Development Discussion, Council and More!

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