Government
BY JARRETT WHITENER
Universal City awards contract for Comprehensive Plan Universal City City Council on July 16 approved the awarding of a contract for an update to the Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a guide for city enhancements over the next 15-20 years. This decision was made in a 3-3 council vote, with Mayor Tom Maxwell breaking the tie in favor of the contract. Meeting highlights Council member Phil Vaughan voted against the approval of moving forward with the plan, citing other uses for city funds such as additional retrucks or street improvements. “I still remain highly skeptical that this is a good use of taxpayer resources,” Vaughan said. Mayor Pro-Tem Christina Fitzpatrick voted in favor of the plan and said it is bene cial for planning for the future of the city. “We can’t just keep our eyes on this year,” she said. “We have to look forward, and every decision
Live Oak Animal Control recognized as no-kill shelter Live Oak Animal Control saved 91.67% of animals served in 2023, according to data from the national nonpro t organization Best Friends Animal Society, which des- ignated the shelter with no-kill status for exceeding 90%. What else? The nonpro t identi ed Texas as a top priority state for reaching no-kill status by 2025. Data shows 407 pets were saved in 2023 of the 444 that entered the shelter.
Plan overview The plan will highlight a vision for the city, which can be used over 15-20 years.
Land use and zoning
Transportation and mobility Image, identity and community character
Community facilities and infrastructure
Economic scal conditions
SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Hospital construction during early hours starting in August To assist in moving the construction of Univer- sity Health Retama Hospital forward, Selma City Council approved a noise ordinance variance July 11 which allows the construction company to work between the hours of 5-7 a.m. The variance will also allow for construction work between 1-2 a.m. for up to seven days out of a calendar month. With the variance, the construction company is expected to work during these hours starting in August. Meeting highlights During the meeting, City Administrator Johnny Casias said the variance would allow the construc- tion company to work early and avoid extreme temperatures that are not conducive to the type of work being done. Originally, the variance allowing work between we make needs to stand the test of time or, hon- estly, it’s going to be judged by the test of time.” With the council at a tie on whether to move forward, Maxwell approved the motion. What’s next? The plan will be put together by Matrix Design Group, who will organize public input opportuni- ties for residents to give feedback on the identity of the city. These opportunities will be scheduled at a later date with information and updates posted on the city website and social media pages.
444 animals entered the shelter
91.67% of animals saved
SOURCE: BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Nancy Cain announces retirement
Construction timeframe
• February 2024: Hospital construction began • July 2024: City council approves noise variance • August 2024 : Early morning construction to begin • November 2024 : Variance to be reconsidered • Early 2027: Hospital construction to be completed
Garden Ridge City
Council on July 9 accepted the retirement letter for City Manager Nancy Cain. Cain has worked in the city of Garden Ridge for 22 years and has worked in municipal government for 43 years.
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY HEALTH, CITY OF SELMA COMMUNITY IMPACT
1-2 a.m. was proposed to last until June 2025, but following concern from Mayor Tom Daly and Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Parma, the variance was approved through November. This change allows the city to revisit the variance if the construction work leads to an increase in citizen complaints about the noise. Daly raised concerns about the noise levels of the large equipment constantly moving in reverse. A representative from the construction company said vehicles and equipment will be mostly moving forward during the early hours, which should help limit the loud noises from vehicles backing up. This variance will be brought back to council in November, and construction on the hospital is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Nancy Cain
Cain said Garden Ridge has provided her with the best mayors, council members and sta of her career. “I think it’s time to bring in some new ideas, new thoughts, some new energy,” Cain said during the meeting. Moving forward The retirement letter states Cain’s last day as city manager will be March 22, 2025. City council will consider next steps in August.
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
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