June 19, 2020
Read About:
Happy Father's Day!
City Hall Offices Re-Open
Cancelled Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
A Message From Mayor Chris Riley
Emergency Declaration Update
City Services
Citizens to be Heard
ON-IT Reporting System
Flag Retirement Ceremony
Forest Oaks Community Pool
Leon Valley Library Curbside
Mural Design Contest
Small Business Grant
TRAM
We Care Kits - Allstar Healthcare
Census 2020 Update
VIA Regular Fares Resume
CPS News Release
Small Business & Safety Program
Call 811 Before You Dig
NW Seniors Events
COVID-19 Voting by Mail Update
Tiger Sanitation Rates
Crash Reports Online
Upcoming Regular City Council Meetings
Connect with LV!
Join Our List
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Sunday, June 21, 2020
To the fathers who work hard every day to shape up the present and future of their children. Wishing all the fathers around the world a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
City Hall has Reopened to the General Public.

Good afternoon Leon Valley!
Anyone entering the building will be asked to take their temperature, sanitize their hands, wear a face cover, and sign a waiver/health questionnaire. We thank you in advance for being accommodating and helpful during this time. Safety is our top priority for the staff and the public.
Cancelled Events

Meetings
Times
Leon Valley Public Library
Book curb-side services will begin on Monday June 22, 2020
Leon Valley Pools
Tentative opening of the Community Pool is set for July 1, 2020
Leon Valley Senior Center
Closed Until November 2020
AARP Tax-Aide Site Services - The Leon Valley Community Center
Suspended Until Further Notice
Leon Valley's 4th of July Festival
Cancelled 
Upcoming Meetings 

Meetings
Times
Tree Advisory Board Meeting
June 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Public Works 
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
June 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall 
Pool Advisory Committee Meeting
June 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Forest Oaks Pool

The Regular City Council Meetings at City Hall will be held in person and will be open to the public.  However, we strongly encourage you to watch the meeting online from home and call to submit your comments during citizens to be heard.  Remember to access our website at  www.leonvalleytexas.gov to watch, see exhibits, and submit your comments on City Council agenda items!

All  social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC will be strictly enforced.  Please watch this short clip regarding the measures we've taken to ensure the safety of the community during City Council Meetings. 

Information Update Regarding Leon Valley's City Council Meeting 04-13-2020
Information Update Regarding Leon Valley's City Council Meeting 


A Message From Mayor Chris Riley 

A Message from Mayor Chris Riley on COVID-19 Crisis - 06/19/2020 

JUDGE WOLFF'S EXECUTIVE ORDER

On June 17, 2020 Judge Wolff issued Executive Order NW-10 mandating that all businesses require customers and employees to wear masks. This was in response to the sharp rise in the number of COVID cases this past week.  Prior to this Order, residents were encouraged to wear masks, but could not be required to do so, per Governor Abbott.  Governor Abbott has now agreed to Judge Wolff's latest Order.  So, Bexar County and every other county in the state can impose mask requirements on business operations. Businesses have until June 22 to adopt "health and safety" policies that require... see more

Emergency Declaration Updates 


 
A Message from Chief Joseph Salvaggio 

Good Afternoon Leon Valley Residents and Business Owners!

I was hoping that by now, we would be writing to congratulate everyone on surviving this pandemic, and providing great news that all restrictions have been lifted. Unfortunately, I am not yet able to do so. Despite all of your hard work and conscientious following of the guidelines, the rate of infections, hospitalizations, intensive care patients and patients on ventilators have doubled over the past few weeks. The reason for this is simple: not wearing masks, not utilizing social distancing, and going out of our houses as if there is nothing to worry about. That could not be further from the truth. Since I last wrote...see more

City Services in Response to COVID-19

Citizens to be Heard

A special feature has been added so that citizens can participate in "Citizens to be Heard" for upcoming City Council Meetings. Citizens can provide comments or questions by:
  • Preferred Method for record purposes is accessing our website:
    • Accessing our website at www.leonvalleytexas.gov to watch, see exhibits, and submit your comments on City Council agenda items!
    • You will need to register for an account first. How do I register? CLICK HERE. 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.
  • Calling 210-684-1391 at 6:00 p.m.;
  • Citizens may e-mail public comments to [email protected] but e-mails must be received two (2) hours prior to the meeting time of 6:00 p.m. All other Citizen participation may be provided in-person at City Council Chambers.
News and Announcements 
ON-IT Reporting System Back Online




Good afternoon Leon Valley Residents,

Due to a glitch on the City's website, any issues or concerns that were submitted through the ON-IT reporting system online may not have been received. Please resubmit any neighborhood issues or concerns through the ON IT reporting form online.  http://www.leonvalleytexas.gov/questions/index.php

We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused. If you have any questions as to whether your concern or issue was received or not, please email the ON-IT Team at [email protected]
Flag Retirement Ceremony 


The American Legion Post No. 336 
Flag Retirement Ceremony 
(Sat), Jun. 27, 2020


(Leon Valley, TX) (June 27, 2020) - The American Legion, Audie L. Murphy Post No. 336, the City of Leon Valley, Texas and Cub Scout Pack 485 will conduct their annual Flag Retirement Ceremony on Saturday 27 June 2020 at 9 a.m.  
The local community is invited out to see this ceremony. It will be held at the Leon Valley Community and Conference Center Veterans Memorial Flag Pole area, 6427 Evers Road, 78238.

