November 20, 2020
Read About:
City Offices Closed
Thanksgiving Safety
Holiday Trash Service Schedule
Upcoming Meetings
FREE TREES!
Filling of Vacancies
ADA Transitioning Plan
Blue Santa Project
Food Bank Donations
Grocery Distribution
New Citizen Notification Program
Stage 1 Watering Restrictions
Interim City Manager
Got Mask? Leon Valley Does!
A Message From Mayor Chris Riley
City Hall Facility Partially Reopens
Help is Available
Cancelled Meetings
City Services-COVID-19
Flu Season is Almost Here!
Flu Season 2020-2021
Hotspots Now Available
Leon Valley Library Curbside
Call 811 Before You Dig
NW Seniors Events
Upcoming Regular City Council Meetings
Connect with LV!
Join Our List
City Offices Closed for Thanksgiving



In observance of Thanksgiving, city services will be closed November 26th and 27th. 
City services will resume November 30th.

We Wish Everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Safety

 

Thanksgiving Fire Facts
  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.
  • In 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
  • Cooking caused almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths in 2014-2018.  


Dangers of Turkey Fryers
Dangers of Turkey Fryers

Holiday Trash Service Schedule 



This is a friendly reminder regarding the service schedule for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday week. We will be following the schedule below:
Thanksgiving- closed Thursday

We apologize for any inconvenience to those not receiving the second service day due to the holiday. If needed, you may put out extra regular household waste on your next regular service day. Our Tiger families thank you for your understanding and for making this adjustment to allow us to spend this special day with our families. Please call us at 210-333-4287 if you have any questions.
Upcoming Meetings 

City Council Meeting Start Time Change
At the November 17th City Council Meeting, City Council voted unanimously to change Regular City Council Meetings back to a start time of 6:00 PM.


Meetings
Times
Ethics Review Board Meeting
November 23, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. By Telephone/Video Conference Call
Tree Advisory Board
Cancelled Meeting
Special City Council Meeting
November 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall AGENDA
Planning & Zoning Meeting
November 24, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall 

The City of Leon Valley City Council shall hold an in-person meeting with as many City Members of City Council physically present as possible. All other Citizen participation may be provided in-person at City Council Chambers. However, we strongly encourage you to watch the meeting online from home and submit your comments during citizens to be heard. All social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC will be strictly enforced. CDC Guidelines Link: https://www.cdc.gov/.../prevent-gettin.../social-distancing.html)

How to Submit Comments on City Council Agenda Items?

There are several ways to submit comments on "City Council Agenda Items" including "Citizens to be Heard". 

1. CITY WEBSITE

To submit comments on City Council agenda items or "Citizens to be Heard", you will need to register for an account first. This will give you the ability to sign up for distribution lists, sign up to speak at upcoming meetings, and leave comments on items for meetings that have been published. Please click here for step-by-step instructions on how to submit your comments through the City website. 

2. CITIZENS MAY E-MAIL PUBLIC COMMENTS TO:
3. MAIL TO:
  • Leon Valley Public Comments - 6400 El Verde Road, Leon Valley, Texas 78238;
FREE TREES! Leon Valley Drive Thru Fall Tree Adoption Event! 

TOMORROW!! FREE TREES!!!


What a better way to welcome the fall weather than by the planting of a newly adopted tree! The City of Leon Valley, in partnership with the Leon Valley Tree Advisory Board and CPS Energy, will be providing 2 free trees per resident on November 21, 2020 in the parking lot in front of the Leon Valley Community Center. The event will be held at 6427 Evers Rd., between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., or until supplies run out.

Simply turn on to the driveway by the library (Alley-Kinman) from Evers Rd. and follow the signage.  There will be an assortment of 1-gallon varieties of trees, available while supplies last, to include Pecan, Texas Redbud, Mexican Buckeye, Anacacho, and Crape Myrtle.

The Tree Adoption is being held as a "drive thru" event to maintain social distancing.  Volunteers will take your order form and place the trees in your vehicle.  In order to move through as quickly as possible, be sure and bring the completed order form.  This event supports the City of Leon Valley's Tree Challenge of planting 10,000 trees by 2025.


Filling of Vacancies on City Council 




Filling of Vacancies for Council Place 1 and Council Place 3

Appointee Application Form 

Please submit applications to Angela Trejo at a.trejo@leonvalleytexas.gov by December 1, 2020 at 5:00 PM. You can also contact Ms. Trejo with any questions regarding receipt of the application 210-684-1391 ext. 210.

A special workshop will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 9:00 AM, giving an opportunity for some of the candidates to speak to the community and answer questions posed by citizens and the City Council. 
ADA Transition Planning


We Need Your Help!

