There are several items of interest for the week so let's get started!
Nancy Klingman, Finance Director, is resigning effective November 10 to accept a position of Finance Director for the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico. We wish Nancy all the best in her new position and will miss her knowledge.
Looks like there is interest in considering a "no Smoking" ordinance so look for it on future agendas. Currently there are 3 establishments I am aware of that allow smoking in the City limits.
Travis County joined the City in passing a resolution in opposition to lifting the wastewater effluent discharge ban on the Highland Lakes. We welcome their support and I will keep you updated as this issue evolves.
PEC sponsored a workshop about he Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and our Deputy City Manager Chessie Blanchard represented us at the meeting. It appears we are initially eligible for about $50,000. If everything works out, we will use the money for energy audits of City buildings and to replace the HVAC system at the Activity Center. GREAT!
David Ferry's department aerated and seeded Lakeway Blvd with perennial ryegrass seed. They also replaced the irrigation controllers that seem to have a mind of their own on Lohman's Crossing. They are also preparing for the lights and decorations for the holiday season.
If you remember a while back I talked a little about the reverse 911 that was used to notify residents when the jewelry store was robbed and fugitives were on the loose. This can be set up to notify you on your cell phone and I am attaching instruction for that if your interested. Emergency Notification System
From Andra Streety: Jessica Blair is now the Swim Center Manager and her organizational skills will be put to good use there! Kristen Cole is now the Events Coordinator at the Activity Center. Dallas Gorman is now the Programs Coordinator, scheduling all programs and classes through the Activity Center. Justin Wright is now a full=time Operator II under Parks Maintenance.
goblin Glow was a HUGE hit! About 1500 people attended, there was 5 hot air balloons, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, food and live music featuring the Gary Lee Cox Band. Looks like it's set up for next year already! GOOD JOB!
Veteran's Day event will be on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:00AM at the Heritage Center. The Lights On / Trail of Lights will be held Monday, Nov. 30th in the Activity Center Parking lot and the REAL Santa Claus will be there again this year!
Don't forget to vote! There are several Constitutional amendments and a property tax increase for the LTISD on the ballot. If you don't vote, you can't complain!
Thanks for the support! Email me if you want on the notification list!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Weekly Update, etc.
Another week has raced by! We got more much needed rain and I hear the lake is going to rise around 7 feet - another 40 and the drought will be over! That said, the weather was GREAT today and looks good until Sunday. I'm a little behind on the blog because my Aunt fell and has been in the hospital - we are bringing her home tomorrow and hopefully things will settle down an get back to normal.
Please welcome Todd Radford as our new Police Chief. He was appointed / approved at the Council Meeting Monday. I feel he will be a great fit for the job and look forward to working with him for a long time.
As far as I know the new hospital is moving forward. It appears the HUD guarantee was approved and financing is forthcoming. I am looking forward to seeing dirt moving there soon!
We closed fiscal year with a budget surplus. Our revenue dropped by $272,346 and we were able to reduce expenses by $389,619 for a surplus of $127,263. We were able to maintain a net year end balance of $1,808,247 which gives us a 25% fund ratio balance - this is GOOD.
A letter has been drawn up to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that will be sent along with a resolution approved by the Council opposing the proposed lifting of the ban on waste water effluent discharge into the Highland Lakes.
You might have seen a report of a mountain lion attack on a deer in the Hills. Our Animal Control is investigation this with Texas Parks and Wildlife and they have found no evidence of a mountain lion. This has happened before and turned out to be an isolated dog attack. TP&W said that mountain lions pose no real threat to humans - however in the unlikely event that someone actually sees a real mountain lion, TP&W would appreciate a phone call - go figure.......
I was lucky to be invited to the Viewpoints presentation last week and the Austin Symphony conductor Peter Bay spoke to the group. He was a great speaker and was very informative. It was a great evening and if you weren't aware of the group I suggest you check it out! I think it's full or nearly so for this year but plan on it in the next season!
