Hi Folks! Little happening over the Thanksgiving week.
The big news is Speedy Stop will come before ZAPCO this Wednesday for recommendation for a Special Use Permit for a convenience store located where the Exxon Station currently is. Full ZAPCO agenda is here: ZAPCO Agenda
The Developer is working on Highlands Blvd. and is working on retaining walls where there were problems after the rains started. It will still be a while before it opens.
That's all for now - don't forget the Christmas lights tonight at the Activity Center - it should be quite a show and the weather seems to be cooperating!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Week in Review
Chief Todd Radford speaking to the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association on Wednesday night. There were about 25 folks present. This organization was formed by graduates of the Citizens Police Academy that Detective Mary Proctor puts on every year. Watch for notice a new class is forming!
The intersection project at SH 71 and Serene Hills Road is being bid out by TxDot and is on schedule to be awarded to a contractor in December. That means the work should at least get underway in the first quarter of 2010.
TCEQ soundly rejected the petition for Granite Shoals and Leander to abolish the "no discharge" rule for the Highland Lakes. It appears they are not interested in any change to the rules.
Deer trapping has begun and so far 27 deer have been trapped this season. We may not reach our estimated 125 this year - maybe the population has been reduced to a more manageable number (maybe the deer are getting smarter!).
The 18 year old man that was involved in the collision on 620 last Saturday has been charged with criminally negligent homicide. He has no drivers license and has family in Mexico, Judge Madison considered him a high flight risk and set his bail at $250,000.
Lake Travis Fire and Rescue will be remodeling and renovating the Lohmans Crossing fire station. While the work is proceeding there will be portable buildings in front of the station for the firefighters. Expected completion and removal of the temporary buildings is before April 1, 2010.
The CBC denied the request for a variance in the height of a Holiday Inn Thursday. It appears that the developer is now planning to reduce the height by digging into the hill side and possibly reducing the pitch of the roof to meet the 32' limit. They will go before ZAPCO and the City Council to try to get the zoning changed from C-1 to Hotel / Motel.
There is a significant road failure on Rough Hollow Drive just South of Canyon Turn Trail. As you can see, the ground under the road has collapsed and is falling away. This seems to be a major issue and may take some time to correct.
A contractor has been working on Lohmans Crossing at Lohmans Spur to install a French Drain that will hopefully correct the problem with water standing on the road.
Don't forget the Trail of Lights program on November 30th in the Activity Center Parking Lot! It promises to be a big hit with the kids!
Click on the pictures for a larger view!
Thanks for the support! Don't forget to email me if you want to be included on the new post reminder mail out.
Joe Bain
Lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
TCEQ Decision
This just in:
The TCEQ has resoundingly denied the request from Granite Scholes and Leander to discharge reclaimed their reclaimed water into the Highland Lakes watershed. This is GREAT news!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The TCEQ has resoundingly denied the request from Granite Scholes and Leander to discharge reclaimed their reclaimed water into the Highland Lakes watershed. This is GREAT news!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Chief Reception, Council Results
The new Chief, Todd Radford, had a GREAT reception last evening at the Activity Center. Volunteers from the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni furnished labor and refreshments for the event. Chief Radford gave a short speech and everyone had the opportunity to meet him and his family. It was an exceptional event!
After the reception Council met with the following results:
The Council approved the employment agreement with Chief Radford. After that vote was recorded, he was administered the Oath of Office by Christy Fath, City Secretary.
TexArts made a presentation to the Council and audience about their involvement and successes in the Arts in the Lakeway Area. After the presentation, there was some discussion on ways the City can support TexArts and their future plans.
A zoning change was made to the Marina Village PUD to allow an additional 3 feet for one building to enable enhanced access capabilities.
The Council voted 5-2 to waive the City fees for a benefit home built by Zbranek Custom Homes where the profits are to be donated to the Lake Travis Youth Association. The association was defrauded of nearly $200,000 last year by a credit card collection company.
