Fredericksburg, TX - Official Website

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Lady Bird Johnson RV Park

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Administration

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1. Who can I contact for information about City Ordinances?: Many of the development related ordinances are accessible through this website. Other ordinances or information about them can be obtained by visiting the Municode Web Site or by contacting the City Secretary at (830) 997-7521 Extension #2005. City of Fredericksburg Code of Ordinances

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Citizens Police Academy

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1. How are citizens selected for the academy?: Complete and send in the application. A background check will be conducted on all applicants. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the next Academy.

2. What subjects are covered?: A wide variety of Police Department topics are covered. The academy will begin with a short history of the department and a tour of the facilities. Additional topics will include department organization, patrol division, detective division, communications, court, records, training, use of force, and firearms.

3. Who instructs the academy?: Instructors are officers and personnel from the department, additional support personnel, and professionals who speak on their area of expertise.

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City Council

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1. How many City Council members are there?: As per the Home Rule Charter, adopted by the citizens of Fredericksburg in 1991, the legislative and governing body of the City of Fredericksburg consists of a Mayor and four (4) Councilmembers. They are elected from the City at large. The term for the Mayor and Councilmembers is two years. No Mayor or Councilmember may serve more than four (4) consecutive two (2) year terms in the same office. The terms of the Councilmembers are staggered so that two members are elected to a regular term each year.
Each member of the City Council must be a resident citizen of the City of Fredericksburg and have been so for a period of not less than twelve months immediately preceding his/her election. Each member must also be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, and shall not be indebted to the City of Fredericksburg.

2. When and where are the City Council Meetings held?: Meetings are held at the Law Enforcement Center, 1601 E. Main St., the first and third Monday of each month, beginning at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted in the agenda.

3. What is the procedure for placing concerns before the City Council?: Citizens who wish to speak on a particular agenda item or require an item to be placed on the agenda should contact the City Secretary at (830) 997-7521 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

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Code Enforcement

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1. Are signs allowed in Residential Zoning Districts?: Commercial type signs are prohibited in residential districts. Exceptions include grandfathered signs (signs that existed before the sign ordinance was adopted) and auxiliary type signs. Auxiliary signs can be a maximum of 4 square feet and may only identify the name and address of the occupant of an individual residence or a historically significant site.

2. Where is my property line relative to the street/curb?: In most cases, private property starts approximately 5’ from the curb line or street. You may contact the City’s Engineering Department who will come to your property and attempt to locate the property line along the street, however they will not actually conduct a survey. If the City is unable to locate the property line, a professional surveyor should be consulted.

3. What do I need to obtain a sign permit?: An individual should contact the City to determine the amount of sign area allowed given the location and particular zoning district. A drawing is required that shows the proposed location and size of the sign (colors are required if located in the Historic district). The cost is $1 per square foot of sign area, with a minimum fee of $10.

4. What is the ETJ and how does it affect me?: The “ETJ” stands for Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, and is the area within one mile of the City Limits of Fredericksburg. The City enforces it’s Subdivision Ordinance and Sign Regulations within the ETJ. If you have a question as to whether or not your property is within the ETJ, you my visit the maps on the City’s web site or contact the Planning Department.

5. What can I do about a junky or weedy lot, or junked vehicles?: You may contact the City’s Code Enforcement Officer to report such a situation. The Code Enforcement Officer will investigate the situation and, if it is determined that there is a code violation, the officer will contact the owner of the property and request that they remedy the situation. If the problem persists, a letter is sent to the property owner, who is given 10 days to rectify the problem.

6. What about Garage Sale signs?

The sign ordinance does not apply only to commercial businesses!

As you are planning garage sales or other events, please keep in mind that city ordinance limits each property to a maximum of 3 per year and prohibits signs posted on trees, utility poles, stakes, fences or other objects when the advertising content of the sign is not applicable to the use of the premise upon which the sign is located.

In other words, you are not allowed to attach a poster to a utility pole directing traffic to your garage sale several blocks away; however, if the garage sale is on your property, you may place the sign on your property only.

Likewise, if you are having a fundraiser, you may not tack signs to poles that are not on the premises of the fundraiser.

If anyone has any questions or comments, they are encouraged to call the code enforcement officer at 997-7521.

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Electric Utility

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1. What Do I Do If The Power Goes Out?

Check to see if others are without power. If you are the only one without electricity, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Note that in some homes or buildings, the main breaker is located near the electric meter. If the breakers are in the “on” position or the fuses are not burned out, you will need to call an electrician.

If others are without power, call the City of Fredericksburg Electric Department. On weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., call (830) 997-7521. At all other times, call (830) 997-8080.

