What a wonderful holiday weekend! I can't remember a string of days when the weather has been this nice. It was a short week at the city but there are still things going on.
Monday we had two meetings, one on current development behind HEB to Lohmans Crossing - and a regular council meeting.
First the development meeting. Here is that agenda. Here is a link to the video. There was open discussion about the 11 properties and what we know and what we don't know. There's a lot of "don't know". The main topics were the Stratus property and the MUD property under contract to Haythem Dawlett. Here is a link to the property map and a link to the legend - there have been some corrections to the legend since the meeting.
It concerns me to get out in front of development and possible property acquisition but our relationship with Stratus is pretty good, so here goes. They made a proposal to change the PUD (Planned Unit Development) that is currently set up for garden homes on the 37 acres they own about a month or so ago. They wanted to change the pud to allow +- 350 apartments in exchange for giving the city about 25 acres of the property for parkland. There is no support for this deal that I am aware of from council. I have initiated an appraisal for the property and once we have more information will look at the possibility of purchase for possible parkland.
There is much work to be done before that point arrives. These are pictures of the three ponds on the property. They are connected by a stream that never dried up during the previous drought. There is actually already a trail system on this property - go to the end of Main St. and check it out. Remember it is private property, so treat it as such.
There was discussion on the MUD property also. Here is the video. The only new news on this is that I have a verbal commitment from Mr. Dawlett to make the Main Street and Lohmans Crossing extensions 4 lanes to improve traffic flow. When all this comes together, I look forward to residents being able to drive into the Oaks and "City Center" via Lohmans and Main instead of using 620.
Many questions were answered to the best of our ability and and an open discussion was held. It appeared to be well received. As always, questions to myself and council are always welcome.
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Council met directly after the Special Session. Here is a link to the meeting. Here is the agenda including all info made available to council.
4. A presentation was made on contributions to the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Council voted to increase the limit to 15.5%. This makes no changes to the current plan and there is no fiscal impact.
5. Council Member Hennagin made a report on citizen engagement. She and Council Member Trecker have been working with Devin Monk for improvements.
6. A STR (Short Term Rental) renewal was approved. The property manager was present and received input from council on issues with the property.
7. A STR renewal was approved at 334 Explorer with input from council on issues at this location.
8. A street right-of-way was vacated because of the re-alignment of Flint Rock Road.
9. A zoning change from R-1 to C-1 was approved for Cherry Peak, Ltd.
10. The City Manager was authorized to execute an impervious cover transfer agreement related to the sale of the "Reed" property for the Police Station property.
12. Contractor services were awarded to successful respondents for projects in the City's Capital Improvement Plan.
17. And finally, Steve Swan was appointed Treasurer to replace Dave DeOme after he retired from the position.
Meeting was over a little after 9 p.m.
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Here is the latest PARD (Parks and Rec Department) report from Director Andra Bennet.
Lakeway's Annual "Lights On" celebration is coming up Friday, December 1st from 6-8 p.m. Bring the kids, I have good info that Santa will be there! This is the REAL Santa!
Don't forget the 15th annual Lakeway Sing Along Show on Sunday, December 3 at the Activity Center - first show at 2 and second at 4:30. Admission is an unwrapped gift for a child up to the age of 17.
Baylor Scott & White is doing an education seminar on back pain. Here is a link to all the info! November 30 at 6 p.m.
That's all for now, no police report because of the short week. Get out and enjoy this weather!
If you would like to be added to my email list please send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added. Questions are welcome too!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
****Editorial****
I was and am very proud of the events in Lakeway last week!
First was the Veterans Day Ceremony held at the LTISD Performing Arts Center that drew 900-1000 folks to honor our veterans that are the fabric of Lakeway and surrounding areas. We had the Lake Travis Band that the Mabry Army band joined, Astronaut Alan Shepard's daughter that spoke to the crowd and we presented certificates to the veterans or family that had names engraved on the monument at the Heritage Center.
A "smart home" was given to Alan Babin, Jr. for his heroic efforts that left him severely disabled. Hundreds attended the hand off of the home by Gary Sinise of the Gary Sinise Foundation - what an honor to welcome this family to the Lakeway Family! Covered in the national news!
I was troubled and disappointed that neither event was covered by our local paper - neither the Lake Travis View or Statesman could spare anyone for coverage. Thanks to Editor Ed Allen of the View for publishing pictures that were furnished by Devin Monk - but no coverage other than that.
Front page coverage was furnished to a group drew 60 people that are making guesses about what the development will be between behind HEB and Lohmans Crossing road. Two proposals were made by developers, one by HSD Development on the current MUD property (discussed in an open meeting) and the other an unsolicited proposal by Stratus (discussed in an open meeting) - both of these are on the city's website and have been reported on in this blog.
