Here's whats happening.
The City is hoping the new Finance Director will be on line in four or five weeks. Julie Oakley is currently going over our audit and budget so she will be up to speed when she is able to start.
Surveying and layout is underway for the SH 71 / Serene Hills road project. The contractor has started right-of-way preparations and construction on the pavement should start soon.
The July 4th Committee is working on a plan that includes changing the parade route this year. The current route ends with a great deal of congestion at the Activity Center. This year it looks like Lohmans Crossing will be closed for reconstruction and it would make matters much worse. The initial plan is to move the parade to Lakeway Blvd. starting at the Lakeway Church and ending at the Swim Center. More to come on this i'm sure!
Next week, LCRA will mail information to lakeside residents reminding them that a contarct is required to take water directly from the Highlands Lakes. If you have lakefront property and pull water from the lake there is a contract you can fill out to make it legal.
This years Warrant roundup is scheduled for March 6. This annual event is a coordinated effort by all local law enforcement agencies to encourage people to pay their outstanding traffic fines in lieu of being arrested. If you have an outstanding ticket, pay it now!
Travis County MUD #12 (Rough Hollow MUD) has filed an application with the Texas Water Development Board to fund a wastewater project that would, among other things relocate the Lakeway MUD's Lohmans crossing spray field to the Rough Hollow spray field. If approved, this project has the possibility of opening up the LMUD property for development.
Our new Emergency Management Manager and the NOAA held a Skywarn Basic Spotter Training Class today at the Activity center. Looked like they had about 30 in attendance and it was a very good presentation. I will be sure to get any future information out sooner so you can plan to attend if interested.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
City Building Commission / Hospital Site ++
Today the City Building Commission met in regular session. It was again a very short agenda. The Commission allowed a modified screening arrangement for a new home at 107 Confidence Cove and approved some final inspections.
The Hospital site is still on hold. Rumor has it that the HUD funding is approved but not signed. The site is heading toward the date the developer might be required to revegetate the site. It should move ahead shortly.
I have been asked several times about the speed limit on Highlands Blvd. Here is what I have discovered. The road was designed for 35 mph and would have been much more expensive to design for a higher speed because of the cut and fill around the curves. It is common practice to set the limit 5 mph below the design speed. If the speed limit was raised to 35 it would mean a 31 second difference in travel time. So the general consensus is to leave it at 30 mph. It really wasn't meant to be a cut through to Hwy 71 but as access to a residential neighborhood.
The ZAPCO agenda was just posted for March 3rd and looks like it will deal with signs and the Niemann tract.
Thanks for the support! Email me to be added to a notification list when a post is added.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Hospital site is still on hold. Rumor has it that the HUD funding is approved but not signed. The site is heading toward the date the developer might be required to revegetate the site. It should move ahead shortly.
I have been asked several times about the speed limit on Highlands Blvd. Here is what I have discovered. The road was designed for 35 mph and would have been much more expensive to design for a higher speed because of the cut and fill around the curves. It is common practice to set the limit 5 mph below the design speed. If the speed limit was raised to 35 it would mean a 31 second difference in travel time. So the general consensus is to leave it at 30 mph. It really wasn't meant to be a cut through to Hwy 71 but as access to a residential neighborhood.
The ZAPCO agenda was just posted for March 3rd and looks like it will deal with signs and the Niemann tract.
Thanks for the support! Email me to be added to a notification list when a post is added.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Snow again! - Men's Breakfast Club - Council Workshop
Can you believe it? Snow again? And this one was fairly substantial. Interesting weather this year isn't it! Never thought I'd see a view down my street like this! Click on it for a larger view.
Men's Breakfast Club is canceled for Wednesday 2/24. Turns out the high school fiddlers won't be available and the City goes on the LTISD schedule so the Activity Center won't be ope in the morning either.
The City Council had a Special Work Session today at 1PM. All Councilmembers were present along with the Mayor and City Staff. Chief Todd Radford mad a presentation on the reorganization, new mission and goals for the Police Department.
