INS IDE TH IS

I S SUE :

City Council Highlights

3

Watering Schedule

3

Chief’s Corner Things to Do City Calendar

8 9

Summer Teen Program

4

Arts Commission

World Culture

Event

7

The Valley Newsletter A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 C I T Y O F S U N S E T V A L L E Y

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Mayor’s Budget Letter

City Council and Ci zens,

As required by Sec on 102.005 of the Texas Local Government Code, the a$ached Budget for Fis-

cal Year 2015/2016 for the City of Sunset Valley is filed for considera on by the City Council.

This budget will be presented at the City Council mee ng on August 18th. A public hearing will

occur on September 1st. Council will adopt a final budget on September 15th. An addi onal

worksession will be held on September 8th should Council want or need it. Please provide your

public input at these mee ngs.

The following table shows the proposed total expenditures by major opera�ng fund:

Significant Budget Items

Revenue and Reserve Funding. The current budget projects and increase in Sales Tax Revenue

following the methods established by the Long Range Planning Commi$ee in 2012. This budget

proposed a $123,930 increase to General Fund reserve in accordance with the revised policy

adopted by the City Council last year. The reserve policy requires that the General Fund reserve be

set at 100% of the budgeted revenue from the previous year, so a revenue has increased, the re-

serve requirement has increased as well.

Water Planning. The Water Planning project was funded for $65,000 in the FY14-15 budget, and

although the staff worked with the Public Works Commi$ee during the year, only a small amount

of funding was needed and the balance is being budged to con nue this project. For this reason, I

have not recommended that addi onal funding be set aside at this me.

U�lity Rates. The Finance Commi$ee included a 5% increase in wholesale water and

wastewater contract expenses from the City of Aus n along with corresponding adjustments in

rates for both residen al and commercial customers. The was based on an an cipated rate in-

crease, but with the understanding that once the final rate increase amount was known, the budg-

et (both revenue and expense) would be adjusted accordingly. With the changes in the residen al

u lity rate structure that was implemented this year, the u lity subsidy will remain constant as

long as the rates are adjusted in propor on to the increase in the wholesale rate.

General

Fund

Street

Fund

U�lity

Fund

Drainage

Fund

HOT

Fund

Green Tax

Fund

Underground

U�lity Fund

Total

$4,548,675 $586,722 $1,821,116 $320,171 $307,475 $1,735,303 $0 $9,319,662

P A G E 2 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Can’s Make It to a Meeting? Watch the City Council, Zoning Commission and Board of Adjust-

ment meetings live over the internet anytime. Go on the SunsetValley.org website and follow the video

link on the right sidebar. After the meeting, the recording is saved to the website by meeting group and

date. Questions call or contact Sara Wilson at City Hall (email swilson@sunsetvalley.org)

Mayor’s Le-er (Con�nued from page 1)

Employee Salaries.

Every two years, an internal salary and benefits survey is conducted by staff of area ci es to ensure that the City of Sun-

set Valley employee salaries are compe ve. A recommenda on was submi$ed by the City Administrator for $83,815 in

market adjustments for review to the Mayor’s Ad Hoc Commi$ee and the Budget and Finance Commi$ee. This was rec-

ommended for adop on by the Budget and Finance Commi$ee and submi$ed to Council for review. Council and the

Mayor wanted addi onal op ons, which will be presented and discussed at a work session on August 18th. I believe the

final increase to be adopted for the upcoming budget will be higher once addi�onal op�ons and adjustments are dis-

cussed on the 18th. Since the recommended budget increase is already higher than with the past two salary survey

increases (2011 and 2013), I would prefer that this be discussed and decided in open session.

Projects.

There are several projects that were not completed during FY14-15 that are being carried

over to the FY15-16 Budget. Addi onally, there are a few new projects. Total funding for

these new projects is $122,900.

This is a smaller amount for new projects than has been funded in recent years, but this is

largely due to the need to con nue to reserve funding for the proposed new Police and Pub-

lic Works Facili es which I believe is long overdue. I asked the budget commi$ee to focus on

funds for this project to ensure that the work being done can con nue (schema c design,

budget planning and addi onal legal prepara on). The proposed budget would add $432,279

to the reserve for new facili es, bring the total amount that will be in this reserve to

$928,612. I appreciate and support delega ng these funds to this important project. This

amount will ensure that progress if funded sufficiently to work through the new year. I hope

to have Council look at all op ons over this next year for how to best fund construc on and

comple on of the project. Having a complete city complex and permanent building for our

public works and police department will be a valuable and las ng asset to the residents, visi-

tors and staff for many years.

