MARCH - APRIL 2017 | COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

CITY OF SELMA Contact Information

Non-Building Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7806 Police Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7865

Elected Officials

Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7830

Tom Daly, Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-687-6757 [email protected] Harry Greene, Mayor Pro-Tem . . . . . . . . . . 210-844-3065 Kevin Hadas, Councilman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-383-3093

Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7800 The number to call on weekends, holidays and after normal business hours for City Offices is Live Oak Dispatch at 210-653-0033.

Ken Harris, Councilman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-5617 Jim Parma, Councilman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-6551 Ken Polasek, Councilman . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 361-537-8810

City Officials Johnny Casias, City Administrator . . . . . . . . 210-651-7858 [email protected] Ric Braun, Fire Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7831 [email protected] Albert Compton, Director of Public Works 210-651-7830 [email protected] Becky Del Toro, Asst. City Secretary . . . . . 210-651-7825 [email protected] David Padula, Chief of Police . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7810 [email protected] Larry Verner, City Engineer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7828 [email protected]

City Contact Information Website: www.ci.selma.tx.us Facebook: www.facebook.com/selmatx78154 Address: 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma, TX 78154 Phone: 210-651-6661 Open: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday - Friday

Important Phone Numbers Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

210-651-7862

Building Permits & Inspections. . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7827 Chipper Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-651-7800 Code Enforcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

210-651-7862

Fire Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

210-651-7832

Municipal Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

210-651-7801

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Important Dates

• The Race to the Taste – March 2nd @ Retama Park • Regular Monthly City Council Meeting – March 9th @ 6:30pm, Selma City Hall • We Back the Blue 5K Run/Walk – March 18th @ 8:00am, River City Community Church • Easter Egg Hunt – April 8th @ 11:00am, Stage Stop Park • Regular Monthly City Council Meeting – April 13th @ 6:30pm, Selma City Hall • Spring Clean Up – April 22nd – 30th @ Selma City Hall • Movie-in-the-Park – May 6th @ Dusk, Stage Stop Park Cover photo credit -© Can Stock Photo / Konstanttin

CITY NEWS State of the City Address Please take time to view the annual State of the City Address: https://youtu.be/nVhnRZZuvsk

Presentation of Commendation and Life Saving Award Congratulations to members of the Selma Police Department “D” Shift, who were presented with a commendation for their heroic actions to intervene when a local man was trapped in his house by a fire.

10 Year Service Award

10 Year Service Award

Congratulations to Capt. John Stricklin on receiving his 10 year service award.

Congratulations to Sgt. Clifford Ellison on receiving his 10 year service award.

Selma Community Magazine

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CITY NEWS

Promotion to Lieutenant Congratulations to Jesse Balderamas on his promotion to Criminal Investigation Division Lieutenant.

Promotion to Corporal Congratulations to Robert Stewart on his promotion to “D” Shift Corporal.

Mulch Fire The City of Selma would like to recognize the brave men and women of the Selma Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments for their hard work and steadfast devotion to Selma and its citizens during the December mulch fire. The actions of these individuals helped to prevent a major catastrophe for surrounding residents. The members of these departments showed great teamwork and devotion to providing emergency services for the City of Selma.

Leadership CORE – Class of 2017 Congratulations to the Leadership C.O.R.E. (Community, Organization, Reciprocation, & Education) class of 2017. 4

Photo credits - Maggie Titterington

The City of Selma would also like to thank the large number of individuals from surrounding cities and organizations who also donated manpower, supplies to help fight the fire. These organizations include the Cities of Schertz, Universal City and Live Oak, Bexar County, Randolph, and TCEQ. We would also like to thank the citizens and area businesses that took time to donate food, water and other supplies to assist the first responders. Your support is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

CITY NEWS Movie-in-the-Park On Saturday, May 6th, the City will host a Movie-in-the-Park Night at the Stage Stop Park. Complimentary popcorn, beverages, and candy will be at the ready! The featured movie is “Moana” and will start at dusk. Tell your friends!

Easter Egg Hunt

Need a Park Rental?

The City of Selma Historical & Parks Commission is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at the Stage Stop Park on Saturday, April 8th at 11:00am. There will be two separate “hunts”. Toddler – 5 years old will go first, followed by 6 years old – 10 years old. Prizes will be awarded for specially marked eggs. Don’t forget to bring your basket!

