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