizing our physical fitness program.” As a City, we have tremendous employees that genuinely have the best interest of our community in mind. The Schertz Police Department is a special group that is always looking for ways to grow. The department provides many training and education opportunities that allow staff to expand to reach their potential. “It is vital for our staff to promote as it truly shows hard work pays off and can directly impact the department's morale,” Casas says. “Additionally, our leadership teams grow, keeping the same vision with a possible new helpful insight on matters.” Captain Casas is a true example of the growth potential one can have with the Schertz Police Department and the educational training opportunities that can be taken advantage of. “When it comes to our staff's professional development, it needs to be a central part of our organization, which will benefit our police department in more ways than one,” says Casas. “Investing in our staff helps foster an engaged workforce, which is proven to be more productive and profitable. In turn, our community that we serve benefits from this type of approach.”
Updates on SCHERTZ
PROJECTS
Schertz Public Works recently completed drainage maintenance projects at the Colony, Castle Hills, and Osage Ave. Drainage Channels. The cost for these projects was $378,425.15.
The Colony Drainage Channel project started in November 2020 and was completed in January of this year. This channel was extremely difficult to maintain due to the steep embankment on the Northside of the channel. Contractor C-3 Environmental reshaped the channel and install impervious Hydro-Turf on the Northside. This is the first project in Schertz that utilized Hydro-Turf and as a result, there is less maintenance and there is aesthetic appeal because the material resembles grass instead of concrete.
The Castle Hills Drainage Channel project started in January 2021 and was completed in March. C-3 Environmental desilted and regraded this channel for proper drainage, which included installing concrete rip rap throughout the length of the project to create a channel with proper drainage and low maintenance.
The Osage Avenue Drainage Channel project started in February and should be completed by the end of April. This channel was dug out and reshaped to grade by C-3 Environmental and then the contractor lined the complete channel with impervious Hydro-Turf. The sides were also regraded to get proper slopes, which also reduces maintenance and allows for proper drainage.
2020 Drainage Projects
The completion of these three projects will allow for less regular maintenance to be done by our drainage crews and provide the opportunity for the crews to focus on other projects and preventative maintenance. For more information go to Schertz.com or contact Public Works at (210) 619-1800.
Works at (210) 619-1800. 22 Schertz Magazine May 2021
3009
Schertz Pkwy. Savannah Dr.
Woodland Oaks Dr. Green Valley Rd,
Roy Richard Dr.
Live Oak Rd.
Colony Dr. Drainage Channel
Colony Dr. Aero Ave. Elbel Rd. 382
Castle Hills Drainage Channel
377
Cibolo Valley Dr.
Osage Ave Drainage Channel
Deer Creek Blvd.
Headlines
Get Involved and Give Back to Your City!
One way for City of Schertz residents to actively participate in local government is to become involved as a member of a city board or commission. All members of these active groups are volunteers who are responsible for making decisions and advising the city council on several issues from expenditure of public funds to planning & zoning.
For more information or to apply go to Schertz.com/boardsandcommissions or contact the City Secretary's Office at (210) 619-1030.
Animal Services Advisory Committee
Purpose: To encourage responsible pet ownership by providing an animal registration program, field enforcement services, educational services, and life safety services. The humane care and successful adoption and placement of stray and unwanted animals and the eradication of rabies from the community’s animal population. Members: Members shall include at least one licensed veterinarian, one City official, one person involved in daily operation of the Animal Services facility, and one representative from an animal welfare organization. Membership consists of 6 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Wednesday of the following months: February, May, August, and November. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4.
Economic Development Corporation Board
Purpose: The City of Schertz
Economic Development
Corporation’s (SEDC) mission is to grow the Schertz economy through projects. Specifically, the SEDC pursues projects that focus on the creation and retention of primary jobs and infrastructure improvements. The SEDC Board of Directors serves as an advisory board to City Council for all activities, programs, and projects that further this mission.
Members: Membership consists of 7 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Building 4. In addition to monthly meetings, volunteers are encouraged to contribute additional time for business openings, meetings with staff, and visits with prospective clients that may occur outside of regular operating hours.
Library Advisory Board
Purpose: To advise City Council on continued development and improvements of the Schertz Public Library and services. Members: Membership consists of 12 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Monday of each month with the exception of September when the Board meets on the second Monday. No meeting is held in July. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in Schertz Public Library Meeting Room 1.
Planning & Zoning Commission
Purpose: To ensure planned and purposeful development in the City of Schertz and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, to protect the integrity of our natural resources and neighborhoods, and to enforce State and Local statutes and ordinances.
