As a way to ensure funds generated from the upcoming Loop 1604 Urban Sign Corridor are used to enhance residents’ quality of life, the Shavano Park City Council voted unanimously to create the Community Engagement and Enhancement Fund during its Aug. 25 meeting.

The big picture

Shavano Park City Manager Bill Hill said the fund would restrict revenue generated from the City’s digital billboards to events that promote community engagement and to projects that enhance quality of life.

Funds restricted to:

  • City services and city-sponsored events that directly engage with the community
  • Capital improvement projects like hiking and biking trails that facilitate community engagement
  • Projects that promote community enhancement

“Expenditures from this fund can be for capital or non-capital projects that promote community engagement and enhance the city’s residential community,” Hill said.

Hill also stressed that this fund would not be used to pay for the city’s regular maintenance and operation. To guarantee that the funds are not used for unapproved projects or expenses, all expenditures must be approved by the City Council at the start of the fiscal year, with any mid-year amendments requiring additional votes.

The setup

According to previous reporting from Community Impact, the digital billboard agreement sets forth an initial 25 year lease, extending 25 years up until 99 years, and includes a monthly rent payment from the city of 50% of all revenue minus deductions.

Additionally, city officials said rent from the city will cease if payments from the subtenant stops.

Sign locations:

  • Near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Northwest Military Drive
  • Near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Paesanos Parkway
  • Near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Napier Park

The digital billboards also need to meet a series of city requirements.

1604 Urban Corridor Signage requirements:

  • Maximum sign height of 60 feet
  • Maximum sign area of 680 square feet
  • LEDs with light-blocking technology
  • Automatic brightness adjustment to ambient lighting
  • Internal service access (no visible catwalks)
  • Comply with all applicable city building codes
  • Engineered foundation, anchoring mechanisms
  • All signs must comply with city ordinances