Friday, July 31, 2015

Activity Center Fun, Traffic, Lights and More!

Still plenty of things to do at the Activity Center!  Here's a link to info on some of the things to do to enjoy the end of Summer!  Don't miss the fun!  There are also a couple more things that just opened up - here is a link to that.

The Lakeway Player's are getting ready for another production.  Here's a link to info if you area an aspiring actor and want to try out for "The World Goes 'Round" coming up this fall.  Sign up and have some fun!

Some sections of Rough Hollow received a "Boil Water Notice" last week because of a "low pressure" condition.  Here is a link to the story courtesy of KVUE.

There have been some issues with Short Term Rentals in the City.  We are looking into the situations and will most likely be looking at revising our ordinance somewhat.  The Citation issued on the house on Vanguard goes to court on August 28th.  I'll have more news after that.

I have had several conversations with TxDOT about traffic lights on 620 and will be meeting with them in two weeks.  It's possible we will be seeing some relief on Lohmans in the near future.  I am also looking into the new traffic light at Clara Van - I expect to have a construction start date in the next week or so.  The only thing we are waiting on is an "Advance Funding Agreement" that should be here next week - we will then write a check and should have a date.

Tuesday evening the RR620 study group met with another arm of TxDOT where we are looking at solutions.  There is a preliminary plan that includes 3 lanes on each side of 620 from North of the City to Hwy. 71 along with a center median and areas for U-turns.  It's still in the early stages but at least TxDot is looking!  More when it firms up a little.  I'm still of the opinion we also need an alternate route somewhere - we'll see what happens!

Monday, August 10th will be the next CAMPO meeting.  It looks like there will a sub committee formed at that meeting to look at regional issues in Western Travis County - hopefully we can meld this in with some of the data from the 620 study and come up with a good plan!

From Steve Jones:
The RM 620 Study Group met on Monday for a presentation by TxDOT’s consultant, HDR, Inc.  The study shows that without improvements, all but one of the fourteen major intersections on FM 620 within Lakeway and Bee Cave will be at a service level of “F” (failure) during peak traffic hours by 2035.  Currently, three intersections have a service level of F during peak hours.  The consultant proposes adding two lanes to RM 620 from Lakeway Boulevard to SH 71.  HDR believes that the new lanes should fit within the existing right-of-way.  The proposal also includes additional turn lanes at major intersections, and a raised median to enhance safety.  With the proposed improvements, the study indicates that most intersections will function at acceptable levels in 2035.  

Travis County opened bids this week on the Flint Rock Road safety improvement project.  The bids have yet to be fully evaluated, but the apparent low bidder is within budget for the project.  A construction contract should be awarded in the next few weeks, and the project is still on schedule to begin construction this fall.

Chessie Zimmerman reports that interest in undeveloped commercial and residential property remains strong.  This week, she met with developers to discuss proposed projects on the south side of Flint Rock Road, in Lakeway Medical Village, and in the Serene Hills commercial tract on the east side of Serene Hills Drive. 

The Municipal Court reports that final dispositions on last week’s docket for defendants charged with minor in possession of alcohol resulted in 14 cases with motions for continuance, and 28 defendants with deferred disposition agreements.  Deferred disposition included requirements such as alcohol awareness classes, two Danger Without Intentions courses, eight hours of community service, and a 1,500-word essay after watching the Jacqui Saburido story.  Defendants had to pay a $400 fee and court cost.  Judge Madison also issued eight arrest warrants for defendants who failed to appear in court.  Marshal Johnson arrested two of the defendants and transported them to jail Thursday.  

The court cases referenced above were the result of a large party held at a Lakeway home that is managed for short-term rentals.  We have experienced other problems from short-term rentals this summer.  Neighbors have suffered nuisances such as noise, traffic, trash, illegal drug and alcohol use, and laundry hung out to dry on fences.  We are working with the city attorney to strengthen the city’s short-term rental ordinance to address these issues.  

Chief Radford reported:

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges, Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 2; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 4; Possession of Marijuana X 1; Possession of a Controlled Substance X 2; Driving While Intoxicated X 3. 

Officers responded to a Disturbance call at a residence on Lakeway Blvd.  Two subjects from the residence were arrested for Assault Family Violence and transported to Travis County Jail. 

A Lakeway woman reported hiring a handy man to do some repairs at several residences that she owns.  Funds were paid out and work was not completed.  A contract exists between the parties; she was advised to seek civil remedies as the situation did not rise to the level of a criminal act. 

Officers were able to reunite a dog and its owner after the lost dog was scanned and a microchip provided Animal Protection with the identity of the owner.  

A report of a Theft was taken by officers at a local Hotel.  Employees reported that money was missing from lock boxes located inside the office area.  This case is still under investigation.

Our dispatch center experienced some phone issues.  ATT was called out and performed upgrades/repairs to the system.  We did not experience a loss of service and the issue was resolved. 
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Thanks for your interest in our City!  Don't forget the "hands free" ordinance in the area includes not using electronic devices even at lights and at stop signs - you must pull off the roadway!  Thanks for complying with this and being a safer driver!

Looks like it's going to be really HOT this weekend - Lake Travis is already down a foot!  Hopefully this Fall will be a rainy one!

More as I find out!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
ain.us






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