St. David's has signed a lease to bring an Emergency Room to the Galleria. No details are available at this time as to when or an exact location.
Lakeway's not the only city in the area with crime problems. An employee of Amy's Ice Cream in the Shops at the Galleria is in custody for alleged indecent assault on a child with a $1 million bond. The 22 year old has two previous convictions for sex offenses with minors and is on the Sex Offenders Register.
An employee of the Bee Cave Courts is having a disagreement with the local judge about documents leaving the courthouse and going home with the judge. The City has found no fault but both sides have lawyers.......
More as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Burglaries. Crime Stoppers, IESI ++
As most of you have already heard, five businesses on 620 were burglarized on Wednesday evening, three of which were in the City of Lakeway. Donut Hole, Two Hot Mama's, and Ate Cafe plus Honey Bee Ham and Dunkin Donuts were all hit. Not only was cash stolen, but there was vandalism in some stores also. Someone also siphoned some gasoline from a city vehicle that evening. The police are working hard to solve these crimes and I will let you know if I hear of any progress. Our city is growing! Let's help our police force by reporting any suspicious activity and watching out for our neighbors. It appears ATE Cafe might have been robbed while Flores Mexican food was still open almost next door.
Crime Stoppers has notified us that they will air the story on the second Cristianis theft on television this weekend (usually on KVUE). Hopefully this will generate some leads on this crime.
Travis County has notified the City that the software system that is used for elections is incapable of including the entirety of each ballot proposition and the amended shortened language will be voted on at the next regular Council meeting.
IESI has experienced a significant increase in their landfill disposal costs and plans to come to the Council soon for consideration of an increase in the rate they charge the City. The good news is that IESI can now offer "single-stream" recycling service. It appears we may be able to offset most of the increased costs by going to a every other week recycling program with larger containers that IESI will furnish - more soon.
The City Manager is finishing up a proposed franchise agreement with Pedernales Electric Coop. We may discuss or vote on that at the next Council meeting.
Our liability insurer (TML) has appointed an attorney to represent the City in the matter of Lance Mitchell vs. Lakeway. Lance Mitchell is suing for alleged false arrest and imprisonment. Evidently the officers involved were able to establish probable cause to a judge before the arrest.
Austin/Travis County EMS is planning to move the EMS ambulance from its current location on Lohmans Crossing fire station to an undetermined location on RR 620. The city feels this could adversely affect ambulance response times within the city - Austin EMS has agreed to work with us and consider our input prior to any final decision.
Eggstravaganza is this this Saturday - come join us for lots of fun.
I'll look hard for some good news on the next post! Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Crime Stoppers has notified us that they will air the story on the second Cristianis theft on television this weekend (usually on KVUE). Hopefully this will generate some leads on this crime.
Travis County has notified the City that the software system that is used for elections is incapable of including the entirety of each ballot proposition and the amended shortened language will be voted on at the next regular Council meeting.
IESI has experienced a significant increase in their landfill disposal costs and plans to come to the Council soon for consideration of an increase in the rate they charge the City. The good news is that IESI can now offer "single-stream" recycling service. It appears we may be able to offset most of the increased costs by going to a every other week recycling program with larger containers that IESI will furnish - more soon.
The City Manager is finishing up a proposed franchise agreement with Pedernales Electric Coop. We may discuss or vote on that at the next Council meeting.
Our liability insurer (TML) has appointed an attorney to represent the City in the matter of Lance Mitchell vs. Lakeway. Lance Mitchell is suing for alleged false arrest and imprisonment. Evidently the officers involved were able to establish probable cause to a judge before the arrest.
Austin/Travis County EMS is planning to move the EMS ambulance from its current location on Lohmans Crossing fire station to an undetermined location on RR 620. The city feels this could adversely affect ambulance response times within the city - Austin EMS has agreed to work with us and consider our input prior to any final decision.
Eggstravaganza is this this Saturday - come join us for lots of fun.
I'll look hard for some good news on the next post! Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hospital on Track, CBC meeting +
As you probably saw in the View today and previously posted on this blog, the new hospital seems to be on track. I have been told that bulldozers will be working within a week or two and progress should be visible!
Today the CBC (City Building Commission) met to hear a variance request at 734 Vanguard for a fence in the golf course set back, a height renewal at 1107 Challenger, and two final inspections.
