First item of business was to set the MUD Tax rate for 2010. It was set to $0.2052 per one hundred dollars valuation. $0.18 is debt service and $0.02 is for M&O (maintenance and operations). For perspective on this, the city tax rate is $0.1996, our I&F (debt service) is $0.0176 and our M&O is $0.1820.
The budget was approved for 2010.
The Amendment to the 19 acre Earnest Money Contract was tabled until the October 13th regular meeting. There was some concern as to the use of the property and delay of closing. Here is a letter from Mr. Hietpas with supporting information.
The Wastewater Utility Easement to TC MUD # 11 was approved.
Item 6 was the election of Alan Hitchcock to position of Secretary / Treasurer. This issue was contested by Kay Andrews - she was elected Secretary / Treasurer after the last elections. If memory serves me, none of the other members would accept the position and Kay volunteered to do it. There was little discussion as to the reason for the change and Ms. Andrews opposed it. Eventually Mr Hitchcock was elected by majority vote.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Council Results, Area Updates
Council met in regular session Monday, September 20th. Here is the agenda.
October 5 was proclaimed as National Night Out date.
The Budget and Tax rate were approved. The new tax rate is slightly higher than last year but is substantially below the "effective tax rate". 1/2 of the surplus from last year was rolled into this years budget and the rest went into a road repair fund.
An interlocal agreement was approved with The Village of The Hills for an exchange of extraterritorial and corporate jurisdiction that will allow the annexation of the Villa's of the Hills in the near future.
The Special Use Permit for P. Terry's Burgers was delayed until the October meeting to allow the developer and area residents to communicate about the project. A vote will be taken in October.
The rate for IESI Solid Waste disposal was approved along with an ordinance that modifies the current agreement.
Steve Jones was authorized to execute a lease agreement with the LCC and the GLRA for office space in the Activity Center.
____________________
In other news:
There have been numerous posts on jhrobak's listserve of loose dogs on the Greenbelts. If you are molested by a loose animal on one of Lakeway's greenbelts, simply call the police and report it. Posting on an email list does little good. I have been unable to find many reports.
Lakeway MUD will hold a Special meeting Wednesday, September 29th at their offices. Here is that agenda.
The Blood drive was a success and 67 units were collected! Thanks to all the participants for their donations!
An observant resident's report helped Travis County Sheriff's arrest a man caught burglarizing a vehicle in the Hills. Personal belongings from two other vehicles were found in his possession!
___________________
From Steve Jones:
The Board of Aldermen of The Village of The Hills unanimously approved our ETJ exchange agreement at a meeting Thursday morning.
There was a meeting with James Finck, President and CEO of the YMCA of Austin, the City and Marie Ellis (a Lakeway resident and YMCA volunteer). There is some interest in establishing a YMCA in Lakeway and the City will be looking further into that possibility!
The street overlay program's contract with Travis County Road Maintenance should be awarded in the next couple of weeks - contractors will begin work shortly thereafter.
_________________
Another developer is showing some interest in the old Lakeway Exxon station. He is looking into a smaller station convenience store.
More as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
October 5 was proclaimed as National Night Out date.
The Budget and Tax rate were approved. The new tax rate is slightly higher than last year but is substantially below the "effective tax rate". 1/2 of the surplus from last year was rolled into this years budget and the rest went into a road repair fund.
An interlocal agreement was approved with The Village of The Hills for an exchange of extraterritorial and corporate jurisdiction that will allow the annexation of the Villa's of the Hills in the near future.
The Special Use Permit for P. Terry's Burgers was delayed until the October meeting to allow the developer and area residents to communicate about the project. A vote will be taken in October.
The rate for IESI Solid Waste disposal was approved along with an ordinance that modifies the current agreement.
Steve Jones was authorized to execute a lease agreement with the LCC and the GLRA for office space in the Activity Center.
____________________
In other news:
There have been numerous posts on jhrobak's listserve of loose dogs on the Greenbelts. If you are molested by a loose animal on one of Lakeway's greenbelts, simply call the police and report it. Posting on an email list does little good. I have been unable to find many reports.
Lakeway MUD will hold a Special meeting Wednesday, September 29th at their offices. Here is that agenda.
The Blood drive was a success and 67 units were collected! Thanks to all the participants for their donations!
An observant resident's report helped Travis County Sheriff's arrest a man caught burglarizing a vehicle in the Hills. Personal belongings from two other vehicles were found in his possession!