Need a place to host your party? Consider one of Selma’s beautiful park pavilions or historic Harrison House to host your outing! Rental agreements can be obtained via the City of Selma website or the Stage Stop Visitor Center. For information on reserving a park pavilion or the Harrison House, please call (210) 651-7827 or (210) 651-7829.

Volunteers and donations (plastic eggs, candy, and prizes) are welcomed. Please contact Madeline Burdett at 210-651-6266.

Seventh Generation Design Celebrates 8 Years in Business

Selma’s historic Harrison House was the site of Seventh Generation Design’s (SGD) celebration of their eighth anniversary in business. Owners Scott and Pam Carpenter served as the preservation architects for the recently rehabilitated Harrison House located at the Harrison Park & Historic Site. The event was held on December 17th with more than 35 friends, family and business associates in attendance. The Harrison House is a turn of the century homestead and farm complex representing Selma’s early history and is available for community and private events. Selma Community Magazine

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CITY NEWS OLPH Luncheon On Monday, January 30th, the Mayor, City Councilmembers and City Staff joined the students of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School for Catholic School’s Week. The luncheon was organized as a way to thank local leaders for their continued dedication to our communities.

SA Conservation Society Farm and Ranch Committee visits the Stage Stop & Harrison House The San Antonio Conservation Society, Farm & Ranch Committee, hosted a member field trip at the Selma Stage Stop and Harrison House on January 7, 2017. The visit was a follow-up to a presentation made to the committee last fall by Steve Jones and Jean Heide at the historic Steve’s Homestead River House. According to William “Sandy” Sands, Committee Chairman, this was the first time the committee made a field trip as a result of hearing a presentation. Ten members spent a very cold morning getting a first-hand look and education at the Stage Stop, Harrison House, and surrounding area. Steve Jones, Harrison Historic Site Manager, lead the tour assisted by Jim Burdett and Jean Heide.

Rodeo Ambassadors On January 20th, the City of Selma welcomed the 2017 Rodeo Ambassador’s Tour Group at the Selma Stage Stop Visitor’s Center.

Lazy Diamond & Walnut Crest Intersection Relief is coming for residents in the Kensington Ranch II Subdivision. The intersection of Lazy Diamond and Walnut Crest is badly deteriorated due to undetectable groundwater that has led to subgrade failures. Unfortunately, this deterioration requires the intersection to be reconstructed. The City Council recently approved a contract for this reconstruction and officials hope to begin construction in the near future. Citizens and visitors in the area may experience some discomfort due to the construction, but upon completion, the new and improved intersection will make life much more enjoyable for those in Kensington Ranch.

Cub Scout Pack 323 Learns the Old-Fashioned Way Cibolo Cub Scout Pack 323 met at the Harrison House on the night of January 17, 2017. Visiting and learning about local historic sites is a part of their scouting requirements. Eight scouts along with their parents toured the house and property while learning about the history of the Harrison House, farm life in the early 1900’s and the important role the Harrison Historic Site and Stage Stop played in the settlement of Selma. The City encourages similar groups to visit the Harrison Historic Site and take advantage of a true local treasure. Selma Community Magazine

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CITY NEWS

The Freedom Riders Ride Again!

On Saturday, January 14th, several of the original Freedom Riders once again boarded a bus to make a statement. This time, however, they were shown reverence and respect as opposed to the racism and prejudice. The Freedom Riders, joined by a multitude of supporters, boarded a Greyhound bus bound for Kirby and the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Leaving Selma City Hall, the caravan made stops in area cities including Schertz and Live Oak to pick up more supporters for the historic trip. The Freedom Riders regaled their fellow passengers with stories of their famous act of defiance and peaceful protest against segregation. In 1961, more than 400 men and women, black and white, boarded buses bound for Jackson, Mississippi to test an earlier Supreme Court ruling that banned racial discrimination in interstate travel. Many of the Freedom Riders were beaten, spat upon or arrested for violating local Jim Crow laws that promoted segregation. Instead of violently protesting, these pioneers chose to partake in a peaceful act of defiance to promote equality for all. The Freedom Riders took a stand against injustice and inequality despite the fact that their personal safety would be in peril more and more every day. These events were an important part of the civil rights movement. This year’s event was designed to serve as a history lesson for members of the local community, especially the young people of Selma and the surrounding area. Most importantly, this year’s trip was just one way to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the Freedom Riders. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conviction to do what is right despite being afraid. The Freedom Riders are a testament to courage, sacrifice and equality. The City of Selma is proud to have been a part of this awe-inspiring event. We salute the Freedom Riders for their bravery and continued inspiration. They will be remembered and revered for generations to come.

