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INS IDE TH IS
I S SUE :
City Council Highlights
2
Flood Proofing Options
2
Community Gar-den
3
Chief’s Corner
Police Blotter
4
City Calendar Things to Do
5
The Valley Newsletter F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 C I T Y O F S U N S E T V A L L E Y
T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
L IGHT POL LUT ION
R EDUCT ION RE BATE Light pollu�on is exposure to excessive and inappro-
priate ar�ficial light. Sunset Valley is dedicated to
dark sky principles and encourages residents to par-
�cipate in this type of outdoor ligh�ng. These lights
face downward and are shielded to help reduce ur-
ban sky glow, light trespass, glare, and clu!er. The
Interna�onal Dark Sky associa�on has developed a
seal of approval for lights that meet standards to re-
duce light pollu�on. Residents are eligible for a re-
bate for replacing outdoor ligh�ng with lights that
are dark sky cer�fied. Rebates are for up to 50% the
cost of dark sky cer�fied outdoor light fixtures (lights
and shields) up to $75.00. These lights are available
online or for purchase at stores such as Home Depot.
For more informa�on please contact Public Works
and Environmental Services at 512-891-9103.
New Facilities Update In November, the City Council referred to the Finance Commi!ee to work on a recommenda�on
to finance the proposed new Public Works and Police Facili�es.
During December and January, both the City
Council and the Finance Commi!ee con�n-
ued to discuss and review financing op�ons
to fund the $6.9 million project. At the Janu-
ary retreat, the City Council agreed that
construc�on of the new facili�es is a priori-
ty project for the City and all effort should
be made to keep this project moving for-
ward. (A recap of the highlights of the Coun-
cil Retreat is on page 2 of this Newsle!er).
In March, the City Council is expected to
review and consider a bid proposal for the
architectural design of the facili�es and the
Finance Commi!ee will con�nue to review
the financing op�ons.
P A G E 2
Council Highlights from Council Retreat, January 22, 2016
The City Council met on Friday, January 22nd for their annual retreat. The retreat is the opportunity for the
Council to discuss projects, priori�es and review protocols for the upcoming year. As with any mee�ng of the
Council, the agenda for the retreat was posted and open to the public. The following topics were discussed:
• City Facili�es project. Clay Collins, City Administrator, gave a brief summary of the project history
and Council discussed next steps to keep the project moving forward and engaging residents. Over the
next few months, there will be three (3) significant Council mee�ngs that will include agenda items
related to the development of the new facili�es: Design of the new facili�es, Zoning of City Proper�es
and call for Crime Preven�on District Tax. Residents interested in this project should to par�cipate in
these mee�ngs.
• Discussion on the Land Development Code. The Council discussed short term rentals, events in resi-
den�al areas, and helipads. No ac�on was taken on short term rentals or changing regula�ons for
events in residen�al areas. Council did direct staff to draB permiCng guidelines to allow helipads in
commercial areas.
• Communica�on and Open Records. Council discussed the Council’s use of City email for communica-
�on. The City Council directed staff and city a!orney to update the policy regarding email and to re-
vise the policies for Open Records requests.
• Council Priori�es for 2016. Each member of the City Council listed priori�es for the upcoming year.
(The lists are not in priority order.)
ᵒ Mayor Cardona—Update the history book, new City facili�es, Water Planning, and Defini�ve plan
for Green Tax and Drainage U�lity Funds (staff to bring back poten�al projects that are eligible use
of these funds.)
ᵒ Council Member Powers—City Well
ᵒ Council Member Rosengarten—Economic Development-annual event, Repair City entrance signs
(Limestone signs), Update the website with updated informa�on, Complete improvements to
Country White Lane property and sell property, Promote Rainwater collec�on, Ordinance for park-
ing regula�ons and Complete scanning of historical documents.
ᵒ Council Member Bruner— Dark Skies regula�ons, Progress on the Uplands, Plan for all city owned
land parcels, Compos�ng Program and Overall look at safety, traffic, and parking concerns at Sun-
set Valley Elementary.