Thank you members of the Mayors Ad Hoc Commi$ee and the me they put into reviewing and providing feedback on

the most recent salary survey process. Their assistance to staff and me was much appreciated and helped fine tune the

results presented to the budget commi$ee and council As noted in the projects sec on above, this the one budget item

where I believe addi onal changes need to be made. However, rather than deviate on my own from the budget com-

mi$ee recommenda on, I prefer that it be discussed in open session. Ideally this would have been done at the previous

council mee ng and I would have incorporated addi onal changes into the Mayor’s budget, but August 18th will be the

first council mee ng with everyone in a$endance.

In closing I would like to acknowledge the work of the Budget and Finance Commi$ee in review each of the budget re-

quests and in assis ng with the development of the budget. Because of our con nued ability to work together, the

Mayor’s budget is consistent with their recommenda ons. As in past years, I couldn’t do this without the help of Rae

Gene Greenough, City Secretary and Clay Collins, City Administrator.

RespecEully submi$ed this 12th day of August, 2015

Rose Cardona, Mayor

Budget Schedule

Public Hearing

September 1st

Worksession

(if needed)

September 8th

Council Adop�on

September 15th

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

P A G E 3 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Council Highlights from the August 4, 2015 Mee�ng

Council approved annexa�on of property on Country White Lane. Following the prescribed schedule and plan

the City Council approved an annexa on ordinance for the 6.6 acre tract at 3617 Country White Lane. This is the

property purchased by the City in December 2013, also known as the Kennedy Property.

Council discussed a proposed new curbside residen�al organics waste collec�on and compos�ng program.

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is the City’s residen al solid waste contractor. They currently pick up garbage each

week and recycling every other week. TDS offers a green waste program that the City does not currently use. This

program includes the recycling of brush, leaves, and soiled paper waste such as paper towels and pizza boxes. The

contract with TDS is at the end of its five year cycle this December, so the ming on this discussion is appropriate

should the City con nue its rela onship with TDS and amend the contract to include green waste disposal.

In TDS’s current proposal the cost of solid waste disposal would be frozen for 2016 and the cost of the green waste

disposal is es mated to be an addi onal $6.98 per month. However, this cost could be eliminated, if the City enacts a

proposed franchise agreement with TDS for the commercial areas. With the franchise agreement all businesses in

Sunset Valley would use TDS for their solid waste services. The increased revenue from the commercial area would

offset the cost of the residen al program. TDS would work with each of the businesses to have compe ve rates.

With one solid waste contractor for the en re City it would be easy to reach out if there are any problems (i.e., com-

mercial service during the overnight hours in areas adjacent to neighborhoods) as well as reducing the overall num-

ber of solid waste trucks serving the commercial areas. Other ci es have enacted exclusive commercial solid waste

franchises in recent years, but further legal research will be needed if this is a direc on that the Council wants to pur-

sue. AIer a full discussion on the program, the City Council sent the proposal to the Planning and Environmental

Commi$ee for review.

Council Highlights from the August 18, 2015 Mee�ng

Council Approves Low Water Crossings Warning Systems Project. The Council approved the installa on of manual

permanent gates at the low water crossing at Lone Oak, Pillow and Sunset Trail. In addi on, the signs warning motor-

ists of the low water crossing will be replaced.

Council discusses op�ons for 2015 Salary Survey. As described in the Mayor’s Budget Le$er, the City Council

opened discussion on the recommenda ons to increase employee salary’s based on the 2015 Salary Survey.

ODD ADDRESS

Residential Hose End - Saturday

Residential Automatic - Wednesday

Commercial - Friday

Handheld Watering: Anytime

Automatic, Hose-end, Soaker Watering Hours: Before 10 A.M or After 7 P.M.

EVEN ADDRESS

Residential Hose End - Sunday

Residential Automatic - Thursday

Commercial - Tuesday

PUBLIC SCHOOL Monday

City of Sunset Valley Lawn Watering Schedule - Drought Stage II

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Summer Teen and Intern Program Work Hard. The Summer Teen Program was started to provide paid summer jobs to Sunset Valley teenagers and to educate the youth about the city and city government. The teens work on a variety of projects throughout the summer with the Public Works Department, from brush clearing and chipping, to repairing fences and painting, and flushing water systems. The Intern program has been an expansion of the Teen program that employs high school graduates and college students. Teens and Interns interested in the summer work program must complete an application and go through an interview process. For more information, contact Carolyn Meredith in the Public Works Department at (512) 891-9103.

