Upcoming Events, Road Work, Local CAMPO Meeting and More!

The "Wildflowers" performance is Saturday, January 31 at 7PM.  there are still a couple of tickets available - call the Activity Center to inquire - 512-261-1010.

If you'd like to help the fight against Cancer, check out the "Kick Cancers Booty" fundraiser Saturday at Solid Rock Brewing - here is a flyer with complete information.

Men's Breakfast Club meets every Wednesday at 7 AM at the Activity Center - here is the February schedule.  It's a great group, try it out!

As you have probably read already, the City is moving toward an Art's district in the new development between 620 and Lohmans.  Here is a link to a graphic of the proposed district.  Here is a link to a complete report.

TxDOT has been working on Bee Creek road in front of the new Junior High School and is nearing completion!  If the signal is not flashing yet it soon will be and then will be a real stop light to aid with the school traffic.

Here is the latest from Dallas Gorman at the Activity Center - exceptional programs and value - see what's going on there!

PEC will be in Lakeway replacing some Power Poles in their service area - T&D Solutions will be the contractor so watch out for them!

The City will be hosting a "CAMPO Mobile Meeting" on February 19th in the Lakeway City Hall.  There will be a presentation by new CAMPO Executive Director Ashby Johnson.  It will start at 6:00 PM - there will be pizza and soft drinks.  There will be limited space so plaease RSVP to Dena Lindamood at denalindamood@lakeway-tx.gov or 512-314-7516 so we can get an accurate count.  It's very important that we take the time to make sure CAMPO and their staff are aware of the transportation improvements we need in the area.  Please put the meeting on your calendar and plan to attend.

ZAPCO will meet in regular session on Wednesday in the City Hall at 9:10 AM.  Here is that agenda.

From Steve Jones:
Public Works had a chance to test out the new paint/striping machine this week.  It seemed to work really well.  They repainted 15 “Rec Lane Only” symbols on Sailmaster from Lohmans Crossing to Rupen Lane that were badly faded.  I look for them to do much more painting in the near future.

Dale DeLong also met with a Landscape Architect this week regarded the irrigation on the east end of Lakeway Blvd.  He has requested a proposal for the cost of designing a possible new irrigation system on this section of the boulevard, which is in desperate need of an upgrade.  

The City Court reports that on January 14, they implemented a new automated notification phone system to relieve the court clerks of the duty of contacting defendants regarding matters such as failure to appear, missed payment plans, and warrants.  In two weeks, the system was available to clear 51 cases collecting $6,592.80 on fines and court cost, and 10 active warrants.  


Mark your calendar.  CAMPO is scheduled to hold a Mobile Meeting in the Lakeway City Hall auditorium on Feb. 19 at 6:00 pm.  The purpose of the meeting is to present the results of the 2040 Transportation Plan.  The new CAMPO director, Ashby Johnson, will make the presentation.  We are honored that Mr. Johnson is coming to Lakeway to do this personally.

From Chief Radford:
• Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges 
o Possession of Controlled Substance X 2
o Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 5
o Possession of Alcohol by a Minor X 1
o Driving while Intoxicated X 1
• Officers responded to a Theft on Serine Estates Drive; the victim reports that thirty windows were stolen from a house under construction. There are no suspects at this time; this case is under investigation.
• Officers were called to a local auto body shop in reference to a prior traffic accident.  The driver of the crashed car was on site and intoxicated. He was arrested for public Intoxication, failure to Identify and tampering with a government record. The subject was transported to Travis County Jail without incident. 
• A Fantail Loop resident reports that his vehicle was burglarized while parked in his driveway. The victim’s prescription medication was stolen from the vehicle. The vehicle was unlocked. 
• Sgt. Brown attended The Estate of Lakeway HOA Annual Meeting. He responded to questions regarding speeding deterrence efforts, National Night Out scheduling, and Neighborhood Watch programs.
• Sgt. Brown conducted a voluntary interview with a suspect in the Prescription Fraud case (felony). The case is being forwarded to Travis County DA’s office for review.
• Det. Gavit created a public service announcement for local business to warn customers of possible Greendot and MoneyGram related scams. 

• Detectives followed up on leads regarding the burglary that occurred in Rough Hollow. Detectives retrieved trail-cams, analyzing video/photos to determine if the cameras caught the suspects in the act. This case is still under investigation.
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Another busy week with more ahead!  Super Bowl Sunday coming up - be safe!  Thanks for all the continued support!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Weather, Council Results, Chamber and More!