ᵒ Council Member Jenkins—Connect trail system on Pillow and Reese and Water Planning
ᵒ Mayor Pro tem Burde!—City Facili�es, Low Water Crossings, Rainwater Collec�on, Rebates for
ar�ficial grass and Monument Sign for the Villas
Also discussed: Web-Design upgrades , crea�ng a website for commercial areas and JDRF walk.
• Standing Commi(ees. Council discussed communica�on between commi!ees and the Council.
Since the City standing Commi!ees are advisory, Commi!ees should be repor�ng to Council about
new projects or projects that take staff �me to determine that is the direc�on the Council wants to
take. Also, discussed that emails between commi!ee members are considered delibera�on and that is
in viola�on of the City Ordinance, which requires adherence to Texas Open Mee�ng Act.
• Open Carry of Handguns. LT. Andreucci gave an overview of the Open Carry law.
• Parking and Emergency Access on Residen�al Streets. Council discussed parking and traffic related
issues on residen�al streets.
City Council Highlights
T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
P A G E 3
T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
Floodproofing your Home Floodproofing can be defined as any combina�on of structural or non-structural addi�ons, changes, or adjustments to a
building that reduces or prevents flood damage to the structure and/or its contents. Simply stated, floodproofing includes
any effort a property owner may take to reduce flood damage.
Op�ons for Protec�ng Flood-Prone Property.
There are a number of ways to protect your property from flood damage The op�ons include:
Demoli�on: Removing flood-prone development and reloca�ng to a safer loca�on is a permanent solu�on to a flooding
problem. This is most oBen done aBer a major flood as an alterna�ve to costly repairs.
Eleva�on: Almost any structurally-sound building can be elevated so that the finished living space is located above the an-
�cipated height of flood waters. The building is separated from its founda�on, liBed with hydraulic jacks, and placed on a
new or extended founda�on. The building can be elevated on solid perimeter founda�on walls, fill, or an open founda�on
system (piers, posts, columns, or piles).
Dry floodproofing: Dry floodproofing involves sealing building walls with waterproof compounds, so that the structure is
water�ght. This technique can only be used when the walls are strong enough to withstand the hydrosta�c force of the
water. Shields may be installed to seal off doors, windows, and other openings.
Wet floodproofing: There are a variety of techniques that can reduce the damage to a building and its contents, while al-
lowing the structure to flood. The building must be anchored to prevent flota�on and must have flood vents, or perma-
nent openings, that allow water to flow in and out of the structure without damaging the founda�on. Vulnerable items,
such as u�li�es, appliances, and contents are relocated (permanently or temporarily) to higher parts of the building (above
the an�cipated flood height) or protected in place. Flood-damage resistant building materials are used for those parts of
the building that will be flooded. Automa�c shut-off valves are installed on sewer and fuel lines.
Flood insurance: Insurance will do nothing to prevent flood damage, but can protect your financial investment. Although
the annual premiums for flood insurance may be high (depending on the loca�on, age, and eleva�on of the structure), the
investment may significantly lower the financial burden when flood damage occurs. Sunset Valley par�cipates in the NFIP
(by regula�ng floodplain development); therefore, flood insurance coverage is available from the Na�onal Flood Insurance
Program (NFIP) for any building and/or its contents.
S UN S ET VA L L E Y COMMUN I T Y GA RD EN N EWS
The Community Garden Work day—Friday, February 26th from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M.
If you ever wanted to start a garden, now is the �me. In Texas, spring is a great �me to garden, as our summers tend to
be a bit hot and dry. The Community Garden has space available in raised beds, to get started.
Don’t know what to plant? According the Texas Home Gardener in February, you can start beets, peppers, bok choy,
mustard greens, le!uce, arugula, turnips, Swiss chard, toma�llos, and radishes. In
March, you can s�ll plant peppers, bok choy, le!uce, mustard, arugula, as well as
green beans, cantaloupes, squash, cucumbers, and corn. The good news, all of these
plants can be planted from seed; And if you think about it for the same $2.00-$3.00
you’d spend on a few vegetables at the grocery store, a package of seeds can yield 20
or more plants, and all of the sa�sfac�on from growing your own food. Ques�ons
contact Mary Jo Light -512-892-6661.
