City of Leon Valley
ENews!
November 27, 2019
Read About:
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
City Offices Closed
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Please Don't Feed the Deer!
Breakfast with Santa
Battle of the Badges
Bandera Road Meeting
Park Master Plan 2020
Citywide Pavement Project
Recycling Right-You Can Help!
Community Canopy Program
Volunteer
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Library Events
Blue Santa
Healthcare Fair Event
NW Seniors Bingo
NW Seniors Events
The Dangers of Portable Heaters
Holiday Safety Cooking
Diabetes Awareness Month
Did You Know...?
Upcoming Regular City Council Meetings
Connect with LV!
Join Our List
  
Upcoming Meetings

Meetings
Times
Charter Review Committee
December 2, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Regular City Council Meeting
December 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the City Hall AGENDA
Beautification Committee Meeting
December 4, 2019 at 4:10 p.m. at FD Training Room 
Ethics Review Board Meeting
December 4, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall
Community Advisory Group (CAG) Meeting
December 5, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Leon Valley Conference Center
Library Board of Trustees  Meeting
December 12, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the Library
You can find any Commission or Committee Agenda or Minutes Here . City Council Agendas are linked above. 

News and Announcements 
City Offices Closed 


 
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony


Get into the holiday spirit and join us for
the City's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and cookies for everyone! 

Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at the
Leon Valley Community and Conference Centers.

Performances by:
Leon Valley Elementary and Pat Neff Middle School

 
Please Don't Feed the Deer!


Please Don't Feed the Deer!


Right around this time of year, the Animal Control Officers and Public Works get lots of calls about the number of deer in and around the City and requests for pickups of dead deer from the roadways, alley, and yards. We actually see small herds of deer using the crosswalk at the library on Evers to go from the Community Center grounds to the park in the early morning or late evenings. We have one set of citizens that would like us to remove the deer from the city limits and one set of citizens that want (and do) feed and water the deer, which makes them fatter than they should be. We would appreciate it if citizens would not feed or water the deer and treat them as they truly are - wild animals, capable of finding their own food and water sources.

One of the reasons our deer population is so fat is that we have a large group of well-meaning citizens who will go to the day old bread store and buy bread, rolls, buns, and tortillas, and then they throw them in their yard or in Raymond Rimkus Park for the deer to eat. Because of this diet, we have picked up dead deer that weigh over 140 pounds! One of the signs of a healthy deer (or dog or cat) is the ability to clearly see the outline of their ribs. Lots of our deer don't even have a suggestion of a rib!

Bread and tortillas are empty calories for deer and can actually contribute to malnutrition and disease in a deer population. If you're offering day old tortillas, bread, and pastries, please stop. Tortillas, both flour and corn, have low to no nutritional value for a deer, and one of the ingredients is lard - a substance that deer do not eat in the wild. Though a variety of birds and mammals will eat these handouts, they just provide gut-stuffing empty calories.
Another danger is that when you put food out for deer, it's impossible to control what other wildlife may drop in for quick bite and/or how often certain animals will visit. You may eventually realize that the blend of breads, tortillas, corn, seeds, and dried fruit that you like to put out every day also attracts squirrels, opossums, skunks, and raccoons. You might even start to recognize "regulars" who make stopping by your home a normal part of their daily routine. When these wild animals come into contact with dogs, cat, and humans, zoonotic disease may be spread and/or the dog, cat or human could be injured or killed.

Do not use corn or other fermentable carbohydrates as a primary deer food, as deer are routinely killed this way by people trying to help. Deer are browsers and have adapted to eating a wide variety of food sources, but their efficient stomachs require time to adapt to a new food source. A hungry deer that has not eaten corn recently can die within a day if it comes across a large pile of corn that it devours (bloat and acidosis). Corn is often used as a food supplement, but is low in protein and nutritional value. Corn is also high in starch and so should not be used as a primary food source.

In a perfect world, no one would feed deer. Period. That's the advice from Jerry Feaser, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. And Dr. Anne Ballmann, veterinarian and wildlife disease specialist for the National Wildlife Health Center, agrees. Furthermore, when we feed deer (anything, not just corn), we cause them to burn extra calories to travel farther than they normally would. And they feed in large groups. Deer will congregate in neighborhoods and then eat the roses, trees, bushes, vegetable gardens, and other highly prized plantings in people's yards.

