CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL September 23, 2024  A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights, Texas was held at the Council Chamber, located at 6116 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024. A teleconference was held via Zoom; staff and meeting attendees were  welcomed in the Council Chamber. Composing a quorum were: Mayor Bobby Rosenthal Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Billa Burke Councilmember Lawson Jessee Councilmember Karl P. Baker Also attending were: City Manager Buddy Kuhn Assistant City Manager Phil Laney City Attorney Jessie Lopez Assistant to City Manager. Jennifer Reyna City Secretary Elsa T. Robles Director of Finance Robert Galindo Police Chiefl Rick Pruitt Fire ChiefMichael Gdovin Public Works Director Frank Orta Deputy Police ChiefCindy Pruitt Councilmember Blake M. Bonner  Community Development Services Director Lety Hernandez  Not attending:  Mayor Bobby Rosenthal opened the meeting at 5:31 p.m.  Item #1  Approval ofMinutes  Mayor Rosenthal asked the City Council for a motion on the September 09, 2024 City Council Meeting minutes. Councilmember Lawson Jessee moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Billa Burke and passed by  unanimous vote. Item #2  Amnouncements  Mayor Rosenthal read the following captions. City of Alamo Heights as Councilmember Place 5  a. A Proclamation in recognition of John Savage for his dedication of 14 years to the    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  Mayor Rosenthal presented a proclamation on behalf of the City Council and the City of Alamo Heights in recognition of John Savage for his dedication of 14 years to the city as  Councilmember Place 5.  City Manager Buddy Kuhn presented Mr. Savage with a gift of appreciation and expressed his gratitude for collaborating with him for many years on key city issues. Other members of staff and audience shared their well wishes regarding Mr. Savage's retirement from  City Council.  Mr. Savage spoke briefly about his years of service and thanked Council and staff for  their support during his tenure as Councilmember Place 5. b. 13th Annual National Night Out, October 1st  Assistant to City Manager Jennifer Reyna announced the City's 13th Annual National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1,2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be held in the rear parking lot of City Hall. She stated it is a fun family-oriented event and encouraged the public to. join in on the fun and public safety. Ms. Reyna noted several sponsors have signed up to include Next Level Urgent Care, Central Market, Rio Bank, Broadway Daily Bread, AH Pediatric Dentistry, and Dogtopia. She noted Cambridge Elementary Choir will perform and  there will be opportunities for pet adoptions. C. - AHFD Toys for Tots Drive, October 2nd  Fire Chief Michael Gdovin announced the. AH Fire Station will be a donation site for the U.S. Marine Corp Toys for Tots Program beginning October 2, 2024 through December 15,  2024.  d. 17th Annual Race for Rescues 5K, September 28th  Community Development Services Director Lety Hernandez stated she was announcing the 17th Annual Race for Rescues 5K event scheduled for Saturday, September 28th at 8:00 a.m. Set-up will begin at 6:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Alamo Heights Pool - 250 Viesca  Ave.  e. 25th Annual St. Peter's Parish Picnic, October 6th  Ms. Hernandez announced the 25th Annual St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Parish Picnic event scheduled for Sunday, October 6th from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. Set-up will begin at 8:00 a.m. The event will take place at the church grounds, some street closures are anticipated.  Annual Howdy Night Parade, October 9th  Ms. Hernandez announced the Annual Howdy Night Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, October gth from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Set-up will begin at 3:30 p.m. The event will start at the 103 Alamo Heights Blvd near the Bark Park and end at the. AHI High School, 6900 Broadway St.  Item #3  Citizens to be Heard  2    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  Ms. Belinda Scholz, resident, stated she and her husband had shared concerns back in November regarding the 3-way stop sign located at the corner of Cambridge Oval, Joliet and Willim near Cambridge Elementary. She stated the situation remains the same. Cars speed through the stop sign/area causing a safety concern for children & parents walking to and from the school and in the neighborhood. She asked Council to consider installing rumble strips to  encourage cars to slow down.  Items for Individual Consideration  Item #4  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  RESOLUTION NO. 2024R-1 193  A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH BALCONES RECYCLING INC. FOR RECYCLING SERVICES; AND SET AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  Director of Public Works Frank Orta stated staff requested approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Balcones Recycling for the city's  recycling services.  Mr. Orta noted Balcones Recycling is a new facility in Southwest San Antonio, collecting and sorting recycled materials. The city will transition from its current vendor with Waste Management due to an expired contract, cost increases, and relocation of their plant to New  Braunfels.  