October 26, 2022 Hays Free Press

Hays Free Press

HCSO hosts Coffee with a Cop

Residents speak out about cracking homes “I don’t have $30,000 to fix this foundation”

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

BUDA — Whispering Hollow residents are trying to ‘crack’ the code as to why they are having home infrastructure issues.

Paul Tenney is one of the many residents of Whispering Hollow in Buda who have begun noticing cracks spreading throughout his home.

The neighborhood was originally built by

Ryland Homes, that was bought out by Lennar – a homebuilder that residents have had issues with in the area.

Tenney and his family moved to Buda in 2007 after outgrowing their home in South Austin.

“I was contracting, not around [the are], for quite some time, and the city was doing this water study; they thought

Landowner opposes Limestone Creek water diversion

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE– Kyle City Council voted 5-1 on Oct. 18 to create the Limestone Creek Public Improvement District.

Council member Yvonne Flores-Cale was the dissenting vote.

According to the Vice President of Land Acquisition of Meritage Homes Justin Belmore, stormwater flows and is collected at the Limestone Creek property’s southeast corner. Developers are planning on detaining and improving the detention of the area to reduce the water flow off of their site below existing conditions.

The project has been designed and is in phase one of construction.

Brandon Hammond,

vice president of the development, said they don’t anticipate drainage issues within their development because that’s what they have control of.

But Rick Coleman, who is a general partner of FM 158 Land, LTD, which owns 600 acres that adjoin the developer’s property, said he recently discovered the City formed two agreements with Sandera Land Development Company, LLC and LaSalle Mud No. 1, which deals with roadway and drainage improvements from Dec. 15, 2020, but he didn’t agree to take the water.

“In that agreement, the city and the developer agreed to build berms that divert and channelize onto FM 158’s property,” he said. “I did not agree to take this water.”

And, according to

Sec. 11.086 of the Texas Water Code, Coleman shouldn’t have to. The code states: (a) No person may divert or impound the natural flow of surface waters in this state, or permit a diversion or impounding by him to continue, in a manner that damages the property of another by the overflow of the water diverted or impounded. (b) A person whose property is injured by an overflow of water caused by an unlawful diversion or impounding has remedies at law and in equity and may recover damages occasioned by the overflow.

Coleman noted that no one came to speak to him about this when the agreements were being drafted. He only learned about the agreements because he noticed construction near his property.

Buda PD awarded TPCA accreditation

STAFF REPORT

BUDA– The Buda Police Department recently earned the “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” award from the Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) Law Enforcement Accreditation

Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd presented the details about the accreditation and presentation of the award at the Buda City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11. The

TPCA Accreditation Program evaluates a

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“What they’re not telling you is once it comes off of their property, and they’re right, it belongs to the next guy over, but that is LaSalle. And what they have done is they have an agreement with the city to build diversion dikes,” Coleman continued. “And it’s an illegal move.”

Coleman also said that the millions of gallons of water being diverted to the FM 158 property will eventually cause massive flooding and damage.

“I will not let FM 158 Land’s property rights be diminished so that the city, Meritage, Lennar, LaSalle, Waterstone and TACK Development can benefit with more homes in their developments from this illegal diversion of water,” Coleman said. “We are not the regional

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Several community members attended the latest Coffee with a Cop in Buda, including Hays CISD representatives Meredith Keller, Esperanza Orosco, Suzi Mitchell and Courtney Runkle.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office hosted Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 20 at Meridian, located on Main Street in Buda, giving community members an opportunity to meet and talk with constables, deputies and police officers while also supporting a local coffee shop. The event aims to connect law enforcement and residents and build positive relationships with each other. The next Coffee with a Cop event will take place starting at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Summer Moon Coffee in Kyle.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Cracks across Paul Tenney’s kitchen tile.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

A hole in Mark Venditelli’s yard.

“I did not agree to take this water”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

From left, Buda City Council members Matt Smith and Paul Daugereau; Mayor Pro Tem Evan Ture; Mayor Lee Urbanovsky; Police Chief Bo Kidd; and council members Terry Cummings, LaVonia Horne-Williams and Monica Davidson.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — Jeffrey Conzemius, 60, was sentenced to seven years for a 2020 hit and run accident that resulted in the death of Viola Garcez. Judge Sherri Tibbe presided over the sentencing hearing held Oct. 18.

On Oct. 10, 2020, officers were dispatched to the H-E-B in Buda for a motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic accident. Officers found Garcez, 67, struck in the middle of the crosswalk. Multiple witnesses attempted to stop Conzemius, then 58, who fled the scene in his truck.

Kyle Police Department officers were able to locate Conzemius and his vehicle near his home in Kyle and conducted a traffic

stop. Body camera footage played during the hearing showed Conzemius telling Deputy Jorge Cruz Jr. he did not have drugs or alcohol in his system and initially denying being taken to the hospital for a blood alcohol level test.

