City of San Antonio

Office of the City Council

Interdepartmental Correspondence Sheet

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager

FROM: Councilmember Sukh Kaur, District 1
COPIES: Mayor and Council; María Villagómez, Deputy City Manager; Lori
Houston, Assistant City Manager; Justina Tate, Budget Director
DATE: September 11, 2023
SUBJECT: Proposed FY’24 Budget Amendments

Thank you for your staff’s exceptional work in preparing the FY’24 Budget. I am requesting
the following amendments. I look forward to discussing these with you.

Public Works Requests - $3 million

I am requesting the City (1) increase CIP funds to $250,000 per council district, (2) increase
NAMP funds to $250,000 per council district and allow two more NAMP projects per cycle,
and (3) make a one-time allocation of $500,000 city-wide to address sidewalks obstructions,
such as telephone poles, to make more sidewalks ADA accessible based on the equity atlas.

I am also requesting two permanent radar feedback signs for both directions on Basse Road,
near the intersection of Buckeye Ave. This stretch of road has had 17 collisions since January
2023; it is an urgent public safety concern.

Child Abuse Intervention & Prevention - $120,749

Both Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas & Any Baby Can play critical roles serving
vulnerable children in our community. I am advocating for restoring Any Baby Can’s funding
for case management services to $57,400 and for restoring Big Brothers Big Sisters to
$113,349.

Animal Care Services (ACS) Spay/Neuter Van

I recognize the logistical challenges associated with operating a Spay/Neuter Van; however, I
believe resuming operation of a Spay/Neuter Van would further our efforts to get these
services into communities and to the residents who need them most. The van eliminates
challenges with transportation and was perceived as an invaluable asset by community
members.

Reproductive Justice Grants - $500,000

It has been over a year since Roe v. Wade was overturned, yet we are still without any
promising legislative protections for reproductive health. In the absence of federal action, I
am requesting the City award grant funds to organizations that help people access
reproductive health services.
This proposal aligns with City Council’s resolution in support of individual’s rights to health
care and the SA Forward Plan’s Access to Care and Health Equity & Social Justice priority
areas.

Accelerate the Kenwood Community Center Project

The community is enthusiastic about the prospective community center project. However,
having already gone over a year without use of the Kenwood Center, they are eager to rebuild
the spirit of community in the area. Thus, I am requesting a staff budget for a two-year
construction project instead of a three-year project.

SA-CORE
The City is making impressive progress on its efforts to improve mental health crisis response
with SA-CORE. However, we know there is still a significant need that is being unmet. As
we prepare to expand SA-CORE, I am requesting SAPD budget for a fourth team and include
overnight coverage.

Opportunity Home Operations and Maintenance Fund - $3.5 million

I support the proposal to create an Operations and Maintenance Fund in the amount of $3.5
million. District 1 is home to over 1,700 public housing residents, many of whom reside at
properties with significant maintenance issues. An investment in this fund is an investment in
housing stability and quality of life for some of San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents.

Support for the San Antonio Book Festival - $30,000

I request a grant for the San Antonio Book Festival’s Authors in Schools program. The
program exclusively serves Title 1 Schools and, therefore, inspires a love of reading in
underserved students. A grant of $30,000 would expand the program to three schools which
includes an author visit to the campus and a signed book for each student.

Update the Complete Streets Policy

The City’s Complete Streets Policy was adopted in 2011; however, our continued status as
one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians means we must redouble our efforts. We need
to update the policy so that it includes meaningful commitments to specific design guidelines
and prioritization of vulnerable users.

Permanent Construction Mitigation Grants - $500,000

I request $1 million in grant funding for small, locally owned businesses affected by major
construction projects. I additionally request that the Small Business Advisory Commission,
with input from the business community, establish the eligibility criteria.

Increased Litter Collection for Martinez Creek

Despite the River Authority’s efforts, litter continues to pose a challenge to the health of our
creekways. I am requesting the City schedule litter collection quarterly along Martinez Creek
and increase volunteer litter collection events through the Parks Department.

Sukh Kaur
Councilmember, District 1
 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
INTERDEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager; Maria Villagomez, Deputy City Manager;
Ben Gorzell, Chief Financial Officer; Andy Segovia, City Attorney;
Justina Tate, Director, Management and Budget

FROM: Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Councilman District 2

SUBJECT: District 2 FY24 Budget Amendments

DATE: September 11, 2023

_________________________________________________________________________

I am proposing the following budgetary amendments to the FY2024 City Budget:

Community Engagement Discretionary Fund, $500,000 ($50,000 per Council Office)

The digital divide still presents an obstacle for East side residents in search of information
from the City of San Antonio. Our most powerful tool for communication is a printed
newsletter that is sent out by mail directly to citizens who engage with our office and at
events. District 2 currently maintains a monthly newsletter that our constituents have grown
accustomed to. This newsletter, in addition to other communication initiatives, has
transformed the district from one of the least civically engaged districts, to one of the most
vocal when it comes to interacting with their city government. This budgetary request will
assist with maintaining consistency and expanding each Council Office’s ability to
communicate with their constituency. Other uses of the fund could be support for marketing
efforts of city departments, expansion of resources and software for field offices, text and
phone communication, etc.

Additional ACS Spay/Neuter Hubs in District 2 and District 7 $500,000 ($250,000 per
district)

Both the West and East side have experienced higher rates of roaming and stray animals, in
addition to recent incidents involving dogs attacking and severely biting residents. These
incidents require a greater spay/neuter capacity within these areas. During the COVID-19
pandemic, the decrease in spay and neuter services led to an overpopulation of pets,
further exacerbating the stray and roaming pet problem. Spay and Neuter services are very
costly and a typical service is between $350 and $400, in addition to travel and other
expenses. The East and West side currently do not have consistent providers on their
respective sides of town offering these services at a low cost. The procurement of the funds
in this budget would allow for us to order necessary medical equipment, retrofit city facilities,
and begin discussions with national organizations to increase local spay-neuter capacity and
bring these services to these constituencies. This investment could increase capacity by

1
about 3,000-4,000 surgeries annually at a cost as low as $75 to $125, well below the
standard cost now.

