Next was a time to hear from visitors, but none came forward to speak.
Then there was an update on the Business Acres (BA) and Hwy 84 wells. The BA well has been drilled but this deeper water is coming out hotter (116°F) than usual (the Hwy 84 well runs at 97-98°F). This means that cooling will be necessary before the water can be pumped into the system, and this will almost certainly increase the cost, by perhaps as much as 30%. But it is still well worth the cost, as well water costs roughly $0.78 per 1000 gallons to produce, while Waco water costs about $3.10 per 1000 gallons (which is more than what Woodway charges residents). As well consultant Bob Wallace mentioned, the City could be said to lose money when we need to use Waco water. The good news is that the Hwy 84 well, long a source of problems, is pumping and testing nicely.
Then the Council was presented with the consent agenda, which included purchase of chlorine for water treatment and new jackets for the Patrol section of Public Safety.
Then Marion Lee of Bacon Lee Associates gave a presentation of what is involved in a feasibility (or planning) study of possible fundraising for the Arboretum development. She is a principle in a highly experienced firm that specializes in this. The Council approved $36k to fund this feasibility study, which can include a survey of opinions about of certain other City-related activities like the Family Center.
Then was a discussion of the "parking ordinance", that is, the camper/RV/boat parking rules. The Council unanimously agreed that the wording of the current ordinance was confusing, and the majority also agreed that campers, RVs and boats should not be allowed to be parked in front of a home, nor in side yards unless screened. I was the lone dissenter. I can't recall having ever been bothered by seeing anyone's camper, RV or boat. So I agreed only that on-street parking should be prohibited, feeling that driveway parking should be allowed. But the Council consensus was otherwise. The Ordinance Committee will be revisiting the wording soon.
The Council then accepted the resignation of General Bill Weber, who is currently employed elsewhere. His humor and military efficiency are greatly missed.
Then the Council went into Executive Session to discuss how to deal with the resulting Council vacancy.
Open session was resumed and the meeting quickly adjourned, ending about 7:25 pm.
