Hi everyone! Here's what's going on.
ZAPCO meets next week on Wednesday, August 4th. Here is the agenda. Most of the agenda is sign approval - toward the end there is a request for a Home Business on Vanguard requesting permission to operate a Day Care Center in their home. There is also a re-zoning request from Aviation to R-1 Residential for a little over 2 acres that abuts Lakeway Blvd. This request was tabled and finally dropped by the Council previously and is being brought again with some changes.
Building and Development services has adopted a new unified Code of Ordinances that contains all of the ordinance information in one book. There are no longer hard copies of this data and the link to the new book is here. Bookmark it for future reference!
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From the Assistant City Manager, Chessie Blanchard:
All of the suspects from the first Cristiani's Jewelry Store robbery have been sentenced.
Damian Bailey - 18 years State prison
Jameon Ownes - 10 years State prison
Jeremy Sayrie - 20 years State prison
The Lakeway Police did a GREAT job of responding, investigation and preparing this case for prosecution - THANKS!
Nine applicants have passed the entrance exam and physical assessment and are moving to the background investigation stage. Currently I think we have 3 openings and should be able to fill them from these applicants - we shall see!
The mobile CAD/RMS system project should be going live in the police cars shortly. There are a few issues being worked out and should be on line next month.
The construction on the Lohmans project is on schedule to open the road back up by the 20th, maybe sooner. Thanks again for your patience.
Chessie says a report on annexation suggestions should be available to Council and ZAPCO mid August - more on that when it comes out!
The monthly report shows we have 4,577 garbage accounts and 108 two can accounts. This gives us a count of homes in Lakeway! There were 13 new house permits and 57 Additions/Alterations Permits issued in June.
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The Village of The Hills Board of Aldermen will meet on August 12th at 8:30AM and one of the agenda items is a discussion and public hearing on the request from Lakeway for the Village of The Hills to release the Villas of The Hills subdivision from the Village of The Hills extraterritorial jurisdiction. There will also be a report from the ETJ committee by Alderman Ron Dodd and Alderman Lloyd Troeltzsch.
Movies at the Park will feature Imagine That on Saturday, July 31st at 8:30 in the City Park. Admission is free! Here is a link for more info!
It looks like Austin Telco Federal Credit Union will be opening soon on RR 620. I'll try to get a current count of banks in Lakeway - last tally was 17 I think!
That's all for now - more as I hear it!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Slow news week! Almost
The City Building Commission (CBC) met Thursday in regular session in the Council chambers. After a short meeting the commission went and viewed a variance request to construct a fence in the golf course setback - a 5 foot variance was approved.
They next approved a height for construction at 912 Challenger and inspected one new home.
Construction seems to be on schedule for Lohmans Crossing - it appears we are escaping bad weather from the current tropical storm in the Gulf. Should be complete before school starts. Thanks for the patience that has been shown with the construction detours and delays.
From Police Chief Todd Radford:
This week an arrest was made for Online Harassment. The victim is an Austin Fireman who is a Lakeway resident and another man that have had ongoing disputes - the victim had his facebook page copied and a false page was started and linked to several inappropriate links. the case is closed awaiting prosecution.
Heidi Tijerina will be replacing administrative assistant Celia Duff who moved to Houston. Welcome Heidi!
The latest Cristiani's theft case where Lakeway's suspect was arrested in Houston is likely going to be picked up by the FBI and federal charges are being filed. The suspect appears to be part of a larger ring that is operation in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and maybe Missouri.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd and select members of their city staff came to visit this week. they are starting a new police department and are modeling it after Lakeway! GREAT job Chief Todd - make us proud!
From Steve Jones:
Chessie Blanchard reports that Franklin Legal Publishing recently completed the digital version of the city's recently codified Code of Ordinances. Here is a link to the online version!
Our application for a solid waste grant from CAPCOG for a brush tub grinder was not approved. The grant is awarded twice a year so we may have another chance in next years budget.
The City has received some complaints abut "allowing" a Goodwill store in the City. City codes set up reasonable safety, performance and appearance standards - if an applicant meets all of the requirements, they are entitled to a permit. Goodwill met all of the requirements and requested no variances so the City had no choice but to issue permits. The City cannot arbitrarily deny any business the right to do business.
