Friday, February 17, 2012
Recovery Ways News - Press Release
The City of Lakeway (City Manager Steve Jones) has taken the appropriate action and has released the following press release as of today. Press Release
City of Lakeway Declines Building Permit
February 17, 2012 – LAKEWAY, TX –
Lakeway City Manager Steve Jones announced today that the City of Lakeway will not issue a building permit for Recovery Ways, an addiction rehabilitation facility proposed to be built on Lohmans Crossing Drive in Lakeway.
After further review of the proposed project, city staff determined that such projects are not allowed uses in the C-1 (Office/Retail) zoning district, the current zoning for the property where the project is proposed.
The site development permit previously issued for the project will be rescinded and the company will be advised to cease construction under that permit.
_________________________
City Council will meet in Special Session today at 4 PM. Here is that agenda.
Please note, there will be no public comment accepted at this session - it is only for Council to meet with our attorney for advice on the legal authority of the City to regulate land uses in Commercial zoning districts.
Editorial:
Please understand that the City Staff and Council are very concerned with the quality of life in Lakeway.
I for one have lived here for nearly 25 years and am very passionate about making sure our community continues to maintain the standard of living that we have all come to expect.
Staff and Council are working to modify the current ordinances in a way that will prohibit any issue like this in the future. We are always looking for problems and are trying to improve the system so these types of issues never happen. I would like to thank everyone for the constructive input I have received.
I and all of the other council members have spent many hours serving in different capacities for our City. No one receives any compensation for the time spent. We all do this because of the love of our community.
Thanks again for all of your support and input.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
City of Lakeway Declines Building Permit
February 17, 2012 – LAKEWAY, TX –
Lakeway City Manager Steve Jones announced today that the City of Lakeway will not issue a building permit for Recovery Ways, an addiction rehabilitation facility proposed to be built on Lohmans Crossing Drive in Lakeway.
After further review of the proposed project, city staff determined that such projects are not allowed uses in the C-1 (Office/Retail) zoning district, the current zoning for the property where the project is proposed.
The site development permit previously issued for the project will be rescinded and the company will be advised to cease construction under that permit.
_________________________
City Council will meet in Special Session today at 4 PM. Here is that agenda.
Please note, there will be no public comment accepted at this session - it is only for Council to meet with our attorney for advice on the legal authority of the City to regulate land uses in Commercial zoning districts.
Editorial:
Please understand that the City Staff and Council are very concerned with the quality of life in Lakeway.
I for one have lived here for nearly 25 years and am very passionate about making sure our community continues to maintain the standard of living that we have all come to expect.
Staff and Council are working to modify the current ordinances in a way that will prohibit any issue like this in the future. We are always looking for problems and are trying to improve the system so these types of issues never happen. I would like to thank everyone for the constructive input I have received.
I and all of the other council members have spent many hours serving in different capacities for our City. No one receives any compensation for the time spent. We all do this because of the love of our community.
Thanks again for all of your support and input.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Recovery Ways Info
As most of you know, there is an issue with a Facility that was permitted to be built at Lohmans and Rolling Green. Here is a letter I am sending to those that have contacted me:
Thank you for your input on this situation. First let me clear up a few misconceptions. The property in question at the corner of Lohmans and Rolling Green has been zoned for years as C-1 Commercial.
Our C-1 zoning regulates what type of business that can be put into this zoning. It has served us well for many years. What has happened with Recovery Ways was a permit was applied for through the normal channels and was passed through the system. Neither the Mayor or Council was involved in the process, it simply fit the zoning as it was written and simply did not require public hearings or other scrutiny.
I for one agree that this is not a good place for this facility and feel the process needs to be improved to keep this type of issue from happening again, especially with this proximity to a school and residential properties. We are currently looking at ways to improve the system to address these types of issues.
As far as the current Recovery Ways Center, be assured that we are reviewing all options to see what the City can do to correct or improve the current situation.
Thanks again for the input and support!
Joe Bain
Lakeway City Council
Thank you for your input on this situation. First let me clear up a few misconceptions. The property in question at the corner of Lohmans and Rolling Green has been zoned for years as C-1 Commercial.
