[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6349589,"mediaKeyId","2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4","parentId",2238158,"title","Council weighs options for aging Leon Valley community pool; staff to return cost estimates for repurposing","audioSeconds",1372,"startMs",4867000,"endMs",6239000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4&start=4867&end=6239","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4/thumbnail_4867000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6349589/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-weighs-options-for-aging-Leon-Valley-community-pool-staff-to-return-cost-estimates-for-repurposing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349589-3aeb0cbc5deaa34221acc44ced05a92e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773745606&Signature=OG28WB8O-lbT9YwMOXG9VYpC9FAYfs0bnXcDIfvhp50Y9VtrimGPCb01u1W9~BpzjafgqRnqrQHTfpBDdaaVsGAqKjA38qZG3Q03NtIZLifz51uXDo-y~1KPGcRXuvAZogeYNnYHb5wNnfzErgrD0YuUL~L3Q5~pwCBk2EqwV9fvZPJ81zjxKGw3unVywvjNY17OjZkA9vugn-Mfo6kHkrCulj8VJKKxG4Z5LNWS3AhSI7BW-sykDaZ0AG57bK37cIrLkk2NPpWE6NoIsbLAbGP2MVZYdzIjyDq9zZ91I6PwTXQ7~80XO9Ya1qjoR2u7COhfzzJIoF34bVUyQO9Jlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Leon Valley, TX","date","2025-02-05T07:07:53Z","article","Leon Valley’s City Council discussed the future of the Leon Valley Community Pool facility (6600 Strawflower) on Feb. 4 after staff presented repair and replacement estimates for the aging pool built circa 1968.

The nut graf: staff outlined three broad options—make targeted repairs and ADA updates, fully renovate, or demolish and repurpose the site—and councilmembers and residents debated costs, usage patterns and maintenance implications while asking staff for detailed cost comparisons for alternative recreational conversions.

Public Works Director Melinda Morts presented estimates: a set of necessary repairs (pump room repairs, replacement of skimmers and plumbing repairs and related work) was presented at about $205,000; an estimated replaster to address leaks was cited at about $68,000 but Morts said full plumbing, coping and tile repairs add materially to costs. A manufactured concession building and broader site work raised a conceptual package cost to about $455,800 in the materials presented. Earlier conceptual designs for a full replacement including a spray pad and expanded parking were shown at roughly $2.5 million, though Morts said components could be scaled back.

Council discussed alternatives that residents and staff raised: converting the pool basin to a dog park (staff estimated roughly $7,000 for minimal conversion features and water access and suggested community donations for equipment), adding pickleball courts (staff referenced about $15,000 per court from prior conversions but said final costs require site measurements), or installing a splash pad (previous estimates cited in discussion were around $750,000 and higher when including pump and water‑treatment systems). Morts noted demolition could be performed largely in‑house by public works and the primary cost would be filling the hole and minor site work.

Council members exchanged usage data for the seasons when both pools operated and last summer when the other pool carried more attendance; staff said that attendance at Forest Oaks rose when the older pool was closed and that complaints were limited. Several residents said the pool site’s shade, parking and proximity to Raymond Rimkus Park make it an attractive location for other recreation if the pool is removed; others raised concerns about maintenance challenges and potential problems with dog parks (litter, dumped animals) in that location.

Action and direction: the council did not take a formal vote to close or demolish the facility at this meeting. Instead, staff were directed to return with specific cost estimates and site plans for possible repurposing options including pickleball and dog park configurations. Morts also was asked to include maintenance cost estimates tied to any proposed conversion and to provide more precise demolition cost figures.

Ending: staff will present detailed cost comparisons and site‑specific designs at a future council meeting to allow a budget‑informed decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting 2/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council discussed repair, full renovation, demolition and repurposing options for the 1968 community pool at 6600 Strawflower. Staff presented repair and replacement cost estimates and the council directed staff to return with cost specifics for repurposing options including pickleball, dog park and other recreational uses.","taxTitle","Leon Valley, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",69409,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6349591,"Consultants present revised Leon Valley Parks Master Plan; council to review final edits before March vote",826,3717000,4543000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4&start=3717&end=4543","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4/thumbnail_3717000.jpg","/articles/6349591/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Consultants-present-revised-Leon-Valley-Parks-Master-Plan-council-to-review-final-edits-before-March-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349591-e1d51ce4ba7ab1e5442636786bd47f9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773745607&Signature=HkD1ujNUv7RHVieggTYHSErpnexiNdGOqdZEECH8ttw2FLh2tjhVTYEur8dUAP0m-W2m74C2H7CMq2YowVUMjiXKE6oFakzy2-CyAUP~44IyVeTiliTvyFiWeiweKk9h3ZAbnCcntyFmsT1cNFq-7i5kAogKP0DR8xmukATquroWO54fGgSu-olCzQ3kBq-Q177fS0VBV1GvEcsJYgLyfuXToBY1gYwpGUv~q8S7gVfky8G5Q6ZMtyR~U-FeEMLkCPxe-4utbUMv3GazG3tOeHjeMAA7BHM~mUNMCzCas9jrfIJdmrQPRGHi9AO~y7e-1RA8IIVyF92k-9jpIhfqkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultants from Ardura presented an updated Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan to the Leon Valley City Council on Feb. 4, summarizing community engagement and offering citywide and park‑specific recommendations for 14 parks, trails and open spaces.

