MINUTES

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS'

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY

May 13, 2015, 2:00 p.m.

 

               

GENERAL AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS:*Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes

 

1. CALL TO ORDER WAS MADE BY THE VICE-CHAIR, MR. H.B. RUCKMAN III, AT

12:15 P.M. 

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WAS RECITED 

3. ROLL WAS CALLED BY THE SECRETARY, MS. SALLY BUCHANAN

Present: H.B. Ruckman III, Vice-Chair

Sally Buchanan, Secretary

Lourdes Galvan

Jerry G. Gonzales

Absent: Terry E. Baiamonte, Chair

John Flieller

4. CERTIFICATION OF A QUORUM WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY 

5. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS

Ms. Hernandez announced the visitors who were present in the audience. 

6. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

Ms. Hernandez reported that there were no citizens signed up to speak. 

May 13, 2015 Page 1 of 6

           

7. DISCUSSION AND APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF THE

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 11, 2015

  

   Staff recommended a motion that the minutes of the Board of Directors' Communications

Committee meeting held on February 11, 2015, be passed and approved as presented. 

  Motion by Jerry G. Gonzales   Seconded by Sally Buchanan

  Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

INDIVIDUAL ITEMS:

 

8. BRIEFING REGARDING THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY'S

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS INITIATIVE

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 9.

  

 

9. BRIEFING REGARDING THE NEW NATURE PARK NAMES   

   Ms. Galvan recommended a motion indicating Communications Committee support for

presenting to the San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors a recommendation that the

parks be named as follows:

Mann's Crossing Park on the Medina River - currently referred to as Catfish Farm

Graytown Park on the San Antonio River - currently referred to as County Road 125

River Access Site

San Antonio River Crossing Park - currently referred to as Loop 1604 Access Site 

  Motion by Lourdes Galvan   Seconded by Jerry G. Gonzales

  Vote: 4 - 0 Passed - Unanimously

10. BRIEFING REGARDING THE CLEAN RIVERS PROGRAM DRAFT 2015 BASIN

HIGHLIGHT CHARACTERIZATION REPORT

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 11.

  

 

11. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE INAUGURAL SAN ANTONIO RIVER

AUTHORITY WATERSHED AWARDS

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 12.

  

 

12. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION REGARDING THE 7TH ANNUAL GET

OUTDOORS! EVENT, JOHN WILLIAM HELTON PARK DEDICATION AND

MISSION REACH FLOAT FEST

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 13.

  

 

May 13, 2015 Page 2 of 6

13. REPORT ON THE THIRD QUARTER STATUS AND RESULTS REGARDING THE

SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY'S FISCAL YEAR 2014/15 STRATEGIC PLAN

OBJECTIVES 4 AND 5

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 14.

  

 

  Attachments:

  FY 2014/15 Strategic Plan 

14. PRESENTATION OF THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY SPONSORSHIPS

AND MEDIA COVERAGE

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 15.

  

 

  Attachments:

  Sponsorships Jan 2015 - March 2015 

15. STATUS REPORT ON THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

AND VARIOUS ACTIVE PROJECTS ALONG THE WESTSIDE CREEKS

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 16.

  

 

16. GENERAL MANAGER'S REPORT

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR;FUTURE BOARD AND/OR COMMITTEE MEETINGS; AND

MEETINGS INVOLVING THE ATTENDANCE OF ONE OR MORE BOARD

MEMBERS

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 17.

  

 

17. ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 18.

  

 

18. NEXT MEETING DATE - AUGUST 12, 2015

There being no action taken on this item, Mr. Ruckman called for Agenda Item 19.

  

 

19. ADJOURN

Mr. Ruckman called the meeting adjourned at 2:01 p.m.

  

 

PREPARED AND RECOMMENDED FOR COMMITTEE APPROVAL BY THE MANAGER.

May 13, 2015 Page 3 of 6

Vision

Leaders in Watershed Solutions

Core Values Mission Agency Goals Fiscal Year 2014 - 15

Annual Objectives

Stewardship We are passionately committed to the preservation, protection, and sustainability of the San Antonio River Watershed.

We are committed to making the river safe, healthy, and enjoyable.

We, working with our partners, pioneer innovative solutions that sustain and enrich the lives of the people in and the economies of the communities we serve.

We are quick to respond, open to new ways of doing things, and dedicated to delivering valued public service.

We will not grow complacent, compromise our values, or lose sight of our purpose and vision.

Integrity We are accountable to the Board of Directors, citizens and stakeholders of the communities we serve, and to our partners, and entrusted to efficiently use limited public resources.

We are honest and reliable in our dealings with others.

We base our decisions on prudent financial management and sound scientific/engineering principles and practices.

We do not misrepresent facts, research, our capabilities or expertise.

Excellence We are committed to innovative, collaborative, adaptive, and strategic actions that actively address watershed issues and priorities.

We expect the best from ourselves, learn from our experiences, and continuously strive to advance our knowledge, skills and capabilities.

