November 8, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes

1. DRAFT
CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL
November 8, 2021
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Alamo Heights, Texas was held at
the Council Chambers, located at 6116 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday,
November 8, 2021. A teleconference was held via Zoom; staff and meeting attendees were
welcomed in the Council Chambers.
Composing a quorum were:
Mayor Bobby Rosenthal
Mayor Pro Tempore Lynda Billa Burke
Councilmember Lawson Jessee
Councilmember Wes Sharples
Councilmember Blake M. Bonner
Councilmember John Savage
Also attending were:
City Manager Buddy Kuhn
Assistant City Manager Phil Laney
Community Development Services Director Lety Hernandez – Via Zoom
City Attorney Frank Garza
Assistant to City Manager Jennifer Reyna
City Secretary Elsa T. Robles
Director of Finance Robert Galindo
Police Chief Rick Pruitt
Human Resources Manager Brenda Jimenez
Fire Chief Michael Gdovin
Deputy Police Chief Cindy Pruitt
Public Works Director Pat Sullivan – Via Zoom
* * *
Mayor Bobby Rosenthal opened the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
* * *
Item # 1 Approval of Minutes
Mayor Bobby Rosenthal asked City Council for a motion to approve the October 25,
2021 City Council Meeting minutes. Councilmember John Savage moved to approve the minutes
as presented. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Billa Burke and passed by
unanimous vote.
* * *

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Item # 2 Announcements
Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
a. 44th Annual AH Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade, Nov. 20, 2021
Community Development Services Department Director Lety Hernandez announced the
annual holiday parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 20th
beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the
Alamo Heights High School on Broadway and finishing at 7:30 p.m. at 250 Viesca Street.
* * *
Item # 3 Citizens to be heard
No comments were made.
* * *
Consent Agenda
Item # 4 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021R-141
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE SAN ANTONIO
EXPRESS-NEWS AS THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF
THE CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS FOR THE
PUBLICATION OF OFFICIAL NOTICES
Mayor Rosenthal asked Council for a motion to approve Resolution No. 2021R-141
adopting the official newspaper for the City of Alamo Heights. Councilmember Blake Bonner
moved to approve the designation of the San Antonio Express-News as the official newspaper
for the City of Alamo Heights. Motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Billa Burke and
passed by unanimous vote.
* * *
Items for Individual Consideration
Item # 5 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
Public Hearing – concerning an ordinance repealing Chapter 5, Building and
Building Regulations, Article II – Codes Adopted by Reference and Article III
- Amendments to Adopted Code (except section 5-25), adopting new Articles
II and III (except section 5-25) which incorporates the 2021 International
Code Series-ICC and the 2020 National Electrical Code, and amends Article
V – Inspections of the City’s Code of Ordinances

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Mayor Rosenthal opened the public hearing at 5:37 p.m. With no one to speak on the item,
Mayor Rosenthal closed the public hearing at 5:38 p.m.
Item # 6 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
ORDINANCE NO. 2181
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ARTICLES II AND III
(EXCEPT SECTION 5-25) OF CHAPTER 5, BUILDING AND
BUILDING REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES AND ADOPTING NEW ARTICLES II AND III
(EXCEPT SECTION 5-25) WHICH INCORPORATE THE 2021
INTERNATIONAL CODE SERIES-ICC AND THE 2020
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE AND AMENDING
ARTICLE V OF CHAPTER 5, BUILDING AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES;
REPEALING ALL PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AN OPEN
MEETINGS CLAUSE; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Assistant City Manager Phil Laney stated the ordinance would adopt the 2021
International Code Series. These are the model codes in which buildings in Alamo Heights are
constructed, renovated, and altered. The ordinance also adopts local amendments to the code
series and clarifies language in the City’s Code of Ordinances. These codes offer the minimum
construction standards to safeguard the public’s health, safety, and general welfare.
Mr. Laney explained building and fire codes are updated every three (3) years by the
International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The
most updated International Code Series was released in 2021 and in 2020 for the National
Electrical Code. The City currently operates under the 2015 Code Series and 2014 Electrical
Code. The 2018 series was skipped and not adopted.
By updating the codes, it keeps the City current with minimum construction requirements
and ensure we safeguard the public’s welfare. It also addresses the Insurance Services Office
(ISO) Fire Rating requirement.
Mr. Laney reviewed the 2021 building-related and fire codes for consideration:
 International Building Code (IBC)
 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
 International Fire Code (IFC)
 International Residential Code (IRC)
 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2020

