Well, another week has passed and here are some of the things going on:
From Steve Jones:
There are traffic counters on Lakeway Blvd. on each side of Lohmans Crossing - they will be in place through the weekend and removed on Monday. the City is gathering data on the difference in traffic counts between the East and West side of Lakeway Blvd.
The City is interviewing 4 candidates next week for the position of City Prosecutor. All are attorneys and experienced prosecutors with good credentials and good references. Hopefully a new prosecutor will be hired by the end of next month.
The Lake Travis Community Library requested that the City call an election for a bond issue on behalf of the Library District this May. They were advised it was too late to call an election. The next available date is November and they were not sure they could wait that long and they may pursue bank financing instead.
There is a very large banner installed at the Blockbuster near Randalls. Code enforcement is working to have it removed - Blockbuster asserts that the banner was ordered by the bankruptcy court and they must display it. The City is evaluating this to see if the court documents override our sign ordinance. More next week!
It appears that Austin Energy is prepared to enter into a franchise agreement with Lakeway for the use of our public rights-of-way. We should get a draft agreement next week.
________________
Just a reminder, we will be having a Special Council Meeting next Tuesday, March 1st that will be a workshop. Here is that agenda!
As always, if you want on or off my email list send a note to lakeway@bain.us. Thanks for all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
CBC Results, ZAPCO Agenda
Hi folks! the CBC met today and here is the agenda and the results of the meeting:
There was a variance granted to the school district for portable buildings and a fence without masonry columns because of the "temporary" nature.
There was a lengthy discussion on whether to continue with final inspections by the CBC. It appears there is good support to continue with the inspections and possibly doing spot checks on Temporary Certificates of Occupation.
The Commission went out and checked all finals on the agenda, all were approved except one at the Parish Activity Center which was denied until removal of a silt fence.
____________________________
Here is the agenda for the next ZAPCO meeting - it will be a short one because of all the postponements.
City Council will meet in Special Session Tuesday March 1st for a workshop to discuss several items. Here is that agenda.
Thanks for the support! To be added to the email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
There was a variance granted to the school district for portable buildings and a fence without masonry columns because of the "temporary" nature.
There was a lengthy discussion on whether to continue with final inspections by the CBC. It appears there is good support to continue with the inspections and possibly doing spot checks on Temporary Certificates of Occupation.
The Commission went out and checked all finals on the agenda, all were approved except one at the Parish Activity Center which was denied until removal of a silt fence.
____________________________
Here is the agenda for the next ZAPCO meeting - it will be a short one because of all the postponements.
City Council will meet in Special Session Tuesday March 1st for a workshop to discuss several items. Here is that agenda.
Thanks for the support! To be added to the email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Council, Judge Madison video, Workshop
Council Results -
3. Scott Jenkins of 207 Palos Verde spoke to Council about destruction of Greenbelt area behind his house by Mountain Bikers. He feels Hamilton Greenbelt was designed and provided for walking and the bikers should be prohibited from using existing or making new paths. This topic is on the workshop agenda March 1st.
4. Al Tyson provided the financial report and income is over budget and expense is under budget - good news!
5. Pedernales Electric's Jamie Smith made a short presentation explaining that the normal quarterly check is now done electronically and their representative will make a biannual report instead of quarterly.
6. Judge Madison made a report on recent activities at the court including renovations, annual warrant drive and volunteer activities that are benefiting the Citizens.
7. After much discussion on traffic issues - both internal and external, a special use permit was approved for a Starbucks drive through on a pad site next to Wendy's. The vote was 5-2 for with Alan Tye and myself voting against. There is a commitment to work to move forward to address entrance issues from 620 with TXDOT.
8. A Zoning change for Lakeway Highland was approved - this basically increases some greenbelt area behind some lots for easier access.
9. Zoning change for Cinco Hills was postponed.
10. Another Zoning change for the Highlands was also postponed.
11. The Council voted to approve an Interlocal Agreement with Travis County regarding an economic study of Lake Travis. Council voted to contribute $5000 to that study.
