Another Week, Lots Going On, Police Report, and More

We are back at Friday and another busy week is in the books! Looks like a great weekend ahead - a Spring weekend in February! 

As always, I am keeping a close watch on the lake which is in great shape - above normal for this time of the year.  We are behind on rain - a very dry January.  Hopefully this is not an omen.  We will be sending a lot of water downstream to the rice farmers and I'm hoping our inflows will increase - a continuation of the drought would not be good for the area population.

Our best friends organized a Panama Cruise to help the "Help Our Wounded" organization.  I'm proud to announce that it was a GREAT success and they raised $48,505.60 for our wounded veterans.  Thanks to Joann Anderson Travel for the hard work and generous donation!

You might have noticed a little smoke in the air Wednesday - Travis County Parks had a prescribed burn in the area of 100 acres of grasslands and woodlands to maintain the plant communities by removing invading varieties of plants.

At the last Council meeting we passed a resolution supporting TxDOT's efforts to make improvements to RM 620 - this week the City of Bee Cave passed a similar resolution.  We are hoping this will continue to move this project along and start the engineering and environmental process.

I attended a Regional Mayors conference Wednesday - there were about 20 Mayors present from cities in the Austin area.  The group was formed to share information on issues facing us.  There was great discussion on Economic Development - most other cities are using incentives to attract development, something Lakeway doesn't have to do.

I'm still hearing misinformation about our deer management process.  I decided to write up a "white paper" on the issue and process with factual information.  Here's a link, please take a moment to read it so you will have the real story and can make an educated decision.

Steve Jones has been working this week to update the deer information on the website and it should be updated next week with fresh and accurate information.

One of the big stories this week was the bid opening for the sale of the 82 acres of MUD property.  There were 4 bidders with a range of bids from $3.01M to $13.1M.  The top bidder was Hathem Dawlet - the developer of Rough Holloww, the Highlands and Tuscan Village.  The Lakeway MUD will meet and discuss the bids next week.  Here's a link to the Community Impact story.

Water District 17 had a ribbon cutting and dedication of their new water plant on 620 Thursday.  The new plant expands their capacity and will allow for the continued growth.  Congratulations!

Steve Jones and I attended an economic forecast this week.  The speakers all felt that Texas will continue on its economic boom - the highest priorities are transportation, affordable housing and jobs with higher wages.  Most of the job growth is in the service industry that unfortunately is also one of the lowest paid.  They also felt we should stop looking at trains and start building roads.

Chessie attended the monthly meeting of the CAMPO Technical Advisory Committee.  That group heard presentations on the development of the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), CTRMA’s history, projects and funding mechanisms, and the transportation plan for Caldwell County.

Chessie also met with a developer about redevelopment of an existing commercial site and also met with a manager for some short term rental units.

From the Chief:
Traffic stops resulted in the following charges being filed on drivers, DWI, Possession of Marijuana-class B, 5 x Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a Minor in Possession of Tobacco. 

A resident’s credit card information was stolen and used to make $8000.00 worth of fraudulent purchases outside the city. 

Officers responded to a physical altercation at a local restaurant and bar establishment. The manager had attempted to break up a fight between patrons and was punched in the face by one of the patrons.  The manager declined to press charges and the subjects were released. 

A washer and dryer were reported stolen from a vacant home on Challenger. 

One of the vehicles previously stolen from a business in Lakeway was recovered in Marble Falls. 

All officers completed an eight course on emotional intelligence and de-escalation training. Three officers completed a police instructor training course. 

Detectives with the CIU were able to obtain video surveillance footage of a previously reported assault that occurred at HEB. After reviewing the video with the “victim’s” father, it was determined no assault occurred and the case was closed as unfounded.  

Detectives with the CIU are following up on tips and leads that were generated by the press release regarding a previously reported burglary. Several leads have been explored, this case is ongoing. 

