A Message From Mayor Chris Riley

LETTER TO LEON VALLEY CITIZENS

From Mayor Chris Riley

December 19, 2025

                                            HAPPY HOLIDAYS!   

December 19^th – Leon Valley Fire Department Santa Run, 6 pm to 8 pm, in the Monte Robles, Linkwood, Pavona Place and Canterfield neighborhoods.  This is the final Santa Run night. Special thanks to the Leon Valley Fire Department for brightening up our holiday spirit!

December 24 – January 1, 2026 – City Hall offices will be closed for the holidays, with the exception of our dedicated police, fire and EMS departments. City Hall reopens on January 2, 2026.

December 24- December 26^th , January 1st– Leon Valley Library closed.

December 27^th, 30^th and 31^st – Leon Valley Library open.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 – Leon Valley City Council meeting cancelled.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – Reception for retiring Public Works Director Melinda Moritz, 6-7 pm at the Conference Center.

Saturday, January 24, 2026 – 16^th Annual Town Hall meeting, beginning at   8:30 am at the Community Center. A postcard will be mailed to all residents with the discussion topics. A Community Conversation on Leon Valley’s Financial Future and Infrastructure Priorities is scheduled at 10:15 am. We always end with Citizens to Be Heard, to give citizens an opportunity to address council on any concerns/issues not listed on the agenda.  No action can be taken on citizen concerns other than giving facts/law pertaining to the item.  Council can direct staff to place on a future agenda for discussion and/or action.

                        CITY COUNCIL MEETING –December 16, 2025

          The following are highlights of council actions from the December 16, 2025 council meeting which began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 8:02 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS

Discussion between the Leon Valley Historical Society (LVHS) and the City of Leon Valley to consider adding another erosion control option along Huebner Creek- a concrete drop structure as requested by LVHS.  The Council voted 3 -1 to direct the city manager to come back for a budget adjustment of $8300 and for Ardurra Engineering to work with LVHS board member Hoyt on the concept he envisioned.

                                       REGULAR AGENDA

Discussion on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 “Zoning” Organization and Enforcement section – This discussion centered around updating the process for determining whether absences of zoning commission members and alternates are excused or unexcused. If a member cannot attend a meeting, then they must contact either the Chair, staff or council liaison.  The absence will be placed on the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda and the absence will be determined by the commission to be excused or unexcused. The Council directed the city manager to make these changes and place this item on the January 20^th consent agenda for final approval.

Continued discussion on proposed Planned Development District (PDD) changes -  Councilor Mursch has provided a lot of input on proposed changes but was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.  As Mayor, I respectfully requested this item be moved to the January 20^th council meeting so that Councilor Mursch could participate in the full discussion with the entire council.  Council supported this request.

Action to Approve a Resolution on a Developer Petition for Preliminary Acceptance of Public Improvements (water and sewer infrastructure, trails, drainage and streets) for the Seneca Trails I Subdivision - This subdivision is located at 6518 Samaritan Drive, west of Bandera and Seneca roads.  The city engineers have inspected these improvements and have deemed the work has been constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications provided by Pape Dawson Engineers.  The applicant has posted a $575,464.00 Maintenance Bond to guarantee compliance with the one-year maintenance agreement. Corrections of any deficiencies will be performed by the owner prior to final acceptance by the city council. The resolution passed unanimously.

                                        EXECUTIVE SESSION

City Council deliberated at 6:03 pm and at 7:24 pm on two executive session items with the City Attorney: 1) Deliberation regarding economic development incentives for the property located at 7249 Bandera Road; and 2) Discussion regarding purchasing real property located at 6908 Poss Road.  No action was taken by Council on either of these items.

        The first City Council meeting for 2026 is on Tuesday, January 20^th  at 6:30 pm.

                                           IN CLOSING……

      Thanks to the Leon Valley Police Department for sponsoring Blue Santa again this year.  Over 100 gift packages were organized by city staff last weekend. This Saturday, the gifts will be distributed to children in the area who registered for the program. Thanks to EVERYONE who generously donated money, toys or volunteer time to help with the success of the program!

      On behalf of the City Council and staff, we’d like to wish everyone a happy holiday! The fantastic Winter Wonderland light display in the Community/Conference Center area will be shining brightly through January 4^th.  Thanks to our Public Works department for making this happen!

     The Council and I work for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way. Please stay safe and healthy. Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Chris

(210) 618-2092 (cell)

mayorriley@leonvalleytexas.gov