Helotes City Council Member Sabrina McGowan

09/07/2026

The City of Helotes City Council will meet on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

📢 Public Hearing

The meeting will begin with a Public Hearing to receive public comments on the proposed FYE 2027 Municipal Operating Budget.

🔈 Open Session

Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

📃 Items for Individual Consideration:

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council casting votes on the official ballot for the election of Place Nos. 1 – 4 of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.

- Discussion of and action on the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council defining the term “utilities” and establishing a case-by-case review process to consider telecommunication facilities within residential districts through a specific City Council Use Permit.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council making appropriations for support of the FYE 2027 Municipal Operating Budget beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027; appropriating money to a sinking fund to pay the interest and principal of the city’s indebtedness; adopting the annual budget of the city for FYE 2027; authorizing personnel positions and salaries; setting the FYE 2027 holiday schedule for city employees; and authorizing the City Administrator to expend monies and sign documents in accordance with said Budget.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council setting the ad valorem (property) tax rate for Tax Year 2026 at $0.316100 cents per $100 valuation.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council establishing the Municipal Fee Schedule for FYE 2027.

- Discussion of and action on the Mayor’s nominations for Places 2, 4 and 6 on the Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, each to serve a two (2) year term beginning on October 1, 2026, and expiring on September 30, 2028.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Helotes, Texas, making appropriations for the Helotes Economic Development Corporation's (HEDC) FYE 2027 Maintenance & Operating, Interest & Sinking, and Capital Budgets beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027, to support the HEDC’s programs, “Projects,” as defined by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 505 Type B Corporations.

🔗 Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:

https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09-10-2026-CC-Agenda-WEB.pdf

09/02/2026

Please join me in welcoming Arz Lebanese Kitchen to Helotes!

My husband and I had the opportunity to try this wonderful new restaurant last Saturday, and we enjoyed a truly delicious meal.

We ordered the Lahma b’Ajin, topped with spiced lamb, tomato, and pomegranate molasses; the Cheese & Sojuk, featuring flavorful spiced beef sausage, akkawi cheese, and hot pepper; and the Lebanese Ful, a warm dish made with fava beans, lemon, garlic, cumin, and olive oil, served with fresh pita.

And then there was the falafel—absolutely amazing!

The food was only part of the experience. It was a pleasure to meet owner Fouad and his son, Ali, and enjoy their warm hospitality. Fouad has been baking since he was a child, and his passion and experience are evident in the quality and care that goes into every dish. Fouad has been baking since he was a child, and his passion and experience are evident in the quality and care that goes into every dish. After years of cooking in other people’s kitchens, Arz Lebanese Kitchen is Fouad’s first restaurant, making this new venture especially meaningful.

Arz Lebanese Kitchen is a wonderful new addition to our Helotes dining scene. If you enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine—or are ready to try something new—I encourage you to stop by, meet Fouad and Ali, and give them a warm Helotes welcome!

📍12411 Bandera Road, Helotes (Hill Trail Shopping Center)
🔗 https://www.arzlebanesekitchen.com

Thank you for choosing Helotes, Arz Lebanese Kitchen! I'm glad you’re here! 🍽️

City of Helotes Helotes Economic Development Corporation

09/01/2026

Have you ever wondered why City Council holds public hearings—or what actually happens during one?

My September “Town Talk” column in Helotes Highlights Newspaper takes a closer look at the purpose of public hearings, when they are required, and why public participation is such an important part of local government.

Whether the topic is zoning, development, the budget, or another issue affecting our community, public hearings give residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and become part of the decision-making process.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read this month’s column and attend the next Public Hearing on September 10 at Helotes City Hall.

👇 Read this month’s “Town Talk” column on page 4 of Helotes Highlights here:
https://highlightspub.com/HH_9_26/HH_9_26.html

08/28/2026

I’m excited to share my latest article in the September issue of Helotes Highlights Newspaper, featuring one of our Helotes’ truly special nonprofit organizations, Saving A Hero's Place.

This incredible organization honors fallen first responders by building handcrafted honor chairs that preserve their memory and celebrate their service. Each chair is a lasting tribute to a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire the families, colleagues, and communities they served.

I hope you’ll check out the September issue of Helotes Highlights and read more about the important mission of Saving a Hero’s Place and its founders, Tommy and Robbie Capell. I’m honored to help share their story with our community.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read this month’s column on page 9.

👇 Read the September issue of Helotes Highlights here: https://highlightspub.com/HH_9_26/HH_9_26.html

To learn more and get involved, visit https://savingaherosplace.org/.

08/26/2026

Please join me in welcoming Chosen And Precious to Helotes!

Owned by local entrepreneur Jaclyn Guerra, this bright and beautiful Christian apparel and gift boutique is a place to shop local while being surrounded by faith, purpose, Scripture and encouragement.

Jaclyn describes the store as, “A place where you can come shop local, experience the heart behind our brand, and be surrounded by faith, purpose, His Word, and all things Chosen and Precious.”

The name Chosen & Precious was inspired by 1 Peter 2:4:

“As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him.”

I’m excited to have Jaclyn and her family bringing their faith, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to our community. Welcome to Helotes, Chosen and Precious! 🎉

Be sure to stop by, shop local, and show this new Helotes business some love! ❤️

📍12340 Bandera Rd., Suite 107 Helotes, TX 78023 (former Addie Grace location)

City of Helotes Helotes Economic Development Corporation

08/26/2026

🎉 Big congratulations to the San Antonio Current's “Best of San Antonio®” winners and runners-up! I’m proud to celebrate these Helotes favorites and the people who make our community special.