I get questions all the time on the Exxon station replacement. Speedy Stop is still working toward their plan but it will need to go before ZAPCO before the Council and the soonest that can happen is next month - if there is more info I will pass it on. The City Building Commission (CBC) acted on a variance request to allow a Holiday Inn Express to go 10' above the current height limitation for a commercial building. This was denied last Thursday.
Thanks again for all the support! If you want on or off the notification list simply email me at lakeway@bain.us and I will send you a note when the Blog is updated!
Joe Bain
As far as I know the new hospital is moving forward. It appears the HUD guarantee was approved and financing is forthcoming. I am looking forward to seeing dirt moving there soon!
We closed fiscal year with a budget surplus. Our revenue dropped by $272,346 and we were able to reduce expenses by $389,619 for a surplus of $127,263. We were able to maintain a net year end balance of $1,808,247 which gives us a 25% fund ratio balance - this is GOOD.
A letter has been drawn up to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that will be sent along with a resolution approved by the Council opposing the proposed lifting of the ban on waste water effluent discharge into the Highland Lakes.
You might have seen a report of a mountain lion attack on a deer in the Hills. Our Animal Control is investigation this with Texas Parks and Wildlife and they have found no evidence of a mountain lion. This has happened before and turned out to be an isolated dog attack. TP&W said that mountain lions pose no real threat to humans - however in the unlikely event that someone actually sees a real mountain lion, TP&W would appreciate a phone call - go figure.......
I was lucky to be invited to the Viewpoints presentation last week and the Austin Symphony conductor Peter Bay spoke to the group. He was a great speaker and was very informative. It was a great evening and if you weren't aware of the group I suggest you check it out! I think it's full or nearly so for this year but plan on it in the next season!
I get questions all the time on the Exxon station replacement. Speedy Stop is still working toward their plan but it will need to go before ZAPCO before the Council and the soonest that can happen is next month - if there is more info I will pass it on. The City Building Commission (CBC) acted on a variance request to allow a Holiday Inn Express to go 10' above the current height limitation for a commercial building. This was denied last Thursday.
Thanks again for all the support! If you want on or off the notification list simply email me at lakeway@bain.us and I will send you a note when the Blog is updated!
Joe Bain
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Council Results - October / Goblin Glow
We had a good meeting Monday night - a small crowd attended.
The first action item was to Approve Todd Radford as Chief of Police and the Council voted unamimously in favor of this. Congratulations to Lt. Radford! There will be an official swearing in ceremony in the near future.
Rudy Farwagi, District Coordinator of the PEC gave their Quarterly Update and presented a franchise check to the City for $68,018. They also put out some of the new florescent light globes for attendees to pick up - see there is a good reason to go to Council meetings!
Our Treasurer, Al Tyson gave the Financial Report. It appears we are doing well financially because of the hard work the department heads and their staff are doing to curtail expenses. Thanks to all those helping during these challenging times!
The Mayor made a Proclamation naming this week Chamber of Commerce Week. The Chamber works hard to improve the economic issues in the City and surrounding areas.
We adopted a Resolution opposing any change to the TCEQ rule prohibiting the discharge of treated effluent into the Highland Lakes.
Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement with Travis County providing for emergency services within the City of Lakeway.
Council approved a change to the Tuscan Village PUD clarifying maximum residential occupancies.
The golf cart ordinance was discussed again and was sent back for more revision.
And finally the Solid Waste Collection Ordinance was revised to include a deposit for new customers and corrections were made to the fee schedule.
_________________________________________________________
The Goblin Glow was a HUGE success! The weather was perfect for the balloons and trick or treat festivities and I understand about 125 stayed for the movie. GREAT job!
It looks like customers of Pedernales Electric will receive bill credits depending on their Capital Credits account on their November bill. Watch you mail for more information on this!
