No Tornado Siren for Alamo Heights, At Least Not Yet
For the second month in a row, Alamo Heights City Council took no action on fire chief Michael Gdovin’s request for a tornado warning siren in Alamo Heights. The council meeting was held on January 11.
More than a dozen citizens commented on the request in a discussion that lasted over an hour. John Joseph, an AH resident, strongly urged the council to adopt chief Gdovin’s plan as a way to save lives in the event of a tornado slamming into the city.
But several residents near city hall, the fire, and police stations said they saw no need for the siren. They suggested it was yesterday’s technology. Most people have smartphones these days, they said, and the phones can be set to receive alerts of all kinds.
Councilmember Lynda Billa Burke suggested that the fire department launch a tornado safety education campaign to help residents understand what to do if a tornado threatens their neighborhood before making a decision on the siren. Her reasoning resonated with other council members. In the end, they took no action on the request for a siren.
More Changes Coming to Alamo Heights Pool
The City of Alamo Heights has dedicated additional funds to bring the Alamo Heights Pool’s restrooms up to ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliance.
The new upgrade follows last year’s nearly total overhaul of the pool’s infrastructure, including new concrete, new filters, a new gutter, and more. That work was long overdue, according to pool manager Rick Shaw. Shaw said the changes were welcomed by folks when the pool opened. New bathrooms will also be embraced by the swimmers and pool visitors this next season.
The pool will open on May 1 and close on Labor Day, as in previous years. For those interested in joining Heights pool, it is open to one and all. You can join online on their website.
Alamo Heights Backyard Chickens are Gone
Two families cited by Alamo Heights Code Compliance for having chickens in their backyards have re-homed their birds.
Pace McCarty who lives on Normandy Avenue, told 78209 Magazine, her birds are now living with a friend in Falls City. She said she and her family are disappointed with the city’s decision. “My four kids loved helping out with the chickens, and I think they learned a lot doing it. We also miss the fresh, wonderful 15-20 eggs the 4-birds laid every week.”
They’d named the chickens after the Golden Girls. Now, Dorothy, Rose, Blanche & Sophia will have to make do living about 44 miles from Alamo Heights.
James Ryals and his wife, Ashley, were equally disappointed by the city’s actions. But they complied with the order and re-homed their birds with a relative living in Kenedy, about 64 miles southeast of Alamo Heights.
At this time, the city does not know if there are more chickens in any of the other backyards in Alamo Heights.
Candidates for Mayor and City Council in AH Must File by February 12
Those interested in running for Alamo Heights City Council or Mayor for two-year terms must file by February 12. Qualifications include at least one year of residency in Alamo Heights. And the candidate must be a registered voter.
Additional qualifications are spelled out on the Alamo Heights city website, along with information on candidate packets. The Mayor and Councilmembers for Places 1 and 2 are elected in May of each odd-numbered calendar year.
Filing Deadline for Elected Office in Olmos Park
Applications for a place on the City of Olmos Park ballot May 1, 2021, General Election, which will be the first Saturday of the month, must be filed by 5:00 pm on February 12, 2021. Applications may be dropped off in person at the city offices on West El Prado, mailed or emailed/faxed.
By: Ron Aaron Eisenberg
