Monthly Newsletter ~ City of Balcones Heights · late Sharon LeDesma. (Photos: Chrissie Kolb) CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS 3300 Hillcrest Balcones Heights, Texas 78201 balconesheights.org
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I hope each and every one of you experienced a joyous and safe holiday season and I wish you a
happy and successful New Year.
City Council - December 9, 2013
Council unanimously approved to amend CPS Franchise fees and term of agreement. CPS adjusted the franchise fees for suburban cities from 3% to 4% effective February 1, 2014.
Council unanimously approved the proposal submitted by Givler Engineering to continue Phase 2 Storm Water Implementation in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) General Permit Requirements Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
Council unanimously approved the Balcones Heights Police Officers Association contract for a period from December 9, 2013 through September 30, 2016.
Council unanimously approved the change order for the water line re-alignment for Beryl Drive reconstruction.
City Council met in Executive Session regarding the property on Hillcrest and Gentleman. Council reconvened and no action was taken.
A V I E W F R O M T H E H E I G H T S
J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4
AMY BUCKERT
ONE OF 40-UNDER-40 STARS
NAMED BY SA BUSINESS JOURNAL
Balcones Heights City Administrator Amy Buckert has been
named one of this year’s 40-Under-40 stars by the San Antonio
Business Journal. The following is from the SABJ’s blog:
Every year, the San Antonio Business Journal mines the city for
some of the most talented, successful and community-
minded professionals under the age of 40. There were close
to 200 nominations. The competition is fierce. This year, the pool
was extraordinarily talented. As a result, there are 40 winners
and — for the first-time — 22 runners-up. The winners will be
featured in a special section published in
January 2014 and awarded at a luncheon in February 2014.
Please email saevents@bizjournals.com for ticket information.
Ms. Buckert was also featured in December on the Web site
Emerging Local Government Leaders,
http://elgl.org/2013/12/09/tx-amy-buckert-city-balcones-heights-
city-administrator/.
This organization, based in Oregon, features emerging
leaders from around the country.
Congratulations Amy!!
Monthly Newsletter ~ City of Balcones Heights
CITY ADMINISTRATOR AMY BUCKERT’S MONTHLY BRIEF:
YVONNE GRIFFIN DESIGNATED
CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGER
Yvonne Griffin, Director of Administrative Services, officially
received the distinction of Certified Public Manager from The
William P. Hobby Center for Public Service. The CPM
program is a nationally accredited comprehensive statewide
management development program specifically for managers
in local, federal, and statewide governmental entities. The
primary goal of this program is to
enhance and imp rove the
performance of public managers
and the overall o rgan i za t iona l
pe r fo rmance of state, local
and federal government. It’s
a complete and comprehensive
course of study by which public
managers can acquire and apply
t h e b e s t practices and
theory to their management behaviors and strategies using
prescribed sets of professional standards. “Yvonne received
a scholarship for this program through the Texas City
Management Association. It’s a 13-month program, she
worked very hard”, said Amy Buckert, City Administrator.
Yvonne received a certificate confirming this designation from
Governor Rick Perry and was recognized by the Mayor and
City Council at the December 9 council meeting.
BALCONESHEIGHTS.ORG - SANANTONIOCENTRAL.ORG - FACEBOOK.COM/BALCONESHEIGHTS
BUDGET 101: FUND 56 - SEWER FUND
The City’s Sewer Fund – Fund 56 – is what is known as an
“Enterprise Fund.” This means that it is funded solely from a
specific revenue stream, in this instance, sewer rates.
Commercial and residential water bills include a charge for
sewage services.
Fund 56 – the Sewer Fund – or any other “enterprise” fund does
not receive any funding from property and sales taxes collected
by the City, nor does it receive any money from permitting or
other fees the City may collect. The Sewer Fund is funded only
by the sewer rates collected by the City.
Activities funded by the Sewer Fund include sewer collection,
transport and treatment, and storm water fees paid by the City.
City sewer rates increased four percent (4%) on May 2013 bills.
This increase was necessary to offset SAWS increase. Rates
are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that anticipated
sewer system costs are funded.
January 7 January 13
Planning & Zoning Crime Control Meeting
City offices closed Meeting - 5:45 p.m.
January 13 January 20
Regular Council MLK Holiday
Meeting - 6:00 p.m. City offices closed
January 21 January 29
Special Council First day to file application
Meeting - 2:00 p.m. for place on Ballot for May
10, 2014 Election
CITY RECEIVES CERTIFICATE
OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
Yvonne Griffin, Director of Administrative
Services was presented a Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting from the Government Finance
Officers Association of the United States (GFOA) for its
comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). This
certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of
government accounting and financial reporting, and
receiving its attainment truly represents a significant
accomplishment by a governmental body and its financial
management.
The Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San An-
tonio, Inc.— VITA Mobile Team will be providing
free tax assistance.
If you need assistance with preparing your taxes and you meet
the above requirement, please contact our office. Make sure you
have the following items to prepare your tax return:
Proof of Identification—Drivers License or Photo I.D.
Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number
(ITIN) for you, your spouse and dependents
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax
return
Current year’s tax package if you received one
Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,
from all employers
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-
INT)
A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct
Deposit
Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider’s
tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number
or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)
To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return,
BOTH spouses must be present to sign the required forms
Interested in having the CCAOSA VITA Mobile Team at your
location or want to Volunteer: Call (210) 222-2975.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is currently seeking
volunteers who would like to provide “FREE” income tax
assistance and support to individuals and families seeking help
with their tax preparation. If you have experience doing tax
returns or want to learn a new skill, VITA is the right volunteer
program for you.
JANUARY 2014 PAGE 2
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
VITA IS AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND
FAMILIES EARNING $60,000 A YEAR OR LESS
BHPOA CONTRACT APPROVED
The City of Balcones
Heights and the BH
Po l i ce Of f i ce rs
Association. Pictured
from left to right.
City Councilman
Lamar Gillian, City
Councilman Miguel
Valverde, and Mike
Gomez, Field Representative & Lead Negotiator for the Texas
Municipal Police Association, City Administrator Amy Buckert and
Robert Acuna, President of the Balcones Heights Police Officers
Association. Contract effective December 9, 2013.
JANUARY 2014 CALENDAR
BLUE MARSHAL 2013 SUCCESS
On Saturday December 21, Santa - a.k.a. The Blue Marshal - kicked off the day
with a parade through the city of Balcones Heights, and ending at Wonderland of
the America’s Mall to give the good little boys and girls gifts. Over 300 children
received gifts and goodie bags. Look for more photos from this event on the
web version of the January Newsletter balconesheights.org click on News
Andrew Flores, Lt.. Joe Gloria, Capt. Mike Blue Marshall Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive to
Brown and Michael Media loading up gifts start the holiday festivities.
they wrapped for the Blue Marshal event.
Mayor Suzanne de Leon , Mr. & Mrs. Blue A large, excited crowd wait for the Blue
Marshall Santa & little elf, Chief Dominguez Marshall holiday gift giving experience.
and Special guests of honor - family of the
late Sharon LeDesma. (Photos: Chrissie Kolb)
CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS
3300 Hillcrest Balcones Heights, Texas 78201
balconesheights.org
210-735-9148 Emergency: 911
Municipal Court: every Wednesday at 1:00 PM
Dispatch: 735-9212 Fire Department: 735-9206
Visitor Center: 732-0055 ● Justice Center: 735-9148
CITY COUNCIL:
Suzanne de Leon, Mayor Lamar Gillian, Mayor Pro Tem
sdeleon@balconesheights.org lgillian@balconesheights.org
735-9148, Ext. 235
Miguel C. Valverde Madeline Slay
mvalverde@balconesheights.org mslay@balconesheights.org
Jack Burton Charles White
jburton@balconesheights.org 210-324-2797
CONTACT DIRECTORY: 210-735-9148 EXT
City Administrator: Amy Buckert Ext. 227
abuckert@baclonesheights.org
City Secretary: Delia Flores Ext. 236 delia@balconesheights.org
Development Services: Mark Boyd Ext. 246
mboyd@balconesheights.org
Director of Administrative Services: Yvonne Griffin Ext. 244
ygriffin@balconesheights.org
Finance Clerk: Floyd Messick Ext. 243
fmessick@balconesheights.org
Community Initiatives Director: Lorenzo Nastasi 210-732-0055
lorenzo@reachfortheheights.org
Community Initiatives: Chrissie Kolb 210-732-0055
chrissie@reachfortheheights.org
Fire Chief: Philip C. Prince 210-735-9206
pprince@balconesheights.org
Investigator/Lieutenant: Joyce Pena Ext. 239
Police Chief: Henry Dominguez Ext. 242
dominguez@balconesheights.org
Deputy Court Clerk: Lisa Merlo Ext. 224
Deputy Court Clerk: Peggy Ortiz Ext. 221
Deputy Court Clerk: Yvonne Baez Ext. 223
Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Ray Mackey 527-7617
Maintenance Worker Henry Aguilar 527-7617
Red Light Camera Clerk: Gloria Puente 222
Red Light Camera Review Officer: Reine Scheer 245
CITY STAR PROFILE DIANA PRIETO - HOUSEKEEPER
First impressions are important to our success here in the City of Balcones Heights, Diana Prieto, works hard day in and day out to make sure we are well represented. Diana is beginning her 10th year with the city. Before starting her employment with Balcones Heights she worked for over 19 years at Luby’s Cafeteria. “Diana is a hard-working individual who really takes pride in
her work and helping people, and I love having her on my team”, said Delia Flores, Ms. Prieto’s supervisor. Christmas is Diana’s favorite time of year. She is especially fond of volunteering her time to help the city with the Blue Marshal program. She has spent countless hours wrapping gifts and setting up Santa’s workshop to have it ready for distributing presents. She is truly the matriarch of this endeavor. Diana is dedicated to her family, she has 2 daughters, a cat, dogs and a special part of her family is her bird Charlie. He has been part of the family for three years and loves entertaining everyone with his rendition of La Cucaracha.