There was a discussion on whether the City needs to progress with a MC Mansion ordinance and it was generally thought that it was not necessary at this time.
A facilities plan and capital improvement 20 year plan was presented by Steve Jones. We have a lot of work to do in the future to keep up with the needs of the City!
The general annexation policy was discussed and staff was instructed to report on areas that need to be addressed. We will look at this in a future meeting.
The Lake Travis Youth Association gave a presentation of their needs and long range plans. The City is looking at ways to help them achieve their goals to enable them to help out youth.
The no smoking ordinance was discussed and it was generally agreed that the issue was taking care of itself. There seems to be only one establishment that currently allows smoking - all the rest have changed their policy or have closed.
The Hotel occupancy tax issue was discussed and the general opinion was that it is not necessary at this time but will be looked at sometime in the future depending on need.
It was a good meeting and lots of ideas and opinions were exchanged.
Keep warm and stay at home if you can!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, February 19, 2010
Weekly Update +
Not a big week, but here goes!
Building Services has signed off on plans for a facility that will connect Lakeway Mud water lines with WCID 17 water lines to provide for emergency service if needed. It will be located in a small building located nest ot the Lakeway Commons driveway off Golf Crest.
There is a new pole going up across from the fire station on Lohmans Crossing. This is for a signal light that will flash to warn cars on Lohmans Crossing when emergency vehicles exit the station. It is hoped that this will avoid potential collisions during an emergency.
The parks department recieved a grant for almost $8,000 this week for the LCC to install a new swing set in the upper area of City Park for older children. Peggy Point championed this project and made it happen!
The Board of Adjustment approved a variance for subdividing a lot on Hazeltine Drive. Since the two lots don't meet the size requirement for lots in the R-1 zoning district a variance was required. Since the lot was originally two lots and the resulting lot size would be consistent with the original intent and character fo the neighborhood, the Board thought it was a fair request.
The Deer Committee had a wrap up meeting this week and pronounced this year's trapping program a success. They came in under budget!
There has been difficulty finding a contractor that can repar and recondition the stairs and other equipment on the water slide at the swim center. All the bids have been over budget and the City is continuing their search. This work will have to be completed in order to use the slide this summer.
The Cities internet domain has changed from cityoflakeway.com to lakeway-tx.gov to better identify the city as a governmental organization. Be sure to update your email addresses to reflect the changes!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Building Services has signed off on plans for a facility that will connect Lakeway Mud water lines with WCID 17 water lines to provide for emergency service if needed. It will be located in a small building located nest ot the Lakeway Commons driveway off Golf Crest.
There is a new pole going up across from the fire station on Lohmans Crossing. This is for a signal light that will flash to warn cars on Lohmans Crossing when emergency vehicles exit the station. It is hoped that this will avoid potential collisions during an emergency.
The parks department recieved a grant for almost $8,000 this week for the LCC to install a new swing set in the upper area of City Park for older children. Peggy Point championed this project and made it happen!
The Board of Adjustment approved a variance for subdividing a lot on Hazeltine Drive. Since the two lots don't meet the size requirement for lots in the R-1 zoning district a variance was required. Since the lot was originally two lots and the resulting lot size would be consistent with the original intent and character fo the neighborhood, the Board thought it was a fair request.
The Deer Committee had a wrap up meeting this week and pronounced this year's trapping program a success. They came in under budget!
There has been difficulty finding a contractor that can repar and recondition the stairs and other equipment on the water slide at the swim center. All the bids have been over budget and the City is continuing their search. This work will have to be completed in order to use the slide this summer.
The Cities internet domain has changed from cityoflakeway.com to lakeway-tx.gov to better identify the city as a governmental organization. Be sure to update your email addresses to reflect the changes!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Election Ballots
Hi everyone!
