[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6270928,"mediaKeyId","3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9","parentId",3031258,"title","Council holds first reading on water and sewer rate increases; ordinance will phase in five-year rises and be revisited in two years","audioSeconds",380,"startMs",10430000,"endMs",10810000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9&start=10430&end=10810","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9/thumbnail_10430000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6270928/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-holds-first-reading-on-water-and-sewer-rate-increases-ordinance-will-phase-in-five-year-rises-and-be-revisited-in-two-years","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270928-fde268128dbb15e5409abfb8b34a46e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190992&Signature=faegcY6zdOKEhZ9K8jlD4ywRQt7xRmzA5OxvwxZxmjA9q4WMBKr77FV1z9L-DirsNlZU9jdHf6VazGnzSRTr1weQdRe-LRetavSHqPSHRdl5ajdyV9l9KlK7lvUShZJQOO~LOUwoXU0s18eife2-qyfc~w9-G4k0U452zFrKuoINefMDuro4fWLDPpzeU-8DuS7wxu~KDdeC-MVjYlMzFSJGulUj3rm0qALQFyDvMb2CvNiarUdY4uo8G1ixLqwwKIQHH2Un10rkMo0bV4tSzgCSrOXIC7oRKZ~ilur0UZKDYrPKm16iKi4sCJgmib0h26LpCv0GXMlnhJ9-FrUOHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Leon Valley, TX","date","2025-04-17T02:22:56.543Z","article","Leon Valley’s public works director, Melinda Morris, presented the first reading of an ordinance to increase water and sewer rates and to restore a tier structure that matches San Antonio Water System (SAWS) tiers. The ordinance proposes a phased five-year rate schedule, with annual increases for both water and sewer base and volumetric charges, and increases to regulatory fees (Edward’s Aquifer Authority and TCEQ surcharges).

Morris told council the increases are intended to produce a target revenue stream to fund capital repairs and anticipated purchases (including water-rights purchases and repairs to aging infrastructure), and to create capacity for a potential voter‑authorized bond for major capital projects. The ordinance also adjusts city pass-throughs for the Edward’s Aquifer Authority and TCEQ fees.

Council discussion: Several council members and members of the public asked questions about the timeline, the use of any one-time land-sale proceeds and whether changes would be reviewed; the finance director and the manager clarified that the council had previously approved the rate direction and that the ordinance is a housekeeping step required by city charter. Council agreed to place the ordinance on the next consent agenda for final action; staff said the council had earlier instructed that the increases be revisited in two years to consider reduction or further adjustment depending on revenue performance and capital needs.

What’s next: The item will appear on the consent agenda (final reading/ordinance adoption) at the council’s next meeting unless a council member requests it be pulled for separate consideration. Staff emphasized that one-time land-sale revenue should not be counted as recurring operating funds when projecting long-term obligations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the council’s April 15 meeting public works staff presented a first reading of an ordinance that phases water and sewer rate increases over five years, aligns city residential tiers with SAWS tiers and raises associated regulatory fees; council agreed to place the item on the consent calendar for final action.","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},6270932,"Leon Valley Public Library wins 2024 Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence Award",352,2328000,2680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9&start=2328&end=2680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9/thumbnail_2328000.jpg","/articles/6270932/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-Public-Library-wins-2024-Texas-Municipal-Library-Directors-Association-Achievement-of-Excellence-Award","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270932-c5d3be6d8bd9a9d9ec69ead842941ea8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190992&Signature=SfFksurLo35U9yVCiG-SJGH5LuAgo5mGbAV7TDEemH8KE4Qun3iGLWM3ubE4zgNtFLqMqv4k7zn-6qFZ0ldNg87H3Sm6WCzQVcQ9UxcqCuMxbsMkFX6D6AgqFEJPRN5NENj3vMA7PjSR4axPNs4eZkQZa-Ws989LV0MzshTDqQEkpbGhOdq~nxG2hpATR3FrxXDz8iDB9PIGngTOnwFnD5qIS7YesYnPJA6QznK1JIgRjloodS6~MGxboqpewxsPJ~Pr8l-4TACjMn~O9QkZhutoGwb~To3D71GAIrl0gCeEZnRMVGLD90SxWpTc2un3NvjmZQ3o68lY7lZccDlRMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leon Valley’s public library received the 2024 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association, the city council announced April 15.

