Schertz · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Schertz public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rose Garden Elementary safety at FM 1518
Safety concerns have been raised at Rose Garden Elementary where it meets FM 1518 — a school-zone issue that affects families walking and driving to school.
FM 1518 trees blocking line of sight
Trees between Aviation and Aztec Way on FM 1518 are blocking drivers' line of sight, and the question of who owns them is unresolved. Clearing them could improve safety on a busy corridor.
Zoning and Specific Use Permits for Commercial and Mixed-Use Properties
A specific use permit would let a major automobile repair and service operation run on about 1.3 acres along Schertz Parkway. Neighbors get a say at the public hearing before any recommendation goes to City Council.
Main Street Local Flavor Economic Grant Program Modifications
The committee is looking at potential changes to the grant program that helps local businesses along Main Street. Adjustments could affect how grant money is distributed and who qualifies.
SCUC ISD Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATER)
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD representatives presented information regarding an upcoming November 3 tax ratification election for a 12-cent increase to the operations tax rate. The increase would generate about $15 million annually to close an $8 million budget deficit, maintain student programs, and retain teachers amidst rising operational costs.
York International Corporation Incentive Agreement
The board was scheduled to review a proposed incentive agreement with York International Corporation to encourage local business growth. Any approved incentives would be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.
Police Technology and Surveillance Programs
Schertz police are launching a one-year drone pilot program utilizing two automated DFR pods provided by Motorola and BRINC to improve emergency response times. While police highlighted benefits like faster situational awareness and safety, public commenters raised serious privacy concerns regarding mass surveillance and data security.
Residential Development and Zoning Near FM 1518
The commission reviewed zone changes for 29 total acres near FM 1518 and Maske Road. Developers plan to build about 220 single-family rental homes on 21 acres while keeping 8 acres open space to comply with military air safety zones.
Dry Comal Creek Nature Park Zone Change and Flood Concerns
Residents living near the proposed 10.7-acre Dry Comal Creek Nature Park raised serious concerns about severe flooding, lack of emergency egress, and traffic impacts. Commissioners recommended approval of the Public Use District rezone while acknowledging the community's safety concerns for city council consideration.
July 15 Flood Emergency Response and Review
Fire Chief Greg Rodgers presented an after-action report on the July 15 flood response, highlighting proactive evacuations, multi-agency coordination, and shelter operations.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan
Council adopted a new strategic plan to guide business retention, recruitment, and workforce development over the coming years.
Data Center Regulation and Zoning
The commission is looking into creating strict zoning rules for data centers to address concerns about high electricity, water usage, noise, and light pollution.
Subdivision Parkland Dedications and Creek Corridor Preservation
The city is actively negotiating parkland dedications with developers across multiple new subdivisions to secure valuable green space and expand the Cibolo Creek and Woman Hollering Creek trail systems. By acquiring usable acreage rather than isolated parcels or fees in lieu, the city ensures future residents have adequate recreational access.
Land Use Plan Amendment & Rezone at 6615 FM 482
The council approved changing 2.1 acres on FM 482 from Local Corridor to Industrial Hub and rezoning from PRE to GB-2 for an equipment and storage yard, despite neighborhood opposition and P&Z's recommendation to deny.
November 2026 Joint General Election
The city formally ordered its November 3 general election for Council Places 3, 4, and 5 and partnered with Comal, Bexar, and Guadalupe counties for joint administration.
Signage Standards and Developer Waivers
The Schertz Station developer requested a large sign area waiver due to highway grade changes, sparking debate over whether the city should relax sign limits for retail centers or maintain strict compliance across the board.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Amendment
The council approved adjustments to the city budget to account for unexpected costs, land purchases, and grant-funded projects.
Solid Waste Service Levels and Survey Results
The city reviewed resident feedback on the trash and recycling collection services provided by Frontier Waste Solutions. While many residents expressed a preference for twice-a-week trash pickup, most are unwilling to pay the additional monthly fee required to fund it.
FM 482 Land Use and Industrial Encroachment
A proposal to rezone rural property on FM 482 for industrial outdoor storage faced pushback from neighbors and staff over concerns about dust, heavy truck traffic, and incompatibility with nearby schools and residences.
Municipal Bond Issuance and Reimbursement
The city is moving forward with issuing about $9.85 million in bonds to fund road paving, street upgrades, drainage improvements, and emergency facility generators.
FM 78 Police Station Remodel Bids Rejected
The city rejected all construction bids received for the FM 78 Police Station remodel project because costs came in higher than expected. Staff will need to re-evaluate the project scope and reissue bids.
Election Results Canvass and Council Transition
The city certified its recent runoff election results, officially bringing newly elected Councilmember Sarah Dietz onto the dais and bidding farewell to longtime council member Allison Heyward.
Hubertus Road Sidewalk Gaps and Pedestrian Safety
The city reviewed options to fill missing sidewalk gaps along Hubertus Road to ensure safe walking routes for students attending the nearby middle and elementary schools. Council directed staff to move forward as quickly as possible with constructing missing segments and acquiring necessary easements.
Municipal Election Integrity and City Leadership Review
Residents raised concerns during public comment regarding alleged election interference and sign removals during a recent municipal special election. The City Council reviewed these allegations in closed session and ultimately found no policy violations by the city manager.