A Message From Mayor Chris Riley

LETTER TO LEON VALLEY CITIZENS 

From Mayor Chris Riley  

April 10, 2026 

 CITY COUNCIL MEETING –April 7, 2026 

The following are highlights of council actions from the April 7^th council meeting which began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 9:39 p.m. 

                                    PRESENTATIONS 

Presentation of a Proclamation Declaring April 19-25^th National Library Week 2026 – The theme this year is Find Your Joy!  National Library Week has been observed since 1957. The City of Leon Valley is only one of three suburban cities in Bexar County to have our own library. Please visit your library and find your joy!  

Presented Library Director Regina Reed and staff the 2025 Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence Award – Congratulations to the Leon Valley Library for receiving this prestigious state-wide award, now for many years!   In order to receive this award, our library had to exhibit excellence in 10 areas, such as providing services to underserved and special populations and to providing digital inclusion.  We are in the top 20% of all libraries in Texas; out of 516 public libraries, only 101 received this award in 2025.  We are so proud of our library, including our librarians, support staff and volunteers! 

Presentation on the 2026 Swim Season and Update on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Grant Received for the Forest Oaks Pool Improvements Project -  The Forest Oaks Pool at 6620 Evers Road, will be open this summer from May 23 – August 9^th, 10 am – 8 pm; closed on Wednesdays.  The pool will then be open on weekends only from August 15- September 26^th, same hours.  The costs will remain the same as last year, with rates for season passes for an individual resident ($40 adult; $30 child) versus non-resident ($100 adult; $60 child), including a family season pass rate for resident ($200) and non-resident families ($400). There is an affordability rate for residents only ($20 adults; $15 child).  The daily gate fee is $5 per swim, if one does not want to purchase a season pass. There is an option to rent the Community Room or The Hill for parties.  

Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant awarded $725,852 (50% reimbursement match) to the City of Leon Valley in January, 2026.  The total cost of the project is $1.4 million.  The existing pool will be re-plastered and the baby pool, sidewalks, pool decking, existing clubhouse and restrooms will be demolished.  All new pool equipment, restrooms, mechanical building, storage room, fencing, ADA lift chair, covered pavilion, sidewalks, pool decking, shade canopies and lifeguard office will be installed.  The Council will receive quarterly reports.  Due to construction, the pool will be closed for the 2027 summer. 

Presentation/Discussion on Amending the Short Term Rental (STR) Regulations – At the request of a citizen whose house has three STR surrounding them, there was a broad discussion on what options, if any, could address this situation. A short-term rental is defined as a residential dwelling unit where sleeping areas are rented to overnight guests for a period of less than 30 consecutive days (but not less than 12 hours). The city attorney opined that STR’s are consistent with the use of a residential home:  He state that this area of the law is very new but there is risk that stricter regulations on STR’s can be challenged in court.  The STR’s currently in business pay a registration fee and payment of hotel/motel taxes and must give a brochure to renters with pertinent safety and contact information.  Council decided to get more information on the issues of “block face”, i.e., how many STR’s will be allowed on a city block. Presently, the ordinance allows one every 200 feet. Concerns with noise, garbage, parking, lighting are code violations and are not included in the current ordinance.  After hearing from citizens on both sides, the Council moved to discuss this issue at the annual Council retreat on June 6^th with more legal research from the city attorney on what options may be available and any consequences associated with options.  

Presentation/Discussion on the 10-Year Capital Acquisition Plan for FY 2027-2036 was presented by City Manager Caldera. The manager focused on FY 26-27 capital items which have been recommended to the manager by each city department director.  This is the first preliminary presentation of the proposed FY 26-27 budget.  Council asked the city manager to present this power point to the citizens at the Coffee with the Mayor and Council on Saturday, April 25^th, 9am in the Conference Center for further discussion. Hope to see you there. 

        REGULAR AGENDA 

Public Hearing and Discussion to Consider an Ordinance on a Specific Use Permit (SUP) Request to allow a Medical Spa Offering Advanced Aesthetic Treatments in a B-2 Retail District (Seneca Shopping Center).  An SUP was required under our zoning ordinance due to its proximity to a residential district. There was no opposition received from the 23 letters mailed to property owners within 200 feet nor at the public hearing.  Council consensus was to place this agenda item in the Consent agenda on the April 21^st meeting for approval. 

Public Hearing and Discussion to Consider an Ordinance on a Specific Use Permit (SUP) Request to allow an Auto Accessories Sales and Installation Business in a B-2 Retail District at 6505 Grissom - Due to the services provided, an SUP is required, as the business will provide retail with installation. There was no opposition received from the 10 letters mailed to property owners within 200 feet nor at the public hearing.  Council consensus was to place this agenda item in the Consent agenda on the April 21^st meeting for approval. 

Discussion on an Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Development Agreement between the City of Leon Valley and developer RC Bandaru for the sale of .552 acres of land, known as the Silo Property on Huebner Road– The draft agreement includes property which has two historic farm silos,  with the developer agreeing to develop, maintain and beautify the property and farm silos consistent with the master site plan; the developer will build two duplexes and two single units on said property and agrees to move the sewer line; the developer will protect the farm silos from deterioration, keep them maintained  with a wrought iron fence surrounding them with a commemorative plaque, and construct a walking path to the Silo Park in compliance with all city codes. Said rehabilitation of the silos is estimated to cost $62,000.  The city agrees to sell the .55 acres to the developer for $1,000 in exchange for developing the property in accordance with the Master Site Plan, and to help the developer through the platting process. The HOA will be responsible for maintaining the silos and if the HOA fails to comply, the city reserves the right to re-assume ownership of the silos and impose a penalty necessary to restore the silos to an acceptable condition. The Council directed the staff to place this agenda topic on the regular agenda for the second read for more discussion and input rather than the consent agenda. 

     The next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, April 21^st and will start at 6:00 pm, due to an executive session.  

       UPCOMING EVENTS 

April 15^th – Grand Opening of Jet Shine, 5508 Grissom Road at 1 pm. 

April 17-26^th – VIA Metropolitan Transit offers convenient and affordable Fiesta Rides from Crossroads Park & Ride. $1.30 per person each way for the most popular Fiesta events.  Saves on parking and gas costs. 

April 25^th – Coffee with Mayor and Council, 9 – 11 am at the Conference Center.  Light breakfast is included. 

FYI –Due to budgetary constraints, the City of Leon Valley will not give out FIESTA Medals this year.  Additionally, the annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner was cut from this year’s budget.  We want to THANK all of our volunteers for their service during April’s Volunteer Appreciation month! 

Hope you have a great weekend!  Enjoy the expected rain and cooler temperatures while it lasts!  

Sincerely, Chris  

(210) 618-2092 (cell);  

mayorriley@leonvalleytexas.gov