🌻Runner Up, “Best Farmers Market”
City of Helotes MarketPlace

🎒Runner Up, “Best Private School”
Marvelously Made - the School for Young Children

🍻Runner Up, “Best Country Bar”
John T. Floore Country Store

🍴Winner, “Best Barbacoa”
RIOS Barbacoa Helotes, Tx

🚗Winner, “Best Car Wash”
The Wash Tub

🫧Winner, “Best Dry Cleaner”
Comet Cleaners & Laundry San Antonio

🌤️Winner, “Best Meteorologist”
Bill Taylor

https://community.sacurrent.com/best-of/2026

Welcome to Best of San Antonio 2026 Every year, the San Antonio Current bottles up the city and dares you to take a swig. The...

08/24/2026

📆 REMINDER: UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARINGS 📆

The City of Helotes will hold two public hearings to receive public comments on a request from City Staff to amend Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 Zoning, Article XI Telecommunication Facilities by defining and authorizing telecommunication facilities within residential districts with a specific City Council Use Permit.

Currently, the zoning ordinance prohibits the placement of certain telecommunications facilities within residential districts, even when such infrastructure may be necessary to provide reliable utility and communication services. The proposed amendment establishes a review process that allows these facilities to be considered on a case-by-case basis while maintaining City Council oversight.

The public hearings will be held in City Hall Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road on the following dates:

⭐ Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

⭐ Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7 p.m. – City Council Meeting

🗣️ To learn how to sign up to speak at the Public Hearings, please visit this link: https://helotes-tx.gov/notices/public-hearings-on-zoning-ordinance/.

For more information:

📃 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting (Agenda Item No. 5):https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Agenda-Form-Telecommunication-combined-2.pdf

📃 City Council Meeting (Agenda Item No. 9):https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/9-Ch-98-Telecom-AMDT-FR.pdf

📃 SAWS Presentation:https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Agenda-Form-SAWS-PRV-combined-1.pdf

08/24/2026

The City of Helotes Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

Here are the highlights

⭐Public Hearing:

The meeting will begin with a public hearing to receive public comments on a request from City Staff to amend Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 Zoning, Article XI Telecommunication Facilities by defining and authorizing telecommunication facilities within residential districts with a specific City Council use permit.

📃 Open Session:

Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

➡️ Items for Individual Consideration:

Community presentation by San Antonio Water Systems’ (SAWS) design engineer regarding utility telecommunications systems required to monitor, control, and protect critical infrastructure.

Discussion of and recommendation on amending Municipal Code of Ordinances 98 Zoning,
Article XI-Telecommunication Facilities.

Discussion of and direction on possible amendment to Ch.98-463 Certificate of Occupancy. This possible amendment would include the option of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

Discussion and recommended action on a request by 0wner Sophia Jeffery of Spread the Loaves for approval of sign for Spread the Loaves Helotes, located at 14743 Old Bandera Road, Building 13.

Discussion and recommended action on a request by Industry Signs and owner Jacyln Guerra of Chosen and Precious for approval of sign for Chosen and Precious, located at 12430 Bandera Road.

Discussion and recommended action on a resubmission by contractor Alamo Sign Solutions and applicant 7Brew for approval of sign for 7 Brew Helotes, located at 12405 Bandera Road.

🔗 Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:

https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/PZ-Agenda-PDF-2.pdf

08/21/2026

The City of Helotes City Council will meet on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

🎤 Public Hearing

The meeting will begin with a Public Hearing to receive public comments on a proposed comprehensive zoning change to amend Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 Zoning, Article
XI Telecommunication Facilities, by defining the term utilities and establishing a case-by-case review process to consider telecommunication facilities within residential districts through a specific City Council Use Permit.

📃Public Presentation

A community presentation by San Antonio Water System (SAWS) regarding utility telecommunication systems required to monitor, control, and protect critical infrastructure.

🎤 Open Session:

Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

➡️ Items for Individual Consideration:

First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council amending Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 Zoning, Article XI Telecommunication Facilities, by defining the term utilities and establishing a case-by-case review process to consider telecommunication facilities within residential districts through a specific City Council Use Permit.

Amending Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 Zoning, Article XIV Administration and Enforcement, Section 98-463 Certificate of Occupancy by creating regulations for issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) to streamline business transitions when commercial use remains the same.

Resolution of the City Council amending the Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual Section 14.3 Use of Cell Phones by addressing cell phone allowances upon evaluation/request by the Division Head, with final consideration by the City Administrator.

Building a community dashboard to display important department metrics, foster public transparency, and drive informed decision-making by city leaders and elected officials.

Updates and follow-up discussion on the draft FYE 2027 Operating Budgets.

🔒 Closed Session

The Council will go into a Closed Session for personnel matters relating to the annual performance evaluation and salary review of the City Administrator.

📃 Open Session

Discussion of and possible action on matters discussed in Closed Session relating to the annual performance evaluation and salary review of the City Administrator.

🔗 Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:
https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/08-27-2026-CC-Agenda-WEB.pdf

08/21/2026

The Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the City of Helotes Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

Open Session:

🎤 Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

Items for Individual Consideration:

➡️ Discussion, direction, and possible action regarding requested revisions from the Helotes City Council to the Articles of Incorporation of the Helotes EDC.

➡️ Discussion, direction, and possible action regarding requested revisions from the Helotes City Council to the Bylaws of the Helotes EDC.

🔗 Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:
https://helotesedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8.24.2026-Special-Called-Meeting-Agenda-and-Board-Packet.pdf