May 22, 2020
Read About:
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Cancelled Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
Executive Order No. GA-18
A Message From Mayor Chris Riley
City Services
Citizens to be Heard
COVID-19 - Essential Items for Small Businesses
CPS News Release
Small Business & Safety Program
Call 811 Before You Dig
VIA Regular Fares Resume
Blessing Box Program
Shop Local - Shop Leon Valley
Volunteer
TRAM
CPS Assistance Program
Census 2020 Update
New Beginnings
NW Seniors Events
New Business in LV
Tiger Sanitation Rates
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks
Crash Reports Online
Upcoming Regular City Council Meetings
Connect with LV!
Join Our List
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Cancelled Events

Meetings
Times
Leon Valley Public Library
Closed Until Further Notice
Leon Valley Pools
Closed Until Further Notice
Leon Valley Senior Center
Closed Until November 2020
AARP Tax-Aide Site Services - The Leon Valley Community Center
Suspended Until Further Notice
Leon Valley's 4th of July Festival
Cancelled 
Upcoming Meetings 

Meetings
Times
Tree Advisory Meeting
May 25, 2020 - Cancelled 
Planning and Zoning Meeting
May 26, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall 

The June 2, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting has been rescheduled to  Thursday, June 4, 2020.

The Regular City Council Meetings at City Hall will be held in person and will be open to the public.  However, we strongly encourage you to watch the meeting online from home and call to submit your comments during citizens to be heard.  Remember to access our website at  www.leonvalleytexas.gov to watch, see exhibits, and submit your comments on City Council agenda items!

All  social distancing guidelines as recommended by the CDC will be strictly enforced.  Please watch this short clip regarding the measures we've taken to ensure the safety of the community during City Council Meetings. 

Information Update Regarding Leon Valley's City Council Meeting 04-13-2020
Information Update Regarding Leon Valley's City Council Meeting 


UPDATE - Executive Order No. GA-23


 
City of Leon Valley

Good Afternoon Leon Valley Residents and Business Owners,
 
Great news from the Governor's Office today (see attached), allowing most of our still shuddered businesses to reopen! Executive Order GA-23 has the following changes:
 
May Open IMMEDIATELY with Restrictions (05/18/2020)
  • Massage establishments;
  • Personal care and beauty services may reopen. This includes tattoo studios, piercing studios, hair removal services and hair loss treatment services; and
  • Child care services (other than youth camps).
Allowed to Open May 22, 2020 with Restrictions
  • Dine-in Restaurants up to 50% of total listed occupancy;
  • Bars and similar establishments (not restaurants) up to 25% of total listed occupancy;
  • Aquariums and similar facilities (excluding zoos) at up to 25 of total listed occupancy;
  • Bowling alleys, bingo halls, simulcast racing, and skating rinks up to 25% of total listed occupancy;
  • Rodeos and equestrian events up to 25% of total listed occupancy;
  • Drive-in concerts; and
  • Amateur sporting events with no access to general public.
Authorized to Open on May 29, 2020 with Restrictions
  • Outdoor areas of zoos
Allowed to Open on May 31, 2020 with Restrictions
  • Professional sports with no spectators;
  • Youth camps including summer camps (daytime or overnight); and
  • Youth sports programs, provided however, that practices may begin, but games may not start until June 15, 2020.
Still Not Allowed to Open to the Public:
  • Interactive entertainment venues not expressly named above (i.e. arcades, amusement parks, or water parks);
  • Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance; and
  • In-person classroom attendance at public schools.
Please see attached for information on restrictions and requirements for both the businesses and the public. The changes can be found at https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/EO-GA-23_phase_two_expanding_opening_COVID-19.pdf.

As a reminder, the Executive Order states, "In accordance with guidance from DSHS Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt, and to achieve the goals established by the President to reduce the spread of COVID-19, every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain Covered Services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. People over the age of 65, however, are strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible; to maintain appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and, if leaving the home, to implement social distancing and to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation.
 
