Saturday, February 13, 2016

District 10 Community Meeting, Monday 15 February, 7pm Tool Yard



 
 
 
You're invited to the
 
District 10 Community Meeting
 
MONDAY
February 15, 2016
7PM
 
Please join us for our district-wide community meeting next Monday at the Tool Yard. The meeting will feature a variety of presentations and speakers, including:
  • Representatives from Transportation and Capital Improvements, providing updates on the 2012 Bond Program.
  • Representatives of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, with information about Community Rain Gardens.
I will also be providing updates and answering your questions on current city issues. 
 
Where
 
 
 
 
 
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City Councilman Mike Gallagher, 1635 NE Loop 410, Suite 510, San Antonio, TX 78209
 
 
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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Annual Basura Bash 2016







 
Northeast Neighborhood Alliance
2016 Meeting Dates:
 
March 21, May 116,  
July 18, September 19, November 21
 

 


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Northeast Neighborhood Alliance
| 8531 N. New Braunfels, Suite 203 | San Antonio | TX | 78217

 

Monday, February 8, 2016

Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Meeting Minutes. 25 January, 2016





JANUARY 25, 2016
       NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE
    MEETING MINUTES
The meeting was held at the Northeast Tool Yard and was opened at 7:00 pm by President John Clamp.
Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus was welcomed and introduced by President Clamp. He spoke about some of the achievements of the last legislative session, including the approval of the Highway 281 expansion and how it won't be a tollway, a balanced budget and reduced taxes. He went on to say that the Legislature is not meeting in 2016, but that doesn't mean that they are not working. Speaker Straus has sent out over 200 issues to the Legislature to work on for the next session in 2017. He also talked about the issue of billing that SAWS had, and it may be a larger issue throughout Texas and may include other utilities as well. The Speaker thanked everyone for being civic minded and urged members to advise his office of any issues that they thought needed to be included in the upcoming session in 2017. In closing, he told the audience that the Speaker's office is always there to assist them whenever they have a need.

The Beautification Award was presented to Broadway Bank at 13429 Nacogdoches. Wendy Albers accepted the award.

Dan Crowley of SAWS was introduced to talk about the problem of billing the true usage of water in District 10. He stated that SAWS has the responsibility to read over 500,000 meters and admitted that not all were being read. Changes in personnel and procedures have been made within the department, and all meters should now be read monthly. In addition, contractors have been hired to help read meters, and spot checks are being made to ensure accuracy. There are future plans to allow for home owners to read their own meters and pay on-line, and SAWS has a desire to install electronic meters but right now that option is too expensive. He offered to stay after the meeting to talk to anyone that has had or is still having a billing issue.          

