Item # 1a - August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes

CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
August 22, 2022
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,
August 22, 2022. 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 Lawson Jessee – Arrived at 5:46 p.m.
Councilmember Wes Sharples
Councilmember Lynda Billa Burke
Councilmember John Savage
Also attending were:
City Manager Buddy Kuhn
Assistant City Manager Phil Laney
City Attorney Richard Lindner
Assistant to City Manager Jennifer Reyna – Via Zoom
City Secretary Elsa T. Robles
Director of Finance Robert Galindo
Police Chief Rick Pruitt
Deputy Police Chief Cindy Pruitt
Community Development Services Director Lety Hernandez
Fire Chief Michael Gdovin
Fire Deputy Chief Allen Ottmers
Public Works Director Pat Sullivan – Via Zoom
Absent:
Councilmember Blake M. Bonner
Human Resources Manager Brenda Jimenez
* * *
Mayor Bobby Rosenthal opened the meeting at 5:31 p.m.
* * *
Item # 1 Approval of Minutes
Mayor Bobby Rosenthal asked City Council for a motion on the August 8, 2022 City
Council Meeting minutes. Councilmember Wes Sharples moved to approve the minutes as
presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Lynda Billa Burke and passed by 3-0
vote.
* * *
Item # 2 Announcements
Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.

August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting
2
a. Stage 4 Water Restrictions
City Manager Buddy Kuhn announcement Stage 4 water restrictions are currently in
effect as mandated by the Edward’s Aquifer Authority (EAA). The City’s ordinance requires
40% reduction under Stage 4. Currently, the permitted acre feet (AF) amount is 2,822 acre feet.
If the City remains in Stage 4 for the remainder of the year, the new acre feet reduction amount is
2,025 acre feet, a Stage 5 ordinance is not in place. Mr. Kuhn shared historic amounts for the
past 3 years; 2019 – 1,861 AF; 2020 – 2,001 AF; and 2021 – 1,810 AF. Additionally, the first 6
months in 2022 – 934.19 AF, and projected is 1,868.38 AF with mandated reductions in place
and enforced.
* * *
Item # 3 Citizens to be heard
Ms. Sarah Reveley, resident, address Council about her research on centennial homes in
the city as part of the Centennial Celebration. She asked Council for help identifying the
historical homes. Mayor Rosenthal thanked Ms. Reveley and asked Council to consider helping
with this project.
Mr. John Frierson, resident of Olmos Park, shared his concerns with litter at the Olmos
Basin Parks, specifically, alcohol containers. He asked Council to consider sending a letter to
City of San Antonio Director of Parks and Recreation Homer Garcia to ban alcohol at the Olmos
Basin parks.
* * *
Mayor Rosenthal announced Items # 4-6 would be considered after the Architectural Review
Board Cases.
* * *
Items for Individual Consideration
Item # 7 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
Architectural Review Board Case No. 885F, request of La Pilla Ventures,
owner, for the significance review of the existing main structure located at 124
& 126 Wildrose in order to demolish 100% of the existing single-family
residence
Community Development Services Department Director Lety Hernandez stated the
Single-Family A property is located at 124 & 126 Wildrose on the south side between
Wintergreen and Broadway. The applicant requests approval of a significance review in order to
demolish 100% of the existing residence.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the existing property condition and streetscape. She stated staff
found no historical or architectural significance to the existing main structure. A replacement
structure has not been proposed at this time; however, future construction of a single-family
residence would be subject to a Compatibility Review by the Architectural Review Board (ARB)
and approval by Council.

