Rain, Flooding, HEB, Road Work and Much More!

5.67 inches of rain in this round.  Now it's a beautiful day and looks like GREAT weather for all the ghosts and goblins!  Looks like the lake is up abut 4 feet with the two rain events - I'm sure it will continue to rise for a few days as the runoff continues.

There was some flooding around the City, and a few roads were closed temporarily.  As you can see in the photo, there was a lot of water across Flintrock Road.  Here is a link to the Travis County Press Release.

Lakeway appeared to be fortunate.  Flooding seemed to be at a minimum.

Went to the 10th anniversary TexArts Gala last night and had a wonderful time!  Lots of talent and I hope they raised a bunch of money so they can continue to provide their wonderful service to the community!  Many thanks to Sandy Cox for her dedication to TexArts!

As I'm sure you noticed, a couple of big things happened this week. HEB opened their doors on October 28th with GREAT fanfare!  What a beautiful store.  Lots of specials and great products plus wonderful service.  They donated $15,000 to the Lake Travis Education Foundation as an opening gift - they will be a GREAT addition to the City.  

The other big happening that affected many residents was the overlay project.  They have finished East of Lohmans and are half done with the road West of Lohmans.  As soon as it dries out, they will finish up and do the stripping.  They have also done several of the internal streets at the same time.  Please have a little more patience and it will be done soon!

The Lakeway Activity Center is busy, busy, busy!  Lots of things going on.  Here is a link to more information.

Lakeway Players present "The World Goes Round" November 5-7.  Here is a link to more info along with ticket information.

LRMC partnered with LTHS to demonstrate robotic technology to health science students.  They are also doing a CPR Class for the community - here is a link to more information.

Council will hold a workshop on the Capital Improvements Plan on Monday at 10:00 AM.  Here is that agenda.  This will be a Council Workshop open to the public, however no public comment will be taken - it is a meeting for Council members to learn more about the plan with adoption hopefully at the next regular meeting.

ZAPCO will meet in regular session November 4, 2015 at 9:10 AM.  Here is that agenda.  Looks like a busy day for them.

Chief Radford's Report:
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrants X 4, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 3, 

Officers responded to a Knarr St. address for a call of a Disturbance.  Upon arrival they were told a verbal argument had occurred. One person involved had already left the scene. 

Officers responded to Lakeway Airpark in reference to a Helicopter landing after dark.  The helicopter dropped off passengers and left prior to officers’ arrival.  The owner/pilot of the helicopter could not be determined, and no charges were filed. 

Officers responded to a Wester Ross address for a Disturbance call, one subject was arrested for Assault/Family Violence and Interference with an Emergency Call. 

Officers responded to an Electra St. address in reference to a Deceased Person, a resident was found deceased, this case is under investigation. 

A Lakeway Officer was assisting with a vehicle being towed on RR 620 S. blocking a s/b lane, when a southbound vehicle struck his patrol unit doing substantial damage. The suspect vehicle continued south and pulled into a bank parking lot. Officers located the suspect whom admitted being involved in the collision, suspect was arrested for driving while Intoxicated/involving a collision. The officer was uninjured. 

A Lakeway Officer was conducting traffic enforcement on RR 620S. While turning from southbound to northbound to conduct a traffic stop his vehicle was struck by another southbound motorist.  


Operations personnel received a possible lead on a prior theft from Randall’s grocery store. According to Detectives with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, they are investigating a similar incident that occurred in their jurisdiction recently. It is possible that the suspects are the same in both cases, however the investigation continues. 

Thanks for all the support and nice notes of appreciation for the blog.  If you would like to be added to the email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I get you added.

Have a GREAT Halloween and be safe out there!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Rain, Council Results and What's Going On!

It's RAINING!  4.38 inches so far and it looks like we'll be seeing more rain for a while.  Lake Travis is up about 3 inches so far but the inflows are up so look for the lake to continue to rise a little over the next few days.  No major issues that I am aware of in our City so far.

Public Works has placed barricades and cones near known problem areas, hopefully we will not have to use them.

The Lakeway Players will perform "And The World Goes Round" musical November 5th, 6th and 7th at the Lakeway Activity Center.  Here is a link to more information.

Enjoy an evening at Lakeway’s Big Band Bash with one of the best big bands in Central Texas from 8-10 p.m. Nov. 9 at Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek.  Here's a link to more info.

