Joe Izbrand
In the News
Olmos Park City Councilman
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Fiscal 2008-2009 City Budget and Tax Rate Adopted (updated September 19)
City Council has adopted a budget and tax rate for fiscal year 200-2009, which begins on October 1.
After numerous budget workshops, the council finalized a fiscally responsible budget that will once
again enable the city to lower the tax rate for Olmos Park property owners. The new rate will be
reduced to $0.480820 per $100 valuation from this year's rate of $0.514787. In the past three
years, the tax rate has been reduced more than 11-cents per $100 valuation due to the strong
property values in the city. As a result of increased valuations, taxes on the average Olmos Park
home valued at approximately $638,000 will increase just $5 per month.
The 2008-2009 budgel, available for your review here, estimates $2,615,351 in revenues and
$2,612,961 in expenses and transfers. Approximately 72% of 2009 expenses will go for personnel
services including employee salaries, insurance, social security, and certification pay. Nearly 72%
of city revenues come from ad valorem taxes, 14% from sales taxes, 5% each from franchise taxes
and court fines, and 4% from permits and miscellaneous income.
City Council has adopted a budget and tax rate for fiscal year 200-2009, which begins on October 1.
After numerous budget workshops, the council finalized a fiscally responsible budget that will once
again enable the city to lower the tax rate for Olmos Park property owners. The new rate will be
reduced to $0.480820 per $100 valuation from this year's rate of $0.514787. In the past three
years, the tax rate has been reduced more than 11-cents per $100 valuation due to the strong
property values in the city. As a result of increased valuations, taxes on the average Olmos Park
home valued at approximately $638,000 will increase just $5 per month.
The 2008-2009 budgel, available for your review here, estimates $2,615,351 in revenues and
$2,612,961 in expenses and transfers. Approximately 72% of 2009 expenses will go for personnel
services including employee salaries, insurance, social security, and certification pay. Nearly 72%
of city revenues come from ad valorem taxes, 14% from sales taxes, 5% each from franchise taxes
and court fines, and 4% from permits and miscellaneous income.
Click here for more news
Design for New City Hall Okayed by City Council (updated Aug. 18)
At its April meeting, City Council approved the recommendation of the City Hall Building Committee
for the design of the new city hall/police department facility. The Building Committee unanimously
recommended a design that will incorporate exterior features found throughout the city including
stucco and barrel tile. Additionally, council made some other design revisions in August. You can
review the approved design here. Once aspects of the proposal are refined, the information will be
made available at city hall for public comment. Also at the April meeting, council approved the
transfer of $1.3 million in funds to pay for construction costs, related fees, and furnishings. The city
will not have to incur any indebtedness to the pay for the hall/police department structure. You can
read more about the work of the Building Committee here.
At its April meeting, City Council approved the recommendation of the City Hall Building Committee
for the design of the new city hall/police department facility. The Building Committee unanimously
recommended a design that will incorporate exterior features found throughout the city including
stucco and barrel tile. Additionally, council made some other design revisions in August. You can
review the approved design here. Once aspects of the proposal are refined, the information will be
made available at city hall for public comment. Also at the April meeting, council approved the
transfer of $1.3 million in funds to pay for construction costs, related fees, and furnishings. The city
will not have to incur any indebtedness to the pay for the hall/police department structure. You can
read more about the work of the Building Committee here.
Business District Revitalization Maintains Brisk Pace (revised May 26)
Business activity in Olmos Park remains brisk as revitalization efforts continue on McCullough
Avenue. Valentino's di Olmos, specializing in original northern Italian and international cuisine, has
opened for business at 4331 McCullough. Valentino's offers excellent dining choices.
Look for a major upgrade to The Frog Wash, the car wash located at 4401 McCullough, now that it
has been purchased by Mark Lewis, developer of the old Walgreen's building and former
Mellenbruch property. A complete renovation is planned with new equipment and more covered
vacuum areas, plus the addition of the Wax Shack, providing full service custom detailing.
Another new restaurant is on its way to Olmos Park. Mary Lou's Café, offering Mexican cuisine, is
slated for development on the lot at the corner of McCullough Avenue and Odell St. Final plans are
being completed with construction soon to follow.
Damien Watel, owner of Bistro Vatel and Ciao Lavanderia, has secured additional space at the
Olmos Plaza shopping center and has just opened a new wine bar, Ciao Vino. The lounge is open
until midnight, serving customers waiting for seating in either restaurant as well as those who
would simply like to drop in for pizza and a glass of wine.