Staff estimates a cost savings and a partnered eduçation campaign for the community with Balcones Recycling. They are a recycling-only facility/company and were recently awarded the City of San Antonio's recycling contract beginning August 2024. The firm has been headquartered in Texas since 1994 and has been processing City of Austin recycling for 10+ Mr. Orta stated an agreement with Balcones Recycling will ensure services will continue without interruption. The contract term is 5 years with five, 2-year renewals for up to a 15-year term. Additionally, there are no changes to the currently accepted materials: paper, cardboard,  years.  plastic bottles, aluminum cans, tin containers/cans, and glass bottles.  Balcones Recycling is actively partnering with Alamo Heights on a residential awareness and education campaign. They offered to provide educational tours to city staff, council and even  schools in AHISD.  In terms of policy analysis, this action is consistent with City policy in negotiating professional services contracts and is consistent with the City's interest in having professional recycling and processing services partnered with the City's Public Works Department to meet residential and commercial needs. Staff coordinated with Balcones Recycling Inc., the City  Attorney and City Manager.  3    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  In closing, Mr. Orta explained the Balcones Recycling agreement projected cost is based on $90 per ton flat rate, offset by 65% revenue share for processed materials. The fee may vary based on market performance. If the current market performance fee is about $35 per ton and overall, 8-year average, the city pays about $47 per ton. The projected fee per ton under the previous WM agreement is $56.30. Mr. Orta added the funds in amount of $55,000 are available in Public Works FY 2024-25 Budget and the overall contract is projected to stay within total  budget.  After a brief discussion Councilmember Lawson moved to approve Resolution No. 2024R - 193 as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Karl P. Baker and  passed by unanimous vote.  Item #5  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  RESOLUTION NO. 2024R-1 194  AI RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS, TEXAS, AWARDING A CONTRACT TO KYRISH TRUCK CENTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $285,828.27 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO DUMP TRUCKS THROUGH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASING COOPERATIVE SOURCEWELL): AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE  DATE.  Mr. Orta stated staff requested approval of a resolution awarding a contract to Kyrish Truck Centers in the amount of $285,828.27 for the purchase of two 2025 dump trucks through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program to replace a 2008 & 2010 dump trucks being decommissioned. He noted City Council had approved a total of $320,000 (Utility Fund for 1.5 trucks $230,000 and Capital Replacement Fund for 0.5 trucks - $90,000) during the FY 2024-  2025 budget through the Capital Replacement and Utility Funds.  Mr. Orta commented the proposed purchase is consistent with the city's policy to utilize the Co-Op bidding process and is consistent with updating fleet equipment that has exceeded its life span. He added staff coordinated with Kyrish Truck Centers, the City Attorney and City Manager. Mr. Orta stated the resolution presented authorizes payment in amount of $285,828.27  oft the budgeted $320,000 tol Kyrish Truck Centers for two dump trucks.  Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke moved to approve Resolution No. 2024R - 194 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Councilmember Jessee and passed by unanimous vote.  Item # 6  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  ORDINANCE NO. 2229  AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ADOPTED GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 FOR TRANSFERS OUT TO THE STREET MAINTENANCE FUND, CAPITAL  REPLACEMENT  FUND 4  $500,000  AND    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  COMPREHENSIVE FUND FOR A TOTAL UP TO $1,550,000 AND SET AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  Finance Director Robert Galindo announced a budget adjustment for the General Fund is done annually every September. He reviewed the General Fund 2023-24 projections. The estimated revenue over expenses for fiscal year ending September 30, 20241 is $1,565,965. Mr. Galindo stated staff proposes using up to $1,550,000 of the projected positive balance for a budget amendment to transfers out of the General Fund. The budget amendment request will add a transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Replacement Fund, Street Maintenance Fund and Comprehensive Fund for Beautification projects including the gazebo being donated to the city tol be located at the dog park. He reviewed the budget amendment breakdown:  Amount $ 950,000 $ 500,000 $ 100,000 $1,550,000  Comprehensive Fund - Beautification Projects  Capital Replacement Fund Street Maintenance Fund  Total  Mr. Galindo commented that he projects the Street Maintenance Fund is healthy and will total more than $500,000 at the end of this fiscal year. Transfers to the Capital Replacement Fund will be forthcoming to fund upcoming enewalspurchases of vital city equipment.  Mr. Galindo stated the budget amendment is in line with sound financial management practices to commit funds, when possible, for community projects and replacement of capital equipment. It is also consistent with the city's Strategic Action Plan. Budget amendments between funds require Council approval. He noted the proposed amendment was reviewed by the  City Manager and City Attorney.  