Budget Work, Culverts Nearly Complete, Park Restrooms and More!

It was another busy week at City Hall!  No real rain although those East of us got plenty.  

Thursday CBC met in regular session, all items were approved except one final that still had a temporary electric pole that needed to be removed.  Here is a link to that agenda.

Thursday afternoon Council had it's first look at the 2016 - 2017 budget.  Staff has done a great job keeping expenses low and making sure we can have a good starting point.  The rate they suggested was just below $.17 per $100 evaluation - a rate slightly lower than last year.  More work was done Friday after the meeting and it looks like we may change some things and make some capital expenses this year from budget under-runs.  This could possibly lower the tax rate further - we are still working through the numbers to make the right decisions - more at the meeting this week to set the proposed tax rate.  That meeting will be Wednesday, August 3rd - here is that agenda.

We have traffic counters out on Lohmans Blvd. near Tuscan Village to get a traffic count and traffic speeds at this location.  Work installing the light at Lohmans and Lohmans Spur should start in August.

Our culvert work on Coldwater Drive and top O The Lake is substantially complete and the roads should be open.  

The restroom buildings for Hamilton Greenbelt and Canyonlands Part are nearing completion - they are being built off site and should be delivered and hooked up soon.   This is what they look like being built!

I've had some questions on the purchase of the Live Oak Tennis Courts.  All City preparations are ready to go - Clubcorp found an issue they want to correct on the impervious cover document and Council should be able to approve the amendment at the next meeting and get the deal done.

From the Chief:
This week started with the murder of Travis County Deputy Sheriff/Sergeant Craig Hutchinson.  His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2 at Shoreline Church on Burnet Road in Austin, at 10am.  I started my career at Travis County some 29 years ago and Hutch was one of the first people I met.  We were both young and excited about our chosen profession and in the years that followed we had a lot of fun doing this job! He was a big teddy bear and loved what he did, serving the public.  I will miss him, may he rest in peace. 

LPD Officers conducted 148 traffic stops, responded to  19 alarm calls, investigated 13 suspicious vehicle calls,  handled 12 animal deer/dog related calls, and handled a 122 other types of calls for service.

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X1, Possession of Controlled Substance X1, and Warrant Arrest X4.

Officers responded to a collision in the 900 block of RR 620.  Upon arrival it was learned that a vehicle was traveling southbound on the shoulder of the roadway.  A vehicle traveling northbound attempted a left turn into the Commons parking lot and was struck by the vehicle traveling on the shoulder.  No one was transported to the hospital and both vehicles were towed from the roadway.

Officer responded to Lakeway Drive address in reference to a suspicious circumstance call.  Officers found that a golf cart had been taken off the property and was found damaged.  Two individuals had fled from the security guard on foot.  The individuals were not located that night but possible leads to identify the individuals have been found.

Officers responded to a disturbance located in the 1300 block of RR 620.  Subjects were reported to be fighting outside a business.  Upon arriving officers learned the fight had stopped and all parties had left the area.  Suspects were later identified by CID.

Officers were dispatched to an address on Explorer in reference to a disturbance (fighting).  Officers arrived and the individuals were not currently engaged in a fight.  Officers issued Minor in Consumption of Alcohol citations X4.  All individuals were released to adults and left the area.

Officers were dispatched to an address on Lakeway Blvd in reference to a theft.  It was reported that a banner was stolen from a subdivisions front gate.  The banner was 24 x 72 and had text similar to “From all of us to you, thank you Lakeway PD”.  The banner was later found by officers lying in a ditch.

Officers responded to an address on Serene Hills in reference to an alarm.  Upon arrival officers made contact with an individual that was sitting at a table outside the clubhouse smoking marihuana.  The individual was searched and found to be in possession of marihuana, methamphetamine, and prescription medication that they were not currently prescribed.  The subject was transported to Travis County Jail


The Animal Protection Officer responded to an address on Cavalier Canyon in reference to an animal bite.  A subject was bitten by a dog on the arm.  The subject received treatment for the injury sustained from the bite.  Animal Protection Officer was able to make contact with the owner of the animal and have the owner bring the dog to the kennel for quarantine.
======================
As I'm sure everyone knows, I am continuing my effort to turn the City Blue to support our Police - Tuscan Village is winning the contest so far thanks to the efforts of previous Mayor Charles Edwards!  I would like to challenge our citizens to make the effort to install a blue light in your yard light or porch light - the bulbs are FREE at City Hall, both standard and candelabra bases.  This continues through National Night Out (October 4, 2016) until October 31.  I intend to leave mine in indefinitely.  Please tell your neighbors too if they don't show blue!

