[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6174185,"mediaKeyId","5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d","parentId",5371176,"title","Helotes EDC grant reimbursements returned to council for procedural review; Twin Brothers and Sherwin-Williams projects on next agenda","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3666000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d&start=3666&end=3666","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d/thumbnail_3666000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6174185/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-EDC-grant-reimbursements-returned-to-council-for-procedural-review-Twin-Brothers-and-Sherwin-Williams-projects-on-next-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174185-2eacd4f77aecf17b1e5bea0547bfc2dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770975830&Signature=D0i-46q9Z~ZQxSshDfYevQq~BoIJPXiiirk01F6-8E2IfrthmGwRS7HQ23pGa2gDzZnMPVnATbKgSilsSSZroZHljmMaV7udIuEkP3~Hye9cnSSypZ9rengSlKeJ9oYfU2DOb7FMwA4YfFF3AMxVbB~X8~bkEstY9WMMJJmVffUXsbHmXL7EHGTQ1r0M9woL6yQa615co9O3tNWQWPkDUG8drKKUzPl2WyhMyMuK-eJeTEwf8Bhx2DYkPl5Sk0UkESWvAr23czpaaChL6ueaWhbyHhcHDmoMTVG1D1A6vO7~i7IDdekY4LpKxEI~jUFZ8UJhHI0~x3OQ8XRgPMaBFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Helotes, Texas","date","2025-07-11T13:14:43Z","article","City and EDC staff briefed the Helotes City Council July 10 on process changes and two pending reimbursement applications under the EDC's retailer and commercial tenant improvement program.

Scott Hardwick, executive director of the EDC, told the council the Twin Brothers Hospitality Group application had been approved by the EDC in 2023 but staff later found procedural steps were not properly documented. Hardwick said the EDC has corrected procedures going forward: the EDC will hold a public hearing, vote, and then any award above $10,000 will come to council for two readings.

Hardwick said the Twin Brothers application will be before council for the required readings and that the EDC has prepared a draft performance agreement so reimbursement will be conditioned on validation of paid invoices and fulfillment of the agreement. He described the program as a reimbursement program: applicants expend funds, submit paid invoices and receipts, and the EDC (via staff) validates expenditures before providing reimbursement.

Hardwick also outlined a separate approved EDC application for new construction by Helotes Development Group LLC, a projected $1.2 million private investment to house a Sherwin-Williams store. The EDC approved that application in November; staff said the applicant has a 10-year lease and will generate sales and property tax benefits. Councilmembers thanked Hardwick for standardizing procedures and said they expected the applications to return on a subsequent council agenda with performance agreements and required readings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 07-10-25","oneSentenceSummary","EDC staff described procedural updates to the retailer/commercial tenant improvement reimbursement program and said applications from Twin Brothers Hospitality Group and Helotes Development Group (Sherwin-Williams project) had been approved by the EDC and will be on a future council agenda with draft performance agreements.","taxTitle","Helotes, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",55408,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6174188,"Council appoints Ellen Shoemaker to Economic Development Corporation board",253,3391000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d&start=3391&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d/thumbnail_3391000.jpg","/articles/6174188/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Council-appoints-Ellen-Shoemaker-to-Economic-Development-Corporation-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174188-ddf615ff965e203672edbbfdcb48c9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770975830&Signature=hjYguUpU3~tkHbu1HGnB97tPmky0rI1V1LaDRGBnPQaDkM5AKU4AYNmsnodDTon2wCvQp1PE9aowSWe72Vl7mL7b7WxIp6Zmaz7jdFnnherxauAe4NaVakzkdNuGsV8qui23LKPPwdatlAaYN0M9PrK8v7Uye-hPFJ3EFESecMEkaKCs1coc-ZlFKPzLT4nhfaW9IyeSO8wSqrSppkhmqlPW47njk3vqeVVfJXg6bFOPjGXSIu9OdwA6tUknB1qwBuecVcKnJH1jsbhSvvfQAvhmq19tDp1Y7fO3RdjFQz-vYG0JxbYtwodnWAMX68IjpaxVPLG-w89TkGwaUCJ~Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Helotes City Council approved July 10 the appointment of Ellen Shoemaker to the Economic Development Corporation board to complete a term running through 2026.

