In this issue:

  • School ILA Ordinance
  • Enhanced QCR Program
  • Graffiti Team Cleans Nogalitos Bridge
  • DSD is Here to Help You
  • FY 2021 Budget Process Update
  • PCTAC Nomination Process Complete
  • Online Resources
  • Performance Measures
2020 School ILA Ordinance Now in Effect
The School Interlocal Agreement (ILA) ordinance was approved Feb. 13, 2020 and will be in effect through July 31, 2029. The ILA is an agreement between the City and the 11 local school districts and Alamo Colleges District.

This agreement was put in place to streamline the permitting and construction activities related to the various local school districts. The ILA expires every 10 years and is used as a guide to define the procedures, processes, and fee structures the City has in place to improve effectiveness, efficiency and the completeness of projects in a cost-effective manner.

DSD worked closely with the school district representatives and other City departments between October 2018 and January 2020 and held more than a dozen meetings in preparation of the ordinance. During the gatherings, participants met to modify the 2009 ILA and address some of the issues experienced over the last 10 years, making improvements and additions as necessary. Once an agreement was made on the language, DSD shared the proposed ILA with all of our stakeholder groups, and then presented to City Council for final approval.  

Thank you to all who helped us complete this agreement. This is another example of how we continue to partner with our community to build and maintain a safer San Antonio.
Enhanced QCR Program
The Development Services’ Quality Control Review (QCR) Program is recognized as a cornerstone of the department’s quality management system and as a best practice by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). The program ensures the Development Services Department (DSD) consistently provides customers with great service while maintaining safety protocols. When IAS announced changes to its accreditation criteria in 2019, DSD took it as an opportunity to enhance its QCR program.

Earlier this month, the Support Services’ Innovation and Special Projects (ISP) team completed its year-long assessment of the program and obtained feedback from supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the department. Such responses supported an improved program that minimized duplication of required data entry, instituted a standardized scoring system, and provided updated team checklists that adhere to the updated IAS criteria. Also, included, and new to the program, are the employee mentoring and professional development components.

To assist the department with the knowledge and understanding of the program, the ISP team created a QCR program guide and training video, allowing employees to review as needed and at their leisure. The updated QCR program will continue to support DSD’s commitment to quality, the pursuit of it in daily operations, and a shared commitment to caring for our vibrant city as the leader in development, safety and service.
Graffiti Team Beautifies the Nogalitos Bridge
With assistance from Public Works, the DSD Graffiti Abatement team completed cleaning and beautifying the Nogalitos Bridge and the surrounding area between Rehmann and Burbank streets. The project goal was to pressure wash all masonry and concrete from the roadway curb, railing, sidewalk and retaining wall, along with pressure washing and spot painting two railroads, two roadways, and the four bridges that span this area. 

To support this effort, 10 employees from the Graffiti team cleaned and spot-painted the non-roadway areas including the bridges, sidewalks, walkway masonry railings and retaining wall up to 14 feet high. Public Works staff assisted by closing each of the roadways, providing bucket trucks for cleaning the upper reaches of the bridges, a water truck to fill the tanks on the pressure washers and a street sweeper that swept the roadways once all cleaning was done.

The project took close to two months to complete and totaled roughly 75,000 square feet of cleaning in about a quarter of a mile stretch. Like other assignments in the past, the Graffiti and Public Works teams operated with the highest levels of professionalism and teamwork, and did a great job beautifying the area. 
The Latest on the FY 2021 Budget Process
The FY 2021 City Budget process kicked off on May 28, 2020 and is now in full swing. While t he city expects this budget to be a challenge due to the pandemic, D SD anticipates there will be no disruptions in our services and job vacancies will not be filled.

Key dates include:

  • Aug. 6 – A Session: FY 2021 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Presentation
  • Sep. 17 – A Session: FY 2021 Budget Adoption

The City Manager has stated on several occasions that his two goals with this budget are to keep city employees working and to maintain city services. For the complete Budget process, visit the Budget Development and Budget Calendar websites.
 
The FY 2021 city budget will run Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021 once adopted.
PCTAC Nomination Process Update
On July 8, 2020, the Planning Commission reappointed 5 members of the Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC) and appointed 3 new members. The Planning Commission received 23 valid applications for the 8 positions. The appointees are:

  • Robert Tapia | Environmental/Historic Alternate
  • Ken Brown | Planning Professional Primary
  • Michael Taylor | Planning Professional Alternate
  • Ryan Plagens | Registered Professional Engineer Primary
  • Susan Wright | Development/Real Estate Professional Primary
  • Debbie Reid | Community Primary
  • Jody Sherrill | Community Primary
  • Brittney Dale | Community Alternate

There remains one Planning Commissioner slot and one Planning Commissioner Alternate slot on the PCTAC to be appointed. The Planning Commission will make these appointments on July 22, 2020.

The PCTAC advises the Planning Commission on the Major Thoroughfare Plan and Unified Development Code amendments and meets as often as necessary. Welcome to the PCTAC!
DSD is Here to Help Get Your Business Done!
As we continue to navigate through COVID-19, DSD is working hard to minimize risks related to the spread. The health and safety of our staff, customers, and visitors is our top priority. To support this effort, only five customers at a time are allowed in the building during business hours.

Customers can drop off applications and plans at designated drop-off locations at the front of the building, or if necessary, can come inside to visit with our Meet and Greet team for questions. Requests that are dropped off will be processed by the permit counter team within one business day.  

All customers and staff who enter the building will go through a health screening and have their temperature checked. We also require facial coverings be worn by both customers and staff and social distancing of 6’ be practiced at all times.
As a reminder, DSD has three designated parking spots outside the building, near the back entrance for your convenience. To obtain your plan, call the phone number on the sign and provide the parking space number. Your plan will be delivered to you at your car shortly after. Please ensure payment has been made prior to pickup.
DSD maintains the current process for the DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP  of project plans, applications and required documents. Drop-off and pick-up times remain the same, 7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), with drop off only from 4 - 4:30 p.m.
Online Resources
Performance Measures
Performance Measures
The complete Performance Measures report is available  online .
Permit Activity
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