The variance was tabled for two weeks until the applicant could be present for the vote and all other agenda items were approved. Here is the agenda.
The City's Eggstravaganza will be held March 27th. For all the info click here!
The Lakeway Players Spring Show will be going on today through Saturday. Hers the info!
That's all for now! More soon.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
To be added to my email reminder, send an email to me at lakeway@bain.us.
Today the CBC (City Building Commission) met to hear a variance request at 734 Vanguard for a fence in the golf course set back, a height renewal at 1107 Challenger, and two final inspections.
The variance was tabled for two weeks until the applicant could be present for the vote and all other agenda items were approved. Here is the agenda.
The City's Eggstravaganza will be held March 27th. For all the info click here!
The Lakeway Players Spring Show will be going on today through Saturday. Hers the info!
That's all for now! More soon.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
To be added to my email reminder, send an email to me at lakeway@bain.us.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tidbits
Did you know - we have 4,112 solid waste customers in the city? 98 have two cans.
Police stuff:
The Grant money for in car computers for the police was released and the ordering of that equipment is underway.
An initial meeting was held with Red Moon regarding a city wide camera system and we are waiting for their recommendations and pricing.
A vehicle stolen from Lakeway's jurisdiction was recovered in Waxahachee, investigations continue on the Cristiani theft, and unfortunately the second victim from the fatality wreck in November of 2009 passed away.
The Police Department currently has one vacant officer position, one vacant sergeant position. Officer Michael Pribble remains on active military leave but is expected to leave Iraq in 50-60 days.
There were 22 traffic collisions in February up from January's 11. Drive carefully!
Development
There were 15 new house permits issued and 37 residential additions / alterations permits were issued. This is significantly lower than a couple of years ago.
Activity Center
There were 532 hours of booked activity - 127 new memberships (you need to join if you aren't already a member) - and they generated $7,155 in rental revenue.
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Police stuff:
The Grant money for in car computers for the police was released and the ordering of that equipment is underway.
An initial meeting was held with Red Moon regarding a city wide camera system and we are waiting for their recommendations and pricing.
A vehicle stolen from Lakeway's jurisdiction was recovered in Waxahachee, investigations continue on the Cristiani theft, and unfortunately the second victim from the fatality wreck in November of 2009 passed away.
The Police Department currently has one vacant officer position, one vacant sergeant position. Officer Michael Pribble remains on active military leave but is expected to leave Iraq in 50-60 days.
There were 22 traffic collisions in February up from January's 11. Drive carefully!
Development
There were 15 new house permits issued and 37 residential additions / alterations permits were issued. This is significantly lower than a couple of years ago.
Activity Center
There were 532 hours of booked activity - 127 new memberships (you need to join if you aren't already a member) - and they generated $7,155 in rental revenue.
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Week 11 happenings!
Remember the post about cities wanting to change the rules allowing them to discharge treated water into the Highland Lakes? Now the same coalition has been resurrected again to try to change the "surface water quality standards" to allow higher levels of pollutants and nutrients in our water - this includes lake Travis. The Mayor has sent a letter opposing these changes to the TCEQ. More to come as this issue progresses!
Nearly half way through the fiscal year, your city is on track for both revenue and expenditures. If you look around us, we seem to be the shining light in the area! We still have a way to go, but our finances look very promising!
Goodwill is moving ahead on their project at RR620 and Glen heather Dr. They are clearing the property and have a site development permit to do utilities, grading and drainage. they plan to have a 13,500 square foot retail store.
Saturday the 20th is the next scheduled blood drive! Click here for more info. Please sign up for this great opportunity to help keep our blood bank stocked for emergencies. You will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 HEB Gift Card!
More to come soon!
For an email reminder, send a note to lakeway@bain.us.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Nearly half way through the fiscal year, your city is on track for both revenue and expenditures. If you look around us, we seem to be the shining light in the area! We still have a way to go, but our finances look very promising!
Goodwill is moving ahead on their project at RR620 and Glen heather Dr. They are clearing the property and have a site development permit to do utilities, grading and drainage. they plan to have a 13,500 square foot retail store.