An amendment was approved to the Code of Ethics Ordinance requiring more of the City employees to sign the Code of Ethics document.
The Council vote to pursue funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. This will allow funds from the Stimulus funds to be spent to do an energy audit and improve the City's energy efficiency with monies form the Grant.
Council voted to cast a vote for Michael Murphy for the area representative for the Travis County Appraisal District Board.
Finally, Council voted to approve appointment Bill Rhue to the Board of Ethics and Sue Ellen Knolle to the Arts & Beautification Committee.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
After the reception Council met with the following results:
The Council approved the employment agreement with Chief Radford. After that vote was recorded, he was administered the Oath of Office by Christy Fath, City Secretary.
TexArts made a presentation to the Council and audience about their involvement and successes in the Arts in the Lakeway Area. After the presentation, there was some discussion on ways the City can support TexArts and their future plans.
A zoning change was made to the Marina Village PUD to allow an additional 3 feet for one building to enable enhanced access capabilities.
The Council voted 5-2 to waive the City fees for a benefit home built by Zbranek Custom Homes where the profits are to be donated to the Lake Travis Youth Association. The association was defrauded of nearly $200,000 last year by a credit card collection company.
An amendment was approved to the Code of Ethics Ordinance requiring more of the City employees to sign the Code of Ethics document.
The Council vote to pursue funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. This will allow funds from the Stimulus funds to be spent to do an energy audit and improve the City's energy efficiency with monies form the Grant.
Council voted to cast a vote for Michael Murphy for the area representative for the Travis County Appraisal District Board.
Finally, Council voted to approve appointment Bill Rhue to the Board of Ethics and Sue Ellen Knolle to the Arts & Beautification Committee.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Weekly Update ++
Hi folks! The City is working to fill the open positions we have as quickly as possible. Welcome Crystal Gill as our new police dispatcher! We have applicants for court clerk and the two open police officer positions. We are also starting our search for Finance Director.
Staff met with IESI this week to discuss our recycling program. They think there are opportunities to significantly improve the service. We should have a more definitive proposal from IESI in the next few weeks for consideration.
It appears we are responding to a lot of false alarm calls. The City is looking at an ordinance to charge a graduated fee for responding to false alarms.
The Holiday Inn Express developers will be back again to the CBC for another hearing on additional height. They have repositioned the building and will only need 6 additional feet now. The CBC meeting will only address the height issue, so please limit any comments to that issue. Council will address the zoning change depending on the results of the CBC decision, possibly in December.
It looks like Speedy Stop will make another run at ZAPCO for a special use permit for the Exxon location. they have addressed many issues and I'm sure it will be an interesting meeting!
As previously stated, there will be a reception for our new Police Chief, Todd Radford, Monday, November 16 at the activity center at 5PM. Here is a link to the notice Todd Radford Reception.
The City Council will meet at 6:30 on November 16th in the Council Chambers - here is a link to the Agenda.
Lights On / Trail of Lights is coming up soon on Monday, November 30th, in the Activity Center parking lot. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to welcome everyone to the Christmas Season!
Breakfast with Santa will be at the Activity Center on Saturday, December 12th. There are two seatings, 8:30 and 10:30 AM. Contact the Activity Center for tickets - they go fast!
There was a bad accident on 620 this morning about 8:30 this morning. I understand two cars hit head on and 3 folks went to the hospital. I don't think any were residents of Lakeway. Please be safe out there!
More as it comes up! Thanks for all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Staff met with IESI this week to discuss our recycling program. They think there are opportunities to significantly improve the service. We should have a more definitive proposal from IESI in the next few weeks for consideration.
It appears we are responding to a lot of false alarm calls. The City is looking at an ordinance to charge a graduated fee for responding to false alarms.