12. The General Election was set for May 14, 2011 to elect 3 Councilmembers and a Mayor.
13. The Code of Ethics was changed to permit certain seasonal workers not to have a notarized Ethics document.
14, 15, 16. Consent Agenda was approved - Congratulations to Kent O'Brien for his appointment to Parks and Rec. Committee.
There will be a City Council Workshop on Tuesday March 1st from 1PM until about 5PM. Here is the draft agenda!
Judge Madison's Traffic Safety Tip - Don't buy your kid a Dodge Viper. Here is a link to a video to make his point - 2222 going up the hill!
3. Scott Jenkins of 207 Palos Verde spoke to Council about destruction of Greenbelt area behind his house by Mountain Bikers. He feels Hamilton Greenbelt was designed and provided for walking and the bikers should be prohibited from using existing or making new paths. This topic is on the workshop agenda March 1st.
4. Al Tyson provided the financial report and income is over budget and expense is under budget - good news!
5. Pedernales Electric's Jamie Smith made a short presentation explaining that the normal quarterly check is now done electronically and their representative will make a biannual report instead of quarterly.
6. Judge Madison made a report on recent activities at the court including renovations, annual warrant drive and volunteer activities that are benefiting the Citizens.
7. After much discussion on traffic issues - both internal and external, a special use permit was approved for a Starbucks drive through on a pad site next to Wendy's. The vote was 5-2 for with Alan Tye and myself voting against. There is a commitment to work to move forward to address entrance issues from 620 with TXDOT.
8. A Zoning change for Lakeway Highland was approved - this basically increases some greenbelt area behind some lots for easier access.
9. Zoning change for Cinco Hills was postponed.
10. Another Zoning change for the Highlands was also postponed.
11. The Council voted to approve an Interlocal Agreement with Travis County regarding an economic study of Lake Travis. Council voted to contribute $5000 to that study.
12. The General Election was set for May 14, 2011 to elect 3 Councilmembers and a Mayor.
13. The Code of Ethics was changed to permit certain seasonal workers not to have a notarized Ethics document.
14, 15, 16. Consent Agenda was approved - Congratulations to Kent O'Brien for his appointment to Parks and Rec. Committee.
There will be a City Council Workshop on Tuesday March 1st from 1PM until about 5PM. Here is the draft agenda!
Judge Madison's Traffic Safety Tip - Don't buy your kid a Dodge Viper. Here is a link to a video to make his point - 2222 going up the hill!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Weekly Update!
Is Spring really here?
Don't forget the Lakeway Regional Medical Center Town Hall meeting February 28th at Lakeway Inn! Here is additional information!
The City Council will meet on Tuesday February 22nd this month. Here is the agenda! Looks like it will be a real meeting this month - many items to work on.
CBC will meet on February 24th in regular session. Here is their agenda.
If you're wondering about the construction on Lohman's Crossing across from the fire station, they are re-doing a drain that was not built to the original drawings and should be complete today.
You might have noticed the flag poles have no flags at Lohmans Crossing and Hwy. 620. A driver slid on ice recently and ran over a transformer and hit one of the poles. Since the lights don't work, the flags have been removed - I'm told the driver had insurance and repairs are in the works!
From Steve Jones -
Aqualand Development reported that construction is under way on Medical Parkway, the main road through the medical center campus. They hope to have it paved by the end of the month.
The problem with communications between the Police Station and City Hall turned out to be damage in the underground conduit where a rodent had chewed through the cable. Repairs have been made and the system is working again!
The City has five well qualified candidates to replace the city prosecutor that had to resign last week. Hopefully there will be a new prosecutor working in just a few weeks.
As part of our annual warrant roundup, Judge Madison is publishing a list of the top 100 offenders. Here is a link to that list - hopefully you're not on it! It will be published next week in the Lake Travis View.
Council Member Dennis Wallace had an idea that sparked a
new program we call the Citizens Warrant Assistance Program. Seven graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will be trained next week to assist our Warrant Officer and the Court with following up on arrest warrants. Currently we have about $2 Million in outstanding warrants. GREAT idea!