That's about all for now!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
They next approved a height for construction at 912 Challenger and inspected one new home.
Construction seems to be on schedule for Lohmans Crossing - it appears we are escaping bad weather from the current tropical storm in the Gulf. Should be complete before school starts. Thanks for the patience that has been shown with the construction detours and delays.
From Police Chief Todd Radford:
This week an arrest was made for Online Harassment. The victim is an Austin Fireman who is a Lakeway resident and another man that have had ongoing disputes - the victim had his facebook page copied and a false page was started and linked to several inappropriate links. the case is closed awaiting prosecution.
Heidi Tijerina will be replacing administrative assistant Celia Duff who moved to Houston. Welcome Heidi!
The latest Cristiani's theft case where Lakeway's suspect was arrested in Houston is likely going to be picked up by the FBI and federal charges are being filed. The suspect appears to be part of a larger ring that is operation in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and maybe Missouri.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd and select members of their city staff came to visit this week. they are starting a new police department and are modeling it after Lakeway! GREAT job Chief Todd - make us proud!
From Steve Jones:
Chessie Blanchard reports that Franklin Legal Publishing recently completed the digital version of the city's recently codified Code of Ordinances. Here is a link to the online version!
Our application for a solid waste grant from CAPCOG for a brush tub grinder was not approved. The grant is awarded twice a year so we may have another chance in next years budget.
The City has received some complaints abut "allowing" a Goodwill store in the City. City codes set up reasonable safety, performance and appearance standards - if an applicant meets all of the requirements, they are entitled to a permit. Goodwill met all of the requirements and requested no variances so the City had no choice but to issue permits. The City cannot arbitrarily deny any business the right to do business.
That's about all for now!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Monday, July 19, 2010
Council Update
Lakeway City Council met tonight in regular session - here are the results:
Two residents of Graveyard Point spoke in opposition to the marina in their area. Several lawsuits have been filed and some have been settled. Council was presented with a copy of one of the settlements and some data on ownership and deed restrictions on the land. More to come on this issue.
The financial report was presented by Treasurer Al Tyson. It appears we are financially in pretty good shape even though the economy is still faltering. It appears however there is some sign of recovery because of the increase in building permits and inspections costs.
A retirement plaque was presented to Sergeant Darren Dorrheim for his service with the Lakeway Police Department. June 19th was proclaimed as Sergeant Darren Dorrheim day in the City of Lakeway.
Council received an update on Pedernales Electric and a check was presented to the City.
City Engineer Paul Duncan gave an update report on the project to rehabilitate Lohmans Crossing. It appears the contractor is on time for an August 20th completion.
Resolution 2010-07-19-01 was approved to appoint Donna Boyle as City Secretary! Congratulations Donna, we are all looking forward to working with you!
That's about it for now! If you would like to be added to my email list for updates please send an email to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you fixed up!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Two residents of Graveyard Point spoke in opposition to the marina in their area. Several lawsuits have been filed and some have been settled. Council was presented with a copy of one of the settlements and some data on ownership and deed restrictions on the land. More to come on this issue.
The financial report was presented by Treasurer Al Tyson. It appears we are financially in pretty good shape even though the economy is still faltering. It appears however there is some sign of recovery because of the increase in building permits and inspections costs.
A retirement plaque was presented to Sergeant Darren Dorrheim for his service with the Lakeway Police Department. June 19th was proclaimed as Sergeant Darren Dorrheim day in the City of Lakeway.
Council received an update on Pedernales Electric and a check was presented to the City.
City Engineer Paul Duncan gave an update report on the project to rehabilitate Lohmans Crossing. It appears the contractor is on time for an August 20th completion.
Resolution 2010-07-19-01 was approved to appoint Donna Boyle as City Secretary! Congratulations Donna, we are all looking forward to working with you!
That's about it for now! If you would like to be added to my email list for updates please send an email to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you fixed up!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Weeks Review! Outside City news
From Steve Jones:
As previously reported, Aquapalooza and BB&B went well. Security and law enforcement had a strong presence at both events. Police and sponsors planning contributed to well organized events.
The City received a complaint from a resident about the lack of weekend trash service. Part time residents have in the past been given access to a dumpster since they are not able to put out and take in their cans. Staff is looking at options to help part time residents in this situation. More on this soon.
