It's been a busy two weeks - managed to enjoy a "Fall Foliage Cruise" on the East coast, had some good weather and some bad...
We got a total of about 7 inches of rain from what I can tell, I'm sure some got more and some less - we had 5 inches in less than 2 hours which constitutes a "100 year flood" by definition. Considering that, we were very lucky - there was some flooding in the area, World of Tennis Condo's had some water in some of the units and runoff caused damage on the dam for Lake Chandon lowering the water level there. Overall, with the excessive amount of rain we were very lucky.
That said, it didn't help the Lake much, about 3 feet increase but it's on the way down again. Looks like the LCRA and TNRCC are working on a water management plan that will significantly help our situation if the Lake ever recovers.
One of our City's Judges, Kevin Madison was honored with the 2014 Judiciary Service Award Friday, September 19th. He consistently makes himself available to Central Texas law enforcement officers needing blood search warrants on drunk drivers. Thanks and congratulations!
Don't forget "Dinner With the Chief" tonight at Rocco's Grill! All proceeds benefit the Lakeway Police Foundation and Texas Police Chief Coundation. Here's a link to more info - TONIGHT!
From Steve Jones:
Chessie and I attended the Lake Travis Republicans’ Club luncheon. The speaker was Will Conley, Hays County Commissioner and CAMPO Transportation Policy Board Chairman. Commissioner Conley educated the group about CAMPO’s mission, and explained the process of developing the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan. We also met with Joe Cantalupo from K Friese & Associates, a local public project engineering firm, to discuss future needs and transportation and thoroughfare planning.
Paul Duncan and I met with Lakeway Airpark representatives about the ongoing flooding problem they pose to downstream residents. We went over the results of a small drainage study that we commissioned, and discussed ways to correct the drainage. The Airpark reps seem very willing to cooperate in a project.
Judge Madison received an award today from MADD for being an outstanding judge with respect to DWI matters. There were many awards for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and others. However, Madison was the only judge singled out for recognition by MADD. Officer Joel Fischetti was also recognized for his outstanding work as a police officer.
Troy reported that we issued a subdivision improvement permit this morning for the Oaks at Lakeway development. It has been a grueling process, but we are very excited to see this project kick off. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for mid to late October.
From Chief Radford:
• Routine traffic stops by Lakeway officers this week, resulted in the following charges being filed:
o Possession of controlled substance (meth)
o Driving while license invalid x 2
o Possession of drug paraphernalia
• A resident on Waverly Spire caught a suspect in the act of burglarizing a vehicle in his driveway. The suspect fled on foot and was caught by the victim. The suspect gave the stolen property back to the victim and then fled. The case is still open and a possible suspect has been identified, CID is following up. Another case of an unlocked door that provided this opportunity. Remember to lock your door, hide your stuff or take your valuables out of the vehicle.
• A local business was burglarized this week. Forced entry was made at night, through a back door and assorted equipment was taken. A lead was provided from an APD narcotics detectives who happened to find some of the stolen equipment while executing a narcotics search warrant, the day after the burglary. The case is open with possible suspects identified, CID is investigating this case.
• Final preparations are underway for Public Safety Day on September 27th.
• Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for a suspect in a Burglary of a Building case, reported last week. An arrest and search warrant were served at a private residence. The suspect was arrested and the stolen property was seized.
• Detective Howell and LPD Officers served an arrest warrant for Credit Card Abuse with an elderly victim.
Here's Andra Dearing's Parks and Rec. Report.
Council will meet in Special Session Monday, Sept 29, 2014 at 2PM to take action on the budget and tax rate. Here is a link to the agenda.
That's all for today - more soon as I catch up!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Are you ready for cooler temperatures and a little rain? Boy, I am! Here's what has been going on this week in the City.
First, a couple of things going on that you might want to be aware of:
First, interested in supporting the folks that keep us all safe? Here's your chance! On September 28, 2014 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM sign up for "Dinner with the Chief" to be held at Rocco's Grill! It's a GREAT time and you will meet many of the folks that protect us daily along with Chief Todd Radford. Here's a link to more information - give it a second, it's a large file!
Next plan on attending the last Indoor City Wide Garage Sale for 2014 Saturday the 13th at the Activity Center from 8 to 12 in the morning. Lots of GOOD stuff!
Lakeway's famous Big Band Bash will take place on the 13th of October - put it on your calendar! Here is a link to more info.
Monday Steve Jones and I attended the CAMPO meeting downtown - long but productive meeting. There was quite a bit of frank talk about where CAMPO was going and how to help the traffic in Austin and surrounding areas. I am looking forward to the next few meetings to see what happens.
Thursday CBC met in regular session. Here is that agenda. I'm told everything passed and the lot at 906 Electra was determined as "view blocking". This means the new home will be allowed to be as tall as the average of the homes on each side.
Monday Council meets in regular session - here is that agenda. It could be a fairly lengthy evening because of the presentations - see you there!