Conzemius eventually agreed to the test, which showed .08% BAC level and

positive for THC. He was later charged with Accident Involving Death and transported to the Hays County Jail, being held on a $60,000 surety bond before being released from jail the next day.

Garcez was transported to Ascension Seton Hays in critical condition and later died. Her autopsy stated the preliminary cause of death was “multiple traumatic injuries.”

During the hearing, Garcez’s daughter Inez gave a powerful testimony to a visibly emotional court, speaking candidly about witnessing the accident, how it has affected her and her children’s lives and reflecting on memories she has left of her mother.

“If I went somewhere, my mom would go with us. She attended every single thing of the kids’. She

always said we were her lifeline,” Inez said. “She was a very vivid, vibrant woman. We did everything together. There wasn’t a thing that we didn’t do.” Cruz, who testified during the hearing, said that throughout the evening Conzemius had a calm demeanor, only asking once about Garcez and appearing to not express any sadness, anger or remorse even after he was told Garcez had died.

“In my experience, when I’ve had other incidents, people react pretty dramatically, or in the sense that they show emotion, whether it's crying, screaming, yelling. Those are for lower level charges,” Cruz said. “Along this line, I’m informing him that somebody had been killed, and I had none of those responses from him.”

Conzemius’ ex-wife,

who served as a character witness for him, said that he was raised to “not show outward emotions in public” but that this situation had affected him immensely.

Conzemius told the court that he left the scene because he was scared and panicked, but that he initially didn’t see Garcez in the crosswalk, and later apologized for his actions on the stand.

Conzemius’ attorney asked for probation, while Benjamin Gillis, Assistant Criminal District Attorney and attorney for the State in the sentencing, suggested a jail sentence of 20 years. Ultimately, Tibbe sentenced Conzemius to seven years in prison, saying that she didn’t think probation alone was appropriate but that the maximum sentence suggested wasn’t

appropriate either.

“These kinds of cases are a horrible, horrible tragedy for the family of the deceased and also for the defendant, because I know that when he stepped out that night, he did not intend to run over that woman and kill her, but that’s what he did. Ms. Garcez did not deserve to die like that,” Tibbe said. “I understand, Mr. Conzemius, you have taken responsibility for this, you plead guilty. … But I still do not feel that you understand the depth of what you have done to this family and to the community and to the people who witnessed it that night. … I know that you didn’t mean to do this, but there has to be some accountability for it.”

Following the hearing, Conzemius was taken into custody.

Buda Council tables discussion on development agreement

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

BUDA — Deliberations around the development agreement for Persimmon, the 775-acre development proposed on the Bailey and Armbruster tracts off FM 967, have seemingly come

to a halt, for now.

The Buda City Council approved 6-0 to table the proposed agreement pending further discussion during its regular meeting on Oct. 18.

Council member Monica Davidson was not present due to an excused absence.

The vote came after the council unanimously approved a term sheet with a list of ten terms during the Sept. 20 council meeting. The sheet was to be used by developer MileStone to craft the final agreement.

The terms consider eminent domain, transportation, commercial lots, residential lots, tree mitigation, parkland dedication, a pilot prairie build program, annexation, Austin extraterritorial jurisdiction requirements and an aquifer geological report.

During the Oct. 18 meeting, MileStone CEO Garrett Martin said that they were able to fully meet all but three of the terms:

• The term sheet asked MileStone to eliminate multifamily rental uses and significantly increase lot sizes. MileStone has made some lot size increases but has not been able to meet the specific requirement outlined by the city. “The economy has changed pretty dramatically since we first started this conversation. … It’s had a dramatic impact on housing,” Martin explained.

• The term sheet asked MileStone to fully comply with the tree

preservation requirements in the ordinance. Martin said that MileStone has demonstrated an “incredible commitment” on the Bailey tract to get to full compliance, but it will take six months to produce information on the Armbruster tract to do so.

• The term sheet asked to increase commercial and civic land uses, thus reducing residential uses. Martin said there are limitations on how much land MileStone can use in the project, and the request for additional commercial comes with more traffic concerns. However, MileStone agreed to 40 acres following the city’s request for 60.

“We’ve done our very best to meet you, partially meet you in some cases, fully meet you in most cases,” Martin said, noting that they have held many community meetings over the last few months to educate the public. “There is nothing more to give. We are at an unfortunate crossroads. … We’ve stretched as far as we can comfortably do economically, because we want to make this vision and plan work and deliver

on the benefits of the project.”

The caveat to the development is that if it is not approved by the city of Buda, it will be built under Hays County rules and regulations which are less stringent. Certain commitments made by MileStone would go away, such as an FM 1626 connector and the addition of multi-family lots.

With this information, some residents have changed their tune, saying that they would rather it be built through the city to get all of the commitments MileStone is proposing while encouraging the city to hold MileStone accountable to these commitments. However, others continue to push back.

