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1. What are the City's development plans?

The City hired Freese and Nichols, a city planner, to assist with future development and land use. 

2. Can residents comment on development?

The City will not make decisions about development and land use without giving the residents of Garden Ridge the opportunity to participate in the future development process. The City will hold several opportunities for discussion and review of proposals at public meetings. 

3. Are there plans for low income housing along F.M. 2252?

There has been no proposal presented to and no proposal is being considered by the City of Garden Ridge regarding the building of low income apartments on F.M. 2252.

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1. What is Home Rule?

Home Rule is the privilege citizens have at the grass roots level to manage their own governmental affairs with minimal interference from the State. Home Rule assumes that government issues should be solved at the level closest to the people.

The City of Garden Ridge is currently a General Law City governed by the laws of the State of Texas. Since the City has grown to over 5,000 inhabitants, the Texas Constitution allows the City to establish its own rules for municipal government by adopting a Home Rule Charter. The City would still be subject to statutory and Constitutional constraints, but the powers available to the City through the Charter would be greatly expanded up to the limits set in the Charter, not by State law.

2. What is the Difference between Home Rule Cities and General Law Cities?

Home Rule cities operate in an inverse manner from General Law cities in that their power is derived expressly from their Charter, instead of State law. If a General Law City is not granted the express or implied power by the State to initiate a particular action, none may be taken.

There are numerous distinctions between a Home Rule City and a General Law City. The following are a few distinctions that tend to receive the most attention amongst cities considering transition to Home Rule:

1. Home Rule is self-governance in its ultimate form. The Charter is written by the citizens, adopted by the citizens, and defines the local government. The community prepares its Charter based on community norms, values, and priorities. Unlike the general laws of the State, which may address a multitude of conditions faced in many Texas communities, Home Rule cities define for themselves how they want to be governed.

2. Home Rule communities have a variety of tools available to manage the affairs of city government. The Charter provides a local response to the form of government desired by citizens; defines the structure of city government; establishes controls over city finances; and limitations on the powers of city government.

3. Initiative, Referendum, and Recall are three separate facets of direct democracy reserved for exclusive use by local voters that provide direct remedies in unusual situations. These powers are unique to Home Rule cities and not available to voters at any other level of government.

• An initiative petition asks the City Council to act on a specific issue when it has not done so previously. If valid, the Council must adopt the petition or submit it to a vote of the people.
• A referendum petition asks the City Council to reverse an action already taken or proposed. The Council can rescind the ordinance that is the subject of the referendum petition or submit it to a vote of the people.
• A recall petition asks the City Council to call an election for a vote to remove one or more Councilmembers and/or the Mayor from office. The elected official may resign or stand for the recall election.

4. As communities grow, they must deal with increasingly complex issues and require flexibility in addressing those issues. The Home Rule Charter provides the flexibility to address the complexity of local government. The vast majority of Texas cities that have reached the required threshold have elected to pursue their own Home Rule Charter rather than to remain a General Law City.

5. Once a Charter is adopted, the citizens retain control over the Charter through the amendment process. This ensures the citizens are always in a position to determine the form, power, and authority of their city government.

3. What is a City Charter?

Home Rule cities are required to write and adopt a Charter. The Charter, for all practical purposes, is a municipal Constitution that is written and adopted by the citizens of the Home Rule city via an election. The Charter defines, grants, and limits the powers, duties, and responsibilities of local government based on local preferences and desires. The citizens determine the necessary controls over their city government such as elections, referendums, initiatives, and recall. Essentially, the City Charter describes and defines local government based on local preferences and controls as opposed to general laws which have been written by the Texas legislature.