Council approved our Pavement Overlay project for 2015 - 2016.  It should start as soon as we dry out, some work has already been done.  We will overlay Lakeway Blvd. in it's entirety, and several other areas in the city including Intrepid, Chestnut Hill, Crescent Bluff, Chestnut Hill Cove, Oak Bluff Cove, Oak Glen Cove, Cedar Glen Cove, Kite, Star, Hurst Place, Racebrook Court, Fallbrook Court, Squires Drive, Wanakah Court, Raritan Court, Tantallon Court, and Tamrac Court.  Also portions of Cutlass, Malabar, Eagle, Lido, Sunfish, and Gebron.  Contractor will place door hangers on residents doors to notify them of scheduled work.

We held a public hearing about proposed changes to our Short Term Rental license agreement.  Several people spoke, about half for and half against.  There will be another public hearing at the ZAPCO meeting in November and it will come back to Council at that time.

The Board of Adjustment will meet on November 18th to hear an appeal of the Revocation of a Short Term Rental Use License for property at 939 Vanguard St.  The license was revoked after a party of over 70 people spilled out into the surrounding neighborhood and illegal activities were observed by police.  59 were arrested or cited.  

City staff met with an owner of about 134 acres South of Flintrock road to discuss plans for future residential development.

Staff and I met with representatives from Lake Travis Fire and Rescue about a joint effort on our wildfire mitigation program.  They are working on a proposal for service and we will be looking at it soon.  Good news for the community!

Chief Radford's Report:
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrants X 2, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 7, Possession of Marijuana X 2, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 2. 

Officers responded to six motor vehicle collisions in a 30-minute timeframe on Wednesday morning, as rainfall made roadways extremely slick, no injuries were reported.  Although one Lakeway officer was almost injured, a driver lost control of his truck and slid toward our officer stopping a few feet from where the officer was standing.  PLEASE be careful when operating on wet roadways, adhere to posted signs, and beware of low water crossings. 

Officers responded to a RR 620 hotel and took a report of a Theft.  Subjects left without paying for their room.  

Officers were called to a RR 620 business for a report of Theft.  One of the employees advised that a bicycle was taken from the front parking lot.

Officers took a report at a Sunfish residence in reference to Reckless Damage. A stone mailbox was destroyed by an unknown vehicle which had left the scene. 

A local resident reported a prior Burglary at their condo unit while they were out of town earlier in the month; one of the doors had been left unlocked. 

Officers responded to a White Sands address in reference to a Disturbance, one subject was arrested for Family Violence during the investigation. 

CID received and is actively working a “skimming device” case, also known as Unauthorized Acquisition or Transfer of Certain Financial Information.  A skimming device was located inside one of the gas pumps at a local gas station. The device was removed and a thorough inspection of all gas pumps in the city was conducted.  The case is under investigation. 


Chief Radford was elected for an unprecedented fourth year as the President of the Capitol Area Law Enforcement Executives Association. Chief Sean Ford of Sunset Valley was elected to his second year as Vice President.  The association is made of the lead executives and their command staffs of all the approximately 45 different law enforcement organizations in central Texas to include agencies in Williamson, Bastrop, Travis and Hays counties. The main focus is to share ideas and to assist each other with ongoing issues.
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For those that haven't noticed, here is a link to Weather Underground and my local weather station on Vanguard.

Have a great day and enjoy the rain - more as I find out.  If you would like to be included on my email list please send a note to lakeway@bain.us .

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Bastrop Fire, Public Safety Day, Road Work and MORE!

The big news this week is the Bastrop fire!  You've probably noticed the smoke and smell if you've ventured outside.  Lake Travis Fire and Rescue is monitoring the local conditions and are asking that you only call if you actually see fire or smoke - here is a link to full information.  This morning I see they are 90% around the perimeter and 50% contained - GREAT news!

Public Safety Day is coming up TODAY on October 17th.  Here is a link to event information - join us to meet all the area first responders and learn more about them.  

Chessie Zimmerman, Steve Jones and I toured the new HEB Wednesday.  The store is beautiful and I know folks will enjoy it - it's BIG!  They are on track to open October 28th, although some services may be limited (restaurant, fuel station, etc.).

The contract for the Flintrock Road Project has been signed and the Pre-Construction meeting was held Thursday.  Work is expected to start next week - they will be moving in equipment and material and setting up safety and environmental fencing.  Here's a link to more info.