Nearly a dozen residents continued to speak on their concerns with the development during the public testimony portion of the meeting, addressing things like water, lot sizes, trees and traffic. Some, including council members, have acknowledged that aspects of the project have improved with the thorough discussion that has taken place. But ultimately, MileStone’s inability to

meet some of the crucial terms outlined in the term sheet made the council hesitant to approve the agreement.

“We’re still a ways off from my chair. Bailey, we have details. We have analytics. Armbruster?

We just have a general application,” council member Evan Smith said.

“I’m suffering from lack of data and further analytics on the other half. … I’m missing details.”

“I go back to something the mayor said a long time ago and the way he operates: ‘I will always work to get the best deal for Buda,’” Mayor Pro Tem Evan Ture said. “We’re always looking for the best deal for Buda, and we put that in the term sheet. And if the project can’t get done like that, I mean, one of the [residents] up here said maybe you need to sell it to somebody that would develop more like what we’re asking for.”

The next Buda City Council meeting will take place on Nov. 1, although it is not clear if the development agreement will be brought up again at this meeting.

City to recognize Kyle PD at Public Safety Center

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE — On Oct. 17, the Kyle City Council approved additional signage to recognize the police department at the Public Safety Center.

Council member Daniela Parsley motioned to direct city staff to have signage that says, “Public Safety Center” and additional signage that says, “Kyle Police Department.” Seconded by Yvonne Flores-Cale, the motion passed 5-1 with Mayor Travis Mitchell dissenting.

Flores-Cale, who introduced the item, said she liked to see a reference to the Kyle Police Department in some

capacity on the public safety center.

Mayor Pro Tem Robert Rizo said he would love to see the police department somewhere on the building while also keeping the public safety center name, as it would eventually be the new home of Kyle PD.

Council member Michael Tobias agreed that the city could recognize the department through signage, but he wants to see the building complete before making more physical changes.

Flores-Cale and Mitchell went back and forth.

“I’m not trying to take off the public safety center. I’m trying to add it because, in true fashion, it is a police

detention pond for the area. And that seems to be the plan for everybody.”

“They’re engineers for LaSalle; all the LaSalle projects are the engineers for Lennar too. So I feel like Rocky Balboa in a fight here, but I’m gonna fight it,” Coleman concluded.

Flores-Cale said she had concerns for Coleman, who is a landowner in her district, and flash flooding. Flores-Cale requested a meeting with the developers, which all parties are currently trying to set up.

department and a public safety center,” Flores-Cale said. “It’s being more definitive instead of too generalized, which I think can confuse people who may be in need of safety.”

Mitchell insisted that Flores-Cale’s motion should be to rename the building.

“It should be to rename it because that’s essentially what I know you want to do,” Mitchell replied. “If you’re trying to take the literal masthead on the building and say instead of it being the ‘Kyle Public Safety Center’ for it to read the ‘Kyle Police Department and Public Safety.’”

“No,” Flores-Cale replied. “My idea would be the city of Kyle and then police

Council member Daniela Parsley asked if there would be any water retention issues if the retention pond was inside the property.

“We’re designing to Atlas 14 Standards, hundred-year flood events, and so we’re reducing that flow below existing conditions. Once it leaves our property, that’s another developer, and they will be accepting our conveyance, our discharge of stormwater, and reconveying it elsewhere,” Belmore said.

If the city moves

department and public safety center because that is ultimately what it is. If I wanted to rename it completely, I would just say, ‘I’d like to make a motion to name it a police department.’”

Bradshaw said she would like to talk to Chief Barnett and listen to his opinion. But Flores-Cale disagreed.

"I think putting Chief in that spot would make it really uncomfortable for him, and I’ve been told time and time again the same thing when I called Captain Hernandez up here. I want this to be a decision based off of council and our thoughts on how we should move forward on this building,” Flores-Cale said. Mitchell agreed.

forward with the design phase of the process, Mayor Pro Tem Robert Rizo wanted to ensure that the city has conversations with Coleman and other involved groups with city staff when analyzing the drainage issues, so they are “transparent” as a city.

“There is a state statute that says you cannot add more water onto somebody’s property; it’s illegal in the state of Texas. So let’s just keep that in mind, and let’s make sure as a city we adhere to that,” Rizo said.

Jeffrey Conzemius

Safely supporting someone in an abusive relationship

BY KIRSTEN BROTZE, HCWC PREVENTION EDUCATOR

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The following article is part four of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. One in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Locally, the HaysCaldwell Women’s Center serves victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

Last year, HCWC served 2,055 victims of abuse primarily from Hays and Caldwell counties, and 816 of those were victims of domestic violence.

When someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it may be difficult to know how to help. We want the people we care about to be loved, respected, and safe. Unfortunately, sometimes even in our best attempts to help, we may unintentionally make matters worse and put the victim in harm’s way, as well as ourselves.

The following are examples of what not to do or say to someone in an abusive relationship, each followed by a more productive, and helpful alternative:

“Just leave them.” Keep in mind that leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a victim (the rate of homicide increases to 75%). Never pressure someone to leave their abuser if they are not ready.