Mike Taylor spoke to the members about the status of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) along Perrin Beitel and parts of Nacogdoches in the NEC area. The program is now closing out the third year of opportunities for businesses to apply for grants and bring in new businesses along the NEC. He also talked about the Northeast Corridor Business Alliance that's been formed and has become very active in working together to promote the growth and upgrades to the NEC. The current focus of the group is fighting crime, advocacy and networking of the businesses. A good indication that the advocacy is working was the group effort to clean up the "triangle" where business owners and residents gathered to clean and spruce up the area. This activity is scheduled again for February 11, 2016. The Perrin Oaks Shopping Center was given as an example of the program's success where the center has been rehabilitated and new businesses opening. Mr. Taylor said there will be another $27K matching funds made available this year and that a meeting will be held for businesses to explain the program and how to apply for the funds. He stressed the importance of people patronizing/investing in the new businesses to help them get established and grow, and continue to do the same for existing businesses. Mr. Taylor mentioned a few new businesses but a question was asked about what new businesses have opened. Here's a list provided by Councilman Gallagher's office of the new ones in the NEC: Bush's Chicken, Great Clips, Habanero Grill, Pizza Patron, La Tapatia, Signs of San Antonio (new building expansion), Spider Man Pest Control, First Choice Emergency Room, Unleashed by Petco, Ross Dress for Less, Pollo Tropical, Family Dollar, FastSigns, Tip Top, Wingstop, Whataburger and Wal-Mart.
The City Council update was provided by District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher. He continues to be very interested and supportive of the NEC upgrades and urged everyone to patronize these establishments. Also, if there were any unsightly areas around these businesses, patrons should personally approach the owners or managers to see about getting it corrected. This will help both the business and surrounding areas to remain attractive and inviting to other customers. Councilman Gallagher is very excited to support and advertise the fact that the corridor is part of the original Camino Real. This will be recognized by demarcation signs along the corridor, and a dedication ceremony will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016, where everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. He asked everyone to volunteer and attend the next Basura Bash along Salado Creek on February 20, 2016. This activity has been very successful in the past and everyone has had a great time at the event. He thanked everyone for helping to make the new Senior Center on Thousand Oaks such a huge success. The Councilman stressed the importance of neighborhoods to formally apply and get recognized by the city. The more neighborhoods and people that get involved, the more attention and support the city will give them. Councilman Gallagher is very supportive of fitness of our citizens. Much is made about how unfit San Antonio residents are, and he wants to help support fitness programs for our residents. He will be organizing another fitness walk in the near future similar to the one held at Comanche Lookout. Anyone that has ideas for improvements for District 10 to be funded by the 2017 Bond should get in touch with his office to give inputs. The next Bexar County Democratic/Republican Party Primary Election is March 1, 2016, and everyone should either vote early or make sure they vote on that date. There was a question about a housing development along Thousand Oaks and Councilman Gallagher suggested that the neighborhoods should organize and approach the planners/developers. Another question was asked about the intersection of Austin Highway and Harry Wurzbach. The city is planning a Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) that will ease the congestion and eliminate the need to go through a business parking lot to go from one road to the other. A SPUI (pronounced "Spooey"), is a type of interchange where a single traffic signal at the center of the interchange controls all left turns. Drivers make opposing left-turns at the same time under the protection of this signal.  See example diagram below:
   
The next District 10 meeting is set for February 15, 2016.  Councilman Gallagher closed by thanking everyone for their support to District 10.
Vice President Carlton Soules announced the upcoming Primary Elections on March 1, and introduced Marian Stanko who is running for Chair of the Republican Party of Bexar County. She gave her background information and thanked everyone in advance for their support. There was also information available for Republican Mike Koerner running for County Commissioner, PCT. 3.
Clayton Perry, an Associate Board member of NNA, spoke about his efforts to update the NNA list of neighborhoods and their representatives. He had a copy of all the changes and asked folks to check and see if all the information was correct. Of note, there were several new neighborhoods and organizations that have been added to the NNA. Mr. Perry will be passing the completed list to Rebecca Podowski and Emilie Christian of Councilman Gallagher's office to make final updates and to make sure that all neighborhoods are registered. Members at the meeting liked the idea of phone calls to remind everyone of the upcoming events.
Elections were held and the following people were elected: John Clamp-President, Ron Van Kirk-Treasurer, and Lauren Sides-Membership Secretary.
President Clamp adjourned the meeting giving the next meeting dates for 2016: March 21st; May 16th; July 18th; September 19th; and November 21st.
Respectfully Submitted,

Clayton H. Perry, Secretary


Northeast Neighborhood Alliance 2016 Meeting Dates

March 21, May 16, July 18,
September 19, November 21





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Northeast Neighborhood Alliance
| 13318 Los Indios | San Antonio | TX | 78233


Thursday, February 4, 2016

District 10 Update 3 February, 2016



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Upcoming Important Meetings
 
District 10 Community Meeting
 
Monday, February 15th, 7PM, at the Tool Yard
 
Meet the Mayor
 
Tuesday, February 16th, 5PM, at the Tobin Library at Oakwell 
 
NEC Business Alliance Meeting
 
Friday, February 19, 8AM, at Hill Electric (9999 Perrin Beitel Rd)
 
 
Want to publicize your neighborhood event?

If so, please send an e-mail to Rebecca Podowski to make a request to post on our Facebook page!
 




 
 
February 3, 2016
 
Dear Neighbors,
 
This week I'll be in our nation's capital for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce's 38th Annual SA to DC trip. This yearly event started out as a way to say thank you to Pentagon officials and members of Congress for their support of the military presence in San Antonio. However, in more recent years, the scope of the trip expanded to include a dialogue on education, aerospace, healthcare, energy, cybersecurity, manufacturing, water, transportation, international trade, immigration, hospitality/tourism and small business. While we are still Military City, USA, San Antonio is rapidly expanding in other sectors, and it's important to maintain a constant dialogue at the federal level. I look forward to bring you news from the capital during our District 10 Community Meeting on February 15th. 
 
