Northcliffe

THIS LETTER SENT TO THE NCHOA FROM THE CITY

Oct 25, 2003

Mr. McCune,

In the past year the City of Schertz has spent thousands of dollars to beautify your area and provide additional recreational opportunities and service to your residents. We have renovated the pool, opened it for service and maintained the area around the pool. We have cleaned up the old park equipment and carefully evaluated the area for safety and recreational possibilities. All of these activities were done as part of services every citizen should expect from their City.

The City took great pride in every improvement that was made, however every improvement and every effort has cost the city far more than was budgeted in money and manpower due to vandalism. Initially the City absorbed this cost and in fact, spent even more in police and park labor. Items stolen from the pool were replaced, damaged items were repaired, broken light bulbs were replaced and a security camera was installed. As a result, the initial plans for installing a large playscape and basketball courts were delayed and then downsized. Finally a smaller, but very expensive toddler playscape was installed on Friday, September 12. On Sunday, September 14, the playscape was vandalized. Equipment that cost the taxpayers $5000.00 lasted less than 60 hours.

We need your help! We recognize that random acts of vandalism do occur and our Police service continues to work the problem. We urgently need assistance from your association. We will continue to maintain all facilities, however, please be aware that no further improvements will be made in the park and no new equipment will be purchased until conditions improve.

Please encourage your neighbors to help keep an eye on public areas in your neighborhood. Report all acts of vandalism, supervise your children, and be responsible with your pets. Please help the City keep your neighborhood a safe and beautiful place to live.

Sincerely,

Mark Marquez
City Manager