___________________
From Steve Jones:
The Board of Aldermen of The Village of The Hills unanimously approved our ETJ exchange agreement at a meeting Thursday morning.
There was a meeting with James Finck, President and CEO of the YMCA of Austin, the City and Marie Ellis (a Lakeway resident and YMCA volunteer). There is some interest in establishing a YMCA in Lakeway and the City will be looking further into that possibility!
The street overlay program's contract with Travis County Road Maintenance should be awarded in the next couple of weeks - contractors will begin work shortly thereafter.
_________________
Another developer is showing some interest in the old Lakeway Exxon station. He is looking into a smaller station convenience store.
More as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, September 17, 2010
Weeks Happenings, Council
The Library Building Fund is having a "Dancing With the Stars" Gala October 3rd at 6PM. It will be at the World of Tennis and will feature many "local" celebrities - here is a link to the information!
The Council will meet in regular session Monday, September 20th. Here is the agenda. Some of the important items include the 2011 Budget and Tax Rate, an Interlocal Agreement between The Village of The Hills and Lakeway (to enable the release of The Villas ETJ to Lakeway) and authorizing Steve Jones to execute a lease agreement between the City and the LRA for office space. Also included are a Special Use Permit for P Terry,s Burger Stand because of a request for a drive through, several plat approvals in Serene Hills and Highlands, and an amendment to the rates and fees section of the Residential Solid Waste Disposal Service.
It will be a REAL meeting!
From Steve Jones:
The Deer Management Committee is ready to start trapping operations for this year. Our permit will allow trapping 200 animals and that is the goal.
A developer has shown some interest in the Exxon location. This would possibly be a scaled down convenience store. More on that as it evolves.
A contractor is working on the water issues at the Justice Center. He is rerouting the roof drains, regrading the soil and installing a sump pump.
It appears it may be a month or longer until Serene Hills is open. The developer has made some changes and needs to remove some street cut outs and install new curbs.
Major repairs are being made to Lakeway Blvd. Steve feels this is because of the heavy construction truck traffic and is looking into keeping large trucks off the Blvd. More to come on this also!
Have a GREAT weekend and more as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Council will meet in regular session Monday, September 20th. Here is the agenda. Some of the important items include the 2011 Budget and Tax Rate, an Interlocal Agreement between The Village of The Hills and Lakeway (to enable the release of The Villas ETJ to Lakeway) and authorizing Steve Jones to execute a lease agreement between the City and the LRA for office space. Also included are a Special Use Permit for P Terry,s Burger Stand because of a request for a drive through, several plat approvals in Serene Hills and Highlands, and an amendment to the rates and fees section of the Residential Solid Waste Disposal Service.
It will be a REAL meeting!
From Steve Jones:
The Deer Management Committee is ready to start trapping operations for this year. Our permit will allow trapping 200 animals and that is the goal.
A developer has shown some interest in the Exxon location. This would possibly be a scaled down convenience store. More on that as it evolves.
A contractor is working on the water issues at the Justice Center. He is rerouting the roof drains, regrading the soil and installing a sump pump.
It appears it may be a month or longer until Serene Hills is open. The developer has made some changes and needs to remove some street cut outs and install new curbs.
Major repairs are being made to Lakeway Blvd. Steve feels this is because of the heavy construction truck traffic and is looking into keeping large trucks off the Blvd. More to come on this also!
Have a GREAT weekend and more as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Events coming up + +
Don't forget the Blood Drive this Saturday at the Activity Center! Call Searcy Willis at 512-261-9055 for an appointment.
The Burn Ban has been lifted for the time being - seems the recent rains have reduced the fire danger significantly.
The Lake Travis Fiddlers will perform at next Wednesday's Men's Breakfast Club.
Restaurant Info:
Mulligan's closed Sunday, sorry to see them go! Wonder what will go in that space?
Chi Town is open a little North of the City on the East side. Chicago sandwiches including hot dogs and Chicago style sandwiches. Good place for lunch!
Maudie's is open in Bee Caves! Great views and good food - outside tables are great! Reviews on this place will be GREAT.
Went to the Spicewood Arts Society last week and took in Marcia Ball's performance! What a deal! She is a wonderful performer with a combination of Blues, Cajun and Country. Here is a link to more info!
Java Dive is opening a new location where the Starbucks was near Rocco's Restaurant.