From Steve Jones:
LCRA staff held a third meeting this week to finalize proposed changes to their water management plan. In general, the revisions are still favorable to firm water customers, and the firm customer coalitions still support them. The LCRA board is scheduled to take action on September 17, and submit it to TCEQ for approval later this year.
Staff met with residents in the Ridge at Alta Vista this week to discuss problems in their neighborhood with street parking. Their streets are narrower than most, and parking in the street can make it difficult for traffic. They have attempted to restrict parking to only one side of the street with limited success. We are evaluating how the city can assist in order to keep the streets passable for emergency vehicles. This may require some changes to our parking ordinance.
I met with representatives from TxDOT and Bee Cave today to continue work on near-term improvements to RM 620. We decided to focus on intersection improvements that will allow taking seconds away from the green lights on cross streets and adding them to green lights for traffic on 620 without backing up traffic on the cross streets. In essence, we will fine-tune each intersection in order to maximize green light time for the major traffic flow. This seems to be the most cost effective way to improve the traffic handling capacity of 620. TxDOT advised us that they have $1 million to contribute. I told them that we might be able to contribute money from our capital reserve funds if the Council approves.
Chief Radford Reports:
- Officers assisted in returning a lost 9 year old boy to his home. The autistic boy had wandered away from his home on Sailmaster and was later found on Vanguard.
- Animal Protection Officer Greig responded to a residence on Stephanie Ln. in reference to a dog bite. The victim, who was at the residence to interview for a pet setter job, was bitten by a large dog and suffered minor injuries. The owner of the dog was cited.
- Officers responded to LRMC in reference to a suicidal subject. Officers conducted a mental health evaluation and determined that the subject did not meet the criteria for a Peace Officer Emergency Detention.
- Officers responded to a local business regarding a burglary of a business. The manager of the company advised responding officers that their video/surveillance monitoring company had witnessed an employee enter the building (after hours) and steal several items. The employee was identified and this case was turned over to CID for further investigation.
- Officers responded to a residence on Cypress Knee to assist EMS with an unresponsive female. Responding officers, and later EMS personnel, performed CPR on the subject, but the subject was pronounced deceased shortly after lifesaving attempts were administered. The case was turned over to CID for further investigation. Preliminary investigation reveals the cause of death, most likely, to be natural.
- Officers making traffic stops arrested 8 subjects for 13 violations:
o 1 subject arrested for DWLI and 2 out of jurisdiction warrants
o 1 subject arrested for Possession of Marijuana
o 1 subject arrested for an out of jurisdiction warrant
o 1 subject arrested for 3 local traffic warrants (paid in full)
o 3 subjects arrested for DWLI
o 1 subject arrested for DWLI and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- NOTE: Of those traffic contacts above, K9s were deployed 2 times, but no arrests were made.
- Detective Howell issued a Felony Warrant of Arrest for Credit Card Abuse to a subject who found a credit card (left behind by a patron) during his duties as a waiter and then spent over $400 on the account.
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That's all for now - it's a little cooler already and we've had a little shower at the Airpark! Looks like more coming. More data as I find out!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Another busy week in Lakeway and surrounding areas! LCRA had their second Water Management Plan Technical Meeting Wednesday. Steve Jones attended representing the City and reported that as was expected the downstream irrigators were not real happy with the proposed new rules. They asked for a couple of changes in the model's used and they will meet again next week with the results. It looks like the LCRA staff is working to raise the trigger points considerably that will hopefully keep us out of the situation we are currently in. It looks hopeful, but we really need some rain to get the lakes back up to normal.
Speaking of rain, most of us got a little a couple of days ago - about .04 inch at the Airpark - not much, but I'm not complaining! Looks like we have another chance next week!
ZAPCO met Wednesday morning - this was the agenda. Several signs were approved, the commission also recommended a combination zoning of R-3 and R-1 for some property along Rupen Dr. to Council. They also recommended approval of a Special Use Permit for a Circle K gas station on the corner of 620 and Debba Drive and a final plat for more of Lakeway Highlands.
Shari Anderson’s creative, colorful and energetic photography will open in an exhibit at Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery on Sept. 4 - here is a link to more information.
Judge Kevin Madison volunteered and was the only on-call Judge for all of Western Travis County law enforcement for the Labor Day weekend DWI Task Force Initiative. Thanks for working to keep us safe!
I have had a couple of questions on turn lanes and shoulder markings on 620. We are working with TxDOT to see what we can do to improve some of the areas around Lohmans and Lohmans Spur. There are significant constraints because of right of way issues - we'll see what can be done.
TxDOT is holding public meetings for an I-35 study in Travis County. Here is a link to dates and locations.
Travis County is looking for input on conservation and transportation planning. Here is a link to more information and a link to the survey.
Lakeway Parks and Recreation Dept. will sponsor "The Shocking Truth," a free class on lightning safety and Take 10 hands-only CPR on September 14 at the Activity Center. Here is a link for more info.
Lakeway's Public safety Day is coming up soon and will showcase Central Texas first responders! Come meet the heroes who work daily to keep us safe! It's set for September 27, 2014 from 10AM to 4PM and is family friendly! Here is a link to more information.