Our C-1 zoning regulates what type of business that can be put into this zoning. It has served us well for many years. What has happened with Recovery Ways was a permit was applied for through the normal channels and was passed through the system. Neither the Mayor or Council was involved in the process, it simply fit the zoning as it was written and simply did not require public hearings or other scrutiny.
I for one agree that this is not a good place for this facility and feel the process needs to be improved to keep this type of issue from happening again, especially with this proximity to a school and residential properties. We are currently looking at ways to improve the system to address these types of issues.
As far as the current Recovery Ways Center, be assured that we are reviewing all options to see what the City can do to correct or improve the current situation.
Thanks again for the input and support!
Joe Bain
Lakeway City Council
Monday, February 13, 2012
Special Update - Recovery Ways Meeting at Activity Center
Given the amount of attention that this project has received, we have scheduled an informational meeting for this Wednesday, February 15th, at the Activity Center at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Maryann Rosenthal of Recovery Ways will give a presentation on the facility and be available for questions.
While this is short notice, it is apparent that both the Council and the concerned residents need more information on the services that Recovery Ways provides, and we didn’t want to wait until Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Wednesday’s meeting will provide an exclusive forum for providing this information and it will allow questions to be directed to the people who will actually be running the facility.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Beat Goes On!
Council met in Special Session on Tuesday, Feb. 7th and approved issuance of General Bonds for the Lake Travis Community Library. This was a short 7 minute meeting and allows the Library to keep on schedule with the construction of the new Library. Prosperity Bank helped the Library and City with a VERY low rate of 2.15% - this was about half the rate expected. Thanks Prosperity!
At 7:00 PM that evening, the second public meeting on the Capital Improvement Plan was held at the activity center. It was well attended and several good questions were offered by citizens. Staff will be shortly putting together a web page that will include a list of proposed projects along with a "FAQ" section. When it's up, I'll post a link.
The City Building Commission met Thursday, here is that agenda. All items were approved and some requirements were added to item 5 at 105 Brooks Hollow Road. The height at 420 Malabar was put off until the height pole could be corrected.
Friday there was a ZAPCO workshop, here is that agenda. The major topics included coaching on meeting procedures, multifamily pros and cons, and updates on the Regional Medical Center Campus.
There is a new watering schedule, check www.lakewaymud.org for your day. Watering is only allowed once a week and it looks like it may get worse before it gets better.
Don't forget about the street closure of Flint Rock Trace at RR 620 begins Saturday, Feb. 11.
Another Big Band Bash comes up Monday, Feb. 13th at 8:00 PM at the Activity Center. Enjoy a free concert by the 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band and dance to the tunes of yesteryear. Bring your own refreshments!
The Great Texas Warrant Roundup of 2012 begins Feb. 25th. Persons with warrants are urged to contact the Lakeway Municipal Court at 314-7560 or to contact the Lakeway Municipal Court Warrant Clerk Denise Carranco at 314-7566 immediately in order to dispose of their cases voluntarily and avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of arrest at home or at work in front of family, friends or co-workers.
The Lakeway Police Department is seeking applicants for its 10th Annual Citizens Police Academy, which begins March 7th, 2012. The program is a 72-hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the Lakeway Police Department’s policies and operational practices. For more information, visit the city website or e-mail Officer E. Barto at ericbarto@lakeway-tx.gov
Here is the Parks and Rec report with pictures! Many thanks to Parks Director Andra Dearing!
From Steve Jones:
Recovery Ways, a 24-bed addiction rehab. facility, has received a permit and is under construction at the intersecion of Lohmans Crossing and Rolling Green Dr. It will be staffed 24 hours a day and clients are not permitted to leave the facility unsupervised during their stay.
Building Services is scheduled to meet next week with HEB to talk about plans for the Serene Hills Project.
Lakeway Police are forming a Law Enforcement Explorer / Scout Program. They have also been doing a lot of work over there painting, carpeting and tiling common areas.
You might have seen a story on the news about resident Beth Ann Straley entering the home of a neighbor with the self described intention of killing the neighbors 5 year old son and both his parents. No won was injured, an arrest warrant was issued and will be served on her release from a mental health treatment facility.