I am trying to get a status on the Hospital construction or lack there of. The original reason for the work stoppage was re-engineering the electrical design and I have heard that is complete (a couple of weeks ago). I will issue a special post if I get some new intel.
Thanks so much for all the support! If you would like to be added to the new post notification list simply drop me an email to lakeway@bain.us
Joe Bain
The first action item was to Approve Todd Radford as Chief of Police and the Council voted unamimously in favor of this. Congratulations to Lt. Radford! There will be an official swearing in ceremony in the near future.
Rudy Farwagi, District Coordinator of the PEC gave their Quarterly Update and presented a franchise check to the City for $68,018. They also put out some of the new florescent light globes for attendees to pick up - see there is a good reason to go to Council meetings!
Our Treasurer, Al Tyson gave the Financial Report. It appears we are doing well financially because of the hard work the department heads and their staff are doing to curtail expenses. Thanks to all those helping during these challenging times!
The Mayor made a Proclamation naming this week Chamber of Commerce Week. The Chamber works hard to improve the economic issues in the City and surrounding areas.
We adopted a Resolution opposing any change to the TCEQ rule prohibiting the discharge of treated effluent into the Highland Lakes.
Council voted to approve an interlocal agreement with Travis County providing for emergency services within the City of Lakeway.
Council approved a change to the Tuscan Village PUD clarifying maximum residential occupancies.
The golf cart ordinance was discussed again and was sent back for more revision.
And finally the Solid Waste Collection Ordinance was revised to include a deposit for new customers and corrections were made to the fee schedule.
_________________________________________________________
The Goblin Glow was a HUGE success! The weather was perfect for the balloons and trick or treat festivities and I understand about 125 stayed for the movie. GREAT job!
It looks like customers of Pedernales Electric will receive bill credits depending on their Capital Credits account on their November bill. Watch you mail for more information on this!
I am trying to get a status on the Hospital construction or lack there of. The original reason for the work stoppage was re-engineering the electrical design and I have heard that is complete (a couple of weeks ago). I will issue a special post if I get some new intel.
Thanks so much for all the support! If you would like to be added to the new post notification list simply drop me an email to lakeway@bain.us
Joe Bain
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Police Chief, Council Monday, Weeks End
Friday morning the Council met in Special Session and went into Executive Session to interview Todd Radford for the position of Police Chief to replace Gordon Bowers. After the Executive Session, Council re-convened and gave Steve Jones the thumbs up to offer Lt. Radford the job.
Monday will be the next regular meeting of the City Council at 6:30PM. Several items of interest are on the agenda. Following are some of the items Council will be asked to vote on:
Approve the City Manager's appointment of Todd Radford as Chief of Police.
Adopting a Resolution opposing any change to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rule prohibition the discharge of treated effluent into the Highland Lakes.
An interlocal agreement with Travis County providing for emergency services within the City of Lakeway.
An Ordinance regulation the operation of Golf Carts on City Streets.
An amendment to the Solid Waste Collection Ordinance.
Click here the full agenda.
An internal investigation is ongoing in the police department on the officer that was cited in Austin for alegedly taking groceries without paying. Hopefully this will be completed in just a few days.
The City is beginning the process of hiring two police officers to fill empty positions, they have hired a code enforcement officer that will begin in November, and have posted the Court Clerk position vacated by Ruth Sandoval's appointment as Chief Clerk.
Dont forget the City's Halloween event, Goblin Glow at he City Park tonight.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday will be the next regular meeting of the City Council at 6:30PM. Several items of interest are on the agenda. Following are some of the items Council will be asked to vote on:
Approve the City Manager's appointment of Todd Radford as Chief of Police.
Adopting a Resolution opposing any change to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rule prohibition the discharge of treated effluent into the Highland Lakes.
An interlocal agreement with Travis County providing for emergency services within the City of Lakeway.
An Ordinance regulation the operation of Golf Carts on City Streets.