Councilmember (name not provided) nominated Shoemaker, noting she lives in the city's extra-territorial jurisdiction and that EDC rules allow two ETJ members. The nominating councilmember said Shoemaker has extensive government experience and a background the council found valuable. Staff confirmed Shoemaker had discussed the role with the EDC director and that she had a preplanned trip that prevents her from attending the July meeting.

Council members expressed support for Shoemaker's experience and business background and agreed she would be placed on the board beginning with the August meeting so she would not accrue an absence. The motion passed by voice vote.","Council approved appointing Ellen Shoemaker to the Helotes Economic Development Corporation board to fill a term through 2026; she is currently out of town and will begin service in August to avoid an absence.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6174193,"Helotes council awards pavement-marking contract near $53,500",123,3279000,3402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d&start=3279&end=3402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d/thumbnail_3279000.jpg","/articles/6174193/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-awards-pavement-marking-contract-near-53500","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174193-0dc2528fb8b372979d567ac65ac5604a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770975830&Signature=Ifn5fC4YRmuHHr19CTraMQkZlLuyeWJOdy7JfUh0c6CydJSdE-7Gn4BIz45vtmiZ5l0Ai0Gim9-KdvoYWGt9mLA~s9Voxe1Iev9fvkrmiDJq1fAXUSFKYCwWhAdB5gRTVB~QQJvZMx024SBRtnhGfNNEjropPmBnKnTsJvm~FNkPKNJ~vLqMNN0YkeH5eh-RkRQ0YjvU-keIH3RWKLiqPQGIq~6k6O14WBsYxT~QphJCy5A-FZmTFG5EvVgFVDVgIpqxKEZg~eIcn3AZx12Yn3CE7KVR~sDao7ZLXdNWBPs1yAjU~Fa5k-4HSjhmjLIqjeUBt4Kn~mGUpAxkggfdDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Helotes City Council approved a contract July 10 to install pavement markings on about 45,995 linear feet of roadway at a cost not to exceed $53,514.

Public works staff told the council the estimate for the work had been about $70,000, and the single responsive bid came in at just under $54,000. Councilmember Greg asked whether the price was in the expected range; staff replied that the bid was reasonable and lower than the internal estimate.

The single bidder was identified through the city's bid board. The council approved the award by voice vote with no further comment. Staff said they would move forward with procurement and scheduling.","The council approved a bid not to exceed $53,514 to apply pavement markings on approximately 45,995 linear feet; staff said the apparent low bid came in under internal estimates.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6174198,"Helotes council approves McDonald's specific-use permit for drive-through at Shane Field Road",266,131000,397000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d&start=131&end=397","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d/thumbnail_131000.jpg","/articles/6174198/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-approves-McDonalds-specific-use-permit-for-drive-through-at-Shane-Field-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174198-f18fea42199fab2ed84d767d739b53be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770975830&Signature=hv6LwLUhFqlZ~98LAYeriFXcFAxAJfteRiV92DH3DzUo1Xw17uq7cSj24cRBJY~v271UHH-2ZYbIcDiEQ6OQvQdAFBamRcNGT7HJzssnipUyOjC-R5jPq0gbcCRixfRDRPlr4x-WWk~BeiAhmxHNOPRMt5nffLNdSvpfnTiUh9T2xnHs9miaHpJXykNsfisqmc57lii6tMvCvL1Pssax5bx3rCV8nOMNaQw-AJeMN2Uh36hf0H~kmVeVaQAAJMcQhq1pGTO29kXwQ-VWp4NXVrruwbnMyQlA21EWFsThSEHJHLeHbeXq8x2m~1zgqGVu4aGYOgYu0~FxmvnTbmmNXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Helotes City Council on July 10 approved a specific-use permit for a McDonald's drive-through at 11443 Shane Field Road, following planning staff review and a prior unanimous Planning & Zoning recommendation.

The council opened a public hearing on the McDonald's specific-use permit; no one signed up to speak. Council members said the site plan and two access driveways conformed to local ordinances and that Planning & Zoning had unanimously approved the plan at its earlier meeting.

Councilmember Greg (last name not recorded) and Councilmember Sanders both said the application appeared routine and consistent with other McDonald's site plans. Councilmember Buck Russell and others welcomed the business and noted the routine permit steps remaining: building permits, inspections and plan approval.

