*****Weather*****
Well, the good news is we had a little rain (.16 inch Wednesday and .04 inch Sunday) for a total of .2 inches this week. Although we had a little thunder, no damaging storms as they warned us about. It's Spring, I'm sure we will have several more chances for severe weather before it's over. Looks pretty good and a chance of rain starting next Tuesday. The weekend (do we have those anymore - it seems all the same to me) looks great, highs in the 80's and lows in the 60's with low humidity - perfect Central Texas weather!
*****Virus*****
Are you surviving? Lot's of talk from everyone about what to do or not to do. My suggestion? Get your information from the source, not second hand from someone that is passing it along. Get it from the source!
- State of Texas - https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
- United States - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- FAQ from CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
If you need information on the supplements or monetary help, go to the source.
It's complex, if you don't understand it, go to a licensed professional!
Don't listen to someone's interpretation of the information!
Don't listen to someone's interpretation of the information!
*****Budget Woe's?*****
Per the city, "nothing to see here" and little if any reduction in income. I think a wait and see is in order - sales tax revenue will be down for sure, and although so far permits are doing OK, there will be a reduction in income. There is a surplus so far (wonder why they didn't reduce tax rates?) but going into the city reserves concerns me. Maybe holding back on some discretionary expenses would be a good idea?
Meanwhile, the State is going to have big issues. Price of oil went negative for a short time (this is futures) and a lot of state income comes from oil. It's trying to come up a little, but oil at the current prices is a disaster for our state. Gas prices at the pump have plummeted (nice for the consumer, bought gas at $1.29) but are going to hurt the state coffers. Beside that, can't go anywhere! I'm getting about 2 weeks to the gallon right now.
*****Council *****
Council met Monday in regular session (video conference). Here is the agenda / packet. Here is a link to the video.
Consent agenda was passed unanimously. Other than minutes and appointing members to the Economic Development Committee, the only significant item was awarding a contract for paving. This was a budgeted expense and the contract was $80,668.
9) The Mayor gave an update and it pretty much covered what's on the website, no breaking news.
10) Financial report was given by the Financial Director and then the City Manger talked about budget and income issues.
11) Previous business was about swim center issues that really are not much to do with the city. There was some discussion about bringing data to council about bid process and billing for the entity that rents the pool.
12) Council passed a motion unanimously denying a rate increase to Texas Gas Service.
13) Final Plat for Lakeway Highlands Phase 3, section 5. Passed 5-2 with Vance and Mastrangelo dissenting. Water quality issues although developer is following the city rules.
14) Final Plat for Phase 3, section 6A. Passed 5-2 with Vance and Mastrangelo dissenting. Same as above.
15) SUP for a continuing care retirement community. About 35 minutes of discussion on sales tax, height and use. Denied 5-2 with Smith and Vance dissenting.
16) Parks Master Plan proposal award - $53, 200 - unanimous.
17) Trail connectivity engineering services plan was awarded, $13,800 to get a better idea ow what it will cost to implement. Tabled to May.
18) Citizen Participation - Water Quality issues - two speakers.
19-22) Infamous Executive Sessions - Oaks/Stratus PUD, YMCA MOU and Lakeway Rough Hollow Development Agreement. No action taken - started at 9:58 and ended at 11:25 - no action taken.
Meeting actually adjourned at 11:38.
The other big project is Garages of Texas. This is a project that was approved a few years ago near Grumpy's Bar and BBQ. See the link for more info, you can buy a garage and customize it for your cars, boats or other passions.
*****Boating Issue?*****
Apparently the big issue (front page on the Lake Travis View). They're saying confusion - really? No, the county and Austin has a problem - they have folks partying on Lake Austin every day so they decided to close all the Lakes to boating. Bad decision and a bit of overreach. Two many cooks in the kitchen. Follow the State guidelines, sheriffs are going to stop anyone and the marinas are not locked down. What is safer than being out on a huge lake with fresh air and no one around? ***Just my opinion***
The golf courses are open for play by members without tee times or cart rentals, and I expect that to change maybe today? Still need precautions - let's see what happens.
*****Construction*****
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| Lakeway Church 4-21-2020 |
Projects are still moving forward - two that I am following are the Lakeway Church and Garages of Texas. This is a photo of the church and shows the new wooden beams and metal structure.
Click for larger view.
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| Garages of Texas 4-13-2020 |
That's all for right now, more as I find out. Let's beat this pandemic and get Texas and the nation back open! Thank everyone for all the support with the blog, if you would like to be added (or removed) from my email list, please send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get it done. Still able to take Real Estate and Construction pictures - id you need some or know someone that does please refer them!
Have a GREAT week end - it should be cooler starting tomorrow - who would have thought it would be 95° today??? And thanks for the questions - send them to me. If you have friends or neighbors that you think would enjoy the blog, please forward it to them!
Joe Bain
Maybe some relief from the hotel occupancy taxes back to the hotels that are struggling to keep their doors open?
ReplyDeleteThe HOT tax fund has strict rules as to how it can be spent.
Delete