Crime and Recidivism Prevention Grant Coordinator ($0)

Reallocation of two positions (Senior Management Analyst and Senior Management

Coordinator) from the Metro Health Department to the Department of Innovation.

In conjunction with the “Public Safety Outcomes Coordinator,” the Grants Coordinator would
actively seek funding opportunities for relevant crime and recidivism prevention projects for
implementation in various City departments like NHSD, Metro Health, public works and DHS
for a collective effort to reduce crime by environmental design. This position will assist with
the implementation of crime prevention and recidivism prevention recommendations across
all departments, to include the monitoring of measurable outcomes and metrics to gauge
progress.

Expand Teen Court To Operate Year-Round and Increase Capacity (2 Positions),

$150,000

Currently, Teen Court only operates during the school year with limited capacity. We request
funds to hire a full-time juvenile case manager to be assigned to coordinate year-round Teen
Court services. This case manager would be responsible for activities such as program
administration, case management, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Teen Court
program, including scheduling hearings, managing case files, youth development, and
volunteer recruitment and training.

Hire 14 ACS Officers to meet 100% of ACS critical calls, $1.556 Million

The city of San Antonio currently only responds to 44% of Animal Care Services related
calls. The current proposal to increase officers will only get us to 64% in FY 2024, 80% in FY
2025, and 100% in FY 2026. Our residents deserve to have 100% of their critical calls for
help answered by our city department and should not have to wait 3 years to incrementally
arrive at this level of service, possibly allowing conditions to worsen across the city. Based
on the city’s cost estimate of $1.1M annually, plus equipment costs (see 8/30/23 Response
Memo), we request the re-allocation of $1.556M in city funding to hire all necessary positions
in FY 2024, including all necessary equipment.

MLK Mural over New Braunfels Budget, $50,000

The MLK Mural was installed above the New Braunfels Street Bridge in 1997 and has since
faded and fallen into disrepair. Residents continue to express concern that the neglect for
the public art piece is a public reminder of the historic disinvestment within the eastside. In
many ways, this piece serves as an entryway and welcome corridor into the Eastside and
my district. Funding will include a public engagement process as well as development and
installation of a new mural with community support.

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Insulin Cost-share program $100,000

The Diabetes Care Continuum is a program developed by the Metro Health department in
response to a CCR proposed by my office and Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia to
provide support for individuals for whom insulin is a life-saving medicine, but remains
out-of-reach financially. City staff presented a proposal for a program that sets aside $1.6
million for patient navigators, including a $100,000 insulin safety fund, community health
hubs, family education, and outreach.

Though the full proposal has been sent to City Council by the Community Health,
Environment, and Culture Committee has yet to be agendized, this request is to fulfill part of
the request for an insulin safety fund.

Reproductive Justice Fund, $500,000

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, many people have faced more extreme burdens
and barriers to access reproductive healthcare. To fill these large gaps in care, smaller
grassroots organizations have created networks with limited funding to assist thousands.
This annual fund would be managed by Metro Health to directly fund and support
community-based organizations which do not receive state funding for comprehensive
reproductive and sexual healthcare services, resources, information, and care to residents
within San Antonio.

Small Business Construction Grant Program, TBD

Public works should identify a list of major reconstruction projects likely to disrupt business
for periods of time. Funding should then be identified to support businesses with direct
financial relief, in addition to the proposed marketing program.

In addition, we are supportive of the following requests:

District 1 - Child Abuse Intervention & Prevention - $120,749

Both Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas & Any Baby Can play critical roles serving
vulnerable children in our community. I am advocating for restoring Any Baby Can’s funding
for case management services to $57,400 and for restoring Big Brothers Big Sisters to
$113,349.

District 5 - Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program (NAMP) & Capital

Improvement Program (CIP)

$2.5 million for each program I am requesting an increase in the Neighborhood Access &
Mobility (NAMP) and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budgets by a total of $5 million;
$2.5 million for NAMP and $2.5 million for CIP. This increase would provide each council
member in each district with the most flexibility to address a broad range of non-bond level
infrastructure needs like pedestrian safety, streets & sidewalks, parks, drainage, and more
as well as fund project plans.

3
District 5 - OPPORTUNITY HOME OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FUND

Support the creation of an Opportunity Home Accessibility and Operations funding proposal
in the amount of $3.5 million. Opportunity Home San Antonio is home to over 6,000 families
across their public housing properties – most of them are seniors, children or disabled.
Seniors and those with disabilities deserve working elevators, ramps, shower grab bars, and
accessible kitchens, so they can age in place comfortably. This fund would allow the City to
do its part by partnering with Opportunity Home on an annual basis to fund key minor
maintenance needs which increases the quality of life for public housing residents, which
also helps to preserve San Antonio’s most permanently affordable housing. Attachment 2 is
a description of the Fund provided by Opportunity Home.

District 7 - Funding for the creation of a Senior Assistance Pilot Program - $100,000 I
am requesting funding to create a pilot program focused on assisting senior citizens on a
fixed income with the aim to assist property owners and renters with covering the cost of
Code Compliance issues such as abatement, alley maintenance, trimming of trees, and any
actionable code compliance issue throughout the city.

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 MEMORANDUM

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager

FROM: Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, District 3
CC: Maria Villagomez, Deputy City Manager; Ben Gorzell, Chief Financial Officer;
Andy Segovia, City Attorney; Justina Tate, Director, Management and Budget
DATE: September 6, 2023

RE: District 3 FY 2024 Proposed Budget Amendments

The purpose of this memo is to explore the following budget amendments for
consideration by City Council:

D3: Amendments
1. $1 Million for ACS Brooks Spay and Neuter Facility to service the Citiy’s Southern
Sector providing Low Cost Free Spay and Neuter vouchers, and Free or Low-cost
vaccination services which would encompass District 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and KEY targeted
Zip Codes selected through ACS.