Staff requests Council to approve an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 adopted budget for additional transfers from the General Fund to the Street Maintenance Fund $100,000, Capital Replacement Fund $500,000 and $950,000 to the Comprehensive Fund for  Beautification Projects.  Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke moved to approve Ordinance No. 2229 as presented. The  motion was seconded by Councilmember Jessee and passed by unanimous vote.  Staff Reports Item #7  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  Notice of Intent to demolish the existing multi-family use building(s) and construct four (4) three-story town home units with two (2) car garage  on the property located at 1009 Townsend Ave.  5    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  Community Development Services Department Director Lety Hernandez stated the property is currently zoned Multi-Family (MF-D) and is located at 1009 Townsend Ave. across Cambridge Elementary at the intersection of Cambridge Oval. This is a request to demolish the  existing multi-family use structures and construct new.  Ms. Hernandez reviewed photos of the existing conditions, existing/proposed site plans, elevations and renderings of proposed plans. She stated the project is subject to preliminary and final reviews by the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and approval by Council. As well as subject to technical and administrative reviews of proposed elevations and landscaping plans to  ensure compliance with the current building and zoning code regulations.  Mr. Lyndsay Thorn, architect for the project, stated their goal was to demolish and build less units than are currently there. There will be two 3-story duplex units and will be serviced from the rear off the driveway in the back. The design will be more contemporary and al bit more  modern and fit well in the neighborhood. thanked Mr. Thorn for the presentation.  Council briefly discussed parking, sidewalks and fencing for the proposed duplex and  Item #8  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption. on vehicle burglaries in the City of Alamo Heights  Update on the Wildrose Avenue vehicle burglary incident and briefing  Police Chief Rick Pruitt updated Council on a recent vehicle burglary incident and other vehicle burglaries in the city. Three individuals were involved in the incident and were confronted by the homeowner while they attempted to burglarize a vehicle. He stated this activity is common in city neighborhoods more sO than any other crimes. These individuals go  down the street checking door handles to find unlocked doors.  Police Chief Pruitt these types of crimes attempting can be easily prevented. The common factors leading to the increased crime are unlocked vehicles and the high value targets left in open view. Additionally, the new open carry laws provide a higher volume of handguns left in vehicles. Vehicles keys and fobs are often left in unlocked vehicles that provide easy targets for  thieves.  Police Chief Pruitt reviewed police data involving vehicle theft. To date there have been 40 total vehicle burglaries. He noted in 6 of those cases multiple vehicle entries were involved. In 35 cases, the vehicles were left unlocked. He stated another form of crime that is common is "jugging" where people visiting banks or ATMs are being followed and robbed. He noted people  need to be more aware oft their surroundings.  Police Chief Pruitt stated the AHPD is working hard with the community to push awareness and constantly remind residents of the dangers of leaving firearms in their vehicles.  He provided preventative measures people can take to avoid being a victim. Remove or hide all valuables BEFORE reaching your destination Do not stop between the bank and the destination where funds will be delivered  Fully close windows and lock the vehicle  6    September 23, 2024 City Council Meeting  Set the alarm  Do not hide keys outside the vehicle or behind the fuel door  Do not leave firearms in vehicles  Council thanked Police Chief Pruitt for the update.  Closed Session Item #9  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  Executive Session as authorized by the Texas Government Code Section 551.074 (personnel matters) to discuss appointing a qualified individual to fill the At-large City Councilmember Place 5 seat for the remainder of the The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights convened into Closed Executive Session at 6:38 p.m. and reconvened in Open Session at 6:48 p.m. in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Section $551.071 (Consultation with Attorney).  unexpired term which will expire on May 3, 2025.  Open Session Item # 10  Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.  Discussion and possible action resulting from Executive Session  Councilmember Jessee moved to appoint Mr. Trey Jacobson to fill the vacant City Councilmember Place 5 seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending May 3, 2025. The  motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke and passed by 3-0 vote.  Mayor Rosenthal noted Mr. Jacobson would be sworn in at the first Council meeting in  October should he choose to accept the position.  With no further business to consider, Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councimember Jessee and passed by  unanimous vote.  PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 14th DAY OF OCTOBER,2024.  1I I  5  S2Ana ElaT.R Robles, TRMC City Secretary