Dr. Ballmann warns that when deer feed in large groups competing for a limited food supply, they come in close contact and easily transmit diseases and parasites. And if feeding stations are near busy roads, more deer are hit and killed by traffic.
Feaser suggests that rather than feed deer, land owners should plant native trees and shrubs that provide food (nuts and fruits) and cover (evergreens). Remember - the deer managed to feed themselves long before we started offering them snacks, and they'll continue to fend for themselves just fine without our help!
Breakfast with Santa


 
Battle of the Badges Basketball Game

Battle of Badges PD vs FD Basketball Game Fundraiser!
Admission: Bring an unwrapped gift for a child or a monetary donation -
When: Friday, December 6th
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Jubilee-Sendero 5408 Daughtry Rd.
All proceeds will go to local children in need who would not have a Christmas without our community's support. If you would like to donate an unwrapped toy for a child and are unable to attend any events, toys or monetary donations will be accepted at the Police Department (6400 El Verde Rd), November 7th - December 14th. Please see the City website, http://www.leonvalleytexas.gov for any newly developed event dates or contact Sgt. Kasey Burleson @ k.burleson@leonvalleytexas.gov . Thank you in advance for your support.
SH 16 Bandera Road Public Meeting



The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), along with the cities of Leon Valley and San Antonio, invite you to join the discussion of how to improve congestion and mobility on SH 16 (Bandera Road) from I-410 to Loop 1604. SH 16 (Bandera Road) between I-410 and Loop 1604 is the 8th most congested road in the region and one of the top 100 most congested in the State of Texas.
When:  December 11th, 2019
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where:  The Leon Valley Community and Confer ence Centers located at 6427/6421 Evers Road
New 2020 Parks, Recreation , Trails, and Open Space Master Plan




New 2020 Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan!

On October 10, 2019, the Park Commission finished their review of the Leon Valley Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan. The Plan now includes the new parks, expanded the history and demographics sections, revised the park maps, and includes social, economic, and environmental trends. The public is invited to review this Plan and submit your comments to Public Works Director Melinda Moritz at m.moritz@leonvalleytexas.gov , or by mail at Park Master Plan, City of Leon Valley, 6400 El Verde Road, Leon Valley, Texas 78238. The Plan will be reviewed by City Council at their November 19th meeting and then held for public review for thirty days. If no comments are received, the Plan will go back to the City Council for final approval on January 7, 2020. If we do receive comments, it will be brought back to the Park Commission for possible inclusions or revisions and then submitted to City Council for approval. We invite the public to please give us your input - send in your comments or questions!

Park Master Plan PDF (click here)
Citywide Pavement Condition Assessment Project

CITYWIDE PAVEMENT CONDITION ASSESSMENT PROJECT COMING SOON!
 
The City of Leon Valley has contracted with The ARRB Group, Inc. (ARRB) to perform a citywide pavement condition assessment and inspection project, to be completed between December 1, 2019 and January of 2020. Using advanced pavement condition testing equipment, our contractor, ARRB, will gather pavement condition data on all City maintained roadways. The city will use this data to identify the streets most in need of repairs to update our multi-year paving and preservation plan.
 
Everyday traffic and weather have a significant impact on our roads; reassessing and measuring pavement conditions every year helps us avoid bigger issues on our roadway network down the line. This project with ARRB will help us make data-driven decisions when planning the city's roadway maintenance.
 
"Pavement is probably the most valuable asset a city owns, and ARRB is proud to help Leon Valley proactively protect it," said Jerry Daleiden, Principal Engineer with ARRB. "Our team has many years of local and global experience and thousands of inspected miles under our belts. We look forward to using that expertise to help Leon Valley collect accurate pavement condition data."
 
Citizens can expect to see an ARRB van equipped with specialized technology that measures the roadway surface condition traveling the city's 43 miles of streets. Once the condition data is collected and analyzed, it will be loaded into the City's pavement management system. Drivers and pedestrians need not worry about safety, as the ARRB van will follow all posted traffic signs and display a warning beacon.