2. $150K in Construction Displacement Fund for District 3 specific small businesses

impacted by City-initiated construction with a scheduled project duration of 12
months or longer. Funds will assist businesses impacted by road closures from COSA
contracts to include large scale FY 2017-2022 and FY 2022-2027 BOND projects.

3. $250K District 3 specific Senior & Disable Veteran Home Repair and Rehabilitation to
residents with low-to-moderate income to address health, safety, or code issues that
 homeowners may be experiencing through the Minor Home Repair Program. Repairs
will go towards plumbing, electrical, non-working utilities, broken windows, damaged
doors or other items in need of repair.

4. $500K District 3 specific Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program to rehabilitate their

substandard and non-code compliant residential properties. These repairs focus on
health and safety, accessibility, and major system concerns.

5. $250K Homeless Relocation Assistance City Wide for houseless youth and young
adults between 18-24 years of all self-identified genders. Funding will go towards the
City’s commitment to end homelessness and to support the vulnerable people we
serve to achieve self-sufficiency and promote resiliency through positive growth
allowing them to heal from trauma and reach their potential.

6. $10,000 in Funding for Diaper Changing stations at several D3 COSA Parks and
Community Centers. Several District 3 City Parks have accompanying buildings that
could house changing stations in both the Men’s and Women’s bathrooms. Our
District parks have Port-A-Johns which can’t house changing stations.

• Harlandale Park & Community Center

• Bode Park & Community Center
• SouthSide Lions Park Ramon Quintero Center
• Villa Coronado Park Father Roman Center
• Other Parks facilities

On March 3, 2020 City Council adopted an Ordinance approving an amendment to

Chapter 10, Building Related Codes, of the City of San Antonio, Texas, to require
installation of baby changing stations. District 3 has city facilities that still do not have
changing stations. ARTICLE III.- BUILDING CODE Sec. 10-32 Baby changing stations

7. $125K allocation for maintenance of current community transport vans that service
the Southern Sector or procuring one (1) new specialized transport vehicle at a cost
of $125,000 to transport seniors specific to southern sector. The vehicles will be
equipped with the proper lifts and seating requirements for safety and comfort
to serve the elderly population. Funding request seeks to address the City of San
Antonio 's Equity goals of serving the elderly and especially the frail who reside
in lower income neighborhoods.
 City’ Fleet: It has come to my attention that the City has tremendous maintenance
issues.
• Senior transport vans – Currently 2 vans servicing the whole southern
sector need major repairs and are not retrofitted with Disability features.

8. $100K one time allotment for the Community Tool Shed for Expansion and
Maintenance of tools which leads to equipment up-time, improves lifespan, and
reduces overall costs. The community tool shed contains a collection of hand
and gas power tools that can be used free of charge with advance notice by
residents, businesses, and community groups of San Antonio to clean and
improve their properties.
1. Tools that are currently available to loan through our Community Tool Shed
program include the following:
• Lawnmowers, Leaf Blowers, ladders, Loppers, Rakes, Shovels, Tree
Pruners, Weed Eaters and wheelbarrows
Expansion of the existing tool shed program will provide additional tools for
sustainable urban agriculture efforts, community gardeners, and future food
forests that will reduce barriers for residents interested in small-scale and
subsistence farming improvements.
2. New tools that will be procured include the following:
• Tillers, Trenchers, Tree Augers, Broad forks, and Shellers/Threshers

9. $60K to pilot three (3) sites (City Wide) through the Food Policy Council of San
Antonio for Urban Farming Seed Funding to initiate or expand efforts of farmers,
gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, and other stakeholders in urban
areas and suburbs. Projects may target areas of food access; education; business
and start-up costs for new farmers; and development of policies related to zoning
and other needs of urban production.

10. $500K allocation to create a Reproductive Justice Grant that will be managed
through Metropolitan Health District to support community-based organizations in
providing comprehensive reproductive health services, resources, and education to
community members that have been disproportionately affected focusing on
improving healthcare outcomes.
11. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (REES) funds
Dedicate funds to go towards Food Forest maintenance through community
partners which will also help mitigate city’s urban heat island, continue to add tree
canopy and tackling the problem of food deserts.
• Consider implementing a matching grant component for local Non-Profits
that have projects that focus on increasing tree canopy up to $500K

Thank you in advance to your consideration.

________________________
Phyllis Viagran
Councilwoman, District 3
 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Interdepartmental Correspondence

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager, María Villagómez, Deputy City

Manager; Rod Sanchez, Assistant City Manager; Ben Gorzell,
Chief Financial Officer; Justina Tate, Budget Director

FROM: Teri Castillo, District 5 Councilmember

SUBJECT: District 5 FY24 Budget Amendments

DATE: September 5, 2023

District 5 proposes the following amendments to the FY24 Budget—

INFRASTRUCTURE

NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS AND MOBILITY | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

PROGRAM: Increase the Neighborhood Access & Mobility (NAMP) and Capital
Improvements Program (CIP) budgets by a total of $5 million - $2.5m for NAMP and
$2.5m for CIP. This increase would provide each council member in each district with
the most flexibility to address a broad range of non-bond level infrastructure needs like
pedestrian safety, streets & sidewalks, parks, drainage, and more as well as fund project
plans. Attachment 1 illustrates how CIP funds have been allocated in a previous budget.
This increase would provide approximately $250,000 for each district’s NAMP and
$250,000 CIP funds, which means an additional 5-10 community infrastructure needs can
be addressed. This will improve the quality of life for residents and save lives.