Generally this is just Lakeway local news, but I thought sample ballots might be helpful for the upcoming elections since there seems to be a lot of interest in politics right now. Here are the two sample ballots:
Democratic Primary ballot
Republician Primary ballot
Thanks for looking and don't forget to vote!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Generally this is just Lakeway local news, but I thought sample ballots might be helpful for the upcoming elections since there seems to be a lot of interest in politics right now. Here are the two sample ballots:
Democratic Primary ballot
Republician Primary ballot
Thanks for looking and don't forget to vote!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
LCC Results
The Lakeway Civic Corporation (LCC) held it's annual meeting last night at the Activity Center. The had wine and a chicken fried steak dinner and presented awards to some of our outstanding citizens. Following were presented:
Meritorious Service Awards were presented to Jim Bisset and Fred Roth - congratulations to both of you on this achievement!
Citizen of the year Awards were presented to Bill Dickson and Veryl Johnson (posthumously) which was accepted by his wife Janet Johnson. Again, congratulations and thanks!
Joe Bain
Meritorious Service Awards were presented to Jim Bisset and Fred Roth - congratulations to both of you on this achievement!
Citizen of the year Awards were presented to Bill Dickson and Veryl Johnson (posthumously) which was accepted by his wife Janet Johnson. Again, congratulations and thanks!
Joe Bain
Council Results
The Council was very low key last night. Unfortunately there was a scheduling error and the LCC annual meeting was held at the same time slot. I will post the Council results and I will have another post with the awards from the LCC meeting later today.
Singleton, Moore & Co.,L.L.P. presented the financial audit for 2009. Per Preston Singleton, all the City's finances are in order and are well presented in the City's reports! GREAT news!
Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Malone/Wheeler, Inc. for preparation of engineering plans, specifications and bid documents for Lohmans Crossing improvement. As you have probably noticed, Lohmans has been sealed and patched recently. The road foundation is failing and a portion of the road from Sailmaster to Lakeway Blvd. will need to be rebuilt. The entire project will cost about $425,000, estimated $375,000 for construction and $50K for the engineering work.
The City adopted an ordinance that repeals and replaces the 1991 Parks and Recreation Ordinance.
Ten Propositions to amend the City Charter were accepted from the Charter Review Committee to be put on the ballot for the May 8th election. Most of the changes bring our Charter in line with State regulations.
Three Ordinances were passed relating to the General elections May 8th. One to elect three Councilmembers, one for the proposed amendments to the City Charter, and one to Appoint City of Lakeway Election Officials for the election. The Mayor was authorized to issue a Notice of Election.
Mike Rains was appointed Parks and Recreation Committee Chair and Jeanne Ann Klein was appointed to the Arts and Beautification Committe. Congratulations and thanks for the service!
That about does it for now - expect more as it happens!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Singleton, Moore & Co.,L.L.P. presented the financial audit for 2009. Per Preston Singleton, all the City's finances are in order and are well presented in the City's reports! GREAT news!
Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Malone/Wheeler, Inc. for preparation of engineering plans, specifications and bid documents for Lohmans Crossing improvement. As you have probably noticed, Lohmans has been sealed and patched recently. The road foundation is failing and a portion of the road from Sailmaster to Lakeway Blvd. will need to be rebuilt. The entire project will cost about $425,000, estimated $375,000 for construction and $50K for the engineering work.
The City adopted an ordinance that repeals and replaces the 1991 Parks and Recreation Ordinance.
Ten Propositions to amend the City Charter were accepted from the Charter Review Committee to be put on the ballot for the May 8th election. Most of the changes bring our Charter in line with State regulations.
Three Ordinances were passed relating to the General elections May 8th. One to elect three Councilmembers, one for the proposed amendments to the City Charter, and one to Appoint City of Lakeway Election Officials for the election. The Mayor was authorized to issue a Notice of Election.
Mike Rains was appointed Parks and Recreation Committee Chair and Jeanne Ann Klein was appointed to the Arts and Beautification Committe. Congratulations and thanks for the service!
That about does it for now - expect more as it happens!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Weekly Update +
Hi everyone! Here's what's going on.