CHIEF ’ S CORNER S . M . F O R D , M P A
The Sunset Valley Police Department is currently working on some projects
for the 2016 calendar year. These projects are related to safety, opera�ons,
and efficiency within the police department. I wanted to take a moment to
highlight a few projects that are underway for our organiza�on and commu-
nity.
The Department has used less-lethal technology as an less-lethal alterna�ve
to using deadly force since 2005. This technology is used in other countries
and throughout much of the United States. As we have entered a new era
focused on the legi�mate ques�ons regarding a balance between policing
tac�cs related to safety and excessive use of force, it is essen�al for our
officers to have the training and instruments that provide them the alterna-
�ve in some cases, from having to use lethal force. Our Department has
purchased replacement models for our current Tasers and have begun de-
ployment/replacement. With this deployment, there will be some training
involved regarding the use of the new technology and tools. One change
from the older models carried since 2005 will be the new Tasers are more
iden�fiable by the bright yellow handle that assist in the visual separa�on
between Tasers and the officers handgun (duty weapon). Officers are per-
mi!ed to use less-lethal force only when circumstances permit and only
when following training guidelines and Department policy. A demonstra-
�on and discussion will be a part of the next Coffee with the Chief event.
The Department is also working on a training event modeled for our ci�zens
regarding personal safety defensive techniques. We have presented similar
training in the past, that ci�zens have enjoyed and felt provided them some
knowledge, skills, and tac�cs to aid them in the event they are placed into a
situa�on requiring ac�on. This model of training will be on a civilian level,
easy to comprehend and perform. We urge any adult ci�zen, regardless of
age or gender, that is interested to register when the no�ce goes out to res-
idents. Anyone with ques�ons regarding this program, feel free to contact
me for more informa�on.
As always, anyone wishing to speak with me on the topics in the Chief’s Cor-
ner or any public safety related ma!er, feel free to contact me at
[email protected] or contact the police department at 512-892-1384.
P A G E 4 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
January 2016 Police Blotter
Accidents 14 Alarms 4 Animal Related 5 Assist Others 38 Auto Theft 2 Burglary of Vehicle 1 Community Policing 409 Criminal Mischief 1 Criminal Trespass 1 Disturbance/Other 4 Disorderly Conduct/Language 3 DWI/PI/Drugs 2 DWLI 3 EDP 1 Family Disturbance 2 Found Property 1 Graffiti 1 Lost Property 1 Missing Adult 1 Nature Unknown 3 Open Door / Window 1 Reckless/Aggressive Driving 4 Runaway Located 1 Suspicious/Check Welfare 27 Thefts 13 Traffic Related 114 Violation of City Ord./Parking 15 Warrant Arrest 2 Criminal Investigation Unit (CID) Action New Cases 8 Active Cases 70 Closed Case 9
City Earns Water Quality Protection Award from BSEACD At its January 28, 2016, mee�ng, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conserva�on District se-
lected its 2015 Groundwater Stewardship Award winners. The District presents these stewardship awards every two
years to deserving individuals, organiza�ons, companies or agencies that have invested exemplary effort towards the pro-
tec�on and conserva�on of water resources in the District.
The Board awarded the City of Sunset Valley its Water Quality Protec�on Award, no�ng that “the City of Sunset Valley
has consistently made land use and policy decisions to limit development over the recharge zone and protect wells, pro-
vided and supported environmental educa�on programs, involved its ci�zens in solu�ons-oriented behavior, and man-
aged city-owned preserves and trails to benefit water quality”. City representa�ves will receive the award at a hosted
luncheon in March.
P A G E 5 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R
Wednesday, March 2nd
6:00 P.M. Community and Economic Development Committee Meeting
City Hall
Thursday, March 3rd
6:00 P.M. Planning and Environmental Committee Meeting
City Hall
Tuesday, March 8th
6:00 P.M. City Council Meeting
City Hall
Wednesday, March 9th
7:00 P.M. Board of Adjustment City Hall
Thursday, March 17th
6:00 P.M. Arts Commission Meeting
City Hall Conference Room
Thursday, March 17th 7:00 P.M.