VACANT LOT ACTIVATION: Increase funding for Vacant Lot Activation to

$250,000 to include vacant lot acquisition by COSA for affordable housing development,
the creation of community centers and spaces, creation of parks, and so forth. Vacant lots
can be a nuisance to community in the form of illegal dumping and other harmful actions
which can also drain City resources. Vacant lot activation is small but significant step
local governments can take, and it also aligns with "evidence from social science [which
suggests] that patterns of crime change in step with the human-built environment, where
higher crime areas devolve from single-family and multi-unit dwellings into places of
blight and abandonment ...When people abandon a home or business, trash accumulates,
graffiti multiplies, properties turn to ruin, and crime and disorder fester, triggering a cycle
in which more people abandon their homes and businesses.” (Macdonald & Branas,
2019)
HOUSING

WESTSIDE HOMESTEAD PRESERVATION CENTER: Support the Westside

Homestead Preservation Center - Westside Pilot Program in the amount of $200,000. A
Homestead Preservation Center is proposed as a pilot program on the Westside of San
Antonio to provide targeted assistance to property owners and other vulnerable
households in the neighborhood that is highly at risk of gentrification and displacement.
The HPC will centralize in one place the necessary supports, services, and programs that
will help keep residents in their homes, including access to homestead exemption benefits
they are eligible for and assistance to not fall behind on their property taxes and title
clearance among many other services. The HPC will be located at the Mexican American
Unity Council (MAUC) on W. Commerce and operated by MAUC and other community
partners.

OPPORTUNITY HOME OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FUND: Support

the creation of an Opportunity Home Accessibility and Operations funding proposal in
the amount of $3.5 million. Opportunity Home San Antonio is home to over 6,000
families across their public housing properties – most of them are seniors, children or
disabled. Seniors and those with disabilities deserve working elevators, ramps, shower
grab bars, and accessible kitchens, so they can age in place comfortably. This fund would
allow the City to do its part by partnering with Opportunity Home on an annual basis to
fund key minor maintenance needs which increases the quality of life for public housing
residents, which also helps to preserve San Antonio’s most permanently affordable
housing. Attachment 2 is a description of the Fund provided by Opportunity Home.

SAN ANTONIO HOUSING TRUST CORPUS: Continue the $250,000 of annual

funding to the San Antonio Housing Trust corpus. When the San Antonio Housing Trust
Fund was created in the late eighties, COSA allocated $10m to the corpus. Last year,
COSA made it’s first contribution the corpus in 35 years. The City should continue
providing financial support, or it will severely limit the SAHTF’s ability to even cover
administrative costs. If COSA can provide a consistent stream of funding for the SAHTF
corpus, the SAHTF will be less reliant on the PFC to fund operations, which would also
help meet financing gaps for affordable housing projects.

PUBLIC SAFETY

CELLEBRITE PREMIUM FOR SAPD DETECTIVES: $100,000 allocated to SAPD

for the direct purchase of Cellebrite Premium, technology that enhances the capabilities
of detectives in their investigative work. Cellebrite Premium grants the capacity to access
locked phones, ensuring multiple phones can be processed through its three licenses.
This equipment is crucial to have during a criminal investigation due to most cellular
devices being locked. Information obtained from locked devices results in justice for
victims and successful prosecution in criminal cases.

SMOKE DETECTORS FOR SAFD: $50,000 allocated to the direct purchase of smoke
detectors. The San Antonio Fire Department has budgeted into their Public Education and
Outreach efforts a budget for this purpose with expenditures of $14,794 in FY 2021,
$13,670 in FY 2022, and $15,689 in FY 2023 (through mid-August). Additionally, the
department receives smoke detectors through donations from organizations like the Red
Cross, Kidde, and Gonzaba contributing approximately 500 smoke detectors in FY 2023.
Despite these efforts, a persistent shortage of smoke detectors exists. District 5 faces the
highest number of fires in San Antonio, underscoring the importance of equipping homes
with these lifesaving devices to prevent injuries and fatalities by immediately detecting
fires.

STAND UP SA: Expand the Stand Up SA Program by $553,000 to fund the program at a
total cost of $1.1 million using Stand Up SA as an additional resource to address violent
crime and mitigate community violence. Double the number of Outreach Workers to
18 and include targeting in and around the Cassiano Homes and the Alazan-Apache
Courts. Since Stand Up SA was created in 2014, shootings have decreased in the
programs targeted neighborhoods. Since 2016, Outreach Workers have diffused an
estimated 100 conflicts a year. The current COSA investment to the Stand Up SA
Program is $553,000, which includes nine fulltime Outreach Workers and one Outreach
Supervisor.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE FUND: An annual budget line item of $500,000 to create

a “Reproductive Justice Fund” managed by Metro Health for the purpose of directly
funding and supporting community-based organizations that provide comprehensive
reproductive and sexual healthcare services, resources, and education to San Antonio
residents.

FOOD POLICY COUNCIL: A one-time funding allocation of $620,000 for the Food
Policy Council to cover capital installation costs, cultivation and long-term maintenance
costs seed funding for urban farms on underutilized or uncultivated public lands
(including vacant lots) that would be leased; funding to expand the community tool shed
program so residents may assist in maintaining food forests; and funding for
collaborating with workforce training programs to teach urban agriculture job skills. And
a yearly funding allocation of $25,000 a year for the maintenance of these food forests.

DIEZ Y SEIS: Allocate an additional $50,000 to the Diez y Seis Commission totaling
$100,000 per year pending the creation of a formalized commission for Diez y Seis (like
that of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, Martin Luther King Jr. March Commission,
etc.).

Thank you,

Teri Castillo, District 5 Councilmember

Attachment 1
 Attachment 2

Proposal for the Establishment of a “Accessibility and Modernization” Fund for

Opportunity Home San Antonio

Opportunity Home San Antonio supports the establishment of a new funding stream titled
Accessibility and Modernization Fund to support the crucial work done by our
organization for the residents of San Antonio. The purpose of this funding is to address
the pressing need for repairing, rehabilitating, and modernizing housing units within our
community, particularly those occupied in low-income and senior communities. By
investing in these crucial projects, together we can make significant strides towards
ensuring that everyone has access to quality housing in San Antonio.

Introduction and Background

Since 1937, Opportunity Home San Antonio has been committed to building and
maintaining affordable housing for the residents of San Antonio. We provide housing
assistance to more than 57,000 children, adults and seniors through our Public Housing,
Housing Choice Voucher and Mixed-Income housing programs. Compassion is at the
center of our agency; we believe and understand that safe and quality affordable housing
is the foundation to success. We manage nearly 70 public housing communities, 27
mixed-income apartment complexes and administer 14,162 rental vouchers throughout
San Antonio.

