Official Website of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas

 

January 10, 2007

Council Comments….

What a day?  The U.S. Congress under new leadership.  The Texas Legislature convenes with a spirited battle for Speaker of the House and …. You guessed it an exciting City Council meeting.  After waiting in 2147 traffic for 15 minutes (someone ought to complain to the Council), I arrived for the meeting which Mayor Lambert convened promptly at 3:00 p.m.

I’ll cut directly to the chase.  A spirited discussion was held concerning the proposed Skywater Public Improvement District.  Much discussion was held concerning Skywater’s petition, published in the Llano newspaper and submitted to the City of Horseshoe Bay.  This document which has little substance is the method required by state law that a developer must use to request consideration by the City of their PID.  The present draft of a Development Agreement between the City and Skywater contained several onerous provisions as viewed by several constituents in attendance.  The issues raised concerned bond issuance, building permits, lot owner assessment and more traffic (darn).  Let me try to be brief.  The key word was “draft”.  Much negotiating and editing remain to be done.  Sam Martin explained that Skywater will request no bonds and the Council, put Robinson down as “no Skywater bonds” appeared opposed if they did ask.  Building permits time constraints are yet to be finalized.  Lot owner assessment will be only on those purchasing lots in Skywater and they’ll be told when they buy the lot.  These assessments will repay the developer for infrastructure expenses such as roads, water and sewage.  Traffic – it’s inevitable.  Skywater will be developed – with or without a PID.  As will the new developments in Cottonwood and Marble Falls on 2147 be completed.  Skywater is currently not in our city limits, but they desire to be annexed.  If annexed your City Council will have more input as to the final product.  Their property taxes should be a plus considering the property values of the proposed construction. 

Folks – keep in mind – prior to incorporation neither you or I or the Mayor or anyone else would have had input concerning this project.  I think your Council will do a good job negotiating the PID, overseeing the development and protecting your interest.  Hey – that’s why you pay us the “Big Bucks”.  More discussion is encouraged including the Public Hearing on January 23, 2007.  Remember, we are at the very beginning of the Skywater project.  And after all, it is the fourth golf course.

Now, what I consider an equally big issue.  Roads!  Ninety percent of all the streets/roads in Horseshoe Bay are owned and maintained by the Horseshoe Bay POA.  For a number of good reasons that they will explain at two Town Hall meetings in the near future, they would like to turn those roads over to the City.  Since your Council has no desire to acquire those roads in their current condition, the POA will propose a reasonable property owner assessment to be paid over 5 years.  Keep in mind we have 122 miles of roads aged 25-35 (wish I could say that).  The POA has only 350-400 thousand dollars per year to pay for maintenance.  Considering the age, the traffic and the dollars available, the POA has done a great job.  But, the truth is, cities do roads, and we need a plan and a schedule to make it happen.  Much more to follow from the POA, and ultimately from the Council.

A new Subdivision Ordinance was passed.  Key points are – it applies only to new development and will be a road map for not only the city, but also developers in building new subdivisions, like Skywater.

Lastly, to complete an exciting evening, thank goodness – we tabled the Blasting Ordinance.

Until our next meeting, this is your Chief Information Officer (CIO) signing off.

 

                                                                        JEFF ROBINSON

 

 

 

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