Saturday the 20th is the next scheduled blood drive! Click here for more info. Please sign up for this great opportunity to help keep our blood bank stocked for emergencies. You will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 HEB Gift Card!
More to come soon!
For an email reminder, send a note to lakeway@bain.us.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Board of Adjustment, Hospital, Johnny Finns
The Board of Adjustment met today to consider an appeal of their decision to grant a variance to a property owner allowing them to subdivide property on Hazeltine into two lots as it was originally platted. The Board found no additional information or errors that would require them to reconsider their decision.
The City received word today that the final approval of the HUD guarantee on funding for the new hospital has been received by the owners and this should get the project moving quickly. GOOD news!
If you didn't know, Johnny Finns is open again and doing a brisk business. It's great that the lake has returned to normal levels (actually above normal) and there is water where there once was only dry ground!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The City received word today that the final approval of the HUD guarantee on funding for the new hospital has been received by the owners and this should get the project moving quickly. GOOD news!
If you didn't know, Johnny Finns is open again and doing a brisk business. It's great that the lake has returned to normal levels (actually above normal) and there is water where there once was only dry ground!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Council Update - Lock your Cars
Council met in regular session Monday evening - there were two items on the regular agenda.
First was an ordinance to prohibit texting while driving. After discussion, the item was tabled to give staff time to investigate changes to eliminate some exceptions. It will be on the agenda again next month.
Item two was changes to the Parks and Rec. fee schedule. This was passed unanimously.
A resident spoke on the issue of drinking and driving in Lakeway. He said he picked up many alcoholic beverage containers on his walks on Lakeway Blvd. and felt we needed to discuss ways to improve the situation. This action item will be looked into by staff and police chief and finding will be reported to staff and council.
There was a report on jhrobak's community list that two men wearing grey hoodies were interrupted while trying to break into a car Saturday morning on Clubhouse Dr. Please lock you cars and keep your eyes open. Call the police if you see anything suspicious going on. We have a very safe community, but we need to work together to keep it that way!
I'll report on the Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday. Here's that agenda.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
First was an ordinance to prohibit texting while driving. After discussion, the item was tabled to give staff time to investigate changes to eliminate some exceptions. It will be on the agenda again next month.
Item two was changes to the Parks and Rec. fee schedule. This was passed unanimously.
A resident spoke on the issue of drinking and driving in Lakeway. He said he picked up many alcoholic beverage containers on his walks on Lakeway Blvd. and felt we needed to discuss ways to improve the situation. This action item will be looked into by staff and police chief and finding will be reported to staff and council.
There was a report on jhrobak's community list that two men wearing grey hoodies were interrupted while trying to break into a car Saturday morning on Clubhouse Dr. Please lock you cars and keep your eyes open. Call the police if you see anything suspicious going on. We have a very safe community, but we need to work together to keep it that way!
I'll report on the Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday. Here's that agenda.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Weekly Update ++
We'll start out with a bang - the City was served with a lawsuit this week by Lance Mitchell for alleged false arrest and imprisonment. Evidently the officers involved were able to establish probable cause to a judge for the arrest. The case has been forwarded to TML (our risk pool manager) for assignment of an attorney to represent the City and our employees. More on this as it comes available.
Monday is the regularly scheduled Council Meeting (agenda) and there are two items of interest. A texting ordinance will be discussed and probably voted on and Council will discuss an ordinance to prohibit cell phone use while driving in Lakeway. A Fee Ordinance Amendment will also be voted on that will modify parks and recreation fees. Come see your City officials at work!
Year-to-date financial statements indicate that the City is in good financial condition. Currently we are within 1% of budget for both revenue and expenditures. We have two major events planned for the area this summer, we could surpass budget estimates for sales tax!
The City is installing a streetlight on RR620 at Debba Drive. Historically, Lakeway has kept light installation to a minimum to avoid light pollution, however safety concerns dictated the need for this light.
City Staff is working on an ordinance for "short-term" rentals in the City. Generally professionally managed properties are not an issue but there have been instances in the past where an ordinance was needed. More as this matures.
Some GOOD news! Janet Wright and Steve Jones made a presentation to the Lakeway Civic Corporation requesting funding for the second entryway sculpture (North RR620). LCC has agreed to fund the project in full and the goal is to complete the project by the end of July. We are very grateful we are for the support! Thanks to Janet Wright for all the hours and hard work on this project!