Objective
The primary objective of this proposal is to establish the Accessibility and Modernization
funding stream, specifically designed to allocate resources for repairing, rehabilitating,
and modernizing housing units operated by Opportunity Home San Antonio. The funding
will be utilized to implement crucial modern and accessible features and essential repairs,
ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access and enjoy these units without
limitations. Moreover, the funds will support necessary upgrades, incorporating modern
amenities and technologies to enhance living standards for all residents.

Allocation of Funds
The proposed funding stream, Accessibility and Modernization Fund, will be established
as a dedicated source of financial support for Opportunity Home San Antonio.
The funds will be allocated according to the following guidelines:
1. Accessibility Enhancements:
a. Installation of wheelchair ramps, elevators, and other mobility aids.
b. Retrofitting units to accommodate individuals with visual and hearing
impairments.
c. Upgrading bathroom and kitchen facilities to meet accessibility standards.
d. Increasing door widths and installation of rigid flooring for ease of
traversability.
e. Improved site accessibility to building and office entrances and amenities.
2. Essential Repairs and Rehabilitation:
a. Repairing structural deficiencies, including waterproofing, weatherization,
building envelope, roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems.
 b. Addressing health and environmental hazards.
c. Upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for improved
comfort and energy efficiency.
d. Gas-to-electrical utility conversion for improved efficiency and reliability
of service.
e. New emergency generator service to increase health and safety during
power outages.
f. Site improvements such as repaving, restriping, improved landscaping to
improve stormwater runoff and soil erosion, improved site lighting security,
and play structures and covered gathering areas for social engagement.
3. Modernization Initiatives:
a. Enhancing resident security, such as improved lighting and access control
mechanisms.
b. Upgrading common areas and community spaces to foster social
engagement and cohesion.
c. Fire protection retrofit in mid-rise structures, to include comprehensive
fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems coverage.
d.
Funding Mechanism
To establish the Accessibility and Modernization funding stream, we propose the
allocation of a portion of the city's annual budget dedicated to housing and community
development initiatives. We recommend a delegate agency funding mechanism, with an
annual review to assess the program's impact and adjust funding levels accordingly.

Accountability and Monitoring

Opportunity Home believes and values transparency, especially when there is a
utilization of public funds. Therefore, we recommend a committee composed of
representatives from Opportunity Home San Antonio, City of San Antonio, and
community members to oversee the allocation of funds and monitor for progress and
evaluate the impact of the “Accessibility and Modernization Fund”. Regular reports and
updates will be provided to the San Antonio City Council to ensure proper and effective
oversight and public trust.

Expected Outcomes
With the establishment of the Accessibility and Modernization fund to Opportunity Home
San Antonio, we anticipate the following outcomes:
1. Improved housing conditions: This initiative will facilitate necessary
repairs, rehabilitation, and modernization efforts resulting in safer,
comfortable and accessible housing units for vulnerable populations. This
includes improved public health outcomes which often originate with safe,
quality housing.
2. Enhanced accessibility: By incorporating accessibility features,
individuals with disabilities will be able to navigate and enjoy housing units
without hindrance, promoting inclusion and equitable access, particularly for
elderly residents aging in place.
 3. Community development: upgraded common areas and modern amenities
will foster a sense of community, promoting social interaction within
residential communities.
4. Increased Resilience: By addressing structural deficiencies and
environmental hazards, the housing units will become more resilient to natural
disasters and other emergencies.
5. Heightened resident safety and safer communities.
6. Positive Economic Impact: the initiative will generate employment
opportunities, contributing to the local economy with the creation of
construction and maintenance jobs.

Summary
The establishment of the Accessibility and Modernization funding stream for Opportunity
Home San Antonio will ensure the repairing, rehabilitation, and modernization of
housing units throughout the San Antonio community. By providing safe and accessible
housing options, together we can create and sustain equitable and inclusive housing to
those in low-income and senior communities to thrive.
We kindly request your support and consideration of this proposal. Your continued
investment in housing will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of our fellow San
Antonians. We look forward to discussing this proposal further and working together
towards achieving our shared vision of accessible and modern housing in San Antonio.
 Attachment 3

Proposal for the Establishment of a “Reproductive Justice” Fund

Reproductive justice organizations including AVOW, Corazon San Antonio, Suenos Sin
Fronteras, and Lilith Fund are calling on the San Antonio City Council to create a
permanent fund that supports the critical and comprehensive work done by reproductive
organizations for the residents of San Antonio. The purpose of this funding is to directly
support community-based organizations in providing comprehensive and life-saving
reproductive and sexual healthcare services, resources, and education to San Antonio
residents. By providing this funding through the management of Metro Health, the City
of San Antonio can help ensure that residents can receive full reproductive and sexual
healthcare and education in a time when the right for all people to do so is threatened.

Introduction and Background

For years, the Texas state government has passed bills that have restricted access to
reproductive healthcare, including but not limited to abortion services, as well as
comprehensive sexual education. These actions came to a point on June 24, 2022 when
the Supreme Court of the United States overruled Roe v. Wade in its decision in Dobbs v.
Jackson Women’s Health Organization, decimating access to abortion and life-saving
reproductive and sexual health services by enforcing a total abortion ban across the state.
As a result, the Dobbs decision threatened the lives of approximately 6.9 million Texans
with the capacity for pregnancy. Currently, Texas has one of the highest rates of repeated
teen pregnancy and the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the country,
with rapidly increasing infant mortality rates as more people are forced to remain
pregnant. Moreover, 1 in 3 Texans experience domestic violence, and the rate of family
violence in Texas has more than quadrupled since 2017.