If the phone is busy, try again. During an outage extra staff answer phones. Once you have reported an outage, please know that crews are working on the problem. In a major outage, duplicate calls jam the busy phone lines and prevent us from receiving critical storm damage information to help crews quickly repair the problem.

When you call, be prepared to give:

Your name
Address
Phone number
Outage information

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Emergency Medical Services

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1. Does the EMS file insurance for you?: The EMS Billing Department takes assignment for Medicare and Medicaid only. A complimentary invoice will be sent out to the user just to show them what the bill was for and how much the charges are. Once Medicare/Medicaid pays, an invoice will then be sent to either your supplemental insurance or to you personally for the remaining balance. The billing office is located right here in Fredericksburg and Lori Seewald (EMS Accounts Administrator) can be reached at 990-2030.

2. How many EMS units and personnel are on each day?: There are two EMS units staffed each day for response in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County except for Harper VFD responds an ambulance in their Western territory. There is a third ambulance that can be put into service if needed. We also have a volunteer ambulance in the Doss area staffed by Doss VFD volunteers. There are usually two Paramedics on each ambulance. We do emergency transfers from the hospital to Johnson City, Brady, Kerrville, Blanco, Mason, San Antonio and Austin. The entire Department consists of 12 Full-time Paramedics, EMS Accounts Administrator is a Paramedic and the Director is a Paramedic. Our Communications Department is staffed with one Paramedic and one EMT. We also have a Part-time staff of approximately 12 personnel in which 6 are Paramedics and the others are various levels.

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Fire FAQ

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1. What is the history of National Fire Prevention Week?

In 1911 the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should be observed in a manner to inform the public about fire prevention and fire safety and Fire Prevention Day was observed on October 11, 1911.

In 1920 President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Week , October 4-10, 1925.

2. Who was St. Florian?

Born in 250 AD he was a member of the Roman Army and was sentenced to death by fire by Emporer Diocletian when he refused to follow orders and persecute all Christians in the area. Standing on the pile erected to be set on fire killing him, Florian challenged the Roman soldiers to start the fire and said, " If you do, I will climb to heaven on the flames." Fearful of Florian, the soldiers had him drowned instead.

Florian was made a Saint by Pope Lucius III, and later a person was reported to have been saved from fire by praying to St. Florian. Since then St. Florian has generally been regarded as the patron Saint of the fire service.

3. Why is the Maltese cross the symbol of the fire service?: Also known as the Cross Pattee-Nowry. The symbol is essentially borrowed from the Kights of St John of Jerusalem, a charitable organization that helped the sick and poor by building hospitals and clinics. Later, they assisted the Knights of the Crusades in an effort to assist the Island of Malta - from which the Maltese Cross derives its name.

4. What are the words to the fireman's prayer?: When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage,
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it is too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

5. Show Additional FAQ's From This Category: *

6. Why are Dalmatians considered firehouse dogs?: Dogs were helpful to direct and guard horses during the era of the horse drawn fire engine. Dalmations were favored probably because of their size, friendly nature, ability to train, and ability to care for themselves. Likewise urban and nearby departments gave away puppies as new litters were born thus creating a fire service tradition.

7. What were the worst fires in the history of the world? (since 1835): Date Location Deaths
May 1845 Canton China 1,670
October 8, 1871 Peshtigo, WI - forest fire 1,182
December 8, 1881 Ring Theater, Vienna 850
December 30, 1903 Iroquois Theater, Chicago 602
December 23, 1995 Schoolhouse, India 500+
November 2, 1994 Burning fuel flood, Egypt 500
November 28, 1942 Cocoanut Grove, Boston 491
October 14, 1913 Wales, Colliery 439
August 19, 1978 Abadan, Iran - movie theater 425+
September 1, 1894 Minnesota - forest fire 413

8. What were the worst fires in the history of the United States? (since 1835): Date Location Deaths
October 8, 1871 Peshtigo, WI - forest fire 1,182
December 30, 1903 Iriquois Theater, Chicago 602
November 28, 1942 Cocoanut Grove, Boston 491
September 1, 1894 Minnesota - forest fire 413
October 12, 1918 Cloquet, MN - forest fire 400
June 30, 1900 Hoboken, NJ - docks 326
April 21, 1930 Columbus, OH - penitentiary 320
December 5, 1876 Brooklyn, NY - theater 295
October 8, 1871 Great Chicago Fire - IL 250
April 23, 1940 Natches, MS - dance hall 198
March 4, 1908 Collingwood, OH - school 176
January 13, 1908 Rhoads Theater, Boyertown, PA 170
July 6, 1944 Ringling Circus, Hartford, CT 168
May 28, 1977 Southgate, KY - nightclub 164
March 25, 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, NY, NY 146
December 7, 1946 Winecoff Hotel, Atlanta, GA 119

9. What is the siren used for when the fire department has pagers?: The siren which is on top of City Hall is used between the hours of 6 AM and 10 PM. The siren is used for each fire call that the fire department has to help summons fire department members and to warn the general public that there is an emergency going on and to be on the look out for emergency vehicles.

