By Steve Davidson
Contributing Writer

Hot on the heels of the ever-growing concern regarding the Green Valley Special Utility District painting fire hydrants black in Guadalupe, Comal and Bexar counties, Cibolo City Council passed an ordinance at its May 13 meeting requiring fire hydrants within their city limits to remain in accordance with the national fire safety standards.

“This issue is one of the greatest concerns for our citizens,” said Mayor Pro Tem Mark Winn. “I find this whole thing upsetting. Where’s the accountability in painting all the fire hydrants black? We’re going to make sure we protect our citizens.”

On the greener side of things, look for the council to further enhance Cibolo’s recycling efforts. Although the city already has curbside service for recyclable materials in its recycling arsenal, the council would like to take its recycling efforts to a higher level.

“We want to be on the cutting edge of this,” said Winn. “We want Cibolo to be known as ‘the green city’.”

According to Winn, the city has mobilized efforts to create committees and future workshops that will begin developing the necessary plans to educate and motivate its citizens on the facts and benefits of recycling.

The recycling efforts will address and include matters pertaining to solar screen energy alternatives, water, trees, building and construction, and public works.

“This leadership needs to come from City Hall. We’re going to take a leadership role in this,” Winn said. “We can get it done because we’re a young and vital city. Not only are we continuing to grow, but we are able to influence and educate our community.”