Mayor's report
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Here is the full text of Mayor Parker's Spring 2019 "State of the City" report:
The state of the City of Bee Cave is strong; very strong. A few highlights and milestones from the past year include:
City Council passed a resolution to support TxDOT’s plan to improve RM 620 by adding two lanes, creating a six-lane divided roadway from SH 71 to north of Lakeway Boulevard. The resolution included financial participation in the project of up to $5 million. We continue to participate in meetings with TxDOT and the City of Lakeway determine the design of the final project. Contract letting is estimated to be the summer of 2022.
In line with our 2016 Comprehensive Plan, Council elected to update its Code of Ordinances, with specific focus on land development regulations (“Development Ordinances”), which includes signage. The project includes an analysis of the City’s existing regulations and a review of the City’s adopted plans which will result in a comprehensive amendment or rewrite to the regulatory documents. This project will include intensive community-wide education so that the revised ordinances can be understood by the community, elected officials and city staff.
Our “Comprehensive Master Plan” and “Connectivity Plan” identified transportation, including pedestrian, as very important to citizens. We are pleased that over
In addition to trails, the City also approved a site plan to build a road connecting Bee Cave Parkway to Ladera Blvd which is scheduled to open mid-2019. Included with the road is sidewalk/trail access connecting our Ladera
neighborhood to Bee Cave Parkway, then east along Bee Cave Parkway to our 620 Trail at the Old Dog Park. The City remains dedicated to expanding our multi-modal transportation system within our city.
Effective September 4, 2018, Council accepted the resignation of long time City Manager Travis Askey, and hired Clint Garza as his successor. Mr. Garza's background includes 11 years with Hays County, most recently as Executive Director of Countywide Operations and Chief of Staff. Mr. Garza has already made significant contributions to our city.
Hearing pleas for more open space within our city, Council purchased the “Brown Property”, a 44-acre tract on Great Divide Drive. There are no current plans for the property.
The City proudly accepted an upgrade to Platinum status, the highest award tier, from The Scenic Cities Certification program. Only thirteen communities across Texas have received this status since the program was instituted which demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to preserving and enhancing the visual character of our city through our Code of Ordinances.
In Fall 2018, Council approved a planned development district for the final phase of the Spanish Oaks development, the Village at Spanish Oaks. The roughly $850 million project will feature offices, detached single-family homes, townhomes, retail/restaurant, and a boutique hotel.
The Bee Cave Public Library continues to adapt to meet the rising demand for library services from our growing population, offering a wide range of programs for all ages and interests. Attendance at programs was up 9% over 2017 levels. We are very pleased that our facility and services are so utilized.
The Bee Cave Police Department continues to address traffic as a top concern of our citizens. We successfully securing a “Selective Traffic Enforcement Grant” from the Texas Department of Transportation to target dangerous intersections and drivers on Highway 71. We also added two additional officers, certified for bike patrol, who are stationed at the Hill Country Galleria, working out of a new Community Police Station partnership there. Our fiscal 2019 budget included an increase for police officer compensation that mimics the market for officers. Our department was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for their continued efforts in DWI enforcement.
The City’s financial state remains exceptional due to our fiscally conservative approach to budgeting and operations. The ad valorem (property) tax rate continues to be one of the lowest in the State of Texas. Sales tax revenues, the primary source of income for our City, continue to be strong and have exceeded budgeted projections in recent years. Our strong sales tax revenue is the reason we can maintain such low property tax rates. Last fiscal year’s numbers indicate our revenue and expenditures were up 19% and 10% respectively.
The City’s future looks bright, as development continues and population grows. We will continue to struggle with traffic issues that are mostly beyond our control, but we remain focused on creating a lifestyle and environment that is exceptional to our citizens and visitors.
Additional information can be found on the City website at: beecavetexas.com. It is both an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Bee Cave.
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