Forest Oaks Community Pool Opening July 1st




Forest Oaks Community Pool Opening July 1st


At the June 16, 2020 City Council meeting, City leaders made the decision to open the Forest Oaks Community Pool, located at 6221 Evers Road, beginning on July 1st, or as quickly thereafter as possible. The Leon Valley Community Pool will remain closed for the 2020 swim season.
The City purchased new reservation software last year to allow residents to reserve the park pavilions, Community and Conference Centers, and to purchase pool memberships and passes online, instead of having to come to City Hall or pay at the pool. Staff is working hard to bring this software online as quickly as possible, in order to assure we can open the facility by that date.
Full season pool memberships... see more
Leon Valley Library Curbside Service - June 23

On June 4, 2020 City Council approved the Leon Valley Public Library's Phase II (Book Return-June 8, 2020) and Phase III (Curbside-June 23, 2020) of its Reopening Plan.

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! 



Starting Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the Library will reopen for curbside services with new hours of operation.

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.
Although the building will remain closed until further notice, programming will continue online. Join our Summer Reading Group: LVPL Summer Reading for virtual Storytime, virtual performers, online crafts and Zoom coffee. Drive by the library June 16, 2020 between 10:30-11:30 a.m. to pick up your Summer Reading goodie bag, that includes your summer reading log, craft, and fun snack. For more information on Summer Reading, visit the Library Facebook Page at https://tinyurl.com/yb2spp5w.
City of Leon Valley Mural Design Contest

Calling All Artists! 

The City of Leon Valley is holding a mural design contest, open to all Texan artists, to design murals that will be placed on one of the elevated water tanks and on two silos. The theme of the contest is "Leon Valley - Past and Present". The art work should depict scenes from Leon Valley 1800's stagecoach days all the way to the present day, and must include the City's logo. The winning artist is eligible for a $1000 prize! Entries will be accepted beginning June 1, 2020 through September 1, 2020. For more details about this contest and how you can sign up, please click on the link below.




Bexar County Small Business Grant Program

The  Bexar County Small Business Grant Program is a new fund which provides emergency relief to micro and small businesses struggling under the financial impact of COVID-19.  The Emergency Fund is designed to help small and micro businesses within Bexar County.  

Applications are due by June 19 th 2020 .
 
For assistance applicants should go to  www.liftfund.com  for eligibility information and to finalize their application. 

Temporary Rental Assistance Measure ("TRAM")


The Bexar County TRAM provides assistance for customers who may need help paying their CPS Energy utility bill and rental assistance (1-3 months) for unincorporated Bexar County and Suburban City residents who have been economically affected by COVID-19.  Eligible applicants should apply using the below contact information:   
·        Follow this link for the  rental assistance application  or call 210-940-1190  
·        The application may be requested for utility assistance by emailing  [email protected]  or calling 210-335-3666  
 
WE CARE KITS - Allstar Healthcare 


In an effort to support struggling families, Allstar Healthcare Physical Medicine is launching the We Care Kit campaign. Through this campaign, they will be working with individuals, organizations, businesses, and community partners to collect basic hygiene products for families in need.

The collection drive will run through June 26th. Donations are being accepted at our location Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. We will take all collected donations and create We Care Kits that will then be distributed to families at a special event on June 27th.


Census 2020 Update


Census 2020--Make the count
Census 2020--Make the count


Leon Valley is currently resting at 63.2%. Let's make it 100%! Your Count Matters!


April 1st was Census Day - but the Census is still ongoing!

 People who have not responded can still do so by Internet, phone and by mail.  During these times of hardship on city/county/state/federal resources, we should all be committed to the highest Census participation  level.   Our participation  ensure s   Leon Valley's  fair share of future federal funds for the next 10 years!


 
Imagine your future. The possibilities of tomorrow start with today. Complete the  #2020Census  online today  for your community!

The Census Bureau announced significant operational changes in the wake of COVID-19 which includes extending the enumeration (self-response & door-to-door data collection) until October 31, 2020.   Please remember to submit your census data - your submission is vital to your city!


VIA-Regular Fares Resume


VIA Offers Workforce Assistance Pass for Unemployed Riders

Complimentary 31-day passes available beginning 
June 1
S AN ANTONIO (June 1, 2020) - While our community recovers from the social and economic effects of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, VIA Metropolitan Transit is providing safe, reliable transit options to help people get back on their feet, including a new fare assistance program for unemployed customers. 
 