LCRA is recommending a 9.5% increase in their wholesale water rate. this of course will be passed on to our residents. The last rate increase was in January 2009 (also 9.5%).
The House of Representatives passed the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 on July 1st. This legislation mandates that all cities, counties and states collectively bargain with public safety employee labor unions over wages, benefits, and working conditions under federal rules to be developed later. If this bill is passed by the Senate, Texas civil service employees will have full labor union rights and status. Here is a report from the TML on the status of the bill.
Wheeler Coatings is making good progress on the Lohmans Crossing project and should make the completion date of August 20th.
There has been a ruling by a district court judge on the Graveyard Point lawsuit against Harbor Ventures. As soon as more information is available I will post it.
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Council will meet in regular session Monday night! Here is the agenda.
The Backyard is being sued again. Maldonado Construction is suing for over $300,000 for work. This is in addition to a $100,000 suit by Sixth River Architects.
Ciola's is under new ownership - it was purchased by Dave Staab.
Check out the LakewayBee.com. It is a sister site to the BeeCaveBee.com and will contain information about Lakeway and Bee Caves. the site will officially open In August or Sepember!
More as I find out! thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
As previously reported, Aquapalooza and BB&B went well. Security and law enforcement had a strong presence at both events. Police and sponsors planning contributed to well organized events.
The City received a complaint from a resident about the lack of weekend trash service. Part time residents have in the past been given access to a dumpster since they are not able to put out and take in their cans. Staff is looking at options to help part time residents in this situation. More on this soon.
LCRA is recommending a 9.5% increase in their wholesale water rate. this of course will be passed on to our residents. The last rate increase was in January 2009 (also 9.5%).
The House of Representatives passed the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009 on July 1st. This legislation mandates that all cities, counties and states collectively bargain with public safety employee labor unions over wages, benefits, and working conditions under federal rules to be developed later. If this bill is passed by the Senate, Texas civil service employees will have full labor union rights and status. Here is a report from the TML on the status of the bill.
Wheeler Coatings is making good progress on the Lohmans Crossing project and should make the completion date of August 20th.
There has been a ruling by a district court judge on the Graveyard Point lawsuit against Harbor Ventures. As soon as more information is available I will post it.
______________________
Council will meet in regular session Monday night! Here is the agenda.
The Backyard is being sued again. Maldonado Construction is suing for over $300,000 for work. This is in addition to a $100,000 suit by Sixth River Architects.
Ciola's is under new ownership - it was purchased by Dave Staab.
Check out the LakewayBee.com. It is a sister site to the BeeCaveBee.com and will contain information about Lakeway and Bee Caves. the site will officially open In August or Sepember!
More as I find out! thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lakeway MUD, Aquapalooza 2010, BBB Event
The Lakeway MUD met in regular session today at 9:30am. Here is the agenda.
4. The Directors accepted the Committee Duties and Responsibilities for the first 4 Committees they were working on after some discussion and amendments.
5. A leak adjustment was made for a customer in the amount of $500 for a leak that has been going on for at least 2 years and is now reported repaired.
6. After some discussion, Capital Improvements on 6i were delayed indefinitely and the items 6ii were put in the engineering planning state.
7. The Board agreed to use a 3% increase for salaries and wages for budget planning.
Items 8, 9, and 10 were discussed in a closed session.
8. No information was available publicly about the Andrews / Eason lawsuit.
9. General Manager Richard Eason's resignation was accepted and he will be compensated for about 6 months pay as part of the agreement. He also has vacation time pending and will start that on Monday.
10. After discussion Karl Ansbach will act on behalf of the General Managers until a suitable replacement is located.
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Aquapalooza 2010 seemed to be a successful event. According to preliminary figures, there were between 4,000 and 5,000 boats, and somewhere between 28,000 and 60,000 people. It appears that Lakeway Police only responded to 2 calls directly related.
According to Travis County, they are estimating 57 arrests and most were alcohol related. There were less than 10 EMS transports.
TP&W reported 120 water safety citations, 12 public intoxication arrests, 17 boating while intoxicated arrests, 5 controlled substance arrests, 4 minors in possession, 3 resisting arrest, 27 boat assists and 3 boat collisions investigated.