Wouldn't it have been nice to see a reporter make at least one of the events that are the fabric of Lakeway? It appears we will only get coverage of events that align with their agenda.
Council is holding a Special Session at 5:30 Monday to describe what we know and what we don't know. It is open to the public and is agendized so both I and council can attend, give factual information and hear citizen comments. There is very little information that we have and any decisions that are made in the future concerning these and the 9 other tracts in the area will be vetted in open meetings as all the other developments have been done for 50 years.
****End of Editorial****
Lots going on - lets get to it!
The Charter Review Committee met this week and will have a report to the City Council at the December meeting - I certainly appreciate their efforts and am looking forward to the results.
The board of Ethics met this week to continue work on drafting a written process for conducting investigations into alleged violations of the ethics code. They will be looking into two complaints filed about a Board of Adjustment meeting earlier this year.
We are scheduled to close on the final tract of land for the new Police station - hopefully November 28th. Everything is falling into place for groundbreaking in January 2018.
The final blood drive for 2017 is happening as I am writing this report. We will be honoring Searcy Willis for 10 years of coordinating the blood drives that have collected over 4,000 units of blood at the 60 drives that Willis coordinated of the 10 years. Isn't it wonderful to see the volunteer spirit that is in Lakeway that sees an issue and works to make a difference.
BDS continues to be very busy! Here is a link to the weeks efforts and work. I continue to be amazed at the number of new homes and construction that is happening in our city!
Breakfast With Santa if coming up December 9th. Here is a link to more on this FUN event and more coming up at the Activity Center!
Light's On! and the Trail of Lights are coming up from 6-8 p.m. December 1. Here is a link to more info! I'm told Santa will be there for all the kids (The REAL Santa!).
The next Big Band Bash is coming up December 11, 2017 from 8-10 p.m. at the Activity Center featuring Kent Dugan's 17-piece orchestra, The Republic of Texas Band. The event is free so get out and enjoy some GREAT music!
The Lakeway "Sing Alongs" will present their family Christmas show on December 3rd at the Lakeway Activity Center with 2 back-to-back performances. The first is at 2 and second starts at 4. Admission is an unwrapped gift for a child up to the age of 17. Here is a link to more information!
Council meets Monday, November 20 in two sessions. The first is a special session for discussion of development between the back of HEB and Lohmans Crossing. Here is a link to that agenda. Hope to see you there!
The regular Council meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Here is that agenda. Here is the full meeting packet. All of this info is always available on the city website.
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 263 traffic stops, responded to 9 alarm calls, responded to 27 animal calls, responded to 10 collisions, answered 21 suspicious circumstances calls and handled 87 other types of calls for service for a total of 417.
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 2, Lakeway Warrants X 1, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3.
Officers were called to Baylor, Scott & White emergency room in reference to a patient who was alleging they had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted. Officers spoke with hospital staff and then the patient. The patient had been transported to the hospital by EMS. The alleged offenses occurred outside of Lakeway. This case was referred to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.
Officers were called to a local Pro Shop in reference to found property on the golf course. Upon arrival, officers learned a golf course employee had found an eyeglass case on the course. Inside the case officers found syringes containing an unknown liquid believed to be a controlled substance. The syringes were placed into evidence for further testing. No charges have been filed in this case.
Officers were called to the Lakeway Swim Center for a suspicious circumstance call. Upon arrival, officers found two subjects in the parking lot engaged in an argument. After further investigation it was determined that one of the subjects had warrants issued for their arrest. The wanted person was arrested and transported to the Travis County Jail.
Officers were asked to assist in locating a run-away juvenile that was possible in Lakeway by another agency. After checking a local residence, officers were advised that the subject may be at a restaurant located on RR 620 S. Officers checked the restaurant and found the subject. The subject was transported to Lakeway PD and turned over to Travis County Deputies.
Detectives were assigned to investigate a report of an Indecent Exposure in the 2000 block of RR620 South. According to the adult victim, a customer exposed his erect penis in view of the victim. A nearby witness was able to take a photograph of the suspect’s vehicle, before the suspect was able to flee the area. The photo assisted Detectives in being able to fully identify the suspect. The following day, the suspect returned to the business and confronted the victim again. The victim called LPD and officers responded, however, prior to our arrival the suspect was able to flee the area. Detectives issued an arrest warrant (Indecent Exposure, Class B Misd.) for the suspect who remains at large.