Detectives with the CIU were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Saffa Bell (Sexual Assault, $100,000.00 bond) in reference to an unrelated incident that occurred in 2014.  The subject was located and arrested by LPD patrol officers. 


Members of the CIU and the Animal Protection Officer are preparing for their roles in the upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy.
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It's going to be a beautiful weekend - get out and enjoy the nice weather.  If you would like to be added to my email list, send an email to lakeway@bain.us .

Thanks again for the support on the Muscular Dystrophy Drive.  It is a great way to help children with disabilities.  You haven't missed out yet - here's a link if you feel you can donate to this worthy charity - it is really appreciated!  Remember, any amount helps the kids!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

MDA Bail Results, City News, Police Report and Much More!

Another week comes to an end, another cold front and another windy day - I know all the allergy sufferers are hating the Cedar but hold on, its almost over!

I want to take a minute to thank all the folks that have contributed to my MDA Lakeway Lockup Bail fundraiser.  So far I have raised $1630 toward my $2000 bail - the generosity in the community has been overwhelming.  If you missed it on the last email, here is a link to the site.  Please consider making a donation, it is a GREAT cause and anything helps.  I need $370 to reach my goal - if just 37 of my readers would donate $10 each we could make this a GREAT success.  Thank you again for all your support!

Today (Friday) Travis County Parks were planning a prescribed burn at Pace Bend Park - if you see smoke in that direction it is under control.  Here is a link to the news release.  With the windy conditions this has been postponed to sometime next week.

The Blood Center of Central Texas had another successful drive last Saturday - they collected 73 units of blood!  Thanks for your participation in this important function - it helps all of us!

You might have heard of the storage unit burglary on January 3, 2016.  The police are looking for suspects and here is a video from the security cameras - if you know these suspects or have any information please call LPD Sgt. Jason Brown at 512-314-7594.

Council met in regular session Tuesday evening - here is that agenda.  I went over most of the items last week, here are the results.
5.  We heard from TxDot about the 620 expansion plans and passed a resolution asking them to fund the engineering and environmental plans.  I expect that will take about 2 years and in the mean time they will be doing an additional lane from Lohmans to Bee Creek Parkway on the South Bound side along with intersection improvements in that whole corridor.
6. We established and appointed members to a Justice Center Advisory Committee - they will start work in February.
7.  We had a short presentation from the Central Texas Water Coalition and passed an interlocal agreement to help with their funding for 2016.
8.  We passed the agreement to continue studying the possibility of a Performing Arts Center to determine if we want to engage in this type of facility.
9.  Council gave a thumbs up to a possible development for a large lot subdivision that includes 130 acres South of Flintrock Road.
10, 11, 12, 13 were all approved.
14.  Contract was let for the Hamilton Greenbelt and Canyonlands improvement projects.
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No hand held device signs should be going up on 620 - there have been issues with approval from TxDot.  

Steve Jones made a presentation at the Lake Travis Chamber Economic luncheon on Thursday.  It was well received and he did a great job of explaining what is going on and how we are addressing the challenges - thanks Steve!

Don't forget the Open House at Lakeway Regional Medical Center on January 30th.  Here is a link to more info.  I will be there with Police Chief Todd Radford (the BEST Candidate for Sheriff) and Gerald Daugherty ( the BEST Candidate for County Commissioner).  There will be health screenings and tours of the facility - get to know your local hospital!

I met with the CEO of LRMC today, Philippe Bochaton and learned of his plans for the hospital - they are now Stroke Certified, a great thing for the Lakeway area, they expect to be Level 4 Trauma certified in March - possibly Level 2 Trauma Certified in the future, and want to get their Comprehensive Stroke Certification late this year.  Lots of good things going on over there.

I attended a CAMPO retreat on Wednesday - there were presentations from TxDot, environmental and CAMPO staff on matters that matter to the regional community.  We are on tract to get some relief but it will take a while.

We have been notified by TxDOT that full operation of the light at Clara Van will start next Tuesday - hopefully this will enhance safety at this intersection.

