NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2008

PARK DONATION – A big Thank You to Conrad and Olivia Garcia for their generous donation of two trees for Davenport Park.

RETAMA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION – The City of Selma is seeking a Volunteer to serve on the Retama Development Board. The Board is appointed by the Council and the function of the Board is to oversee the operation and management of operations of the Retama Horse Racing Track. Board meetings are called on an as required basis. Meetings are held during the workweek and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Any citizen of the City of Selma interested in this position should send a cover letter and resume to Ken Roberts, City Administrator at 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma.

CHIPPER SERVICE is provided to residents on the 1st Monday of the month. To schedule the City crew and chipper please call 651-6661, ext 7840. As a reminder, chipper service is provided for the residents of the City of Selma only. Of late, some residents have hired professional landscaping services and then called for the City to come chip the contractor produced waste. This is not what this chipper service was intended to support. When professional landscape contracts are entered into by the residents please have the removal of the contractor generated waste included in the contract.

FILE FOR LIFE – Selma Fire Department has received a new stock of the File For Life cards and refrigerator magnets. Please stop by City Hall and pick up your copy. This is one way to make sure when your First Responders get to your home in time of need, they will have all the pertinent information to render you the aid you require.

STREET SWEEPER SERVICE – The City’s street sweeper will be following this monthly route schedule in our subdivisions:

Olympia & Forrest Creek – First Week of the Month
Selma Park Estates & Chelsea Crossing – Week Two
Retama Ridge & Retama Springs – Week Three
Live Oak Hills & Kennsington Ranch Week Four

During business hours on the week of street sweeping your neighborhood, it would be greatly appreciated if you park your vehicles off the street. This will enable us to do a better job in your neighborhood.

GUADALUPE COUNTY TAX STATEMENTS – As you know, Selma is in three counties and the City contracts with Guadalupe County to collect your City taxes. Please keep in mind, no matter which county you reside in, you will get a property tax statement from Guadalupe County for your City Property tax.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP – Of late, it seems that we have had a spate of animal calls from neighbors of folks that may not be demonstrating the best in the way of responsible pet ownership. It is your right to own a pet. It is also your responsibility to care for the animal and respect the rights of those around you. If your dog is kept out of doors and barks, if a cat meows all night long or roams about the neighborhood it is not only a nuisance, it is against City Ordinances. Should any of you encounter an annoyance from an animal during normal business hours call Mr. Van Adams at 651-7862. On weekends, after duty hours or on Holidays, please call Dispatch at 653-0033. We have Animal Control Officers on call 24 hours a day.

ANIMAL CONTROL: As a reminder, Selma has an Ordinance that requires pets to be registered and licensed with the City. These licenses are renewable every year at a nominal cost. Please bring your copies of the pet’s vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter procedures. Should your pet wander off, the tag makes it very easy for us to return your pet to you. Please, when you and your pet are out and about, we ask that you observe the requirement to keep that pet on a leash. Complete your license online.

AFTER HOURS MINOR EMERGENCIES – The number to call on weekends, holidays and after normal business hours for City Offices is Live Oak Dispatch at 653-0033. Any major emergency should be reported through the 911 system. By minor emergency we mean water main, water pressure issues, vicious dogs or downed tree limb in the right-of-way. Live Oak Dispatch will then get the on call Public Works Employee to respond.

Recap of the City Council Meeting of December 11, 2008.

Citizens to be Heard:

Mr. Charles Johnson of Olympia Hills, spoke to the fact that there are seven deer that are roaming the neighborhood. He asked Council to consider, in the 2009 Budget, funding to cover a relocation contract to move the deer to a more remote location.

Mr. Kevin Hadas spoke to his continued concern for the future Harrison House property that backs up to his home in Forest Creek. He asked that consideration be given by the Council to a working plan between the Home Owner’s Association and the City for the future of that property.