The data collection project schedule is subject to change due to timing of other utility projects, weather, special events, and any unforeseen circumstances. For more information, please call Public Works at (21) 681-1232 or email m.moritz@leonvalleytexas.gov.
 
About ARRB Group, Inc.:
 
ARRB Group, Inc. (ARRB) is a roadway and pavement infrastructure condition data collection company whose primary focus is the use of proven and advanced technologies to efficiently collect accurate and actionable pavement and roadway infrastructure data. ARRB has provided pavement and roadway condition evaluation services for numerous clients at the local, municipal, State, Federal, and International level. ARRB uses state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified and licensed engineers to meet the needs and work with clients to achieve their roadway evaluation goals. For more information, please visit www.arrbgroup.net .
Recyling Right - You Can Help!

 
Recycling Right - You Can Help!
Participation in residential recycling continues to increase, so we thank each and every one of you. Unfortunately, the state of recycling programs across the country and the world have never been more precarious than they are right now, due to a substantial decrease in the value and demand for the materials we put in the recycling carts. While there are several contributing factors, the problem is not your participation (quantity), but the inadvertent contamination collected in the recycling carts (quality).
Contamination does more to harm the process of recycling than most people know. Even a little food waste, liquid waste, yard waste or other seemingly incidental contamination can cause an entire truck load of residential recycling to be corrupted beyond the capability of extracting marketable materials. This "incidental contamination" is usually because of "wish-cycling", or the practice of tossing questionable items into the recycling bin, hoping they can somehow be recycled. For more information on wish-cycling refer to: http://earth911.com/living-well-being/wish-cycling/ 

So what can you do? Here is a list of the most common types of contaminates to avoid placing in your recycling cart:
  • Food waste (compost it instead or otherwise put it in the trash)
  • Food soiled paper, cardboard, cans or plastics (like pizza boxes, napkins, paper plates & butter tubs)
  • Liquids of any kind
  • Textiles (like rugs, carpet, bedding or clothes)
  • Electronics (donate or take to a responsible E-waste recycler)
  • Hoses, extension cords, holiday lights, and clothes hangers
  • Plastic bags, film, sheeting or membranes (these are notorious for clogging recycling facilities)
  • Yard waste, dirt, wood, concrete, brick or other construction debris
  • Polystyrene Foam (to-go containers and cups)
  • Scrap metal, auto parts and tires (use a local scrap metal recycler or retail tire store)
 
Remember: When in doubt, throw it out! - If not, you could be "wasting" all your efforts  

Community Canopy Program


 
Welcome to the City of Leon Valley's Community Canopy program, designed to guide homeowners in planting trees on their private property to maximize all the benefits that trees offer. City of Leon Valley is proud to sponsor this program and provide you with 2 free trees.

At the City of Leon Valley we're committed to a greener, healthier community. Trees around homes will not only help reduce the amount of energy your home requires, but they also add to your property value, reduce your carbon footprint, improve the air quality, and more effectively catch stormwater runoff. It is our intention that the free trees we provide be a gift to you and your neighborhood community.

This program is made possible by the Arbor Day Foundation and City of Leon Valley.
In less than ten minutes, you can reserve your free trees. Thanks for participating in this exciting program. Please click here

Volunteer




There are openings on the following committees:

 

  • Citizens Police Advisory Committee (specific vacancies to fill for representatives of Castle Estates, Forest Oaks Estates, Seneca II, Old Mill, Monte Robles, Bandera Pass, and two (2) Apartment Complex Residents)
  • The Bandera Road Site-Community Advisory Group (Bandera Road Superfund)
  • Beautification Committee
  • Earthwise Living Day Committee
  • Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee
  • Zoning Commission
  • City Park Commission
  • Tree Advisory Board

 

If you are willing to share your time and talents with your community, we would be interested in hearing from you.
Committees help execute the mission and vision of the City. Whether you have a lot of time or a little time to offer, we have a committee for you.
If you want to know more about a specific committee like when they meet, what they do, what vacancies do they have ... contact the city secretary at 210-684-1391 extension 216.
Applications are available at City Hall or by clicking on the link below.

City Events
Upcoming City Events

Upcoming Library Events



Blue Santa Toy Drive


It's 2019 "Blue Santa" Holiday Season of Events!