Well, we started the week with a holiday and wonderful weather - I hope everyone was able to enjoy the 80 degree temperatures because we are paying for it now!  The rain is welcome, but we need a lot more to help the lakes.  I'm showing almost 3 inches so far at my house.  No ice, that may be coming next week!

Tuesday brought the Council meeting - three major items on the agenda, the first of which was a proclamation declaring January 18th through the 25th "Lakeway Police Department Appreciation Week".  Chief Radford was present to accept the proclamation.

Item 6 was a Zoning change for the Laws tract behind the Valero station.  After significant discussion, he was awarded the zoning requested, a combination of C-1, C-2, Greenbelt and R-6 with some prohibitions - the vote was unanimous.

Item 7 was a report and presentation by Chessie Zimmerman on proposed discussion of a possible Art's district.  It was well accepted by the Council and will move forward.  It is a concept of zoning parts of the new "Oaks" area as "Art's" with portions as commercial and residential - here is a full report from Devin.

The other major item was a vote authorizing bonds to purchase the property for Lake Travis Youth Association.  The BIG surprise was the low rate we received from Broadway Bank - below market - about 2.4%.


Wednesday morning Chief Todd Radford spoke to the Men's Breakfast Club. He opened the floor and a discussion of many aspects of the Lakeway Police took place - it was an interesting discussion.  He also led the group through the web site the police department has developed to disseminate more local police information.   Here is a link to their Performance Measures and Statistics page - check it out!

The Men's Breakfast Club meets every Wednesday from about 7 AM until 9 AM at the Lakeway Activity Center and is open to all residents.  Lots of exceptional speakers and good information - come by and meet your neighbors next Wednesday.

The Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce Economic Forecast Luncheon was held at the Lakeway Conference Center and Resort Wednesday also.  Lots of really good information and a pretty optimistic outlook.  It appears the biggest concerns are water and traffic.  Growth will continue to increase, last year in the "Lake South" area there were about 1400 homes sold or bought and it looks like that will be about the same this year.  Good for the economy, won't help the traffic.

The good news is the allocation of money by TXDOT to get a study done on 620 from 45 North toll road (at Lakeline) to Hwy. 71 (Bee Caves).  

From Steve Jones:
IESI has purchased new front-loading garbage trucks for Lakeway.  We should see them in action in the coming weeks.  

We learned at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon this week that when they are all finished, there will be about 2,000 apartment units in the Bee Cave area.  We will have an additional 350 units in The Mansions at Serene Hills.  We also heard from Doug Land with Sotheby’s International that the average home price in our area is $488,000.  

The City was well represented at this week’s Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce economic forecast event.  Mayor DeOme and Councilmembers Taylor, Cox, Haley, Bain, and Brown attended the luncheon.  Speakers included Bee Cave Councilmember Kara King, LTISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Lancaster, Doug Land of Sotheby’s, Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, and me.

Chessie met with a representative from Circle K and the owner of the land on the corner of RM 620 and Debba Drive, where an SUP for a convenience store and fuel station was approved last year.  The applicants are working through some challenging issues, including protected trees, related to the site and will likely seek a determination from ZAPCO in the near future.  

BDS staff met with representatives from HEB to discuss the first round of comments on their building permit application.  Chessie met with Stratus to review progress and address some concerns about the Oaks site.  


Chessie scheduled a troubleshooting session for the audio-visual system in the auditorium following recent problems with the speakers.

From the Police Blotter:
• Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges 
o Possession of Marijuana X 1
o Driving while license suspended  x 1
o Fleeing Police Officer X 1
o Possession of Controlled Substance X 1
o Lakeway Warrant X 1
o Out if Jurisdiction Warrant X 1
o Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 2
o Possession of Alcohol by a Minor X 1

1. Officers responded to a Burglary of Habitation on Stone Shadow Cove.  The victim’s purse was stolen from her residence.  Detectives are following leads in this case and have recovered videos of possible suspects in the neighborhood.  They have also recovered stolen property from this case. 
2. Officers were called to a Family Disturbance on Duffy Lane, a couple was arguing over terms of their pending divorce.  The couple was separated and the husband left the residence to stay with other family. 
3. Juveniles were given criminal trespass warnings for the Holiday Inn, after they were found driving a golf cart in the parking lot. 
4. Officers responded to the Brookdale Assisted Living on Lohmans Crossing in reference to a deceased person.  An 88 year old female was found deceased in her room.  Officers worked with the Medical Examiner’s Office to complete the pronouncement and release the body. 
5. Detectives are working with CPS investigators in reference to a child medical neglect case, involving truancy issues, along with the child’s welfare.  
6. Deer Trapping was completed this week, trapping was done twice with 17 deer being captured for the week. 