With no objections, the council approved the item by voice vote.","The Helotes City Council granted a specific use permit for drive-through service at a proposed McDonald's at 11443 Shane Field Road after staff and planning commission review; no public speakers signed up at the hearing.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6174202,"Helotes council selects First Financial Group of America to manage city employee benefits",2903,364000,3267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d&start=364&end=3267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5371176-be844cc9073d795498053b82a686824d/thumbnail_364000.jpg","/articles/6174202/Helotes/Bexar-County/Texas/Helotes-council-selects-First-Financial-Group-of-America-to-manage-city-employee-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174202-cb8f44d27d0d2f30beec98fe8e40844a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770975830&Signature=k7J0a9kaxqcD0KCnwiphSlD13T7R2t-OlNFLeK0XN~heCp-Zw8p932drlLzTJ1Y-lgBV9Ko2kGZMy-RjJcWgBB6PDWMq2LCxIBNduKnyeyYvB~XtY6v9rFZ2mDxyoaaaPXZ~~yNRt2D0xStVhEyfoKcpCqY5hOhxQe-dnbkeNnUh7VkRO9wmgwB4LCbSZI5uyRlbxo5O5NXNp2ITUgxDcCoyu~X56BGxiAj6Hcc9m5yIKTCN6XN-r8dxGcO9SbRFP1vVsnB-lcyK50g~Tuy5pJu-1uK9jKez-OT2CGTvpt9YyrzfdVWBGSBiukg8K--09t2LfkmwNPXJxHLg04yqyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Helotes City Council voted July 10 to select First Financial Group of America to manage the city's employee benefits program and authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute a contract. The decision followed presentations from three finalist broker-consultants and a staff recommendation.

City Administrator Henry Hayes and Daniel Rodriguez, the city finance director, told the council that staff issued a request for qualifications and received seven responses before shortlisting three candidates for interviews and scoring. Daniel Rodriguez said staff's scoring emphasized experience with Texas municipalities, qualifications of assigned teams, understanding of municipal insurance needs, service delivery approach, and references. He told the council he and the HR and finance reviewers recommended FFGA.

Hayes told the council the current broker arrangement has historically been on five-year cycles but staff elected to solicit new responses this year. Rodriguez said the final decision between the three finalists was narrow and tied largely to administrative capabilities and support systems. Representatives from First Financial, Marsh McLennan, and the Baldwin Group answered council questions about local presence, plan-design strategies, and whether they operate on fee-based, commission, or hybrid compensation structures.

Thomas Marroquin of First Financial described the firm as an independent brokerage that markets to multiple carriers and said the firm can \"shop each one individually and try to best find' the best across the market.\" John Bass of Marsh McLennan emphasized the firm's national scale and local San Antonio staff and said Marsh McLennan could work on fee-based or commission structures. Jason Forks of the Baldwin Group emphasized service and care-navigation strategies for high-claim employees.

Councilmembers asked about local availability for enrollment meetings and ongoing service. First Financial representatives said they maintain local account managers and in-house staff to run enrollment and reconciliation tasks; they also said they typically operate on an annual engagement model rather than a mandatory five-year term. Daniel Rodriguez and staff argued that the recommended firm showed potential to reduce administrative workload for city staff by handling reconciliation and other back-office tasks.

Councilmember McGowan moved to adopt a resolution selecting FFGA and authorizing the mayor to negotiate and execute an agreement; Councilmember Sanders seconded. The council approved the motion by voice vote. Hayes said final contract terms, including contract length and fee structure, would be negotiated and could be brought back if terms proved unacceptable.

The council's action authorizes negotiation and execution of an agreement; it does not itself finalize contract language or compensation terms. Staff said any final agreement would be returned to council if acceptable terms could not be reached.","After presentations by three broker-consultants, the Helotes City Council voted to select First Financial Group of America (FFGA) to manage the city's employee benefits program and authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute an agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Helotes EDC grant reimbursements returned to council for procedural review; Twin Brothers and Sherwin-Williams projects on next agenda

Council appoints Ellen Shoemaker to Economic Development Corporation board

Helotes council awards pavement-marking contract near $53,500

Helotes council approves McDonald's specific-use permit for drive-through at Shane Field Road

Helotes council selects First Financial Group of America to manage city employee benefits