 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Transition Planning
The City of Leon Valley is preparing revisions to its ADA Transition Plan and we need help from persons in our community with disabilities to let us know how we can do better. From services and programming to actual facility remodeling, it is our goal to serve all of the citizens, not just in our community, but for our visitors as well. The Public Works Department has visited each facility and made recommendations for changes to the actual buildings, but we want to know if we need to make our services and programming more accommodating. In addition, there may be changes needed to the facilities that we hadn't noticed or thought of. City facilities consist of:
  • City Hall/Police Department
  • Fire Station
  • Library and library annex
  • Public Works
  • Community and Conference Centers
  • Public Parks
  • Sidewalks and sidewalk ramps
  • Crosswalks
Please contact the Public Works by email at m.moritz@leonvalleytexas.gov by phone at (210) 681-1232, or by mail at ADA, Public Works, 6400 El Verde Road, Leon Valley, Texas 78238 and let us know what ideas you might have for improving our services, programs, and facilities. We thank you in advance for your input and we will make the plan available to the public for more public comment on our website at www.leonvalleytexas.gov once we have prepared a draft.

Blue Santa Project 


 

Due to the current pandemic, our Blue Santa program has been forced to cancel many of our major fundraising events and will undoubtedly effect our collection efforts this year. 2020 has been a rough year for so many and we want to ensure we bring it to a close by spreading some much needed holiday cheer! But we can't do it without your help! Please join us as we raise monies to provide Christmas gifts for needy children and families. 

*Monetary donations or gifts provided at a later date can be taken to the Leon Valley Police Dept at 6400 El Verde, Leon Valley Texas. 210-684-6557
 

Leon Valley Blue Santa Project has also started accepting new unwrapped toy donations at several locations throughout the City. All donations will be gifted to children in and around our community.
Valencia Lofts Apartments 6007 Grissom

6201 Grissom
Cicis Pizza
7084 Bandera
Whataburger
7016 Bandera
Dairy Queen
6803 Bandera
Ancira Volkswagen of San Antonio 6125 Bandera
Discount Tire
6221 Bandera
Family Dollar 6126 Wurzbach
Adiba/First Choice Supermarket 5712 Wurzbach
Walgreens
6635 Bandera
Tia's Taco Hut
6820 Huebner

Food Bank Donations

It's that time of year!! The City of Leon Valley along with the community annually assists, The San Antonio Food Bank, Southwest Texas to actively Fight Hunger and Feed Hope serving 58,000 individuals each week. The City of Leon Valley contributed 943 pounds of food in 2019 and I hope we can surpass this amount before the year ends! Our 2020 goal, is to collectively donate 1,200 pounds of food gifted to the San Antonio Food Bank. For every one pound of food donated, SA Bank is able to provide 7 meals. 

Hope Donation Locations: Thank you in advance.
  • Public Works and Library (Library entryway):  6425 Evers Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238
  • City Hall / Police Department (City Hall entryway):  6400 El Verde Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238
  • Fire Department (entryway):  6300 El Verde Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238

Monthly Grocery Distribution 

New Citizen Notification Program!



The Public Works Department is excited to announce a new citizen notification system and we are encouraging everyone with a cell phone to sign up!

Public Works performs lots of projects and programs that can cause disruptions in everyday lives, such as street sweeping, road construction, and mosquito spraying. In addition to being a disruption to our citizens, some projects need full citizen cooperation in order to make them more successful.

For instance, if we are street sweeping in your neighborhood, we need all the vehicles to be off the streets, otherwise, we can't guarantee a completely clean street. In our road projects, we can't crack seal, seal coat, or perform a mill and overlay on a street if there are vehicles parked at the curb, which ends up in vehicles being towed out of the way. In our mosquito spraying program, we have some citizens that want to be notified so they can assure their windows are closed and pets are brought indoors.

This new program allows us to provide a courtesy notice 24 - 48 hours in advance to of any of these programs. This service will be offered via a text message to your cell phone that will announce the start of a project or program on your street or in your neighborhood, so that you are better prepared and we are able to more smoothly complete our project. To sign up for the notification program, please contact the Public Works Department at (210) 681-1232. Simply provide your name, the name of your cell phone provider, cell phone number, and street address. You can also email this information to PWNotify@leonvalleytexas.gov.    
Stage 1 Watering Restrictions



Stage I Drought Restrictions
 
 
City Manager Kelly Kuenstler has declared Stage I drought restriction measures for the City of Leon Valley. Stage I water use reduction measures are declared to be in effect when the aquifer level at the J-17 well drops to six hundred sixty (660) feet above mean sea level (msl), based on a 10-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority.  
When stage I is in effect, landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler is permitted one day per week before 11:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. in accordance with the last digit of the property address as follows:
 
Last Digit of Address
Day of Week
0 or 1
Monday
2 or 3
Tuesday
4 or 5
Wednesday
6 or 7
Thursday
8 or 9
Friday
All businesses and apartment complexes will use Wednesday as their watering day.
(i)     No person may use groundwater for an ornamental outdoor fountain or similar feature unless a variance has been obtained for 100 percent (100%) nonpotable water use.