Photo credits - Barbara Bowie



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CITY NEWS

Keeping Fats, Oils, and Grease out of the Sewer System

Fats, oils, and grease—FOG—comes from meat fats in food scraps, cooking oil, shortening, lard, butter and margarine, gravy, and food products such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sour cream. FOG poured down kitchen drains accumulates inside sewer pipes. As the FOG builds up, it restricts the flow in the pipe and can cause untreated wastewater to back up into homes and businesses, resulting in high costs for cleanup and restoration. Manholes can overflow into parks, yards, streets, and storm drains, allowing FOG to contaminate local waters, including drinking water. Exposure to untreated wastewater is a public-health hazard. FOG discharged into septic systems and drain fields can cause malfunctions, resulting in more frequent tank pump-outs and other expenses. Restaurants, cafeterias, and fast-food establishments spend tens of thousands of dollars on plumbing emergencies each year to deal with grease blockages and pump out grease traps and interceptors. Some cities also charge businesses for the repair of sewer pipes and spill cleanup if they can attribute the blockage to a particular business. Some cities also add a surcharge to wastewater bills if a business exceeds a specified discharge limit. These expenses can be significant. Communities spend billions of dollars every year unplugging or replacing grease-blocked pipes, repairing pump stations, and cleaning up costly and illegal wastewater spills. Excessive FOG in the sewer system can affect local wastewater rates.

Keeping FOG out of the sewer system helps everyone in the community.

Selma Community Magazine

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WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS SUBDIVISION

NAME

SUBDIVISION

Tiffany Cook

Retama Springs

Josh Kyle

Creekside Gardens

NAME

SUBDIVISION

Alexandria Bazaldua

Forest Creek

Walter Reed

Creekside Ridge

Diana Abrams

Selma Park Estates

David Reid

Kensington Ranch

Airika Harley

Creekside Gardens

William Vasquez

Retama Ridge

Lakia Jones

Retreat at Retama

George Vidal

Retama Springs

Jose Atienzo

Forest Creek

Luis Contreras

Retama Springs

Jessica Griffin

Retama Springs

Matthew Wood

Kensington

Roger Gallegos

Retama Springs

Charles Woods

Retama Springs

Richard Connor

Retama Springs

Daniel Patton

Kensington Ranch

Jorge Franco

Selma Park Estates

Michael Daskiviel

Retama Springs

Jaime Miller

Forest Creek

Derrick Taylor

Kensington

Steven Chandler

Live Oak Hills

Pedro & Rosa Rivera

Retama West

Crystal Rico

Retreat at Retama

Robin Cadrain

Retreat at Retama

Cassondra Harvill

Kensington Ranch

Andres Nerio

Retama Springs

Diana Billings

Retama Springs

Melanie Baker & Nick Flugel Creekside Gardens

Brittany Ure

Retama Springs

Momodou Jangana

Retreat at Retama

Melanie Syma

Retama Springs

Bernard Siegel

Live Oak Hills

Tarah & David Kim

Retreat at Retama

Concepcion Beltran & Joshua Hunt Chelsea Crossing

Christiann Ledford

Retreat at Retama

Kroy & Taylor Kleinman

Damoine Williams

Retreat at Retama

Diane Davidson & James Hendry Forest Creek

Jazmen Williams

Kensington Ranch

Jacob & Brandy Lacefield Kensington

Selma

NAME

Retreat at Retama

Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / paulfleet

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PROGRAMS

GRASP

Alamo Call-A-Ride 4 Vets The Alamo Call-A-Ride 4 Vets program is a transportation and mobility assistance program funded by the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance program. Any honorably discharged Veteran, their immediate family (spouse, under 18 family member, or disabled adult in the home), surviving spouse, and/or caregiver of a Veteran are eligible to receive FREE rides.

