Monthly Newsletter ~ City of Balcones Heights · late Sharon LeDesma. (Photos: Chrissie Kolb) CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS 3300 Hillcrest Balcones Heights, Texas 78201 balconesheights.org

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 [email protected] 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

[email protected] [email protected]

735-9148, Ext. 235

Miguel C. Valverde Madeline Slay

[email protected] [email protected]

Jack Burton Charles White

[email protected] 210-324-2797

CONTACT DIRECTORY: 210-735-9148 EXT

City Administrator: Amy Buckert Ext. 227

[email protected]

City Secretary: Delia Flores Ext. 236 [email protected]

Development Services: Mark Boyd Ext. 246

[email protected]

Director of Administrative Services: Yvonne Griffin Ext. 244

[email protected]

Finance Clerk: Floyd Messick Ext. 243

[email protected]

Community Initiatives Director: Lorenzo Nastasi 210-732-0055

[email protected]

Community Initiatives: Chrissie Kolb 210-732-0055

[email protected]

Fire Chief: Philip C. Prince 210-735-9206

[email protected]

Investigator/Lieutenant: Joyce Pena Ext. 239

Police Chief: Henry Dominguez Ext. 242

[email protected]

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 [email protected]

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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