Instead, listen. Sometimes people need time before they feel comfortable seeking help. Having a friend who continues to listen and support can prevent them from being isolated in the abuse. Keep in mind, they are the experts in their lives and their relationship. If they feel ready to leave, you can encourage them to contact our HELPline at (512) 396-4357 to discuss creating a safety plan.

“What did you do to make them so mad?”

A question like this is a form of “victim blaming” and reinforces what the abusive partner is already saying to the victim, that they are to blame for the harm being done to them. The person who has caused harm made a choice to do so, and it is unacceptable. There is no excuse for abuse.

Instead, validate. Oftentimes, the best support you can offer is a listening ear and validate their experience. Remind them that what is happening is absolutely

not their fault, and they deserve love and respect.

“I can’t imagine them doing that to you, they’re so nice!” People who abuse their partners tend to be very charming in public, have many friends or connections, and may even hold positions of power or influence in the community.

Instead, believe them. It can be hard for people to reach out and ask for help. You may be the first person they’ve talked to about their partner hurting them (verbally, emotionally, physically, sexually, etc.). They may not even understand that what they’re experiencing is considered abuse. Simply believing them when they tell you their partner is hurting them can have an incredibly positive impact.

“But you always seem so happy with them!”

Abuse exists on a cycle, and typically escalates overtime. In the beginning, everything may feel “perfect” and loving, then tension builds which typically results in abuse or an “explosion.” Over time, the “happy times” decrease, while the abuse grows in intensity and longevity.

Instead, offer support. On the outside, things may seem much better than they are behind closed doors. Abuse is complex.

Listen to their experience, share resources, and encourage them to contact our 24-hour helpline for support, legal advocacy, counseling, safety planning, short-term shelter, or other resources. Or, if they just need someone to talk to, our trained staff is available 24/7.

Last, but often most important, remember to take care of yourself and practice self-compassion. Helping ourselves puts us in a better position to help others. Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to say or do the perfect thing. These situations are incredibly difficult, and we are only human.

Sometimes we make mistakes, but keep in mind, the fact that you want to help others says a lot about who you are. Together, we can all make a difference and help to end abuse and violence in our community.

In addition to the topics covered in this article, it’s important to educate ourselves on the complexities of both abuse and the reasons people stay in abusive relationships in order to safely support them. For more information, you can download our Domestic Violence Awareness Month Toolkit on www. stopthehurt.org/resources.

a critical self-review of the agency’s policies, procedures, facilities and operations,” Kidd said.

Beginning in 2019, the department started the extensive process to become an “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency” by preparing proofs of compliance for each of the Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices. Upon completion of the internal review, an outside audit and review were requested.

This final on-site review occurred on Aug. 17 and 18 and was conducted by trained police chiefs from other areas of the state. Review results were sent to the TPCA Accreditation Committee for final analysis and decision to award “Accredited” status.

“The high standards set by Chief Kidd and carried out by the Buda police force are not surprising,” said Micah Grau, city manager. “The professionalism of our

officers is second to none.”

The Buda Police Department is the 188th agency in the state of Texas to be accredited and the first one in Hays County.

“The Buda Police Department has always been committed to excellence and this is an extension of that,” Kidd said. “This process allowed an independent review of the department’s operations and should assure Buda citizens that

its Police Department is conforming to the current state-of-the-art best practices in law enforcement.”

The Buda Police Department also will be recognized at the TPCA Annual Conference in April 2023.

More information and a description of the program may be viewed on the Texas Police Chiefs Association website at www.texaspolicechiefs. org.

Local nurse shares breast cancer journey

BY MEGAN WEHRING

KYLE – A surprising diagnosis has inspired a local nurse to support other women with breast cancer.

Erika Aguirre, a patient care technician nurse in the ICU at Ascension Seton Hays, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years old.

“It all started Jan. 1,” Aguirre explained. “I was lying in bed, my son jumped up and kind of brushed against my breast and it hurt. From there on, with my experience working at the hospital, I knew not to just let it go. I made appointments, scans and went from there.”

Aguirre started chemotherapy around the beginning of March, participated in gene testing and decided to do a double mastectomy. Because her lymph nodes were negative, she did not have to undergo radiation.

Despite receiving the news of her diagnosis, Aguirre continued to work full-time while receiving treatment. Aguirre’s team recently surprised her with a lunch to celebrate her last chemotherapy treatment and by sporting pink ribbons on their work bags.

“Erika has shown grace and perseverance during this time by continuing her work in the ICU,” said Amber Stafford, nurse manager in the ICU at Ascension Seton Hays. “She is always willing to help without complaint. She is

also still attending school to pursue her nursing degree. She is an inspiration to us and a true fighter!”

Aguirre provided some encouragement for women who may be going through a similar situation.