Thanks again for the support - we can make a difference!  #BackTheBlue

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Special Mid Week - Signal Work, Council Budget Worksession, #BackTheBlue, MUD Support and MORE!

Special edition - 620 at Lohmans traffic signal work to install sensors starting Thursday July 28th at 8PM - possible traffic delays.  This work is being done so the new signals can be put in service.  Here's a link to more info.

Council will have their first budget workshop tomorrow, July 28th at 2PM.  City Staff will present the first blush of the next years calendar.  I expect Council will work hard to make this a good one!

#BackTheBlue has taken off in Lakeway and in Bee Cave.  We can make a difference - come by City Hall and pick up blue bulbs for your yard lights!  We have both medium base (regular light) and candelabra base - tell your neighbors!  A BIG thanks to Bee Cave Lowe's for supplying the light bulbs - a special thanks to Stephanie and Jennifer for their work promoting this effort!

We have an outstanding Police Force and I am proud to be working along side of them.  Let's all show our support!

Lakeway MUD is supporting our Police by putting Blue Ribbon Magnets on the back of all their trucks - Thanks for the support!

You have probably already heard of the loss of Travis County Sheriff Sgt. Craig "Hutch" Hutchinson Monday morning.  It is another reason our police community is grieving and on high alert.  Lakeway Police Department has been honored bring in the Honor Flag to store in preparation for Sgt. Hutchinson's funeral service.

Thank you for all the support - send an email to Lakeway@bain.us if you would like to be added to my email list!

Joe Bain

lakeway@bain.us

"Back the Blue", More Bulbs, Law Suit Settled and More!

Happy Saturday!  I'm a little late on this posting - it's been a busy morning!  Things are moving forward with the "Back the Blue" campaign.  Yesterday I received a call from Kris Betts from KVUE TV asking about the campaign - she did an interview that was aired on KVUE last night on the 10 o'clock news.  Here is a link to the interview.  I was proud to talk about our outstanding police force!  We also talked briefly about the Copeland tragedy and the outpouring of support from the community with red and black ribbons in memory of Sean and Brodie.

I have been out this morning picking up more bulbs from Lowe's in Bee Cave - They have been outstanding supporters of the Back the Blue campaign - thanks so much to Lowe's, Jennifer and Stephanie. I got on the phone this morning and found "The Light Bulb Shop" on Burnet Rd. - I spoke with Kelly Mcgary there and she is supporting our cause also - drove over and picked up about 300 blue chandelier base bulbs.  They will be available for you to pick up at City Hall Monday morning.  I'm hoping to cover Lakeway with blue lights!  Thanks again to Lowe's and The Light Bulb Shop for their support!

We received work from our attorneys that the City was granted a Summary Judgement in the Cokins vs. the City of Lakeway law suit over the annexation of Brooks Hollow.

The City installed "in street" crosswalk signs on Highlands Blvd because of concerns from residents because of high traffic levels and high speeds.  Please slow down in the area and help us protect pedestrians in the area.

The City Staff is hard at work on this years budget.  Our first work session is next week on the 28 starting at 2 PM at City Hall.  I look forward to working hard with the Council Members to be sure we supply the services that are expected by our citizens at the lowest possible cost.  The meeting will be streamed on the internet.

Next week Lakeway Regional will present their Community Seminar Series - this edition will be on Water Safety.  Here is a link to more information.

That's all for now - please consider supporting the "Back the Blue" campaign - it is a GREAT cause and I know the police appreciate the support!

If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us .

Have a great weekend, stay cool!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Council, "Back the Blue", Police and More!

Today's been a tough day - it's with a heavy heart that I am writing this blog.  Out thoughts and prayers are with the Copeland family in their time of mourning.  Our community is like family and we have lost two of our family members in an instant.  We stand together with the Copeland's and all the innocent lives taken in the attack last night in Nice, France.  Please respect the privacy of the Copeland family.

Lots going on at the Activity Center - here is a link with the latest, thanks Dallas!