Chief Radford also reported that our Police Department has been recertified by the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation for compliance with the Texas Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program.  Congratulations to the Department!  
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It's looking like we may have another good weekend - I am looking forward to it!

Thank you for all the support, tell your friends about the blog if you like it, tell me if you don't!  If you would like to be included on the mailing list, send an email to me at lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.  

Feel free to email me if you have questions or concerns!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Lots Happening! Police, Inn Sells, Hospital Note Bought and More!

Hi Neighbors!  What a beautiful day - and what a contrast to last week.  It looks like we will have a few days to thaw and dry out before the next winter weather - get out and enjoy it!

Look for your Lakeway Residents Directory to be delivered TODAY!  The Lake Travis Band will be bringing them to you and will also be picking up non-perishable food items for Lake Travis Ministry.  This is a GOOD time to sign up to be in the directory next year - before you forget.  Here is a link to the form needed, just send it in and you all set up.  It's a good time to make corrections if you've moved!  

Get your tickets for The Wildflowers show coming up January 31st!  Here's a link to more information - it should be a GREAT show and they need your support!

If you're looking for something to do on Valentines Day, check out the Big Band Bash!  It's on the 9th at the Activity Center and would be a good way to start the week!  Here's a link.

Work is continuing on Bee Creek Road and Highlands Blvd.  Paving was scheduled earlier this month but the weather didn't cooperate.  Look for construction to continue as the weather gets a little better, the asphalt will be put down and sidewalks and signage will be installed.

Steve Jones and I attended the 2015 Texas Transportation Forum Thursday in Austin.  We learned a lot and got information we were surprised at.  We will continue to work to try to find solutions to our increasing traffic congestion in the area.

The Lakeway Regional Medical Center was purchased company called Med Equities Reality Trust this week.  It appears they are taking over the loan for about $50 million.  Here's a link to more info.

CBC meets Thursday January 22nd. Here is a link to their agenda - it looks like a short meeting.

City Council will meet in regular session this Tuesday, January 20th.  It was moved to Tuesday because of the Holiday Monday.  Here is the agenda.  It looks like a fairly short meeting - come and see your City leaders at work!  If your interested in the packets the Council Members get here is a link to that.

Check it out!   The City now has their own app for Iphone and Android and even for pc users.  Here is a link to all you need to know to get it - it looks pretty good - register and get on line with the City!

Lake Travis Elementary had a Lockdown Tuesday the 13th but it was determined to be a false alarm.  Here is a link to their statement.

The Lakeway Inn and Resort was purchased this week for $33.5 million by Dallas based Ashford Hospitality Trust Company.  Remington Lodging will manage the property for Ashford.

From Steve Jones:
The city’s contractor should wrap up construction of the concrete swale on Duck Lake Drive at Squires Drive today.  This area has been slowly eroding away for years, and it starting getting worse with the heavy rains that we had last year.


DIJ Construction finished with the re-striping and re-painting of the pavement markings on Lakeway Dr. and Dragon St. last week.  A new crosswalk was also installed on Sailmaster where pedestrians cross from the recreation path to the tennis courts and Hamilton Greenbelt.

I attended the annual TxDOT Transportation Forum this week.  The theme of this year’s forum was that the state is not funding highway system improvements and is barely covering the cost of maintaining the state’s existing transportation infrastructure.  One example given was that in 1960, thirty percent of the state’s budget was dedicated to transportation; today, transportation is less than ten percent.  If this persists, the implications are profound.  The demands on our highways are steadily increasing due to favorable economic conditions and considerable in-migration, but TxDOT is unable to expand our highways to accommodate demand.  This suggests that the current traffic congestion will worsen considerably over time.  The good news is that this is being publicly discussed and will likely be a major concern for this year’s legislature.  

From Chief Radford:
PATROL
• Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges
o Possession of drug paraphernalia X 2
o Driving while Intoxicated – 1
• Officers were called to the Police Department to investigate a prior assault family violence that occurred when a woman was assaulted in her home at Flintrock Falls. 
• Officers responded to a deceased person call on Bellagio Drive.  Investigators were called to the scene after a female was discovered deceased inside her residence.  The official cause of death will be released from the medical examiner in a few weeks, but preliminary cause appears to be natural. 
• Officers assisted Lake Travis Fire with a vehicle fire on Bee Creek Rd.  The vehicle belonged to a construction worker in the area, and the cause of the fire is believed to be mechanical.
• Officers took a report from a resident on San Savio in reference to an attempted fraud.  Resident received a phone call asking for money to get his grandson released from Custom officials on the border.  