The City of Leon Valley remains here for each and every one of our citizens and business owners. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance, and remember, please support your local businesses as much as possible!  

In Your Service, Chief Salvaggio

A Message From Mayor Chris Riley 
City Services in Response to COVID-19


  
CITY HALL IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC 
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Although physically closed, all the offices will continue to assist the public with information, answer phones, emails, and process payments remotely either online or by telephone.

For more information about closures and cancellations please visit our website. City of Leon Valley Website 

Please note, city leaders will continue to meet and make a determination about future events and closures as the situation warrants. So please continue to check our website and social media for updated information. 

Citizens to be Heard

A special feature has been added so that citizens can participate in "Citizens to be Heard" for upcoming City Council Meetings. Citizens can provide comments or questions by:
  • Preferred Method for record purposes is accessing our website:
    • Accessing our website at www.leonvalleytexas.gov to watch, see exhibits, and submit your comments on City Council agenda items!
    • You will need to register for an account first. How do I register? CLICK HERE. This will give you the ability to sign up for distribution lists, sign up to speak at upcoming meetings, and leave comments on items for meetings that have been published.
  • Calling 210-684-1391 at 6:00 p.m.;
  • Citizens may e-mail public comments to s.pass@leonvalleytexas.gov but e-mails must be received two (2) hours prior to the meeting time of 6:00 p.m. All other Citizen participation may be provided in-person at City Council Chambers.
News and Announcements 
COVID-19 Essential Items Bad Program For Small Businesses
Bexar County
Leon Valley Business  Owner:
 
Bexar County has launched the "COVID-19 Essential Items Bag" program to support small businesses in the transition to "moderate risk" COVID-19 protocols. The program provides a free, one-week supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to sole proprietors and businesses with less than 25 employees located in the suburban cities and unincorporated areas of the county.
 
Leon Valley strongly encourage all local businesses to enroll in this program.

 

CPS Energy Late Fee Resolution Approved by San Antonio City Council

San Antonio - TX - May 21, 2020 - Our People First philosophy is about being there for our customers every single day, and especially when times are challenging. To support our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 11, 2020, we announced the temporary suspension of energy disconnects, recognizing the economic disruption many of our customers were experiencing as businesses were closed and jobs were lost. We appropriately aligned that decision with the need to waive late fees on unpaid bill balances for customers who participate in a CPS Energy payment plan.
 
To formally close the loop on our governance during this extended pandemic period, management requested that the CPS Energy Board of Trustees ratify the decision to waive the late fee that is contained in current CPS Energy tariffs, with the condition that each customer establishes a payment plan and make timely payments in accordance with those payment plans during the current disconnection suspension period. This resolution was ratified by our Board at the April 27, 2020 Board meeting. Today, the San Antonio City Council unanimously voted to adopt an ordinance approving the Board's action. 

"We continue to stand ready to help our customers in need with the suspension of disconnects and the waiving of late fees," said Paula Gold-Williams, President & CEO of CPS Energy. "We thank our Board of Trustees, which includes Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and the San Antonio City Council for approving these measures. Along with providing our customers with information about our assistance programs, we will continue to connect them with partner organizations that can also provide help during this trying time. Additionally, we are also raising funds for our Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) to help customers pay their bills."

We at CPS Energy will continue to monitor the local economic impact of COVID-19, while we cautiously remain on our current course as the community reopens for business. We are committed to updating our Board of Trustees and City leadership and will closely monitor reopening activities for a minimum of a 30-day period. At some point in the future, we will also provide an additional 30-day notice period to our customers prior to resuming normal business activity, including when we will necessarily and carefully reactivate disconnection processes. 

