Looks like it will be a wonderful Easter, I hope everyone will enjoy the weather and think about the Holiday and the reason we celebrate it!
It was a short week for me, I attended a conference in Ft. Worth for Austin Telco Credit Union along with the other Board of Director Members and the CEO. It's always a learning experience for me since I have no financial employment background. Austin Telco is a great Credit Union, well run and has great rates - check them out!
The Charter Review Committee met on Monday morning and they seem to be working hard at making sure our Charter is ready to make our city even better and stays true to the city fathers intentions. A big thanks to the committee members for committing their time and efforts to this important function of our government.
During our "All Hazards Workshop" last week I learned of a radio repeater location that was on a Water District 17 site. Some of the equipment had been removed and the site currently is inoperative. Water District 17 has graciously committed to continue to host the site and we are working to get some new equipment installed - all these things make us safer in case of a significant incident in the Lakeway area.
We have one more Town Hall scheduled for information and questions on the proposed Police station. If you still have questions or just want to find out more, join us at the Activity Center on April 20 at 6:30. This is an important decision for the city and I look forward to seeing you there!
The Lakeway Police are doing another "Drug take Back" program on April 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Justice Center. Here is a link to more information.
The LCC held a "Candidates Forum" Thursday evening. Our 3 candidates for 2 council seats were present and answered questions that were compiled by LCC members in the first half. After a break candidates answered some questions from the audience. Here is a link to the video.
A couple of issues were brought up that I feel compelled to address. First there was a question about an over 65 exemption - this has been addressed in open council. Our city tax rate is low, 16.2 cents per $100. We do not currently do an over 65 exemption, that would cause younger homeowners to subsidize others. If you compare our tax rates to those that give exemptions you will see the difference. Their tax rates are many times ours - for instance Austin is 44.18 cents per $100 - a significant difference. Cedar Park - 47.95, Georgetown - 43.4, Leander - 63.292. In fairness, these are not completely apples to apples, some include water and fire services - but if you separate those fees out, the rates are still significantly higher. I for one want our tax rate to be fair and will strive to keep it low for ALL residents.
The other issue was about a lawsuit that Dave DeOme and Ron Massa are named in. The City bought some property to enable the Flintrock Road Construction project years ago. Without getting too deep into the lawsuit, the City, Ron and Dave were named along with several others. They were named because former Mayor DeOme was Mayor at the time and signed documents and Council Member Massa was Chairman of ZAPCO and signed documents. This is not unusual in City business and the plaintiff filed it in Federal Court. The Judge on the case has set a trial date (they do that to plan ahead because civil suits are a lower priority than criminal). He then referred the case to a magistrate who has recommended the case be dismissed on summary judgement. The City is waiting for the Judge to rule on that recommendation. The City denies any wrongdoing and in fact has a contract between the original sellers and the City that states neither will sue that was signed at time of purchase.
Let me assure you, the City of Lakeway and it's leaders make certain that EVERYTHING we do is legal, moral, ethical and fair. We make every effort to treat everyone as we would like to be treated. I and the other elected officials along with city staff make certain we live up to that standard.
Council will meet in regular session on Monday evening - here is a link to the agenda.
Item 4 is a request from TexARTS for advertising and promotion of the Arts. They have a proven record and will make a presentation at the meeting.
Item 5 is a plat request for Lakeway Estates - that is the large lot subdivision located off Serene Hills.
Item 6 pertains to a revision of the PUD at Lakeway Medical Center. They want to put a medical office building in and ZAPCO recommended approval.
Item 7 is a Special Use Permit for a warehouse facility at 15507 Stroup Circle. This was previously permitted and the owner wants the SUP re-approved.
Items 8,9, and 10 are plats, zoning and annexation of the Highlands Development and has been recommended by ZAPCO.
Since I was out of town, the Agenda was signed by our Mayor Pro Tem Dwight Haley. Thanks for the help!
If you would like to peruse the entire packet that council members get, here is a link!
That's all for today, I hope you have a wonderful Easter Holiday. If you would like to be added to my blog, simply send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added.
During this election process, there has also been an undertone that the elected officials and staff are not open and don't listen to residents. Don't worry, I will continue to write this blog and answer emails and calls as do all of the rest of the council and staff. Just FYI, I have been doing this since I was elected to Council 8 years ago and you can scroll back all 8 years. Thank you for your continued support!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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