3
On August 16, 2022, the ARB conducted the significance review and voted unanimously
to declare the existing main structure as not significant and recommended approval of the
demolition as requested.
Public notifications were mailed to property owners within a 200-foot radius. Notices
were posted on the City’s website and on the property. Staff received one response in support
and none in opposition.
Councilmember Sharples moved to approve ARB Case No. 885F as presented. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Billa Burke and passed by 3-0 vote.
* * *
Mayor Pro Tem Lawson Jessee arrived at 5:46 p.m. and voted for the remainder of
the agenda items.
* * *
Architectural Review Board Case No. 887F, request of Christopher Guido,
owner, for the compatibility review of the proposed design located at 201
Oakview E in order to add a 2nd story to an existing detached garage
Ms. Hernandez stated the Single-Family A (SF-A) zoned property is located at 201
Oakview E, on the north side of the street at the intersection of Vanderhoeven. The applicant
requests approval of a compatibility review for a two-story addition to an existing detached
garage. She noted, demolition of one-story detached accessory structures are exempt from
significance review; however, construction of two-story detached accessory structures is subject
to a compatibility review.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the existing property conditions, proposed elevations, and
floor/roof plans. The applicant is proposing a height of – 21ft 8-inches (utilizing max 2ft height
bonus due to slope) with Hardie Board siding and metal roof and is utilizing the looming
exemption at the alley.
In terms of policy analysis, Ms. Hernandez noted the proposed lot coverage increased
slightly from 30.23% to 30.97% under the maximum allowed of 40% in a SF-A zone. The
proposed floor area ratio increased from 0.2732 to 0.3349% of the allowable max. The applicant
can use the maximum of 50% since they will preserve 50% of the existing main structure and
have a side or rear street/alley access.
Ms. Hernandez stated the ARB considered the request at their August 16, 2022 meeting
and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed design as compatible.
were posted on the City’s website and on the property. Staff received two responses in support
and none in opposition.

4
Mayor Pro Tem Jessee moved to approve ARB Case No. 887F as presented. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Sharples and passed by unanimous vote.
Architectural Review Board Case No. 870F, request of Jack Dabney of Dabney
Homes, owner, for the compatibility review of the proposed design located at
227 Rosemary in order to construct a new single-family residence with
detached garage
Ms. Hernandez stated the Single-Family A (SF-A) zoned property is located at 227
Rosemary, on the north side between Wintergreen and Buttercup. The applicant requests
approval of a compatibility review in order to construct a new single-family residence with
detached garage. She noted the ARB determined the previous residence was not significant and
recommended approval of the demolition at the June 15, 2021 meeting. Council approved the
board’s recommendation at their June 28, 2021 meeting. At the time of the request for
demolition review, no plans were submitted for a replacement structure.
Ms. Hernandez reviewed the proposed site plan, elevations, floor/roof plans, and
streetscapes. For the main structure, the applicant is proposing a height of – 28ft, with Hardie
Board siding with Stone Veneer and composition shingle with metal roof accents. The proposed
detached garage elevation height is 18ft 9-¾ inches with Hardie Board siding and composition
shingle roof.
In terms of policy analysis, Ms. Hernandez noted the proposed lot coverage is 36.12%
under the maximum allowed of 40% in a SF-A zone. The proposed floor area ratio is .4703% of
the allowable 49% with two bonuses for a side or rear street/alley access and a one-story garage.
Ms. Hernandez stated the ARB considered the request at their August 16, 2022 meeting
and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed design as compatible and
encouraged consistency of window design use to match the design of the shed gable.
were posted on the City’s website and on the property. Staff received no responses in support or
in opposition.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessee moved to approve ARB Case No. 870F as presented. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Savage and passed by unanimous vote.
* * *
Mayor Rosenthal announced Items # 4-6 would be considered next.
* * *

5
Public Hearings
Public hearing on Proposed FY 2022-2023 Annual Operating Budget
Mayor Rosenthal opened the public hearing at 5:54 p.m. With no one to speak on the
item, Mayor Rosenthal closed the public hearing at 5:55 p.m.
Public hearing on 2022 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate
Mayor Rosenthal opened the public hearing at 5:56 p.m. With no one to speak on the
item, Mayor Rosenthal closed the public hearing at 5:57 p.m.
* * *
Items for Individual Consideration
Budget and Tax Ordinances to be considered in the following order:
a. FY 2022-2023 Operating Budget
ORDINANCE NO. 2192
AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF
THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023; AND
ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF ALAMO
HEIGHTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
b. 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Rate
ORDINANCE NO. 2193
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN AD VALOREM TAX AT THE RATE OF
$0.388051 FOR EVERY $100.00 VALUATION FOR THE SUPPORT OF
THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS,
TEXAS, SPECIFYING SEPARATE COMPONENTS OF SUCH RATE FOR
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS AND FOR DEBT SERVICE; SAID
TAXES BEING LEVIED FOR THE 2022 TAX YEAR; PROVIDING FOR
DUE AND DELINQUENT DATES TOGETHER WITH PENALTIES AND
INTEREST; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION AND ORDAINING OTHER
RELATED MATTERS; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE

6
c. Ratifying the Increase in Property Tax Revenue reflected in the
FY 2022-2023 Budget
ORDINANCE NO. 2194
AN ORDINANCE RATIFYING THE PROPERTY TAX REVENUE
INCREASE REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 BUDGET
Finance Director Robert Galindo presented the proposed FY 2022-2023 and the proposed
2022 Tax Rate. The proposed 2022 total tax rate is $0.388051 per $100 valuation. The tax rate is
composed of two components: the proposed Maintenance and Operation (M&O) rate of
$0.326051 and the proposed Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate of $0.062000. If Council adopts the
proposed tax rate, it will reduce the total tax rate by 4.1%.
Mr. Galindo reviewed the current Total Tax Rate of $0.404439 and stated on August 8,
2022, Council voted to propose a not to exceed $0.392000 tax rate (a reduction of 3.1% from
2021) and requested staff explore a lower tax rate option. Mr. Galindo presented two options for
Council to consider: Option 1 - Total Tax Rate of $0.392000 per $100 valuation, an M&O Rate
of $0.326051 and I&S Rate of $0.065949 with the projected remaining General Fund balance
available of $364,460; Option 2 - Total Tax Rate of $0.388051 per $100 valuation, an M&O
Rate of $0.326051 and I&S Rate of $0.062000 (a reduction of 4.1% from 2021) with the
projected remaining General Fund balance available of $379,052. The difference between both
options is: Option 1 - for every $100 City collects in property tax, $83 would be available for
General Fund use (M&O rate); and Option 2 - for every $100 City collects in property tax, $84
would be available for General Fund use (M&O rate).
Mr. Galindo stated the No New Revenue Tax Rate is $0.378140 and the Voter Approval
Tax Rate is $0.410231. He reviewed revenue collections for both options. Option 1 tax revenue
collections would be $7,867,173, a revenue increase of $217,208 and Option 2 would be
$7,805,285, a revenue increase of $155,321. Additionally, the average home owner less than 65
years of age, would see an annual increase of $104.00 for Option 1 and $74.00 for Option 2.
Mr. Galindo summarized, if Council adopts Option 2, it will increase revenues by
$89,171 in the General Fund. He stated at the August 8, 2022 Council meeting, Council
discussed a possible 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for staff. This will be an
additional $80,000, leaving a General Fund balance of $227,237. He reviewed the proposed
Utility Fund Budget beginning balance of $3,134,418 with proposed revenues of $4,532,508,
proposed operating expenses of $4,377,680, and working capital of $154,828. The estimated
fund balance at the end of the fiscal year is $3,289,246.
Other proposed governmental funds for FY 2022-2023 are the Comprehensive Plan Fund
with a beginning balance of $159,443 with transfers in of $25,000 from the General Fund, a
possible carryover from prior year $50,000 for lighting and $25,000 park improvements. The
Street Maintenance Fund revenues estimated at $852,062 from sales tax and expenditures of
$1,000,000 for the street maintenance program. The Capital Projects Funds beginning balance of
$14,306,607 which includes the 2021 Taxable bond proceeds and a transfer in of $25,000
allocated for the Olmos Basin Cleanup. The Capital Replacement Fund starting balance is
$578,303 with a transfer in of $60,000 from the General Fund for the purchase of a future
ambulance.

