Leon Valley council authorizes $8,300 engineering analysis of drop‑wall option for Hebner Creek erosion

The City of Leon Valley on Dec. 16 authorized roughly $8,300 for engineers to analyze a fourth option — a localized concrete "drop wall" — as part of the ongoing effort to address erosion near Huebner (Hebner) Creek.

The council discussion began after staff explained that the Leon Valley Historical Society had requested the city and its engineers consider a concrete drop structure to address active erosion near the SAWS recycled water line that crosses the creek. City Manager described the choice facing council as whether to treat the work as a flood-control project (which can attract grants) or as an erosion-only project. Staff said a comprehensive drop-wall analysis would cost $8,278 and that, if the work were reclassified as erosion-only, some grants (including Texas Water Development and Bexar County flood-control funding) would not be available.

John Hoine, who identified himself as a Leon Valley Historical Society board member and a former U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist, said the society's letters were intended to address erosion in the immediate area downstream from the Onion House and near the SAWS pipeline. "The November letter recommended that concrete drop structure or structures be considered to address erosion near the SAWS pipeline," Hoine said, adding that any drop structures would typically be smaller for the natural area and should be engineered to be aesthetically acceptable.

Councilor Rasca raised concern about prior spending on the project: "We have spent a quarter of $1,000,000 trying to fix the erosion project, and yet we have not moved 1 stone yet," he said, urging the council to review the three previously presented options and address the Onion House location specifically before committing more funds. City staff responded that prior pauses and repeated requests for new options have driven costs and that presenting all four options at a joint workshop would reduce repeated reopening of the same question.

Councilor Campos moved to proceed with the fourth alternative design and to direct the city manager to return with a budget adjustment for the expenditure (approximately $8,300). The motion was seconded by Councilor Heil. The mayor called the vote: "All those in favor say aye," and later announced, "The motion carries 3 ayes and 1 name." The city manager said staff will bring a January budget adjustment for council review.

Staff emphasized the importance of partner agencies. The San Antonio River Authority had warned that some flood-control approaches could require property purchase and creek realignment; SAWS participation was discussed as necessary for any work near its pipeline.

Next steps: the engineers will perform the additional analysis, staff will include the result with the other three options at a joint workshop with the Leon Valley Historical Society, and the council will consider which option to proceed with in a future meeting and any related budget amendment.