San Antonio City Council Meeting - October 16, 2025
San Antonio City Council Meeting - October 16, 2025
The San Antonio City Council convened at 9:02 AM on October 16, 2025, under Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. The meeting included an invocation, a proclamation for National Archives Month, recognitions, approval of the consent agenda (with one item pulled and individually considered), a city manager's report, and an executive session. No official action was taken in executive session.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda (items 4 through 29) was approved by unanimous vote, with item 5 pulled for individual consideration. Item 30 was withdrawn.
- Highlighted items included:
- Item 27: Renewing and increasing support for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
- Item 28: $300,000 for a feasibility study and needs assessment for a secondary animal care services campus on the east side.
- Item 29: Funding for a pet deposit assistance pilot program (Councilman McKee Rodriguez noted that 77% of surveyed renters would adopt a pet with help, and 48% said pet deposits were a housing barrier).
- Items 19–21: Various board and commission appointments (Ethics Review Board, Board of Adjustment, Brooks Development Authority).
- Item 12: Texas Anti-Gang program grant extension.
- Item 13: Comprehensive Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant, valued at up to $1.75 million, at no cost to the city budget.
- Items 18 and 23: Reappointments and a memorial street designation (Dr. Bill Gonzaba Memorial Way on Pleasanton Road).
- Items 24–26: Appointments and TERS funding for Prosper West's small business program.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Robert Silbus (District 1 resident) addressed the council during the consent agenda public comment period. He stated he had sent a certified package a month ago regarding the city's water infrastructure being compromised and urged council to review it. No other public speakers were present.
Discussion Items
- Item 5 (pulled from consent): Approval of the Hebner Creek Greenway and Medical Center Park (also known as Elisa Star Park) project. Councilmembers Gavito and Mungia expressed strong support, noting it is an $11 million investment in parks and green spaces in districts 7 and 8, adding to the greenway trail system. The item was approved by unanimous vote.
City Manager's Report
- City Manager Eric Walsh presented a video highlighting the Community Tool Shed program (established 2012). The program provides free lawn and garden tools to residents, especially those with code compliance issues related to vegetation. Equipment includes lawnmowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and hand tools. Residents need only a valid ID and must return equipment on Monday. The city manager noted the program is underutilized and will receive more advertising.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda (minus item 5) approved unanimously.
- Item 5 (Hebner Creek Greenway) approved unanimously.
- Executive session held from 9:36 AM to 10:04 AM to discuss economic development negotiations, real property matters, and legal issues (litigation, emergency preparedness, collective bargaining). No official action was taken.
- The meeting adjourned at 10:24 AM.
Meeting Transcript
For las personas que prefieren escuchar esta junta in Spaniel, wey and passar con nuestro equipo de interpretes al fondo de la sala del Concilio de la Ciudad para receber assistencia. Também pueden sintonizar la transmission de las Juntas del Concilio completamente in Spaniol usando el sistema SAP atravesando.gov diagonal TV S.A. Good morning. The time is now 9 02 AM on October 16th, 2025, and a meeting of the San Antonio City Council is now called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Councilmember Cor. Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez. Present. Councilmember Via Gran. Here. Councilmember Mungia. Present. Councilmember Castillo. Here. Councilmember Galvano. Here. Councilmember Adarete Gabito. Here. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez. Present. Councilmember Spears. Here. Councilmember White. Mayor Jones. Here. Mayor, we have quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'd like to recognize uh Chair Via Grand to introduce today's invocator. Thank you, Mayor. So today I welcome Father Dennis Schaefer, OFM, pastor of Mission San Jose. Father Dennis is the Order of Friars Minor, a branch of the Franciscan Order within the Catholic Church. It signifies that the priest is a member of the original Franciscan order and founded by St. Francis of Assisi. Father Dennis is a native of Parma, Ohio, and a devoted Franciscan for more than five decades, celebrating 54 years of Franciscan life and 45 years of priesthood. Father Dennis has designed dedicated his vocation to faith, education, and service. He earned his doctorate in choral music and served for 20 years as a professor at Quincy University, where he also conducted an opera company, a youth orchestra, and a children's chorus. His dip deep commitment to formation led him to spend 12 years guiding young men discerning their call to religious life within the Franciscan community. Before coming to San Antonio, Father Dennis served as pastor in Indianapolis for a decade. In August 2023, he joined the Archdiocese of San Antonio and is honored to serve as pastor of the historic Mission San Jose, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its beauty and spiritual heritage. In his leisure leisure time, Father Janet enjoys playing the clarinet and performs with the heart of Texas concert band, continuing his lifelong love of music. And he enjoys coming to my coffees with the councilwoman and asking very difficult questions sometimes. And town hall. So I appreciate you being there. Father Dennis, the floor is yours. Thank you. Good morning, buenos. Today we pray not only for the work of the city council, but today is Boss's Day. So we celebrate all those who lead us in work. Let us put ourselves recognize the presence of God within us and among us. God of all creation, we gather together today, aware that you are the source of all, and all finds its completion in you.
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