7
Mr. Galindo stated the City Charter requires the City Manager to prepare a budget to
cover all proposed expenditures of the City for the succeeding year. The budget must be prepared
in conformity with state law and a vote to approve is required. A roll call record vote to set the
tax rate is required by Chapter 26 of the Tax Code. Local Government Code 102.007 requires a
separate vote to ratify the property tax revenue increase in the budget.
Councilmember Sharples stated he recalled staff recommending the proposed tax rate of
$0.382000 per $100 valuation at the previous Council meeting and wanted to know what had
changed.
Mr. Galindo agreed and reminded Council they had approved to set the proposed 2022
Tax Rate not to exceed $0.392000 per $100 valuation and had asked staff to review the numbers
again for a different scenario. He stated staff met with Councilmember Savage and together they
agreed Option 2, with a Total Tax Rate of $0.388051 per $100 valuation, was a viable option.
Mr. Galindo added it is important not to increase or decrease the tax rate too much and keep it as
level as possible.
Mr. Kuhn stated the original tax rate proposed on August 8th
of $0.382000 per $100
valuation was going to about be about $49.00 or -5.1% reduction in the rate; however, Council
directed staff to review different options.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessee shared his concern with lowering the tax revenue too much
because it may compound into a problem in the future with the COLA increasing annually and
net revenue decreasing.
Mr. Kuhn stated the COLA is not the only thing affecting this decision, items Council
requested during the Strategic Action Plan and Budget Workshops will also impact the budget.
He presented Council with a snapshot of proposed rates for local area cities and cautioned
Council about selecting a “no new revenue” rate because historically, other cities who adopted
this rate, found themselves running out of money and essentially played catch up by drastically
increasing their tax rate annually.
After some discussion, Councilmember Billa Burke moved to approve Ordinance No.
2192 adopting the annual operating budget of the City of Alamo Heights to include a 5% COLA
increase for city employees for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022 and ending September
30, 2023. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jessee and passed by roll call vote as
follows: Ayes – Mayor Pro Tem Jessee, Councilmember Sharples, Councilmember Billa Burke,
and Councilmember Savage. Nays – None. Present but not voting – Mayor Rosenthal. Absent
and not voting – Councilmember Blake M. Bonner.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessee moved to approve Ordinance No. 2193 stating the property tax
rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.388051 per $100 valuation, which is
effectively a decrease of 4.1% in the tax rate with the M&O Rate being $0.326051 and the I&S
Rate being $0.062000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sharples and passed by roll
call vote as follow: Ayes – Mayor Pro Tem Jessee, Councilmember Sharples, Councilmember
Billa Burke, and Councilmember Savage. Nays – None. Present but not voting – Mayor
Rosenthal. Absent and not voting – Councilmember Blake M. Bonner.

8
Councilmember Billa Burke moved to approve Ordinance No. 2194 ratifying the increase
in Property Tax reflected in the FY 2022-2023 Budget. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Savage and passed by roll call vote as follow: Ayes – Mayor Pro Tem Jessee,
Councilmember Sharples, Councilmember Billa Burke, and Councilmember Savage. Nays –
None. Present but not voting – Mayor Rosenthal. Absent and not voting – Councilmember Blake
M. Bonner.
Mr. Kuhn took the opportunity to thank Mr. Galindo, management staff, and City
Council for their hard work in establishing a well balance budget for next fiscal year.
Discussion and possible action to amend the current Interlocal Agreement with
the Alamo Heights Independent School District by adding two additional
School Resource Officers and authorizing the City Manager and Chief of
Police to execute the Interlocal Agreement
Police Chief Rick Pruitt presented a request from the Alamo Heights Independent School
District (AHISD) to amend the Interlocal Agreement by adding two School Resource Officers
(SRO) and restructuring the cost share agreement with the City of Alamo Heights. The requested
SROs would be based at Cambridge Elementary School and Alamo Heights Junior High School.
The SRO will also rotate to Woodridge and Howard Elementary schools.
Staff proposes the cost share for the SRO at Cambridge Elementary and Alamo Heights
High School be 75% AHISD / 25% City. AHISD will pay 100% of personnel costs for the SRO
at the Junior High School and reimburse the City for uniforms and equipment for this SRO.
Police Chief Pruitt stated the SRO Program oversight is assigned to a Police
Administrative Officer. The AHISD will pay 100% of the differential salary and benefit costs of
this officer. All proposals and cost analysis have been provided to the AHISD Superintendent
and were approved by the AHISD Board of Trustees.
The agreement between the City and School District is pursuant to the Interlocal
Cooperation Contracts, Chapter 791, Texas Govt Code, the COAH, a home rule municipality,
and AHISD, an independent school district, may jointly exercise the power to provide
governmental services for public health, safety, and general welfare.
SRO equipment for two SROs are currently in inventory. As a reminder, AHISD will
reimburse the City for one additional SRO’s equipment. A clause is in place in the agreement
should the SRO program discontinue. It permits the City to purchase equipment (weapon, radio,
shield, etc.) back at fair market price. SRO vehicles will come from current inventory in the
department. All financial obligations of the SRO program will be funded by the respective
revenues of AHISD and COAH.
All financial obligations of the SRO program will be funded by the respective revenues
of AHISD and COAH. Chief Pruitt reviewed the cost associated with the additional SROs.