I am hoping for continued support on the "Back the Blue" campaign supporting the local police.  I am seeing some blue lights and ribbons, Lowe's in Bee Cave is offering blue LED lights free to customers that ask for them.  We have a few that will be available at the City Hall Reception Desk Monday morning.  I would like to see this continue for a while, so get some blue bulbs and let them shine!  Many thanks to Jennifer and Stephanie and especially Lowe's in bee Cave for supporting our Police!

We hosted a hearing this week in the eminent domain case for right-of-way needed with the Flint Rock Road project.  The property owner requested $85K and the City had a property appraisal that came in at $7,875.   The Commissioners valued the property at $11,053 and the City will escrow this amount and will gain access to the property.

City Council will meet in regular session Monday evening at 6:30 PM.  Here is that agenda.  There are requested annexations and zoning and a couple of other items that should not be controversial so I expect a short meeting. 

Steve Jones and I met with Mayor Caroline Murphy and City Manager Travis Askey to talk about issues affecting the two cities.  we were joined by County Commissioner Daugherty and Bob Moore and received an update on the county's progress on our "Sports Park" property.  It looks like we are all working together to get a plan started so this vision can become a reality.

From Andra Dearing - Parks:
Tonight we are showing ‘Minions’ at City Park at 8:45pm, and providing free popcorn to all attendees.  Details at: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1950

At the Activity Center, we have had a heavy week of summer camps, while at the Swim Center we have been focusing on hydration for our guards with the increased heat index.

This week in parks, we replaced the Dragon Park irrigation system for better coverage and to remove the valve boxes that were in the middle of the playing field.  We also replaced several broken parts on the HGB drinking fountain to provide consistent water pressure, and ordered a new water fountain for the Swim Center outside the concession area.  This new fountain will replace the existing one that is completely rusted through.  We have also addressed an irrigation leak at the Skatepark, and are looking into the best way to address worn areas due to foot traffic outside the bowl.  Finally, a significant amount of time was spent mowing.


Next week, we will be replacing the Ranger Field irrigation pump prior to installing the new infield clay.
------------
Last Tuesday, we had 28 cases scheduled on our court docket.  Approximately 16 of them were violations for unlawfully using handheld devices.
-------------
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 143 traffic stops, responded to 17 alarm calls, investigated 16 suspicious vehicle calls, handled 9 each of deer and dog related calls, and handled an additional 125 other types of calls for service.

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 4, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor X 2.

Officers responded to the intersection of RR 620 S. and Lohmans Crossing for a collision report.  Upon arrival it was learned that a vehicle traveling on RR 620 had proceeded through the red light striking another vehicle traveling through the intersection.  One person was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained. 

Officers responded to a RR 620 S. grocery store in reference to a theft call.  Upon arrival it was learned that a subject was apprehended by store employees for theft.  The subject confessed to officers that they attempted to leave the store with stolen merchandise.  The subject was arrested for theft and cited to appear in Lakeway Municipal Court.

Officers responded to a suspicious person in front of the entry way to a RR 620 S. community.  Upon arrival officers found a subject lying on the rocks near the water feature.  The subject was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for public intoxication.  This subject was transported to Travis County Jail.

Officers responded to a Serene Hills address in reference to a disturbance call.  Upon arrival it was learned that a construction foreman was having an argument with an employee of a sub-contractor over a safety violation.  The parties were separated and a criminal trespass warning was issued to the employee.  He was then escorted from the property.

The Animal Protection Officer responded to a Lake Como address in reference to an animal attack.  A dog had left its property and attacked another dog being walked on the street by its owner.  A citation was issued for the animal attack.


Officers responded to a Lakeway Blvd. address in reference to a disturbance call.  Upon arrival it was learned that two subjects had been in an argument with a homeowner over trespassing on the property to fish in a pond on the golf course.  All parties were advised and no charges were filed in this case.
===============
Thank you for your support and please keep the Copeland family in your prayers along with our Police - it really does make a difference!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

Special Edition - Support Our Police!!

With the recent events, we need to remember that Lakeway has one of the best police departments in Texas and the Nation!  Our officers go to work every day to protect our citizens and their property, risking their lives to provide that service.  

We need to support our Police - we need to let them know we appreciate their support and their service.  One of our officers is a friend of an officer that was shot in Dallas at the protest - our prayers need to be with all of the brave individuals that run toward gunshots instead of running away.