An amendment to the Solid Waste Collection Ordinance.
Click here the full agenda.
An internal investigation is ongoing in the police department on the officer that was cited in Austin for alegedly taking groceries without paying. Hopefully this will be completed in just a few days.
The City is beginning the process of hiring two police officers to fill empty positions, they have hired a code enforcement officer that will begin in November, and have posted the Court Clerk position vacated by Ruth Sandoval's appointment as Chief Clerk.
Dont forget the City's Halloween event, Goblin Glow at he City Park tonight.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Highlands Blvd., Fall Festival, Goblin Glow
You might have noticed several police vehicles, fire department folks and the LCRA at the Lakeway Church parking lot in the mornings. This is the Fall Festival that is put on every year to introduce the different entities to the younger folks. Looks like they had a GREAT time!
The Goblin Glow is here again! Saturday, October 17th, hot air balloons will light up the night sky at the Lakeway City Park for Goblin Glow from 6:30-8PM. Following this, Creature from the Black Lagoon will be shown under the stars. Everyone is welcome and it looks like the weather will be fantastic! More Info
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
City Sponsored Financial Seminar? / Officer Arrested / Special Session of Council
Items of interest:
Did you get an invitation to a financial seminar at the Activity Center that is sponsored by the City? Don't believe it! There is a financial seminar, however there is no city sponsorship. The promoters have been told to send a follow-up letter to all invitees retracting the city sponsorship part.
Officer Deena Dorrheim-Maxwell has been cited for allegedly leaving an Austin HEB store without paying for some groceries. She is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. There is a story reported on KXAN.com. kxan story
The City Council will meet in Special Session Friday to interview Todd Radford for the position of Police Chief. The agenda is here. Special Session Agenda
Thanks for your support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Did you get an invitation to a financial seminar at the Activity Center that is sponsored by the City? Don't believe it! There is a financial seminar, however there is no city sponsorship. The promoters have been told to send a follow-up letter to all invitees retracting the city sponsorship part.
Officer Deena Dorrheim-Maxwell has been cited for allegedly leaving an Austin HEB store without paying for some groceries. She is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. There is a story reported on KXAN.com. kxan story
The City Council will meet in Special Session Friday to interview Todd Radford for the position of Police Chief. The agenda is here. Special Session Agenda
Thanks for your support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
City vs School Tax Rates, Special Council Meeting
Hi everyone! Anyone curious why the city rate went up $.01 per $100 and the cost is $60 per household and the LTISD is wanting $.02 per $100 and the cost is still $60 per household? I did and here's what I found out.
The city uses a flat home valuation from the Travis County TCAD to bse their calculations on. The school district is using approximately the same valuation but is subtracting 3 adjustments from the value before applying the tax increase. They subtract the 10% cap, the homestead exemption and another exemption of about $15K to come up with a final average valuation of $298,904. So if you don't get one or more of these exemptions, your amount could be higher.
The Council will meet in Special Session Friday, October 16, 2009 and will go into Executive session to work on personnel issues, namely hiring a new Police Chief. I am attaching the Agenda
Thanks for LOOKING! More to come as the week unfolds!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The city uses a flat home valuation from the Travis County TCAD to bse their calculations on. The school district is using approximately the same valuation but is subtracting 3 adjustments from the value before applying the tax increase. They subtract the 10% cap, the homestead exemption and another exemption of about $15K to come up with a final average valuation of $298,904. So if you don't get one or more of these exemptions, your amount could be higher.
The Council will meet in Special Session Friday, October 16, 2009 and will go into Executive session to work on personnel issues, namely hiring a new Police Chief. I am attaching the Agenda
Thanks for LOOKING! More to come as the week unfolds!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, October 9, 2009
ZAPCO and CBC Meetings
Hi Everyone!