Mrs. Jean Heide of San Antonio spoke to the willingness of the Selma Historical Foundation, of which she serves as President, to work with the City in contributing to the displays in the soon to be completed Visitor’s Center.

Approved the Minutes of the November 13, 2008 Regular City Council Meeting

Accepted a recommendation from the Selma Planning and Zoning Commission for the replat of lots 1, 2, and 3 in the Olympia Business Park, Unit 7 into a new lot 7.

Approved a contract with Water Resource Management, L.P. to perform a study of water and sewer rates for the City of Selma.

Received an update on the progress of the construction of the Visitor’s Center and the restoration project to the Stage Stop.

Copies of all Ordinances are maintained on the Municipal Code link on the left menu.

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: January 8, 2009 at 6:30 P.M.

CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 24th through 26th for Christmas and the City Office will close at noon on December 31st and all day January 1st in observance of the New Year.

NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2008

FALL CLEANUP – Thank you to Bexar Waste for another great fall cleanup campaign!

CHRISTMAS ALONG THE CORRIDOR – 20th Annual “Christmas Along the Corridor”, come to Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q on Saturday, December 6 beginning at 12:00 noon until 3:00 P.M. bring your Christmas Card and any other mail and have the Pony Express Commemorative Stamp affixed your Holiday Mailings. The Pony Express Riders should arrive at approximately 1:30. Bring children, of all ages, to observe part of living history of Selma. For more information please call Madeline Burdett at 651-6266.

RETAMA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION – The City of Selma is seeking a
Volunteer to serve on the Retama Development Board. The Board is appointed by the Council and the function of the Board is to oversee the operation and management of operations of the Retama Horse Racing Track. Board meetings are called on an as required basis. Meetings are held during the workweek and last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Any citizen of the City of Selma interested in this position should send a cover letter and resume to Ken Roberts, City Administrator at 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma.

CHIPPER SERVICE is provided to residents on the 1st Monday of the month. To schedule the City crew and chipper please call 651-6661, ext 7840. As a reminder, chipper service is provided for the residents of the City of Selma only. Of late, some residents have hired professional landscaping services and then called for the City to come chip the contractor produced waste. This is not what this chipper service was intended to support. When professional landscape contracts are entered into by the residents please have the removal of the contractor generated waste included in the contract.

FILE FOR LIFE – Selma Fire Department has received a new stock of the File For Life cards and refrigerator magnets. Please stop by City Hall and pick up your copy. This is one way to make sure when your First Responders get to your home in time of need, they will have all the pertinent information to render you the aid you require.

STREET SWEEPER SERVICE – The City’s street sweeper will be following this monthly route schedule in our subdivisions:

Olympia & Forrest Creek – First Week of the Month
Selma Park Estates & Chelsea Crossing – Week Two
Retama Ridge & Retama Springs – Week Three
Live Oak Hills & Kennsington Ranch Week Four

During business hours on the week of street sweeping your neighborhood, it would be greatly appreciated if you park your vehicles off the street. This will enable us to do a better job in your neighborhood.

GUADALUPE COUNTY TAX STATEMENTS – As you know, Selma is in three counties and the City contracts with Guadalupe County to collect your City taxes. Please keep in mind, no matter which county you reside in, you will get a property tax statement from Guadalupe County for your City Property tax.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP – Of late, it seems that we have had a spate of animal calls from neighbors of folks that may not be demonstrating the best in the way of responsible pet ownership. It is your right to own a pet. It is also your responsibility to care for the animal and respect the rights of those around you. If your dog is kept out of doors and barks, if a cat meows all night long or roams about the neighborhood it is not only a nuisance, it is against City Ordinances. Should any of you encounter an annoyance from an animal during normal business hours call Mr. Van Adams @ 651-7862. On weekends, after duty hours or on Holidays, please call Dispatch @ 653-0033. We have Animal Control Officers on call 24 hours a day.