Let's show our support - show our BLUE spirit - please put a blue light in your street light or tie a blue ribbon on a tree, if you see an officer, tell them you appreciate them - they need our support.  They see this support as they patrol our streets and I know they appreciate it!

Remember, they are the reason we feel safe in Lakeway!

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

July 4th, ZAPCO, Transportation and More!

WOW, a big week!  I hope all of you were able to enjoy the July 4th festivities.  The clouds held in for most of the morning making the weather the best we've had for many years - big crowds along the parade route and lots of kids!  

The Pageant of Flags ceremony was great and our Grand Marshal - Anna Brita Stevens was wonderful - her message was enjoyed by everyone there!  Thanks for all the participation - Lakeway is endowed with wonderful patriotic folks and a great number of military - it makes this event even more special.

ZAPCO met in regular session Wednesday at 9:10 AM.  Here it the agenda.  There were two model home special use permits approved in Serene Hills and annexation and zoning approved for the next Council meeting.  A SUP was also approved for a portable building behind City Hall to temporarily house several BDS functions.  That will also come to council in July.

I met with a representative from SUN Radio - did you know Bee Cave had their own radio station?  It at 100.1 on the FM dial - check it out - they are located in the Galleria.

Ray Miller (BDS Director) had a meeting with area builders and the HBA (Home Builders Association) on Wednesday also - it was well attended and I think they all agree that we are on course to better serving the builders and community.

Steve Jones and I attended the CAMPO meeting Wednesday (date changed for vacations) - it was the shortest meeting we have had.  It was necessary to approve the TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) that had been discussed at several previous meetings.

We also met with a representative from Steiner Ranch on transportation issues - it was a good get together and we are all working to help improve the traffic in the area.

 Our own Judge Madison did a ride out with Game Wardens on Lake Travis on July 4th.  He observed how TP&W handles issues on the Lake.  He makes sure he is also available for warrants if needed for blood draws on DWI arrests - Thanks Judge!!

I've been informed that money has been raised to hire Dr. Tony DeNicola of White Buffalo Inc. to do a census / survey of the deer population in Lakeway.  He is interested in looking at the possibility of working with the City to do deer sterilization in addition to the normal trapping and processing.  Dr. DeNicola feels he can address overpopulation in areas where trapping is not an option - he feels a two prong approach would be more efficient, both trapping and sterilization.  Of course a permit would be required allowing any other means of deer management - also, the current agreement is all fees would be paid by donations collected - in this case, the fees for the survey and about $1000 per deer surgery.  With our current suspected population that could be in the neighborhood of $300,000 to $500,000.

Another big story this week is the Purchase of Lakeway Regional Medical Center to Baylor Scott & White.  Here is the press release with more information.

Court Report for the month of June: 490 new violations filed; 301 traffic, 3 parking, 98 City Ordinance violations, 59 Penal code and 29 State Law non-traffic.  We had 365 cases on the docket before the Judge; 57 cases dismissed after completion of a defensive driving course, 24 cases dismissed after completion of deferred disposition, 8 violations for insurance dismissed with proof.  There were 182 warrants issued and 116 warrants cleared.  We had 13 cases in which fine and court costs were satisfied by jail credit, and 12 cases in which fine and court costs were waived for indigence.

From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 281 traffic stops, investigated 19 ordinance violations related mostly to fireworks, responded to 15 alarms, handled 13 animal related calls, conducted 13 welfare checks, investigated 8 crashes and handled an additional  111 other types of calls for service. 

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges;   Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 1, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, and Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor X 2. 

Officers responded to a Sparrow Lane address in reference to a theft.  A subject reported that building materials were stolen from a house under construction, this case is being investigated. 

Officers responded to the Lakeway Swim Center in reference to criminal mischief.  A report was taken because of damage to the plumbing at one of the pools.  Water was draining from the pool onto the deck area after an aerator was damaged.  This case is being investigated. 

Officers were called to Lakeway Regional Medical Center in reference to a mental health evaluation.  Upon arrival an officer met with a subject and it was determined that the subject was in need of a peace officer emergency commitment.  The person was committed with the help of LPD and hospital staff. 

Officers responded to Lakeway Regional Medical Center for a disturbance call.  Upon arrival officers found an intoxicated person involved in a disturbance with staff members, the subject was arrested for public intoxication and transported to Travis County Jail. 