“It sounds scary at first,” Aguirre said. “What you’re feeling is normal. You are going to feel depressed because it is something scary but medicine has really evolved and it’s not how they portray it on TV. You will feel tired (fatigued) but it’s something you can get through. It’s going to be worth it in the end – it’s just something that you have to do. … Speak to your doctor, they will help you.”

Aguirre has also started to build a team for the upcoming Race for the Cure. More information about that can be found at http://www.info-komen. org/goto/erika_aguirre.

A candidate questionaire in the Oct. 19 edition of the Hays Free Press misidentified a candidate. The correct name of the Kyle City Council District 3 candidate is Miguel Zuniga.

Barton Publications wants to promptly correct any errors. If you feel a correction or clarification is in order, contact Ashley Kontnier at publisher@ bartonpublicationsinc.com.

Orbison

Charley & Guy Orbison

Aguirre

Where water meets land – Riparian areas

Often, when we think about the health of our Hill Country creeks or rivers, our tendency is to look straight down in the channel. Is there any water down there? How much? See any fish?

No doubt, these are important questions. However, by narrowing our focus solely onto what is in the stream channel, we disregard the extensive natural infrastructure that sustains our creeks and rivers. A key part of this natural infrastructure is the riparian zone.

“Riparian” is not a word we hear too often in Texas—perhaps to our detriment. This term refers to the narrow and verdant vegetated areas along our waterways. These transitional zones between a creek, river, or lakebed and the drier uplands are fairly small, making up only about 1-2% of the Hill Country but crucial to the broader region.

When comprised of a diverse and healthy mixture of plants, riparian zones provide many benefits to humans, wildlife, and livestock. Intertwined roots of grasses, shrubs, and other plants help stabilize creek banks, keeping that part of your property in place. While a deep cradle of roots stabilizes the soil and stream channel, the aboveground plant growth in the riparian zone helps slow

BY CENTRAL TEXAS CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

down water, storing it in creek banks and the broader floodplain like a sponge for drier times.

Slowing down waterwhether rising flood waters or runoff pouring down a hillside - is an important first domino to stewarding healthy riparian areas. As vegetation, downed tree limbs, and logs left along the banks of riparian zones slow down flowing water, they help mitigate the destructive and erosive forces of flood surges. These areas also trap particles of sediment.

Trapping sediment rich in organic matter helps enlarge the floodplain, which in turn absorbs water like a sponge, recharges groundwater, and sustains creek flows.

It is this domino effect, starting with riparian vegetation, that provides many values we seek as landowners and residents.

Values like clean and abundant water, forage for livestock, fish and wildlife habitat, bank stability, and recreational opportunities all emerge from a healthy, functioning riparian zone.

Pond at Lost Maples

What happens in our riparian areas impacts everyone downstream.

Riparian zones are a small, dynamic, and remarkably resilient part of the landscape. Often, if we can identify the stressors (e.g. overgrazing, overmowing, overabundance of native or exotic deer) and manage them effectively, riparian zones will restore themselves. Sometimes planting native plant species can help expedite the

recovery process. The challenge and opportunity for each riparian land steward is to find the right balance, given their stewardship goals. This could mean maintaining recreational access with targeted access points interspersed by riparian “grow zones,” or possibly limiting the timing, frequency, and / or duration of grazing along the creek to maintain the riparian plant community. Thankfully,

there are numerous technical, educational, and financial resources to support riparian land stewards in these efforts.

To learn more and connect with folks who care about your piece of Texas just as much as you do, visit www.texasconservation. org. If you have questions related to stewardship or conservation, you can email them to DearStew@ texasconservation.org and you might just see

them answered in a future column. Looking forward to learning more with you. –The Hill Country Steward

The Hill Country Steward – not a person, but a partnership of local experts dedicated to sharing the best information, tips, and lessons learned. Have questions? Send them to DearStew@ texasconservation.org. Learn more at www. texasconservation.org.

Get to know Buda’s new city manager

Hello Buda! My name is Micah Grau, and I have the honor of serving as Buda’s new city manager. If my name sounds familiar, that is because I have been serving this community since 2017. Prior to becoming city manager, I served Buda as deputy city manager. Previously, I served the

city of Hutto in various roles, eventually becoming Hutto’s assistant city manager. I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University and my master’s degree in public Aadministration from Texas State University. I’m a “credentialed manager” through the International City/Council Management Association and serve on the Texas City Management Association board of directors.

My family and I love Buda. We love its smalltown charm, community events, schools, Buda Public Library, the parks system, downtown businesses, and all it has to offer.

Our city council and staff are working very hard to serve you and are focusing on a variety of projects.

Development Process and Managing Growth

Buda is reviewing new development applications

for both residential and commercial projects. Stream Realty will be breaking ground soon on a nearly 60-acre lightindustrial warehouse site located between West Goforth and I-35. The site will include approximately 1 million square feet of commercial space. United Properties is building approximately 850,000 square feet of commercial space known as Buda Midway within the Sunfield development. Both of these sites will add jobs and prosperity to the community.