4. What is the Charter Commission?

The Charter Commission was created by City Council in October 2022 to draft a proposed Home Rule Charter for the City of Garden Ridge. The members received guidance from Attorney Charlie Zech, Mayor Robb Erickson, City Administrator Nancy Cain, and City Secretary Marisa Spencer. The Charter Commission is composed of the following members:

• Nadine Knaus - Chair
• Shawn Willis - Vice-Chair
• Armando Diaz
• Autumn Flanagan
• Johnell Holly
• Wayne Mudge
• Jim Sturch
• Elizabeth Templeman
• Dianna Tillery

5. How would changing to Home Rule affect me?

Changing to Home Rule will not impact your daily life, but does impact citizen control, interest, involvement, and pride in municipal government. Home Rule creates a government framework that will ensure the City grows strategically and to the standards of the community. Home Rule helps set the foundation for more government efficiency, more revenue-generating options, and more control over land use, which provide long-term benefits to the community.

6. Are there disadvantages to changing to Home Rule?

The only potential disadvantage to becoming Home Rule is if the Charter is not written well. Residents can ensure the Charter is written well by serving on the Charter Commission and/or providing feedback to the Charter Commissioners.

7. What are the Major Provisions of the City Charter for Garden Ridge?

The Charter Commission desired to create a Charter which maximizes local control over City governance, minimizes changes to existing structure, and creates new opportunities for local control.

• View the Letter from the Mayor here.
• View the proposed City of Garden Ridge City Charter here.
• View the Charter Commission's Presentation here.

Major Provisions-General

Form of Governance: City Council-Manager

Powers of the City: All powers and rights of “self-government and home rule that exist now or may be granted to municipalities by the Constitution and State of Texas”

Major Provisions-City Council

City Council Composition – same as current

• Mayor and five City Council Members
• Mayor elected at large
• City Council Members elected at large but by Place 

Terms – same as current

• 2 years

Vacancies – same as current

• 1 vacancy – appointment by Council or special election
• 2 or more vacancies – special election

Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore – same as current

• Mayor may participate in discussion
• Mayor only votes in event of a tie

Meetings and Quorum  - same as current

Passage of Ordinances

• Some minor administrative procedural differences relative to processing
• If Mayor disagrees with an Ordinance, Mayor may file a statement of written objections requesting Council reconsider the vote on the ordinance - new

Investigations

• City Council may “initiate an investigation into the affairs of the city and the conduct of any city department, office, or agency” - new
• City Council may only “deal with City Officers and employees solely through the City Manager” – consistent with existing City Ethics Ordinance

Major Provisions-Departmental Services

Establishes office of City Manager

• Responsibilities similar to and consistent with those currently authorized by City Council for the City Administrator
• Responsible for “administration of the affairs of the City”
• Council appoints and may be removed by a vote of the majority of the full City Council

Establishes Municipal Court

Establishes City Attorney

Other offices as determined upon a recommendation of City Manager and approval of the City Council – same as current process

Major Provisions-Nominations and Elections

Provisions consistent with current practices and procedures

• Must be in accordance with State Law – same as current
• Elections decided by who gets the most votes – same as current
• Elected official takes office after canvass and upon taking the oath of office – same as current process

Major Provisions-Recall, Initiative, and Referendum

Recall, Initiative, and Referendum are new authority granted to citizens. These provisions are not available to General Law Cities. See "What is Recall, Initiative, and Referendum?" for detailed information.

General and Legal Provisions and Transitional Provisions

Standard legal provisions on severability and wording interpretations

Disaster Clause – new

• Provides details for the handling of a disaster situation in which “a legal quorum of the City Council cannot otherwise be assembled due to multiple deaths or injuries”

Transitional Provisions

• Charter effective upon adoption by the voters
• All elected officers continue to fill those offices
• All ordinances remain in effect

8. What is Recall, Initiative, and Referendum?

Recall, Initiative, and Referendum are new authority granted to citizens. These provisions are not available to General Law Cities.

