[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6577611,"mediaKeyId","3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e","parentId",3113370,"title","Committee advances updated metal-recycling code with new compliance, inspections and separation rules","audioSeconds",2412,"startMs",8440000,"endMs",10852000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e&start=8440&end=10852","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e/thumbnail_8440000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6577611/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Committee-advances-updated-metal-recycling-code-with-new-compliance-inspections-and-separation-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577611-fd479b1dad4a6e9ad6da344e6bf4563d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442811&Signature=OjwKVKLFPsY2gjbf1Rmkdcq6MNlCBzS859eOpgRUMq93hrjsC0tlP8C5kPdQ43~HY~h1tuN1g5iA9PCe9EC~KmMu26p-c4dENY0LKyPpnjQH5ur4ShoOIX6nkayDQryOELQ~hwFna46WK2p1oBnooWH1tXfTur6-PB5x7aXRiEcjEhCDt7L7phcOyKrZaYGH7NmusDPr4ubZV6WwYkBP0t8c2DIiSvho-Y7m8pCI4voJiMdek9vPg0Z1Uk6l2-m02aFtvGhOu0U5N0FJzBcR4-RTbvzDlj5clrYM~bzJezutLHORFP7zIF6aNs958E7ub4qDr~HxaTevaUS3KoVeyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Antonio","date","2025-04-24T00:00:00Z","article","Staff summarized proposed amendments to update city code provisions governing metal-recycling and similar operations, including additions to the fire-code chapter and clarifications to Chapter 11 and Chapter 16 enforcement processes. Mike Shannon presented the package and said the workforce group convened industry and community members for 10 meetings beginning in September 2024.

Key changes described by staff include shortening cure periods for violations (for some items to two business days), adding civil fines alongside criminal enforcement, creating a 30-day temporary license to allow administrative fixes, requiring manifest review for hazardous liquids at least quarterly, increasing pest-control inspection frequency from every six months to every three months, lowering allowed vegetation height from 12 to 4 inches in operational areas, and spelling out a 14-foot emergency response corridor for fire access.

The draft also proposes a 1,000-foot separation requirement for new facilities and new limits on expansions for nonconforming uses. Staff recommended referral to Council for adoption, with a note that the city should coordinate with state regulators (TCEQ) on air monitoring and other technical controls.

Public comment and stakeholder concerns

Industry representatives, including managers and family owners of local yards, urged that definitions in the code (\"fluff,\" \"residuals,\" and similar terms) be clarified and standardized so inspectors can apply rules consistently. Several industry speakers described longstanding compliance and community relations and urged the city to avoid overbroad definitions that would unintentionally penalize legitimate operations. Community speakers and some councilmembers emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, air-quality monitoring and quicker responses when violations occur.

Board action and next steps

The committee voted to forward the proposed code changes to the City Council for adoption. Council and staff asked for additional clarifications to definitions used in enforcement and encouraged staff to consult with state regulators on monitoring and disposal of hazardous materials. The committee indicated support for the workforce group's balanced approach but noted outstanding questions on battery recycling and potential fees for emergency response.

Ending

The item will go to full City Council for adoption steps; staff will continue coordination with regulatory agencies and refine definitions and implementation details requested by the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Antonio - Planning and Community Development Committee Spanish - Apr 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff presented revisions to the city's metal-recycling code package that increase enforcement tools, shorten violation cure periods and add temporary licensing; the committee voted to forward the ordinance to City Council.","taxTitle","San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",2771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577616,"Committee advances two-year digital media and arts pilot; debate centers on locations, content and revenue sharing",7786,639000,8425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e&start=639&end=8425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e/thumbnail_639000.jpg","/articles/6577616/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Committee-advances-two-year-digital-media-and-arts-pilot-debate-centers-on-locations-content-and-revenue-sharing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577616-9bc8ed35bff677b3642f4a0d25d682c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442811&Signature=AD2yixQ2382XNg7aiGoa9LgK9pYu~il9Is26yesy1OliQe7Zm~ec-K7T82n8HcagttgKkMY0LbulVyo1yIUbF-3XwQLc7TGxPdC2QsYVnRCtw11vKtkDR9QJBbGSI82ADLC~mqh7eLsdPUugg0HkvxmYEkxjTjy4tC3ohpTENStqDJ0XQcYRQwzYjNOzsfyoCzAk6~P9YM8FdpJnFmKkFryF27lUpGGuakesPUdBs043TgeBY4JOwCs1hWjw-H43uQ9LJtnmE136VNX-3pEDHLdt4ChYc0NbCuweUZMaQpYxC4eXJp~uHpCDl1vbHRYslMAXjFtnBARCCCMXDmgZQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff described a proposed two-year pilot to permit a limited number of illuminated digital media installations and to direct a portion of operator revenue toward arts and city messaging. Mike Shannon, the director identified in the meeting materials as leading the presentation, said the program would require text-amendment changes to Chapter 28 (the city's sign code), include processes for historic-review approvals and cap the number of permitted installations.