The Greater Randolph Area Services Program, Inc. (GRASP), a 501(c) (3) human service organization established in 1983, helps economically disadvantaged individuals, families and children.

For more information, please call the Alamo Call-A-Ride 4 Vets phone line at (210) 362-5254 or toll-free at 1-800-9605201, or via email at [email protected].

GRASP programs offer emergency assistance to those experiencing a household crisis and who live in areas of Bexar or Guadalupe Counties in communities where access to help is limited. Qualified households receive emergency assistance for rent, utilities, food, and medicine. The GRASP Thrift Shop provides clothing and housewares to needy families who experience a catastrophe such as fire, flood, or other loss. The agency provides emergency financial assistance, food pantry, senior transportation, daily activities and nutritious meals at the GRASP Community Center in Converse. For more information please call (210) 658-6351 or visit their website at Grasp211.org.

Selma Community Magazine

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Meter Replacement Project

The city-wide meter replacement comes at no cost to residents or businesses, and no rate changes are projected as a result of this project. Customers will continue to be billed only for their actual water consumption. When asked about the new meters, Public Works Director Albert Compton expressed his excitement over the program. “We are excited to get new, state-of-the-art meters. This will help make us more efficient and allow our staff to focus on other projects around the City. The program will also help enhance our customer service by allowing us to provide more accurate and timely readings.” The City of Selma is proud to continue reaching our sustainability goals and providing more efficient, cost-effective services for our residents and businesses. The meter change out program is just one more step in our promise of continued service to everyone in the City of Selma.

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Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo / rpernell

On January 3rd, the City of Selma began a city-wide water meter replacement program. The City is investing in its infrastructure by replacing our traditional water meters and upgrading reading technology to an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system. AMR systems will allow the City to remotely read water meters and relay the data to the utility billing system which ensures improved accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing AMR technology, Public Works employees can provide timely and reliable readings while also providing quicker detection of possible water leaks and other potential problems. It also eliminates the need for manually reading water meters, which allows the City to be more efficient and save money by preventing recording errors.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Annual Spring Cleanup This year’s Annual Spring Clean Up will be from April 22nd through April 30th. Hazardous waste will be accepted at the City Hall location only, on the weekends of April 22nd & 23rd and again on April 29th & 30th. The Spring Clean Up is restricted to Selma residents only. Waste delivered must be separated by type of material by the resident. Spring Clean Up activities do not apply to commercial businesses. A current water bill or tax statement and proper identification are required when making a drop off. LIMITS: Household waste and yard waste only. Maximum of two (2) pick-up truck loads per household or a maximum of one (1) trailer load per household not to exceed 16’ long x 4’ high in size. Household Waste to be accepted: • General household waste, furniture and bedding, washers, dryers, stoves and any other non-hazardous material can v be dropped off, free of charge, during clean up, Monday through Sunday, 8am to 5pm. • Material will be sorted by the customer, not by Bexar Waste employees. • Appliances containing Freon will be accepted for free only if the Freon tank is removed. If the Freon tank is still attached, a $35.00 fee will be asses at the time of drop off. For questions concerning Freon tank removal, please contact Bexar Waste. • All common metals will be accepted. Hazardous Items Accepted (only at Selma City Hall): • Insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, chemicals, cleaning or bleach products, and swimming pool cleaners. • Enamel and latex paints in cans and aerosol dispensers, varnish and stains, paint thinners and removers, acetone, etc. • E-Recycling: Computers, TV’s, VCR’s, microwaves and other household electronics. • Empty propane tanks, up to 7 gallons (VALVE MUST BE ENTIRELY REMOVED) • Hazardous waste such as automotive and cooking oils, filters and batteries – oils will have a combined ten (10) gallon limit per household. ***Mercury WILL NOT be accepted. *** Tires on rims or wheels, commercial vehicle tires, tractor tires, and heavy equipment tires will not be accepted For more information on the Annual Spring Clean Up, please contact Bexar Waste (210-566-5454) or the Utilities Department (210-651-7807). The City of Selma and Bexar Waste are not responsible for damage to vehicles or personal injury during this event. The City of Selma and Bexar Waste reserve the right to refuse service to anyone being found non-compliant to the regulations of the clean-up.