We urge customers who are experiencing financial hardship to contact us immediately so that we can work together to find a payment plan that works for them. Customers are encouraged to call CPS Energy at 210-353-2222 to discuss options. Participating in a payment plan allows a customer's applicable late fees to be waived during this pandemic.
CPS Energy has a variety of money-saving and general assistance programs designed to help all customers who are experiencing hardship. For a program list, visit  www.cpsenergy.com/assistance or call 210-353-2222 to speak to an Energy Advisor. To make a contactless payment, go online to cpsenergy.com and make a payment through Manage My Account or to pay by phone, call (877) 257-1172. To mail a payment, include your bill and payment to CPS Energy, P.O. Box 2678, San Antonio, TX 78289. While business hours will remain limited from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the transition period, our payment centers remain another way customers can obtain helpful assistance.
Small Business Health and Safety Program (SBHSP)


Leon Valley Business Owners:
 
It is with great excitement we announce that the Economic & Community Development Advisory Committee and Leon Valley City Council approved the Small Business Health & Safety Program (SBHSP). The program is aimed at supporting Leon Valley businesses with direct customer interactions and preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Qualified applications are eligible to receive a one-time partial grant reimbursement for disposal personal protection equipment (PPE) such as mask, gloves, hand sanitizers, and disinfectant cleaning supplies. Leon Valley businesses are encouraged to submit qualifying receipts up to $500.00 for partial reimbursement (maximum grant: $250.00).
 
The SBHSP requires the business to be open where allowed by Texas Governor's Executive Order, adhere to CDC guidelines, and the PPE supplies shall be used solely for the Leon Valley Business location. This email is not a guarantee of eligibility or a promise of funds, however, your business is strongly encouraged to submit an application for consideration.
 
Staff is prepared to start accepting applications immediately. Completed applications must be submitted on or before July 30, 2020. SBHSP applications will be processed on a first come, first serve basis and subject to early termination if program funds are exhausted.
 
For your convenience, a check list has been added to the application. Applications will not be processed for approval until all documents and forms have been completed in their entirety. Required documents include:
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy
  • Copy of Texas Sales Tax Certificate, if applicable
  • Completed Application (General Business Data Sheet)
  • Legible and itemized receipts that clearly illustrate the purchase of disposable PPE
  • Evidence that your business has applied for the Bexar County COVID-19 Small Business Essential Items Bag Program
 
Once all items are gathered, please email the packet to w.cox@leonvalleytexas.gov or schedule an appointment with the Business Relations Director, to drop-off your application and supporting documents. City staff will process the applications as quickly as possible and notify the contact person if additional documents are required.
 
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the Business Relations Director at (210) 684-1391 X232

Call 811 Before You Dig

Call 811 Before You Dig!
The next time your home or commercial project involves digging, be sure to first locate electric and natural gas lines, as well as cable and phone lines, by calling 811. Allow 48 hours (two full working days) for a CPS Energy team to come to your property and mark utility lines before your project begins. It's the law. 

For additional information, call CPS Energy at (210) 353-2970. You can also make a locate request online at https://www.texas811.org/

VIA-Regular Fares Resume


VIA Metropolitan Transit will extend its fare-relief period through Sunday, May 31, 2020. Fare collection will begin again on Monday, June 1.
Online sales will resume through the free  VIA goMobile ticketing app and at  VIAinfo.net/purchase-passes. Customer information and ticket windows will reopen on Wednesday, May 20, for pass and ticket sales. Click on the Customer Service Centers tab on VIA's  Contact page.
The following health and safety measures will remain in place until further notice:
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures will continue for VIA buses, vans and facilities, including mid-day and overnight cleaning to ensure a safe space for customers and operators.
  • VIA will continue to maintain a "safe capacity" maximum load of 16 passengers at a time to promote social distancing and protect everyone on board. All passengers must be seated and exit through the rear door.
  • VIA will continue to operate its Essential Service Schedule that went into effect April 27, which adjusts bus routes and hours, moving several routes to a "Sunday" schedule and adding frequency to others that continue to see high ridership. For a detailed schedule list, please visit VIAinfo.net/routes.
  • VIA will continue to require all non-exempt passengers age 10 and older to wear a face covering to board a vehicle or access a VIA facility, where proper social distancing (6 feet apart) may not be possible. While supplies last, a face covering will be made available on vehicles for customers who do not have one. Staff and operators must also continue to wear a face covering while working or while at a VIA facility.
  • Temperature checks for all VIA employees entering a VIA facility will continue to ensure that staff members are healthy when interacting with the public.
VIA will continue to take these extra steps and monitor developments, along with recommendations from local, state and federal health officials, to determine if additional measures are needed. Keep checking back on this page to see updates and learn more about what VIA is doing to keep customers and employees safe.