From the Chief:
This week LPD officers conducted traffic stops that resulted in three DWI arrests. On another stop which yielded a DWI arrest in which the arrestee made an outcry of a sexual assault that had occurred at a local hotel, this investigation is ongoing. 

Officers responded to a disturbance on RR 620 that culminated in the emergency mental health committal of one of the parties involved. 

Investigators are working a Harassment case at a local medical facility, a subject reported being harassed by an ex-employee, and warrants of arrest have been issued in this case. 

Investigators filed charges in a sexual assault case that occurred at a Seawind address, this was an ongoing investigation. 

Sgt. Brown presided as a judge for the 2016 West Cypress Hills Elementary School Science Fair and reviewed nearly 112 science fair projects. 

APD Officers contacted CIU personnel after they recovered a stolen Ford F250 in South Austin. The vehicle was previously reported stolen from Austin Boats & Motors in Lakeway. The vehicle was found to be occupied by two subjects who were detained. One subject was charged by APD for Unauthorized Used of Motor Vehicle. 

Detectives met with members of the Travis County DA’s office to discuss a plan for prosecution/grand jury presentation regarding the previously reported sexual assault that occurred on Champion Drive. 

Detectives interviewed a person who was suspected of stealing money from her employer (Subway) over the course of a year. The suspect provided a partial confession to the offense which assisted Detectives with obtaining a warrant (Felony Theft, $5,000.00 bond) for her arrest. 

Detectives with the CIU obtained an arrest warrant (Felony Stalking, $5,000.00 bond) for a suspect who was accused of sending harassing and threatening emails and other communications to staff members of the Lakeway Regional Medical Center. The suspect remains at large. 

APO Andrea Greig was invited as a guest speaker at the local Rotary Club luncheon, where she provided information about Animal Protection Operations to the audience. 
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The Court reported the City Marshall cleared 23 warrants this week.  Today there was a morning docket with Judge Madison presiding with 39 defendants and a trial by judge for a stop sign violation.  Sounds like a busy day.

Have a GREAT weekend and enjoy the Texas winter.  More as I find out!

If you would like to be added to my email list just email me at lakeway@bain.us

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Busy Week, Council, Police, and Help Me Stay Out of MDA Jail!

Wasn't today wonderful!  Today is the reason many of us live in Austin, Texas, 70 degrees on the 15th of January, amazing!

It's been a busy week! It seems like everyone hit the ground running in the new year.  Lets start with the upcoming Council Meeting which will be Tuesday instead of the usual Monday because of the MLK Holiday on Monday.  Here's a link to the agenda and the Council packet. 

Items of note:

Item 3: - The Financial Report will be done by Dave DeOme, our new Treasurer.

Item 5:  - We will have a presentation by TxDot on the results of the RM 620 Study and their plan for improvements.  I expect we will pass a resolution requesting TxDot to continue with Environmental and Engineering with funds they have allocated for this purpose.  This process will take 1 to 2 years and hopefully will produce a "shovel ready" project.

Item 6: - Council will hopefully establish a Justice Center Advisory Committee and will appoint members.  this Committee will study needs and requirements and make recommendations to Council in the next few months.

Item 7: - Central Texas Water Coalition will make a presentation to Council and an interlocal agreement will be considered.

Item 8: - Council will consider a professional services agreement with Janis A. Barlow and Associates to complete a Business and Architectural and location Feasibility Study for a Performing Arts Center - this is the next logical step in determining if this is a good fit for Lakeway.

Item 9: - We will listen to a presentation on a possible large lot (13+ acre lots) development South of Flintrock.

Item 10: - Council will again consider a Final Plat in the Highlands.

Items 11-13 : Special Use Permits 

Item 14: - consider awarding a contract for the Hamilton Greenbelt / Canyonlands Projects.  - The bids came in over budget on these projects - we will talk about funding options.

It's going to be a long meeting!