Public Works Committee
City Hall
Tuesday, March 22nd
6:00 P.M. City Council Meeting
City Hall
Wednesday, March 23rd
7:00 P.M. Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) City Hall
Monday, March 28th
6:00 P.M. Public Safety Committee
City Hall
Thursday, March 31st 7:00 P.M.
Budget, Finance and Administrative Committee Meeting
City Hall
Thursday, February 25th
7:00 P.M. Budget, Finance and Administrative Committee Meeting
City Hall
Wednesday, February 24th
7:00 P.M. Zoning Commission Meeting City Hall
Meeting Dates and Time May Change.
Please check the City’s Website
SunsetValley.org for updates.
SSSSATURDAYATURDAYATURDAYATURDAY , M, M, M, MARCHARCHARCHARCH 5555THTHTHTH 9:30 A.M. -Noon
Sunset Valley City Hall FREE SPRING CLEANING GIFTS!!
Drought Tolerant Plants, Light bulbs and more!
TTTTUESDAYUESDAYUESDAYUESDAY , M, M, M, MARCHARCHARCHARCH 15151515THTHTHTH
9 :30 A.M.—NOON
SSSSUNSETUNSETUNSETUNSET VVVVALLEYALLEYALLEYALLEY CCCC ITYITYITYITY HHHHALLALLALLALL
Join us for a morning of science fun. From
microscopes to magnifying glasses and
from plants to physics kids will learn science
with a variety of hands on activities.
For more information please call
Carolyn Meredith at 891-9103.
Parents are asked to please remain on site with
your children during the event
La Madeleine Conference Room
5493 Brodie Lane
City of Sunset Valley Newsletter 3205 Jones Road Sunset Valley, TX 78745
Board of Adjustment
Commi(ee Members
Randall Rosengarten, Chair Alternates Susan Durso, Vice Chair Wade Buckner Robert Browning Thomas Cedel Jennifer Fadal Sandy Cox Richard Hayes Marshall McHone John Moore ************************************ Budget, Finance & Administra�ve
Commi(ee Members
Marc Bruner, Council Representa�ve Rudi Rosengarten, Chair John Bellanca, Vice Chair Patricia Murphy J.R. Esquivel Michael Francis Melissa Gonzales, alternate Ketan Kharod Wanda Reetz, alternate ************************************ Community & Economic
Development Commi(ee Members
Mickie Powers, Council Representa�ve, Chair Karen Flournoy, Vice Chair Penny Cedel Robert Reetz Sandi Williams ************************************ Zoning Commission
Commi(ee Members Robert Skewis, Chair Miguel Huerta, Vice Chair Cynthia Nelson Brant Boozer John Frick Bridget Robinson—alternate
Rose Cardona, Mayor
Jeff Burde(, Mayor Pro tem
[email protected] Marc Bruner Council Member
Walter Jenkins, Council Member
Mickie Powers, Council Member
[email protected] Rudi Rosengarten, Council Member
************************************ Arts Commission
Commi(ee Members Walter Jenkins, Council Representa�ve
John Frick, Chair Ma! Young, Vice Chair Karen Medicus, Secretary James Hart Erika Montero Wanda Reetz Sasha Russell Be!y Dunn- alternate Kim Moncus—Honorary—SV Elementary
Planning & Environmental
Commi(ee Members
Walter Jenkins, Council Representa�ve, Vice Chair Helen Besse, Chair Forrest Arnold Terry Cowan Edward Grimes Lucy Hairston Karen Medicus Zoe Treiff *********************************** Public Safety Commi(ee Members
Jeff Burde!, Council Representa�ve, Chair Art Williams, Vice Chair Pam Bellanca Rob Case Ruth Dawson Erwin Haddon Ketan Kharod Frank Williams John Bellanca—alternate *********************************** Public Works Commi(ee Members
Rudi Rosengarten, Council Representa�ve Randy Machemehl, Chair John Bellanca, Vice Chair Mary Black Melissa Gonzales Walter Jenkins Ken Schroeder Richard Leigh —alternate