Buenos Aires Cafe opened where Fish City Grill vacated. Here is a link for info and coupons from the Bee Cave Bee!
More soon - look for the weeks end report tomorrow or Saturday. Have a GREAT day and enjoy!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Burn Ban has been lifted for the time being - seems the recent rains have reduced the fire danger significantly.
The Lake Travis Fiddlers will perform at next Wednesday's Men's Breakfast Club.
Restaurant Info:
Mulligan's closed Sunday, sorry to see them go! Wonder what will go in that space?
Chi Town is open a little North of the City on the East side. Chicago sandwiches including hot dogs and Chicago style sandwiches. Good place for lunch!
Maudie's is open in Bee Caves! Great views and good food - outside tables are great! Reviews on this place will be GREAT.
Went to the Spicewood Arts Society last week and took in Marcia Ball's performance! What a deal! She is a wonderful performer with a combination of Blues, Cajun and Country. Here is a link to more info!
Java Dive is opening a new location where the Starbucks was near Rocco's Restaurant.
Buenos Aires Cafe opened where Fish City Grill vacated. Here is a link for info and coupons from the Bee Cave Bee!
More soon - look for the weeks end report tomorrow or Saturday. Have a GREAT day and enjoy!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Busy Week! MUD, CBC, HIlls, Airpark ++
It was a busy week! Let's get started!
First the bad news - Lake Travis Cavs winning streak ended last night with a loss to Aledo, 14-10. It was a close game and the team received a standing ovation thanking them for the hard work.
The Lakeway MUD met Wednesday morning in regular session and here is the agenda.
The first item was the Villas of the Hills ETJ release, the Board went into Executive session and the following resolution was released when they returned. Resolution
There was a discussion and vote on maintaining a flat rate schedule on up to 10 residents with oak wilt issues where those residents would be deep watering their infected trees and would not experience escallating rates from excess water usage. This was voted down because of concerns with various issues.
A contract for an internal auditor was approved.
A contract was approved for BNY to assist with an IRS audit. It appears information was requested on a Bond issue.
A special meeting for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate for 2010 was set for September 15 and here is that agenda.
Thursday morning the Board of Aldermen of The Village of The Hills met in regular session. Lloyd Troeltzsch and Ron Dodd presented their study of ETJ release issues and Ron Dodd made this motion. Jerry Hietpas from Lakeway MUD read their resolution opposing the ETJ release. Here are the complete minutes from the meeting.
City Building Commission met in regular session Thursday morning at 9AM. There was one height approved on the agenda and the height on Challenger was removed. There were several final inspections that were approved.
The City, Lakeway Airpark, and representatives from the Lakeway Airpark South edition met to discuss the change in AV Zoning. It is my understanding that this has come about because of conversations between Dr. Arredondo and Steve Jones. The Airpark seems to be in agreement with the changes and Dr. Arredondo feels his project should be grandfathered under the current zoning rules.
From Steve Jones, City manager:
The City experienced some damage from Tropical Storm Hermine. Water leaked into portions of the Justice Center and there was some minor damage to some of the City's trail system.
Preparations for the Christmas Trail of Lights has begun (holiday season already?).
The Construction on Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Dr. is AT&T installing fiber optic cable to upgrade their systems in preparation for their U-Verse service.
There is a budget work session scheduled for 2PM Monday - here is that agenda. The budget process should be mostly done after that session and will come before the next Council meeting for approval.
Our Juvenile Case Worker Nancy Johnson and Forester Carrie Burns are working together on a project that will have some juvenile community service workers removing grape vines in select locations. So, if you see some kids chopping vines, you know what it's about!
I promise more fun things on the next post!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
First the bad news - Lake Travis Cavs winning streak ended last night with a loss to Aledo, 14-10. It was a close game and the team received a standing ovation thanking them for the hard work.
The Lakeway MUD met Wednesday morning in regular session and here is the agenda.
The first item was the Villas of the Hills ETJ release, the Board went into Executive session and the following resolution was released when they returned. Resolution
There was a discussion and vote on maintaining a flat rate schedule on up to 10 residents with oak wilt issues where those residents would be deep watering their infected trees and would not experience escallating rates from excess water usage. This was voted down because of concerns with various issues.
A contract for an internal auditor was approved.
A contract was approved for BNY to assist with an IRS audit. It appears information was requested on a Bond issue.
