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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
 November 16, 2020

A Special Meeting was held by the Schertz City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas, on November 16, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building #4, Schertz, Texas. The following members present to-wit:
 
Present:
Mayor Ralph Gutierrez; Mayor Pro-Tem Rosemary Scott; Councilmember Scott Larson; Councilmember Michael Dahle; Councilmember David Scagliola; Councilmember Allison Heyward; Councilmember Tim Brown; Councilmember Mark Davis
Staff present:
City Manager Dr. Mark Browne; Assistant City Manager Brian James; Assistant City Manager Charles Kelm; City Secretary Brenda Dennis; Assistant to the City Manager Sarah Gonzalez; Deputy City Secretary Gayle Wilkinson
             
Call to Order

Mayor Gutierrez called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
             
Opening Prayer and Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and State of Texas. (Councilmember Dahle)

Mayor Gutierrez recognized Councilmember Dahle who provided the opening prayer followed by the Pledges of Allegiance to the Flags of the United States and the State of Texas.

Mayor Gutierrez gave specific requests to guests and staff in reference to wearing their masks during the City Council meeting and departing the Council meeting. Due to COVID- 19 concerns, roving the chamber is prohibited.
             
Hearing of Residents

Residents who choose to watch the meeting via live stream, but who would like to participate in Residents to be Heard, should email their comments to City Secretary, Brenda Dennis, at bdennis@schertz.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020, SO THAT THE CITY SECRETARY MAY READ THE PUBLIC COMMENTS INTO THE RECORD UNDER THE HEARING OF RESIDENTS. In the body of the email please include your name, your address, phone number, agenda item # if applicable or subject of discussion, and your comments.

This time is set aside for any person who wishes to address the City Council. Each person should fill out the speaker’s register prior to the meeting. Presentations should be limited to no more than 3 minutes.

Any person making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks while addressing the Council may be requested to leave the meeting.

Discussion by the Council of any item not on the agenda shall be limited to statements of specific factual information given in response to any inquiry, a recitation of existing policy in response to an inquiry, and/or a proposal to place the item on a future agenda. The presiding officer, during the Hearing of Residents portion of the agenda, will call on those persons who have signed up to speak in the order they have registered. Mayor Gutierrez gave specific requirements for those speaking under 'hearing of residents'.

Mayor Gutierrez recognized the following who spoke:
  • Dr. Cathy Marston - 1024 Valley Forge - Spoke about news coverage she saw about "a horrific and inexcusable police brutality" against a black teenager on November 2, 2020. Dr. Marston encouraged the Mayor to make police accountability an agenda item for a future meeting. Dr. Marston recapped an event that happened to her in the past in Schertz and then asked for a hearing on police accountability and a police citizens review board be organized in Schertz.
  • Bobby F. Jones - 12406 Guy Guisborne - Discussed how there were mistakes made on both sides of the incident with the Schertz Police Department and a black teenager on November 2, 2020. Mr. Jones gave passionate remarks about his past and his desire for there to be help and assistance for our police agencies that include listening to their heart and not relying solely on training. Mr. Jones would like conversation had to teach people to care and have compassion for one another. Mr. Jones concluded his remarks by saying Schertz is a good place and people make mistakes on both sides.
  • Michael Carpenter - 3613 Calvert St. - Gave his thanks for Precinct 3 for electing him as County Commissioner. Mr. Carpenter thanked Councilmember Scott Larson for his service over the last several years as a member of council. Mr. Carpenter also congratulated the reappointed Councilmembers David Scagliola, Michael Dahle, and newly elected Councilmember Jill Whittaker who will soon take her seat on council. Mr. Carpenter expressed his respect for the difficult position council has as they serve their community and commended them for there work.
             
Discussion and Action Items

The following was read into record:
             
1. Resolution No. 20-R-133 -  Consideration and/or action approving a Resolution by the City Council of the City of Schertz, Texas canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the November 3, 2020, General Election; and other matters in connection therewith.  (Mayor/B. Dennis)

Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the results from the November 3, 2020, election and declared that Place 3 being Jill Whittaker elected, Place 4 being re-elected Michael Dahle, and Place 5 being re-elected David Scagliola. 