JANUARY 2014 PAGE 3
2013 BALCONES HEIGHTS BLUE MARSHAL EVENT
City Councilman Charles White, Mrs. Claus and Our friends from Generations Federal Credit Union in Mr. & Mrs. Pedro & Carmen Gonzales donate to the
and one of Santa’s pretty elves enjoying festivities Balcones Heights— taking time to volunteer for this event Blue Marshall
Catering by Celebrations owner, Richard Espinoza Santa’s comes early and makes this good boy and girl Family of the late Sharon Le Desma arrive at Wonderland
ready for Blue Marshall Parade very happy! Winners of bicycle drawing of the Americas Mall along with Chief Dominguez, local
resident and clown, Mario Vega.
The City of Balcones Heights would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their participation with the
2013 Blue Marshal.
The parade led by Santa (Joseph Pineda) and Mrs. Claus (Karen Switzer) were followed by — Mayor Suzanne DeLeon, City Councilman Lamar Gillian, City Administrator Amy Buckert and family, Alamo Car Club, St. Gregory’s, Generations Federal Credit Union, World Car Mazda, Catering by Celebrations, Firestone, Texsan Hospital, Moonstruck Fire Trucks, Paul Jiwaini with Citgo, Bannis Towing and the Balcones Heights Fire Department, Chief Henry Dominguez, Mario Vega (clown) Amanda Middleton, and Richard Espinosa (special thanks to Mr. Espinosa for donating breakfast prior to parade)
Businesses and individuals volunteered their time and resources by procuring toys and monetary donations for the association for the toy drive at the mall are as follows –
City Employee volunteers – Diana Prieto (program manager) daughters Rebecca and Isabella Prieto. Denise Bush, WOTA Manager, Ken (association member) and Sara Ortiz, Joey Sepulveda (association member), Joseph Pineda, Karen Switzer (association member) and Ray Mackey.
Dispatch volunteers – Daphne Morales, Millie Speedon and Donovan Rodriguez, Melissa Ybarra, Jessica Cervenes
Municipal court volunteers - Yvonne Baez, Chad Reed, Seth Reed and Lisa Merlo.
Director of Administrative Services Yvonne Griffin, daughter Tracy and granddaughter Hallie.
Chief Philip Prince and all members of the Balcones Heights Fire Department.
Volunteers – Yolanda Martinez, Stephanie Cortez, Adrian Cortez, Keoni Cortez, Mekhi Cortez, Al Enriquez, Chrissie Kolb, Adonis Garcia, Veronica Zamora (mall security officer) and son Nathan Dominguez, Felicia Lopez, Sylvia Leal and Generations Federal Credit Union employees - Rebeca Guel, Maria Montoya, Jennifer Ramirez and Jacky Ramirez
Other businesses that donated –
Balcones Heights Police Officers Association, Wonderland of the Americas, Norris conference center, Inflatable Wonderland, Springhill Suites, Garibaldis Restaurant, Denny’s Restaurant, Bannis Towing, Peter Piper Pizza, Family Dollar, Generations Federal Credit Union, Target, Santa Fee apartments and Siesta Motel.
~ A SPECIAL HEARTFELT APPRECIATION TO ALL OF THE ABOVE ~
CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS PUBLIC HEARING ON
Deadline Requirement for Signs & Impervious Cover
The Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to hear from the public regarding Zoning Code Section 4.6.4. Excessive Size of a Sign. In addition to this hearing, there will also be a Public Hearing to hear from the public regarding City Code of Ordinances Chapter 97: Streets, Sidewalks and Driveways regarding impervious cover. Both will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Balcones Heights Justice Center located at 3300 Hillcrest Dr., Balcones Heights, TX 78201.
After the Public Hearing : A recommendation will be made by the Planning and Zoning Commission and submitted to the City Council of Balcones Heights for approval or denial on January 13, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the Balcones Heights Justice Center at 3300 Hillcrest Dr. You are invited to attend this public hearing at which time parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity again to be heard.
IMPORTANT
SOLID WASTE SYSTEM
INFORMATION
C-6 Disposal Systems is the new solid waste company for
the city. Residential totters were delivered on Saturday, Dec 28 to
all residents of the city. Commercial dumpsters were delivered on
Sunday December, 29 and Monday, December 30. Commercial
Waste collection begins on Thursday January, 2nd and the first
residential garbage collection day will be Saturday, January
4th. The first combination residential garbage and recycling day will
begin Wednesday, January 8th. Please note: The bills recently
sent by Waste Management are in error DO NOT PAY
GARBAGE BILLS FROM FORMER SOLID WASTE COMPANY
(WASTE MANAGEMENT) past 12.31.13
TRASH PICK-UP DATES
Beginning January 2nd trash pick-up will be
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Recycling will be picked up on Wednesdays
PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS CONTACT 210-732-0055 or chrissie@reachfortheheights.org
BALCONES HEIGHTS MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
Suzanne de Leon Miguel Valverde Madeline A. Slay Jack Burton Lamar Gillain Charles White
Mayor Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Mayor Pro/Tem Councilman
Place 1 Place 2 Place 3 Councilman Place 4 Place 5
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