We also will be starting our road overlay work for this year in the near future.  This will include Lakeway Blvd. and interior streets. Please be patient and keep the workers safe, the contractor expects to start on the Blvd. next week and will close one lane at a time.

The Lakeway regional Medical Center has just been designated the Emergency Operations Center for Western Travis County - we certainly appreciate their efforts!  Here is a link to the full press release.

Construction in the Lakeway Medical Village is starting to pick up again.  Site development for Spectrum Senior Living infrastructure has started along with site work for retail near 620.  There is a Springhill Suites in the pipeline and site development and building plans are under review.

Stratus Properties sent us over Lakeway Downtown (Oaks at Lakeway) update. Stores to date are: H-E-B, High Five, Trattoria Toscano, Factory Mattress, Level 12 Salon, MOD Pizza, Twin Liquors, Pro Nails, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Mad Greens, Torchy's Tacos, Subway, Asia Café, McArthurs Restaurant, Engel & Völkers USA Realty, Hat Creek Burgers, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, and AT&T. They have four more stores close to signing.

The Veterans Day Ceremony is coming up, mark your calendars for the event at 10:30 AM on November 11th. Here is a link to more information.

The City will host a deer management meeting on November 18th at 6 PM in Council Chambers.  A wildlife urban biologist will give a presentation at the public meeting - here is a link to more info.

Council will meet in regular session Monday, October 19th.  Here is that agenda.  The big item on the agenda will be the discussion on Short Term Rentals (STR) and a possible code amendment.  If you are affected by this issue, I encourage you to attend and speak to Council in the Public Hearing.  

CBC will meet in regular session next Thursday at 9 AM.  Here is that agenda.

KXAN has installed a Weathercam on the roof of the Hospital.  If you go to kxan.com and click on the weather tab and then on Weathercam you can view current images and weather conditions.

Chief Radford's Report:
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrants X 2, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 4, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 4, Possession of Alcohol by Minor X 1, Driving while License Suspended X 1, Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor X 1, Public Intoxication X 1. 

Officers responded to a Golden Bear address to Assist EMS regarding a possible overdose. 

Officers responded to a Coopers Crown address for a report of Dog at Large, one Labrador was taken to Lakeway Kennel, the owner was later located and the dog was released. 

Officers took a report at Lakeway Police Dept. from a subject whom stated his Credit Card was being used by unknown persons, subject’s card was being used in California, this case is being investigated. 

Officers took a report of Harassment at a World of Tennis address, subject advises that an ex-spouse is harassing by phone and by following them, this case is under investigation.

CID Personnel completed the annual firearms qualification.  


CID personnel were able to identify a suspect in a minor assault case that occurred in the 100 block of RR620 South.  CID personnel are in the process of locating the suspect and issuing a citation for Class C Assault.
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That's all for now - get out and enjoy this beautiful morning!  I'll see you at the Safety Day!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Police Blotter - Friday, October 9th

PATROL:

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; 

Out of Jurisdiction Warrants X 2

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3

Possession of a Controlled Substance X 2

Driving while Intoxicated X 1. 

Officers investigated a Leaving the Scene Accident on Clara Van Drive, the driver was located and issued multiple traffic citations. 

Officers did a Welfare Check at a Prestonwood Circle address and found a subject that was injured in a fall, EMS was contacted and the victim was transported to the hospital. 

A RR 620 N. business owner reported that an ex-employee assaulted him, the case is being investigated. 

Officers responded to Flying Scot in reference to an Aircraft Incident, a single engine plane landed on its belly after the landing gear collapsed, no injuries were reported, DPS and FAA where notified and are investigating. 

Officers of the Lakeway Police Department and City Staff participated in the annual National Night Out, this year there were 24 neighborhood gatherings that were visited by officers. This year’s event was a great success and very well received by the citizens.   We are compiling all the positive comments made to our officers about issues that were of interest to our citizens. It appears the most requested item is the return of the LPD citizens police academy. 

SUPPORT & OPERATIONS:

CID personnel participated in National Night Out and attended some of the 24 NNO meetings at various locations in Lakeway.

Our training coordinator conducted a weekly shift training on the topic of Public Relations/Professionalism. 

CID personnel were assigned to assist a local law enforcement agency with conducting an internal affairs investigation.  

CID issued a warrant for the arrest of a suspect in a Criminal Trespass case that occurred in the 300 block of Nautilus. 