Staff will meet with Earl Foster of LMUD to discuss current water restriction and changes anticipated when Stage 3 restrictions are imposed. This may impact some city operations and our goal is to be prepared beforehand.
Shannon Burk has sent out a revised Noise Ordinance for Council and Staff to look at. More on that as it surfaces.
___________________
LTISD announced last week that they are spending $2 million on Sports facilities. It apparently is from interest from the 2006 Bond. In my mind it does bring up some questions on the validity of some of the claims made to get the bond passed.
That's all for now!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
At 7:00 PM that evening, the second public meeting on the Capital Improvement Plan was held at the activity center. It was well attended and several good questions were offered by citizens. Staff will be shortly putting together a web page that will include a list of proposed projects along with a "FAQ" section. When it's up, I'll post a link.
The City Building Commission met Thursday, here is that agenda. All items were approved and some requirements were added to item 5 at 105 Brooks Hollow Road. The height at 420 Malabar was put off until the height pole could be corrected.
Friday there was a ZAPCO workshop, here is that agenda. The major topics included coaching on meeting procedures, multifamily pros and cons, and updates on the Regional Medical Center Campus.
There is a new watering schedule, check www.lakewaymud.org for your day. Watering is only allowed once a week and it looks like it may get worse before it gets better.
Don't forget about the street closure of Flint Rock Trace at RR 620 begins Saturday, Feb. 11.
Another Big Band Bash comes up Monday, Feb. 13th at 8:00 PM at the Activity Center. Enjoy a free concert by the 17-piece Republic of Texas Big Band and dance to the tunes of yesteryear. Bring your own refreshments!
The Great Texas Warrant Roundup of 2012 begins Feb. 25th. Persons with warrants are urged to contact the Lakeway Municipal Court at 314-7560 or to contact the Lakeway Municipal Court Warrant Clerk Denise Carranco at 314-7566 immediately in order to dispose of their cases voluntarily and avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of arrest at home or at work in front of family, friends or co-workers.
The Lakeway Police Department is seeking applicants for its 10th Annual Citizens Police Academy, which begins March 7th, 2012. The program is a 72-hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the Lakeway Police Department’s policies and operational practices. For more information, visit the city website or e-mail Officer E. Barto at ericbarto@lakeway-tx.gov
Here is the Parks and Rec report with pictures! Many thanks to Parks Director Andra Dearing!
From Steve Jones:
Recovery Ways, a 24-bed addiction rehab. facility, has received a permit and is under construction at the intersecion of Lohmans Crossing and Rolling Green Dr. It will be staffed 24 hours a day and clients are not permitted to leave the facility unsupervised during their stay.
Building Services is scheduled to meet next week with HEB to talk about plans for the Serene Hills Project.
Lakeway Police are forming a Law Enforcement Explorer / Scout Program. They have also been doing a lot of work over there painting, carpeting and tiling common areas.
You might have seen a story on the news about resident Beth Ann Straley entering the home of a neighbor with the self described intention of killing the neighbors 5 year old son and both his parents. No won was injured, an arrest warrant was issued and will be served on her release from a mental health treatment facility.
Staff will meet with Earl Foster of LMUD to discuss current water restriction and changes anticipated when Stage 3 restrictions are imposed. This may impact some city operations and our goal is to be prepared beforehand.
Shannon Burk has sent out a revised Noise Ordinance for Council and Staff to look at. More on that as it surfaces.
___________________
LTISD announced last week that they are spending $2 million on Sports facilities. It apparently is from interest from the 2006 Bond. In my mind it does bring up some questions on the validity of some of the claims made to get the bond passed.
That's all for now!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Lots Going On!
Back from a two week stint at Dallas and I have a lot to catch up on! First on the list is what's coming up this week.
First there is a Special Council Meeting Tuesday evening at 6:30 to address the General Bond sale for the Lake Travis Community Library. These bonds will allow for construction of the new library building on Lohmans Crossing. Prosperity Bank Made the best offer to purchase the library bonds at the exceptionally low rate of 2.15%! This was about half of the expected rate. Here is a link to that agenda!
