Lakeway Update: Weather, Activity Center, State of Lakeway and a Birthday!

*****Weather*****

Did you know we had a thunderstorm last night? It woke me up about 2:45 a.m. with a BOOM! I haven't seen any damage yet - I'm sure there was some somewhere. Hopefully not a home. We received almost half an inch of rain - here's a link to current conditions at the 15th Tee of Live Oak. If you haven't, click the link and check out the current conditions. Pretty mild temperatures for January, a chance of rain Thursday and Friday and a nice weekend.

*****Activity Center*****

Lots going on at the Activity Center - here's a link to all the goings on. They are also asking you renew your membership before Feb. 1 so they won't have to send a written request and spend money on stamps and supplies.

*****Mayor's Update*****

Last Thursday, Mayor Cox presented another "State of Lakeway" report. 9 residents attended, but I'm sure there were some watching on the video stream - at least one asked a question.

Lots of talk about improving the safety on 620 including the median scheduled to be put in this summer. The 620 expansion project is scheduled to start in August of 2022 - although some delay is expected.

Talked a lot about internal roads - Main and Medical. Still no info about when Stratus will build their part of Main (required) and money will have to be added to Legends part of the road because the city turned down the project that included the 4 lane blvd.

Talk of the Comprehensive Plan committee finishing up, looks like there is lots of wording changes but not much real change to the map. Looks like the officials over the years have done a pretty good job. There will be a public showing in the near future. They keep talking about an economic development plan.

Talked some about the "Rec" center. Translation is YMCA. The city would be on the hook to supply the building and land, ($20 Million Up),ugh. One issue I have with this is the percentage of residents that would use this from our community. It will also draw significant subscribers from outside the community that means more traffic. How many of you use the YMCA and would use one here? Up to this point, the clubs took care of the overflow, do we want to change?

Talked about the justice center remodel. Now it is up to about $2.5 Million, originally we felt it could have been done for $500K - haven't seen any details. Originally the Parks and Rec. Dept. would go there, now they want Building and Development to move there. Previous administrations felt like BDS should stay close to administration.

Talk of it being a good time to borrow money. That's true, but I feel like it needs to be really necessary to borrow, not just to spend money because it is cheap to borrow.

Questions about Serene Hills Project - from Flintrock to Lakeway Blvd. there are three players, Travis County, The Village of the Hills and Lakeway.

Question about Wildfire Project. City is already spending significant funds on a prioritized process to work on the worst areas. This is another expense that costs a lot but only affects a very small percentage of the population.

Question about the Deer situation, nothing this year - we will have more next year to deal with.

*****

Gerald Daugherty

Charlyn Daugherty

Nancy and I were honored to attend Commissioner Daugherty's 70th birthday party Sunday. He has been a real asset to the city of Lakeway for many years and is retiring from the office of County Commissioner this year. I'm sure he will continue to work for the community, he has a real passion for transportation and knows the in's and out's of mass transit and roads. He certainly helped me to get the money for the 620 expansion project from CAMPO. Thanks Gerald and Happy Birthday! He's also a partner in Jack Allen's Kitchen and Salt Trader - if you haven't tried them yet, I suggest you take the time - good food and great service!