A special meeting for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Tax Rate for 2010 was set for September 15 and here is that agenda.
Thursday morning the Board of Aldermen of The Village of The Hills met in regular session. Lloyd Troeltzsch and Ron Dodd presented their study of ETJ release issues and Ron Dodd made this motion. Jerry Hietpas from Lakeway MUD read their resolution opposing the ETJ release. Here are the complete minutes from the meeting.
City Building Commission met in regular session Thursday morning at 9AM. There was one height approved on the agenda and the height on Challenger was removed. There were several final inspections that were approved.
The City, Lakeway Airpark, and representatives from the Lakeway Airpark South edition met to discuss the change in AV Zoning. It is my understanding that this has come about because of conversations between Dr. Arredondo and Steve Jones. The Airpark seems to be in agreement with the changes and Dr. Arredondo feels his project should be grandfathered under the current zoning rules.
From Steve Jones, City manager:
The City experienced some damage from Tropical Storm Hermine. Water leaked into portions of the Justice Center and there was some minor damage to some of the City's trail system.
Preparations for the Christmas Trail of Lights has begun (holiday season already?).
The Construction on Lohmans Crossing and Hurst Creek Dr. is AT&T installing fiber optic cable to upgrade their systems in preparation for their U-Verse service.
There is a budget work session scheduled for 2PM Monday - here is that agenda. The budget process should be mostly done after that session and will come before the next Council meeting for approval.
Our Juvenile Case Worker Nancy Johnson and Forester Carrie Burns are working together on a project that will have some juvenile community service workers removing grape vines in select locations. So, if you see some kids chopping vines, you know what it's about!
I promise more fun things on the next post!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Upcoming Meetings and Agendas
Here's the week's calendar!
September 8th, 7:00AM - Lakeway Men's Breakfast Club meets at the Activity Center - Dr. Gus Lowry, When to move from family doctor to pain management doctor.
The Lakeway MUD will meet in regular session September 8th at 9:30AM at the District office. Here is the agenda!
The City Building Commission (CBC) will meet in regular session September 9th in Council chambers, here is their full agenda.
The Village of The Hills will meet in regular session September 9th at 8:30AM in the municipal offices. Here is their agenda.
Of course, the public is welcome at any of these meetings! Hope to see some of you there!
Joe Bain
Lakeway@bain.us
September 8th, 7:00AM - Lakeway Men's Breakfast Club meets at the Activity Center - Dr. Gus Lowry, When to move from family doctor to pain management doctor.
The Lakeway MUD will meet in regular session September 8th at 9:30AM at the District office. Here is the agenda!
The City Building Commission (CBC) will meet in regular session September 9th in Council chambers, here is their full agenda.
The Village of The Hills will meet in regular session September 9th at 8:30AM in the municipal offices. Here is their agenda.
Of course, the public is welcome at any of these meetings! Hope to see some of you there!
Joe Bain
Lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Weeks Happening's!
Fall is in the air and we even got some rain! I show we got 1/2 inch!
Council met in Special Session Monday. Jack Ford was appointed to Zoning and Planning and George Kimes was appointed Assistant City Treasurer - Congratulations!
IESI's James Hare made a presentation on a rate increase request for solid waste pickup. They have had a major increase in fees at their dump sites and will need to pass this along to the residents. It appears that their sites will be closing in 3-5 years and the site owners are now required to maintain those sites for 30 years so they are making sure they have enough reserve funds to fulfill this obligation. Expected rate increase to residents is about $1.00.
IESI also made a presentation on a new "single stream" recycling program they are wanting to introduce in Lakeway. IESI would provide another rolling can where residents could put all recyclables that IESI would sort and dispose of at a new facility. Many more items would be accepted and they feel this would decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills.
The 2010 budget was again discussed at length. It appears there will be some surplus from the 2009 fiscal year and there is some disagreement on where those funds should go. The final budget meeting will be on September 13th at 2PM.
ZAPCO met on September 1st. Several signs were approved including those for Whitakers Auto Body, Goodwill, Austin Telco, United Federal Credit Union, and after some discussion Abercorn International School received approval to raise their sign to grade level. They were not allowed a flag.
P. Terry's Burger Stand requested a Special Use Permit for a drive-through facility at their new location on 620 across from the junior high school near the Ridge at Alta Vista. After discussion, ZAPCO voted to recommend approval to the Council.