The Citizens Police Academy is scheduled to start on February 22nd. So far about 30 folks have signed up!
_______________________________
As you might have read in the Lakeway View, Mayor DeOme, Alan Tye, Dennis Wallace and myself will be running for re-election on May 14th this year. I personally believe the current Council has been very effective in steering Lakeway for the past term and would appreciate your vote!
All City Offices will be closed Monday, February 21 in observance of Presidents Day.
Please send a note to lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be on my email list!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Don't forget the Lakeway Regional Medical Center Town Hall meeting February 28th at Lakeway Inn! Here is additional information!
The City Council will meet on Tuesday February 22nd this month. Here is the agenda! Looks like it will be a real meeting this month - many items to work on.
CBC will meet on February 24th in regular session. Here is their agenda.
If you're wondering about the construction on Lohman's Crossing across from the fire station, they are re-doing a drain that was not built to the original drawings and should be complete today.
You might have noticed the flag poles have no flags at Lohmans Crossing and Hwy. 620. A driver slid on ice recently and ran over a transformer and hit one of the poles. Since the lights don't work, the flags have been removed - I'm told the driver had insurance and repairs are in the works!
From Steve Jones -
Aqualand Development reported that construction is under way on Medical Parkway, the main road through the medical center campus. They hope to have it paved by the end of the month.
The problem with communications between the Police Station and City Hall turned out to be damage in the underground conduit where a rodent had chewed through the cable. Repairs have been made and the system is working again!
The City has five well qualified candidates to replace the city prosecutor that had to resign last week. Hopefully there will be a new prosecutor working in just a few weeks.
As part of our annual warrant roundup, Judge Madison is publishing a list of the top 100 offenders. Here is a link to that list - hopefully you're not on it! It will be published next week in the Lake Travis View.
Council Member Dennis Wallace had an idea that sparked a
new program we call the Citizens Warrant Assistance Program. Seven graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will be trained next week to assist our Warrant Officer and the Court with following up on arrest warrants. Currently we have about $2 Million in outstanding warrants. GREAT idea!The Citizens Police Academy is scheduled to start on February 22nd. So far about 30 folks have signed up!
_______________________________
As you might have read in the Lakeway View, Mayor DeOme, Alan Tye, Dennis Wallace and myself will be running for re-election on May 14th this year. I personally believe the current Council has been very effective in steering Lakeway for the past term and would appreciate your vote!
All City Offices will be closed Monday, February 21 in observance of Presidents Day.
Please send a note to lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be on my email list!
Thanks for LOOKING!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Week in Review!
Well, the snow is gone, again! I have deleted the snow flakes from the blog, that's all for this year - I hope!
The Lakeway MUD met on Wednesday in regular session. Here is the agenda. The BOD received a report from the Finance Committee, and discussed a contract with BNY for another possible IRS audit.
There was discussion on a Drought Contingency Plan Update and also a discussion on a Policy to Comply with Regulations on selling surplus land - no action was taken on that item.
Property at 132 S. Hurst Creek was made surplus. The General Managers report was made and accepted with several questions from the BOD. Meeting was adjourned at about 11:30. If you would like to see the video of the meeting, click here!
The CBC meeting for 2/10/2011 was canceled but several of the members did final inspections on some properties.
The sales tax for December in Lakeway was 7% above the same period last year - Bee Caves jumped 15%!
Interested in the new Hospital? Here is an invitation to a town hall meeting open to the public to hear from the developers about it's status. It's free and open to the public!
For the second year in a row Lakeway was named the largest Community Blood Drive in the 10 county area served by the Blood Center of Central Texas! 408 units of blood were collected! Give yourselves a hand!
A New Burn Ban is in effect for the City of Lakeway and Travis County. Commissioners Court voted Feb. 8th and in accordance with that action Mayor DeOme imposed the ban for Lakeway effective Feb. 10th.
