CAMPO voted to almost de-fund the Lone Star Rail project that would provide passenger service from Georgetown to San Antonio. The project has been in a study and environmental mode for decades and has been bleeding millions of dollars in funds contributed by Cities and CAMPO. A few months ago, Union Pacific pulled their support from the project (existing rail no longer available). Even operating at proposed levels, this service would only carry 50,000 riders a day. It would not make a perceptible change to traffic levels on IH35. Final vote will come in October to terminate the project.
CAMPO voted to fund a region-wide arterial roadway study using the funds from the sub-regional study I had proposed and negotiated. I am optimistic that the study will still be able to work on regional planning (CAMPO's real job) and will be working with Terry McCoy (TxDOT Austin District Engineer) and Ashby Johnson (Executive Director CAMPO) to move forward with Western Travis County's needs. There has been a lot of push back from Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt to block any improvements in Western Travis County, I'm hoping we can work together to find solutions to the increasing growth that this part of the County is experiencing.
Work has started on RR 620 to add the Southbound lane - you will see equipment and workers South of Lohmans Crossing. There will also be intersection improvements. You might have also noticed TxDOT is working on the lights at Lohmans and 620 - this is an improvement project to move the lights from cables over the street to the new type of mounts with steel poles. A cross walk is also being added for those brave enough to walk across 620 - I suggest you look both ways!
Work has also started on the installation of a traffic light at Lohman Spur and Lohmans Crossing. This intersection was studied a couple of years ago and met "warrants" at that time to install lights. There are several reasons for the light there - Safety is a big concern for those turning left from the Spur onto Lohmans - the sight distance and curve along with the speed of traffic are very dangerous, there will be a through street there when the MUD property is developed and instead of traffic from the shopping center entering 620 then turning left at Lohmans they will be able to use Lohmans Spur and keep that traffic internal and free up some of the 620 congestion safely.
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Hamilton Greenbelt's restroom was delivered last week and the Canyonlands restroom is scheduled for delivery August 19th. Once both are installed the paving will be completed and I'm hoping landscaping work will begin.
Council meets Monday evening in regular session - here is the agenda. If you would like to view the Council Packet, here's the link. We will hear a presentation on the Zika virus from Dr. Philip Huang - should be educational.
Most of the rest of the agenda is pretty standard - we will amend the purchase of the Live Oak Tennis Court at ClubCorp's request, I have had staff amend an ordinance establishing a Meeting Decorum Policy so there is an easily accessible document with Council procedures that will be available to Citizens.
Council will consider a Budget Amendment to make some capital purchases from this years budget instead of next year. This will improve our tax outlook for FY 2017.
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 198 traffic stops, responded to 15 alarm calls, investigated 20 suspicious circumstance calls, handled 15 animal deer/dog related calls, responded to 9 crashes and handled 115 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 1, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 2, and Driving while Intoxicated X 2.
Officers responded to a RR 620 N. business in reference to reckless damage. Upon arrival it was learned that a tire and rim had come off of a trailer traveling on RR 620. The tire traveled across the roadway and parking lot striking a curb and then hitting and damaging a light fixture on the side of the building. A report was taken, no information is known about the trailer.
Officers responded to a Theft/Shoplifting call at a RR 620 Grocery Store. Upon arrival two persons who matched the suspect’s description were located by a vehicle in the parking lot. Items taken from the store totaling over $1,500 were recovered. Further investigation by the officers found that both subjects were in possession of a controlled substance and that one of the suspects had outstanding out of jurisdiction warrants. Both subjects were arrested and booked into Travis County Jail.
Detectives with the CID were assigned to investigate a disturbance that occurred at a business in the 1300 block of RR 620 South. During the disturbance, property belonging to the business was damaged. Following a thorough investigation, Detectives were unable to fully identify all of the parties involved. The owner of the business declined to prosecute the primary suspect and the case was closed.
Animal Protection Officer Greig responded to the 10 block of Muirfield Greens Lane regarding a minor cat bite. According to the victim, a stray cat attacked her cat causing minor injuries. APO Greig has deployed a trap in attempts to catch the stray cat.
Detectives with the CID were assigned to investigate a report of a theft from a residence in the 100 block of Blue Jay. According to the victim, several pieces of jewelry were stolen from the residence and the maid service was suspected of being responsible. Detectives were able to identify three maids who had serviced the victim’s residence on multiple occasions with the assistance of the company owner. Detectives interviewed the three suspects who denied being involved in the theft. Detectives determined there were insufficient probable cause to charge anyone at this time and suspended the case until new information is discovered.
That's all for now - hopefully the weather folks are right and we'll get some much needed rain in the next few days!
If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll take care of it! Thanks for all the support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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