Crime Scene Tech personnel assisted with the Bee Cave PD Citizen’s Police Academy class presentation. 

Training personnel conducted a required firearms qualification course for retired LPD officers. 

Joe Bain

lakeway@bain.us

Police Gala, ZAPCO, Veterans Day and MORE!

Looks like we missed the rain again this week - on to of that it appears the West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA) which serves part of Rough Hollow and the Highlands has a major waterline break that has forced implementation of Stage 4 water restrictions for some of Lakeway's residents.  Here is a link to more information.

We have a GREAT Police Department!  Let's support them by attending the Boots and Bling Police Foundation Gala - it is sponsored by Lexus and will be held at the Lakeway Inn this year - here is a link for more information and reservations!

We will be having two work sessions in the next few weeks to learn and discuss the possibility of a Performing Arts Center (PAC) and our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  We are trying to set up dates now and I will publish the dates as soon as I have them.  These will be informational meetings.

ZAPCO met Wednesday in regular session - here is that agenda.  Item 6 to extend the Site Development Permit for Towers of Lakeway was passed.  Items 7 through 12 were passed with no issues.  Item 13 was a proposed amendment to Article 6.05 "Short Term Rental Use" - there was some discussion and this was tabled until the next meeting.  This will also be on Council's Agenda for a first reading and discussion at the next meeting.  Here is a summary of issues that will be discussed.

I heard the contract has been let by Travis County for the Flintrock road Project - there will be a pre construction conference next week and construction should start by the end of the month.

Veterans Day is coming up soon, save the date, November 11, 2015 at 10:30 AM to honor our Veterans.  We have a GREAT speaker again this year, Fred Burton, vice President of Intelligence - here is his bio.

Lakeway Regional Medical Center is launching a "Stroke Program" that will provide our citizens with the highest care possible - here is a link to the full press release.

Are you a history buff?  Ronald C. White, author of A. Lincoln, will speak on "Abraham Lincoln 2015: Wisdom for Today" at the Lakeway Church Monday evening at 7:00 PM.  It should be enlightening!  Here's a link to more information.

Public Safety Day is coming up on October 17th.  Lakeway Police Department will join more than 16 agencies from Central Texas - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Here's a link to complete info.  




Capital Area Metro Planing Organization (CAMPO) will meet Monday October 12, 2015 at the University of Texas Joe C. Thompson Conference Center at 6 PM.  Council Member Dwight Haley will join Steve Jones and I at the meeting.  Here is that agenda.  

Enjoy your weekend and be safe out there.  I hope you enjoy the blog, I'll try to do a special with the Police Blotter later.  If you want to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I get you added!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Early Week Update, Activity Center, Wellness Expo, 620 Improvements

Early Week Update - Found a couple of things of interest that didn't make the Saturday posting:

The Dallas Gorman with the Activity Center sent out a list of classes and activities and their status - here is a link to all that information.

Lakeway Regional Medical Center is sponsoring the Lakeway Senior Wellness Expo at the Activity Center on October 6 - Tuesday.  Looks like there will be some GREAT info so try to make it.  Here is a link to more information.

And Finally, I received a note from Bruce Byron with TxDOT about 620 improvements:

A project on RM 620 will help improve traffic flow between Ladera Boulevard and Lohman’s Crossing Road in western Travis County. Aaron Concrete Contractors won the $1.4 million job which includes adding an extended entrance/exit lane in the southbound direction from Lohman’s Crossing Road to Spillman Loop. Additional improvements include allowing dual left-turn lanes onto RM 620 from the intersections of Falcon Head and Ladera Boulevards. Work is expected to begin later this fall and take three months to complete.

That's all for now, email me at lakeway@bain.us if you want to be added to my email list!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

LTISD, Budget and Tax Rate, TP&W Presentation + More!

58 degrees this morning and the humidity is 37% to start off the day - Fall might just about be here!  The LTISD Cav's won another close one last night - Cav's 56, Lehman 0 - GREAT job!

LTISD had a Ribbon Cutting Monday for the repurposed High School Annex.  They did a GREAT job and have a wonderful addition to the existing High School.  The building started out as the High School in 1984, was repurposed to the Middle School and now is back serving the High School again.  The Students and Faculty did a great job and the Ribbon Cutting was a success!