I'd like to congratulate the neighbors of Leeland Terrance for forming a new neighborhood association. Neighborhood associations are vital in shaping city policy and development. I commend the neighbors joining together as a group, and encourage others to join or start their own organization. If you are interested in starting a neighborhood organization, call our office for details or assistance.  
 
Speaking of development, the NEC Enhancement Matching Grant Program is still accepting applications for grants. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2016. If you own or operate a business inside the NEC boundaries, be sure to attend their final grant Q&A session on February 5th at the ITT Technical Institute. For more information on the NEC, please visit the website here. 
 
With income tax filing under way, be on the lookout for tax scams. I recently filmed a PSA about this issue to alert residents about scam phone calls or emails. Remember, IRS agents do not call you out of the blue, and never demand payment over the phone. Be on the lookout for fraudulent emails as well. If you think you have received a fake IRS email, you can forward it to phishing@irs.gov for investigation. 
 
As a reminder, the annual Basura Bash clean-up of Salado Creek at the Tobin Trailhead is on February 20th. We still need about 40 volunteers to sign up for this event. To sign up, visit the event's website  and select Salado Creek - Tobin Park (District 10) as your clean-up site. Resolve to get involved this year, and work alongside our office to help keep our creeks and parks beautiful. 

Thank you for staying actively involved in our community and for your continued support of our neighborhoods.
 
Sincerely,
 










Mike Gallagher
City Councilman District 10
 
 
For a complete list of press releases and other city news postings, visit the Department of Communications and Public Affairs website.
 
 


The 2015 NEC Annual Report has been released. Click here to read about the NEC's achievements for 2015. 
 
 
  
 
Emerald Village Apartment Homes 
 
As Chairman of the City Council Housing Committee, it gave me great pleasure to speak at the Grand Opening of Emerald Village Apartment Homes. This was a special project geared toward those working in our City's northside and wanting to live nearby. We heard from residents whose lives were made better as result of living here, and look forward to hearing more success stories.
 
Signs of San Antonio




 
Signs of San Antonio is a well-known name in District 10. While they may have been around for over 30 years, they recently completed a new facility just across the street from their old office. Not only will they be staying in District 10, they built additional commercial space for another business to lease. This is exactly the type of commercial development and commitment we want to occur in our district. 
 
 


On January 1, 2016, a new city ordinance took effect. In an effort to create a safer environment for all residents, the City now requires that your address be posted in the alley. 
  • Homes using an alleyway longer than 10 lots in length to access a rear garage, carport, or driveway will be required to have address numbers in the rear of the property along the alley (Sec. 304.3).
  • As a reminder, City Municipal Code requires that alleys be kept cut, clean, and unobstructed at all times (Sec. 14-10 and Sec. 14-61).
To view San Antonio's Property Maintenance Code, click here. To contact Code Enforcement on how this change affects you, please call (210) 205-2405.
 
 
Pre-K 4 SA now accepting applications 
 
Applications for the 2016-2017 school year are now being accepted. The process entails a simple online application form available in English and in Spanish.  Parents who do not have access to online resources also have the option of completing an application by phone in English or Spanish.
 
The lottery will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016.  Based on feedback from parents and staff recommendations, there will be a change in the procedures for the lottery.  The lottery will be drawn by Education Center, starting with the East Center, then the South Center, then the West Center, and ending with the North Center.  The first round will be by the family's first choice.  The second round will again be drawn by center, in the same order, this time by the remaining families' second choices.  This will ensure that as many families as possible are offered their first choice for enrollment.
 
Enrollment will remain open after the lottery until all 2,000 spaces are filled.  At that point, names will be placed on a waiting list in order of application time and date.  Wait listed children are placed as soon as we have an opening, and we continue to place children as openings become available throughout the year.
 
Click here to complete an application.
 