CID/SUPPORT Operations
• Sgt. Brown was invited to attend the West Cypress Hills Elementary School Science Fair as a judge.  Sgt. Brown assisted other judges, who were selected from the community, to judge roughly 70 science projects submitted by 5th grade students.  The top five projects were then selected to be entered into a regional science fair in Austin.
• Officers responded to a theft from the Sail and Ski.  A female suspect grabbed items and fled from the business.  The suspect was gone upon officers arriving.  CID investigated the case, identified the suspect, and then located the suspect in South Austin.  A confession was obtained and the stolen property was recovered.
• LPD officers and CID investigators responded to a report of an attempted abduction of a child from Lake Travis Elementary.  After investigation, it was discovered that the report was uncorroborated.
• Communications has been planning for the switch to 12-hour shifts.  The new schedule will take effect on Feb 8 and will exactly mirror the patrol officer schedule.  We expect increased efficiency and job satisfaction as a result, but we will closely monitor the change and re-evaluate in three months.
• The Lake Travis View reporter interviewed the Chief of Police and the dispatch supervisor regarding the 12-hour dispatch shift format.


After many weeks of preparation, LPD hosted auditors from the Texas Police Chief’s Association – Recognition Program.  The three-day audit of our policies and practices resulted in LPD receiving very high marks.  The auditor’s findings will be sent to the TPCA executive committee to review, and hopefully, award LPD our re-recognition status.  The final decision is expected in a few weeks. 
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That's all for now, I'm sure I've left out something!  Check out the new app and let me know what you think!

If you want to get on my email list, please send me an email!  lakeway@bain.us

Thanks for all the support!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Cold! Directory Info, Steve's Report

Can you believe it?  The first week of 2015 is gone, the temperature is 33 degrees and we're forecast to have freezing rain and sleet tonight - ugh!

 The Lakeway Directory delivery has been postponed until next Saturday the 17th by the Lake Travis Band Students.  They will also be collecting canned food and non-perishables for the Lake Travis Ministry.  This is a great tool for residents and you need to be in it if you aren't already!  Here is a link to the form to fill out and send in - you have to request to be in the directory!  Simply print it out and send it in.

Our Director of BDS, Troy Anderson, has submitted his resignation and he has accepted a position in Nebraska - brrrrr - we wish him well in his new endeavors.

From Steve Jones:
Dave DeOme and I attended the annual Angelou Economic Forecast this week.  Economist Angelos Angelou is bullish on the local economy in the near term.  He is concerned with the relatively high prices of homes in the Austin MSA, but does not believe that we are in a housing bubble.  Confirming our opinions, Angelou believes the major economic challenges for the Austin area are water supply and traffic congestion.  

ZAPCO met in regular session this week to hear a zoning request for approximately 12.5 acres owned by Bob Laws and annexed into the city on Jan. 1, 2012. Mr. Laws requested zoning of C-1, C-2, GB, and R-6. ZAPCO recommended in favor of the request, but imposed conditions on the R-6 portion, and recommended that the entire commercial portion be zoned C-1.  This case will come before city council at their regular meeting on January 20.

Today is Troy Anderson’s last day in the office. Troy and his family are relocating to Nebraska where he has taken a position in a city near Lincoln.  We wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.  

From the Police Department:

Patrol:
• Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges:
o Possession of drug paraphernalia – 1
o Warrant Arrest – traffic  out of TCSO
• Officers responded to a residential burglary on Palos Verdes. The family returned home after the holiday to discover their home had been forcibly entered and property had been taken. CID was called to the scene for further investigation. No suspects at this time, however, if anyone has information about this incident please call Sgt. Brown immediately at 512-314-7590.
• Officers were called to the scene of an unattended death on Rivalto Circle. The elderly male was found deceased by family members, CID was called to the scene to conduct an investigation. Preliminary assessment as to the cause of death appears to be related to long-term medical issues and natural causes.

CID/Operations:
• Two of our dispatchers have given their notice of resignation.  
• A proposal was created and presented for transitioning dispatchers from our current eight-hour shifts to twelve-hour shifts as we look for ways to become more efficient. Keeping in mind that the LPD dispatch center operates 24/7/365 and should be staffed with two licensed, trained and qualified telecommunicators at all times. 
• Earlier this week, detectives assisted the FBI with the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Lakeway.  
• Our animal protection officer responded to 16 calls for service this week and closed a dog bite investigation case.
• We are nearing completion of our Network Fleet installation project. This project will allow staff to monitor many aspects of the individual police units including the vehicles historical and current locations based on real-time GPS data, mechanical issues with the vehicle, and fuel /oil and other fluid consumption.  
• Staff continues with preparations for the upcoming Texas Best Practices inspection. Two assessors will be in Lakeway next week to review policies and procedures of the police department. They will conduct file audits, ride with officers, and inspect our facility to ensure that we are meeting the standards of the best practices recognition program. We received our original recognition status in 2011.