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Mr. Laney reviewed other significant proposed amendments to the current code of
ordinances. Wood shingles/wood shake would be permitted with additional fireproofing codes,
fireworks displays for city-organized events will be allowed, other non-aerial, non-explosive
fireworks such as “sparklers” will also be permitted with an issued permit for commercial or
residential special events or large gatherings. The adoption of these codes will formally establish
and clarify inspection requirements for pools and building foundations in our Code of
Ordinances.
Mr. Laney advised these amendments were coordinated with the City’s contracted
building inspectors, Bruce Bealor and BJ Bealor of BB Inspection Services, the City Attorney,
City Manager, Councilmember Jessee, Community Development Services Director Lety
Hernandez, Fire Chief Michael Gdovin, and Fire Marshal Allen Ottmers.
Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke moved to approve Ordinance No. 2181 effective January 1,
2022 as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Savage and passed by
unanimous vote.
Item # 7 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
Approving and accepting the renewal contracts for Blue Cross-Blue Shield held
for employee health insurance, MetLife for employee dental insurance and
Davis Insurance for employee vision insurance and authorizing the City
Manager to execute all necessary agreements for the provision of such
insurance
City Manager Buddy Kuhn presented the renewal contracts for employee health, vision,
and dental insurance. Insurance renewals were obtained from Catto & Catto for 2022. Catto &
Catto Representative Benjamin Halbach was also present to answer questions. Mr. Kuhn stated
the renewals were below the projected budgeted increase of 15% with Blue Cross Blue Shield
proposing a 3.5% increase for the HSA base plan and noted MetLife dental benefits will have no
increase in premium for 2022. There is no increase for Vision, Basic Life with AD&D or LTD
coverage.
Mr. Kuhn stated the proposed renewal contracts were consistent with the City’s efforts to
provide quality but affordable insurance benefits to its employees and relieve the impact of
increased dependent coverage costs to the employees. The contracts were reviewed by Catto &
Catto, the City Attorney, and coordinated with Councilmember John Savage.
Financially, the City’s medical coverage budgeted savings is approximately $69,907. All
other City benefits, including the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), continue to be covered
by savings. Employees will continue to receive the annual maximum contribution of $1,250 per
employee deposited in to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
After some discussion regarding insurance pricing, Councilmember Lawson Jessee
moved to approve the renewal contracts for employee health insurance as presented. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Wes Sharples and passed by unanimous vote.

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Item # 8 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021R-142
A RESOLUTION GRANTING CERTAIN CITY OFFICIALS
SIGNATORY AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
Finance Director Robert Galindo stated the proposed resolution is to update the current
list of City officials signing on current bank accounts due to personnel changes. The City
maintains one (1) operating account, one (1) zero balance payroll account, one (1) savings
account, and two (2) investment CDs, six (6) investment pool accounts.
The resolution authorizes at least one City official to execute checks, drafts, transfers,
payroll, and two signers are required for wire transfer withdrawals or other withdrawals from the
operating bank account.
The resolution designates the following City officials as authorized signers:
Robert Galindo Richard Pruitt
Buddy Kuhn Michael Gdovin
Phillip Laney Elsa T. Robles
Jennifer Reyna Bobby Rosenthal
Mr. Galindo advised it is appropriate and necessary to authorize City officials to sign
financial transactions in order to process prompt payment on behalf of the City. Additionally,
there is no negative fiscal impact on the City in reference to this resolution.
Councilmember Jessee moved to approve Resolution No. 2021R-142 as presented. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Sharples and passed by unanimous vote.
Item # 9 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
RESOLUTION NO. 2021R-143
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A GRANT
APPLICATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR,
CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION, FOR AN EQUIPMENT
GRANT TO PURCHASE BODY WORN CAMERA STORAGE
FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE
CHIEF OF POLICE TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF
ALAMO HEIGHTS IN ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE
APPLICATION; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Police Chief Rick Pruitt stated staff is seeking approval of a resolution to authorize a
grant application with the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division to purchase
additional body worn camera data storage technology. The proposed resolution authorizes
the Chief of Police to act on behalf of the City of Alamo Heights in matters pertaining to the
grant.