Several residential projects are coming online. Sunfield, located just outside Buda’s city limits

adds hundreds of homes each year. Porch at Du Pre, located along Old Black Colony Road, will start construction of homes in late 2022. The Colony at Cole Springs Road consists of about 500 homes and includes infrastructure improvements on a portion of Old Black Colony Road and Cole Springs Road and a new bridge over Onion Creek connecting Cole Springs Road to FM 2770.

We are making adjustments to keep up with the fast pace of growth. The 2022 budget added two new planning staff and three new engineering staff. We are streamlining the development review process and updating the

City’s development codes. Comprehensive and Downtown Planning

To help guide future growth, the city is working on a new Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Plan. The former is long-range and sets out land uses and 30-year goals for the City. We will inform the public through the City’s website and social media channels and provide information on how you can provide input.

Bond Program Implementation

The voter-approved 2021 bond program includes $73.57 million for transportation improvements and $16.09 million for parks/trail improvements. The Buda Bond Oversight Committee has been working with staff to implement the various projects. Some projects could see construction begin as soon as 2023. Learn more about the bond program at budabonds. com.

Community Outreach and Engagement

As city manager, my focus over the next year is to meet as many of you as possible. When you see me around town, please say, “Hi!” I plan to implement new quarterly town hall meetings in 2023 to provide updates and answer questions. I also am working to build relationships with our great community partners. Feel free to connect with me at micah.grau@budatx.gov and at 512-312-0084.

CORRECTIONS

Any erroneous reflection

the character, standing

PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY SARGENT AND THE HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE

BSEACD director steps down after 24 years

Craig Smith, director of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD), stepped down after 24 years of service last Friday.

According to a press release, Smith was encouraged to run for the District board in 1998 by Sue Johnson, who was retiring as the director for Precinct 5 along with his late friend Jack Goodman, who was the board president. He was elected later that year and credits his wife, Mary Ann Neely, as a great political organizer and helping him win that first election 24 years ago.

He said he felt proud to have served with many fine board members and staff professionals since being elected.

Smith moved to Austin from Nacogdoches in 1973 to attend law school and first became involved in environmental politics with the Austin Sierra Club in 1990. In 1991

and 1992, he served as the Sierra Club president. Smith also served on the board of Save Barton Creek Association since 1991 and was president of the organization in 1997 and 1998.

“Serving on the board of directors of the Barton Springs Aquifer District for the past 24 years has been the pinnacle of my public service,” Smith said in a press release.

He began as a Barton Springs swimmer and environmentalist, trying to protect a unique swimming hole in the heart of his city. “I learned that the springs were at the end of an aquifer that reached for twenty miles or more underground through caverns occupied by little-known endemic salamanders, that also provided water to thousands of homes, businesses and industries,” Smith said. “I always wanted to save the world, starting with where I was. This seemed to be a good place to start.”

Smith has been involved in

many projects, including the Aquifer Storage and Recovery, Demand Reduction, Habitat Conservation Plan and Multiport Monitor Wells. In 2005, Smith also created the Barton Springs Zone Regional Water Quality Protection Plan, which takes a regional approach to protect the aquifer and springs.

According to board president Blayne Stansberry, Smith is the longest-serving BSEACD board member.

“During his tenure, he helped our district, in the infancy of GCDs (Groundwater Conservation Districts), grow into a sophisticated, science-based organization,” Stansberry said. General manager Tim Loftus said Smith has been a “true champion of water-resource stewardship.” Smith said he was confident that his successor, Vanessa PuigWilliams, would continue with his work.

“Thanks for allowing me to serve,” Smith said.

BSEACD general manager declares Stage III Critical Drought

REPORT

HAYS COUNTY — The Barton Springs EdwardsAquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) declared a Stage III Critical Drought on Oct. 20 for the first time since 2013. Permittees will need to meet new reductions in pumpage in November.

Lovelady Monitor Well passed below its critical drought trigger on Oct. 17, according to a news release. Only one of the district’s two drought triggers, Lovelady Monitor Well and Barton Springs, need to be reached for a drought declaration to be made and must both rise above their drought triggers to exit a drought period.

The state has received below-average rainfall every month this year except for February and August. May, June and July were the warmest on record for Austin.

Reducing water use is “critical” now, according to the district, as continued lack of rainfall paired with high pumping rates may result in water levels dropping to the extent that some wells go dry.

The BSEACD has already received reports of dry wells and flow from Barton Springs may eventually decrease to where ecological, recreational and aesthetic uses of Barton Springs would be damaged.

“We can’t afford to underestimate the threat that the current drought poses and the need for everyone to do their part to conserve water,” said Tim Loftus, general manager of BSEACD.