I was privileged to read to the preschoolers at the Lake Travis Library Monday morning - what a great time and fantastic kids - they are doing a GREAT job at the Library and are serving the citizens and community well!

Also on Monday, Council adopted the Budget and Tax Rate for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.  City Council completed the budget process for 2015-2016 last week.  Council voted to continue with the current $.17 per $100 valuation; let me try to explain what this means.  With the increased property valuations in the area, the average city tax bill will increase approximately $47 for the year – however, if your valuation stayed the same, the tax will stay the same.  We decreased the tax rate for the last couple of years, but we also voted in some bond money for Flintrock Road and also the property designated for LTYA use.    Our Maintenance and Operations (M&O) rate actually went down from $.1446 to $.1411, about a 2.42% reduction.  We absorbed the bond payments last year, but were unable to do that again this year and continue the level of services that Lakeway residents expect.  I’m confident with the increases in sales tax and commercial development that we will see our already low $.17 tax rate go down a little next year.  My goal as Mayor is to maintain or improve the levels of service we provide, keep the high standards we all moved to Lakeway for and keep taxes as low as possible.

The City is hosting a presentation by Jessica Alderson, Urban Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding deer management.  It will be open to all residents and will be held on November 18, 2015 at Council Chambers.  Try to attend if you have questions about our Deer Management Program.

ZAPCO meets in regular session on Wednesday October 7th at 9:10 AM in Council Chambers.  Here is a link to the agenda - looks like a fairly long meeting.

CBC will meet Thursday in regular session at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers - here is that agenda.

From Steve Jones:
Municipal Court reported that in September we issued 492 citations, 44 new warrants, and cleared 145 warrants. 

Chessie and I met with Chuck Bechtel, HOA representative for Flintrock Falls, this week to discuss coordinating city permitting efforts with their HOA/ARB efforts.  We are working together to address unpermitted building activity and compliance issues in the neighborhood.  

We have received a few complaints about high water bills in Rough Hollow Highlands.  I talked to the general manager of their MUD who informed me that the MUD purchase wholesale water from the West Travis County Public Utility Authority, and their rates are uncommonly high.  The MUD said that they pass the cost through to the customer with no markup or fees.  The MUD has also spent a considerable amount of time and money contesting the PUA’s water rates to no avail.  

The Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce is considering establishing a visitor’s information center, and has inquired about using hotel occupancy tax to help fund one.  Staff is working with the chamber to determine if funding is available.  You may see an application for this in the future.  


A draft of revisions to the short-term rental ordinance is on ZAPCO’s agenda for next week.  I hope to have it on your agenda for deliberation this month also.

From Chief Radford:
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrants X 1, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 4, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Driving under the Influence X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 2.  

Officers responded to a Disturbance call on Seawind. Upon arrival it was learned that a person was upset with a co-worker, parties were separated and no charges were filed.  

Officers responded to a Plum Drive address for a prior Disturbance call. Upon arrival the two people that had been in an argument were separated, this case is being further investigated. 

Officers responded to a Disturbance call on Wester Ross Lane. Three subjects were trying to evict a fourth subject from the property, person four was gone on arrival, subjects were advised of proper procedures for eviction. 

Officers responded to a Lohman’s Crossing address in reference to a Deceased Person, subject was found deceased and pronounced by medical staff from Travis Co. EMS. 

CID issued two citations for Class C Theft to two subjects in reference to a previously reported shoplifting case that occurred in the 1400 block of RR620 South. The stolen property in the case was destroyed/disposed of before it could be recovered. 

CID interviewed a suspect in a previously reported theft that occurred in the 2400 block of RR620 South and obtained a confession.  CID is in the process of recovering the stolen property.  Due to the unwillingness of the victim to prosecute, the case will be closed without charges being filed. 

The Lakeway Police Foundation provided meals this week with the help of Schmidt’s Barbecue and Craigo’s Pizza.  We wanted to recognize the hard work of our police staff.  Mayor Bain stopped by to show his appreciation and talked with the officers. 

In our upstairs foyer is a new set of drawings that were supplied by local kids, thanking the police department staff for all that they do to keep our community safe.  

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The Lakeway Police Foundation Gala is November 6th. Tickets can be purchased online.  Here is a link to the event page - it's a GREAT night for a GREAT cause.  Please sign up or buy a table, support your Lakeway Police Department!

Get out and enjoy the day - see you around Lakeway!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us