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Police Chief Pruitt provided background information regarding this request. Two
House Bills were passed in the regular session of the 87th
Legislature in 2021 regarding
body worn camera data.
1. House Bill No. 929 increased the retention period requirements for body
worn camera recordings where an arrest is made or citations are issued. The
new retention periods vary from six (6) months to fifty (50) years.
2. House Bill No. 1938 provides relief to data storage cost to police agencies
that provide body worn cameras to its officers. The grant program is offered
to cover costs for body worn camera recording data storage.
Police Chief Pruitt noted current video and audio recording storage space was recently
upgraded to 30 terabytes. In consulting with Information Technology (IT) professionals, they
recommended acquiring an additional 20 terabytes of data storage. Deputy Police Chief Cindy
Pruitt has satisfied all pre-requisites and prepared the application.
In order to qualify for the grant, a resolution from the COAH governing body addressing
four (4) provisions is required. These include: authorization for submission of the grant;
commitment to provide all applicable matching funds; designation of an authorized official
having the authority to apply for, accept, reject, alter or terminate a grant; and, written assurance
that, in the event of loss or misuse of the grant funds, the governing body will return all funds.
The City Council has the authority to pass resolutions authorizing grant applications in the name
of the City of Alamo Heights and designate an authorized official to act on its behalf.
Deputy Chief Pruitt met the pre-requisite grant requirements by serving on the Bexar
County Criminal Justice Planning Committee. The City Manager was briefed on the grant
application and the City Attorney prepared the resolution being presented for consideration.
The requested amount is $29,963 with the grant requirement of 25% in matching funds of
$7,491. This is a positive impact of $22,472 for the City and reduces the fiscal impact of future
IT upgrades.
Councilmember Jessee moved to approve Resolution No. 2021R-143 as requested. The
motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke and passed by unanimous vote.
* * *
Item # 10 Mayor Rosenthal read the following caption.
Discussion regarding the Opioid settlement as set forth in the State of Texas
Opioid Abatement Fund and Settlement Allocation Term Sheet
City Attorney Frank Garza stated this was a brief discussion regarding the Opioid
settlement which the State of Texas and four counties (Bexar, Tarrant, Harris, and Dallas)
have sued opioid manufactures. All cities and counties are welcome to join in the settlement.
The deadline for cities to act is January 1, 2022; however, Mr. Garza wanted to

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share some information to help Council decide. He stated the settlement could be discussed
in open session because it is public knowledge and many cities are joining the suit.
Mr. Garza advised the State is offering the City of Alamo Heights $28,198 of the
first allocation in which 15% of the settlement goes to all the cities and counties in Texas if
they choose to participate in the settlement. A second allocation of 15% goes back to the
Attorney General’s office and third allocation of 70% is available to cities and counties as
grants.
Mr. Garza shared the State is being very lenient in the use of the initial funds. The
City can use the $28,198 for anything that qualifies as public safety, such as installing lights
in a basketball court. However; the State has set very strict guidelines on how the 70% grant
funds can be spent. The City can decide if they want to apply for a grant in the future.
In order to join the settlement and accept the $28,198, the City must adopt a
resolution and agree it will not turn around and sue the manufactures. Mayor Rosenthal
asked Mr. Garza to prepare and bringing forth a resolution at the next Council meeting to
join the settlement and accept the initial 15% allocation.
* * *
With no further business to consider, Councilmember Bonner moved to adjourn the
meeting at 6:07 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Billa Burke and passed by
unanimous vote.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 13th
DAY OF DECEMBER, 2021.
__________________________
Bobby Rosenthal
Mayor
____________________________
Elsa T. Robles, TRMC
City Secretary