ANIMAL CONTROL: As a reminder, Selma has an Ordinance that requires pets to be registered and licensed with the City. These licenses are renewable every year at a nominal cost. Please bring your copies of the pet’s vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter procedures. Should your pet wander off, the tag makes it very easy for us to return your pet to you. Please, when you and your pet are out and about, we ask that you observe the requirement to keep that pet on a leash.

AFTER HOURS MINOR EMERGENCIES – The number to call on weekends, holidays and after normal business hours for City Offices is Live Oak Dispatch at 653-0033. Any major emergency should be reported through the 911 system. By minor emergency we mean water main, water pressure issues, vicious dogs or downed tree limb in the right-of-way. Live Oak Dispatch will then get the on call Public Works Employee to respond.

Recap of the City Council Meeting of November 13, 2008.

Citizens to be Heard:

• Mr. Carlos Arana spoke to the recent book he has published about the City of Selma and Retama Park.
• Mr. Arana presented the Mayo and Council with a picture of the City and the track.
• Mrs. Madeline Burdett spoke to remind everyone of the upcoming Christmas along the Corridor event that is scheduled for December 6th at Rudy’s Country Store. She also expressed her disappointment that Friesenhahn Farm was being considered for sale.
• Mr. David Arroyo spoke to his disappointment that the Friesenhahn farm was being considered for sale.
• Mr. Joe Mason spoke as the President of the Forest Creek Home Owner’s Association spoke in opposition to the proposed sale of the property at 14997 Evans Road. Mr. Mason suggested the City should retain the property and consider restoring the house and property for public use.
• Mr. Wayne Faison opposes the proposed sale as well. Mr. Faison suggested the property be rezoned first to insure all parties were to be fully informed of the proposed reuse of the land in the event the property should sell.
• Mrs. Susy Williams thanked the Council and Mayor for attending the National Night Out function held in Olympia Hills.
• Mr. Kevin Hadas also spoke in opposition to the proposed sale of the property at 14997 Evans Road. Mr. Hadas asked council to consider postponing any action on the property in order to allow concerned citizens the opportunity to formulate an alternative plan for the use of the property either through a not for profit organization.
• Ms. Babcock spoke to her opposition to the proposed sale. Ms. Babcock suggested that consideration should be given to having the property designated as a National Wildlife Refuge.

Business:

Presented a 5 Year Service Award to several of Selma employees.

Received the Quarterly Operational Update from Mr. Bryan Brown on the Retama Race track.

Approved the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 9th.

Approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City and Bexar County for the appointment Dr. Fernando Guerra as the Director of Metropolitan Health for the City of Selma.

Appointed W. Darrell Hunter as an Associate Judge to the Selma Municipal Court.

Authorized the advertisement and sale of excess public property to the highest bidder.

Passed amendments to the Selma Personnel Policy Manual.

Adopted an Identity Theft Prevention Program for our utility customers in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Red Flag Rule”.

Accepted the Third Quarter 2008 Investment Policy Report.

Copies of all Ordinances are maintained on the Municipal Code link on the left menu.

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: December 11, 2008 at 6:30 P.M.

CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED: Thursday & Friday, November 27th & 28th for Thanksgiving.

NEWSLETTER
October 2008

FALL CLEANUP – October 25th through November 2nd Bexar Waste will once again provide our fall cleanup service. Dumpsters will be located behind City Hall and at the intersection of Bluffside and Arcadia in Selma Park Estates. On Saturday the 25th and again on Saturday November 2nd from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Household Hazardous Waste products will be disposed of in a special area behind City Hall. Bring your old paint, pesticides, used motor oil, etc. and the trained personnel on-site will properly dispose of these items.

NEW SERVICE – The application for a Garage Sale Permit is now available on line. Go to Garden Sale Permits, an external website. Fill out your application, give us your credit card information and we will either e-mail or “snail mail” you a Garage Sale Permit.