Congratulations to Teresa Breuggeman of Garlo Ward, P.C. for winning Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year AND Ambassador of the Year!
One of our citizens was involved in a dog attack on Hamilton Greenbelt about a week ago. The owner of the dog was finally found and at least it doesn't appear he will have to take the rabies shots. Thanks to those that helped find the owner.
From Steve Jones:
The City received a complement from one of our residents -
"I want to provide the City of Lakeway a great amount of gratitude/kudos for all that has been done to keep our community so safe during the cold icy weather. All ice patches that were seen were immediately covered to prevent any accidents. I was absolutely in awe when I received the automated call warning of road conditions. Thank you for all that you have done."
The City sustained minor damage from the freezing weather. The Swim Center had broken toilets, a broken water line in the concession area, a broken water softener, and a break in the main supply line. There was also minor damage to a water fountain in Hamilton Greenbelt, and a frozen sewer line at the public works service center. Chessie Blanchard has a contractor lined up to repair the fiber-optic cable between the Justice Center and City Hall that was damaged by the high winds last week.
We have a commitment from Travis County Transportation to include funding for the county's portion of Flintrock Road and Bee Creek road in their upcoming bond election. This will probably require Lakeway calling a bond election to fund our portion of the project.
Our City Prosecutor, Scott Taliaferro, recently became subject to a rule that prohibits district and county attorneys from maintaining a private practice and will be forced to resign. This is a real loss to the City! The search for a replacement has begun.
_____________________________
From Shannon Burke:
Code Enforcement Officer Edgar Hinojosa left us at the end of December. To replace him we hired Bryan Hilton effective January 31st. Bryan was a 3 year veteran of the Dispatch Center and is already familiar with the City and seems to have the right personality for the job.
There is work going on again at the Hospital behind the Post Office. The anticipated completion date is now mid April at best.
Construction of three townhouse buildings at Tuscan Village is moving along rapidly. the developer is in the process of securing funding for the site work that remains to be done. That funding will also cover construction of the amenity center which is next in line on the sequence of construction.
Planning and Development is also in the process of reviewing the Crosswater Yacht Club site plan. Thus far, there are no significant issues with the plans that have been submitted.
_______________________________
The new developer of the Serene Hills area is working on a zoning change for that project. The Serene Hills extension that is still not open is being help up because of construction issues and irrigation in the area. More to come on that soon!
Thanks for looking and all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
The Lakeway MUD met on Wednesday in regular session. Here is the agenda. The BOD received a report from the Finance Committee, and discussed a contract with BNY for another possible IRS audit.
There was discussion on a Drought Contingency Plan Update and also a discussion on a Policy to Comply with Regulations on selling surplus land - no action was taken on that item.
Property at 132 S. Hurst Creek was made surplus. The General Managers report was made and accepted with several questions from the BOD. Meeting was adjourned at about 11:30. If you would like to see the video of the meeting, click here!
The CBC meeting for 2/10/2011 was canceled but several of the members did final inspections on some properties.
The sales tax for December in Lakeway was 7% above the same period last year - Bee Caves jumped 15%!
Interested in the new Hospital? Here is an invitation to a town hall meeting open to the public to hear from the developers about it's status. It's free and open to the public!
For the second year in a row Lakeway was named the largest Community Blood Drive in the 10 county area served by the Blood Center of Central Texas! 408 units of blood were collected! Give yourselves a hand!
A New Burn Ban is in effect for the City of Lakeway and Travis County. Commissioners Court voted Feb. 8th and in accordance with that action Mayor DeOme imposed the ban for Lakeway effective Feb. 10th.
Congratulations to Teresa Breuggeman of Garlo Ward, P.C. for winning Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year AND Ambassador of the Year!
One of our citizens was involved in a dog attack on Hamilton Greenbelt about a week ago. The owner of the dog was finally found and at least it doesn't appear he will have to take the rabies shots. Thanks to those that helped find the owner.