I attended the CAMPO meeting Monday evening.  I am working with other Board members to assure funding that will improve our traffic congestion on 620.  

Thursday I attended the "Medical Day" with the Lake Travis Chamber Leadership Lake Travis Class.  It was a good day and we all learned much about different medical entities in the area.  The highlight for me was Starflight on the helipad at LRMC.

And finally, today I met with two developers on two totally different projects coming to the area - it's been a BIG week.
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Abstract expressionism to color Lakeway City Hall Art Gallery - New Art going up Jan. 21 by artist Carl Smith.  Come and enjoy some of the local artist's work!  Here's a link to more info.

We have implemented and posted the new Short Term Rental Ordinance and are setting up processes to enforce the new regulations.

High 5 opened for business on January 11th.  New venue - check it out and see whats going on in the Oaks!

From the Chief:
Traffic stops resulted in a driver arrested for possession of cocaine and hash oil, both felonies. Another stop yielded an arrest of the driver for felony drug warrants and also found to be in possession of Xanax and marijuana. 

A Lakeway officer located and stopped a vehicle occupied by suspects in a robbery that occurred in Travis County. The suspects were turned over to TCSO without incident. 

Officers responded to a report of a drone being flown in the vicinity of the air park. The drone was not located. 

Officers took a report of check forgery. A check for $1400 that was mailed to the victim was apparently taken out of the victim’s mailbox or somewhere in transit, forged, and cashed. 

Officers took two reports of identity theft in which the victims identifying information had been used to open credit accounts without their consent. 

Several storage units located on RR 620 were burglarized. The burglars cut several locks to gain access to the units. Video surveillance shows two suspects driving a pickup truck. The case is under investigation. 

A stainless steel grill valued at $1680 was stolen from a home under construction on Borgo Allegro Cove. No suspects have been identified. 

The deer trapping team trapped a live buck deer that had been shot with an arrow.  Animal Protection Officer also received information that a deer was found deceased near City Park. The deer was found with an arrow in its body. APO personnel are investigating, but have no other leads at this time. 

The window of a Mercedes was smashed and a $3800 handbag was stolen out of the back seat. This occurred in the Starbucks in the middle of the day and was observed by a witness. The suspect fled in a red Chevy pickup. It is possible that the victim was followed from the store where she purchased the handbag to Lakeway. This case is still under investigation. 

Dustin D’Amalfi, a new patrol officer, started work this week. He is currently in orientation and will begin field training next week. 

Detectives with the CIU were informed by the Austin Police Department of a possible sexual assault that occurred at Champion Martial Arts Academy in the 1600 block of RR620. According to their detectives, they were investigating a sexual assault that occurred in their jurisdiction and learned that the victim was assaulted at this location. Their personnel were able to obtain a confession from the suspect regarding incidents that occurred in both jurisdictions. LPD CIU personnel interviewed the victim and verified the information. CIU personnel obtained a warrant (Sexual Assault of a Child, 2nd Degree Felony, $100,000.00 bond) for the suspect, who was already in custody. 

Detectives with the CIU were advised that a suspect in a prior theft had been arrested in Bexar County for a warrant that our agency issued. Detectives drove to Bexar County Jail, took the suspect into custody, and transported him to the Travis County Jail. 

Detectives with the CIU prepared and released an information request (BOLO) regarding the thefts that occurred at Austin Boats and Motors. One vehicle (U-Haul style truck) was recovered in Eastern Travis County by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and was processed for evidence by LPD CIU personnel. 


Detectives with the CIU responded to a burglary that occurred in the 1200 block of RR620 North (E-Z Storage). Two suspects entered the property on 1/3/16 by cutting a locked fence and then broke into several storage units. CIU personnel are planning to release a segment of the video surveillance footage to the media for public assistance in identifying the suspects. 
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I need your help!  It turns out I'm in trouble and will be locked up on 2-4-2016 in MDA's JAIL!  I'm going "behind bars" to help defeat life threatening muscle disease.  Please help me raise my bail by making a tax-deductible donation!  Please help and make sure I'm not kept in MDA's jail - I don't think they have wifi there and who's going to do the blog?  Seriously, consider using this link and making a donation!  I certainly will appreciate it!