Objective
The primary objective of this proposal is to create a reliable funding stream that Metro
Health would administer to community-based organizations so that they may adequately
provide residents of San Antonio comprehensive reproductive and sexual healthcare
services, resources, and education. The funding would support organizations’ efforts to:
• Distribute reproductive resources such as condoms, pregnancy tests,
menstruation supplies, baby diapers and wipes, emergency contraception,
prenatal vitamins, STI testing, and other related materials.
• Develop community doula models that provide culturally sensitive support
during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
• Develop educational resources that empower community members to learn
about their sexual and reproductive health.
• Provide wrap around services for residents seeking reproductive and
sexual healthcare.
• Train healthcare providers to ensure trauma-informed, quality care for
everyone.
• Host informative popular education sessions that empower community
members to learn about their health rights and how they can achieve optimal
health and well-being in their communities.
Summary
The establishment of the Reproductive Justice Fund will ensure that the City of San
Antonio is meeting its goal of, “protecting the right of its residents to make reproductive
health decisions, including abortion care, for themselves,” by providing tangible support
to residents seeking reproductive and sexual healthcare. With this funding, organizations,
with their on the ground staff and volunteer networks, can continue to support residents
with wrap around services for prenatal, birth, and post-partum care, resources to maintain
their reproductive and sexual health, and educational services on what kind of
reproductive and sexual healthcare services are available to them, including relationship
healthcare education.

We request your support and consideration of this proposal. In a time of state-led attacks
on all people’s right to access reproductive and sexual healthcare, our municipality must
take a bold step forward by establishing a Reproductive Justice Fund in our budget – an
investment that will not only save lives but also lay the foundation for a truly equitable
and thriving society.
 MEMORANDUM

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager

FROM: Marina Alderete Gavito, District 7 City Councilwoman
SUBJECT: Request for FY 2024 Budget Amendments
DATE: September 8, 2023
CC: Ron Nirenberg, Mayor

Please find my budget requests for Council Consideration in the FY2024 Budget below. I am
excited to discuss these requests with you and my council colleagues.

PUBLIC SAFETY

District 2, District 5, District 7 Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic - $500,000

A request to create dedicated spay and neuter clinics to serve historically underfunded
areas of the city. This will include a clinic on Culebra Rd. which is the dividing line
between District 7 and District 5, as well as the investment of a spay and neuter clinic in
District 2. The heat map below highlights the volume of calls ACS received in a 3-month
span in District 7. Spay and neutering will help our City get to the root of the loose and
dangerous dog issues that both the East and West sides of the City are facing.

Expanding the SA CORE Team - $200,000

I am requesting an increase to the SA CORE Team to be able to respond to the volume
of calls that the city receives for mental health services. The expanded budget will allow
for staff to have adequate capacity when calls are at their peak. Moreover, additional
staff would help with more 1 on 1 time with constituents who may be experiencing a
mental health crisis. Please see the attachment below that highlights the number of
calls received between January and August of 2023.

Cellebrite Premium For SAPD Detectives- $100,000

I am requesting that $100,000 be allocated to SAPD for the direct purchase of Cellebrite
Premium, technology that enhances the capabilities of detectives in their investigative
work. Cellebrite Premium grants the capacity to access locked phones, ensuring
multiple phones can be processed through its three licenses. This equipment is crucial
to have during a criminal investigation due to most cellular devices being locked.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Funding for the creation of a Senior Assistance Pilot Program - $100,000
I am requesting funding to create a pilot program focused on assisting senior citizens on
a fixed income with the aim to assist property owners and renters with covering the cost
of Code Compliance issues such as abatement, alley maintenance, trimming of trees,
and any actionable code compliance issue throughout the city.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program (NAMP) & Capital Improvement

Program (CIP) - $2.5 million for each program
I am requesting an increase in the Neighborhood Access & Mobility (NAMP) and Capital
Improvements Program (CIP) budgets by a total of $5 million; $2.5 million for NAMP
and $2.5 million for CIP. This increase would provide each council member in each
district with the most flexibility to address a broad range of non-bond level infrastructure
needs like pedestrian safety, streets & sidewalks, parks, drainage, and more as well as
fund project plans.

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

Increase to the City Council Print Budget - $500,000

Our constituents rely on our offices to communicate with them on policy, infrastructure,
and community events on a frequent basis. In addition to social media and eblast
newsletters, physical newsletters are integral in communicating with those who are
affected by the digital divide or who may not be technologically savvy. I am requesting
an increase in the City Council print budget by $50,000 per district.
-----Original Message-----
From: Manny Pelaez (City Council) <Manny.Pelaez@sanantonio.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 9:26 AM
To: Erik Walsh (CMO) <Erik.Walsh@sanantonio.gov>
Cc: María Villagómez (CMO) <Maria.Villagomez@sanantonio.gov>
Subject: BUDGET REQUESTS FROM D8

Erik & Maria -

Following up on my recent meeting with Erik, here is D8’s wish-list for the budget aside from the usual
(i.e. increase domestic violence resources and increased police headcount). The dollar amounts are what
I consider to be ideal.

1. School hardening pilot program with a D8 title 1 school. ($1M) 2. Silk-Road District Funding ($3M) 3.
Acquire VIA bus wrap contract ($.5M) 4. Art-as-shade bus stops pilot program ($250k) 5. Medical Center
Floyd Curl Green Street: Fawm Meadow to Huebner Rd. ($2.5M) 6. Medical Center Urban Street:
Sidewalks from Fredericksburg Rd. to Babcock. ($5M) 7. Denman Estate Park: Upgrades for trash cans,
gates, and lighting

ASPIRATIONAL:

1. The beginnings of a smart city crowd analytics program for downtown. (Let’s discuss the next time we
meet) 2. Medical Center Park completion funds as per email I shared with you yesterday.
From: "Manny Pelaez (City Council)" <Manny.Pelaez@sanantonio.gov>
Date: September 7, 2023 at 9:22:04 AM CDT
To: "Erik Walsh (CMO)" <Erik.Walsh@sanantonio.gov>, "María
Villagómez (CMO)" <Maria.Villagomez@sanantonio.gov>
Subject: D8 budget requests – amendments
1. $50,000 for Summer of Service, Inc. https://www.sossanantonio.org
(per discussion with Maria)
2. $350k to be moved away from cricket field lighting so as to fund
futsal courts at Bonnie Conner park and bike skills/pump track at Buddy
Clauk Park.
Thank you for your consideration and your patriotism.
Honor the flag!
-MPP
From: Manny Pelaez (City Council) <Manny.Pelaez@sanantonio.gov>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 11:21 AM
To: María Villagómez (CMO) <Maria.Villagomez@sanantonio.gov>
Subject: Budget amendment- SOS

This is the info my staff pulled together. I understand that SOS did submit an application.