 
Upcoming Events at District 10 Libraries
 
Free fun at San Antonio Public Library branches February 5 - 7
 
Friends of the Semmes Branch Library Book Sales Preview
Semmes Branch Library (15060 Judson Rd., 78247)
Friday, February 5
10 - 11:30 a.m.
This preview event is open to Friends of the San Antonio Public Library members. You may join the Semmes Friends at the door for entry into the preview sale.
 
Friends of the Semmes Branch Library Book Sale
Semmes Branch Library (15060 Judson Rd., 78247)
Saturday, February 6
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Join us for the Semmes Friends Book Sale. All sales benefit the Semmes Branch Library. Come out and support the Friends!
 
Meet the Author: Friends of the Tobin Library at Oakwell Annual Meeting Event
Tobin Library at Oakwell (4134 Harry Wurzbach Rd., 78209)
Saturday, February 6
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Come meet the author of "San Antonio Beer" and learn about the history of the Alamo City pint by pint!
Traditional African Dance (Family Fun)
Tobin Library at Oakwell (4134 Harry Wurzbach Rd., 78209)
Saturday, February 6
3 - 4 p.m.
Join us for an interactive performance of traditional West African dance and learn about the history and a signature dance move presented by The Olaju Art Group.
Every Vote Counts!
Tobin Library at Oakwell (4134 Harry Wurzbach Rd., 78209)
Saturday, February 6 - Sunday, February 7
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
We are celebrating Black History Month with a look back at the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Join us for a special Come and Go craft and have an election of our own. Your vote for a favorite picture book character might be the one that decides the election!
VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Thousand Oaks Branch Library (4618 Thousand Oaks, 78233)
Friday, February 5 - Sunday, February 7
10 a.m. - 4 p.m
Free tax preparation for individuals and families earning $60,000 or less.
 
For more information or additional events, visit the library website
 
 
 


 
2016 NEC Enhancement Matching Grant Program
 
Do you own or lease commercial property in the NEC? Have you been thinking it's time to give your building a little refresh? The NEC Enhancement Matching Grant Program assists owners and tenants of commercial properties with façade, landscape, and signage improvements. Grants are awarded on a matching reimbursement basis; total eligible project costs are split 50/50 between the grantee and the City of San Antonio. The maximum award amount is $27,000. For complete grant details and an application, see the NEC Enhancement Matching Grant Program Guidelines and Application Package.
 
For those who may be interested in applying or would like more information on the grant process, the final information session will be held on:
  • Friday, February 5th from 8-9 AM, at the ITT Technical Institute (2895 NE Loop 410). 
Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2016.                                                         
 
Please visit the website or contact Heather.Yost@sanantonio.gov for questions or more information on the program. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22nd Annual Basura Bash Waterways Cleanup
 
February 20, 2016, 8AM-12PM
 
Last year's Basura Bash cleanup of Salado Creek at the Robert L. B. Tobin Trailhead was an incredible success. We are once again spearheading this event for the Robert L. B. Tobin Trailhead. If you are interested in volunteering this year as an individual or team, you can register here. When registering, select "Salado Creek - Tobin Park (District 10)" as your tributary.
 
If you are signing up a group, please provide as accurate of a headcount as possible. Our registration closes when we hit 200 volunteers; if you overestimate, we will be shorthanded the day of the event. 
 
About the Basura Bash Planning Organization: 
 
The Basura Bash Planning Organization is a volunteer organization with a mission to increase stewardship of the San Antonio Area Waterways through the mobilization of volunteers, community education and building public/private partnerships for the betterment of our community's environment. Basura Bash is the largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas. This event has seen continued growth over the past 22 years in both the number of volunteers and waterways cleaned. 


 
 
 
 


 
 
Now available: Volunteer  Income Tax Assistance Program
 
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sites are open and serving individuals earning up to $60,000 a year. 
  • All sites open January 19th through April 18th.
  • You may be eligible to receive an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • The VITA Mobile Team is available seven (7) days a week to groups at organizations, companies, apartment complexes, community centers, school, etc. Call (210) 207-2817 or (210) 207-1711 or (210) 222-2975 x212 to schedule an appointment.
  • For more information, call 2-1-1.
  • Complete site listings can be found here.
What is VITA?
 
VITA San Antonio is a collaboration of public and private entities dedicated to family and individual financial self-sufficiency. Other partners, such as local colleges and universities, local financial institutions and other non-profit organizations provide support in a variety of ways to the Coalition.
 
