Results of the July 18th meeting

I apologize for this post being a day late; last night and today were extremely busy.

I arrived at this meeting two minutes late, having drove straight in from DFW. The Yard of the Month awards were in progress, given to the Lomax, Farrell, Péna and Walker families. Only Mr. Lomax was in attendance, and posed with Mayor Bill Weber for a photo.

Then William Klump, Woodway's Finance Director for the past 10 years, received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. William is a real gem, as honest as the day is long and very careful and dedicated in the budgeting process.

Item 3 was to hear from visitors, but none were present to speak.

Item 4 was a presentation by the Charter Review Committee, chaired by Mr. Link Harris. The committee spent many hours carefully going through the City charter to update the language and resolve certain ambiguities. Mr. Harris also recognized the significant contribution of Natalie Edwards, Assistant to the City Manager.

The State of Texas threw a wrench in the works with SB 100, which (to comply with the federal MOVE mandate) made primary election dates so early that they interfere with municipal (city) election dates. One effect is that counties no longer are required to provide voting machines for municipal elections. There are several options for cities, but all involve inconveniences.

Item 5 was final action on an application to develop a multi-story office/retail building in the 7400 block of Woodway Drive (Hwy 84). Approved.

Item 6 was an ordinance to amend ordinance 98-26. This involved fixing a historical problem with the zoning at the Woodway First Baptist Church that dated back to 1998. This allows the Church to move ahead with (I believe) an expansion of their school facilities.

Item 7 was acceptance of an application for a high-end auto repair facility proposed in the vicinity of the Hollywood Theaters.

Item 8 was acceptance of an application to convert the old Kettle restaurant property near the corner of Hwy 6 and Hwy 84 to a convenience store with gas pumps. I believe it will be a 7-11 store.

Item 9 related to allowing a legal firm to check on whether the City has been overcharged for street lighting. This is to be done at no cost ton the City, and potentially could result in lowered costs and perhaps even some refund to the City.

Item 10 was selecting a bidder to do the landscaping for the Arboretum Expansion. Four bids were received, two were competetive, but Fitzgerald Landscaping was consistently rated somewhat better by two independent committees. Approved cost was $205,000, a figure that was carefully minimized by arboretum staff.

Item 11 was the "consent agenda", most notably repair of the Vactor (sewer pumping) truck ($7126) and also renewal of Boy Scout Flag Services ($3060).The scouts put up 102 American flags along Estates and Bosque Blvds six times a year (Labor Day, Veterans Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day). The scouts do this remarkably efficiently and inexpensively too. A special use permit was also renewed (catalog sales out of 12000 Woodfall Circle).

Item 12 was approval of the consent agenda.

Item 13 was presentation on the proposed 2011/2012 budget and proposed 2011 ad valorem tax rate. The Council decided to leave the rate where it has been for the past 10 years, $ 0.4572 per $100 of accessed valuation.

Item 14 was the City Manager's report. Most notably, Captain Barney Witt intends to file for McClennan County Sheriff.

The Council adjourned about 7:14 pm