The Holiday Inn Express developers will be back again to the CBC for another hearing on additional height. They have repositioned the building and will only need 6 additional feet now. The CBC meeting will only address the height issue, so please limit any comments to that issue. Council will address the zoning change depending on the results of the CBC decision, possibly in December.
It looks like Speedy Stop will make another run at ZAPCO for a special use permit for the Exxon location. they have addressed many issues and I'm sure it will be an interesting meeting!
As previously stated, there will be a reception for our new Police Chief, Todd Radford, Monday, November 16 at the activity center at 5PM. Here is a link to the notice Todd Radford Reception.
The City Council will meet at 6:30 on November 16th in the Council Chambers - here is a link to the Agenda.
Lights On / Trail of Lights is coming up soon on Monday, November 30th, in the Activity Center parking lot. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to welcome everyone to the Christmas Season!
Breakfast with Santa will be at the Activity Center on Saturday, December 12th. There are two seatings, 8:30 and 10:30 AM. Contact the Activity Center for tickets - they go fast!
There was a bad accident on 620 this morning about 8:30 this morning. I understand two cars hit head on and 3 folks went to the hospital. I don't think any were residents of Lakeway. Please be safe out there!
More as it comes up! Thanks for all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Veteran's Day, Blood Drive, Chief Radford's Reception, Council Meeting
Mike Boston gave a moving speech outlining the moods of patriotism over the last century.
We are honored as a community to have so many veterans that gave so much so that we can enjoy the life we now lead! Thanks to all of you for your service!
____________________________________________________
Come meet the new Police Chief Monday November 16th from 5PM until 6:20PM at a reception hosted by the Lakeway Police Officers Association at the Lakeway Activity Center. I'm told there will be snacks and beverages! It should be a fun event!
After that, the Council will meet in regular session at the City Hall. Looks like an easy agenda for a change, some of the major items will be administering the Oath of Office to Chief Radford, a zoning change (PUD amendment) to Marina Village, ordinance amendment, and 2 resolutions. I will post the complete agenda once it is finalized for your convenience.
Thanks for LOOKING! I look forward to seeing everyone at the Reception and Council Meeting. As always, if you want an email when there is a new posting, email me at lakeway@bain.us and I'll put you on the list!
Joe Bain
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Weekly Update +
Hi everyone! Another week has passed already - here's some news.
Time Warner is raising our rates - they notified the city and notices will be in the paper and here is a link to the notice sent to the City. Time Warner
Councilmember Alan Tye has furnished a "white paper" from LCRA about the current and continued drought conditions. Here is a link to that report. LCRA Drought White Paper
The Holiday Inn has revised their plans for an Express at RR 620 and Oak Grove Blvd. They moved the building farther for residents and removed the windows from that side of the building. They will still need a variance for the height and will also need a zoning change from Commerical to Hotel / Motel.
Crosswater Yacht Club marina has completed a traffic impact analysis and will make a presentation at this months Council meeting. They hope to convince the City that a marina will not have a deleterious effect.
Council will not take up a no-smoking ordinance until after the first of the year. The December meeting will be on December 21st which is the normal scheduled date.
Staff met this week with the Developer of Rough Hollow to discuss the status of Highlands Blvd. They will be stabilizing the slopes with a slanted "Tillman" wall and will be installing more landscaping. Repairs and landscaping will take six to eight weeks and the road will not open until all is finished and accepted.
In case you didn't see the View or news, one of our officers, Steve Adams, was assaulted during an altercation at the Chicken express last week. He was intervening in a domestic issue and was attempting to make an arrest. He received only minor injuries and is doing well. The perpetrator was arrested and last I heard was jailed with a $75K bond. He is / was an employee of the restaurant.
Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Time Warner is raising our rates - they notified the city and notices will be in the paper and here is a link to the notice sent to the City. Time Warner
Councilmember Alan Tye has furnished a "white paper" from LCRA about the current and continued drought conditions. Here is a link to that report. LCRA Drought White Paper
The Holiday Inn has revised their plans for an Express at RR 620 and Oak Grove Blvd. They moved the building farther for residents and removed the windows from that side of the building. They will still need a variance for the height and will also need a zoning change from Commerical to Hotel / Motel.