Blessing Box Program


*ATTENTION LEON VALLEY RESIDENTS* 

Due to the road construction near the Fire Department, the red donation bins will be placed in front of City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you.


Blessing Box: Take What You Need, Leave What You Can

 
BlessingBoxProg

As COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold in Texas and across the country, it is important that our community has access to sufficient basic needs. On April 8th, 2020, City Council voted unanimously to implement a Blessing Box Program for Leon Valley Residents. Blessing Boxes are stocked with non-perishable food items, basic toiletries, baby supplies, and anything else that might be considered a blessing to someone who finds themselves in need. Often times, we have extra boxes of these items, unopened, within our homes and they could be donated . Simply drop-off or pick-up items in the red containers located at the front of the Fire Station, 6300 El Verde Road.

A simple rule applies - Leave what you can, take what you need.
If you would like to donate or if there are specific items needed please email Maribel Mendoza at  m.mendoza@leonvalleytexas.gov  or call 210-684-3219.
Shop Local - Shop Leon Valley

 
COVID 19 hit Leon Valley hard just like it did the rest of the world.  In addition to ensuring residents and visitors safety, we were (and still are) deeply concerned about our business community. Leon Valley launched a campaign early on to ensure business visibility for businesses that were still allowed to remain open in some form or fashion and that effort was a success.  However, there continue to be severe revenue obstacles facing interactive, entertainment venues which still remain closed.  Our next campaign is aimed at launching a drive to support our businesses that are still not open,  businesses that drive this city and set this city apart through entertainment and family fun. 
Please visit our website for a list of businesses that need our help!

Local Business Leon Valley

Volunteers Needed

Temporary Rental Assistance Measure ("TRAM")

$4 million dollars will be allocated for temporary rental assistance, to include residents in suburban cities on May 1st.
 
Bexar County Commissioners Court recently allocated $4 million for a Temporary Rental Assistance Measure ("TRAM") in response to COVID-19.  The program will offer 1-3 months of rental assistance (in accordance with HUD Fair Market Rent limits) for residents of unincorporated Bexar County and suburban cities that:
 
a.      Meet HUD-established income limits for families earning 100% or below the Area Median Income ($72,000 for a family of 4); and
b.      Can provide proof of unemployment (i.e., furlough, layoff or termination) or a material reduction of income due to COVID-19.
 
The application will be posted at  https://habctx.org/tram on Friday - May 1, 2020 at 10:00 AM (CDT). Those without internet access may call (210) 940-1180.
 
In addition, a bilingual mailer will be sent to 5,388 rental household addresses in the TRAM zone (the unincorporated area and 26 suburban cities) that meet the 100% AMI or below criteria.

 
CPS Assistance Program


 
For a list of money-saving and assistance programs, visit  www.cpsenergy.com/assistance or call 210-353-2222 to speak to an Energy Advisor. To pay by phone, call (877) 257-1172. To mail a payment, include your bill and payment to CPS Energy, P.O. Box 2678, San Antonio, TX 78289.
Census 2020 Update


Leon Valley is currently resting at 63.2%. Let's make it 100%! Your Count Matters!


April 1st was Census Day - but the Census is still ongoing!