Mayor Gutierrez remarked on the large turnout for the election and thanked the community for exercising their right to vote. 
  Moved by Councilmember Scott Larson, seconded by Councilmember Michael Dahle to approve Resolution No. 20-R-133.
 
AYE: Councilmember Tim Brown, Councilmember Mark Davis, Mayor Pro-Tem Rosemary Scott, Councilmember Scott Larson, Councilmember Michael Dahle, Councilmember David Scagliola, Councilmember Allison Heyward
Passed
             
Roll Call Vote Confirmation

Mayor Gutierrez recognized City Secretary Brenda Dennis who provided the roll call vote confirmation for agenda item 1.
             
2. Farewell Comments/Remarks - Mayor and Councilmembers departing comments for Councilmember Scott Larson (Mayor/Council)

Mayor Gutierrez began with his farewell remarks followed by all the Councilmembers. Each Councilmember spoke with gratitude, respect, and a thankful heart for Councilmember Larson's time on council.
             
3. Farewell Recognition and Farewell Address - Recognition to Councilmember Scott Larson for his service to the City of Schertz and his Farewell address. (Mayor/Council/B. Dennis)

Mayor Gutierrez asked City Secretary Brenda Dennis and Councilmember Scott Larson to join him at the podium. Mayor Gutierrez began by presenting Councilmember Larson with a city flag in gratitude for all his service to the city. Mayor Gutierrez also presented Councilmember Larson with an award in appreciation for all he did for the city and his years of service.

Mayor Gutierrez gave Councilmember Scott Larson the opportunity to provide his farewell remarks. Councilmember Larson gave a passionate address expressing his enjoyment of serving on Council, how much he has learned, and his great love for politics from every aspect and remarked how politics allow us to get government out of the way and let individuals be the best version of themselves. Councilmember Larson noted the City of Schertz is an exceptional city with exceptional staff, an exceptional City Manager, and an exceptional group of leadership. Councilmember Larson expressed his unworthiness of the honor to have set on council and expressed how thankful he is for having had the opportunity.

Councilmember Larson received a standing ovation while he shook the hand of each Councilmember.

Mayor Gutierrez gave a ceremonial gavel for Councilmember Larson's years of service.
             
4. Oath of Office
  • Newly and Re-Elected Officers - Oath of Office. (B. Dennis)
  1. Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember Place 3 Jill Whittaker. (Ceremonial placement of name plate by family member)
  2. Oath of Office to reelected Councilmember Place 4, Michael Dahle.
  3. Oath of Office to reelected Councilmember Place 5 David L. Scaliola.
City Secretary Brenda Dennis provided the Oath of Office to newly elected Councilmember Jill Whittaker and re-elected Councilmembers Michael Dahle and David Scagliola. Newly elected Councilmember Jill Whittaker's husband and youngest son were asked to come forward and place her name tag on the dais.
  • Certificates of Election - Presentation of Certificate of Election. (B. Dennis)
City Secretary Brenda Dennis presented a certificate of election to each sworn in Councilmember.
Mayor Gutierrez presented Schertz 2020- 2021 City Council and stated they were now seated.
             
5. Comments by Newly Elected and Re-elected Councilmembers.
  1. Comments by Councilmember Jill Whittaker.
  2. Comments by Councilmember Michael Dahle.
  3. Comments by Councilmember David Scagliola.
Mayor Gutierrez congratulated and introduced Councilmember Jill Whittaker and gave her an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Whittaker introduced herself and gave a hearty thank you to all who helped in her campaign and all those that voted for her.

Mayor Gutierrez congratulated Councilmember Michael Dahle for his re-election and gave him an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Dahle thanked his wife and family for their support and the multitude of voters who took the time to cast a vote for him even though he was unopposed.

Mayor Gutierrez congratulated Councilmember David Scagliola for his reelection and gave him an opportunity to speak. Councilmember Scagliola thanked his wife for her support and expressed how honored he is to represent the citizens of Schertz for three more years.

Mayor Gutierrez invited all to join them at the Civic Center for light refreshments.
             
Adjournment

As there was no further business, Mayor Gutierrez adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
_______________________________
Ralph Gutierrez, Mayor
ATTEST:


____________________________________
Brenda Dennis, City Secretary

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