There were no major incidents reported!
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BBB Event
Crowds were light with about 750 attendees. Apparently there was one call for service that came on Saturday night from across the lake complaining about loud music, it was turned down and the problem was resolved.
There were no significant issues reported.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
4. The Directors accepted the Committee Duties and Responsibilities for the first 4 Committees they were working on after some discussion and amendments.
5. A leak adjustment was made for a customer in the amount of $500 for a leak that has been going on for at least 2 years and is now reported repaired.
6. After some discussion, Capital Improvements on 6i were delayed indefinitely and the items 6ii were put in the engineering planning state.
7. The Board agreed to use a 3% increase for salaries and wages for budget planning.
Items 8, 9, and 10 were discussed in a closed session.
8. No information was available publicly about the Andrews / Eason lawsuit.
9. General Manager Richard Eason's resignation was accepted and he will be compensated for about 6 months pay as part of the agreement. He also has vacation time pending and will start that on Monday.
10. After discussion Karl Ansbach will act on behalf of the General Managers until a suitable replacement is located.
_______________________
Aquapalooza 2010 seemed to be a successful event. According to preliminary figures, there were between 4,000 and 5,000 boats, and somewhere between 28,000 and 60,000 people. It appears that Lakeway Police only responded to 2 calls directly related.
According to Travis County, they are estimating 57 arrests and most were alcohol related. There were less than 10 EMS transports.
TP&W reported 120 water safety citations, 12 public intoxication arrests, 17 boating while intoxicated arrests, 5 controlled substance arrests, 4 minors in possession, 3 resisting arrest, 27 boat assists and 3 boat collisions investigated.
There were no major incidents reported!
_______________________
BBB Event
Crowds were light with about 750 attendees. Apparently there was one call for service that came on Saturday night from across the lake complaining about loud music, it was turned down and the problem was resolved.
There were no significant issues reported.
Thanks for the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Gumbo's Open, Blood Drive Success!
The new Gumbo's restaurant opened yesterday next to Best Buy in the Shops at the Galleria. While I generally try to avoid going to a new restaurant on opening day, I just couldn't help myself. In a word "OUTSTANDING". The service and food couldn't be better! I recommend it! Here's a coupon thanks to the Bee Cave Bee!
Searcy Willis had another successful Blood drive last Saturday. Sixty one
pints of blood were collected as they turned our Activity Center into a mini collection facility. Try to sign up if you're able at the next event. I will have the dates and times as soon as they are published.Aquapalooza is over and it seems we survived it. I will try to have an accounting of issues soon!
Thanks for looking!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, July 9, 2010
Blood Drive, Dell FOX 7 Fit Weekend, Boat Traffic, Detour
Don't forget the Blood Drive tomorrow! They have plenty of time open. Click here fro more info!
Dell, Fox 7 (KTBC), Rough Hollow, etc. are sponsoring a fitness weekend July 23rd and 24th. See this flyer for more information! Times may change slightly due to road closure issues - Rough Hollow Dr. and Highlands Blvd. will be "laned off" for runners, but will remain open for traffic.
Note the banners at the entrances to Lakeway informing visitors there are no public ramps in Lakeway to help mitigate boat traffic within the city due to Aquapalooza. These will be removed Sunday morning.
Wheeler coatings moved in their heavy equipment today and started removing the old asphalt from Lohmans Crossing. Of course it immediately and they had to stop work. Hopefully they will be able to stay on schedule for completion, slated for the week before school starts - more as progress continues.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Dell, Fox 7 (KTBC), Rough Hollow, etc. are sponsoring a fitness weekend July 23rd and 24th. See this flyer for more information! Times may change slightly due to road closure issues - Rough Hollow Dr. and Highlands Blvd. will be "laned off" for runners, but will remain open for traffic.
Note the banners at the entrances to Lakeway informing visitors there are no public ramps in Lakeway to help mitigate boat traffic within the city due to Aquapalooza. These will be removed Sunday morning.
Wheeler coatings moved in their heavy equipment today and started removing the old asphalt from Lohmans Crossing. Of course it immediately and they had to stop work. Hopefully they will be able to stay on schedule for completion, slated for the week before school starts - more as progress continues.