Crosswater Yacht Club marina has completed a traffic impact analysis and will make a presentation at this months Council meeting. They hope to convince the City that a marina will not have a deleterious effect.
Council will not take up a no-smoking ordinance until after the first of the year. The December meeting will be on December 21st which is the normal scheduled date.
Staff met this week with the Developer of Rough Hollow to discuss the status of Highlands Blvd. They will be stabilizing the slopes with a slanted "Tillman" wall and will be installing more landscaping. Repairs and landscaping will take six to eight weeks and the road will not open until all is finished and accepted.
In case you didn't see the View or news, one of our officers, Steve Adams, was assaulted during an altercation at the Chicken express last week. He was intervening in a domestic issue and was attempting to make an arrest. He received only minor injuries and is doing well. The perpetrator was arrested and last I heard was jailed with a $75K bond. He is / was an employee of the restaurant.
Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!!!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Highlands Blvd., Serene Hills
Lots of questions about the status of our new roads. Highlands Blvd. was expected to open a while ago and was delayed because of issues with the cuts that were made through some of the hills and stabilization of those cuts. All was looking good until the rains finally came and there were issues with the cuts sluffing off from the rainfall and drainage. Currently the developer is preparing a plan to address the issues. I don't expect opening for at least a month or two. We need this done right so eventually the city can maintain it economically.
Serene Hills Blvd. is another issue altogether. It won't be opened until the traffic controls are completed and operational on Hwy. 71. The money has been made available and currently TXDOT is in the bid process for the project. Once the bids are in and one is selected we will have a tentative date for completion. Don't expect this until 2nd or 3rd quarter next year.
That's the story so far - more as I find out!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Serene Hills Blvd. is another issue altogether. It won't be opened until the traffic controls are completed and operational on Hwy. 71. The money has been made available and currently TXDOT is in the bid process for the project. Once the bids are in and one is selected we will have a tentative date for completion. Don't expect this until 2nd or 3rd quarter next year.
That's the story so far - more as I find out!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Whataburger / Hospital / Holiday Inn Express / Speedy Stop
You have probably noticed that Whataburger is closed. They are changing their driveway to share with the Motel behind them to reduce the number of entrances. They had an issue with a grease trap that has been repaired and are hoping to re-open by the end of the week.
The hospital project is still moving, although slowly. They reportedly have their HUD financing guarantee done and are continuing to move forward on the project. I have seen the gate open and individuals working or looking so hopefully it will start moving forward shortly.
The Holiday Inn Express that is looking to build at 620 and Oak Grove was turned down for a variance that would allow them to add 10' height to the 32' limit for commercial buildings in Lakeway. They are revisiting the plan and are changing the position of the building in hope that it will solve the issues and will be before the CBC again in the near future.
Speedy Stop is revising their plans to see if they can change their plans to better suit the area. Currently they are not on the ZAPCO schedule so I expect it will be at least December.
More as I learn of it!
Thanks for LOOKING! Email me if you want on the notification list!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The hospital project is still moving, although slowly. They reportedly have their HUD financing guarantee done and are continuing to move forward on the project. I have seen the gate open and individuals working or looking so hopefully it will start moving forward shortly.
The Holiday Inn Express that is looking to build at 620 and Oak Grove was turned down for a variance that would allow them to add 10' height to the 32' limit for commercial buildings in Lakeway. They are revisiting the plan and are changing the position of the building in hope that it will solve the issues and will be before the CBC again in the near future.
Speedy Stop is revising their plans to see if they can change their plans to better suit the area. Currently they are not on the ZAPCO schedule so I expect it will be at least December.
More as I learn of it!
Thanks for LOOKING! Email me if you want on the notification list!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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