Library Director Regina Reed accepted the award at the council meeting; the TMLDA recognized the library for meeting 10 categories of modern library service, including programs for underserved populations, digital inclusion, literacy and workforce development. The council noted the library is 1 of only three suburban libraries in Bexar County to receive the honor and said the recognition places Leon Valley in about the top 19% of Texas public libraries in this program.

Reed thanked library staff and volunteers for programming and outreach; Assistant Director Cindy Alvarez and circulation desk staff member Angelina Corona were acknowledged by the council for their roles in daily patron service and the library’s recent renovation, which included a new circulation desk and updated restrooms.

Why this matters: The award is a statewide recognition of library services and is likely to support grant applications and community engagement efforts; councilmembers encouraged residents to visit the renovated facility and to participate in upcoming library events.","The Leon Valley Public Library earned the TMLDA Achievement of Excellence in Libraries award for 2024; the council recognized Library Director Regina Reed and staff for programming, digital inclusion and community collaboration.",{"_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},6270937,"Leon Valley presents mid‑year financial report: property and sales taxes roughly on pace; land sale boosts miscellaneous revenue",419,2742000,3161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9&start=2742&end=3161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9/thumbnail_2742000.jpg","/articles/6270937/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-presents-midyear-financial-report-property-and-sales-taxes-roughly-on-pace-land-sale-boosts-miscellaneous-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270937-1026b0cf3bd77346460ef6308bf25da2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190992&Signature=GmNlgBLbDQjHusskmQ5zCqTsp-U~150utiDk9cBekNPo1e1pRm7-lkAhI~kdLl4q9nNK0dvhCMm7L8XmpagCFY1ohFrcE58W7tdb3puKR-zkWbPx-gC28U-pv43~91yZWHqLMbXLPcPLgGNj3oZngBHHL8i49xkUSs3vU8sRZ4aR6JuRr7MWz9FqV~Lk7uoVjqcjJtr08SVPTlU1RWlE5Gy6rJlTz-YiF5Nd60w8fgogktUoYLAHbkbbjEQN7eEX2HViFm0SSMV1peH-Ct3mAvl2i84nZGZjNUQTK9SkBSkKJHhslDppRwR1SX7dngcZ99sAs2VF4L4A2jD7Y9IH-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carol Gehring, Leon Valley’s finance director, presented the monthly financial report ending March 31, 2025, noting the city is at or near the fiscal halfway point and that property-tax and sales-tax collections are tracking similarly to the prior year.

Key takeaways from the presentation:
- Property tax collections are comparable year-over-year and historically settle near 99% of levy by year-end.
- Sales tax receipts are roughly in balance with last fiscal year’s pace; accruals could lift the percentage toward budgeted expectations.
- A one-time increase of approximately $2 million in miscellaneous revenue was explained as proceeds from a recent land sale previously discussed at council.
- Water fund revenue sits around 43.2% of budget as of March; the finance director said seasonal increases are expected during summer usage months.
- Water expenditures are higher this fiscal year largely because of purchases of water rights; some of those purchases have been funded partly with current revenue and partly with water‑impact-fee reserves.
- Some capital projects (impound lot, sewer capital) are underway; until work is spent their expenditures trail budgeted amounts.

Council follow-up: Councilmembers asked clarification questions and thanked staff for detailed documentation; several council members said they had reviewed the data with the finance director prior to the meeting. Gehring said outstanding grant reimbursements for the Verde/Burke waterline project have not yet been received and will affect cash-flow timing.