9
Chief Pruitt stated the Interlocal Agreement amendment was coordinated with the City
Manager, City Attorney, staff, and AHISD Superintendent Dr. Dana Bashara and Assistant
Superintendent Dr. Frank Alfaro. The AHISD board members approved the amendment.
Staff requests approval to amend the current Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Alamo
Heights ISD by adding two additional SROs and authorizing the City Manager and Chief of
Police to execute the agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessee moved to approve the ILA amendment as requested. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Sharples and passed by unanimous vote. Council thanked staff
for establishing the SRO program in the city.
Discussion and possible action to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding
between the San Antonio Police Department and Alamo Heights Police
Department and authorizing the Chief of Police to execute the Memorandum
of Understanding
Police Chief Pruitt stated this item was in direct relationship to the SRO program
expanding into the city limits of San Antonio and under the jurisdiction of the San Antonio
Police Department (SAPD). He added having an agreement with SAPD is important to AHPD
because it will clarify the roles and responsibilities of each agency during emergency/non-
emergency incidents and investigations.
Staff proposes a standard language Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prepared by
SAPD outlining procedures and responsibilities for overlapping jurisdictions to work for a
common cause to include the following; applies to Alamo Heights Junior School, Woodridge
Elementary and Howard Early Learning Center. The MOU will define the responsibilities of
each agency during critical/emergency and non-emergency investigations, it includes a statement
of liability for each agency, an acknowledgement of indemnification for each agency, and it
remains in effect for five years unless a sixty-day notice is given by either party.

10
Police Chief Pruitt stated, like the previous SRO agreement, the MOU is pursuant to the
Interlocal Cooperation Contracts, Chapter 791, Texas Govt Code, the City of Alamo Heights
(COAH) and the City of San Antonio (COSA), both home rule municipalities, may jointly
exercise the power to provide governmental services for public health, safety, and general
welfare. The MOU does not create any financial obligation by one party on the other.
Police Chief Pruitt noted the MOU was coordinated with the City Manager and City
Attorney who reviewed the MOU and suggested some amendments. The City Attorney is
currently working with COSA City Attorney James Kopp to incorporate these changes, but
suggested staff present this draft to Council for approval in “Substantial Final Form”. The MOU
was reviewed by the AHISD Executive Staff, their attorneys, and the AHISD board members
and agree with the MOU.
Staff requests approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Alamo Heights
Police Department and San Antonio Police Department in its substantial final form and
authorizes the Chief of Police to execute the Memorandum of Understanding.
City Attorney Richard Lindner advised COSA City Attorney had reviewed the suggested
amendments and did not see a problem with making the changes; however, if significant changes
are proposed or if both parties do not agree, then staff would bring this item back to Council for
discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Sharples moved to approve to authorize the Chief of Police to execute
the Memorandum of Understanding between AHPD and SAPD in substantial final form as
requested. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Billa Burke and passed by unanimous
vote.
* * *
Closed Session
Executive Session per Section 551.071 (consultation with attorney) to
discuss terms of consultant contract for infrastructure construction.
The City Council of the City of Alamo Heights convened into Executive Session at 6:39
p.m. and reconvened in Open Session at 6:52 p.m. in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings
Act, Texas Government Code, Section §551.071 (Consultation with Attorney).
* * *
Open Session
Discussion and possible action resulting from Executive Session
No action taken.

11
* * *
With no further business to consider, Councilmember Sharples moved to adjourn the
meeting at 6:53 p.m. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Savage and passed by
unanimous vote.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 12th
DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2022.
__________________________
Bobby Rosenthal
Mayor
____________________________
Elsa T. Robles, TRMC
City Secretary

Item # 1a - August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes

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Item # 1a - August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes