[{"_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",6230263,"mediaKeyId","3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59","parentId",3442423,"title","Leon Valley tightens rules for large park events, adds permitting, security and fines","audioSeconds",477,"startMs",10033000,"endMs",10510000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59&start=10033&end=10510","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59/thumbnail_10033000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6230263/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-tightens-rules-for-large-park-events-adds-permitting-security-and-fines","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230263-b34a8b8d1020c7871b1cff56deb13a58/orig.mp4?Expires=1776153084&Signature=nngOCQ6nobftfc8qGnbcF7DubBjeQR~Fnm5Dj0hV~ssuWukxLnQG0ibmvpZEoFms0NgQOJi50Q~wbKjY3WqGqjJWFEor-K0OLTjSrl4PccxdXh5FbzP~5VsPgjFq0x2OX4uQi39oMMx-YNGi8iRx52-dDQp9SGt4Z29gU4w8YJejmL2Mnx3x8MXUT4C0r1XPat4mbZ~wPTHxUZk-FJoolxUOFq0Q3agHfXnWhri~9YxoEFU4CfIwtpauJKEMOox1ZZSr-dfkBCG9ewYXmsf~Dd~EEbbq7QSHIxSCjb5X8anwqztSGDmLoKkf7sVNcO6W8d8WyIjcJYTfwRkZUWsJRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Leon Valley, TX","date","2025-05-22T10:07:01.39Z","article","The City Council on May 20 approved amendments to the Leon Valley parks code that define “special event,” require a formal permit and approvals from the park commission and city council for large uses of municipal parks, and impose fines and cost recovery when events violate rules.

Parks staff described a recent incident in which multiple independent facility reservations produced an effective full‑park occupation without the required event approvals; the event produced heavy parking on neighborhood streets and required police response. Park staff said organizers had used staggered facility reservations to work around the rules.

The amended ordinance requires applicants to provide a special‑event application with logistics, security plans and police and fire review. Violations carry a civil penalty not to exceed $500 per offense and the ordinance allows city recovery of actual costs incurred to manage or respond to the event. Staff noted existing fees for pavilion rental and cleanup remain in place; the fine is in addition to those fees.

Councilors debated whether the $500 cap sufficiently covers city costs for police or fire responses, and staff explained other codes (fire, parking, refuse) can create additional fines or enforcement actions where appropriate. Council members said the change is intended to protect regular park users while preserving access for permitted events.

Councilor Roscoe moved to approve the ordinance amendment and Councilor Marsh seconded. The council approved the ordinance on second reading; staff will integrate the special‑event permit into the park rental process and publish the updated fee schedule.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting 5/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After officials cited a large unpermitted gathering that overwhelmed Raven Room and adjacent streets, councilors amended the parks code May 20 to require special‑event permits, police/fire sign‑offs and permit fines plus cost recovery for the city.","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},6230268,"Leon Valley to pursue $53,000 governor's grant for fixed safety cameras; council approves application",206,5274000,5480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59&start=5274&end=5480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59/thumbnail_5274000.jpg","/articles/6230268/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-to-pursue-53000-governors-grant-for-fixed-safety-cameras-council-approves-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230268-76917e11b1211ddd1a4f2169dd637798/orig.mp4?Expires=1776153084&Signature=oABdiwSTuBqEYUqU0JA8oD6GVLcPef-ecvXq5je~i6JGy01krdbMB2TuVNldSSdJtL3OQD0ASD4Ybt89Udz4yUFdlk3xEmeBirlWUbcgaGBDrXfYMKeIyOq9BJQ2Rub7d77Q9bSnG846Q8Iu6LYOMzuVJjdvaKondHIamSkTSCQRlt2BWzT0xWgJ9qSTFsa~M~r1lUMMmFH2Hn1sSWag-cU~3TtBerUdJRvZ-KoIoFl8~upVeaXCkElGyvlrMtPWLR8c8FGHI7dN9xG4mwpd9Fkyf1DfBlwh0K6Z52jYJmkCLVKdoe-CKSPoe7AkXOpsf7i-M-tYqzjc1IwJSOef6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council authorized staff to pursue a $53,000 grant from the Texas Office of the Governor to purchase crime‑capturing fixed safety cameras and related installation, Chief David Gonzalez told the council May 20. The council voted to pursue the grant and to accept it if awarded.

Chief Gonzalez and community policing advocates said the cameras would help investigations and could provide searchable footage — they are not intended as a live‑streamed citywide surveillance feed. Gonzalez described the system as a tool to identify suspects and locate vehicles when crimes are reported.

The proposal identifies 14 fixed locations intended to cover primary entrances and exits to Leon Valley. The grant covers year‑one costs (installation and equipment); the city would need to budget for ongoing maintenance and service in subsequent years. Gonzalez said vendor selection is in progress and the city would select among vendors before accepting the award.

Councilors voiced support while asking about long‑term costs and ownership. Staff confirmed there is no local match requirement for the first year; subsequent years’ costs would be the city’s responsibility, and program continuation would be evaluated after the initial period.

Councilor Orozco moved and Councilor Betty Heil seconded a motion to authorize pursuit of the grant; the motion passed. Staff will return to council if the grant is awarded with procurement details and an estimate of ongoing operating costs.","The council authorized staff May 20 to pursue a Texas Office of the Governor grant to install 14 fixed safety cameras at city entrances and exits; the grant covers first‑year installation and equipment, and staff must budget for future years.",{"_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},6230273,"Leon Valley adopts pay‑plan framework for FY26 to address pay inequities and recruitment challenges",1510,3740000,5250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59&start=3740&end=5250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59/thumbnail_3740000.jpg","/articles/6230273/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-adopts-payplan-framework-for-FY26-to-address-pay-inequities-and-recruitment-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230273-95bb5cca1c9db495bfce4f2f6a54b75a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776153084&Signature=ebqyEgb81T-0gLIVRIIfQz7pFo4TIxv6LFszAoiLEabC5vN1hZwmynuASWs0jt8hQenWUVF~jfOf1lRiXvccVcir3hOiD695LkL~Yp7C8UzvthaomBvclhBcsgS2n0wn0GZh8EyuuKmsY1bDc-AD~HjjUGy~Y8wXceWeCf1nhDBBsOchliRvQPhMx0NTZMu0qdWXl~M91uWWZiUvenBXNJ~f9Eu3LJVxluqvzX8vjlgrr2YYVynLv2vgyQ2HTpPmtVOQLD~FXwSN5E0hdCQom5kB9zBF-OFSvkh5d-h4FXdjzd4L61FV9M5h~xaTZB5MyDEtNyyUxbboPqF7jE0Kcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Leon Valley adopted a framework May 20 for a formal pay plan to guide salaries, moves through steps, and future cost‑of‑living adjustments, City Manager Dr. Crystal Caldera told the council. The council voted to adopt the pay‑plan structure as a framework for the FY26 budget and asked staff to continue refining details for final adoption.

Dr. Caldera said the pay plan aims to promote equity, attract talent and reduce legal risk from pay disparities by establishing market‑based midpoints and a steps system for progression. The plan uses a market survey of comparable municipalities and sets many starting salaries at the midpoint rather than the minimum; Dr. Caldera explained that approach prevents an excessively high maximum salary in the long term.

Caldera presented sample figures from the survey and said patrol officers’ proposed starting mid was $61,183; firefighters/paramedics and public‑works maintenance positions were adjusted to comparable market levels. She told councilors the estimated immediate budget effect of moving incumbents to the new market midpoints would be roughly $53,000 to $83,000, depending on policy choices and budget parameters.

Council discussion focused on recruitment pressures and retention costs. Caldera cited competing offers from neighboring cities and private‑sector roles and said failure to adjust pay can drive turnover and raise replacement costs. She also described alternatives to a permanent salary increase for maxed‑out employees, such as increasing longevity pay instead of one‑time “bonuses,” which the city is not permitted to treat as non‑recurring pay in the same way.

Councilor Beth Mersh moved to adopt the pay‑plan structure framework and continue development and refinement; Councilor Danielle Bolton seconded the motion and the council approved the motion. Caldera said staff will use the framework in assembling the FY26 budget and bring back implementation details, including recommended step percentages and any longevity adjustments.

The council’s action creates a path for a more consistent compensation system but leaves specific funding choices to the forthcoming budget process.","City Council approved a structured pay‑plan framework on May 20 to align starting salaries with market comparators and reduce pay disparities; staff estimated a one‑time fiscal impact of roughly $53,000–$83,000 to place incumbents at market midpoints.",{"_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},6230278,"Leon Valley council limits bail‑bond businesses to B‑3 and I‑1 zones with special‑use permits",1296,3820000,5116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59&start=3820&end=5116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3442423-0dd363a1283bf077de7b5c78f1687e59/thumbnail_3820000.jpg","/articles/6230278/Leon-Valley/Bexar-County/Texas/Leon-Valley-council-limits-bailbond-businesses-to-B3-and-I1-zones-with-specialuse-permits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230278-5193d7d3a57aa136e53a1c6302cf037f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776153084&Signature=N0xs6ldGiork1Kyf3RF98SAB69twNKs7La4M5tpy6qQ43ALrukT2DigP6Nd4IqDcwPaphMQJjrFABccGkXQZLPqVpqDG-XBNmuQoz5NQwsftshMwHwDQWaXzy~p4wW38HOScJ3Ys-XlijVC~I42T~8IqKJWW~5X1FEOZmZEG58XL0oQn~o9ODdK5qIsEW-FnV5S3afg82m3-scEpizVdfxIbOenmzZyqObkaGuyUPbLmyMtILUd4FogminHMnS3N9S69SW0gepRkjhjIh6mAbg9i5~BUmXMLAv9kPxZkgEoI-0qLhTlX65E5H7Vpzdk8W7g4-8Lq4T1rkVGJjdYxbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Leon Valley City Council on May 20 voted to amend the zoning code to add a definition for “bail bond facility” and to allow that use in B‑3 commercial and I‑1 industrial zoning districts only with a specific‑use permit, the council said. The motion, made by Councilor Beth Mersh and seconded by Councilor Orozco, passed 4‑1.

The change lets applicants for bail‑bond offices pursue a formal approval process in those zones; staff had recommended allowing the use in B‑2 retail with a special‑use permit and permitting it by right in B‑3 and I‑1. Planning staff presented a draft definition that describes a bail‑bond business as “a business that provides bail services acting as surety, posts bonds with the courts guaranteeing a defendant will appear, and requires proof of a current Texas license,” and noted the industry is regulated under the Texas Occupations Code (Title 10).

Susanna Huerta, representing city planning staff, told the council that the zoning code requires a use be placed somewhere in the permitted‑use table and recommended the B‑2 with SUP / B‑3 and I‑1 by‑right approach as a starting point. \"Staff is recommending that it be included in the permitted use table and be allowed in the B‑2 Retail zoning district with a special use permit, and in the B‑3 and I‑1 districts without an SUP,\" Huerta said during her presentation.

An applicant who identified himself as Castaneda addressed the council in support of locating a bail‑bond office near 5700 Wurzbach Road. Castaneda told the council most inquiries are by phone and that staff are typically on call: \"Most of the time when they're on call, they gotta go down there to the jail... we don't have the office open all night.\" He said he and nearby business owners plan cooperative promotion such as shared flyers to bring customers to the shopping center.

Several council members questioned fiscal and public‑service implications, noting that placing a use on the permitted‑use table does not necessarily raise property tax revenue unless new construction or occupancy increases assessed value. Staff said the presence of new businesses could increase ad valorem or sales taxes if they lead to new development or prevent buildings from being vacant or condemned.

The planning and zoning commission had recommended approval of the proposed amendments on a 5‑1 vote earlier. The council’s vote approves the zoning table change such that bail‑bond facilities will be allowed in B‑3 and I‑1 only with a specific‑use permit; applicants still must follow the SUP/public‑hearing process before the city for a site‑specific approval.

Next steps for the applicant include pursuing the SUP process and any required licensing with the state; the city will apply the new permitted‑use entries when processing future applications.","The City Council amended the zoning code May 20 to allow bail‑bond facilities only in B‑3 commercial and I‑1 industrial zones with a required special‑use permit, rejecting staff's narrower/by‑right recommendation for other districts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leon Valley tightens rules for large park events, adds permitting, security and fines

Leon Valley to pursue $53,000 governor's grant for fixed safety cameras; council approves application

Leon Valley adopts pay‑plan framework for FY26 to address pay inequities and recruitment challenges

Leon Valley council limits bail‑bond businesses to B‑3 and I‑1 zones with special‑use permits