Official Website of the City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas

 

February 20, 2007

Council Comments….. 

            Tuesday night’s meeting of your City Council was both well attended and productive and, while many issues were resolved, two very large issues will require much work during the next several months.  Unfortunately (just kidding), yours truly was volunteered to participate in the resolution of both issues.  As we always say “that’s why we get paid the …..”.   Oh, never mind, it’s a tired joke.

            The meeting kicked off with prayer and the pledges, followed by a “thank you” and plaque presentation by the Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Department.  As all good neighbors should, our fire folks have assisted the Cottonwood VFD in several ways during the past year.  And they, were committed to return the favor, should the need arise.

            The Lago Escondido re-zoning and replat issue attracted many comments from the immediate neighbors in “The Rocks” vicinity.  Serious opposition was raised concerning quality of life and safety issues.  Escondido’s desire to zone and plat 6.37 acres of the southeast corners of “The Rock” as one R6 (multi-family) lot would increase the number of residences from 11 to 23.  While only 12 of the residences would actually be multi-family townhome condos, the remaining 11 being 10 freestanding “casitas” and one R-estate lot, the density would increase in the development.  The other major concern of current homeowners related to boat and jet ski traffic in the triangle formed by Lago Escondido, Applehead Island and the Anchorage.  The Council agreed that more discussion and concessions were necessary and voted to table both the replat and re-zone.  A committee composed of the developer, several Applehead Island, Applehead and Anchorage residents and your truly (another opportunity) will be formed to discuss these issues and hopefully reach a consensus that will be acceptable to neighbors and the developer.

            Following that somewhat lengthy discussion, we moved on to killing weeds.  The Council approved an expenditure up to $25,000 to pay the LCRA to spray the nasty vegetation in the lake.

            Mike Thuss, the City’s General Manager discussed future water conservation efforts.  This is one of my short and long-term goals.  Having lived in Central Texas for 45 years, I have seen Lake Travis and the Pedernales rise and fall, but never like they have recently.  While Lake LBJ is a constant level lake, I think it behooves us as citizens of a lakeside community to voluntarily do what we can to reduce water usage.  Since I don’t think any of us are quite up to working on the supply side, we need to do what we can on the demand side.  More to come on ideas, plans and recommendations.

            Phil Lee, HSB POA director discussed again the status of the POA’s planned vote on an assessment and subsequent road improvements.  Everything seems on course for a 30 day vote beginning April 1.  Councilman Bird and I (yet another opportunity) were volunteered by the Mayor to meet with the POA Board to discuss disposition of the POA funds currently budgeted for road maintenance, following the City’s assumption of the roads.  If the POA assessment passes, your 2007 assessment bill will arrive in June.  That’s the bad news -----good news is its tax deductible.  A CPA opinion is being obtained to verify the “Good News”.

            By the way, if anyone else was wondering about dumping trash at the Recycle Center (a hot topic I’m sure).  Just tell the folks working there you are a Horseshoe Bay resident.  If you send your yard care professional to dump your trash, his possession of a copy of your water bill would facilitate the disposal activity.

            Another hot topic disposed of by the Council unanimously was a motion by Alderwoman Wines concerning the “Not no, but absolutely no” perks policy.  The council will receive no compensation, perks or reimbursement for ordinary expenses.  Expenses for “extraordinary” Council-directed travel expenses to exotic locations like Maui and Cabo (not likely) will be reimbursed.  If City business requires travel to another city, travel and lodging can be reimbursed.  At the end of each fiscal year, the General Manager will issue a summary (public document) for the Council’s review outlining any such expenditures.

            Jim Long, Lifestyle Committee Chair, presented smoking, deer feeding, fireworks and firearms ordinances for discussion and adoption.  They were passed unanimously – so, you chain-smoking, pistol packing, cherry bomb throwing deer feeders beware.  Ordinances are available on the City website for your perusal.

            The Council will have an additional open meeting on March 6, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the Skywater agreements and documents.  Sounds like a long day to me.

            Well Bay Buckaroos – until next time, this is the CIO signing off.

Jeff Robinson         

 

 

 

 

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