Selma Community Magazine

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Chipper Service Chipper Service is provided to residents free of charge during the FIRST WEEK of every month. If you would like to add your address to the monthly chipper service list, please call 210-651-7800 or email acompton@ ci.selma.tx.us. As a reminder, chipper service is provided for the residents of the City of Selma only. This service IS NOT for professional landscaping services to call for the City to come chip the contractor-produced waste. When professional landscape contracts are entered into by the residents, have the removal of the contractor-generated waste included in the contract. Here are brief reminders & guidelines to remember when preparing for chipper service: • No palm limbs will be chipped as they will clog the chipper; • No tree limbs wider than 12 inches in diameter;

• No tree stumps, plywood, wood, or fencing can be chipped; • All brush and tree limbs must be stacked at the front curb to allow easy access for City staff (City staff is not allowed to enter onto private property); • No bulk items or trash will be chipped (arrangements can be made with Bexar Waste at 210-566-5454 to remove these bulk items); • Please remember to set piles for chipper service as close to the first week of the month as feasible; putting piles for chipper service too early can result in nesting for snakes and other animals. Chipper service is provided for the residents of the City of Selma only. To add your address to the monthly chipper service list, please call 210-651-7800. © Can Stock Photo Inc. / Elenathewise

Water Restrictions Selma is currently not under any water restrictions. We ask that all residents continue to be wise in your water use and conserve where you can. Best management practices for conserving water include prohibiting watering lawns and other landscaping between the hours of 10AM and 8PM unless such watering is by hand-held bucket, hand-held hose, or a properly installed drip-irrigation system. Water runoff from property is prohibited. Be the Solution to Storm Water Pollution! Washing your car at home washes soaps and detergents into the storm water drainage system. Consider taking your car to a commercial car wash that treats its wastewater.

Selma Historical & Parks Commission A brief message from the Selma Historical & Parks Commission: The Selma Historical & Parks Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month in the conference room behind the Selma City Council Chambers. All meetings are open to the public. The Commission is currently seeking pictures, furniture, old artifacts or objects, etc. that could be used in the Historic Harrison House. These items can be donated or loaned to the City. If you have any questions, please contact Madeline Burdett of the Selma Historical & Parks Commission at (210) 651-6266.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAPS Recap of the January 12, 2017 City Council Meeting: Citizens to be Heard: Michele Blair, Sherry Rollins, and Maggie Titterington addressed the Mayor and City Council during Citizens to be Heard. • Received an operational update by Mr. Kevin Whalen, Vice President and General Manager of Retama Park • Approved the Minutes of the Selma Regular Monthly City Council Meeting of December 8, 2016

• Accepted the recommendation of the Selma Planning & Zoning Commission on the grant of specific use permit for operation of a package liquor store and approved Ordinance Number 011217-01, an Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Selma, Texas, to grant a specific use permit for operation of package liquor store that sells wine, beer, and spirits at the property having the address 8356 Agora Parkway, Selma, Texas. The subject property is located in the Forum Shopping Center

• Awarded a contract for road repair and groundwater drainage abatement at the intersection of Walnut Crest and Lazy Diamond in Kensington Ranch II Subdivision

Recap of the February 9, 2017 City Council Meeting: Citizens to be Heard: Maggie Titterington and Madeline Burdett addressed the Mayor and City Council during Citizens to be Heard. • Approved the Minutes of the Selma Regular Monthly City Council Meeting of January 12, 2017

• Approved an agreement for professional services with KSA Engineers, Inc. for a City of Selma Branding and Trails Master Plan

• Approved Resolution Number 020917-01, a Resolution of the City of Selma, Texas ordering a General Election for the purpose of electing three (3) Councilmembers

• Approved the acceptance of real property to be donated to the City by Selma’s Forest Creek Homeowners Association, Inc.

• Approved the Quarterly Investment Policy Report for the period ending December 31, 2016

Selma Community Magazine

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9375 Corporate Drive Selma, TX 78154