Top Row—Gabe Cu aIer

pain ng fire hydrants, Se-

bas an Williams and Gabe

Cu replacing RPZ backflow

at City Hall, Lily Davisson

flushing water system,

Sebas an Williams flushing

water system (on a really

hot day).

Middle Row—Alan Kearney

repairing fence and Gabe

Cu, Sebas an Williams and

Dwayne Patylek con-

duc ng water residuals

required by the State.

Bo$om Row— Brush re-

moval, Lily Davisson and

Gabe Cu Calibra ng PH and

CL2 test kits, .Alan Kearney

brush removal in the right

of way.

P A G E 4 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Summer Teen and Intern Program Play Hard. At the end of each summer, the teens, interns, and the staff they have been working with all summer, participate in a fun team building activity. In years past, the group has gone tubing, canoeing and bowling. This year, the Summer Teen Program went to Hawaiian Falls in Pflugerville and completed the ropes course. Thank you to all the teens and interns for your hard work. See you next year!

P A G E 5 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

From leI to right: Gabriel Cu, Fletcher McHone, Tessa Draker, Molly Mulloy, Josh Bohls, Theresa Cu, Jeff McCarrell, Alan

Kearney, Daniel Coupe, Miguel Jaimes, Quen n Dzenowski, Duncan Tshoepe, Sebas an Williams, and Lily Davisson

“To catch the reader's attention, place an

interesting sentence or quote from the story

here.”

Behind the Gavel with Theresa Cu Theresa Cu is a summer intern working in the Administra-tion Department. She chose to contribute to the newslet-ter by interviewing her neighbor, Rose Cardona.

Mayor Cardona has been serving as Mayor of Sunset Valley

since May 2012. Prior to her election, she served as the head

of the Planning and Environmental Committee, Councilmem-

ber, and Mayor Pro Tem. Her professionalism and genuine

care for the wellbeing of Sunset Valley has made her an indu-

bitable asset to our city. It was a pleasure to sit down with

Mayor Cardona for an interview, where she shared her

thoughts on our city and gave us a glimpse of her interests.

On July 15, 2015, she welcomed the birth of her daughter,

Lily.

What do you plan to achieve in the next year as Mayor?

I’m excited about the idea of bringing curbside composting

through our trash provider. I want to figure out a way with-

in our city budget for this program to actually save us mon-

ey. I’m trying to negotiate with TDS for additional benefits

if we choose to do the composting. Besides that, my goals

are to do a lot of what I’ve been doing since I’ve been here,

which is to keep things cordial and transparent. To make it

so that staff is happy with the elected officials, and where

us elected officials are able to disagree, but still be polite

and work together.

What has been your favorite moment to witness in Sunset

Valley, as Mayor?

My favorite thing, not only as mayor, but in all of my years

is the “breaking ground” for the barn. A historical building

got saved. I really like the purpose. It’s exciting that it got

to be an event center, because it actually gets to be a big

beautiful building. I think that’s a really neat thing to have

in our city. That was the day where I thought, “If I stopped

right now, I would be happy. I was a part of something that

was important to the city.”

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself. I was into cheerleading when I was in high school. I’m also

really good at grooming and training dogs.

What is your favorite thing about Sunset Valley?

We have this mini-community that’s better than if you

were just in Austin. Most of the residents don’t take it for

granted. They very intentionally live in Sunset Valley. It

really is the quality of life, or the greenspace, or the way

that we do politics, or being close to City Hall and the po-

lice department.

Is that what led you to become a Councilmember and then

eventually run for Mayor?

Well, the councilmember part was because I’ve always had

a volunteer job of some sort. The older you get, the harder

it is to do that, and I wanted to have a volunteer experience

that was meaningful. I wanted to have a bigger volunteer

project, and so that’s really where it started. I also saw it as

a volunteer job that I could schedule; which, as somebody

who always has work, it made it so I can make my commit-

ments something that I can truly follow through with. I

wanted to have something that, once I committed, I was

going to be committed.

What are some goals you came into your role with, and

how did they change or get accomplished along the way?

My goal coming in was that I wanted to be respectful to the

people who’ve been volunteering longer than I have. I

knew there were a lot of people who had lived here for

twenty, thirty years. I wanted to do a good job, and I want-

ed to make sure that my peers didn’t feel like, “Why in the

world does she come in thinking she could do that?” How

that has changed is that with each year, you learn and un-

derstand more. I have relationships with different residents,

committee members, and staff members. The longer you do

that, the more respect you have, and it becomes easier to

actually have a goal and to accomplish that goal. I know

people will honestly come to me and say, “That’s a bad

idea.” Or, “Here’s why you should do that,” or “Here’s why

you should do it a different way.”