From Steve Jones:
The City received a complement from one of our residents -
"I want to provide the City of Lakeway a great amount of gratitude/kudos for all that has been done to keep our community so safe during the cold icy weather. All ice patches that were seen were immediately covered to prevent any accidents. I was absolutely in awe when I received the automated call warning of road conditions. Thank you for all that you have done."
The City sustained minor damage from the freezing weather. The Swim Center had broken toilets, a broken water line in the concession area, a broken water softener, and a break in the main supply line. There was also minor damage to a water fountain in Hamilton Greenbelt, and a frozen sewer line at the public works service center. Chessie Blanchard has a contractor lined up to repair the fiber-optic cable between the Justice Center and City Hall that was damaged by the high winds last week.
We have a commitment from Travis County Transportation to include funding for the county's portion of Flintrock Road and Bee Creek road in their upcoming bond election. This will probably require Lakeway calling a bond election to fund our portion of the project.
Our City Prosecutor, Scott Taliaferro, recently became subject to a rule that prohibits district and county attorneys from maintaining a private practice and will be forced to resign. This is a real loss to the City! The search for a replacement has begun.
_____________________________
From Shannon Burke:
Code Enforcement Officer Edgar Hinojosa left us at the end of December. To replace him we hired Bryan Hilton effective January 31st. Bryan was a 3 year veteran of the Dispatch Center and is already familiar with the City and seems to have the right personality for the job.
There is work going on again at the Hospital behind the Post Office. The anticipated completion date is now mid April at best.
Construction of three townhouse buildings at Tuscan Village is moving along rapidly. the developer is in the process of securing funding for the site work that remains to be done. That funding will also cover construction of the amenity center which is next in line on the sequence of construction.
Planning and Development is also in the process of reviewing the Crosswater Yacht Club site plan. Thus far, there are no significant issues with the plans that have been submitted.
_______________________________
The new developer of the Serene Hills area is working on a zoning change for that project. The Serene Hills extension that is still not open is being help up because of construction issues and irrigation in the area. More to come on that soon!
Thanks for looking and all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow, Ice +
Well folks, we woke up this morning to the promised snow - unfortunately, there was freezing rain last night first so there is a layer of ice under the snow. Please stay inside if you can, the sand trucks are out working, but it's still dangerous to drive and slopes are especially dangerous!
The wind storm damaged the fiber link between the City Hall and the Police Station last week - they are using backup systems until the line can be replaced. The Heritage Center also suffered communication issues because of a Time Warner issue.
The City of Lakeway will hold a General Election on May 14, 2011 to elect a mayor and three City council members. Here is a link to more information on the City website.
The Heritage Center is beginning it's annual search for local veterans. Here is a link to more information - please check it out if you have served our country!
For those interested, AT&T has opened up U-Verse in most of Lakeway now. Most of the construction from this has been completed also. Check it out here!
More as I hear it - possibly this afternoon or Saturday! Be safe out there!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
JBHosting.us
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Cold!!!!!!
The winds last night snapped three power poles near Clara Van on 620. Austin Energy is busy working on re-routing the power along undamaged circuits to bring power back to customers as quickly as possible. Sporadic outages may be experienced throughout the day while Austin Energy stabilizes the lines. Latest info is that the power will be back up for Lakeway customers within an hour!
Be sure to protect your pipes during this cold spell! The temperatures will not go above freezing for at least 24 hours and outside faucets and pipes will be at risk.
It appears ice will not be an issue today or tomorrow but watch out for later in the week - be sure to stay tuned to your local weather reports! Be careful out there!
Lakeway Civic Corporation (LCC) tickets are available for the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at the Activity Center. The tickets are free but seating is limited!
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Be sure to protect your pipes during this cold spell! The temperatures will not go above freezing for at least 24 hours and outside faucets and pipes will be at risk.
It appears ice will not be an issue today or tomorrow but watch out for later in the week - be sure to stay tuned to your local weather reports! Be careful out there!
Lakeway Civic Corporation (LCC) tickets are available for the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at the Activity Center. The tickets are free but seating is limited!
More soon!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)