When fare collection resumes on Monday, June 1-after a 10-week fare-relief period-persons who are unemployed can request VIA's new Workforce Assistance Pass. The complimentary pass is good for 31 days from activation and is available for any VIA customer who presents a copy of their unemployment benefit statement (dated May 15 or after) and a current photo ID at a VIA ticket window during normal business hours
 
The program will continue through August 2020. Customers are required to follow social distancing and safety guidelines in place at all VIA facilities and Code of Conduct guidelines while riding, including requirements for non-exempt passengers wearing face coverings and rules against joyriding.
 
Upon review of the customer's statement of benefits and ID card, a pass will be issued using the free VIA goMobile app or on a VIA goCard. One per customer. Customers with extended unemployment benefits can request a subsequent 31-day pass by following the same process: presenting their updated statement of unemployment benefits and ID card with photo at a VIA ticket window.
 
VIAtrans customers requesting Workforce Assistance Passes can contact VIA's goLine at (210) 362-2020 for more information and instructions on how to apply for a pass via email.
 
"VIA's Workforce Assistance Pass helps put opportunity within reach for people who rely on us to provide safe, reliable transportation to get to training and look for work" VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. "The services VIA provides are a lifeline for many in our community-every day and perhaps especially during a crisis. We are in this together."
CPS Energy 

Beginning Monday, June 15, 2020, CPS Energy will call customers to share assistance programs they offer. They want to listen and work with individual customers to develop personalized plans that provide them with support. Please visit the link below for more information.

Small Business Health and Safety Program (SBHSP)


Leon Valley Business Owners:
 
It is with great excitement we announce that the Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee and Leon Valley City Council approved the Small Business Health & Safety Program (SBHSP). The program is aimed at supporting Leon Valley businesses with direct customer interactions and preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Qualified applications are eligible to receive a one-time partial grant reimbursement for disposal personal protection equipment (PPE) such as mask, gloves, hand sanitizers, and disinfectant cleaning supplies. Leon Valley businesses are encouraged to submit qualifying receipts up to $500.00 for partial reimbursement (maximum grant: $250.00).
 
The SBHSP requires the business to be open where allowed by Texas Governor's Executive Order, adhere to CDC guidelines, and the PPE supplies shall be used solely for the Leon Valley Business location. This email is not a guarantee of eligibility or a promise of funds, however, your business is strongly encouraged to submit an application for consideration.
 
Staff is prepared to start accepting applications immediately. Completed applications must be submitted on or before July 30, 2020. SBHSP applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis and subject to early termination if program funds are exhausted.
 
For your convenience, a check list has been added to the application. Applications will not be processed for approval until all documents and forms have been completed in their entirety. Required documents include:
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy
  • Copy of Texas Sales Tax Certificate, if applicable
  • Completed Application (General Business Data Sheet)
  • Legible and itemized receipts that clearly illustrate the purchase of disposable PPE
  • Evidence that your business has applied for the Bexar County COVID-19 Small Business Essential Items Bag Program
 
Once all items are gathered, please email the packet to [email protected] or schedule an appointment with the Business Relations Director, to drop-off your application and supporting documents. City staff will process the applications as quickly as possible and notify the contact person if additional documents are required.
 
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the Business Relations Director at (210) 684-1391 X232

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.
 
Events Dates
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

Helpful Information
COVID-19 Voting by Mail Update


COVID-19 VOTING BY MAIL UPDATE

On May 27, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court determined that the lack of immunity alone is not a "disability" for purposes of voting by mail. However, the court also stated that a voter can take into consideration aspects of their own health and health history when determining whether in-person voting will cause a likelihood of injury due to a physical condition. 

To request a ballot by mail based on a disability, an eligible voter can check the box for disability on the request form and submit to the Bexar County Elections Department which will then provide a ballot by mail. If you would like an application to request a ballot by mail please visit,  the Early Voting & Absentee Ballots page.

Tiger Sanitation - Doing Their Part!




Tiger Sanitation - Doing Their Part!

Leon Valley just received word from our solid waste vendor, Tiger Sanitation, that due to the onset of the COVID-19 virus and its effect on citizens' lives, they are going to suspend the rate adjustment for the City of Leon Valley for at least the next billing cycle.  "We know that it is our right, as per the contract, to initiate the rate adjustment but during this crisis we feel that doing so is not the  Tiger way. " Stated Lee Kuhn, General Manager.  The adjustment will be re-evaluated before the next billing cycle of August - October.    
 
A "thank you" to Tiger Sanitation for being sensitive to our citizens' situation during this difficult time. 

Crash Reports Available Online



A Message for our Citizens and Local Business Owners,
 
In our continuing effort to improve the processing and delivery of crash reports, LexisNexis will begin managing and distributing reports for our department via the internet. Going forward, crash reports will be available for your convenience online. To obtain a copy of a crash report, please go to https://policereports.lexisnexis.com. Your (crash report) accident will usually be ready in 10 business days.For any additional questions, please contact Sgt. K Burles0n by phone at (210) 684-1391 ext. 252 or by email at [email protected].
As always, I hope that each and every one of you are safe and healthy during this difficult time.
 
Thank you,
Sgt. K. Burleson
Leon Valley Police Department

UPCOMING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 
Regular City Council Meeting
July 7, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting
July 14, 2020 at 6:00 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