Members: Membership consists of 7 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years Meetings: Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings are at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Bldg. 4. NOTE: During November and December, P&Z only meets once a month: November 17 (the third Wednesday) and December 8 (the second Wednesday).
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Purpose: Provide a forum to communicate between the citizens and City Officials in the stewardship and conservation of Schertz’s natural and recreational resources, while promoting the well being of the community and improvement of the quality of life for all residents.
Members:
Membership consists of 9 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets bi-monthly on the fourth Monday of the month. Meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1. NOTE: During November, the Board will meet on November 13 (the third Monday).
Historical Preservation Committee
Purpose: Assist in the preservation of historic Schertz through programs and projects that increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, and architectural preservation. Collect, authenticate, assemble, display and archive artifacts, documents, photographs, structures, and places of historic interests. Members: Membership consists of 14 members. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meets on the fourth Thursday of the following months: January, April, July, and October. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Andrews Conference Room Bldg.1.
Transportation Safety Advisory Commission
Purpose: Makes recommendations to help identify and resolve transportation-related safety concerns; including local roadway problems, parking, roadway bicycle use, creating pedestrianfriendly areas, and neighborhood traffic calming. Members: Membership consists of 9 members and 2 alternates. Members serve one or two years. Meetings: Meets on the first Thursday of each month. Meetings are at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room Bldg. 4. NOTE: There will be no meeting in January, July or December.
Building & Standards Commission
Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking an appeal to a decision of the Fire Marshal or Building Official, and reviews and takes action on buildings found to be in violation of certain city ordinance or a public nuisance. Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years.
Additional Qualifications:
To the extent possible, members of the Commission should be qualified in one of the following fields: 1. Registered design professional with architectural experience or a builder or superintendent of building construction; 2. Registered design professional with mechanical and plumbing engineering experience or a mechanical contractor or plumbing contractor; 3. Registered design professional with structural engineering experiences; 4. Registered design professional with electrical engineering experience or an electrical contractor; 5. Registered design professional with fire protection engineering experience or a fire protection contractor. Registered Design Professional is defined as an individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state of Texas.
Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting.
Board of Adjustment
Purpose: Serves as an appeal board for individuals seeking variances to the Zoning Ordinance regulations or appeals to a decision made by an administrative official enforcing the City ordinances in relation to zoning and zoning related decisions. Members: Membership consists of 5 members and 2 alternates. Members serve two years. Meetings: Meetings are held on an as needed basis – Planning and Community Development will work with City Staff, Board Members, and the Applicant to coordinate the meeting.
Headlines
Schertz.com Has a New Look!
On Tuesday, April 13, the City of Schertz launched our newly redesigned website. The website features an exciting new refreshed look and experience for site visitors. The City first migrated web platforms in October 2017 with web host company, CivicPlus, and included with that contract was the opportunity to redesign the site every three years. Public Affairs staff, along with representatives from other City Departments, started the redesign process in October 2020. The redesign team was able to take feedback from a focus group along with inspiration from other municipal websites to create the new look. The most change that can be seen is on the site is the look and layout of the home page which was designed for ease of access to important content, better functionality, and the incorporation of new special design elements. Go to Schertz.com now to check out the new look!
Schertz Conserves Water
Summer months in Texas usually mean less rain and extremely high temperatures. This unfavorable combination often leads to an increase in water consumption across the City as residents try to maintain their luscious green lawns. While the City’s water supplies are sufficient, high water demand can create system-wide fluctuations in water pressure and challenges in maintaining ideal water storage levels. You can help protect our water supply, and save money, with a few simple and easy actions. Check out a few watersaving tips on page 30 that you can adopt to help keep life fun in Schertz and not waste water!
I LOVE REFERRALS Did you know we also offer
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Cyndi Broschat
TEXAS REALTOR®, License #0496302 cbroschat@satx.rr.com
SERVICES? Buying a home is an exciting time SERVICES INCLUDE: in one’s life... Making the • Monthly Electronic Statements SMART MOVE of choosing a Realtor • Multi-level Tenant Screening is your 1st important step! • Facilitate & Oversee Repairs and Renovations • Low Management Fees LOCALLY OWNED AND • No Excessive Fees OPERATED • Regular Property Inspections SERVING SCHERTZ FOR OVER 19 YEARS
CALL CYNDI AT 210-861-2858 We Take Care of Your Home Like It’s Our Own
SCHERTZ
POLICE DEPARTMENT
STAY SAFE. STAY INFORMED.