Students of Service (SOS)

• Students of Service (SOS) gives young leaders the opportunity to learn more about San
Antonio through volunteer opportunities and more about the world through travel.
• The goal is to learn about different places and cultures through travel and to bring a
global perspective back to San Antonio. The program is intertwined with community
service and a strong sense of community purpose.
• Since 2014, SOS has reached over 2,500 students and 100 educators in over 50 local
schools. By focusing on student leadership and global and cultural competencies, SOS is
promoting empathy, citizenship, diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Since 2014, they have organized 19 trips to 16 different countries, including Sister Cities
of San Antonio.
• SOS was recognized by the White House for its commitment to helping young people
become social entrepreneurs.
https://www.sossanantonio.org/

Sent from my iPhone

 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
INTERDEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE SHEET

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager; Maria Villagomez, Asst. City Manager; Justina Tate, Office of
Management and Budget, Director
FROM: Councilman John Courage, District 9
COPIES TO: Ben Gorzell, Chief Financial Officer
SUBJECT: D9 Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendments
DATE: September 11, 2023

Department of Human Services

ChildSafe: $500,000

ChildSafe is San Antonio’s Children’s Advocacy Center. They are the only nonprofit in Bexar County that
coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement professionals, family advocates, medical
experts, and mental health clinicians for children and adolescents traumatized by sexual abuse, severe
physical abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Our community has seen a significant increase in the number of neglected and abused children. The facility,
located on the near east side, provides a safe, welcoming space for children and families that have
experienced the worst human behavior. This funding will help to retire the debt of the building so that the
organization’s fundraising efforts can be dedicated to the services they provide.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: $275,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been receiving about $113,000 every year since 2013. Their application this year was for
$250-275,000, hoping that with this additional funding they could nearly double the work they do for the city and local
youth. They received just $50,000 this year, a reduction of about 56% from previous years.

Over the past several years, Big Brothers Big Sisters have brought the time on a waitlist, usually for boys, down from 2.5
years to 147 days following a referral to the program. They would love to reduce this wait time down to 60 days. There
are currently 339 youth on the waitlist before the proposed budget cut this year.

The program outcomes are measurable, and the mentorship helps to reduce child abuse and juvenile delinquency. Big
Brothers Big Sisters have nearly 100% of kids in the program graduating from high school, 80% applying for college, and
are currently doing long-term studies on outcomes for students who have gone to college. The program follows mentees
until 26 years old to ensure they do not fall through the cracks and maintain access to available resources. This program
provides great value to our community in both the short and long term.

Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA, CRIT funding: $500,000

The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering comprehensive
rehabilitation services for children with neurological, muscular, and skeletal disabilities. CRIT recognizes that a disability
requires treatment from multiple perspectives, not just traditional medical rehabilitation. Their model of care includes
the following domains: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual. This approach improves outcomes as it addresses
the patient’s and their family’s needs. CRIT’s frequent multidisciplinary team conferences and collaboration amongst all
members set this center apart from other clinics, leading to improved functional outcomes.

In 2012, the TeletonUSA Foundation began raising funds for the construction and operation of CRIT, which
autonomously opened its doors as a not-for-profit U.S. organization in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. As of 2021, CRIT has
served 4,267 persons from all over the United States.

Arts and Culture

Philharmonic: $400,000

This organization of professional musicians has been performing for our City since 1939. The Philharmonic
envisions a San Antonio in which every resident has access to high-quality orchestral performances and
educational opportunities that reflect the beautiful history, diversity, and culture of our community and
beyond. They are seeking ways to involve new audiences in the transformative power of music.

Public Safety

S.W.E.E.T (Secure Weapons Exchange and Education Transfer) Fund: $100,000

Fund transfer from the District 9 Carryforward to the San Antonio Area Foundation for the establishment of a
community fund dedicated to remove unwanted weapons from the San Antonio Community.

250 Decibel Readers for Code Compliance and SAPD: $200,000

An accurate and verified decibel reader is required for successful prosecution of noise violations. Our office has been
informed that not every responding officer is in possession of a decibel reader. This equipment will assist responding
Code Compliance and SAPD officers to adequately address noise complaints to ensure violators of public peace are held
accountable.

Body cams for ACS Dangerous Animal Response Team: Cost Unknown

Code Enforcement Extended/Overnight Hours: $1 million

10 officers assigned for longer or overnight hours for code enforcement and compliance to be available to check on late
night code concerns throughout the city.

• $60K/officer X 10 = $600,000 + training and additional resources = ~$1 million

SA-CORE additional team for expanded hours or swing shift: up to $2.2 million

SA-CORE provides a valuable resource to our city, as evidenced by the 30,000+ mental health calls received by SAPD in a
year. The team has a demonstrated success rate of less than 1% of calls ending in arrest. In addition to the two new
teams being added in January, our office believes that there should be additional coverage so any resident can have
access to this resource, regardless of the time of day they report a mental health emergency.

We recognize the SA-CORE team requires specialized recruitment and training that makes in unlikely for an additional
team to be ready by January but believe this team should be available by mid 2024. Additionally, we believe a midyear
budget conversation is important to understand how we can more effectively support the work of the SA-CORE teams to
help meet the goal of removing the need for an armed officer present for any mental health call that does not require it.
This will avoid tying up police resources, reduce costs, and allow more teams to be present in the community.
Metro Health

Reproductive Justice fund: $500,000

An annual budget line item of $500,000 to create a “Reproductive Justice Fund” managed by Metro Health for the
purpose of directly funding and supporting community-based organizations that provide comprehensive reproductive
and sexual healthcare services, resources, and education to San Antonio residents.

