Some bitter cold temperatures have hit the area, and according to weather reports, the freezing temperatures will likely last through the holiday weekend. If you haven't already prepared, it's important to keep in mind the 4 P's for winter safety:
PEOPLE
Before going outside in the extreme temperatures, be sure to dress in layers to protect yourself. When heating your home, be careful not to use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, or charcoal-burning devices, since they can generate deadly carbon monoxide gas. Also, be careful where space heaters are placed, and that they are not left unattended for extended periods of time.
PETS
Be sure to bring your pets inside to keep them warm and safe.
PIPES
Insulate or cover exposed pipes to protect them from freezing. Turn off outside faucets, and drip ONE faucet only if needed.
PLANTS
Cover your plants or bring them inside.
CLICK HERE for more important cold weather safety tips. The City of Lakeway wants you to remain safe and warm this holiday weekend!
Lakeway held its regular City Council meeting for December on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. at Lakeway City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Vance was not present at the meeting. Here is a brief recap:
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
Mayor Kilgore presented a proclamation to Lakeway Police Chief Glen Koen indicating January 2023 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It's estimated there are 27.6 million victims of forced labor globally, where 12% of the victims are children. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that one out of six endangered runaways are likely child sex trafficking victims. Texas ranks second in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking. The City of Lakeway recognizes the need for greater awareness and accountability in regards to human trafficking, and the Lakeway Police Department remains committed to the detection and prevention of potential cases in our community.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Lakeway Finance Director Aaron Daigle gave an update on the current state of the City of Lakeway's finances for the first two months of the fiscal year, which started on Oct. 1, 2022. Revenue is below expectation by $242,321 due mainly to a delay in the collection of property taxes from the county level. On the expenditures side, the City of Lakeway currently has $275,444 in savings mainly due to staff salary savings with some current open positions.
TEXARTS HOT FUND REQUEST
City Council approved (6-0) hotel occupancy tax funds for TexARTS in the amount of $20,000 for advertising and marketing, and $50,000 for promotion of the arts. Interim Executive Director of TexARTS Sandy Cox gave a presentation indicating around 3,300 attendees are expected for upcoming performances in 2023. CLICK HERE to learn more about TexARTS and upcoming performances.
TARANGA DRIVE PRELIMINARY PLAN
City Council approved (6-0) the preliminary plan for the development of a new street to be known as Taranga Drive. This area is located at the end of Sailmaster Street, where it turns into Rupen Drive. The submitted preliminary plan includes the development of ten residential lots and one drainage reserve lot.
TREE ORDINANCE UPDATE
City Council voted (6-0) to approve the proposed amendments to the City Tree Ordinance. City Forester Richard Leon have a full presentation outlining the changes at the City Council Work Session earlier this month that would protect and support a sustainable and resilient tree canopy. This updated ordinance could also 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. The approved ordinance also includes the creation of a City Tree Fund to house fees and revenue generated by the updated ordinance, which could then be used to purchase and install new trees.
CLICK HERE to review the full agenda and video from Monday night's meeting.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
There are several ongoing and upcoming events planned through the remainder of the year. Here are some of the events you and your family can take part in through next week.
TRAIL OF LIGHTS
The popular Trail of Lights will continue to shine brightly every evening on the trails behind City Hall through Jan. 2, 2023. This experience is FREE and open to the public. Parking is available at the City Hall parking lot, or the Activity Center parking lot.
MENORAH LIGHTING
The lighting ceremony for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah will continue to take place every evening around 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. The menorah is located just outside of the City Hall entrance at 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road. If you're interested in participating in one of the ceremonies the next few days, feel free to email us at [email protected]
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Prepare to take the plunge to wash off 2022 and bring in the new year on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 from 9 a.m. through 10 a.m. at the Lakeway Swim Center. Participants will take a ride down the slide into the leisure pool, and then be treated to hot chocolate, snacks and a chance to take a picture with the Lakeway Polar Bear. The first 20 participants will also get a Lakeway towel. This event is FREE and open to the public. However, early registration is encouraged. CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
NEW YEAR SWIM CHALLENGE
The challenge returns on Friday, Dec. 30 at 9 a.m. at the Lakeway Swim Center in the lap pool. Lanes are limited, so if you're interested in participating, please call the Lakeway Swim Center at (512) 261-3000.
Finally, a reminder that City of Lakeway offices are closed today and will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 for the Christmas holiday. If you have trash service with Waste Connections, your trash and recycling services will run on a normal schedule through next week. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies through the weekend, please call the Lakeway Police Department at (512) 261-2800. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa from the City of Lakeway!
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Community Blood Drive
The next Lakeway Community Blood Drive will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 from 8 a.m. through noon at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Registrations are highly encouraged, as appointments do fill up fast. If appointments are full, you will be added to a short waitlist. While those who register will get priority in the donation process, walk-ins will also be accepted at the event. Lakeway blood drive donations are distributed to over 45 hospitals and clinics across 10 Central Texas counties to help those most in need. CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
Activity Center Display
The next time you visit the Lakeway Activity Center, be sure to take a peek at the display case in the main lobby. The glass display features exhibits from local artisans and organizations in the area. This month, the display takes on a holiday theme by featuring a variety of Nativity sets by local resident Linda Rives (pictured). If you're interested in displaying a particular themed collection, contact the Lakeway Activity Center at (512) 261-1010 or email [email protected]. CLICK HERE for more details about the current featured pieces.
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