*****Weather*****
So far in May we haven't had any rain (need some) even though my weather station says we have had .04. The wind shook the sensor last week.... Another roller coaster last week with a high of 96° and a low of 51° - it could be worse, 5" + snow in the Northeast in the middle of May! Look for the temperatures to be more seasonable this week with highs in the upper 80's and lows in the low 70's with a chance of rain most of the week. As always, you can see the current weather (and more) on the 15th Tee Weather Station. Here is the link!
I hope everyone reading this blog is healthy and staying safe. It appears the State, County and Austin are at odds again. It appears Judge Eckhardt will be out of the Judges chair soon. She resigned from here current position to run for retiring state Sen. Kirk Watson and was held over because of the pandemic. She has also had an issue with a campaign ethics violation and has returned $5K in donations. Retired Judge Sam Biscoe will take his oath of office May 13, BUT, Biscoe plans to appoint Eckhardt as his emergency management assistant. Round and round we go.
I've been frustrated with the path Lakeway is taking - it's been hard to get enthused with writing a blog, hence the delay. Although they claim to be more transparent then ever, it seems that is selective.
What is the main charge of City government? Mainly to keep their citizens safe. Enforcing laws and ordinances in the city.
*****RR 620 Project*****
For instance - what have you heard about the RR 620 project lately? Not much. Did you know that the money slated for that project has been moved to the IH-35 project? Bet not. No communication about how much our city leaders fought to keep it here. Did they?
*****Council Meeting*****
Council Agenda / Packet, May 4, 2020
5) The Charter Review Committee presented their recommendations to Council Monday evening. It went on for two and a half hours with pontificating and challenges to the committees decisions. Now they are going to meet again on it with "more data". Everyone seemed to have their mind made up on their specific issues and just argued those points. The committee has been working hard for months to come up with what they felt was best for the City of Lakeway. I'm concerned that some of our elected officials are more worried about arguing their point than what is best for the citizens. And, the committee worked really well together! I am proud to say that although we came from different angles on several different issues, it was a very professional conversation and a consensus was achieved on all the issues.
6) The Trail and Connectivity Plan was authorized unanimously.
7) Council talked about the Swim Center Policies and swim team use for quite a while. They eventually voted to have Andra go ahead with a RFP process to continue the offering. This was another example of Council wanting to micromanage the departments in the city. The city pays department heads good money, they are doing a good job, why not let them manage it?
8) The Policy Review discussed and salary study was mostly about the police. To make a long story short, they accepted the salary study and are implementing it in the police department. We will now be competitive with cities around us - Austin, Travis County and other larger cities. Lots of money.
9) Since it was already late, some of the discussion on use of the HOT for economic recovery was put off - there was still some discussion. Since the state doesn't appear to be changing the rules, it would be very hard to make use of this money.
10, 11, 12 - Infamous executive sessions.
11) After they returned, they voted to sign the YMCA MOU. Have you seen any costs or information on this MOU? I've sent in an Open Records Request for the MOU (one of many ORR's) and here is the reply from the city:
The Office of the Attorney
General has recently clarified that if a governmental body has closed its
physical offices for purposes of a public health or epidemic response, or if a
governmental body is unable to access its records on a calendar day, then such
day is not a business day under the Act, even if staff continues to work
remotely or staff is present but involved directly in the public health or
epidemic response.
In response to state and local orders related to COVID-19 mitigation measures, and to keep our staff and community members safe during this time, beginning on March 18, 2020 the City has temporarily closed its physical offices to the public and will only allow essential employees involved with the City’s response to COVID-19 to remain onsite, in addition to other employee working remotely. Conditions may change and updates will be provided on the City’s website.
The days that the City’s offices will be closed during this time do not constitute business days for purposes of the PIA. Additionally, the City is not able to access its records as not all staff are present or are working in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Accordingly, your request will be considered received when the City reopens its physical offices and resumes normal business operations. Once the City re-opens its offices and resumes its regular operations, all pending requests will be processed in accordance with the PIA.
For further information on the calculation of deadlines
under the PIA, please visit the website of the Texas Attorney General at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government/governmental-bodies/catastrophe-notice/update-calculation-business-days-and-covid-19
What that means is they aren't doing ORR's until the pandemic is over because they don't have to.
I also have requests in for:
- Cherry Knoll Agreement
- YMCA MOU
- Signal Light Cost on Lohmans
- City Manager Contract
All with the same reply. Someday!
I saw the temporary buildings leaving the Emmaus Church on Sunday. I'm not sure if the are gone or just replaced.
The Lakeway Church construction is moving ahead and full speed. 
That's all for today. More as we get further down the line. I really appreciate the concern and well wishes from those missing the blog - it is appreciated.
As always, please keep Sky Pictures in mind if you or someone you know needs aerial photography.
If you would like to be added to my email list, please send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get it done.
Once again, I hope all of you and yours are safe in this mess. Be careful and stay healthy!
Joe Bain
Thanks, Joe. Your blog cuts to the chase.
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