Shannon said the draft program would cap permits to roughly 10 installations citywide during a two-year pilot, set operator contribution thresholds (examples discussed included $100,000 or smaller tiers), and propose revenue-sharing where 20 percent of operator revenue would support arts or other city uses, with 5 percent of time reserved for city public messaging.

Why it matters: The pilot would allow digital art activations and controlled advertising in limited locations, creating a new revenue stream and new public-art opportunities while raising concerns about visual character, bird safety and proliferation of commercial advertising in public spaces.

Public comment divided sharply

More than a dozen speakers addressed the committee. Several arts and preservation groups asked for firm guarantees that revenues would fund arts programming and that installations avoid historic districts. Louis Better of the San Antonio Conservation Society said the proposal \"no va a resolver este problema\" of visual clutter and raised concerns about granting advertising space without traditional competitive processes. Mary Kidman and other arts leaders asked that arts funds generated go to the Office of Arts & Culture and that artist fees and long-term maintenance be funded rather than one-time honoraria.

Speakers supportive of the pilot said it could be done tastefully, generate new funding for arts, and activate underused spaces in the downtown core. One commenter urged the committee to keep limits that prevent the cityscape from becoming like Times Square or Las Vegas.

Board deliberations

Councilmember Villagr\u0000an moved the option described as \"Option A\" with a $100,000 contribution threshold and a 10 to 15 percent initial revenue share for arts and city messaging, arguing the program could provide much-needed funds for the city's arts sector. Other councilmembers pressed staff to exclude King William historic district from eligible locations and to require robust content controls mirroring the kiosk program's advertising standards (for example, prohibiting vaping or tobacco advertising). Several members emphasized the need for a final report at one and two years and the ability to revoke permits for long-term maintenance failures.

Action and next steps

The committee voted to forward the pilot program, as amended in committee discussion, to the full City Council for consideration. The motion was put to a voice vote and the presiding officer announced the motion passed; no final numeric tally was recorded in the committee transcript. Staff will prepare an RFP (request for proposals), a refined map of eligible locations and updated content-control language for Council review.

Ending

The committee agreed the pilot will proceed to Council with guidance to protect historic areas, require clear content controls, and prioritize arts funding and maintenance in any operator agreements.","After extended public comment both for and against, the board voted to send a proposed two-year pilot for digital media displays and funded art activations to the full City Council, with members asking staff to limit locations near historic districts and ensure revenue and content protections for arts funding.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577621,"Committee OKs housing authority—request for full property tax exemption on 232-unit rental project; one councilmember opposes",474,125000,599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e&start=125&end=599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e/thumbnail_125000.jpg","/articles/6577621/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Committee-OKs-housing-authorityrequest-for-full-property-tax-exemption-on-232-unit-rental-project-one-councilmember-opposes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577621-dc5c14d705f19ed28ec6c3c66160c6c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442811&Signature=ZU7kOpqoTlpr1BQad8NXkBqMCA4zQiV~zvU-YgJJvW4YO2-ZBfs4hVPAp3WNMFHSl3Ql67koNTGNfjNu460HEechpRnzIIwdkRD9YfJqrLEK87Wh5RHz0CV9twa1mmc9gmeXd4SdYkK9TqHKxGiy4yZymEaG4V2lxryJpoKgoJtAvCs64N4XMackEAYdb1YYLFkS1JIQ9z1q~J99oST~T1lQH8qYFavSSQ5504XMBtPxDqK0sSBajj83s1Erfjr78LUnwudEzp~qRuNqVuLHlpH~pjbzj4XOGAx0I43cNMckTE0iAIT3AIbiXHMKQYN9GlomCGftPawbbzE8FemLUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ian Benavides, director of the Department of Construction Services, told the Community Development and Planning board that staff recommends approval of a request by the Housing Authority of San Antonio for a full property tax exemption to support a new rental project.

Benavides said the project would include 232 units with a mix of market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments and affordability set aside tiers. \"La recomendación del personal es recomienda aprobar la solicitud,\" he said. He also said the project includes reserves and supportive services intended to assist low-income residents and that the request is subject to the requirement in \"la legislación 303 del Código de Gobierno del local de Texas\" that public-facilities corporations governed by unelected officials obtain municipal approval.

Why it matters: The board\u0000action clears the item for the full City Council, where final approval is required for the public-facilities tax exemption. Council approval would allow the developer and the Housing Authority to use the exemption to reduce operating costs for the property and direct some revenues to supportive services, proponents said.