Immediately after that the second Public Meeting on the Proposed Fifteen-Year Capital Improvement Plan will be held at 7 PM at the Activity Center.
CBC will meet on Feb. 9 at the Council Chambers, here is that agenda. It looks like they will be busy looking at rocks in the ROW, exposed foundations, and some trees in the ROW along with checking out some new height requests.
The portion of Flint Rock Trace between RR 620 and Wild Cherry Drive will be closed to through traffic beginning Saturday, February 11th. Construction work for a section of Flint Rock Road is set to begin and it is anticipated the road will be closed for approximately three (3) months, weather pending. Traffic will be detoured to the intersection of Lohmans Spur and RR 620.
On Friday, Feb. 10, there will be a ZAPCO workshop at 11 AM in Council Chambers. Here is that agenda.
The Great Texas Warrant Roundup of 2012 begins February 25th. If you have any outstanding tickets or warrants, now would be a good time to make arrangements to take care of them before someone knocks on your door! Here is the press release.
Now to catch up!
CBC met On Jan 26th, here is that agenda. Everything passed except a height on Dasher. It was postponed until the applicant could be present.
The burn ban for the City of Lakeway was lifted effective Feb. 1, 2012. However, City Ordinance prohibits most burning inside the City Limits.
ZAPCO met on Feb. 1, 2012 in regular session. Here is that agenda. Per Council Member Dennis Wallace, they approve all the signs and voted to not approve a request to rezone the Evans 13,6 acre tract to R-6 from R-1 zoning. Thanks Dennis!
Lakeway Police is now accepting applications for the Citizens Police Academy. Ever wondered what the police think about and how their day goes? It's a great experience and is well worth the time spent. For more info email Officer Eric Barto at ericbarto@lakeway-tx.gov.
From Steve Jones:
Plans have been submitted for the proposed Service King at 1403 RR 620 N. It will include a 17,000 sq. ft. shop and 2,000 sq. ft. office just South of Oak Grove Plaza.
Speed and traffic studies are being done on Bermuda and Sunfish Drives because of recent complaints. Plans include a followup speed study on Lakeway Blvd. to see if we have successfully slowed traffic there.
Phen-Ker has made application for a zoning change for the 15 acre Patel tract (between LRMC and the High School) to allow for a hotel and independent living facilities to be located South of the hospital.
Andra Dearing reports that progress continues with thinning the Ash Junipers at the upper level of City Park. This should allow the oaks to thrive and native grasses to be established.
The City had their first July 4th committee meeting. Based on the long range forecast and non-existent lake at City Park, the committee determined they would like to host the event at Swim Center Park again this year. Duck Soup has been booked, the marquee tent and dance floor are secured and food vendors and entertainment for kids are being reserved. Fireworks are pending; we are reluctant to enter into a contract for fireworks and risk losing the 50% upfront payment.
A staff meeting is planed with Earl Foster (Lakeway MUD) to review current and future water restrictions (Stage 3 expected in June). We anticipate no water to irrigate the boulevards and possibly having to close the swimming pool if restrictions are severe.
Rachel Wallace, with the help of other staff members, has done an incredible job updating our website. The new site, set to debut on February 24, will have a nice facelift, and information will be much easier to access. We are also adding new content with more information for our residents. I think you will be impressed.
That's all for now. Since I am working out of town a great deal now, the blog will become a little less regular. I will still try to post important items as they come up.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
First there is a Special Council Meeting Tuesday evening at 6:30 to address the General Bond sale for the Lake Travis Community Library. These bonds will allow for construction of the new library building on Lohmans Crossing. Prosperity Bank Made the best offer to purchase the library bonds at the exceptionally low rate of 2.15%! This was about half of the expected rate. Here is a link to that agenda!
Immediately after that the second Public Meeting on the Proposed Fifteen-Year Capital Improvement Plan will be held at 7 PM at the Activity Center.
CBC will meet on Feb. 9 at the Council Chambers, here is that agenda. It looks like they will be busy looking at rocks in the ROW, exposed foundations, and some trees in the ROW along with checking out some new height requests.