What are your thoughts as you welcome the newest mem-

ber to your family?

That I want to do a good job in that new venture. I’m look-

ing forward to doing a good job as the mom of a baby, but I

also still want to be myself. I am looking forward to going

back to work, and I’m still thinking about my business.

So should we expect a legacy Cardona candidate for

mayor in 2034?

Wow, 2034? She may have that desire. My hope is that she

has a volunteer heart. Just a heart of somebody who wants

to do something for the community. Now, what that might

be or look like, we’ll have to wait and see.

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

P A G E 6 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

P A G E 7

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Proudly presents an evening in Africa

Saturday, September 19, 2015 4:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Join us for an evening of music, dance and food from the old con nent. Enjoy West Africa’s rhythms and dance. You

will be cap vated by Bramaya’s unique musical performance, drumming and dancing as well as their colorful tradi-

onal na ve dress.

Bramaya—The musical project of Aus n-based West African mas-

ter percussionist Abou Sylla. Named in honor of his father’s vil-

lage, Abou’s new band, Bramaya, combines new musical ideas

and tradi onal West African rhythms.

P A G E 7 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

The Interns

Pyramid from bo$om to top,

leI to right: Daniel Coupe, Josh

Bohls, Shane Coupe, Tessa Drak-

er, Alan Kearney, Theresa Cu

Center Picture, from leI to

right: Theresa Cu, Alan Kearney

and Tessa Draker.

C H I E F ’ S C O R N E R S . M . F O R D , M P A

As many may have seen on the local news or on the Department's pos ng within the Next Door Community, the criminal

inves ga ons unit is ac vely inves ga ng the senseless killing of a dog at the Sunset Valley Elementary School. The dog,

a brown and tan female Chihuahua, is believed to have been killed with inten onal and unwarranted violence, and leI in

the playground area. As stated in the news, this type of case is extremely rare for the Aus n Metro area. This is a first

for Sunset Valley Police Department. Officers and inves gators alike, were disturbed by the callous nature of the crime

and intend to do everything they can to bring the perpetrator to jus ce. The Department believes this incident to be an

isolated event, but does recommend responsible ownership insuring that our community animals are within eye sight or

secured at our residents homes. The Police Department is asking anyone with informa on as to the owner of the dog,

or informa on related to the incident, to please contact the Criminal Inves ga-

on Unit at 512-600-2633 / 512-892-1384 or email the agency directly po-

lice@sunsetvalley.org .

Well we are winding down on the summer months, and soon some will be re-

turning to school and hec c schedules. The Police Department officers are also

seeing a shiI in needs and gearing up for the school year, in some cases not only

at the Department. Please remember that as we begin school next week, the

Sunset Valley school zone will be worked by an officer as call volume allows,

both during the morning commute and aIernoon commute. The Department

wishes to remind our community members that we have a ZERO tolerance for

reckless driving or speeding viola ons in our school zones. This direc on has

been consistent for over a decade, and our officers believe in the mission to

make our children safe to school during their travels to and from home.

Officers will be working in the shopping centers and trails on bicycle patrol more

oIen than in the past. The officers will be focusing on community contacts in

our shopping centers and the trail systems. Officers on the bikes will also be

responsible to deter and respond to criminal offenses in the community.

The next Coffee with the Chief will be held at La Madeline on Wednesday, Sep-

tember 9, 2015 @ 8 am. As always, we will be discussing concerns or issues re-

lated to the community and addressing those concerns with ci zens in an open

public forum. Come join the my staff and I, have a cup of coffee on the Depart-

ment, and enjoy some social interac on with your fellow community members.

Finally, a quick reminder to community members that our annual Na onal Night

Out will be on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 6 pm in the cafeteria of Sunset Valley

Elementary School. Come enjoy a catered meal by BJ's Restaurant this year.

Also included in the night's fes vi es, will be a tour of police equipment and

vehicles, community and officer recogni ons, mul ple raffle prizes for adults

and kids courtesy of sponsoring businesses in the community, and free giIs for

the ci zens of Sunset Valley while they last! Every year we see our numbers rise

for this event. We urge any new ci zens to contact the Police Department

should you need informa on on the Na onal Night Out event. We hope to see

everyone there!

As always, should anyone wish to speak to me, feel free to contact me via email

@ sford@sunsetvalley.org or call my office at 512-892-1384, to schedule an ap-

pointment.