That's all for now - send me a note if you would like to be on my email list send a note to lakeway@bain.us .

Special Edition - LPD Statement, Blood Drive, 620 Progress

Austin Investigates alleged sexual assault by Daniel Gille, Martial Arts Instructor in Lakeway - here is the Lakeway Police Statement:
The Lakeway Police Department is aware of an arrest made by the Austin Police Department involving a subject, Daniel Gillie, who was a martial arts instructor at Champion Martial Arts Academy in Lakeway.
We are working jointly with the Austin Police Department to further investigate this matter.
Gillie is currently in custody at the Travis County Central Booking for the alleged aggravated sexual assault of a child. At this time there appears to be no threat to the public.

Judge Madison approved an arrest warrant and bail was set at $100,000.  Austin magistrates had set bail on their charge at only $25,000.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Sgt. Jason Brown with the Lakeway Police Department at 512-314-7594.

The Lakeway Community Blood Drive is celebrating National Donor Month.  The Community Blood Drive is this Saturday, January 16th from 8AM until noon at the Lakeway Activity Center.  Here is a link to more information - sign up!  It saves lives!

After the CAMPO meeting Monday evening, Dwight Haley and I met with Commissioner Daugherty and Bruce Byron about the 620 improvements.  We are confident that TXDot will continue with the engineering and environmental work and we will have a viable project ready to go when that is done - my guess is 1-2 years.  Once that is done, hopefully we will be able to find the money to start on the project - about $100M for the improvements from Hwy. 71 to just North of Lakeway.  I am still working on a regional study for Western Travis County that will give us solutions we can work on to provide transportation options for the future!

Thanks for the interest.  More as it comes along.

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Lake's Up, Police Academy, LRMC Open House, Police Report and More!

The New Year is starting off with a bang!  Lake is at 677.09 as of this morning - full is 681 - we are less than 5 feet below full!  It appears we will start the year in great shape - it also means we will be sending water downstream for irrigation.

Gentlemen, don't forget the "Men's Breakfast Club" every Wednesday morning at 7AM at the Activity Center.  Here is a link to the current speaker schedule - $1 gets you snacks and coffee plus good information.  Try it out!

Don't forget, the Lakeway Citizen's Police Academy is scheduled to start February 10th.  Here's a link to full information - sign up and learn about our exceptional Police Department!

Get you calendar out and put the Lakeway Regional Medical Center Community Wide Open House on Saturday, January 30, from 10-2.  Here's a link!

Lake Travis Fire Rescue's Fuel Mitigation Program has been chosen for the 2016 Wildlife Innovation Award by The National Association of State Foresters, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Fire Protection Association, and USDA Forest Service after being nominated by Will Boettner with the Texas A&M Forest Service.  Congratulations!  

We are in the process of repairing Hurst Creek Road - you might see markings out there.  As soon as we receive the bids the repair work will be scheduled.  

Steve Jones, Chief Radford and I met with the Board from Lakeway Airpark today to look for solutions and procedures for after hour landings to assure the safety for residents - the meeting was productive and we hope to have ordinance modifications in place by March.

We are making good progress on the Flintrock Road project - we are on schedule so far.

Deputy City Manager Chessie Zimmerman has met with numerous developers answering questions about the 82 acres the Lakeway MUD has for sale.  Permits are being issued for several new businesses in the Oaks.  High 5 will have its Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting Monday at 3:30.   Join us for the event!

Cheif Radford reports:
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X1, Lakeway Warrants X2, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 6, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 3, Minor in possession of Tobacco X3, Driving while Intoxicated X 3. 

Three vehicles were stolen from Austin Boats and Motors. 