The portion of Flint Rock Trace between RR 620 and Wild Cherry Drive will be closed to through traffic beginning Saturday, February 11th. Construction work for a section of Flint Rock Road is set to begin and it is anticipated the road will be closed for approximately three (3) months, weather pending. Traffic will be detoured to the intersection of Lohmans Spur and RR 620.
On Friday, Feb. 10, there will be a ZAPCO workshop at 11 AM in Council Chambers. Here is that agenda.
The Great Texas Warrant Roundup of 2012 begins February 25th. If you have any outstanding tickets or warrants, now would be a good time to make arrangements to take care of them before someone knocks on your door! Here is the press release.
Now to catch up!
CBC met On Jan 26th, here is that agenda. Everything passed except a height on Dasher. It was postponed until the applicant could be present.
The burn ban for the City of Lakeway was lifted effective Feb. 1, 2012. However, City Ordinance prohibits most burning inside the City Limits.
ZAPCO met on Feb. 1, 2012 in regular session. Here is that agenda. Per Council Member Dennis Wallace, they approve all the signs and voted to not approve a request to rezone the Evans 13,6 acre tract to R-6 from R-1 zoning. Thanks Dennis!
Lakeway Police is now accepting applications for the Citizens Police Academy. Ever wondered what the police think about and how their day goes? It's a great experience and is well worth the time spent. For more info email Officer Eric Barto at ericbarto@lakeway-tx.gov.
From Steve Jones:
Plans have been submitted for the proposed Service King at 1403 RR 620 N. It will include a 17,000 sq. ft. shop and 2,000 sq. ft. office just South of Oak Grove Plaza.
Speed and traffic studies are being done on Bermuda and Sunfish Drives because of recent complaints. Plans include a followup speed study on Lakeway Blvd. to see if we have successfully slowed traffic there.
Phen-Ker has made application for a zoning change for the 15 acre Patel tract (between LRMC and the High School) to allow for a hotel and independent living facilities to be located South of the hospital.
Andra Dearing reports that progress continues with thinning the Ash Junipers at the upper level of City Park. This should allow the oaks to thrive and native grasses to be established.
The City had their first July 4th committee meeting. Based on the long range forecast and non-existent lake at City Park, the committee determined they would like to host the event at Swim Center Park again this year. Duck Soup has been booked, the marquee tent and dance floor are secured and food vendors and entertainment for kids are being reserved. Fireworks are pending; we are reluctant to enter into a contract for fireworks and risk losing the 50% upfront payment.
A staff meeting is planed with Earl Foster (Lakeway MUD) to review current and future water restrictions (Stage 3 expected in June). We anticipate no water to irrigate the boulevards and possibly having to close the swimming pool if restrictions are severe.
Rachel Wallace, with the help of other staff members, has done an incredible job updating our website. The new site, set to debut on February 24, will have a nice facelift, and information will be much easier to access. We are also adding new content with more information for our residents. I think you will be impressed.
That's all for now. Since I am working out of town a great deal now, the blog will become a little less regular. I will still try to post important items as they come up.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Annexation Lawsuit Dismissed
I received word tonight that the lawsuit that was filed over the Annexation of Brooks Hollow was dismissed today. The plaintiff has 30 days to appeal.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, January 20, 2012
Council Results, Alive at 25 and More
Council met in regular session Tuesday evening. Here is that agenda.
Our finances are in good shape according to Treasurer Al Tyson. We are below budget on expenses and above budget in revenues - a good way to be!
Council voted to approve the Library District's request to proceed with the issuance of the bonds approved by voters. Once the documents are prepared there will be another vote and the bonds will be sold. Once this occurs, the District will let a contract for the construction of the new building.
After a presentation and much discussion, Council voted to put the sale of part of Rebel Park to residents who own property surrounding the park. The purchase price is $70,000 and will be added to the Parkland fund for future purchases. I for one do not like selling any parkland, however after carefully studying this it appears the land is useless to citizens and this is a good move.