P A G E 8 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

July 2015

Police Blo-er

Accidents 31

Alarms 21

Animal Related 11

Assault 1

Assist Others 44

Burglary 4

Community Policing 128

Neglect of Child 1

DWI/PI/Drugs 3

DWLI 5

Family Disturbance 1

Found/Lost Property 3

Fraud 1

Harassment 1

Nature Unknown 3

Open Door / Window 1

Reckless/Aggressive Driving 2

Robbery 1

Shots Fired 2

Suspicious/Check Welfare 31

TheIs 9

Traffic Related 171

Unauthorized Use of Motor 1

Vehicle

Viola on of City Ord./Parking 11

Warrant Arrest 1

Criminal Inves�ga�on Unit (CID)

Ac�on

New Cases 13

Pending Cases 209

Ac ve Cases 60

Closed Case 18

P A G E 9 T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

T H E V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5

Monday, August 31st 6:00 P.M.

Public Safety Committee

City Hall

Tuesday, September 1st 6:00 P.M.

City Council City Hall

Wednesday, September 2nd

6:30 P.M. Community and Economic Development City Hall

Thursday, September 3rd

6:00 P.M. Planning and Environmental City Hall

Monday, September 7th

Labor Day City Offices Closed

Tuesday, September 8th

6:00 P.M. Council Budget Work session (if needed) City Hall

Tuesday, September 15th

7:00 P.M. City Council City Hall

Thursday, September 17th

7:00 P.M, Public Works Committee

City Hall

Wednesday, September 23rd

7:00 P.M. Zoning Commission City Hall

Monday, September 24th

7:00 P.M. Finance, Budget and Administration Commitee

City Hall

Monday, September 28th

6:00 P.M. Public Safety Committee

City Hall

Meeting Dates and Time May Change. Please check the City’s Website SunsetValley.org

for updates.

Na�onal Night Out

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

6:00 P.M.

Sunset Valley Elementary Cafeteria

The Travis County Commissioners Court invites you to attend a Open House meeting to discuss

the upcoming Bond Election for a new

Travis County

Civil and Family Courts Complex Saturday, September 12

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunset Valley City Hall

Information presented will include:

Why do we need it now?

Where will it be located, and why?

How much will it cost?

Will it be safe?

City of Sunset Valley Newsletter 3205 Jones Road Sunset Valley, TX 78745

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Board of Adjustment

Commi-ee Members

Thomas Cedel, Chair Randall Rosengarten, Vice Chair Richard Hayes Marshall McHone Sandy Cox - alternate

Jennifer Fadal—alternate

************************************

Budget, Finance & Administra�ve

Commi-ee Members

Rudi Rosengarten, Council Representa ve

John Bellanca Melissa Gonzales

Marc Bruner

J.R. Esquivel

Michael Francis

************************************

Community & Economic

Development Commi-ee Members

Mickie Powers, Chair, Council Representa ve

Penny Cedel Rudi Rosengarten

Karen Flournoy Sandi Williams

************************************

Zoning Commission

Commi-ee Members

Robert Skewis, Chair

Margaret Bentley

Susan Durso

Miguel Huerta John Frick - alternate

Cynthia Nelson Bridget Robinson—alternate

Rose Cardona, Mayor

rcardona@sunetvalley.org

Walter Jenkins, Mayor Pro tem

wjenkins@sunsetvalley.org

Forrest Arnold, Council Member

farnold@sunsetvalley.org

Jeff Burde-, Council Member

jburde$@sunsetvalley.org

Mickie Powers, Council Member

mpowers@sunsetvalley.org

Rudi Rosengarten, Council Member

rrosengarten@sunsetvalley.org

************************************

Arts Commission

Commi-ee Members

John Frick, Chair

Walter Jenkins, Council Representa ve

James Hart

Karen Medicus

Erika Montero

Sasha Russell

Ma$ Young

Be$y Dunn- alternate

Cat Quintanilla - alternate

Kim Moncus—honorary member SV Elemen-

Planning & Environmental

Commi-ee Members

Forrest Arnold, Council Representa ve

Helen Besse

Terry Cowan

Edward Grimes

Lucy Hairston

Zoe Treiff

Karen Medicus—alternate

***********************************

Public Safety Commi-ee Members

Jeff Burde$, Council Representa ve

Pam Bellanca

Ruth Dawson

Erwin Haddon

Ketan Kharod

Art Williams

Frank Williams

John Bellanca—alternate

***********************************

Public Works Commi-ee Members

Walter Jenkins, Council Representa ve

John Bellanca

Mary Black

Marc Bruner

Melissa Gonzales

Randy Machemehl

Ken Schroeder

Richard Leigh —alternate