A final plat of Serene Hills Subdivision Phase 2E was discussed and it will be recommended for approval to the Council.
ZAPCO also recommended approval of Annexation of the Highlands Greenbelt Lot and recommended zoning as GB (Greenbelt).
___________________
From Steve Jones - The City has been served with notice of a lawsuit arising from the auto collision with one of our police officers on Lakeway Blvd. We are represented by Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool and our insurance should cover most of the expense. We have also learned that they will pay for the new police truck that was totaled in the accident except for a deductable!
The City has been working on an agreement with the Village of The Hills to release a part of their ETJ. It is scheduled to be voted on at their meeting on Sept. 9th. The Villas HOA has requested a postponement and we will see what happens.
Steve is meeting with the Airpark and Rene Arredondo next Thursday to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance amendment. I will try to attend the meeting.
Four (4) patrol officer positions were filled and all are due to start September 12th. Please be ready to welcome Ron Smith, Matthew Flynn, Jeffrey Brennecke and Steven Howell!
___________________________
It appears that the Backyard's issues are not getting better. The latest is the Red Dirt Festival has been moved to Nutty Brown Cafe on 290.
LTISD has passed their new budget - it appears your tax rate will remain the same again - GREAT!
Maudie's will open next week in the Galleria. I think their actual opening will be Thursday and testing will be done on Monday through Wednesday. Sounds like another good choice when dining out.
Have a GREAT Labor Day Weekend - more as I hear it!
Email me at lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be added to the email list!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Council met in Special Session Monday. Jack Ford was appointed to Zoning and Planning and George Kimes was appointed Assistant City Treasurer - Congratulations!
IESI's James Hare made a presentation on a rate increase request for solid waste pickup. They have had a major increase in fees at their dump sites and will need to pass this along to the residents. It appears that their sites will be closing in 3-5 years and the site owners are now required to maintain those sites for 30 years so they are making sure they have enough reserve funds to fulfill this obligation. Expected rate increase to residents is about $1.00.
IESI also made a presentation on a new "single stream" recycling program they are wanting to introduce in Lakeway. IESI would provide another rolling can where residents could put all recyclables that IESI would sort and dispose of at a new facility. Many more items would be accepted and they feel this would decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills.
The 2010 budget was again discussed at length. It appears there will be some surplus from the 2009 fiscal year and there is some disagreement on where those funds should go. The final budget meeting will be on September 13th at 2PM.
ZAPCO met on September 1st. Several signs were approved including those for Whitakers Auto Body, Goodwill, Austin Telco, United Federal Credit Union, and after some discussion Abercorn International School received approval to raise their sign to grade level. They were not allowed a flag.
P. Terry's Burger Stand requested a Special Use Permit for a drive-through facility at their new location on 620 across from the junior high school near the Ridge at Alta Vista. After discussion, ZAPCO voted to recommend approval to the Council.
A final plat of Serene Hills Subdivision Phase 2E was discussed and it will be recommended for approval to the Council.
ZAPCO also recommended approval of Annexation of the Highlands Greenbelt Lot and recommended zoning as GB (Greenbelt).
___________________
From Steve Jones - The City has been served with notice of a lawsuit arising from the auto collision with one of our police officers on Lakeway Blvd. We are represented by Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool and our insurance should cover most of the expense. We have also learned that they will pay for the new police truck that was totaled in the accident except for a deductable!
The City has been working on an agreement with the Village of The Hills to release a part of their ETJ. It is scheduled to be voted on at their meeting on Sept. 9th. The Villas HOA has requested a postponement and we will see what happens.
Steve is meeting with the Airpark and Rene Arredondo next Thursday to discuss the proposed zoning ordinance amendment. I will try to attend the meeting.
Four (4) patrol officer positions were filled and all are due to start September 12th. Please be ready to welcome Ron Smith, Matthew Flynn, Jeffrey Brennecke and Steven Howell!
___________________________
It appears that the Backyard's issues are not getting better. The latest is the Red Dirt Festival has been moved to Nutty Brown Cafe on 290.
LTISD has passed their new budget - it appears your tax rate will remain the same again - GREAT!
Maudie's will open next week in the Galleria. I think their actual opening will be Thursday and testing will be done on Monday through Wednesday. Sounds like another good choice when dining out.
Have a GREAT Labor Day Weekend - more as I hear it!
Email me at lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be added to the email list!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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