Officers arrested a suspect for DWI.  The intoxilyzer machine indicated that the driver’s blood alcohol content was four times the legal limit! 

Officers made two separate felony narcotics warrant arrests.  At the time of the arrest, one of the suspects was again found to be in possession of cocaine. 

A home on Seawind was burglarized while the residents were away for an extended time.  Furniture and appliances were taken. 

New reserve officer & crime scene technician Mrs. Stacey Deville, was sworn in on Thursday. 

Detectives with the CIU were assigned to investigate a theft case which occurred in the 100 block of World of Tennis. According to the victim, several personal items were stolen from her residence and were later posted for sale on Lakeway Swap. CIU personnel were able to identify and locate the parties involved with the post. One of the parties ultimately confessed to stealing the property. CIU personnel were able to recover the stolen property and charges (Class A misdemeanor) are expected coming soon. 

Detectives with the CIU investigated a mail fraud case and were able to track leads down to a possible suspect in Canada. Due to the criminal activity originating in a foreign country, the Lakeway Police Department will no longer be able to investigate the case. Additionally, the victim was reimbursed the money that was lost during the incident. Therefore the case was closed. 

Detectives with the CIU investigated a report of a bike theft in which a high-end, hand-made bicycle was stolen. Detectives were able to determine though communications with APD detectives that the bicycle was trafficked to Mexico. There are no other leads in the case, so the case will be closed. 


Detectives with the CIU filed a warrant of arrest for Theft on a second suspect involved in previous thefts from Goodwill. The suspect remains at large.
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That's all I have for now - I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  If you would like to be added to my email list send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

It's a New Year! Here's the Latest!

Good Morning!  It's a New Year!  I hope everyone had a Fun and Safe evening and are looking forward to the new year.

New Years Eve Nancy and I attended the New Years Eve Gala for Help Our Wounded at the Sonesta Hotel.  It was a GREAT event and I am proud and honored to be a part of this group that does so much for our wounded that have done so much to protect our freedom.  Please check out their website and open your checkbook - here is a link to the website. 

If you have a real tree this year the City is again helping with recycling them - here is a link to more information.  Please use this information to properly dispose of your trees, please don't dump them on empty lots!

Lakeway Regional Hospital has helped support the Lions International Peace Poster Contest - here is a link to their press release.  Congratulations to Samuel Garvens, an 8th Grade student at lake Travis Middle School who has won the Club, District and State competition and is now competing at the International Level - let's wish him luck!  Here is the full press release.

Don't forget the Open Carry Law goes into effect today - don't panic, it's ok.  Here's a little more information.

ZAPCO will meet in regular session January 6th - here is the agenda.

CAMPO will be starting up for the new year on January 11th.  I look forward to making progress on 620 improvements.  We are also asking TxDot to look at the intersection at 620 and Lohmans Spur - this is an especially confusing and dangerous intersection I hope we can make improvements to this year.

We finalized the Short Term Rental ordinance at the last Council meeting - generally there will be a limit of 43 STR's licensed with Special Use Permits, there will be stricter requirements and it will be much easier to retract permits.  Code Enforcement will be more involved as will the Police Department - hopes are that those with permits will be much more careful and will watch their properties closer.  Here is a link to Community Impacts article.

The Lakeway Police are starting another Lakeway Citizens Police Academy starting on February 10th.  It's a GREAT experience and you will learn about law enforcement and the departments policies and operational policies.  Here is a link to more information - sign up! 

Brown Bag Lunch concert series starts this Thursday, January 7th at the Activity Center from noon until 1PM with the Lake Travis Fiddlers - it's free!

The new Residents Directory will be delivered January 9th.  Here is more information on the Directory.  





Lakeway Veterans are preparing for the next Honor Flight!  Lakeway veterans are encouraging those who served during the Korean War era to sign up for the next Honor Flight to view veterans memorials in Washington, D.C.  Here's a link to more information.

It looks like it's going to be a busy year!  Enjoy the beautiful day and more as I find out!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us