Official Website of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas

 

January 23, 2007

Council Comments….. 

 I know I shouldn’t say it – but, in my brief experience, today’s meeting might have been a little boring.  Just kidding, but at one point during the CPAs presentation of the City’s annual audit, Bill Lloyd did ask if we could dispense with this and move on.  Audit’s can be that way, especially if there are no findings and all the numbers look good.  An earlier highpoint involved the following recognitions -

                        Presentation of Staff Five Year Service Awards

                                    Brad Casey – Firefighter

                                    Todd Colvin – Firefighter

                                    Joe Bates – Firefighter

                         Hill Country 100 2006 Award Recipients

                                    Mike Martin – Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

                                    Jeremy Schwartzer – Firefighter of the Year

                                    Megan Garcia – Support Person of the Year

We are so fortunate – great public servants everywhere you look.  Way to go folks!!

OK – back to the meeting – did I mention the audit??

The Lifestyle Committee, represented by Chairman Jim Long, presented a proposed smoking ordinance addressed at public and public owned buildings.  Restaurants, bars, convention centers and other privately owned businesses were not included.  This generated some discussion of this controversial item – while yours truly is a “no smoking” guy – the committee and your council will continue to deliberate this topic, much discussion to come. 

Next was the Deer Feeding Ordinance.  Now there’s an easy one.  The basic idea is to enforce the Horseshoe Bay POA’s rules.  The difference – there will be consequences for offenders – fines will result.  The Parking Ordinance followed.  Hopefully this will help alleviate congestion problems associated with builder and weekender parking problems.

Fireworks – basically a no-no unless a permit is obtained.  My guess is this will be a tough get unless you hire professionals.  Firearms Ordinance – state law supercedes much of the City’s ability to regulate.  Basically pardner – no packing in the City Limits unless you have a license to carry, are eliminating varmints on your property, open a shooting gallery or you are hunting on the one deer lease located within the City limits.

Everyone with an interest in any of these activities covered by these ordinances should consult the City website or obtain a copy at the City Hall.

The City’s Sales Tax Committee recommended that the City hold an election on May 12, 2007 to have the citizens approve a 1 ˝ % City Sales Tax.  As a result of a council resolution, proceeds, in their entirety, would be directed to Ad Valorem Tax reductions.  This would allow visitors to our community to share in the cost of maintaining our infrastructure.  Another outstanding job by a committee of three – Jerry Dunn, Bob Lowry and Neil Younker.

Much discussion followed concerning the Property Improvement District (PID), the Development Agreement and the ultimate annexation of the Skywater Development.  The short story is that nothing has been approved except that negotiations will continue and a Council workshop will be conducted on February 13 at 1 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the proposed agreements – page by page.  And we’re talking lots of pages.  Oh well, I wasn’t planning anything that day – afternoon – evening. 

Much information on the Skywater Project will be available on the City website, The Beacon, at City Hall and in the HSB Rumor Mill – always a good source.  This is an important issue for our community and I encourage all to be informed and share your concerns.  Your Council is listening.

Let’s see, we approved the five doublewides at Escondido – just kidding again!   They are temporary sales and construction trailers.  Several replats and zoning variances were approved

Another important 2007 issue – the Roads – was discussed briefly.  Yours truly and Alderman Bird will discuss their respective roads with the other 10 POA’s in Horseshoe Bay.  They own them and maintain them, but a good plan for their future is a must.  The Horseshoe Bay POA will hold a Town Hall meeting on January 30 at the Marriot to discuss their proposal.  Please attend if possible.  This is an important issue to all citizens.   

Well, that’s about it.  We did pass a resolution expressing support for the Red Raider (Texas Tech) Hill Country Education Network – even us Longhorn’s approved.

Well until next time….. 

Jeff Robinson         

 

 

 

 

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