December Special City Council Meeting Recap (Work Session)

City Council met in Special Session on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 at Lakeway City Hall. This was primarily a work session, with few action items. Councilmember Kumar attended virtually, while all other members met in person. Here is a brief recap from that meeting: 

TRANSPORTATION BOND UPDATE

City Council received an update from a municipal advisory firm regarding the recently passed $17.5 million transportation bond that went to the voters on Nov. 8, 2022. The bond passed by about 67%. The update included information on interest rates and financial timelines. Further discussions will continue over the next several months, and no decision was made Monday evening. 

FY 2022 BUDGET CLOSING ITEMS

Lakeway Finance Director Aaron Daigle gave an update on the close of the FY 2022 budget, which wrapped up on Sept. 30, 2022, outlining items that were either approved, paid for and not previously budget during that budget cycle, as well as items that were approved, not yet received or paid for, and anticipated to be paid for now in the current FY 2023 budget. This was just a discussion, as the final FY 2022 budget amendment is expected to be voted on at the next regular City Council meeting later in December.   

620 OVERLAY DISTRICT (FUTURE WIDENING)

City Senior Planner Charlie Sullivan gave an update of the potential impacts of the upcoming 620 widening project. The City of Lakeway is currently working on an overlay zoning district as a planning strategy to manage the impacts on the future expansion of RM 620. Even though a date has yet to be set when the widening project would take place, city staff began researching potential impacts by structuring a plan that includes five tasks. The senior planner completed Task 1, which is an inventory of impacts and was the primary discussion Monday evening. In this stage, it was identified there would be 214 impacts in the city, on 84 sites. Those impacts along 620 include buildings, driveways, detention ponds, monument signs and impervious cover. No decisions were made Monday evening, but there will be future council discussions as the tasks progress. 

TREE ORDINANCE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

City Forester Richard Leon gave a presentation on proposed amendments for the City Tree Ordinance. An urban forestry consulting firm was hired to assist staff in updating all tree-related ordinances to protect the urban forest's benefits and support a sustainable and resilient tree canopy. The desired outcome for the updated ordinance could pave the way for a Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation, as well as being able to combine existing standards in various code sections and chapters into a single tree protection ordinance, helping create a more enforceable ordinance for greater urban forest management standards. The proposed ordinance also includes the creation of a City Tree Fund to house fees, revenue and other monies generated by the updated ordinance, which could then be used to purchase and install new trees, or the purchase of property for the purpose of tree planting and land conservation. This was also just a discussion item, with a vote on the updated ordinance expected by City Council at the next regular City Council meeting. 

CLICK HERE to view the video and full agenda from the Special City Council Meeting Monday evening. 

Polar Express Experience

The Lakeway Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to another magical holiday event this evening in the City Hall parking lot with a free movie showing of "The Polar Express." The event will happen starting around 6 p.m., and will include holiday treats and a trackless train ride for children in attendance. Bring your lawn chairs and other snacks. Holiday pajamas are also encouraged. Attendees will also have a chance to visit the Trail of Lights afterwards, which will be on during the event directly behind City Hall. CLICK HERE for more details.  

Afternoon Concert Series

The Lakeway Arts Committee is proud to present another special Sunday Afternoon Concert Series featuring Pianist Kiyoshi Tamagawa. This event will take place this coming Sunday, Dec. 11 starting at 4 p.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center located at 105 Cross Creek. This performance will be FREE and open to the public. This is not the first time Kiyoshi has entertained Lakeway audiences. He also gave a special concert performance virtually through our YouTube channel during the COVID-19 pandemic, when gatherings were limited or not allowed. Come experience his brilliant piano skills during this family-friendly event. CLICK HERE to learn more about Kiyoshi.  

Local Jazz Performance

The Lake Travis Community Library presents a special concert featuring local jazz vocalist Lisa Clark on Friday, Dec. 16 starting at 3 p.m. This free concert will take place at the library located at 1938 Lohmans Crossing Road.  Lisa will perform classic and original songs in a variety of styles, including jazz and pop. Lisa grew up in L..A. and is the daughter of Grammy award-winning bass player, Buddy Clark. CLICK HERE for more information, including other events and programs offered by the local library. 

TexARTS Holiday Event

The TexARTS holiday tradition returns to dazzle area residents in its 'Final Fa La La.' The swinging cabaret will feature songs from Elvis, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Sugarland, Michael Buble, and Peggy Lee, among others. Performances will take place Dec. 15-18 at the Kam and James Morris Theatre located at 2300 Lohman's Spur, Suite 160. Tickets are available for purchase online. CLICK HERE for more information and to reserve your seat to this holiday performance.