In June 2017, Detectives were assigned to investigate a report of a theft by a former employee of a local business. With the assistance of the company’s fraud department, Detectives were able to identify over $23,000 worth of unauthorized purchases by the suspect. Detectives further learned the suspect was on probation for a similar incident and was barred from working with money. After a thorough investigation, Detectives established enough probable cause to request an arrest warrant (Theft, State Jail Felony) for the suspect. Detectives apprehended the suspect on 11/16.
In September 2015, Detectives were assigned to investigate a report of a Sexual Assault that occurred in the 300 block of Champions Drive. According to the victim, who was visiting a co-worker, they were having drinks when the victim became tired and passed out. The victim awoke to the suspect sexually assaulted. The victim fled the residence and immediately contacted police. Detectives executed multiple search warrants in efforts to obtain physical evidence from the suspect and worked closely with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect was ultimately arrested for the sexual assault. On 11/16/2017, the suspect was found guilty of the sexual assault and is facing a life sentence due to a prior arrest (Burglary with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault). The suspect has several other charges pending at this time.
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That's all for today! Come join us to celebrate the 10 years Searcy Willis has dedicated to Blood Drives in Lakeway at noon at the Activity Center - the celebration starts at noon right after the Blood Drive. Come a little early and donate a pint of blood!
Thank you for all the support! If you would like to be added to my blog email list send a note to lakeway@bain.us.
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Good morning! Friday was a busy day - a great day for Lakeway. Lets look at the good things going on here in our wonderful community!
Veterans Day had two celebrations going on simultaneously! We got new citizens and a hero in one of them. The Babin family officially moved into their new home furnished by the Gary Sinese Foundation! Alan Babin, Jr. was injured severely while trying to help fellow soldiers in a fire fight. Here is a link to more info.
Gary Sinise was in Lakeway to give the keys to the new home to Alan, Rosie and Alan, Jr. Here's a link to the KVUE report. I appoligize for those without Facebook, but here is a video of the Babin's on Lohmans Crossing where the passed the Elementary school where all the students and teachers welcomed them to Lakeway with waves and flags. It was a great celebration and presentation - a wonderful example of the good in Lakeway!
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| Pict. by Al Weber |
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| Pict by Al Weber |
The Lakeway Veterans Day celebration was held at the LTISD Performing Arts Center at 10:30 to a nearly full house. The entire LTISD Band, the Choir and the Camp Mary Army band. Astronaut Alan Shepard's daughter, Julianna Shepard Jenkins was the guest speaker - what a show! She and her sister brought a golf club Shepard used to "hit a ball" on the moon! All area Veterans and spouses were honored at the event and certificates were passed out to those that had their names engraved at the Heritage Center Monument. A reception and luncheon was held at the Lakeway Heritage Center. A special thanks to the Lohmann's Ford Chapter to the DAR for their continued support of the event!
Thank you to all the Veterans for their service and sacrifice! Thanks to the LTISD for the use of the Performing Arts Center, the band and choir - we couldn't have done it without you!
Baylor Scott & White Healthspeak Education Series will be holding a seminar on Back Pain, November 30 at 6:00 p.m. Here is a link to more info!
Contractor for the Police Station did a pre-bid conference this week and reported good attendance. Bids will be opened next week and will begin evaluating subcontractors. The city is processing site development and building permits and is finalizing site acquisition. We are on schedule to break ground in January. City Manager Steve Jones will start doing a monthly report on the progress of the project at council meetings.
Mr. Jones also spoke to the Leadership Lake Travis groups this week about new developments including city center, options we are evaluating on the Stratus property and the second phase of Tuscan Village.
There has been some interest in the properties behind HEB. Here's what we know - anything else would be conjecture:
Stratus has offered to trade higher density (350 unit apartment) on south end of their property for 25 acres of parkland (north end of the property). I have seen no interest from council on this proposal. They currently have the right to build R-5 condos on the property (around 200 units) that would take the entire property. We are currently looking at other options - possibly a purchase. Here is the Stratus meeting video.
Hathem Dawlett has made a proposal for the property. Here is that video. Mr. Dawlett has contacted the city and offered to make both Lohmans Spur extension and Main Street 4 lanes. There has been no other movement on this project.
There are actually 9 property owners in this area. That includes the MUD property (under contract to Dawlett), Church of Christ property, school property, Reed Property, and other pieces. That's all there is for now, anything that evolves will be talked about at public ZAPCO and Council. If you have specific questions, I or any council member will be glad to get you an answer.
The Lakeway Blvd. irrigation project is nearing completion. They will be working on the four medians West of Lohmans Crossing next week. Alpha Paving will start Monday on multiple asphalt patches throughout the city.
BDS is very busy. They have had over 50 requests for temporary certificates of occupancy. Here is a link to his weekly report.