Looks like the construction should begin the first week of March on the Serene Hills and SH 71 intersection. I don't think the projection of the first quarter completion will hold up but at least we will see some work being done. Maybe by Summer!
The traffic cones and tape have been removed from the vacant Exxon location and the owners are being cooperative in the clean up process.
There was a ribbon cutting for the official opening of Highlands Blvd. on Thursday. While the City Fathers were there shivering, I was enjoying Cancun and 80 Degrees. The event went well and the road is now "officially" open.
Sea Ray Boats has designated Lake Travis as the location fo the 2010 AquaPalooza. It is in the early planning stages with a target date of late July. The event will include a large music concert held on the water and accessible by boat only. In the past, this event has attracted as many as 4,000 boats. Since there are no large land-based events, the City doesn't expect any issues and is looking forward to additional sales tax revenues form tourists and spin-off events.
Speaking of taxes, the City is doing well on sales tax revenue for the year. We are 1% short of year to date projections. Instead of struggling with sluggish sales tax revenue we seem to be doing well with a 7% increase over last year (we projected 8%).
The City is looking into a guard rail in the area of 214 Golf Crest Dr. A car recently drove off the road and struck the residents home - this is the fourth time this has happened and is a safety issue.
It's almost time for our annual City election, there are 3 Council seats up for election. I have word that the three incumbents are running for re-election and no one else has filed yet. There will also be other issues on the ballot and I will get those to you as soon as I have them.
City Council will meet Tuesday February 16 because of the Presidents Day holiday. Here is the agenda. Please get involved and come to the meeting, it will be at City Hall at 6:30PM.
The Board of Adjustment will meet on February 17th at 3:00PM. Here is the agenda for that meeting.
I will try to make both of those and report back.
The results are in on the poll last week about a cell phone ordinance. According to the poll 62% favored an ordinance against cell phone use while driving and 37% were against it. The City is currently working on an ordinance banning texting while driving in the City Limits.
I appreciate all the support on the blog! Remember, email me at lakeway@bain.us if you would like an email when there is an update!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Looks like the construction should begin the first week of March on the Serene Hills and SH 71 intersection. I don't think the projection of the first quarter completion will hold up but at least we will see some work being done. Maybe by Summer!
The traffic cones and tape have been removed from the vacant Exxon location and the owners are being cooperative in the clean up process.
There was a ribbon cutting for the official opening of Highlands Blvd. on Thursday. While the City Fathers were there shivering, I was enjoying Cancun and 80 Degrees. The event went well and the road is now "officially" open.
Sea Ray Boats has designated Lake Travis as the location fo the 2010 AquaPalooza. It is in the early planning stages with a target date of late July. The event will include a large music concert held on the water and accessible by boat only. In the past, this event has attracted as many as 4,000 boats. Since there are no large land-based events, the City doesn't expect any issues and is looking forward to additional sales tax revenues form tourists and spin-off events.
Speaking of taxes, the City is doing well on sales tax revenue for the year. We are 1% short of year to date projections. Instead of struggling with sluggish sales tax revenue we seem to be doing well with a 7% increase over last year (we projected 8%).
The City is looking into a guard rail in the area of 214 Golf Crest Dr. A car recently drove off the road and struck the residents home - this is the fourth time this has happened and is a safety issue.
It's almost time for our annual City election, there are 3 Council seats up for election. I have word that the three incumbents are running for re-election and no one else has filed yet. There will also be other issues on the ballot and I will get those to you as soon as I have them.
City Council will meet Tuesday February 16 because of the Presidents Day holiday. Here is the agenda. Please get involved and come to the meeting, it will be at City Hall at 6:30PM.
The Board of Adjustment will meet on February 17th at 3:00PM. Here is the agenda for that meeting.
I will try to make both of those and report back.
The results are in on the poll last week about a cell phone ordinance. According to the poll 62% favored an ordinance against cell phone use while driving and 37% were against it. The City is currently working on an ordinance banning texting while driving in the City Limits.