Officers responded to a RR 620 N. hotel in reference to a robbery call.  Upon arrival officers met with a subject who reported being robbed in the parking lot.  Detectives determined that this was unfounded and the subject suffered from a mental illness.  No further action was required in this case and it is closed. 
=====================
Have a GREAT weekend and try to stay cool!  I do believe Summer has arrived!

If you would like to be added (or removed) from my email list please send a note to lakeway@bain.us.  

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us

HOT!, July 4th and Lots More!

A little toasty outside isn't it!  Looks like a HOT weekend of celebration - lots of hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream.  I hope everyone will attend the annual July 4th parade Monday morning - it starts about 8:30 at the Live Oak Clubhouse on Lakeway Dr. and ends up at the Activity Center.  After the Parade, the Pageant of Flags will be held in the Activity center - Lakeway Dr. closes to thru traffic about 7:30 am and will open back up right after the parade ends.  Here's a link to more information - see you there!

The Lakeway Activity Center has lots of things going on right now - please follow this link to get all the scoop - it looks like they are really going to be busy over there with a bunch of really fun events!

ZAPCO meets next week on July 6th at 9:10 AM.  There are a couple of annexations of property in the Highlands - nothing that will be too controversial.  Here is a link to the agenda.

The Justice Center Committee met this morning to work out the process and schedule we will need to follow.  There will be a status report at the next Council meeting - basically we are looking at costs of construction on the two primary sites and sending out an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for both a contractor and an architect.  More on this soon.

you've probably heard about the Zika virus - the City has had discussions with the State Department of Health Services regarding prevention.  Here is a link to a paper from them.  Public Works is constantly treating any standing water in public places, please make sure your property has no mosquito breeding spots!

We had a meeting of the Emergency Management group Thursday at the Lake Travis Regional Medical Center.  They are graciously supplying the room and facilities for the areas use in case of a serious emergency.  We are planing a "table top" exercise in the near future to make sure everything is ready.  Thanks to Terry Browder for making sure this operation stays on track!

An engineering firm, working on behalf of TxDOT, requested a letter of support for a grant application.  The firm is seeking funding to remotely connect traffic control signals on RM 620.  If successful, this could be the first step in installing an intelligent traffic signal system that could make real-time adjustments to accommodate changes in traffic volumes and flows.

Andra Dearing reported an incident of vandalism at the swim center.  Someone broke into the facility and redirected the evaporator, which sprays water into the air in order to cool the water.  The vandals turned the spray away from the pool and almost emptied it of water.  The pool should be refilled and back in service tomorrow morning, if not sooner.  A report was filed with the police department.

We have hired a consultant to bore test holes on Hurst Creek between Lohmans Crossing and Lochan Ora - we will use the results to design a repair program.

From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 156 traffic stops this week, along with responding to 17 assist public calls, 12 animal related calls, 19 suspicious circumstance/vehicle calls, 9 home alarms and 109 other calls for service. 

Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X1, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 1, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 1, and Driving while License Suspended X 1.

Officers responded to Lakeway Regional Medical Center for a disturbance in the emergency room, Officers arrested a male subject for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. 

Officers responded to a Lakeway residence to conduct a welfare check.  Upon arrival officers had to force the entry into the residence and found the unresponsive homeowner.  The subject was determined to be deceased.  No foul play is suspected and the cause of death is likely natural. The Coroner will rule on the death soon. 

Officers responded to a welfare concern on Brooks Hollow Road.  Upon arrival officers met with a person who was concerned about another family member on scene.  Officers conducted a mental health evaluation and determined the subject not to be in danger.  

Officers responded to a local business on RR 620 S. for a reported theft.  Upon arrival it was learned that the manager had discovered cash had been stolen from the safe, a report was taken and CID will further investigate this case. 

Officers responded to a Mooring Circle address for a disturbance call.  Upon arrival it was learned that a female and her mother were at the residence to retrieve property belonging to them.  The property was returned to them and criminal trespass warnings were issued to both. 


Officers were called to a Black Wolf Run address in reference to a burglary of a vehicle. A subject reports that their items were taken from their unlocked vehicle while it was parked in their driveway.  This case will be further investigated by CID. 

Lock your cars!!!

That's all for this week - have a GREAT 4th of July holiday.  If you want to be added to my email list send a note to lakeway@bain.us.

Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us