Major Provisions-Recall

• “Any elected City official shall be subject to recall and removal from office by the registered voters of the City on the grounds of incompetency, misconduct or malfeasance in office.”
• Requires a petition signed by 25% of “those registered to vote at the City’s last general election”
• Provides specific details relative to the form of the petition, review of signatures and legal sufficiency of the petition by the City Secretary, and presentation to Council
• If City official does not resign, City Council must order an election and set date for recall election
• City official has the right to request a public hearing to state their response to the petition prior to the election
• Provides specific details relative to the recall ballot
• Requires majority of voters to recall or not recall
• No recall may be ordered 6 months after an elected official takes office or 6 months before the elected official’s term expires

Major Provisions-Initiative

• Registered voters may “initiate legislation by submitting a petition addressed to the City Council that requests the submission of a proposed ordinance to a vote of the registered voters of the City”
• Requires a petition signed by 20% of the “voters registered to vote in the previous City’s general election”
• Details as to the form of the petition and the proposed legislation
• Once City Secretary has verified signatures and deemed the petition is legally sufficient, Council must put proposed legislation on the agenda at next regularly scheduled City Council meeting
• If City Council does not approve legislation/ordinance, the City must call a special election for next uniform election date
• Details as to the form of the ballots, consistency between ordinances on the ballot and when such ordinances can be reconsidered

Major Provisions-Referendum

• Registered voters may “require that any ordinance passed by the City Council and subject to the initiative process under this Charter be submitted to the voters of the City for approval or disapproval, by submitting a petition for this purpose with sixty (60) days after final passage of said ordinance.”
• Requires a petition signed by 20% of the “voters registered to vote in the previous City’s general election”
• Details as to the form of the petition 
• Once City Secretary has verified signatures and deemed the petition is legally sufficient, Council must put ordinance on the agenda at next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for reconsideration
• If City Council does not repeal the ordinance, the City must call a special election for the next uniform election date
• Details as to the form of the ballots, consistency between ordinances on the ballot and when such ordinances can be reconsidered
• Ordinance provisions to be suspended pending the vote

9. When is Early Voting?

Early Voting will be conducted at Garden Ridge City Hall on the following dates/times:

• Monday, April 24th through Friday, April 28th: 8am to 6pm
• Saturday, April 29th: 10am to 4pm
• Monday, May 1st and Tuesday, May 2nd: 7am to 7pm

Visit the Elections Page for additional information.

10. When is Election Day?

Election Day is Saturday, May 6th from 7am to 7pm. View Election Day Polling Locations Here.

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1. I’m expecting a refund check from the City and it hasn’t arrived yet, who should I contact?

Contact our Finance Office at 210-651-6632 ext. 224

2. How can I find out about job opportunities?

Job opportunities are posted on the City website under employment opportunities.

3. What jobs can I apply for?

Applications are accepted only for positions that are currently open. Most positions have specified minimum qualifications. The minimum age requirement for regular full-time and part-time employment is 18.

4. Do I have to fill out the application if I have a professional resume?

Yes, all applicants must fill out a city application. Resumes submitted without a City application will be considered incomplete and not be accepted.

5. Can I apply for more than one job?

Yes, you may apply for as many open jobs as you wish, but a separate application or resume must be submitted for each position. Also, the job for which you are applying must be indicated on each application.

6. How do I submit my application?

Applications are accepted in person, via mail or fax for positions that are currently open, but be sure to indicate the position for which you are applying. Our fax number is 210-651-9638.

7. Should I attach anything to my application?

If you have a resume, you may submit it with your application, but any other materials should be kept for an interview, unless otherwise noted in the job announcement.

8. How can I find out if my application has been selected?

Those selected for interviews will be contacted by the hiring supervisor. People that interviewed will be notified by e-mail when the position is filled.

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1. How can I support the Garden Ridge Library?

It will not cost you anything to use the Amazon link below.  This will take you directly to the Amazon website where you can shop.  Amazon will pay the library a small percentage of anything you buy, but it costs you absolutely nothing extra!  Remember us when you are Christmas shopping!

Amazon link

You can also support the Garden Ridge Library by signing up to volunteer.    Volunteer Garden Ridge! link

2. How can I get a library card?

Anyone who resides within the zip codes 78266 and 78132 is entitled to a library card at no charge.  We also give cards to parents whose children attend Garden Ridge Elementary, as there is a pocket of people from another zip code who attend there.  

To obtain a library card please come to the library with proof of residence.

Those who live outside of those two zip codes may obtain a non-resident card for $25 per year.

3. How do I access my account online?

From our Catalog/My Account menu tab on the library’s main webpage, look for the box on the upper-right corner that reads: “Log in to library account.”