10. How many paid and volunteer personnel are there?: There is one paid fire department personnel on each day. During work days, the Director is also at work and he is a certified firefighter also. The paid personnel take care of all the daily duties and maintenance of the trucks and the station. The paid personnel are supplemented by a volunteer staff of 41 personnel.

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General Information

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1. How do I contact a city department?: Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Who do I call if my dog or cat has been picked up by the Animal Control Officer?: The Animal Control Department is responsible for picking up loose or stray animals and housing them at the City Animal Shelter. Please contact the Animal Control Officer at (830) 997-1907 or (830) 997-7585.

3. Does the City take care of the creeks for mosquitoes?: The City does put larvicide out in areas throughout the city where stagnant water accumulates. If there is an area that needs attention please call the Code Enforcement Officer at (830) 997-7521.

4. Where can I find Information about Economic Development and/or Relocation?: This information can be obtained from the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission at (830) 997-6523 or at their website: www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

5. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?: The Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Economic Development Commission are located at the new Visitor's Center located at 302 E. Austin St. The telephone number is (830) 997-6523 and their website is: www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

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Golf

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1. How far in advance can I make a tee time?: Seven days maximum

2. Can I make a tee time over the internet?: Not at this time. Tee times are made either in person or by calling (830) 997-4010 or 1-800-950-8147.

3. Do I have to have a tee time, or can I just "show up"?: It is highly recommended to make a tee time, especially on weekends and holidays. This way, you are assured of getting on the course. On weekday evenings, there is an excellent chance of getting on without a tee time. If during peak times, you do not have a tee time, call ahead to see if you can get on, as there are always cancellations and other factors that may allow more players an opportunity to play.

4. Can we play a "five-some"?: Five-somes" are allowed as long as pace of play is kept. (Ability to complete the round in four hours)

5. Can I wear steel spike golf shoes?: Our facility is soft-spike only. The personnel at the pro shop will be happy to change out your steel spikes to soft spikes for a minimal charge.

6. Can I bring my own golf cart?: The Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course owns and operates its own fleet of motorized driving golf carts. You may not bring your own driving cart. You may bring your own pull type (manual or motorized) cart.

7. Does everyone in my group need to have their own set or golf clubs?: Yes. To ensure pace of play, it is required that all players have their own set of clubs. Rental clubs are available at the Pro Shop.

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Health

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1. What is required by the Gillespie County Health Division if I want to set up a food or beverage booth at a special event?: A temporary health permit is required to set up in Gillespie County. A temporary health permit must be purchased 10 days prior to an event.

2. Why is it necessary to permit and inspect retail food operations?: The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 76 million Americans suffer from a foodborne illness. It is also estimated that about 5 thousand deaths occur annually as a direct result of these illnesses. This alone, as well as the billions of dollars these illnesses cost the consumers and the industry each year, makes continuous improvement in the areas of food safety and sanitation a goal shared jointly by both the food industries and those with responsibility for regulatory oversight. These senseless deaths caused from mishandling foods can be reduced by providing regulatory oversight of retail food operations.

3. How can I obtain a Retail Food Establishment Application?: A Retail Food Permit Application may be obtained by contacting City Hall at (830) 997-7521 or drop by 126 W. Main St.

4. What type of factors contribute to food borne illnesses?: The top ten factors which contribute to the occurrence of outbreaks of food borne disease due to mishandling and/or mistreatment of foods are: improper cooling, 12-hour lapse between cooking and serving, colonized infected personnel, inadequate reheating or hot holding, contaminated raw food or ingredient, unsafe food sources, improperly handled leftovers, cross contamination, inadequate cooking, and improper thawing.

5. What is a Potentially Hazardous Food (PHF)?: The Food and Drug Administration defines a "potentially hazardous food" as any food that is natural or synthetic and is in a form capable of supporting: (1) The rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms; (2) The growth and toxin production of Clostridium botulinum; or (3) In shell eggs, the growth of Salmonella enteritidis.

6. Is it safe to purchase dented canned foods off the grocery shelves or in a "reduced for quick sale" basket in the store?: It depends. If the dent is a sharp dent on the top or bottom seam, or on the side seam of the can, the product is not fit for sale and should not be purchased. There could be a pinhole leak which may have sealed itself, but which may have caused contamination of the food. However, this should not preclude you from purchasing slightly dented cans which the store has placed for quick sale because the cans do not look good.