(ii)     Owners of exempt Edwards formation wells must comply with these restrictions.

(iii)     Operators of athletic fields must submit a conservation plan to the city. Athletic fields may not irrigate between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

(iv)     Residential washing of vehicles or other equipment is allowed only on assigned watering days and times. A hose with an automatic shut off nozzle or bucket of five gallons or less may be used. Water should not be allowed to run into the street.

(v)     Washing of impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited.

(vi)     Hand watering with a handheld hose, soaker hose, drip irrigation, bucket or watering can is permitted any time and any day.

(vii)     All nonpublic swimming pools must have a minimum of 25 percent of the surface area covered with evaporation screens when not in use. Inflatable pool toys or floating decorations may be used for this purpose.

(viii)     The use of commercial car wash facilities is allowed any day.
  
Joseph Salvaggio Interim City Manager

Joseph Salvaggio is the recently assigned Interim City Manager for the City of Leon Valley. 

In this role he oversees the operations of all City Departments, and is in charge of the City's $18.4 million dollar budget. His previous assignment with the City was as the Assistant City Manager, where he led the Police Department, Fire Department, and Planning and Zoning Department. In this assignment, he led two-thirds of the departments and manpower for the City. Joseph joined the City of Leon Valley as the Chief of Police in September of 2016. 

As the Chief, he had the privilege of leading a 61-member police department, managing four separate budgets with a combined total of over $7 million in monies. During his tenure as Chief, the crime rate dropped to unseen lows (violent crimes by 59% in 2019), and accidents have fallen by 74% at intersections where red-light cameras were installed. From day one, he instilled a community policing mentality, creating numerous civic outreach programs, and working as a board member with nonprofits to include John Marshall Law & Magnet, Blue Santa, Texas Special Olympics, and The 100 Club of San Antonio. Prior to joining the City of Leon Valley, Joseph was employed with the City of San Antonio Police Department for 29-years, proudly retiring in October 2016, with the rank of Captain. His assignments included Patrol, Special Weapons and Tactics, Narcotics, Property Crimes, Gang Unit, Tactical Response Unit, Problem Oriented Policing Unit, and culminating as the Commander of the Airport Police Department.

Joseph is also a highly decorated disabled veteran, serving over 29-years in the Army and Air Force, including 18-years on active duty. He finished his distinguished career as the Security Forces Career-Field Manager (IMA) at the Pentagon. During his tenure in the military, he was the senior enlisted adviser and led the 40,000-person career-field in close coordination with all other military services, state and local governments. He and his team were credited with organizing, training and equipping more than 100,000 military members over a 10-year period in support of OPERATIONS NOBLE EAGLE, IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. He was the principle architect for the security plans for installations world-wide put in place after 9-11, securing tens of thousands of military members and their families. He designed and implemented a mental health program for all military members returning from war, which was credited with helping lower suicide rates and incidents of discipline due to war time service. Throughout his career, he was handpicked numerous times to deploy to under-performing installations, analyze operations for deficiencies, fix them, and lead them forward to new heights. His expertise was on display as his team was awarded the prestigious Department of Defense Chief of Staff Team Excellence Award in 2008 for their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to protect and serve those deploying to war.

Joseph retired from the Air Force in June 2014, at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, a position he held for over 14-years. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Airman's Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five oak leaf clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Chief Salvaggio holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Policing, FBI National Academy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development, Texas National Academy Command College, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer School, Texas Chief Development Academy, and holds instructor certifications in a number of police related areas.
Got Mask?

Got Mask?
 
Leon Valley Does!
 
In an ongoing mission to prevent the spread of COVID19, the City of Leon Valley is collaborating with Bexar County to distribute 30,000 mask to OUR small businesses community. If that's not enough, your Business Relations Director also secured eleven (11) free-standing countertop barriers made of heavy-duty plexiglass. Please share the great news and direct mask inquires to w.cox@leonvalleytexas.gov  
COVID -19 News and Announcements 
A Message From Mayor Chris Riley 

A Message from Mayor Chris Riley on COVID-19 Crisis - 11/20/2020 
 
Dear Leon Valley Citizens and Businesses:

 CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING IN TIME OF COVID
 
     The following are some recommended guidelines to follow during the pandemic from San Antonio Metro Health Department.