Context: The report is the city’s routine budget-to-actual update and helps council track whether revenues and expenditures require mid-year budget adjustments or re-prioritization of capital projects. One-time revenues from land sales are not ongoing operating revenues and the city will need to consider that in forecasting recurring funds and future capital needs.","Finance Director Carol Gehring told council the city is at roughly the fiscal midpoint with property- and sales-tax revenues tracking close to last year; a one-time roughly $2 million land sale accounts for a spike in miscellaneous revenue and water fund expenditures reflect water-right purchases.",{"_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},6270942,"Council green-lights 6758 Pass Road PDD for up to roughly 175 units; staff to review drainage and easement issues",1087,13593000,14680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9&start=13593&end=14680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9/thumbnail_13593000.jpg","/articles/6270942/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-green-lights-6758-Pass-Road-PDD-for-up-to-roughly-175-units-staff-to-review-drainage-and-easement-issues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270942-d874b29f4507fd80721e78cb62546eb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190992&Signature=UGpmRIsA69zVnr1sPQjCuMr1t9De7Ek6YfO20P6qaPrDdx9XKnP2CwlQoP8519-91h4hj2tssrWwnj0dMSm2v-jAb05ElBzFQevJjVRFhjNLQHCU33UQrRs8VDS9LL8RIO~IfHh-yVMPPtF6CqNrS99dGFL1nIy6MXPVJ4W1w9NV8YfZSrin2yHSnXMpHb76oemwp7ZYvibSEmHwbTtMjwhiVCKEyXQoWy-g-SD1nWz8lRuC-TlYhXVZ0DeD~aF14Olfkp~xHuYI5Bq6bUILezyIItHcbxuxk051V51LVN9KttZd0inj2bRWWwa8AmM-OACGvF3Sk9yNeW9BGPvGIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leon Valley City Council approved an amendment to an existing Planned Development (PD) at 6758 Pass Road on April 15, authorizing a proposed apartment-style development with an R-3 base zone. Planning staff presented two concept site plans that differ depending on whether a set of utility and drainage easements can be relocated or reconfigured; the council approved the rezoning and a package of related variances after hearing a short public comment period.

The application seeks flexibility on minimum lot-area and unit-size standards, a limited increase in building height to allow a rooftop level on some buildings, reduced setback and landscaping standards, and adjusted parking requirements that reflect a higher proportion of one-bedroom units. Planning staff recommended requiring that any engineering changes (including any reduction of the 54-foot drainage easement shown on the concept) be reviewed and approved by the city engineer during the platting stage; council concurred and attached the requirement as a condition.

Why it mattered: The property, located between commercial parcels and existing multifamily development, is constrained by existing CPS and SAWS utility easements and by a drainage easement. Staff said the lot’s depth and easement configuration make traditional retail or commercial redevelopment difficult, increasing the site’s suitability for residential development if engineering and utilities can be accommodated.

Council action and technical steps: Council approved the rezoning and voted on the requested variances (lot-size, unit floor area, setbacks, parking reductions, landscaping reductions) during the meeting. Where staff flagged technical concerns—especially the possibility of constructability issues if the drainage easement were narrowed—council conditioned approval on later engineering and platting confirmation. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval on a 7–0 vote.

Public comment: Nearby business owners and residents raised traffic and parking concerns and asked that the city require adequate on-site parking and sight-line improvements. Developer Mohammad Shahadi said the design options were driven by the easement layout and that he would place detention underground and add parking and sidewalk connections; he proposed trimming a drainage easement to expand a recreational amenity (swimming pool) if engineering allows.

Next steps: If the developer secures any required easement changes and submits a final site and construction plans, staff will require a replat and a full engineering review including drainage and fire access. Council required that any unit-count increases beyond the approved plan return to the council for consideration.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased were drawn from the meeting transcript and include Planning & Zoning Director Susanna Huerta, developer Mohammad Shahadi, and several nearby residents and business owners who addressed the council at the public hearing.","The City Council voted to rezone 6758 Pass Road to a Planned Development with R-3 base zoning to allow an apartment-style project; staff and the developer agreed that drainage, utility easements and parking details will be addressed during platting and engineering review.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6270947,"Leon Valley approves Sawyer Road planned development after heated public comment and multiple variances",6779,3671000,10450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9&start=3671&end=10450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3031258-37db75c68abc41bf6373514561a9d7b9/thumbnail_3671000.jpg","/articles/6270947/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-approves-Sawyer-Road-planned-development-after-heated-public-comment-and-multiple-variances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270947-866a43c23e46518c2a530afe1a3352c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190992&Signature=SM4MGvcc-g8nNHs2RiYXkgqV02L-etXIO6GtKBb76wSE0zjjSK2mKTujTQzXJ6ncCi5kZJUuaR3bl7xOmAlPKbBhBzUJuWfmCgFCbuv28sNbKjDhZAneSRpDPAhhF4WoQNkw7YoRlmjow0JF-a6VeNzTiMMqhVkv5YVkt3WNjb-4NF7mBoOzHBn6KR6T~rmwC1FGUzbMC7p4naF7yLwr-tB3Q3c8hIWWoJqr6jqBF0c4jZ3qZFBP2l1wAG600hGzqltAHsTSVE6GQ4xuWsmwIASGF87lXfjH4aMNK4L3Pb9GMpo7vR6PZUF0fx5SBGrQuGZ7rOcuID1bcE5uP6Srmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Leon Valley City Council on April 15 approved a request to rezone about 6.8 acres along Sawyer Road from R-1 single-family to a Planned Development (PDD) with an R-3 multifamily base zoning, after extended public comment and multiple separate votes on requested variances.