I was unable to attend the ZAPCO and CBC meetings this week but was able to get updates as follows:
First ZAPCO - Meeting Wednesday 10-7-09 at 9:10AM
National Association of the Remodeling Industry will be permitted to put up temporary directional signs for the 7th Annual show - home is located at 108 Chestnut Hill Cove.
Multi-Tenant Monument Sign was permitted at 401 RR 620 North
Sign modification approved for Lakeway Cafe' and Bakery - 325 RR 620 South.
A Temporary Sign Extension was approved for 12 months at The Boulevard (2400 Lakeway Boulevard)
Larry Niemann was given a variance allowing fill in excess of 12 feet for property at 620 and Clara Van Trail.
Tuscan Village asked for an amendment to the PUD clarifying maximum occupancies and approval is recommended to the City Council to approve.
The bid draw was the request from TSTJ Corp. to change zoning from R-1 to PUD so they could build a parking lot on the property. Many residents showed up to protest this and the request was tabled. Residents feel that the developer / owner is moving the condo parking issue to a residential area and are not happy about it. More to come on this in the future.
City Building Commission Meeting 10-8-09 9:00AM
112 Crest View was given permission to use part of the 25' golf course setback for a pool.
112 Edgewater Cove was given permission to encroach into the 5' side setback for a Pergola on a deck.
317 Explorer was granted a variance to retain an existing wall and pool constructed in the 5' building setback. This was constructed before the variance was issued and applicant was charged 10% of the project price as a fee.
143 Long Wood Av. was granted permission to construct a pool within the 25' golf course setback.
203 Dasher was granted a variance to construct an elevated walkway in the 5' side setback.
Most heights were approved.
I should have a weekly update later on in the day. Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
I was unable to attend the ZAPCO and CBC meetings this week but was able to get updates as follows:
First ZAPCO - Meeting Wednesday 10-7-09 at 9:10AM
National Association of the Remodeling Industry will be permitted to put up temporary directional signs for the 7th Annual show - home is located at 108 Chestnut Hill Cove.
Multi-Tenant Monument Sign was permitted at 401 RR 620 North
Sign modification approved for Lakeway Cafe' and Bakery - 325 RR 620 South.
A Temporary Sign Extension was approved for 12 months at The Boulevard (2400 Lakeway Boulevard)
Larry Niemann was given a variance allowing fill in excess of 12 feet for property at 620 and Clara Van Trail.
Tuscan Village asked for an amendment to the PUD clarifying maximum occupancies and approval is recommended to the City Council to approve.
The bid draw was the request from TSTJ Corp. to change zoning from R-1 to PUD so they could build a parking lot on the property. Many residents showed up to protest this and the request was tabled. Residents feel that the developer / owner is moving the condo parking issue to a residential area and are not happy about it. More to come on this in the future.
City Building Commission Meeting 10-8-09 9:00AM
112 Crest View was given permission to use part of the 25' golf course setback for a pool.
112 Edgewater Cove was given permission to encroach into the 5' side setback for a Pergola on a deck.
317 Explorer was granted a variance to retain an existing wall and pool constructed in the 5' building setback. This was constructed before the variance was issued and applicant was charged 10% of the project price as a fee.
143 Long Wood Av. was granted permission to construct a pool within the 25' golf course setback.
203 Dasher was granted a variance to construct an elevated walkway in the 5' side setback.
Most heights were approved.
I should have a weekly update later on in the day. Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday, October 5, 2009
Council Special Meeting results
The Lakeway City Council met today at 2PM. After a lengthy recess a separation agreement was reached by Chief Gordon Bowers and the City. Generally it provides for 6 months pay for Chief Bowers and allows him medical benefits for that time. I appreciate his hard work for the City and wish the best for him in future endeavors!
The Council also approved the Budget and approved a tax rate of $0.1929 per $100 evaluation. This is a balanced budget and allows us to add 1 additional police officer to the force.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Council also approved the Budget and approved a tax rate of $0.1929 per $100 evaluation. This is a balanced budget and allows us to add 1 additional police officer to the force.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Feedback, Men's Breakfast Club, Special Council Meeting, Hills Sales Tax
Feedback help for TxDOT!