1. Lowest Risk:  Limit travel and stay at home with only those who live in your household;

2. Moderate Risk:   ... read more.
 
City Hall Closed to the General Public


NEW UPDATE: City of Leon Valley Declaration of  Public Health Emergency 

Due to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Bexar County, the following locations shall be closed until future notice:
  1. City Hall; City services and operations are still available by phone and email.
  2. Basketball courts are closed; Soccer fields are only open for recreational activity; not organized sports. The city's playground, tennis courts, community garden, walking trails and baseball field remain open. Stay safe and healthy Leon Valley!
  • City Hall 210-684-1391
  • Need an officer? 
  • NON-Emergency 210-684-3215
  • For Emergency Services Dial 9-1-1
  • City Impound Lot: Please call 210-812-3353 or 210-684-1391 to make an appointment with Det. Jim Wells to retrieve your vehicle.
Municipal Court will continue operating via Zoom and by appointment only. If you choose not to make payments in person, City services and operations will still available by phone and email. If you are feeling sick, please stay home. You may also use the brown drop box in the front of City Hall to make payments without having to come into the building.
 
All people entering City Hall by appointments only will be required to:
  • wear a mask, 
  • have your temperature taken, and 
  • complete a brief health screening questionnaire.
Help is Available - Bexar County Strong
Cancelled Events

Meetings
Times
Leon Valley Public Library
Book curb-side services ONLY
Leon Valley Community Pools
Closed for the Season
Leon Valley Senior Center
Closed Until March 2021
  • Leon Valley Public Library remains closed, with online adult and children's activities only and curbside pickup for books and DVD's.
City Services in Response to COVID-19



For more information about closures and cancellations please visit our website. City of Leon Valley Website 

Please note, city leaders will continue to meet and make a determination about future events and closures as the situation warrants. So please continue to check our website and social media for updated information. 

Flu Season is Almost Here


Flu Season is Almost Here - Please Plan to Get a Flu Shot in the Near Future
 
As we get closer to flu season, it's important for all of us to get our flu shot.
 
This flu season, getting your flu shot isn't just about keeping yourself safe-it's about keeping your family safe as well.   If we can keep flu to a minimum in our community, we will have open hospital beds if they are needed for COVID patients in the event of a winter wave.   
 
Please visit the Metro Health website for more information about upcoming events where flu shots are administered. 
What You Need To Know for 2020-2021 Flu Season

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever. Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family's health this season. To protect your health when getting a flu vaccine, follow CDC's recommendations for running essential errands and doctor visits. Continue to take everyday preventive actions. The CDC recommends 3 actions to prevent the flu:
  1. Get a flu vaccine,
  2. Practice everyday preventative action, and
  3. Take antiviral medication to treat flu if your doctor prescribes them. 
For more recommendations or information please visit: CDC Key Facts

Roll Up Your Sleeve for Your Annual Flu Vaccine
Roll Up Your Sleeve for Your Annual Flu Vaccine

Prevent Flu! Get a Flu Vaccine and Take Preventive Actions
Prevent Flu! Get a Flu Vaccine and Take Preventive Actions

Other News and Announcements 
Hotspots Now Available at LVPL!

Leon Valley Library Curbside Service - June 23

Please don't forget to return all Leon Valley Library books, dvds, book donations and audio books to the book drop-off box in front of the Library. These items must be quarantined for 7 days and disinfected before we can place them back on the shelf. We appreciate everyone's support! 

New Hours of Operation:
Tuesday 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. 
Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Closed Sunday and Monday

Curbside Instructions:
  • Call the library at 210-684-0720 to reserve items or to place items on hold online, visit the LVPL catalog at https://leonvalley.biblionix.com/catalog/
  • Call the library at 210-684-0720 to schedule a pick-up day/time.
  • A library staff member will place your items on the outside table in front of a designated pickup number.
  • Please return all items via the book drop. All returned items will be quarantined for 7 days.
Helpful Information
Call 811 Before You Dig

Call 811 Before You Dig!
The next time your home or commercial project involves digging, be sure to first locate electric and natural gas lines, as well as cable and phone lines, by calling 811. Allow 48 hours (two full working days) for a CPS Energy team to come to your property and mark utility lines before your project begins. It's the law. 

For additional information, call CPS Energy at (210) 353-2970. You can also make a locate request online at https://www.texas811.org/

Other Community Events
Leon Valley Northwest Seniors - Events

The Seniors will not hold any activities until 01-01-2021

The following events have been cancelled by the Northwest Senior Citizens Board. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Jonas, President of the Northwest Seniors Club at 210-680-6867.
 
EventsDates
Kickapoo Trip
Cancelled - September 15, 2020 
Hot Air Balloon Trip
Cancelled - October 8-12, 2020
Trash and Treasure
Cancelled - October 24, 2020
Bethlehem Trip
Cancelled - December 4, 2020

UPCOMING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 
Regular City Council Meeting
November 2, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting
November 17, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.
Thank you for reading this edition of ENews. Please feel free to provide feedback to let us know what you are most interested in reading.


- ENews Team, City of Leon Valley