There was a presentation by Phin-Ker Ventures on their ideas for development of the area around the Lakeway Medical Center. There was no action taken on this. My concerns include the traffic issues already in the area and the density of multifamily construction. The plan looks good on paper and we will be looking closely at different parts of the project in the near future.
The Lakeway Highlands Multifamily Tract items were pulled by the developer. There are concerns as to the impact of apartments in the area and Lakeway does not derive much benefit from the project in my opinion.
An amendment to Zoning Code was voted on to prohibit driving across private residential property except on a paved driveway. This was caused by an issue with one resident that accesses his back yard by driving around his home to access a parking area in his back yard. The vote was 6-1 for the amendment. I voted against the amendment for a couple of reasons. I don't think we should make laws because of one person issues. I also know of many folks that occasionally access their yard for various reasons and create no neighbor or lawn degradation issues - they will now have to break the law to do this. Also, there is no reason this individual cannot pave where he is driving and the problem would continue. We will see where this goes.
Council instructed look at another option for noise regulation amendments. Instead of requiring all businesses to have a Special Use Permit if they have outside amplified music, they will look at situations by resident complaints.
__________________
I met with Officer Hector Almaguer of the Lakeway Police Department today and he told me about a project he's working on in Lakeway called "Alive at 25". It is a non profit organization that is working to help prevent traffic violations, collisions and fatalities in our youth and young adults in the age group 15 to 25. Statistics show that once they reach 26 years they are much less likely to become a statistic. He is going to do a FREE class on Saturday, February 18 from 9AM until 1:30PM. Here is a link to more information on the program. Please consider getting your kids or grandkids in this one time opportunity! It could save their lives! It can also get them discounts on their auto insurance.
Don't forget, about the 11th Annual LAC Appreciation Breakfast coming up on January 28th. Seatings will be at 8AM and 9:15AM. Please mark your calendars. Council and the City Manager will be cooking bacon and pancakes!
Joann Anderson sent me this link for a video made on the inside of the new Hospital and I thought everyone might like to see it. Here is a link to the pictures, enjoy!
On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Mayor DeOme reinstated teh Burn Ban for the City of Lakeway in accordance with Travis County Commissioners Court reinstating the ban for the County. More dry weather ahead it appears.
There is a YouTube video of Austin's past that I was sent - it's fun to watch. Here is a link to that video.
Also, KXAN did a story on the historic cabin that has been moved to the City Hall area. This is a great project and it's a piece of history the area should be proud of. Here is a link to the story and video!
CBC will meet in regular session in the Council room next Thursday at 9:00AM Here is that agenda.
The Proposed 15 year Capital Improvement Plan will have it's first Public Meeting on Tuesday January 24 at 7 PM. Here is a link to more information.
From Steve Jones:
Here are two press releases from LCRA - Release 1 deals with the sale of the West Travis Co. Regional Water and Wastewater Systems by LCRA to a group called the PUA, Release 2 is about the public review process for proposed revisions to LCRA's Water Management Plan.
Shannon Burk met with the Serene Hills Developer and his engineer to discuss the possibility of an alley to avoid having driveways onto Serene Hills Dr. There are engineering challenges and are putting together a proposal for some pull-off space in front of the houses.
There was a District Court Hearing Tuesday before Judge Sulak on the North Brooks Hollow annexation lawsuit. Judge Sulak declined to rule on the plaintiff's injunction request and will try to give a decision on another issue within the next few weeks.
It appears there will be a Special Council meeting Jan. 24 to authorize the sale of Library Bonds. It is not finalized yet.
Some of the rough cut planks on the Liebelt cabin were not reusable and new ones have been ordered. As soon as they are installed, shingles will be re-installed - probably next week. The City is working to solve some issues including locating period correct hardware for doors and windows so the cabin can be closed in as soon as possible.
That's all for now!
Have a GREAT weekend!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Our finances are in good shape according to Treasurer Al Tyson. We are below budget on expenses and above budget in revenues - a good way to be!
Council voted to approve the Library District's request to proceed with the issuance of the bonds approved by voters. Once the documents are prepared there will be another vote and the bonds will be sold. Once this occurs, the District will let a contract for the construction of the new building.