The purpose of this funding is to directly support community-based organizations in providing comprehensive and life-
saving reproductive and sexual healthcare services, resources, and education to San Antonio residents. By providing this
funding through the management of Metro Health, the City of San Antonio can help ensure that residents can receive
full reproductive and sexual healthcare and education in a time when the right for all people to do so is threatened.

Affordable Housing

Opportunity Home: $500,000

Casiano homes is one of the oldest public housing options in San Antonio. The 70-year-old complex desperately needs
efficiency upgrades and general maintenance.

San Antonio Housing Trust: $250,000

Continue allocation dedicated to the Housing Trust Corpus (Trust Fund).

Public Works

100 Flashing Stop Signs in Key Accident Locations: $300,000

2024 estimate includes inflation and cost of installation for about $3,000 per solar powered sign.

Heimer and Cross Canyon Traffic Signal: $500,000

This intersection is adjacent to the Brookhollow Library and receives heavy pedestrian traffic from Coker Elementary.
Other traffic signals or crosswalks are not within a five minute walking distance.

Human Resources

Replace Printing Budget with “Council Community Engagement Discretionary Budget”: $500,000

• $50,000 per office

• Used for direct community engagement, including newsletters, texting, hosting events, etc.

Increase Employee Tuition Reimbursement Program: Based upon highest achieved degree

Increased knowledge and experience from City of San Antonio staff directly benefits city residents but often comes with
extensive costs to individuals. To better reflect the value and expenditures from higher level degrees, we propose the
following changes to the Employee Tuition Reimbursement Program:

• Associates: $50
• Bachelors: $75
• Graduate: $100
 CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Interdepartmental Correspondence

TO: Erik Walsh, City Manager

FROM: Marc K Whyte, District 10 Councilmember

SUBJECT: District 10 FY 24 Budget Amendments

DATE: September 10, 2023

District 10 proposes the following budget amendments to the FY24 Budget

PARKS

MCALLISTER PARK LITTLE LEAGUE IMPROVEMENTS - $300K

Provide a onetime funding allocation of $300,000 to McAllister Park Little League (MPLL)
to cover various capital infrastructure projects to include the installation of LED Retrofit
Lighting and upgrade current dirt and grass fields with artificial turf. The MPLL lower
fields were built in 1977 and the Upper Fields were built in 2008 without these upgrades
rain frequently can cause the fields to flood, rendering them unsuitable for the more than
the1,500 San Antonio-area children who play on their fields. These fields are an economic
driver that attracts City of San Antonio residents from all ten districts and neighboring cities
to participate in games. They frequently host National and American league games and on
average bring in over 100,000 visitors which contributes $1.35 million in HOT revenue.

INFRASTRUCTURE

NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS MOBILITY PROGRAM (NAMP) & CAPITAL

IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) – 500k for each program
Increase the Neighborhood Access & Mobility (NAMP) and Capital Improvements
Program (CIP) budgets by a total of $1 million - $500K for NAMP and $500K for CIP.
This increase would provide each council member in each district with the most flexibility
to address a broad range of non-bond level infrastructure needs like pedestrian safety,
streets & sidewalks, parks, drainage, and more as well as fund project plans. This increase
would provide approximately $50,000 for each district’s NAMP and $50,000 CIP funds,
which means additional community infrastructure needs can be addressed.

DISTRICT 10 STREET MAINTENANCE: ID#12577 URBAN CREST FROM N.

VANDIVER TO HARRY WURZBACH - $420k

DISTRICT 10 STREET MAINTENANCE: ID#10740 DOLENTE Rd FROM FM

2252 TO ELEGANTE WAY - $300k

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COMMUNITY HEALTH

MORGAN’S WONDERLAND INCLUSION FOUNDATION - $1 Million and

COSA HOT Revenue
Support an investment to the Morgan’s Wonderland Inclusion Foundation (MWIF) for
the creation of the first Ultra-Accessible, fully inclusive hotel in the United States in the
amount of $1 million and the retention of the City’s portion of the Hotel Occupancy Tax
(HOT). MWIF is a 501c3 organization, its mission is to improve the quality of life for
individuals of all ages and all abilities through initiatives that produce fully-inclusive,
ultra-accessible™ experiences. The hotel will be the first of its kind in the nation and
aims to go beyond the traditional concept of a hotel, striving to create an environment
where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities or unique needs, can
experience hospitality at its finest. Each room in this hotel would not only be ADA
accessible, but a welcoming environment for the hearing and visually impaired. The
MWIF has a multitude of entities that serve everyone. These entities include Morgan’s
Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Morgan’s Wonderland Camp, and The Multi-
Assistance Center (MAC). The creation of this hotel will add to the long list of services
that the MWIF provide to our community. All profits made by this Ultra-Accessible hotel
would be reinvested back into Morgan’s Inclusion Foundation to provide places were
individuals have a right to enjoy and experience life, regardless of cognitive or physical
ability. The City of San Antonio’s support of a one-time $1 million investment in the
hotel coupled, with the City of San Antonio’s portion of the HOT tax funds remaining
with the hotel will ensure its success of becoming a reality. This catalyst will bring tens
of thousands of visitors to the San Antonio and will create a positive environment for
more economic growth. A unique, thriving hotel in an area that has seen little economic
growth will bring about new investment in this Opportunity Zone census tract.

THE CHILDREN’S REHABILITATION INSTITUE TELETON USA - $1.2 Million

Support investment to The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute Teleton USA (CRIT) in the
amount of $1.2 million. CRIT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering
comprehensive rehabilitation services for children ages 0-18 years old with neurological,
muscular, and skeletal disabilities. CRIT operates with a multidisciplinary and holistic
approach that contributes to the inclusion of children with disabilities in society and
towards improving their quality of life. As of 2021, CRIT has provided aid to over 4,267
individuals and serves 270 families a year from all ten San Antonio districts. More than
70% of their patients live below the poverty line and have a waiting list of more than 230
families. As a non-profit located in San Antonio for the last 10 years, they have not
received support from the City of San Antonio but remain dedicated to the task of
transforming the lives of families regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

Marc K. Whyte. District 10 Councilmember.

Page 2 of 2