Enter all the numbers from the barcode on the back of your library card (without spaces), and then enter your password which is your telephone number (also without spaces or dashes).

Once you've opened up your account, you can:

• Renew your items
• Place a reserve hold on a book, a DVD, or an audiobook
• Determine due dates for items you checked out
• Find out if you owe fines
• Find out if the items you have on reserve have arrived
• Ask us to obtain an item that we don't have, either by purchasing it for the library collection or by using Interlibrary Loan to borrow it from another library
• Sign up to be automatically put on hold for new releases from your favorite authors
• Defer your reserves for a period of time when you are out of town
• See a list of all the books you have read under “History”
• Place the title of a book that you wish to read in the future under “Bookmarks”

4. When is the library open?

Monday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday:	10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday:	10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday:	10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday:	Closed

5. Does the library offer computers with Internet access and printing capability?

The library currently has 4 computers with Internet access and equipped with Microsoft Office.

Printing from our computers is 15¢ per page in black and white.

6. Does the library offer Wireless internet access? Is printing available?

Yes.  If you have a wireless enabled device, wireless internet access is available at the Library.  Currently we do not offer wireless printing.

7. Where can I find out what's going on at the library?

See the Events page

8. What is the loan period for materials?

Books, audiobooks, & DVDs – 3  weeks

Materials can be renewed by phone during normal business hours or online anytime*

*As long as items are not on reserve for another patron. Materials on reservation by other patrons are not eligible for renewal.

9. What are your basic circulation policies including fees for lost or damaged items?

Late Charges:

Late charges are 25¢ a day for each item, with a $5 maximum for each item.

Lost or Damaged Items:

The cost of the item plus a $5 processing fee will be charged for items lost or returned damaged beyond repair

You also have the option of replacing the lost item with a brand new copy as long as the ISBN number matches, it is the same edition and you provide a receipt. There will also be a $5.00 processing fee if you choose this option.

Borrowing Privileges:

If there is $5 or more in fines on a card, the cardholder will not be allowed to check out more items. Overdue reminders are sent automatically by email 3 days before an item is due and when materials are one week or more late.

Returning Materials:

You can return your library materials by dropping them in the outdoor bookdrop 24 hours a day.  They may be returned at the circulation desk inside the library.

10. Does the library offer free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks?

Yes! Our library subscribes to Libby and Libby Advantage, as well as SimplyE which provide access to free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. You can check out our digital resources through our catalog page.

11. Can I borrow items from other libraries?

Books and other materials not available at this library may be borrowed from other libraries across the country through the Interlibrary Loan System (ILL).

Our Inter-library loan program can search a multi-state area for a title that you are interested in. There is a $5.00 fee for this services and a form that needs to be filled out. Items that cannot be requested are digital materials and materials less than 6 months old.

If you have a current library card, simply log in to your library account and scroll down till you see the heading “Is the library missing something?” Please choose “Yes” when asked if it's ok to borrow from another library, as a small postage fee applies. Enter as much information as you can about the item (author, title, format, fiction or nonfiction, part of a series, etc.). You can request three ILLs simultaneously.

If you would like assistance with an ILL request, please stop by or call 210-651-6570.

12. What is a TexShare card?

If you are a patron in good standing, you may obtain a TexShare card which enables you to go to other libraries in the surrounding area, such as the San Antonio Library.  When you present the card, they will issue you a card and you will be able to check out 5 books at a time.

13. Do you have a copy and fax machine?

We do not have a copy machine.  You may make a limited number of copies (10 for 15¢ each) on our printer.  It is not made for large numbers of copies.

At this time we do not have fax capabilities.  We can, however, scan documents and email them for you.  There is no charge for this service. 

14. How do I volunteer at the library?

The library has lots of opportunities for you to make a difference volunteering! We need people we can count on.  We cannot at this time accept court-appointed community hours.  We have limited volunteer opportunities for National Honor Society student.  Come in and talk with the library director. 