The Board of Adjustment will meet for a second time on a variance request. Actually their first ruling was appealed and they will meet to decide whether they will hear additional information or retain the original decision. Here is the agenda.
And in closing, don't forget Sunday morning to set your clocks ahead! Daylight savings time starts again and you'll be getting up an hour earlier - but the bright side is the extra hour of daylight in the afternoon!
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday is the regularly scheduled Council Meeting (agenda) and there are two items of interest. A texting ordinance will be discussed and probably voted on and Council will discuss an ordinance to prohibit cell phone use while driving in Lakeway. A Fee Ordinance Amendment will also be voted on that will modify parks and recreation fees. Come see your City officials at work!
Year-to-date financial statements indicate that the City is in good financial condition. Currently we are within 1% of budget for both revenue and expenditures. We have two major events planned for the area this summer, we could surpass budget estimates for sales tax!
The City is installing a streetlight on RR620 at Debba Drive. Historically, Lakeway has kept light installation to a minimum to avoid light pollution, however safety concerns dictated the need for this light.
City Staff is working on an ordinance for "short-term" rentals in the City. Generally professionally managed properties are not an issue but there have been instances in the past where an ordinance was needed. More as this matures.
Some GOOD news! Janet Wright and Steve Jones made a presentation to the Lakeway Civic Corporation requesting funding for the second entryway sculpture (North RR620). LCC has agreed to fund the project in full and the goal is to complete the project by the end of July. We are very grateful we are for the support! Thanks to Janet Wright for all the hours and hard work on this project!
The Board of Adjustment will meet for a second time on a variance request. Actually their first ruling was appealed and they will meet to decide whether they will hear additional information or retain the original decision. Here is the agenda.
And in closing, don't forget Sunday morning to set your clocks ahead! Daylight savings time starts again and you'll be getting up an hour earlier - but the bright side is the extra hour of daylight in the afternoon!
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday, March 8, 2010
Breaking News! More on solicitation
Congratulate Dee Ann Burns Farrell, Bruce Harris and Dave Taylor on their re-election to Lakeway City Council! No one else filed to run so they are automatically re-elected. There will still be an election because of the proposed amendments to the City Charter - so don't forget to vote!
As an add on to my posting on the solicitation ordinance, Shannon Burke has set up a "no visit" list that is given to any solicitors that apply for a permit. To get on the list, go to this link and fill out the form - I already have!
That's all for now!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
As an add on to my posting on the solicitation ordinance, Shannon Burke has set up a "no visit" list that is given to any solicitors that apply for a permit. To get on the list, go to this link and fill out the form - I already have!
That's all for now!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Weekly Update ++
Two controversial issues were the buzz around the City this week.
As reported, the City was contemplating changing the route of the July 4th parade from Lakeway Drive to Lakeway Blvd. because of the construction planned on Lohman's Crossing and the congestion on Lakeway Drive at the end of the parade. Current thinking is to delay the construction on Lohman's Crossing to July 6th and work on a plan to improve the congestion at the parade end. I'll let you know when a final plan is accepted.
The other was at ZAPCO where a variance was granted to the Niemann tract at 620 and Clara Van to allow more than 12 feet of fill to level the property. There were conditions on the variance before fill work could be started.
A friend reported that a possible stolen truck was parked at the end of his cul-d-sac. around the same time there was a child going door to door playing a fiddle and asking for donations to send him to music school. I'm unsure if these two things were related, but the City has a fairly strict solicitation law. Please ask for a permit and report unauthorized solicitation if approached.
My wife and I went to Cristiani's Jewelers and they now require you to knock on the door for entrance. This has come about because of the two recent robberies. As a side note, they had an alarm problem Thursday morning and the response time for the police was about 60 seconds.
On another police note, the department must report compliance with the Texas Racial Profiling Law. The report again shows that our department is not practicing racial profiling or discrimination based upon ethnicity - GOOD WORK!
Our Municipal Court Judge, Kevin Madison, was recently honored by the Crime Victims First organization with their "Outstanding Community Service Award" for his dedication to protecting and preserving victim's rights. This is the third such award Judge Madison has received in the past 12 months. We should be very proud of his performance as our judge and his representation of Lakeway!
City Staff is now working on a "short term rental" ordinance and is preparing to send a copy to Council and Building Commission. Steve Jones and the City Attorney are working on the final language for the Pedernales Electric Coop franchise agreement and it should be on the April agenda.
AT&T is about to install a cable within the Lakeway Blvd. median from Lohman's Crossing to Lakeway Dr. to serve the new office building next to the Exxon station. It appears there will be no open cuts of the roadway so traffic impairment will be minimal.
Outside the City - there will soon be construction starting on SH 71 in the area of Barton Creek bridge. The bridge will be widened, turn lanes added, and a traffic light will be installed at the entrance to Spanish Oaks. The new Back Yard will host this year's Willie Nelson Fourth of July Picnic. That combined with AquaPalooza should provide an exciting Summer.
I've also seen reports that Maudie's Tex-Mex food is under construction behind the Trading Post in the Shops at the Galleria. I have also heard that a Gumbo's restaurant is going in over there also! Bon Appetit!
That's all for now!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
As reported, the City was contemplating changing the route of the July 4th parade from Lakeway Drive to Lakeway Blvd. because of the construction planned on Lohman's Crossing and the congestion on Lakeway Drive at the end of the parade. Current thinking is to delay the construction on Lohman's Crossing to July 6th and work on a plan to improve the congestion at the parade end. I'll let you know when a final plan is accepted.
The other was at ZAPCO where a variance was granted to the Niemann tract at 620 and Clara Van to allow more than 12 feet of fill to level the property. There were conditions on the variance before fill work could be started.
A friend reported that a possible stolen truck was parked at the end of his cul-d-sac. around the same time there was a child going door to door playing a fiddle and asking for donations to send him to music school. I'm unsure if these two things were related, but the City has a fairly strict solicitation law. Please ask for a permit and report unauthorized solicitation if approached.
My wife and I went to Cristiani's Jewelers and they now require you to knock on the door for entrance. This has come about because of the two recent robberies. As a side note, they had an alarm problem Thursday morning and the response time for the police was about 60 seconds.
On another police note, the department must report compliance with the Texas Racial Profiling Law. The report again shows that our department is not practicing racial profiling or discrimination based upon ethnicity - GOOD WORK!
Our Municipal Court Judge, Kevin Madison, was recently honored by the Crime Victims First organization with their "Outstanding Community Service Award" for his dedication to protecting and preserving victim's rights. This is the third such award Judge Madison has received in the past 12 months. We should be very proud of his performance as our judge and his representation of Lakeway!
City Staff is now working on a "short term rental" ordinance and is preparing to send a copy to Council and Building Commission. Steve Jones and the City Attorney are working on the final language for the Pedernales Electric Coop franchise agreement and it should be on the April agenda.
AT&T is about to install a cable within the Lakeway Blvd. median from Lohman's Crossing to Lakeway Dr. to serve the new office building next to the Exxon station. It appears there will be no open cuts of the roadway so traffic impairment will be minimal.
Outside the City - there will soon be construction starting on SH 71 in the area of Barton Creek bridge. The bridge will be widened, turn lanes added, and a traffic light will be installed at the entrance to Spanish Oaks. The new Back Yard will host this year's Willie Nelson Fourth of July Picnic. That combined with AquaPalooza should provide an exciting Summer.
I've also seen reports that Maudie's Tex-Mex food is under construction behind the Trading Post in the Shops at the Galleria. I have also heard that a Gumbo's restaurant is going in over there also! Bon Appetit!
That's all for now!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, March 4, 2010
ZAPCO meeting
ZAPCO (Zoning and Planning Commission met 3/3 at 9:10 AM. There were several sign issues and requests that were passed without fanfare.
There was a request for a variance for the fill limitations on the Niemann tract, 35 acres at the Northwest corner of 620 and Clara Van. The variance was passed with the condition that an engineered site plan would be established and submitted per the development ordinance before any fill is used.
Thanks!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
There was a request for a variance for the fill limitations on the Niemann tract, 35 acres at the Northwest corner of 620 and Clara Van. The variance was passed with the condition that an engineered site plan would be established and submitted per the development ordinance before any fill is used.
Thanks!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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