Monday, August 26, 2019

BSW Newsletter, More Deer and a Resignation, Council and More!

Lakeway Baylor Scott & White has a new addition of "The Pulse".  It's a good reference on what's new at he hospital and the events you might have an interest in.  Here's a link to "The Pulse"!


*****The Deer*****

Unwillingly Feeding the Deer
Couple of items on the "deer issue".  The Council voted to do nothing once again about the "perceived" deer issue in Lakeway.  More studies - The proponents of  "Live with the deer like Austin" pontificated on the great results of Austin.  Interesting article came out last night in the Statesman - headlines "Nearly 100 deer hit by Austin drivers"Here's a link to the article.  Seems they aren't doing very well.  

Here's an article from a couple of days ago.  Seems even the ranches are having some issues.  Statesman Article by Mike Leggett.

It appears the city wants to study this until there's no way to fix the issue - not too far off that right now.  

*****Chairman Haley Resignation*****

This letter is stating my resignation as chairman and member of the Lakeway Wildlife Committee.  Having spent the past year researching and listening to experts in the field, I have come to the conclusion that the Lakeway herd must be limited for the good of the herd and the citizens of our town.  Therefore, I am no longer without opinion regarding what must be done.

At the last City Council meeting it was agreed, essentially, to continue on the present path of no limitations.  When the situation with the deer becomes unmanageable, which all experts agree it will, action will be too late.  I cannot continue because my mind has reached a conclusion.  You appear to require an unbiased committee, so I cannot contribute further.

I want to commend the members of the Wildlife Committee for their fair and diligent work this past year.  They were respectful and considerate of one another as they disagreed and discussed all aspects of the deer problem.  It has been an honor to work with each of them.


Dwight Haley

August 25, 2019
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So there it is.  Council Member Dwight Haley worked for a year+ with several Wildlife Biologists - came up with a plan that the committee approved and members of the council with no training or wildlife education decided to kick the can down the road.

It seems that council is determined to put the residents of Lakeway through another "deer" situation that will see overpopulation (more than now) and disease and herd degradation.  Unfortunately history will most likely repeat itself with a much costlier outcome.


*****Budget Meeting / Special Council*****


3)  Special Use Permit (SUP) was granted to LTISD for their request for portable buildings.  This was previously approve but was "re-done" because of a notification issue.  Tabled last week at the regular meeting.  Passed 5-2, Vance, Howell dissenting.

4)  Significant discussion about how tax rate is not really being raised.  Mr. Kumar mentioned my comments - and his disagreement with my statements.  That's ok, we can agree to disagree.  They set the maximum tax rate at the current tax rate - $0.1645 per $100 evaluation.  There was discussion at the previous budget discussion to set this rate at either the rollback rate or slightly above that rate in case the county information was raised.  That means this was a win - they are now at the same rate as last year.   The rollback rate is $0.1684 and the effective rate is $0.15825.  This is an increase because of the increase in appraisals, but they are still working on it.  Le't see what they can do!

5)  Significant discussion on the Animal Ordinance.  A significant part of this issue is "Officer Discretion".  Council Member Kumar has actually read the ordinance and had great discussion points.  I am on his side - don't include things in an ordinance that you can't enforce and items should not be so broad there are questions.  Thank you!  Many items brought up - again - and will now have a 3rd reading. 

6)  Moves CBC administrative language from Part 24 and puts it in Part 2.  Motion passed 7-0.

7)  Much discussion again.  State of Texas removed all ability for the city to regulate building materials and construction standards that are allowed by the National Building Codes.  Significant changes once again.  Decided to pass the code with changes recited - unanimous.

9)  No one still there to speak at Citizens Participation.  5:00 p.m.

Consent Agenda passed unanimously - staffing another committee.

5:00 p.m. Council went into infamous executive session to talk about lawsuits.

I have to assume the council meeting was adjourned around 5:30 - the video went off.
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That's all for today - more as I find out.  If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us.   Don't forget to email for aerial photos of your property!  joe@skypict.com

Joe Bain

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