The Texas Department of Transportation wants to hear from you! People who live and work in the Lakeway / Bee Cave area are encouraged to provide thoughts about bicycling and walking. The purpose of this survey is to gain public opinion regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns along SH 71, RM 620 and RM 2244. This survey should take 5 minutes to complete. If you have questions regarding this study, please contact Joan Hudson with TTI at j-hudson@tamu.edu or 512-467-0946. Just click on the link here: www.austin-bikesafetysurvey.org to begin.
Men's Breakfast Club - For those not aware, there is a meeting of the Lakeway Men's Breakfast Club every Wednesday starting at about 7AM at the Lakeway Activity Center. This is open to all men in the Lake Travis area. The group has speakers from all over the area on a wide variety of subjects, coffee, donuts and juice are available for a $1.00 donation. The schedule for the rest of the year can be seen by clicking here: Mens Breakfast Club
Today the Lakeway City Council meets at 2PM to address the City budget, Tax Rate and to address the settlement agreement for Gordon Bowers. Agenda
I also understand that the Hills of Lakeway is considering a sales tax increase. This would affect the Club located inside the Hills limits. I hope to see more information on this soon and will post it.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Texas Department of Transportation wants to hear from you! People who live and work in the Lakeway / Bee Cave area are encouraged to provide thoughts about bicycling and walking. The purpose of this survey is to gain public opinion regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns along SH 71, RM 620 and RM 2244. This survey should take 5 minutes to complete. If you have questions regarding this study, please contact Joan Hudson with TTI at j-hudson@tamu.edu or 512-467-0946. Just click on the link here: www.austin-bikesafetysurvey.org to begin.
Men's Breakfast Club - For those not aware, there is a meeting of the Lakeway Men's Breakfast Club every Wednesday starting at about 7AM at the Lakeway Activity Center. This is open to all men in the Lake Travis area. The group has speakers from all over the area on a wide variety of subjects, coffee, donuts and juice are available for a $1.00 donation. The schedule for the rest of the year can be seen by clicking here: Mens Breakfast Club
Today the Lakeway City Council meets at 2PM to address the City budget, Tax Rate and to address the settlement agreement for Gordon Bowers. Agenda
I also understand that the Hills of Lakeway is considering a sales tax increase. This would affect the Club located inside the Hills limits. I hope to see more information on this soon and will post it.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, October 2, 2009
Weekly Update, Council Agenda +
Several important things are in progress in the City at this time.
One is the budget and tax rate that the Council has been meeting on. The Council will meet, discuss and set the tax rate along with adopting a budget for your City Services at a meeting on Monday. The current proposal is a budget of $8,712,133 and a new tax rate of $0.1929 per $100 valuation. this will be an increase of about $0.01 per $100. There has been a lot of discussion on both of these numbers in the budget meetings. If you have concerns or just want to see the process, come to the meeting Monday. Here's the Agenda
The other Agenda item that has been of interest is the resignation of the Chief of Police, Gordon Bowers. A separation agreement will be considered and voted on at the meeting. Chief Bowers has accomplished much since coming to work for the City of Lakeway and I wish him the best for the future. Agenda
A dear friend, Jimmy Anderson, was in the hospital for surgery this week, and is now home and doing GREAT! I hope his recovery is speedy, it's his turn to drive!
Speaking of Speedy, Speedy Stop has submitted a revised plan for a convenience store at the Exxon site. There are still some concerns and staff is working with the developer to further refine the proposal. It would have to go back to ZAPCO and would then go before City Council. I have not seen the proposal yet and am not sure of the changes.
Crosswater Marina developers are still trying to go forward with that project. They will make a presentation to Council and convey the concessions they will commit to in order to make the project more palatable before the end of the year. There are several other issues including traffic analysis and resolving an ongoing lawsuit regarding alleged violation of deed restrictions. More to come I'm sure.