If you would like to donate an unwrapped toy for a child and are unable to attend any events, toys or monetary donations will be accepted at the Police Department November 7th thru December 14th.
Please see the City website, http://www.leonvalleytexas.gov for any newly developed event dates or contact Sgt. Kasey Burleson @ k.burleson@leonvalleytexas.gov .
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
Sgt. Kasey Burleson

Upcoming events:
  • November 9th at 9 am Donation Box Wrapping- City Hall-Large Conference Room
  • November 15th 2-6 pm Boot Drive- Bandera Corridor
  • November 18th 3-6 pm Boot Drive- Bandera Corridor
  • November 22nd 3-7 pm Boot Drive- Bandera Corridor
  • December 2nd 5:30 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony Blue Santa Toy Collection Station
  • December 6th 6:30 pm Battle of Badges PD vs FD Basketball Game Fundraiser
  • December 8th 12-5 pm Toy Drive w/ Blue Santa- HEB Marketplace
  • December 14th 9 am Blue Santa Bag Stuffing- Fire Department
  • December 20th 8 am Blue Santa School and Day Care Visit
  • December 20th 4 pm Blue Santa Caroling for Homebound Residents

Thank you in advance & Have an Excellent Week!

Other Community Events
Free Health Fair Event


Leon Valley Northwest Seniors - Calendar

BINGO Every Wednesday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the 
Leon Valley Community Center


Leon Valley Northwest Seniors - Events

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Helpful Information
Did You Know...?

 
Space heaters cause about one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths, the National Fire Protection Association said. ... Space heaters also account for more than 70 percent of all winter fire injuries and half of all property damage caused in heating fires. 



  • Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home. 
  • Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer's instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. 
  • Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company. 
  • Never use your oven to heat your home.
Holiday Cooking Safety



During the Thanksgiving holiday, many families gather in the kitchen to spend time together, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in your home. Before you begin your holiday meal preparations, I would like to remind everyone that cooking equipment, most often a range or stove top, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries. 

The number of cooking fires increases significantly during the holidays so it is important for you to stay alert and be watchful while you are cooking. Whether you are cooking the holiday family dinner or a leftover snack for the children, practicing these safe cooking behaviors will help protect you and your family: 

  • Protect Children from Scalds and Burns. Young children are at high risk of being burned by hot food and liquids. Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove. 
  • Watch What You're Cooking. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or cooking food on the stop top or broiling food. 
  • Choose the Right Equipment and Use It Properly. Follow manufacturers' instructions when using cooking equipment. Remember to plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Cook only with equipment designed and intended for cooking, and heat your home only with equipment designed and intended for heating.
  • Avoid Using Deep Fat Turkey Fryers. The use of a deep fat turkey fryer can be very dangerous. If you do decide to use one, use it at a safe distance from buildings and other items that can catch fire. Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Watch the fryer carefully, as the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. To avoid oil spillover, don't overfill the fryer. Oil-less turkey fryers are available. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website. 
  • Keep Things That Can Catch Fire and Heat Sources Apart. Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop. Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean. Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.  
  • Prevent Scalds and Burns. To prevent spills due to overturned appliances containing hot food or liquids, use the back burner when possible, and/or turn pot handles away from the stove's edge. Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens, or stovetops. 

On behalf of the staff at the U.S. Fire Administration, I want to wish you and yours a very Happy (fire and burn-free) Thanksgiving. For additional information, https://www.fema.gov/blog/2011-11-21/holiday-cooking-safety

Thank you, Stay Safe & Healthy!

Diabetes Awareness Month 


National Diabetes Month! Did you know?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is the condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies.
When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugars to build up in your blood. This is why many people refer to diabetes as "sugar." Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney
failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
  
Did You Know...?
 
 
The intention of the  ON IT  program is to have a direct means of reporting your community concerns  regarding streets, sidewalks, abandoned homes, loose or dead animal reports, permitting concerns, noise or other neighborhood nuisances and much more.

The goal is to ensure that City service requests and information is handled, as promptly as possible, with a high level of customer service.  Please call the number listed above or click here to fill out the ON IT Reporting Form online and an  ON IT  team member will respond as quickly as possible.
UPCOMING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Located at City Hall
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Located at City Hall
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- ENews Team, City of Leon Valley