I appreciate all the support on the blog! Remember, email me at lakeway@bain.us if you would like an email when there is an update!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Homeward Bound
homeward bound! I'll have an update for the blog soon!
Joe Bain
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Weekly Update
Fairly slow week, here goes!
Congratulations to Police Chief Todd Radford for winning the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year award - GREAT achievement.
The 4th of July Committee met for the first time this year and started planning for this year's celebration. The event will be held on Saturday July 3rd and the theme will be "Military Service is a Family Affair".
Cristiani’s Jewelers in Lakeway was robbed for the second time Monday (Feb 1st) in the afternoon. Police are looking for two black males - believed to have been driving a black Mercedes. They were also robbed last September.
I missed the ZAPCO meeting this week but the meeting consisted of five commercial signs for approval. all were approved except one for CVS pharmacy.
Police Chief Radford conducted a computer conference call this week for his personnel. This "webinar" allowed tow-way communication with most of the department at one time.
Thursday the City received word that our grant for police patrol car computers has been funded. The equipment will be purchased in the next few weeks and installed shortly after that - this will be a great communication tool for our officers.
It looks like the asphalt and road work will be completed Saturday on Rough Hollow Road and it should be open for traffic late in the afternoon. Our road construction for the time being looks to be nearing completion!
The City has received word that the tape and cones will be removed for the Exxon station next week and the site will be cleaned up.
So far it looks like the next Council meeting will be fairly light. Some items on the agenda include calling the general and special elections, a presentation of the FY 2009 audit, a revised Parks and Recreation ordinance and approval of the engineering for the Lohman's Crossing reconstruction. The City is working on a "Texting Ordinance" for Lakeway. It would prohibit texting while driving a vehicle. More on that soon!
So far all the incumbent Council Members have picked up packets for the upcoming election. I am assuming all will run for reelection.
Thanks for Looking and all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Congratulations to Police Chief Todd Radford for winning the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year award - GREAT achievement.
The 4th of July Committee met for the first time this year and started planning for this year's celebration. The event will be held on Saturday July 3rd and the theme will be "Military Service is a Family Affair".
Cristiani’s Jewelers in Lakeway was robbed for the second time Monday (Feb 1st) in the afternoon. Police are looking for two black males - believed to have been driving a black Mercedes. They were also robbed last September.
I missed the ZAPCO meeting this week but the meeting consisted of five commercial signs for approval. all were approved except one for CVS pharmacy.
Police Chief Radford conducted a computer conference call this week for his personnel. This "webinar" allowed tow-way communication with most of the department at one time.
Thursday the City received word that our grant for police patrol car computers has been funded. The equipment will be purchased in the next few weeks and installed shortly after that - this will be a great communication tool for our officers.
It looks like the asphalt and road work will be completed Saturday on Rough Hollow Road and it should be open for traffic late in the afternoon. Our road construction for the time being looks to be nearing completion!
The City has received word that the tape and cones will be removed for the Exxon station next week and the site will be cleaned up.
So far it looks like the next Council meeting will be fairly light. Some items on the agenda include calling the general and special elections, a presentation of the FY 2009 audit, a revised Parks and Recreation ordinance and approval of the engineering for the Lohman's Crossing reconstruction. The City is working on a "Texting Ordinance" for Lakeway. It would prohibit texting while driving a vehicle. More on that soon!
So far all the incumbent Council Members have picked up packets for the upcoming election. I am assuming all will run for reelection.
Thanks for Looking and all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Rough Hollow Drive / New Blood Drive
Hi folks! Two items today!
Rough Hollow Drive is nearing completion of the repair! Depending on weather, opening should happen in a day or two - keep watching, I will try to let you know when it happens!
A new blood drive has been scheduled by Searcy Willis for March 20, 2010. Look at the "Helpful Links" section of the blog for a link to all the info you need. This is a GREAT service to the community - sign up now!
If you know folks that live in the Preserve, Rough Hollow, Alta Vista or the Ridge at Alta Vista, please tell them about the blog! It would be really nice to get those folks involved!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)