Because of Oak Wilt issues the City may not have an annual brush collection program this year. Residents will receive a letter outlining the problems. Letter from Forester
Lake Issues: Some cities are requesting that the TCEQ remove the prohibition agtainst releasing treated wastewater into the Highland lakes. This water is relatively free of contaminates but does contain nutrients that act as fertilizer for the production of algae. Council will look at a resolution to keep the prohibition in place at the regular October meeting. Cole Roland will attend to discuss the issue.
As you might have noticed, sprinklers have been turning on at random times on Lakeway Blvd. and Lohmans Crossing. David Ferry has traced the problem to the new solar powered controllers that recently were installed. The manufacturer has acknowledged there is a problem and will replace all of them at no cost to the City.
Judge Madison would like the City to adopt an ordinance against texting while driving on City streets. City Staff will be looking at the feasibility of that in the future.
Councilmember Dennis Wallace is working with Roland Pena (LCRA) and Andra Streety to see if we have any projects that qualify for a grant program that LCRA has to fund park related projects. GREAT idea Dennis!
Thanks everyone for LOOKING! As always, send me an email if you want to be included on my blog notification email list! 230 members and counting!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
One is the budget and tax rate that the Council has been meeting on. The Council will meet, discuss and set the tax rate along with adopting a budget for your City Services at a meeting on Monday. The current proposal is a budget of $8,712,133 and a new tax rate of $0.1929 per $100 valuation. this will be an increase of about $0.01 per $100. There has been a lot of discussion on both of these numbers in the budget meetings. If you have concerns or just want to see the process, come to the meeting Monday. Here's the Agenda
The other Agenda item that has been of interest is the resignation of the Chief of Police, Gordon Bowers. A separation agreement will be considered and voted on at the meeting. Chief Bowers has accomplished much since coming to work for the City of Lakeway and I wish him the best for the future. Agenda
A dear friend, Jimmy Anderson, was in the hospital for surgery this week, and is now home and doing GREAT! I hope his recovery is speedy, it's his turn to drive!
Speaking of Speedy, Speedy Stop has submitted a revised plan for a convenience store at the Exxon site. There are still some concerns and staff is working with the developer to further refine the proposal. It would have to go back to ZAPCO and would then go before City Council. I have not seen the proposal yet and am not sure of the changes.
Crosswater Marina developers are still trying to go forward with that project. They will make a presentation to Council and convey the concessions they will commit to in order to make the project more palatable before the end of the year. There are several other issues including traffic analysis and resolving an ongoing lawsuit regarding alleged violation of deed restrictions. More to come I'm sure.
Because of Oak Wilt issues the City may not have an annual brush collection program this year. Residents will receive a letter outlining the problems. Letter from Forester
Lake Issues: Some cities are requesting that the TCEQ remove the prohibition agtainst releasing treated wastewater into the Highland lakes. This water is relatively free of contaminates but does contain nutrients that act as fertilizer for the production of algae. Council will look at a resolution to keep the prohibition in place at the regular October meeting. Cole Roland will attend to discuss the issue.
As you might have noticed, sprinklers have been turning on at random times on Lakeway Blvd. and Lohmans Crossing. David Ferry has traced the problem to the new solar powered controllers that recently were installed. The manufacturer has acknowledged there is a problem and will replace all of them at no cost to the City.
Judge Madison would like the City to adopt an ordinance against texting while driving on City streets. City Staff will be looking at the feasibility of that in the future.
Councilmember Dennis Wallace is working with Roland Pena (LCRA) and Andra Streety to see if we have any projects that qualify for a grant program that LCRA has to fund park related projects. GREAT idea Dennis!
Thanks everyone for LOOKING! As always, send me an email if you want to be included on my blog notification email list! 230 members and counting!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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