The rezoning, which the Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended denying, drew a large turnout of nearby residents who raised traffic, drainage, tree preservation and safety concerns during the council’s public hearing. Council members approved the rezoning motion on a 4-1 roll call vote (Yes: Councilmembers Bradshaw, Roscoe, Martinez, Heil; No: Councilmember Campos). The developer, represented in the meeting by Mohammad (last name spelled variably in the record as Shahai/Shahidi) presented revisions to the project on the dais the afternoon of the meeting; staff said the late revisions had not been fully reviewed by engineering and fire.

Why it mattered: The application would allow a townhouse/condominium-style development with optional four-story elements and higher unit counts than allowed under current R-1 rules. Neighbors said Sawyer Road’s narrow, curving alignment and limited sight lines make higher density and reduced setbacks risky for pedestrians and school buses. The city’s planning staff and city engineer flagged multiple technical concerns—including drainage coordination with the proposed underground detention, fire-department ladder access for four-story elements and the absence of a submitted tree survey—while noting the project concept aligns with the city’s master plan for the Grissom/Sawyer area.

What the council approved and why: Council approved the rezoning and then voted separately on the project’s requested variances so the record would clearly reflect council decisions on each standard. Council members who voted for approval said they were balancing the city’s master plan, the economic realities that favor vertical development and the developer’s commitments to provide additional on-site parking and revised site layout changes introduced the afternoon of April 15. Council members who voted no or raised concerns pointed to unresolved engineering, fire and tree-preservation questions and urged more outreach and time to review the revised exhibits.

Votes at a glance (council action taken April 15)
- 10.1 — Rezone approximately 6.8 acres (6612 & 6618 Sawyer Road) from R-1 to Planned Development (R-3 base). Motion by Councilmember Bradshaw; second by Councilmember Roscoe. Vote: 4–1 (approved). Recorded yes votes: Bradshaw, Roscoe, Martinez, Heil; recorded no vote: Campos.
- Subsequent variances considered individually (council voted on each variance after approving the rezoning): the council approved a majority of the variances needed for the developer’s site plan concept after some amendments and clarifications. One variance was withdrawn by the applicant during council consideration. (Council record: variances approved with majority votes; applicant agreed to amend language removing any clause that would purport to override unstated code requirements.)

Council direction and next steps: Council and staff emphasized that engineering, fire and building compliance will be required during the platting and permitting phases; several council members asked that the developer work with staff and nearby residents to resolve outstanding issues on drainage, sidewalks, tree mitigation and sight lines. The developer accepted a council direction that any increase in unit counts beyond the approved site plan should return to council for approval.

Speakers quoted or paraphrased in this story were those who addressed the council at the public hearing or who presented the application; all quoted language and attributions come from the official meeting record: Susanna Huerta (Planning & Zoning Director), the applicant’s representative Mohammad Shahadi (developer), and residents who spoke in public comment including Vanessa Eckles and Carlos Alonso. The Planning & Zoning Commission previously recommended denial (vote 5–2). Council documents and staff comments noted multiple outstanding engineering and fire concerns.

Local context: The subject property abuts a mix of commercial and residential zoning and sits near existing multi-family development. Planning staff said the site’s shape, existing utility and drainage easements, and right-of-way geometry contributed to the complexity of the project and the number of variances requested.

What council required: Council approved the rezoning and a package of amendments and conditions to be applied during planning and permitting (including a replat and a requirement that any increase in total units beyond a fixed cap return to council). Staff will require the developer to submit formal condominium documentation at the time of platting and to meet any fire, engineering and tree-protection code obligations during the construction-permit review.","After more than three hours of public comment and technical review, the City Council voted to rezone roughly 6.8 acres on Sawyer Road to a Planned Development with an R-3 multifamily base, and approved multiple variances allowing greater density and four-story building envelopes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council holds first reading on water and sewer rate increases; ordinance will phase in five-year rises and be revisited in two years

Leon Valley Public Library wins 2024 Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence Award

Leon Valley presents mid‑year financial report: property and sales taxes roughly on pace; land sale boosts miscellaneous revenue

Council green-lights 6758 Pass Road PDD for up to roughly 175 units; staff to review drainage and easement issues

Leon Valley approves Sawyer Road planned development after heated public comment and multiple variances