15. Do you take donations?

Yes! We are happy to receive materials that are in clean, like-new condition. The items are checked for their usefulness to the library. Any items not usable by the library are passed to the bookstore. We cannot guarantee that donations will be used in the library. Items donated become the property of the Garden Ridge Public Library and are subject to discard and disposal as the Library sees fit. Receipts will be provided to the donor upon request. Due to Internal Revenue Service regulations, the Library is prohibited from providing an estimate of the monetary value of the donation.

Please DO NOT donate items that are dirty, stained, moldy, water-damaged or infested with insects. Double-check your boxes and bags for personal items before donating. We’re sorry but we cannot accept textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest condensed books, magazine, VHS tapes or books on cassette tapes.

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1. What is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States. The disease has killed more than 1 million trees in 76 Central Texas counties. Oak wilt is an infectious vascular disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. The fungus invades and disables the water conducting system in susceptible trees. All oaks can be infected with oak wilt, but some species of oak are more susceptible than others. Red oaks, particularly Spanish oak (Quercus buckleyi), are very susceptible to the fungus. White oaks, like post oak (Q. stellata) and bur oak (Q. macrocarpa), are resistant to the fungus and rarely die from the disease. Live oaks (Q. virginiana and Q. fusiformis) are intermediate in susceptibility to oak wilt. However, they are seriously impacted by the disease because of their tendency to form root sprouts that result in a vast interconnected root system allowing the disease to easily spread to adjacent trees.

2. Can My Trees Get Oak Wilt?

ALL OAKS CAN BE INFECTED BY THE FUNGUS THAT CAUSES OAK WILT! 

Oak trees in central Texas are placed into one of two groups – red oaks or white oaks. Red oaks are the most susceptible to oak wilt, will typically die within two to four weeks of symptom appearance, and can play a unique role in spreading the disease. Common red oaks in central Texas include: Spanish oak (Quercus buckleyi), Shumard oak (Q. shumardii), and blackjack oak (Q. marilandica).

 

Oaks in the white oak group are the most resistant of the disease, with variations among the group depending on species. Post oak (Q. stellata), bur oak (Q. marilandica), and Mexican white oak (Q. polymorpha) are very resistant of the disease. These species may exhibit some canopy loss, but rarely die when infected. White shin oak (Q. sinuata var. breviloba), chinquapin oak (Q. muehlenbergii), and Lacey oak (Q. laceyi) can grow in stands with interconnected root systems, enabling the fungus to infect adjacent trees. These species are more resistant of the disease than red or live oaks and usually survive infection with moderate to severe canopy loss, but they can die in large numbers from the disease.

 

Live oak (Q. fusiformis) is a member of the white oak group and is the most common and abundant oak in central Texas. While live oaks succumb to oak wilt in the greatest numbers, they are intermediate in susceptibility to the disease with a small percentage (< 20%) surviving infection. Live oaks share a common root system. All live oaks in a stand are likely connected to each other and other live oaks as far as 200 feet away. If oak wilt infects one of the trees in the stand, the disease spreads through the common root system to adjacent trees and an oak wilt infection center begins.

3. Can Oak Wilt Spread?

Oak wilt spreads to other oak trees in two ways – long distances with the aid of certain beetles or locally through common or grafted roots. Sap-feeding (nitidulid) beetles are believed to be responsible for much of the long distance spread of oak wilt. During the spring, the oak wilt fungus forms special spore-producing structures called fungal mats on red oaks.  Nitidulid beetles are small (about 1/8-inch long) and are attracted to oak wilt fungal mats because the mats have a sweet, “fruity” smell. Mats form underneath the bark of diseased red oaks and are not known to occur on live oak trees. The fungal mats apply pressure under the bark causing a tiny crack to form.

 

These mats can be found on the trunk and major branches of red oaks. When a nitidulid beetle feeds on an oak wilt fungal mat, spores of the oak wilt fungus will cling to the body of the beetle. Nitidulid beetles also feed on tree sap associated with fresh wounds. If a beetle contaminated with oak wilt spores lands on a fresh wound on a healthy oak, then that tree can become infected. Tree wounds can be made by man or nature, but nitidulid beetles are attracted to both.