Dallas Gorman has a LOT going on at the Activity Center in September! Here is a link to her report with all the particulars - Thanks Dallas!
CBC will meet in regular session on 9/11/2014 in Council Chambers. Here is their agenda.
From Steve Jones:
We received a copy of the draft Travis County Land, Water, and Transportation Plan (LWTP) this week. At Mayor DeOme’s request, county staff will provide a brief presentation of the plan at the September city council meeting. The plan encourages transit-oriented development and multimodal transportation systems as a solution to congestion and as a growth management strategy. Steve is drafting a response that documents the city’s concern about and opposition to any “plan” that relies on a change in the population’s lifestyle in order to achieve success.
We met with staff from the City of Austin’s Wildland Conservation Division this week in order to gain a better understanding of the federal permit that governs the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Connecting the SH 45 loop will require interaction with various entities related to wildland and habitat conservation and preservation, and it is important that we understand the challenges of establishing a transportation corridor through protected lands early on. The staff member was very helpful and willing to assist us as the project moves forward.
This week public works cleaned a culvert at 131 Schooner that was not carrying any water due to it being 90% full of rock and silt. The overlay project should be complete today and Lohmans Spur will be re-striped on Tuesday of next week, along with the city’s portion of Flint Rock Rd. A contractor is in the process of mulching around trees on Lakeway Blvd from Scamper Cove to the Hills Dr. This project should be complete next week. The Brooks Hollow /Explorer Drainage project is still in progress. They are working on the Knarr Street drainage inlet and forming up headwalls at Acapulco Drive.
For the month of August, the Court had 407 violations filed. 338 are from traffic, 56 State Law, and 13 City Ordinance violations. The Court conducted four dockets for the month with 160 contested violations. Judge Madison presided over three of those dockets, and Judge Brown had one. The court collected $73,996. Judge Madison issued 150 new warrants and the Court cleared 160. I am happy to report that for the first time the total number of active warrants decreased from 3,670 to 3,580. The Marshal’s activity for the month: 106 phone calls, 70 personal contacts, 38 door hangers, and 10 searches.
Devin Monk continued work on the city’s Mobile App. Its launch date is still set for Oct. 13. Part of the development process now includes the use of aerial photography of RM 620 and some of the city’s buildings. He wrote and distributed a press release, News Flash, and Facebook post for the city-sponsored “The Shocking Truth,” a free class on lightning safety and Take 10 hands-only CPR, from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 14 at Lakeway Activity Center. Austin-Travis County EMS and Lake Travis Youth Association will present the class.
From Chief Radford:
Animal Protection Officer responded to a dog bite that occurred on Blue Jay drive. The victim was a pool service repair specialist and received minor injuries. Due to the dog’s level of aggression, the veterinarian decided the dog needed to be euthanized. No charges are expected to be filed relative to this case.
Animal Protection Officer responded to City Park in reference to a woman who was bit by a loose dog. The victim suffered minor injuries. LPD is currently investigating this case. People are reminded to keep their dogs on a leash in the park and on city trails.
LPD Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was observed driving erratically. The driver was arrested for DWI.
LPD Officers responded to LRMC to conduct a mental health evaluation on a patient at the request of hospital staff. LPD Officers issued a Peace Officer Emergency Detention order in this case.
Special Operations Sergeant Brown received two warrants for Deceptive Business Practices (Class A) regarding a counterfeit cell phone case. The suspects are expected to be in custody this afternoon.
LPD Officers executed traffic contacts which resulted in 4 subjects being arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. K9s were deployed 3 times which led to 2 of these arrests. 3 subjects arrested for outstanding warrants. 1 subject arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) 1 subject arrested for Driving While License Invalid
Detective Howell and Crime Scene Tech Smith were called out this week, after hours, to private residence in reference to a deceased person. The case remains under investigation but the initial views of the detective is that the cause of death is likely natural causes, due to age and medical condition.
Detective Proctor filed an affidavit for an arrest warrant for the felony charge of Fraudulent Use of Identifying Information, on an Elderly Victim. The suspect, a Lakeway resident, is now in custody in Louisiana and will be transported back to Texas in reference to several other charges including robberies of two HEB stores in Austin.
October 16th, 2014 is set for an emergency management tabletop exercise to be held at the command center at city hall.
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I have a meeting scheduled next week with our TxDOT area engineer, and others, to continue discussions on short-term improvements for RR 620. We have identified a list of prospective projects, and we will begin evaluating them for cost effectiveness.
I attended a meeting this week in which LCRA staff presented some water modeling results from the revised water management plan that the LCRA board is scheduled to approve later this month. The revised water management plan is much more realistic in how it protects and supplies water to firm customers during periods of drought. In general, the firm water coalition and lake interest groups support the plan revisions, and they will encourage the board to adopt them.
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Thank you for your interest in our great city! More as I find out! Please send an email to lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be added to my email list.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