CBC meets next Thursday in regular session. Here is their agenda.
You have probably already heard, the bonds all passed this past election. That means our Sports Stadium has moved forward and will be built.
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 257 traffic stops, responded to 11 alarm calls, responded to 19 animal calls, responded to 7 collisions, answered 24 suspicious circumstances calls and handled 114 other types of calls for service for a total of 432.
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges, Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 2, Possession of a Controlled Substance X 1, Driving while Intoxicated X 1, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3.
Officers responded to a Sailmaster address in reference to a criminal trespassing call. Upon arrival officers found a subject in the front yard. The homeowner did not want the subject, who was an ex-boyfriend, on the property. He was issued a criminal trespass warning. Further investigation revealed that the subject was intoxicated; he was issued a field release citation for public intoxication and released to a relative that was called to the scene.
Detectives were assigned to follow up on a possibly credit card abuse incident after patrol officers located several credit/debits cards during a traffic stop in the 2000 block of RR620 South. Due to a lack of cooperation on behalf of the debit card issuers, detectives were unable to locate/contact any of the potential victims and were forced to close the case without prosecution.
Detectives responded to the 15000 block of Barrie drive to assist patrol officers with a deceased person call. Detectives and Crime Scene personnel processed the scene and interviewed several parties at the residence. After a thorough investigation, it was determined the elderly subject likely died of natural causes.
Detectives were assigned to investigate a report of Harassment in the 300 block of Fantail Loop after the victim reported receiving multiple harassing text messages and emails from a former boyfriend. Detectives are conducting interviews and attempting to gather evidence in the case as the investigation remains active.
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That's all for now. Please thank our veterans if you see them somewhere - they are the reason we live in this great democratic society. Without them we might be speaking another language. I'm proud of our vets and appreciate all of their efforts and sacrifices. THANK YOU!
As always, questions are welcome. If you would like to be added (or removed) from my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us.
The Cavs won last night against the Vandegriff Vipers 40-28 - Go Cavs! This was the last regular season home game - off to the playoffs! Have a GREAT weekend!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
Another week is history - the holiday season is upon us - seems like it's coming too fast for me! 50, yes 50 days until Christmas....
****Editorial****
Let me put some of the recent events into perspective. Multiple ethics complaints were filed with the city's ethics board - both on me and others. All complaints were found unfounded and frivolous.
Multiple complaints were filed with the Texas Ethics Commission both on me and others. All were dismissed except mine - I chose to pay a civil penalty to avoid the expense of a hearing. Here is a quote from a legal entity that reached out to me -
"I am reaching out because I saw the news story on your recent Ethics Commission fine, which (as I read it) essentially punished you for anonymous political speech. Under Doe v. State, decided by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2003, the Court recognized that Texans have a right to anonymous political speech." and further states -
"I am concerned that the Ethics Commission is not following established case law in enforcing the Texas political laws and am working on a project to identify abuses and solutions."
No mention was made of the others on social media that posted under assumed names - Obe Wan Kanobe and John Doe come to mind. Who were they? They were part of the opposition.
The recall petition failed. I'm pleased but not surprised. This was built on exaggerated claims and much unsubstantiated information, much like the continued attacks me and on other city issues.
Enough about me. Attacks were made on the Police Station PAC Chairman and Treasurer - complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission. Errors that were made on signs happen every year, candidates are notified and make corrections. This made the front page of the View because of the ethics complaint that was dismissed, no mention of the fact that the candidate that filed these complaints had multiple violations on Lohmans - in fact, the picture in the View showed one of those signs in the right of way.
Front Page in the View - "Excessive Force Suit Filed" Lakeway and Bee Caves Police - September 14, 2017. Almost 2 months ago. Have you seen a followup? Almost 2 months ago! The city has never been served. Why you ask? No case. This was from an incident that happened in September 2015 - The good news? Our forward thinking police and city had body cameras back then - it's all recorded. NO CASE!
We have a GREAT, well run city, there is no rampant corruption as some would have you believe. I have to wonder what the real intent of all this is - it's not for the betterment of Lakeway. I intend to continue to work with the other elected officials and staff to keep Lakeway the wonderful city we moved here to enjoy. Thank you for listening!
**** End Editorial ****
You might have seen signs advertising a "Town Hall" meeting this week. This is a group of citizens that want to talk about what to do with the land behind HEB. There are actually 7 properties involved in this area. I would love to attend but because of the Open Meetings Act, I will avoid the meeting and suggest other elected officials and commission members do the same. If a quorum should be present of any group, there is no doubt a lawsuit or complaint will be filed. I intend to do a seminar soon on what we know about the properties once I have more information. At this time most of the answers to questions would be "I don't know". Here is a link to a column I wrote that was published in the View....