The goal of VITA is to increase the financial stability of working individuals and families in San Antonio & Bexar County. The focal point for this effort is the Coalition's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA is a vital part of the Coalition effort.
 
VITA volunteers provide free income tax assistance to taxpayers, and help them claim important tax credits such as the  Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
The program continues to expand each year. During year 2014/2015 TAX FILING SEASON, volunteers operated 22 sites located throughout the city and completed more than 34,000  tax returns. Over $72,000,000 in refunds were returned to the San Antonio Community. 
 
Without the help of all those who support and volunteer for VITA, many of whom return each tax filing season, VITA could not continue to expand, touching an increasing number of San Antonio's working families and individuals.
 
For more information, visit the VITA San Antonio website.
 
 
 
TxDOT Announces $171.4 Million Effort to Address Congestion in San Antonio
 
Upon approval by the Texas Transportation Commission, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to improve drive times and reduce costs to Texas drivers through a $1.3 billion effort focused on delivering projects at an accelerated pace that address gridlock in some of the state's most congested areas in the five metro areas of Texas, including the San Antonio area.
 
San Antonio will be receiving $171.4 million from this $1.3 billion effort. Two major projects that are planned as part of this congestion initiative include I-410 from US 90 to SH 151 and US 281 from Stone Oak Parkway to Bexar/Comal County Line.

As part of the I-410 from US 90 to SH 151 project, phase one of the interchange will be reconstructed and operational improvements including ramp revisions will be made. This project will break ground by the fall of 2016. $90.1 million from the congestion initiative fund will be received for this $98.9 million project.
The second phase of US 281 from Stone Oak Parkway to Bexar/Comal County will expand to a 6-lane expressway (4 general purpose and 2 HOV lanes) and frontage roads. $81.3 million of the $304 million project from the congestion initiative fund will be used for right of way acquisition which will accelerate the project to begin in the fall of 2018.
 
 
 
Board, Advisory Council Positions Open
 
When Dr. Turgay Korkmaz, a professor at the University of Texas-San Antonio, saw that freshmen students were not prepared for entry science and math courses, he believed he could do something about it. With his vision and the dedicated effort of other committed leaders, the School of Science and Technology opened its first campus a decade ago in San Antonio, and the college prep K-12, tuition free system has established a high performing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program.
 
The School of Science and Technology now asks that local leaders join teachers, administrators, alumni and students in propelling the rigorous STEM program to higher levels of relevancy and success. Interested business professionals are invited to apply to become members of the SST STEM Advisory Board and the SST Outreach Advisory Council. While professionals in the science professions are needed for the STEM board, a broader variety of professionals with skills in communication, marketing, advertising and community building are needed for the outreach advisory council. Volunteers selected will serve 1-2 years on the Advisory Board or Advisory Council. 
 
Anyone interested should contact Nancy Dunn Thompson at nthompson@ssttx.org or (210) 530-8366, extension 102, by February 29th.
 
 
 
Open Commissioner Position for District 10 Students
 
The San Antonio Youth Commission is comprised of 22 high school youth leaders, two members from each City Council District and two Mayoral appointees. Each appointee is selected for a two-year term and is vetted through the City of San Antonio's Board and Commission process. The Youth Commission meets monthly to plan events and programs that give a voice to the concerns of San Antonio's youth.
 
SAYC is a unique organization redefining the shape of student leadership in our city.  Students are the primary catalysts for change within this group, and see great impact made from their vision and the wherewithal to take on big challenges.   They are given the tools to establish sustainable programs and foster imaginative initiatives throughout the school year, supporting their fellow students, schools, and the community at large.  They are committed to serving with professional communication, compassionate action, and selfless service in order to truly follow a model of servant leadership.
 
District 10 students are encouraged to apply for the now-vacant District 10 Commissioner position in the San Antonio Youth Commission. Interested applicants must be a current student residing in District 10. For more information, contact Adam Tutor at (210) 332-7263 or email at Adam.Tutor@p16plus.org.
 
 
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Councilman Mike Gallagher | district10@sanantonio.gov | 210.207.7276
 
Councilman Mike Gallagher, P.O. Box 839966, San Antonio, TX 78283
 
 
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