Chris Riley
Guest Columnist

Several new ideas have been generated lately for our city that I wanted to share with you:

A possible partnership with Alamo Community College District to establish a learning center in Leon Valley. This was an idea given to me by Rudy Garcia, active resident in Leon Valley. We have had a preliminary meeting with the Chancellor, Dr. Bruce Leslie, and Jackie Claunch, Northwest Vista president. Our next step is to explore the needs of the business community for what type of learning center programs can be supported.

The Business Alliance Committee, chaired by Mike Davis, will help to bring the businesses together to determine the needs of the business community. If you are a business owner in the community and would like to participate, call 684-1391 Ext. 218.

Alternative Source of Water: Water cisterns for city buildings and residents’ homes have been discussed with the executive director of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), Velma Danielson. EAA has a grant program for cities to share the cost of putting in a water cistern on city buildings. We have asked the EAA to consider offering grant money to any resident for a water cistern at their home. EAA is considering this request.

Leon Valley Neighbors on Watch (LVNOW) – This seed has sprouted and the Leon Valley City Council has approved the creation of a volunteer code enforcement program to assist with keeping our city clean and beautiful. Volunteers will be tasked with working a number of hours per month, patrolling the various neighborhoods and commercial areas looking for violations such as high weeds and grass, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, nuisance signage and trash/debris. The volunteers will work with the code enforcement officer. A short training session is required. Leon Valley residents interested in participating should contact Melinda Smith at 684-1391 ext. 227. We already have signed up three volunteers and the program has the capacity for seven more citizens. The program will begin in January.

Leadership 2008 Class – Are you interested in learning more about your city government and how it works?

A brief summary from each department head in the city will describe the function of that department and tours of the city facilities will be available. The time involved is two Saturday mornings in January. Attendance at a zoning commission meeting and “graduation” at a City Council meeting will conclude the class. If you are interested in participation (there is no charge for this class), please call Melinda Smith at 684-1391, ext. 227. In order for the class to “make” we need to have between 10 to 12 people registered. Thanks for your consideration!

Metropolitan Planning Organization has openings for two volunteers, one each for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility committees. If you are interested in seeing more sidewalks and bicycle lanes added to Bexar County, we need your voice and advocacy on these committees!

There is one meeting per month to attend. Please call me at 684-1391, ext. 218 so I can submit your name for appointment through the AACOG Mayors committee. Deadline is Jan. 4.

Upcoming Leon Valley events:

Sunday, Dec. 9 – Christmas Concert at the Leon Valley Community Center, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. with the Beethoven Concert Band. This concert is sponsored by the Community Events Committee of the City of Leon Valley. Admission is free and open to the public. Come slow down a bit during the hecticity of the season to get into the Christmas spirit!

Dec. 18 – City Council meeting, 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Dec. 24-25– City Hall offices will be closed.

Jan. 1 – City Hall closed.