Mr. Watel is also planning to open a 'production' bakery in a portion of the building currently
occupied by The Yarn Barn. In addition to making pastries and other desserts for his restaurants,
the bakery will offer counter service including breakfast items. The bakery is scheduled to open
later this summer, directly across the street from Bistro Vatel on E. Olmos Drive.
The Yarn Barn, originally slated to close its doors April 15th, has gained a new owner and will
temporarily stay at its current location at the roundabout.
Eagle Veterinary Hospital has temporarily moved locations to the former Entrees Café at 4611
McCullough. Dr. Kenneth Kirlin is in the process of building a new state of the art, environmentally
green, animal hospital at his current location.
It is great to see so many businesses coming to or expanding in Olmos Park. A healthy business
district enhances our community, provides many conveniences to our residents, and is integral to
keeping taxes low for everyone. Thanks to our business leaders for the fine dining and shopping
they have brought to our city. Please help support the revitalization of our business district by
supporting its many fine restaurants and retail stores.
Business activity in Olmos Park remains brisk as revitalization efforts continue on McCullough
Avenue. Valentino's di Olmos, specializing in original northern Italian and international cuisine, has
opened for business at 4331 McCullough. Valentino's offers excellent dining choices.
Look for a major upgrade to The Frog Wash, the car wash located at 4401 McCullough, now that it
has been purchased by Mark Lewis, developer of the old Walgreen's building and former
Mellenbruch property. A complete renovation is planned with new equipment and more covered
vacuum areas, plus the addition of the Wax Shack, providing full service custom detailing.
Another new restaurant is on its way to Olmos Park. Mary Lou's Café, offering Mexican cuisine, is
slated for development on the lot at the corner of McCullough Avenue and Odell St. Final plans are
being completed with construction soon to follow.
Damien Watel, owner of Bistro Vatel and Ciao Lavanderia, has secured additional space at the
Olmos Plaza shopping center and has just opened a new wine bar, Ciao Vino. The lounge is open
until midnight, serving customers waiting for seating in either restaurant as well as those who
would simply like to drop in for pizza and a glass of wine.
Mr. Watel is also planning to open a 'production' bakery in a portion of the building currently
occupied by The Yarn Barn. In addition to making pastries and other desserts for his restaurants,
the bakery will offer counter service including breakfast items. The bakery is scheduled to open
later this summer, directly across the street from Bistro Vatel on E. Olmos Drive.
The Yarn Barn, originally slated to close its doors April 15th, has gained a new owner and will
temporarily stay at its current location at the roundabout.
Eagle Veterinary Hospital has temporarily moved locations to the former Entrees Café at 4611
McCullough. Dr. Kenneth Kirlin is in the process of building a new state of the art, environmentally
green, animal hospital at his current location.
It is great to see so many businesses coming to or expanding in Olmos Park. A healthy business
district enhances our community, provides many conveniences to our residents, and is integral to
keeping taxes low for everyone. Thanks to our business leaders for the fine dining and shopping
they have brought to our city. Please help support the revitalization of our business district by
supporting its many fine restaurants and retail stores.
Planning & Zoning Commission Considers New Town Home Ordinance (posted May 26)
The Olmos Park Planning and Zoning Commission is developing a proposed ordinance revising
requirements for the construction of town homes in the city. The draft ordinance is intended to help
ensure continuity in areas of the city that are comprised of both single-family homes and town
homes. The proposed ordinance, which you can read here, limits townhouses to certain blocks of
the city and specifies lot size and setback requirements. The Planning and Zoning Commission
has already held one public hearing on the proposed ordinance and is now incorporating
feedback from that meeting into the draft proposal. The measure will then come before City
Council for consideration later this summer. I would welcome any comments you have on the
proposed ordinance.
The Olmos Park Planning and Zoning Commission is developing a proposed ordinance revising
requirements for the construction of town homes in the city. The draft ordinance is intended to help
ensure continuity in areas of the city that are comprised of both single-family homes and town
homes. The proposed ordinance, which you can read here, limits townhouses to certain blocks of
the city and specifies lot size and setback requirements. The Planning and Zoning Commission
has already held one public hearing on the proposed ordinance and is now incorporating
feedback from that meeting into the draft proposal. The measure will then come before City
Council for consideration later this summer. I would welcome any comments you have on the
proposed ordinance.
Olmos Park Ranked in Top Five "Hot Hoods" in San Antonio Areal (posted July 13)
A recent article in the San Antonio Express News ranks Olmos Park as one of the top five “hot
hoods” in the San Antonio area for real estate price appreciation. According to the article, Olmos
Park ranked fifth among neighborhoods for highest price appreciation from Jan. 1 to June 24,
compared to the same period last year. Olmos Park property values appreciated an average 5.4%.