After a presentation and much discussion, Council voted to put the sale of part of Rebel Park to residents who own property surrounding the park. The purchase price is $70,000 and will be added to the Parkland fund for future purchases. I for one do not like selling any parkland, however after carefully studying this it appears the land is useless to citizens and this is a good move.
There was a presentation by Phin-Ker Ventures on their ideas for development of the area around the Lakeway Medical Center. There was no action taken on this. My concerns include the traffic issues already in the area and the density of multifamily construction. The plan looks good on paper and we will be looking closely at different parts of the project in the near future.
The Lakeway Highlands Multifamily Tract items were pulled by the developer. There are concerns as to the impact of apartments in the area and Lakeway does not derive much benefit from the project in my opinion.
An amendment to Zoning Code was voted on to prohibit driving across private residential property except on a paved driveway. This was caused by an issue with one resident that accesses his back yard by driving around his home to access a parking area in his back yard. The vote was 6-1 for the amendment. I voted against the amendment for a couple of reasons. I don't think we should make laws because of one person issues. I also know of many folks that occasionally access their yard for various reasons and create no neighbor or lawn degradation issues - they will now have to break the law to do this. Also, there is no reason this individual cannot pave where he is driving and the problem would continue. We will see where this goes.
Council instructed look at another option for noise regulation amendments. Instead of requiring all businesses to have a Special Use Permit if they have outside amplified music, they will look at situations by resident complaints.
__________________
I met with Officer Hector Almaguer of the Lakeway Police Department today and he told me about a project he's working on in Lakeway called "Alive at 25". It is a non profit organization that is working to help prevent traffic violations, collisions and fatalities in our youth and young adults in the age group 15 to 25. Statistics show that once they reach 26 years they are much less likely to become a statistic. He is going to do a FREE class on Saturday, February 18 from 9AM until 1:30PM. Here is a link to more information on the program. Please consider getting your kids or grandkids in this one time opportunity! It could save their lives! It can also get them discounts on their auto insurance.
Don't forget, about the 11th Annual LAC Appreciation Breakfast coming up on January 28th. Seatings will be at 8AM and 9:15AM. Please mark your calendars. Council and the City Manager will be cooking bacon and pancakes!
Joann Anderson sent me this link for a video made on the inside of the new Hospital and I thought everyone might like to see it. Here is a link to the pictures, enjoy!
On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Mayor DeOme reinstated teh Burn Ban for the City of Lakeway in accordance with Travis County Commissioners Court reinstating the ban for the County. More dry weather ahead it appears.
There is a YouTube video of Austin's past that I was sent - it's fun to watch. Here is a link to that video.
Also, KXAN did a story on the historic cabin that has been moved to the City Hall area. This is a great project and it's a piece of history the area should be proud of. Here is a link to the story and video!
CBC will meet in regular session in the Council room next Thursday at 9:00AM Here is that agenda.
The Proposed 15 year Capital Improvement Plan will have it's first Public Meeting on Tuesday January 24 at 7 PM. Here is a link to more information.
From Steve Jones:
Here are two press releases from LCRA - Release 1 deals with the sale of the West Travis Co. Regional Water and Wastewater Systems by LCRA to a group called the PUA, Release 2 is about the public review process for proposed revisions to LCRA's Water Management Plan.
Shannon Burk met with the Serene Hills Developer and his engineer to discuss the possibility of an alley to avoid having driveways onto Serene Hills Dr. There are engineering challenges and are putting together a proposal for some pull-off space in front of the houses.
There was a District Court Hearing Tuesday before Judge Sulak on the North Brooks Hollow annexation lawsuit. Judge Sulak declined to rule on the plaintiff's injunction request and will try to give a decision on another issue within the next few weeks.
It appears there will be a Special Council meeting Jan. 24 to authorize the sale of Library Bonds. It is not finalized yet.
Some of the rough cut planks on the Liebelt cabin were not reusable and new ones have been ordered. As soon as they are installed, shingles will be re-installed - probably next week. The City is working to solve some issues including locating period correct hardware for doors and windows so the cabin can be closed in as soon as possible.
That's all for now!
Have a GREAT weekend!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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