Requirements for a Stage III Critical Drought Declaration requires all district permittees to implement mandatory measures specified in their Use Drought Contingency Plans to meet monthly pumpage reduction

requirements:

• 30% for Edwards Historical and Conditional Class A permittees

• 75% for Edwards Conditional Class B permittees

• 100% for Edwards Conditional Class C and Class D permittees

• 30% for Trinity and Alluvial/Austin Chalk Historical permittees

The press release stated that end-user customers (60,000+ existing groundwater users in the District) served by water utilities on groundwater wells must comply with their utility’s water use restriction for this drought stage. Outdoor lawn irrigation and landscaping are now prohibited or severely restricted. Groundwater uses should also be limited for essential indoor demands to preserve health and safety, with minor allocation for non-essential outdoor water use.

The BSEACD stated that permittees should refer to the monthly drought allocations listed in their User Drought Conservation Plan and Drought Target Charts.

A few ways permittees can conserve water are by planting native or droughttolerant landscapes, mulching and composting. Permittees should also ensure their irrigation system is functioning at peak efficiency.

BSEACD stressed the importance of replacing leaking gaskets and hoses, which can help conserve water, and suggested installing a rainwater barrel or rainwater harvesting system to reduce overall water use.

The district recommends that both exempt and permitted well owners follow these conservation tips. Look at the District's Well Owner Guide for additional information on groundwater wells.

For questions, contact BSEACD at 512-2828441, or visit their office located at 1124 Regal Row

management process, receive information about the drought or if you need assistance with other

CONTRIBUTED

Hays County Food Bank to feed families for holidays

Donations needed to tackle hunger

REPORT

HAYS COUNTY – It’s Turkeys Tackling Hunger season, and the Hays County Food Bank is asking for donations and help in fighting food insecurity around the holidays.

The week before Thanksgiving, volunteers and staff gather to hand out holiday meal boxes to low-income households and others facing food emergencies. These holiday meal boxes include a frozen turkey and traditional holiday sides that can be cooked and enjoyed at home.

By making a donation of $30 or more, at least one of the 1,500 households that the Hays County Food Bank serves will be fed.

“We know that hunger exists in every community and food is often the first thing people go without to make ends meet,” a representative of the Hays County Food Bank said in a news release.

“HCFB asks you to take action this holiday season and help tackle hunger by supporting this campaign.”

Donations can be made by visiting haysfoodbank. org/donate and choosing

the Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign under Donor Intent. They can also be mailed to Hays County Food Bank, 220 Herndon Street San Marcos, TX 78666.

Another way to help is by distributing. Volunteers are needed to direct traffic, distribute food and dress in costume to keep the mood festive. Interested volunteers should contact Andrew Campbell, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (512) 3928300 x222 or acampbell@ haysfoodbank.org.

Signing up for a holiday meal box

In order to receive a holiday meal box, households must sign up in advance – the sign-up period is open until Nov. 4 or while supplies last.

During the registration process, people will choose which date and location to pick up the holiday meal box.

In order to qualify, households must meet one of the following:

• Have a household income at or below the 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (The food bank staff will be able to check your eligibility.)

• Have a temporary food emergency due to a natural disaster, loss of job, etc.

• Participation in one of the following government assistance programs:

- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

- National School Lunch

Program (NSLP or free or reduced-price school meals)

- Medicaid

Only one holiday meal box is allowed per household. Sign up online at https://turkeys. haysfoodbank.org or by calling (512) 392-8300 x225 Mondays from noon to 4 p.m. or Fridays from 8 a.m.to noon.

it was drainage causing problems here. I was a little upset because here I am next door to the biggest problem that they knew of at the time, and they didn’t even talk to me,” Tenney said, referring to his nextdoor neighbor, Jimmy Fort, who has been carefully documenting the issues he’s been having for the past several years.

“Then they formed this committee to decide things to do, and none of them were to help the actual homeowners. Nothing the city could come up with was going to help us,” Tenney added. “I don’t have $30,000 to fix a foundation, especially since I don’t think it’s my fault. When there’s a whole section this large affected by it, somebody didn’t do their homework.”

Tenney said he has cracks in the center of his wall going from one end to the other.

“At first, it was just one little one; now there are two cracks real wide,” Tenney said.

One crack in Tenney’s living room occurred just six months after moving in.

“I go by my old house in South Austin. I go ‘well, you know, how's my house look compared to that one? I mean, that one's got no problems. Here, this one's 15 years newer, and it's falling apart,’” Tenney said.

As for Fort, his water level meter states that he has 22 inches of water underneath his home and he is worried his home will collapse.

“This house is not built to have water underneath the slab,” Fort said.

On the peak of Fort’s roof

near the chimney, there is a dip in his roof, which he speculates is structural damage in the attic.

Fort also said that he is in a lawsuit with Lennar, but not for the money.

“A wrong was done, and it needs to be corrected,” Fort said.

Mark Venditelli, another resident of Whispering Hollow, has noticed large fissure cracks in his soil.

“I’m talking big cracks that you could lose a small pet in,” Venditelli said.