Discussion and concerns

Councilmembers and public commenters focused on how many units would be affordable and at what income levels. Councilmember Villagrán said the project sets only about 10% of the units at 60 percent of area median income (AMI), with another 40 percent at about 80 percent of AMI, and argued that the distribution limited help for the lowest-income households: \"Solamente tenemos 10 unidades ... que van a ayudar a la persona que realmente tiene dificultades. ... Solamente voy a votar en contra porque yo no creo que viviendas de oportunidad proporcionen costeabilidad en este proyecto,\" Villagrán said.

Other members, including Councilmember Castillo, said the project can create and preserve units in corridors that need investment and that additional details on unit sizes and planned use of PFC (public facilities corporation) proceeds would be provided before the Council vote.

Board action

Councilmember Courich moved approval on the item; the motion was seconded and put to a voice vote. The transcript records at least one named opposition: Councilmember Villagrán said he would vote no. The presiding officer announced the motion passed and that the item will move to the City Council for final consideration.

Next steps

Staff and project representatives were asked to provide the board and Council with more detailed PFC transaction information and the proposed unit-size breakdown before the Council hearing. The board\u0000vote does not itself enact the tax exemption; City Council action will be required to finalize the exemption and any related agreements.

Ending

The board closed debate by asking staff to follow up with the Housing Authority and project representatives on transaction details before the item goes to the full Council.","The Community Development and Planning board voted to forward a Housing Authority-backed rental project seeking a full property tax exemption for a 232-unit development to City Council after staff recommendation and local debate about affordability levels.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6577607,"Committee hears REACH update on voucher access; staff outlines nine recommendations and next steps",352,10968000,11320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e&start=10968&end=11320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3113370-1dd1d23a06342e772fadfaa1250d043e/thumbnail_10968000.jpg","/articles/6577607/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Committee-hears-REACH-update-on-voucher-access-staff-outlines-nine-recommendations-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6577607-4c6d26d0e9ccb2a32569c2920dc27a8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442812&Signature=RgxVn4i0TonRBiEVbBt1Yt5YWn3rowPbAmTdXP3b-ydGsHF-9-3~bN-nXv39Lu-XkqwNelLibS7Rr8mi~YMufXBT0Dn9vdWKVYz7s~1X5~8VCz5L2~hl8J0gkOHrABEgaDsZ4wmomJY16OF88dQcd0w6aZiqryd0hc7IGgC0SgEwAEYJcf3MkitCsNqb5rVxJ5TxkMGW38CoJAAWHfhKhdV89tkQs4zwYa1vnD0kymq1uopFzbGbeSMnIki70UaW0rzU3lK4vfK7iOSRo08taoXAobMed5dh834KAzfIPjP2KRm5zWYKFV8d1EHIAqQuYV97~usNIxcoaKVJcqs41w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff presented progress from the REACH initiative, a workgroup focused on improving acceptance and access for housing-voucher holders, including veterans. The committee heard a report that the group developed nine recommendations intended to increase the number of landlords who accept vouchers, shorten inspection and leasing timelines, and offer targeted financial incentives and re-housing assistance.

Why it matters: Residents and advocates said voucher holders, especially veterans, face discrimination and lengthy delays that leave some unstably housed. Staff and Opportunity Home representatives said coordinated steps could reduce the typical contract/inspection timeline from months to a few weeks in many cases.

Details from the update

Staff described nine recommendations (some already in progress), including: adding property-listing integrations (MLS) to show voucher-friendly units; pre-inspection or accelerated inspection procedures; modest financial incentives for landlords or tenants (examples included small re-housing payments); centralized support for documentation and payments to ease landlord concerns; and targeted outreach to landlords and property managers. Opportunity Home staff reported improvements in average processing time compared with prior years but said challenges remain.

Public comment and next steps

Veterans' advocates and service providers urged the city to continue pursuing protections against source-of-income discrimination for veterans and to seek state and federal support when available. Staff said the next REACH meeting is scheduled for June and that implementation work will continue with Opportunity Home and housing partners.

Ending

The committee received the update; no committee vote was taken. Staff and partners will continue to implement the recommendations and report back through REACH and Council briefing processes.","Staff and a multiagency workgroup presented nine recommendations to increase voucher acceptance and speed access to housing, including centralized listings, inspection improvements and targeted incentives; no committee vote was required — the item was an informational update.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances updated metal-recycling code with new compliance, inspections and separation rules

Committee advances two-year digital media and arts pilot; debate centers on locations, content and revenue sharing

Committee OKs housing authority—request for full property tax exemption on 232-unit rental project; one councilmember opposes

Committee hears REACH update on voucher access; staff outlines nine recommendations and next steps