The following was written by Alderman Micki Ball and sent out October 12,2014.
During the special meeting held on Monday, October 6, a committee was established charged with working to develop a comprehensive plan to present to Bexar County for clarification of services required by the City of Sandy Oaks. I was nominated to be the committee chair and Alderman Tremblay has agreed to work with me on this important endeavor. This is not just a list of items, but rather a plan of action by our city to be in a position over a period of time to assume these responsibilities ourselves. As such, I am seeking individuals in the community who are willing to share their knowledge and time to assist in this effort. Below you will find a list of items that will be presented to Bexar County:
1. Animal Control
Immediate need is for full coverage from the county for animal control services. Request response/support for dangerous/viscous animals when they pose a threat to the public. Additionally, we as a city need assistance in establishing our own animal control services through training or resources, education of the public and knowledge on how to effectively implement while considering a viable time frame.
2. Police Protection
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office will continue providing services as they have in the past, and we can get an agreement in writing that they will continue support. However, we need to look at identifying candidates for the City Marshal position as part of our future animal control program, in addition to code/ordinance enforcement. The Sheriff can be an excellent resource for us in helping to define the position and qualifications as well as other things we as a community can do to make our area safer and a great place to live.
3. Fire Protection
Currently we are served by ESD6 and that will not change. However, we need to address options for additional coverage, whether we supplement with a volunteer department or offer a staging area and what the benefits and risks are for all options as well as costs.
4. Code Compliance/Fire Code
We need to understand what services are available, the process for answering/enforcing complaints, identify resources for remediation and develop a similar plan for the city.
5. Septic Permitting
Understand the process as it exists today and determine how to implement within the city or possibly contract with the county in the future. Determine if there is a way to identify through County permit records that all installed systems have been properly permitted and any recourse for those that are not.
6. Emergency Management/Disaster Planning
What is currently provided? Have there been incidents in the past and if so, when and what were the details? What do we need to know going forward?
7. Driveway Permits
This may be addressed with #4 above to include building permits, electrical installation permits, etc. Additionally, this may include input from the County Public Works department for issues related to storm water management and the impact of improperly installed driveways.
8. Street Maintenance
What roads within the city limits are available for continued county maintenance? What is the current maintenance schedule? What about street sign maintenance as well as grass cutting along Right of Ways? We also need to understand resources for signage such as where to purchase, who installs, etc. Also need to address speed control options, i.e, road humps, and impact on emergency services. It was stated during the meeting that roads that are gray in color are private roads under the control of Waterwood Development Corp. and those that are black are under county maintenance.
9. Ambulance Service Agreement
This is a free service today and will continue to be for the term of the contract signed by the County in 2014. Each city, Sandy Oaks included, is required to sign the agreement and this was addressed at the city council meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2014. There are enhanced services, for a few, that are available. Is providing a staging area a viable option?
10. Health Services
Food inspection for any establishments, possibly individuals (i.e., food trucks).
If you have a passion for or experience with any of these items and can offer your time to assist with developing a plan that will be presented to the county by myself, Alderman Tremblay and possibly another representative from the community, please let me know ASAP. It is imperative that we as a city have a clear and concise agreement with the county on services as we work through this transition period. Being that this is an election year, the timing may play to our benefit, but time is of the essence. My goal is to contact the county as soon as the end of next week to schedule the meeting for sometime in the next 2 weeks. Before I do, I am seeking feedback from the community on their willingness to be involved to help with creating the plan to be presented on behalf of Sandy Oaks. Please share this message with your neighbors and encourage them to become involved as well. I am confident we have a wealth of talent in our community and are willing to contribute to make Sandy Oaks a prosperous, safe and thriving city.
Micki Ball
Alderman, City of Sandy Oaks
Her contact email is mball@ cityofsandyoaks
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