The improved values are attributed, in large part, to revitalization of the business district which, in
turn, has attracted new restaurants to the city. “You can walk to the restaurants at Olmos Circle for
a European feel,” Jennifer Shemwell, president and broker, Phyllis Browning Co., told the Express
News. “It’s like a small-town feeling in there.” Another reason cited for the price appreciation is
Olmos Park’s easy access to highways and downtown. Neighboring Alamo Heights ranked ninth
on the list, with real estate price appreciation of 4.1%. Terrell Hills' prices declined 14%.
A recent article in the San Antonio Express News ranks Olmos Park as one of the top five “hot
hoods” in the San Antonio area for real estate price appreciation. According to the article, Olmos
Park ranked fifth among neighborhoods for highest price appreciation from Jan. 1 to June 24,
compared to the same period last year. Olmos Park property values appreciated an average 5.4%.
The improved values are attributed, in large part, to revitalization of the business district which, in
turn, has attracted new restaurants to the city. “You can walk to the restaurants at Olmos Circle for
a European feel,” Jennifer Shemwell, president and broker, Phyllis Browning Co., told the Express
News. “It’s like a small-town feeling in there.” Another reason cited for the price appreciation is
Olmos Park’s easy access to highways and downtown. Neighboring Alamo Heights ranked ninth
on the list, with real estate price appreciation of 4.1%. Terrell Hills' prices declined 14%.
Installation of Roundabout Water Fountain Completed (updated October 26)
Olmos Park residents gathered at the McCullough Ave. roundabout in mid-October to dedicate the
city's new ornamental water fountain. The fountain, comprised of 47,000 pounds of hand carved
travertine stone, stands 12 feet tall and 18 feet wide, and is surrounded by lighted bollards that
serve to protect it from traffic. The fountain was purchased through private donations from Olmos
Park residents and given as a gift to the city. In return, the city paid approximately $50,000 for
installation. The fountain represents another step forward in beautification efforts taking place
throughout the city and, in particular, the business district. As part of its commitment to Olmos
Park, Valentino's di Olmos restaurant donated 5% of all wine and alcohol sales through October
31 to the city's beautification efforts. Special thanks to all the donors, the members of the
committee that oversaw the project, and to the business community for their continued
commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our city.
Olmos Park residents gathered at the McCullough Ave. roundabout in mid-October to dedicate the
city's new ornamental water fountain. The fountain, comprised of 47,000 pounds of hand carved
travertine stone, stands 12 feet tall and 18 feet wide, and is surrounded by lighted bollards that
serve to protect it from traffic. The fountain was purchased through private donations from Olmos
Park residents and given as a gift to the city. In return, the city paid approximately $50,000 for
installation. The fountain represents another step forward in beautification efforts taking place
throughout the city and, in particular, the business district. As part of its commitment to Olmos
Park, Valentino's di Olmos restaurant donated 5% of all wine and alcohol sales through October
31 to the city's beautification efforts. Special thanks to all the donors, the members of the
committee that oversaw the project, and to the business community for their continued
commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our city.
Giving Thanks This Holiday Season (posted November 14)
Once again this holiday season I am pleased to serve as an "online bell ringer"
for The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been an American
tradition since 1891, and now donating is as simple as a 'click.' I hope you will
consider joining me in raising funds to provide assistance for needy families,
children and shut-ins here in the San Antonio area. Through the Olmos Park Red
Kettle, our goal is to raise $2,343, representing one dollar for every resident of
Once again this holiday season I am pleased to serve as an "online bell ringer"
for The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been an American
tradition since 1891, and now donating is as simple as a 'click.' I hope you will
consider joining me in raising funds to provide assistance for needy families,
children and shut-ins here in the San Antonio area. Through the Olmos Park Red
Kettle, our goal is to raise $2,343, representing one dollar for every resident of
Tax Freeze Special Election Scheduled for May 2009 (posted October 26)
City Council has scheduled a special election for May 9, 2009 on a proposal that, if adopted, would
freeze the property taxes of homeowners aged 65 and older as well as for disabled homeowners.
The election was ordered in response to a petition presented to city council, and signed by more
than 5% of registered voters in the city, calling for the referendum. You can read the ordinance
establishing the special election here. If adopted, proponents say the freeze will give much needed
tax relief to residents who may be on limited incomes. Opponents are concerned that, because the
city is ‘land locked’ and has few other sources of income, the tax burden would unfairly be shifted
to other taxpayers or the city would have to consider reducing city services.