Here is a link to a Development Update - it shows some of what is in process and proposed in the city.
ZAPCO met in regular session Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. No citizens were present. Here is a link to the agenda. Item 8 was a Short Term Rental that was approved after some discussion. There were 3 noise complaints spread over 3 years. A letter will be sent to the owner emphasizing any further complaints could result in termination of the SUP.
All other items were approved without fanfare and the commission, staff an I made it home to see the Astros win the World Series! Go Astros!
While we are on sports, Lake Travis won against Vista Ridge last night 51-7. This was the last home game of the season!
Here's the latest update from Dallas Gorman on events at the Activity Center.
As of yesterday, 1400 votes were cast at the Randall's early voting site. Lakeway area voters have exceeded 10% but folks need to get out and vote. Two things that affect Lakeway are the county bond for parks that will pay for the proposed sports park on the land the city purchased several years ago - lets get the funds to finish this project. The other issue that affects us is the school bond. Education is important to the area and I hope you will support it.
Staff met with a developer interested in construction a new two-story medical office building (MOB) at Lakeway Medical Village. It would contain about 30,000 square feet of space.
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 249 traffic stops, responded to 13 alarm calls, responded to 24 animal calls, responded to 14 collisions, answered 13 suspicious circumstances calls and handled 89 other types of calls for service for a total of 402.
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 2, Driving while Intoxicated X 2, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3.
Officers were dispatched to Baylor, Scott & White hospital in reference to a mental health evaluation. Upon arrival officers met with a patient in the emergency room. After investigation, officers issued a peace officers emergency detention orders for the patient to remain at the hospital for further treatment.
Officers responded to an Explorer St. address in reference to a subject threatening to harm himself. After speaking with the subject, EMS was called to the scene to transport the subject to the hospital. Officers completed a peace officer’s emergency detention order and delivered it to hospital staff. The subject was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Detectives followed up on a report of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle incident that was reported to be taken from the 5300 block of Serene Hills Drive. The vehicle was recovered by the Carrollton Police Department late last week. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time and the alleged suspect was located inside a residence not far from the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded and the suspect was released from the scene by officers.
Detectives initiated a fuel pump inspection on the Lakeway gas stations in an effort to inspect and check for skimming devices which are used to capture and compromise credit card information. The inspection resulted in 54 credit card readers being checked and with negative findings for skimming devices.
Detectives attended a two-day training hosted by the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center in Marble Falls that focused on investigations into child abuse and child fatality cases. The training focused on medical aspects of child abuse; forensic investigation techniques; child death cases, natural, accidental vs. homicide; timeline development; and case studies.
Detectives attended training hosted by ARIC (Austin Regional Intelligence Center) in Austin on Contemporary Counter-Terrorism. The training provided foundational knowledge in the study of both domestic terrorism as well as radical Islamic Terrorism. The course provided an overview of the history and culture of Islam to allow attendees to better understand and interact with growing refugee communities. The goal is to provide attendees with relevant information to increase effectiveness in both professional interactions with the growing refugee community statewide as well as combating terrorist tactics aimed at their communities.
Animal Control Officer Greig attended the Lions Club Dog Walk on Saturday. During this week Animal Control responded to a deer attack on a dog; 5 dogs at large calls, and turned over an Animal Cruelty case to Travis County for follow up investigation.
Detectives and the Crime Scene Technician participated in Drug Take Back on Saturday and collected 357 lbs. All drugs were surrendered to DEA for destruction.
The eighth annual Public Safety Day was held on October 28th at
the Lake Travis Elementary School. The annual event is hosted by the Lakeway Police department, Bee Cave Police Department and Lake Travis Fire Rescue. There was an excellent turnout as parents and children viewed equipment and met with central Texas public safety officials from twenty-seven
participating agencies. To all of the volunteers, sponsors and attendees, thank you for participating in this wonderful event!
Astronaut Alan Shepard's daughter to speak at Veterans Day Event. Here is a link to all the info.
That's all for now. If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added (or removed). Questions are always welcome - I do answer my emails!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
It concerns me to get out in front of development and possible property acquisition but our relationship with Stratus is pretty good, so here goes. They made a proposal to change the PUD (Planned Unit Development) that is currently set up for garden homes on the 37 acres they own about a month or so ago. They wanted to change the pud to allow +- 350 apartments in exchange for giving the city about 25 acres of the property for parkland. There is no support for this deal that I am aware of from council. I have initiated an appraisal for the property and once we have more information will look at the possibility of purchase for possible parkland. 