 

Once established, the fungus moves from one tree to the next through common or grafted roots.

4. How Can I Prevent My Trees From Getting Oak Wilt?

Prevention plays an important role in the management of oak wilt. Landowners and homeowners can take an active role in oak wilt prevention by taking the following steps:

1. Avoid pruning or wounding oaks between February 1 and July 1. This is the time of year when oak wilt fungal mats are most likely to form and nitidulid beetles are active. If a nitidulid beetle carries oak wilt spores from a fungal mat to a fresh wound on an uninfected oak tree, the fungus could become established in the disease-free tree. The least hazardous periods for pruning are during the coldest days of midwinter or extended periods of hot weather in mid- to late summer.
2. Sterilize/Sanitize all pruning equipment between trees using denatured methyl alcohol (shellac thinner), isopropyl alcohol, or a general purpose household disinfectant such as Lysol, Listerine, Pine-Sol or related products. Using household bleach is NOT recommended as it can be corrosive to pruning tools as well as people.
3. Immediately paint all wounds on oaks to prevent contact with contaminated beetles. Wounds should be painted, regardless of the time of year they were made, with commercial tree wound dressing or latex paint (color doesn’t matter!). Wounds can be either man made or natural and include freshly-cut stumps and damaged surface roots.
4. Do not transport or buy unseasoned firewood. Fungal mats may form on unseasoned red oak firewood infected with oak wilt making it possible to spread oak wilt to uninfected areas. Seasoned firewood (dried for at least one year) should not present a threat of spreading oak wilt. Also, burning infected wood cannot transmit oak wilt.
5. Promptly remove and either burn or bury all red oaks that are dying or have been recently killed by oak wilt. Generally, this would be oak wilt-infected red oaks that die in the late summer or fall. This will prevent nitidulid beetles from spreading spores from fungal mats that may form on the trees in the fall or the following spring.

5. Does The City Have Cases of Oak Wilt Within City Limits?

Yes, the City has experienced cases of oak wilt within City limits.

6. Can Residents Receive Financial Assistance For Oak Wilt Abatement?

The City created a program to partially reimburse homeowners with oak wilt abatement expenses.

7. How Can I Help With Oak Wilt Abatement?

The City is encouraging residents to donate to the Oak Wilt Fund at First United Bank to help residents offset some of the oak wilt abatement costs.  If oak wilt spreads throughout the City, it will affect our beautiful trees and property values. 

8. Where Can I Learn More About Oak Wilt?

There are education materials on the City website and at City Hall to help with identifying oak wilt and some precautions you can take to avoid oak wilt damage.

More about the Oak Wilt in Texas and the Texas Oak Wilt Suppression Project:

• Read more about the oakwilt suppression project of 2013 (PDF, 9MB).
• Download an information sheet about identification and management of oak wilt (PDF, 654 KB)
• Visit the Oak Wilt Partnership website at http://texasoakwilt.org/

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1. Are there plans for the installation of a wastewater system along F.M. 2252?

A wastewater system installation began in March 2021 along F.M. 2252 and is expected to be completed by June 2021.

2. How is the City paying for the installation of wastewater lines?

The City is funding the upfront cost of the Sewer Line Project with the reserves from the General Fund. Each developer or new business owner along F.M. 2252 will pay for their connection and pump to the sewer line.  The Impact Fee Committee has recommended that the Impact Fee be set at $5,689.00 per service unit for Wastewater.

3. When will construction of wastewater lines take place?

The City of Garden Ridge is working with TxDOT to install waste water lines during the expansion of F.M. 2252 to minimize the effects of construction on residents and other commuters. 

4. Is it mandatory for business owners along F.M. 2252 to connect to the wastewater system?

Businesses along F.M. 2252 being served by a septic system will not be required to hook up to the wastewater lines, but will have the option to.  However, if a septic systems fails, business owners will be required to connect to the service.

5. Why add wastewater lines?

The installation of wastewater lines along F.M. 2252 will encourage development along the road, which will bring additional revenue to the City by way of sales tax.  This additional revenue will reduce the property tax burden on the residents of Garden Ridge.