We do not make excuses or avoid responsibility for our actions.

Sustain and enrich life in the San Antonio River watershed

Markets

We serve a regional constituency with global

impact

What Sets Us Apart

Action oriented and informed elected Board of Directors

Innovative, sustainable, collaborative, and customized watershed solutions

Experts in watershed management and ecology

Caring, dedicated and passionate people providing responsive public service

1. Launch targeted

educational and outreach activities to broaden community knowledge and value of SARA and the watersheds throughout SARA’s district. (Scott, Schauer)

2. Expand our stormwater role. (Graham, Scott)

3. Target efforts that integrate and implement recommendations of watershed plans to maximize their utilization. (Graham, Persyn)

4. Undertake efforts that support the successful implementation of the Whooping Crane Recovery Plan and develop the critical scientific knowledge to support stewardship of the Golden Orb Mussel and other species at risk in the San Antonio River basin. (Raabe, Reeves)

1. Generate lasting and recognized improvements to the health and safety of the San Antonio River Watershed and the bays and estuaries into which it drains. (Scott, Raabe)

2. Enhance community appreciation for and access to the San Antonio River and its tributaries. (Chisholm)

3. Strengthen, develop and anticipate expertise at all levels to enhance service efficiencies and build employee dedication. (Knott, Graham)

4. Expand, diversify and leverage funding sources and partnerships through delivery of quality services and adherence to project management best practices. (Graham)

5. Advance our science, technology and expertise to influence, develop and implement sustainable watershed solutions by balancing the environmental, economic and quality of life needs of our communities. (Graham, Knott)

Key Performance Indicators

1. Financial Leverage Index (Graham)

2. Project Leverage Index (Graham)

3. River Health Index (Graham, Raabe)

Watershed Health & Safety 1. Expand expertise by implementing

techniques for water quality monitoring by developing metals in sediment capabilities. (Lusk, Hernandez)

2. Create community understanding and value of Risk Map products to reduce flood risk. (Bryant, Rodriguez)

3. Develop and implement a plan for evaluating pipeline integrity on river crossings within the SARA district’s Eagle Ford Shale region. (Raabe, Bryant)

Community Appreciation & Access 4. Implement communications plan

promoting SARA’s expertise and services. (Schauer, Mast)

5. Develop and execute monthly park programs. (Hansen, Driffill)

6. Improve and expand SARA parks and paddling trail opportunities as identified in the Nature-Based Park Resources Plan update. (Hansen, Driffill, Norton)

Employee Expertise & Dedication 7. Develop and implement a Leadership

Development program. (Knott, Tschirhart) 8. Increase access to and use of wellness

programs by all covered individuals to control healthcare costs. (Munoz, Govea)

Quality Services Delivery 9. Encourage the growth of our utilities

systems by adding 250 connections and promoting sustainable development practices. (Gomez, Krueger)

10. Manage capital improvement projects schedules and budgets to meet community expectations and project milestones. (Raabe, Tschirhart)

11. Develop partnership strategy for river and creek operations and maintenance. (Chisholm, Hansen)

Watershed Science & Technology

12. Advance LID in development codes throughout the basin. (Graham, Bishop)

13. Develop and promote implementation of BMPs and O&M strategies for Upper San Antonio River, Leon and Salado Creeks Watersheds. (Bryant)

14. Develop a SARA-wide GIS integration plan with a timeline and resources needed to implement. (Herrera, Feizollahi)

15. Implement systems applications to increase operational efficiencies and responses to information needs. (Herrera, Harper)

16. Complete studies to support development of a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for the Golden Orb Mussel and other mussel species at risk. (Raabe, Reeves)

FINAL – Revised: May 12, 2014

Strategic Opportunities

May 13, 2015 Page 5 of 6

Fiscal Year 2014/15 Sponsorships

For the period January 2015 – March 2015

Month Recipient and/or Event Sponsorship Service

January South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Installation Gala

City of Leon Valley 26th Annual Earthwise Living Day

Goliad County Chamber of Commerce Southern Comfort Goliad Style

Urban Waters Public Meeting

Basura Bash Gold Level Sponsor

February South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency Annual Business Opportunities Luncheon

Bexar County Community Health & Education Fair Passport Sponsor

Kenedy Rotary Club Scholarships

Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Education Fund Annual Gala

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce 2015 Legislative Agenda & VIVA San Antonio

North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce State of the County

North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Vision

North Chamber Leadership Lab 2015 Leadership Lab

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce State of the City

March SicloVerde Green Spaces Community Gardens Program

Los Compadres Make It Your Mission Celebration

Greater LaVernia Chamber of Commerce Wild West Hammerfest

Wilson County Soil & Water Conservation District Sponsorship

Institute of Renewable Natural Resources Sponsorship of Riparian & Stream Ecosystem

Workshop for Upper San Antonio River Watershed

Karnes County HHW

May 13, 2015 Page 6 of 6