CHIPPER SERVICE is provided to residents on the 1st Monday of the month. To schedule the City crew and chipper please call 651-6661, ext 7840. As a reminder, chipper service is provided for the residents of the City of Selma only. Of late, some residents have hired professional landscaping services and then called for the City to come chip the contractor produced waste. This is not what this chipper service was intended to support. When professional landscape contracts are entered into by the residents please have the removal of the contractor generated waste included in the contract.

FILE FOR LIFE – Selma Fire Department has received a new stock of the File For Life cards and refrigerator magnets. Please stop by City Hall and pick up your copy. This is one way to make sure when your First Responders get to your home in time of need, they will have all the pertinent information to render you the aid you require.

STREET SWEEPER SERVICE – The City’s street sweeper will be following this monthly route schedule in our subdivisions:

Olympia & Forrest Creek – First Week of the Month
Selma Park Estates & Chelsea Crossing – Week Two
Retama Ridge & Retama Springs – Week Three
Live Oak Hills & Kennsington Ranch Week Four

During business hours on the week of street sweeping your neighborhood, it would be greatly appreciated if you park your vehicles off the street. This will enable us to do a better job in your neighborhood.

GUADALUPE COUNTY TAX STATEMENTS – As you know, Selma is in three counties and the City contracts with Guadalupe County to collect your City taxes. Please keep in mind, no matter which county you reside in, you will get a property tax statement from Guadalupe County for your City Property tax.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP – Of late, it seems that we have had a spate of animal calls from neighbors of folks that may not be demonstrating the best in the way of responsible pet ownership. It is your right to own a pet. It is also your responsibility to care for the animal and respect the rights of those around you. If your dog is kept out of doors and barks, if a cat meows all night long or roams about the neighborhood it is not only a nuisance, it is against City Ordinances. Should any of you encounter an annoyance from an animal during normal business hours call Mr. Van Adams at 651-7862. On weekends, after duty hours or on Holidays, please call Dispatch at 653-0033. We have Animal Control Officers on call 24 hours a day.

ANIMAL CONTROL – As a reminder, Selma has an Ordinance that requires pets to be registered and licensed with the City. These licenses are renewable every year at a nominal cost. Please bring your copies of the pet’s vaccination record and proof of spay or neuter procedures. Should your pet wander off, the tag makes it very easy for us to return your pet to you. Please, when you and your pet are out and about, we ask that you observe the requirement to keep that pet on a leash. Complete your application online: Pet License

SOLID WASTE REMINDER – Please do not place hazardous household waste into garbage cans for pick-up by the solid waste contractor. This is not only poor form but it is against a State Law! Please save your used motor oil, paint, insecticides, spent batteries and the like for our next Household Hazardous Waste Disposal this fall: October 25th through November 2nd.

AFTER HOURS MINOR EMERGENCIES – The number to call on weekends, holidays and after normal business hours for City Offices is Live Oak Dispatch at 653-0033. Any major emergency should be reported through the 911 system. By minor emergency we mean water main, water pressure issues, vicious dogs or downed tree limb in the right-of-way. Live Oak Dispatch will then get the on call Public Works Employee to respond.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP
Recap of the City Council Meeting of October 9, 2008.

Citizens to be Heard: There were none

Presented a 20 Year Service Award to Mr. Scott Lee

• Approved the Minutes of the Special council Meeting of September 4th. And the Regular Council Meeting of September 11, 2008.
• Appointed Dr. Fernando Guerra as the Director of Metropolitan Health for the City of Selma.
• Awarded a contract for the replacement of the current Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System.
• Awarded a contract for the construction of a 1,000,000 ground water storage tank.
• Awarded a contract for the construction of a high service water pump station.
• Passed an Interlocal Agreement for additional “off-peak” water supply between the City and the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation.

Copies of all Ordinances are maintained at City of Selma Municipal Code and external website.

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: November 13, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day and Thursday & Friday, November 27th & 28th for Thanksgiving.