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
ZAPCO, CBC, Village of the Hills BOA
ZAPCO met at 9:10am, July 7th - all of the signs requested were approved along with the sales trailer applications. The Special Use Permit for a day care in a home on Vanguard was tabled until the applicant will be able to attend in August. The meeting took to the road and two vans toured the areas being investigated by staff to determine if annexation is viable or desired in those areas. After the group returned, the meeting was adjourned and more annexation information is expected at the next ZAPCO meeting. Here is the agenda and annexation information passed out at the meeting.
CBC met on Thursday and the variance request (item 1) was approved and the commission went on the road to do finals and heights plus look at a waiver request. All were approved as requested. Here is the agenda.
Mayor DeOme made a presentation at the Village of The Hills Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday morning. The City would like the Village of The Hills to consider releasing a portion of their ETJ to allow the City of Lakeway to annex an area known as the Villas of The Hills. Here is the letter to Mayor Lindgren and the ETJ map.
Thanks for LOOKING! More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
CBC met on Thursday and the variance request (item 1) was approved and the commission went on the road to do finals and heights plus look at a waiver request. All were approved as requested. Here is the agenda.
Mayor DeOme made a presentation at the Village of The Hills Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday morning. The City would like the Village of The Hills to consider releasing a portion of their ETJ to allow the City of Lakeway to annex an area known as the Villas of The Hills. Here is the letter to Mayor Lindgren and the ETJ map.
Thanks for LOOKING! More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Sunday, July 4, 2010
MUD News, CBC, ZAPCO
I received a press release from MUD President Karl Ansbach yeasterday. Legal counsel is reviewing Mr. Eason's resignation and it appears it will be considered by the Board at the next meeting. Although the MUD has experienced minor expenses associated with the recent lawsuit and Mr. Eason's resignation, no rate increases associated with these issues are anticipated. For the full press release, click on this link.
The City Building Commission will meet Thursday, July 8th. Included are a variance and waiver request. Here is the full agenda. Meeting starts at 9AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
ZAPCO will meet July 7th at 9:10AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Included are several sign requests, a special use permit for a day care business in a home on Vanguard, special use permits for sales trailers and model homes, and discussion of a draft annexation report that includes a driving tour of unincorporated areas. Here is the full agenda of that meeting.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday! Remember our troops that made this possible for all of us!
Thanks for looking!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The City Building Commission will meet Thursday, July 8th. Included are a variance and waiver request. Here is the full agenda. Meeting starts at 9AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
ZAPCO will meet July 7th at 9:10AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Included are several sign requests, a special use permit for a day care business in a home on Vanguard, special use permits for sales trailers and model homes, and discussion of a draft annexation report that includes a driving tour of unincorporated areas. Here is the full agenda of that meeting.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday! Remember our troops that made this possible for all of us!
Thanks for looking!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, July 3, 2010
July 4th on July 3rd in Lakeway!
The rain clouds parted and the July 4th parade was a huge happening! One of the best I've attended! The theme "Military Service - A Family Affair" was embodied by Grand Marshall Rosie Babin and her son CPL Alan "Doc" Babin at the Pageant Ceremonies held at Lakeway
Activity Center. It looks like Alan has quite a following - the Wandalettes couldn't turn him loose! There were so many GREAT floats!There are so many other activities going on it's hard to list them all. $3 swim at the swim center, picnic, concert and fireworks at the City Park with shuttles starting at 6PM from the Emmaus Church and the Elementary School.
Take a few minutes out during the celebration to remember our veterans, without which I expect our country would be very different today. Click here for a short video.
Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that makes this GREAT celebration possible every year! This is another reason Lakeway is such a GREAT place to live!
Have a safe and fun holiday - I hope to see all of you at the festivities!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, July 2, 2010
Parade Committee Statement
The Parade Committee has put out the following statement:
In the event of light rain, the parade will start on time. If the rain i heavy it will be postponed up to a half an hour. The parade will be canceled if there is thunder or lightning, or if the rain is continuous. If the parade has to be canceled, there will be no rain date.
In the event of light rain, the parade will start on time. If the rain i heavy it will be postponed up to a half an hour. The parade will be canceled if there is thunder or lightning, or if the rain is continuous. If the parade has to be canceled, there will be no rain date.
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