City Council Meeting Notes – May 26, 2011
On Thursday, May 26, 2011, the Helotes City Council met at City Hall for a regularly-scheduled meeting.
The Mayor issued certificates of recognition to the 2011 Miss Helotes and her Court.
He also issued certificates of appreciation to exiting Council members Gary Johnson and Rich Whitehead, both of whom had chosen not to run again for their Council positions.
The Mayor also swore in newly-elected Council members Norbert “Bert” Buys and Paul Friedrichs.
Mayor Schoolcraft reported that City officials went to Austin to see the appropriate State officials about changing how money from our Municipal Court Building Security Fund can be spent (House Bill 3603/Senate Bill 1521). Apparently, Helotes has a sizeable building security fund, but we have no need for metal detectors, etc. The Mayor wants to be able to spend the money on other things (which he is apparently currently kept from doing legally), such as our Warrant Officer and his related equipment. This request was added to the bill, and it has passed the Senate with no opposition. It will now go to the House floor and will go into effect immediately if passed.
These consent agenda items were approved unanimously (without discussion):
- the monthly Revenue and Expenditure Report.
- the quarterly Investment Report.
- the acceptance of the resignation of Bert Buys from P&Z.
- the acceptance of the resignation of Paul Friedrichs from the Helotes Economic Development Corporation.
- the acceptance of the resignation of David Legendre from City Council.
- the final plat for Wind Gate Run (on Hausman Road).
- the revised Storm Water Management Plan for Wind Gate Run.
Other items discussed and approved unanimously:
- reappointment of Council member Ed Villanueva as Mayor Pro Tem.
- application for a variance for a wall-mount sign for the Hill Country Feed & Supply.
- reappointment of Keith Muhlestein and Council member Cynthia Massey to the Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for terms to expire on September 30, 2012.
Council also discussed filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Council member Legendre. The Mayor stated that an ad had been placed in the Echo. They will accept letters of interest from all interested citizens detailing their qualifications. When these are received, they will be reviewed and discussed and a selection made.
At 7:29 p.m. Council went into a closed session to consult with the City Attorney regarding the lawsuit filed against the City by the Northside Independent School District (after enjoying some cake and beverages in appreciation of the service of Council members Johnson and Whitehead and in celebration of new Council members Buys and Friedrichs.)