City Council has scheduled a special election for May 9, 2009 on a proposal that, if adopted, would
freeze the property taxes of homeowners aged 65 and older as well as for disabled homeowners.
The election was ordered in response to a petition presented to city council, and signed by more
than 5% of registered voters in the city, calling for the referendum. You can read the ordinance
establishing the special election here. If adopted, proponents say the freeze will give much needed
tax relief to residents who may be on limited incomes. Opponents are concerned that, because the
city is ‘land locked’ and has few other sources of income, the tax burden would unfairly be shifted
to other taxpayers or the city would have to consider reducing city services.
Council Updates Ordinances on Short Term Rentals, Construction Noise (updated November 20)
At its October meeting, City Council adopted revisions to two ordinances. The first prohibits short
term rentals of residential property and defines ‘short term’ as a period of less than 30 consecutive
days. The measure was taken in response to residents’ concerns about a home in the single
family residence district that has been previously rented on a daily basis. You can read the revised
ordinance here. Council then updated the city code at its November meeting to include a
prohibition on short term rentals of single family homes in the apartment district south of Olmos
Drive. You can view that revision here.
Additionally, at the October meeting council members adopted a revision to the city’s noise
ordinance permitting construction or renovation work to take place on Saturdays, between the
hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, as long as the work does not create noise that can be heard at any
residence with the city. Previously, all construction work was limited to weekdays between 7:00 am
and 6:00 pm. The ordinance, available here, is intended to give property owners more flexibility in
construction or renovation work while still safeguarding residential neighborhoods from noise.
At its October meeting, City Council adopted revisions to two ordinances. The first prohibits short
term rentals of residential property and defines ‘short term’ as a period of less than 30 consecutive
days. The measure was taken in response to residents’ concerns about a home in the single
family residence district that has been previously rented on a daily basis. You can read the revised
ordinance here. Council then updated the city code at its November meeting to include a
prohibition on short term rentals of single family homes in the apartment district south of Olmos
Drive. You can view that revision here.
Additionally, at the October meeting council members adopted a revision to the city’s noise
ordinance permitting construction or renovation work to take place on Saturdays, between the
hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, as long as the work does not create noise that can be heard at any
residence with the city. Previously, all construction work was limited to weekdays between 7:00 am
and 6:00 pm. The ordinance, available here, is intended to give property owners more flexibility in
construction or renovation work while still safeguarding residential neighborhoods from noise.
Voters Approve Olmos Park Economic Development Referendum (posted November 4)
Olmos Park residents have approved a one-quarter cent increase in the city sales tax to fund
economic development initiatives. The final vote was 734 (57%) in support of the referendum and
553 (43%) opposed. With the voter approval, City Council will begin the process of selecting
individuals to serve on the seven member board of directors of the Economic Development
Corporation, which will be established to oversee projects funded by the sales tax. You can read
an initial draft of the articles of incorporation for the EDC here.
The tax, which goes into effect in April 2009, equates to only an extra 25-cents for every $100 spent,
and is expected to generate approximately $85,000-$90,000 annually for improvement projects.
Because the sales tax will be applied to purchases by anyone coming to Olmos Park to shop or
dine, residents will not be significantly affected by it. Thank you to everyone who supported this
referendum, giving the city a very important resource for continuing community improvements.
Olmos Park residents have approved a one-quarter cent increase in the city sales tax to fund
economic development initiatives. The final vote was 734 (57%) in support of the referendum and
553 (43%) opposed. With the voter approval, City Council will begin the process of selecting
individuals to serve on the seven member board of directors of the Economic Development
Corporation, which will be established to oversee projects funded by the sales tax. You can read
an initial draft of the articles of incorporation for the EDC here.
The tax, which goes into effect in April 2009, equates to only an extra 25-cents for every $100 spent,
and is expected to generate approximately $85,000-$90,000 annually for improvement projects.
Because the sales tax will be applied to purchases by anyone coming to Olmos Park to shop or
dine, residents will not be significantly affected by it. Thank you to everyone who supported this
referendum, giving the city a very important resource for continuing community improvements.
Olmos Park. As we give thanks this month for our good fortune, take a moment to remember those
in need, and how just one dollar can make a real difference. Please consider making a donation to
The Salvation Army by clicking here.
in need, and how just one dollar can make a real difference. Please consider making a donation to
The Salvation Army by clicking here.