 People who have not responded can still do so by Internet, phone and by mail.  During these times of hardship on city/county/state/federal resources, we should all be committed to the highest Census participation  level.   Our participation  ensure s   Leon Valley's  fair share of future federal funds for the next 10 years!


 
Imagine your future. The possibilities of tomorrow start with today. Complete the  #2020Census  online today  for your community!

The Census Bureau announced significant operational changes in the wake of COVID-19 which includes extending the enumeration (self-response & door-to-door data collection) until October 31, 2020.   Please remember to submit your census data - your submission is vital to your city!



New Beginnings for Salons, Barber Shops and Nail Salons!


Chief Salvaggio Gets a Haircut
Chief Joseph Salvaggio
 Gets a Haircut

Hello Leon Valley Residents! Today is a day of new beginnings for our salons, barber shops, and nail salons! Like many of you, Chief Salvaggio hasn't been able to get his hair cut for over two months! Thankfully, this prohibition has been lifted, and he was able to get his hair cut first thing this morning with Shawn Brown at Righteous Cuts in Leon Valley. The City of Leon Valley urges each of you who are healthy enough, or not in one of the high-risk categories to get out and support our local businesses. Here is a list of the salons, barber shops and nail salons in Leon Valley:  CLICK HERE
 
      
Stay strong, stay health, and stay informed. The City of Leon Valley is here for you, please do not hesitate to call if we can be of assistance!  

Other Community Events
Leon Valley Northwest Seniors - Events

The following events have been cancelled by the Northwest Senior Citizens Board. If you have any questions please contact Shirley Jonas, President of the Northwest Seniors Club at 210-680-6867.
 
Events Dates
Kickapoo Trip
Cancelled - September 9, 2020 
Hot Air Balloon Trip
Cancelled - October 8-12, 2020
Trash and Treasure
Cancelled - October 24, 2020
Bethlehem Trip
Cancelled - December 4, 2020

New Business in Leon Valley


Help us welcome Texas Crab Boil to Leon Valley!

Texas Crab Boil 
6613 Evers Road
(210) 878-4004  






 
Helpful Information
Tiger Sanitation - Doing Their Part!




Tiger Sanitation - Doing Their Part!

Leon Valley just received word from our solid waste vendor, Tiger Sanitation, that due to the onset of the COVID-19 virus and its effect on citizens' lives, they are going to suspend the rate adjustment for the City of Leon Valley for at least the next billing cycle.  "We know that it is our right, as per the contract, to initiate the rate adjustment but during this crisis we feel that doing so is not the  Tiger way. " Stated Lee Kuhn, General Manager.  The adjustment will be re-evaluated before the next billing cycle of August - October.    
 
A "thank you" to Tiger Sanitation for being sensitive to our citizens' situation during this difficult time. 

Coronavirus Stimulus Checks 

What you need to know regarding the Coronavirus stimulus checks. The  links below have information relating to eligibility for and timing of federal personal stimulus checks going out. 
Crash Reports Available Online



A Message for our Citizens and Local Business Owners,
 
In our continuing effort to improve the processing and delivery of crash reports, LexisNexis will begin managing and distributing reports for our department via the internet. Going forward, crash reports will be available for your convenience online. To obtain a copy of a crash report, please go to https://policereports.lexisnexis.com. Your (crash report) accident will usually be ready in 10 business days.For any additional questions, please contact Sgt. K Burles0n by phone at (210) 684-1391 ext. 252 or by email at k.burleson@leonvalleytexas.gov.
As always, I hope that each and every one of you are safe and healthy during this difficult time.
 
Thank you,
Sgt. K. Burleson
Leon Valley Police Department

UPCOMING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 
Special City Council Meeting
June 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting
June 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
Thank you for reading this edition of ENews. Please feel free to provide feedback to let us know what you are most interested in reading.


- ENews Team, City of Leon Valley