The nut graf: the plan compiles public input and advisory‑committee recommendations into a prioritized set of themes — family and inclusivity, amenities and recreation, reinvestment and maintenance, comfort and safety, access and connectivity, nature and environment, and sustainability/resiliency — and ties those themes to individual park recommendations and phasing guidance.

Jessica Relucio and Lotta (Ardura planners) told the council the project included advisory‑committee meetings, stakeholder interviews, an online questionnaire, in‑person outreach at City Hall and the library, and a public draft that was posted on the city website. The plan maps park service areas, documents existing conditions, and provides specific, themed recommendations for each park, along with a simple relative cost indicator for priorities (e.g., lower to higher cost symbols rather than exact dollar estimates).

Melinda Morts, the city’s public works director, and the consultants noted the plan aims to preserve green space, improve shade and trail connectivity, add restrooms and water fountains at select locations, and consider ADA upgrades and maintenance priorities. The plan also flags drainage and resilience measures for parks in flood‑prone areas.

Council discussion focused on maintenance capacity and funding. Councilmembers asked whether staff could provide estimated maintenance and staffing costs tied to the recommendations; Melinda Morts said costs are volatile but the plan uses a symbolic “$” ranking to indicate relative costs and staff can return with dollar estimates. Several councilmembers said parks have increased in recent years and asked for an evaluation of additional staffing needs, including whether positions should be public‑works labor or a combination of maintenance staff and park rangers for safety.

The Parks Commission approved the draft plan contingent on adding two forward letters from staff and the commission; consultants said they would incorporate those forwards and bring a final draft back to the City Council at the March 4 meeting.

Ending: Council members and staff asked colleagues and the public to submit any final edits before the end of February so staff could place the final plan on the March 4 agenda for adoption.","Consultants from Ardura presented a revised Parks, Trails and Open Spaces master plan that incorporates community engagement themes and specific recommendations for 14 parks. The city will collect final edits from council and bring the plan back for council review in March.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6349596,"Leon Valley proclaims “Lights Out for Birds” migratory months; council discussion highlights voluntary approach and safety concerns",783,2708000,3491000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4&start=2708&end=3491","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4/thumbnail_2708000.jpg","/articles/6349596/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-proclaims-Lights-Out-for-Birds-migratory-months-council-discussion-highlights-voluntary-approach-and-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349596-ae64ac23d3b8fcd77a4809e4278aed52/orig.mp4?Expires=1773745607&Signature=Cr2yBl8a74M4F5rNJRIIj8oMJslZ83sAFvU32E0KMTXJ~2NyumfC5dfKN8wRSALlO4jxGKSIAQMnCCHVveephepGwAgl8meycbXps0JfEAuwQ~HLYllgu9cUNiJpzaj2RQ~PcDMfERSZldnKE3WJtLyAyCePTV7ASA5w7xbnWAZbeBziDKlv1zx3DHE8rCEEj4ZggOCeiMibwjHHc5B6AxPI4R7cEwBheS~TRV~aGcXmFJC2XSg866P7EpzllMi6fOkeR8qUTs2w~8Lqt6KbXQpL0i8KqXI28pSqijEGiDjYZIDS41JA9qo~FKYJvkrvwK3W0xy2WDol~IOuZO9j~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Leon Valley accepted a Lights Out for Birds proclamation during its Feb. 4 meeting, designating March 1–June 15 and Aug. 15–Nov. 30 as “lights out for bird safety” months in Leon Valley and encouraging residents, businesses and government to minimize nonessential exterior lighting during those periods.

The nut graf: the proclamation is voluntary and aims to reduce bird collisions with illuminated windows and lighting during nocturnal migration while also promoting energy savings and awareness.

Sarah Beasley, director of the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, presented the science and scope of the Lights Out initiative, telling the council that “illuminated windows … are where a lot of the birds are striking” and that reducing nonessential lighting during migration can help reduce collisions. Beasley described the program as voluntary and listed simple options such as turning lights off, shielding fixtures, using motion sensors or switching to red/amber lighting during migration periods.

The two‑page proclamation—authored by the Earthwise Living Committee and signed by Mayor Chris Riley—asks the Earthwise committee to collaborate with local organizations to educate the public and encourages pledges to minimize exterior lighting during the specified migration periods. The proclamation text cites statewide and national partners and frames the program as complementary to other local initiatives, including park and open‑space efforts.

Several council members and residents raised concerns during discussion. Some expressed worries that promoting darker nights could increase crime or discourage property owners from using lighting that deters theft; others urged Earthwise to coordinate with the police department on messaging to balance conservation and public safety. One councilmember said they did not agree with the proclamation and characterized it as unnecessary or “virtue signaling.”

Mayor Riley and other council members clarified that the proclamation is not an ordinance and imposes no legal requirement to change lighting. Beasley responded that many Lights Out actions are practical and inexpensive and noted houses and low‑rise buildings, not only downtown high‑rises, can be sources of strikes. The mayor encouraged the Earthwise committee to work with the police chief on communications to address safety concerns.

