City Council met in regular session on Monday - here is the agenda for that meeting. Council passed a resolution to join the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition - this allows us to get credit for things we are already doing in Lakeway - we will be implementing more education and news on how citizens can help keep our air clean.
We approved a Special Use Permit (SUP) for an ambulatory surgery center in the Commercial area at Serene Hills and Hwy. 71. They will do joint replacements for folks otherwise in good condition - they claim exceptional results. It looks like a low impact business for the area.
We also approved a SUP for a Kennel Facility at 113 RR 620 North. You will recognize this as the restaurant location previously known as the Dam Saloon, a BBQ restaurant and also a Jazz Club that has been closed for quite a while.
Council also discussed Short-Term Rental use in the city. We got information from citizens and Council and will have an ordinance to look at in December.
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Wednesday was a busy day. Lakeway Regional Hospital hosted a group from surrounding cities to organize the Emergency Operations Center they are making available in case it's needed. Folks from City Governments, Police, ESD, County Officials and Hospital Staff attended. We familiarized ourselves with the location, discussed access, equipment and other information. It was a good meeting and we appreciate the help of LRMC in their efforts to make our community better.
Wednesday evening the City hosted an educational presentation by Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Jessica Alderson about the Management of White Tail Deer in Urban environments. Here is a link to the presentation. It was pretty much a packed house. Jessica did an outstanding job with her presentation and I learned a lot about the process. The City is always working to learn more and improve the process - there were several questions put forward and we will get answers and publish the results.
Here is an representative example of the deer in the 90's. Now our herd is healthy and robust. Lakeway is held up as the "Poster Child" of Urban Deer Management in Texas. We have also reached out to Dr. James Kroll for his opinion and advice - especially on census information. He says quote "Accurately estimating the population size of deer herds over any large area, including Lakeway, is the “LaBrea Tar Pits” of deer management! We say this, since it is extremely difficult to accurately estimate herd size. The unfortunate result seems to always be that the public has very little trust in estimates, since the average citizen tends to judge accuracy by the number of deer he/she regularly sees near to or on their property." He continues "We wish there was some “magic” way to count your deer, but our considerable experience is that it would be a waste of time, be too expensive and create discourse among your citizens."I have also reached out to USDA / APHIS and will be meeting with them Monday to be certain that we are using the right data and making the right decisions. I appreciate all the input and am looking forward to seeing healthy deer in Lakeway for generations to come!
Also in the Christmas Spirit, the Lakeway "Sing Alongs" will put on their "Holiday Review", "Christmas Is Coming". Here is a link to more information.The Lakeway Police and Lakeway Citizens Police Academy have kicked off a new idea called Safety Code! It was covered on KXAN last night and allows Police and Fire officials access to your home in case of emergency - here's a link to more info.
Here is a link to upcoming events at the Activity Center. Check them out and get your calendars out - there's a lot of fun here!
All About Traffic:
TxDot is ready to announce their plans for long term improvements for RR 620. They will make a presentation to City Council hopefully in December or January. The basic plan is to add two lanes (one in each direction), a raised median and additional turn lanes at intersections.
Hudson Bend Middle School approached us about a project and students are working throughout the city promoting "giving back" to the community. If you see them, thank them! 50 are working at City Park, 50 at the back side of the skate park and 50 are writing Santa letters for LT Love's Green Santa program - Outstanding!
The paving work has been completed and striping is nearing completion - looks and drives GREAT!
From Chief Radford:
Patrol
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 5, Possession of Controlled Substance X 2, and Driving while Intoxicated X 1.
Officers responded to a Peterson Lane address in reference to a Disturbance. Upon arrival the parties were separated for the night, no charges were filed, the disturbance was all verbal.
Officers responded to a Cross Creek address in reference to a Disturbance call. The neighbors were involved in a verbal disturbance, parties were separated, and no charges were filed.
Officers responded to a Disturbance call on White Sands Drive. Family members that were involved in a verbal disturbance had left the scene; officers spoke to all remaining participants and determined no charges needed to be filed.
Officers were called to Lakeway Regional Medical Center to do an evaluation of a patient; a Peace Officer Emergency Detention was issued.
Officers responded to a Lakeway Hotel in reference to a Theft call. Officers took a report of stolen jewelry, this case is being investigated.
Officers responded to an auto-pedestrian crash on RR 620. The intoxicated person had dropped of his car at a local business and decided to cross RR 620. As he did he was struck by a car on RR 620. His injures were considered minor, but he was transported to Round Rock hospital for further evaluation due to the injury and his level of intoxication. He was later issued a citation for his actions.
Communications
Standard Operating Procedures manual was completed and will be implemented after review by the chief.
Professional Standards Officer (PSO)
Detective Gavit was removed from the Criminal Investigations Unit and placed into a more focused role as the Professional Standards officer. He will be answering directly to Captain Farr and coordinating best practices/policy review, training, firearms and internal affairs investigations. LPD will be conducting in-service training for December and January for all officers. The training will consist of eight hours of classroom instruction in emotional intelligence and de-escalation training. CID personnel and our PSO attended and participated in a forum with area bank managers regarding the new open carry law. All LPD personnel will be attending in-service training related to the new open carry law.
Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
Detectives traveled to the Harris County jail to take custody of a suspect wanted by our agency for the sexual assault that occurred in the 100 block of Champion Drive. CID investigated an assault that took place at Flores Mexican Restaurant on Sunday. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras as well as cell phone cameras. The female suspect who instigated the disturbance was cited for Assault (Class C Misdemeanor) and the investigation was closed. CID investigated a theft that occurred at Fore Restaurant in October. Contact was made with the suspect in the case, who later agreed to pay restitution. The victim declined to press charges and the investigation was closed.
Animal Protection Officer (APO)
APO responded to the Lake Travis Elementary School in reference to a report of a volunteer being scratched and bitten by a cat. The incident caused minor injuries to the volunteer. The cat was captured and transported to the Lakeway kennel until a surrender form can be completed by the owner. This case is still under investigation.
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Have a GREAT Weekend and help me cheer on the Lake Travis Football Team - they are playing Westfield High School in the second round of the State Championship Series. Go Cavs!!
If you want to be added (or deleted) from my blog list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us - Thanks for all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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