From Municipal Court: 

Last month the court received and processed 340 traffic violations, 5 parking violations, 14 City Ordinance, and 63 State Law Violations. Judge Madison magistrated three defendants in Travis County Jail and issued 205 new warrants.  The court cleared 164 active warrants.  The collections for the month were $78,859.50.  Our new Marshal Fred Johnson started work last week.   He is equipping his vehicle and getting his radio programed.  This week, Judge Madison will be presiding 48 arraignments cases and eight show cause cases.  He also attended a Regional Judge’s Seminar with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center.

HR reports that we currently have job postings for an Aquatic Facility Coordinator, Operator I for the Activity Center, a Deputy Court Clerk, Dispatcher and Police Officer I.  The job postings are on our website at http://www.lakeway-tx.gov/jobs.aspx.  


TxDOT confirmed this week that a traffic signal will be installed on SH 71 at Serene Hills Drive.  Notwithstanding unforeseen events, such as bad weather, the signal should be operating by the beginning of March. 
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That's all for right now, stay warm and inside if you can!  If you would like to receive an email when I make a post, please send an email to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you on the list!

Thanks again for all the support!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

COLD & WINDY! What's Gong On in The Area!

Gonna be COLD tonight!  Bundle Up!  Temperatures are forcast to be in the low 20's in Austin in the morning, that means colder out here.  Here is a link to more information on the City's website.  It's not only COLD, it's going to be REAL windy.

I have info on several area events that I thought I'd send out this evening, I will have more City information Friday - here goes!

Originally, the Lakeway Civic Corporation and the Lake Travis High School Band students were to deliver the resident's Lakeway Directories this Saturday.  Because of the forecast inclement weather, it has been rescheduled to Saturday January 17th.  They are collecting canned food and non perishables for the Lake Travis Ministry.  I will remind you next week so you can get ready and put out food if you wish.

January 31st the Lakeway Wildflowers will be putting on a show for residents.  They will be performing "Four Part Broadway" at the Activity Center at 7p.m. Co-sponsored by the City of Lakeway, reserved seating is available and tickets are $10 per person.  Call the Activity Center from more information at 512-261-1010.

A "Kick Cancer's Booty Fundraiser will be held Saturday, January 31st from 4 to 8 PM at Solid Rock Brewing in Spicewood.  Here is a link to more information.

Dallas Gorman from the Activity Center has sent me the current goings on - here is a link to all that's happening there - it's quite a list!

The Lakeway Players are holding auditions next week for their next play starting Monday, January 12th.  Here's a link to all the info.

I know I'm probably leaving something out, if so, I'll try to pick it up Friday.  Have a GREAT evening!  

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Local Weather

New Year, Cold!, Help Our Wounded ++

Happy New Year to all!  The COLD weather has really started out with a bang.  Monday morning brought the coldest temperatures of the season to Lakeway, 25 degrees at our home, but luckily there was no moisture included!  

One thing that has really bothered me lately has been the way police have been portrayed in some cities and how the news has made it look even worse.  Paul Harvey did a narration a few years back and I thought you might enjoy it - here is a link.  We have a GREAT police force and as citizens, I think we should let them know how much we appreciate the good work they do.  They do have car cameras, and they DO have body cameras - and have for years.  Join me in a effort of appreciation!

We attended the Help Our Wounded event at the Lakeway Inn New Year's evening - it was a GREAT event and for such a good cause!  Thank you for all the work by the committee members that made this possible.  They ended up raising $125,025 for our wounded veterans and presented the check New Years evening - here is a link to the website.  

Austin has passed an ordinance making it illegal to use electronic devices while driving - cell phones, ipad's etc.  We seem to have our share of "distracted driving" issues also as can be seen with the demolished mailboxes and damage along our roads.  Our Council may look into this type of ordinance for our City - I'll let you know.

The CAMPO meeting for January has been cancelled, but I plan to attend the Texas Transportation Forum this month in Austin along with Steve Jones.  I'm hoping that we can learn things that will help in our quest to solve the local traffic problems.   I'm also hoping with the changing of the guard in Austin City government that we can look at some new ideas to solve some of the issues.

ZAPCO will meet on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 9:10AM.  Here is that agenda.

The City Building Commission will meet in regular session on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 9AM - here is that agenda.

More as I find out - it looks like a good year ahead!  Thanks for all the support and a GREAT 2014!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us