Ending: The proclamation will be distributed to the Earthwise Living Committee for public education activities, and staff and committee members said they would coordinate with the police department on guidance for businesses and residents.","The council heard a presentation and approved a two‑page Lights Out for Birds proclamation asking residents and businesses to reduce nonessential nighttime lighting during spring and fall migration; presenters emphasized the voluntary nature and environmental benefits while some council members expressed concern about crime and public safety.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6349602,"Leon Valley council approves up to $55,000 grant to help Royal Tile redevelop 6600 Bandera Road",767,1997000,2764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4&start=1997&end=2764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2238158-f7b6a975d2d1963a66e053970f9268d4/thumbnail_1997000.jpg","/articles/6349602/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-council-approves-up-to-55000-grant-to-help-Royal-Tile-redevelop-6600-Bandera-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6349602-c93229bf5c8e838cbcec6cc1689d44f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773745607&Signature=KtHa0JhXQ-2BFXzii373KoBkibK7BxxmcNxGCVoNaXj9qdFkLRmccUwOWnrBK3jPBYD8YjBLVdbP8LdzzOCKHgKTgMbXI9fnv9h~R0QwbLcZHaMsfZOhYtcW85rETECuEFT0Iz7idLakafEAiuh5V9cIQySmYweKpJENhFKbCzmLPqe6nNlB4WoM-C8yf~TGTStkRYsmMYFj280qvbsJEbjg8RzeJhOy8Zsv3OCxYBu89nlzNv9SGbSjbzK118KmbfYJizBnxf9Qj71gcL2bLClCAO5ctyVnaSxxrIm15sEC7Ppc5kX2SSua5frR-2vzsClsoApA6HjGBM3tbqoUjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leon Valley City Council on Feb. 4 approved a business grant not to exceed $55,000 to Royal Tile to help redevelop the vacant building at 6600 Bandera Road, the property formerly known as Pilgrim Cleaners.

The funding will come from a mix of general fund contributions from the Economic and Community Development and Planning and Zoning departments and could include an estimated $8,000 from the city’s Tree Mitigation Fund, depending on whether required plantings fall in the public right of way and meet the fund’s species requirements. Roke Salinas, the city’s economic development director, told the council the grant is intended to accelerate rehabilitation of a building that has been vacant roughly seven years and to prevent further decline of property values.

The nut graf: the council framed the payment as a targeted, time‑limited incentive to keep the building in commercial use while requiring a substantial private investment and compliance conditions.

Under the terms explained by Salinas, Royal Tile must spend at least $300,000 on tangible improvements to the building and site for the full $55,000 contribution to be provided. If the applicant spends less than $300,000, the grant amount will be reduced to a pro rata share equal to 15% of actual eligible spending, with a hard cap of $55,000. The city also will refund or waive permit fees up to $5,000; penalties for working without permits will not be waived and remain subject to the city’s ordinance (first offense $300, second $600, subsequent $1,000), Salinas said.

Salinas described expected eligible exterior work to include painting, new lighting and awnings, landscaping, sealcoating and restriping of the parking lot, LED parking lights and roof repairs. Interior work must bring the building into compliance with applicable building, fire and ADA standards required for a certificate of occupancy. As a condition of the agreement, Salinas said the business must employ at least two full‑time staff on site and remain open for at least 24 months; failure to meet the open‑period requirement will trigger repayment of the grant.

Luis Gonzales, identified as the owner of Royal Tile, told the council Royal Tile has operated at its current San Antonio location since 1990 and plans to use the Leon Valley site as a showroom and limited warehouse for contractors. Gonzales said he intends to keep limited on‑site stock and move additional materials by transfer several times per week.

Salinas said the Economic Development fund balance is approximately $925,000 and the Tree Mitigation Fund balance is approximately $428,000; the fiscal year 2025 economic development budget includes $127,000, with an estimate that $42,000 of the approved grant will be spent in the current fiscal year and the balance in FY2026.

Councilmember Orosco made the motion to approve the item; Councilmember Bradshaw seconded. The mayor called for the vote; the motion carried.

The council packet and Salinas’s presentation note that permit waivers are limited to fees (not to required permits) and that the city will require proper permits for all work and will enforce penalties for any unpermitted work. Salinas said staff recommended approval but placed the final decision with the council.

Ending: Salinas and the owner said work is already underway on tree and roof cleanup at the site; the grant agreement will formalize the city’s contribution and the conditions under which it is paid.","City council voted to approve a business grant of up to $55,000 to support Royal Tile’s planned second location at the vacant Pilgrim Cleaners building at 6600 Bandera Road, with conditions on minimum private investment, permit compliance and a 24‑month operation requirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council weighs options for aging Leon Valley community pool; staff to return cost estimates for repurposing

Consultants present revised Leon Valley Parks Master Plan; council to review final edits before March vote

Leon Valley proclaims “Lights Out for Birds” migratory months; council discussion highlights voluntary approach and safety concerns

Leon Valley council approves up to $55,000 grant to help Royal Tile redevelop 6600 Bandera Road