7. What are the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)?: The TFER is a comprehensive set of rules for the regulation of retail food establishments. These rules are based on the 1997 FDA Model Food Code. In these rules, food establishments include: restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food vendors, temporary food establishments, roadside food vendors and others. The Rules replace the existing Rules on Food Service Sanitation and the Rules on Retail Food Store Sanitation.

8. Can a person manufacture foods in their home, to sell to the public?: Rules for Licensure of Manufacturers of Food and Wholesale Distributors of Food - Including Good Manufacturing Practices 229.183 (a) (3) states “No manufacturing of foods shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. All manufacturing operations shall be separated from any living or sleeping quarters by complete partitioning.”

9. Are there alternatives for a person who wishes to start up a small food manufacturing business?: Yes. They may (a) utilize a licensed restaurant kitchen during off hours; (b) have the product made for them by a licensed food manufacturer; or (c) utilize a licensed church kitchen. In any case, the person must also license with the Manufactured Foods Division as a "Food Manufacturer".

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Can we make camping reservations on-line?: No, not at this time. All reservations must be made by calling the Park Headquarters at (830) 997-4202.

2. How do I check on the availability of park facilities that are for rent?: Availability, reservations, and rental fees of Parks and Recreation facilities can be obtained from the Park Superintendent at (830) 997-4202, Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:30a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Recycling / Landfill / Sanitation

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1. What hours are the landfill open?: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday Closed

2. What are the Recycling Center hours?: Mon -Wed, Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday Closed for Processing
Saturday 8:00am - Noon
Sunday Closed

3. What can I do with old Paint and Household Pesticides?: Old paint can be disposed of in two different ways. The can can be left open until the paint is completely hard, and discarded with regular trash. Paint in liquid form, as well as household pesticides can be taken to the landfill where they will be processed with wood chips, tested and landfilled. Cost of this service is:
Under 10 gallons $10.00
Over 10 gallons $10.00 plus $1.00 for each additional gallon

4. What do I do with old appliances?: Any metal object can be taken to the landfill and discarded at the metal collection area (next to the scale house. All appliances will be at no charge. Wire (from old fences, etc..) will also be taken, but needs to be rolled up and free from staves or other wooden posts.

5. What can I do with old TVs and Computers?: The Goodwill Store at 1420 East Main Street, Suite 700 will accept Computers, TVs and other electronics. For more information:
Dell Reconnect

6. I know I can't put my yard waste in my garbage; what can I do with it?: Grass, leaves, weeds and garden waste can be taken to the landfill's yard waste collection area for no charge. Brush and branches will also be taken, but for a processing fee of $48.00 per ton ($10.00 minimum charge).

7. Why does it cost so much to operate a landfill?: The Landfill is operated under Subtitle D Regulations which requires each cell to be constructed with an impermeable liner. The cost of constructing these cells is approximately $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per acre. Each acre of space lasts about 1 year.

8. Why doesn't the City offer curbside recycling?: The City's recycling program has become a model for small communities. The percentage of citizens using the drop-off center rivals larger cities that have curbside service. The excellent participation along with the startup cost to offer curbside service versus the revenue from sale of recyclables has led the City to continue the drop-off program. The cost of starting a curbside program would have to be added to the garbage collection and disposal rates. Markets will continue to be monitored as well as other factors to make sure the citizens get the best service for the money.

9. Why doesn't the City pick up commercial garbage?: The City does not pick up commercial garbage due to the fact that there are commercial haulers already doing business in the City of Fredericksburg.

10. Where can I find more information about Municipal Landfills?: The EPA's website is chocked fill of information.
It can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/index.htm.

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Street

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1. What do I do if my street light is out?: Please call (830) 997-7521. There is a four digit number located on the utility pole that the light is mounted. If you cannot locate this number, please supply the address or location (such as intersection of College St. and Llano St.).

2. What do I do if a traffic light is out in my neighborhood or a sign is missing or knocked down?

The traffic lights, signs, school zone lights, etc, that are located on State or US Highways are all owned and maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation

These include:

US Hwy 290 (Main Street)
US Hwy 87 S. (San Antonio Hwy / S. Washington St.)
US Hwy 87 N. (Mason Hwy)
TX State Hwy 16 S (Kerrville Hwy / S. Adams St.)
TX State Hwy 16 N (Llano Hwy / N. Llano St.)
RR965 (N. Milam St.)
RR1631 (N. Olive St.)
FM2093 (Tivydale Road)

Please contact TxDot at (830) 997-4361.

For stop signs, yield signs, etc. on all other city streets (within the city limits), please call the Street Department at (830) 997-7521.

3. What if a tree or limb is down in the city street or alley?: Please contact the Street Department at (830) 997-7521.

4. What department do I call if I see a dead animal in the road?: The Animal Control Department is responsible for picking up dead animals. Please call the Animal Control Officer at (830) 997-1907 or (830) 997-7585.