Venditelli, who purchased his home in 2020, said he called the city and staff told him it was just the nature of the soil and there was nothing they could do. The city went to his home for a site visit around Aug. 30. Venditelli never heard back, so he began to badger them.

Venditelli asked the city worker who mows the retention center’s grass if the city could provide him with a truckload of amended soil to fill the holes himself. But, the city worker said they were unable to do that and repeated the original response: it was just the nature of the soil, and there was nothing they could do.

“That’s not what I was asking,” Venditelli said. “I didn’t say fix the problem; I was asking can you bring me soil. I can fix the problem, but they refused.”

So, he went on a trip to Home Depot to buy sand and soil, mixed it up and began dumping it in the cracks himself.

Lennar Homes did not respond to requests for comment.

Pillows to be donated to HCWC

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE — Residents will have the opportunity to donate pillows to provide domestic violence victims a sense of security through the Pillows for Peace project.

On Oct. 18, the Kyle City Council listened to a

presentation by Vanessa Westbrook, Kyle-Buda Kiwanis Club treasurer, and resident Cynthia Bentley about Pillows for Peace.

The project was first introduced to Kyle and the surrounding areas in October 2013 in recognition of Domestic

Violence Awareness Month. What started out at just 32 pillows has now jumped to 5,000 pillows statewide.

Pillows for Peace will be hosting a pillow donation event at Kohl’s, located at 20185 Marketplace Ave, throughout the day on Nov. 5. These pillows will be donated to the Hays Caldwell-Women’s Center for those in need.

“The idea behind Pillows for Peace is that you get to this facility and you’re given a pillow, whether it be an adult, whether it be a child, that you can hold onto, lay your head down and just for a moment, close your eyes in order to get just a small amount of sleep,” Westbrook said.

The HCWC has a mission to create an environment where violence and abuse are not tolerated in the community and provide educational violence prevention services and crisis intervention, among other things, to the victims in Hays county. According to the presentation, the center served 2,055 victims in 2021.

“We hope that we can

call on the community to come by and drop off a nice, brand new pillow or two so that we can add to the collection, which will be sent over to the women’s center, and then these will be given out as needed to those that come there,” Westbrook said.

Bentley also shared her personal domestic violence experience.

“Domestic violence is not always something physical, something that you can see,” Bentley said. “When I was doing my research on some of the signs of it I kept realizing, that’s me, that’s me. I put up with that for 21 years before I got the strength to leave.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 800799-7233.

7-year-old, American Staffordshire Terrier

lady is great with kids and people of all ages. Come and meet her today!

Belle, 5-month-old, Domestic shorthair mix, Female: Belle is a sweet kitten who loves to be with people. She thrives off of human attention. This lovebug has gotten along with the other cats and kittens she’s met and is often found sitting on her cat playmates. If you’re looking for the perfect people kitty, stop by and meet Belle!

Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Program Director Jessica Cruz and volunteers stand in costume at a previous Turkeys Tackling Hunger event.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kyle reisdent Cynthia Bentley holds one of the donations from a previous Pillows for Peace event.

PUBLISHED NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV

EN to all interested persons that the City of Creedmoor, Texas purposes to hold City Council Elections on Novem ber 8, 2022, 7am-5pm. Creed moor Community Center 5008 Hartung lane. Creedmoor, Tx 78610.

All persons interested in the above have the right to appear and be heard.

By the order of the City Council of Creedmoor, Texas, Robert R.Wilhite Administrator.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 104.33 acres of property located at 1111 Hays Country Acres Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Informa tion regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393 Ð 2150. Property ID: 11682.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ATHLETIC COURT SURFACE FOR ASH PAVILION AT GREGG CLARKE PARK: RFP 2022 12 PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ATHLETIC COURT SURFACE FOR THE ASH PAVILION FOR THE CITY OF KYLE GREGG CLARKE PARK.

NOTICE TO RESPOND ERS: The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for an athletic court surface as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide the material only for an athletic,

interlocking, court style surface fir basketball and hockey at the Ash Pavilion at Gregg Clarke Park. AG CM has provided ba sic specifications for the style of athletic, interlocking, surface court that the City is desiring. The city is seeking a company with athletic court surfacing ex perience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked ATHLETIC COURT SUR FACE FOR ASH PAVILION

AT GREGG CLARKE PARK: RFP 2022 12 PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 262 3939

REQUEST FOR PRO POSAL DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2022

Proposals should be sealed. All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff after the due date has passed. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

The complete RGP can be found at https://www.cityofkyle. com/rfps

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Novem ber 15th, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Indian Hills Ranch, Lot 9, Replat

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that

Letters of Dependent Adminis tration for the Estate of George L. Robinson, Deceased, were issued on October 17, 2022, under Docket No. 22-0175-P, pending in the Hays County Court at Law #2, Hays County, Texas to Melissa Sheppard. Claims may be presented and addressed as follows: Steven K. Schwartz II, Attorney for Dependent Administrator, 3730 Kirby Drive Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77098. All persons having claims against this estate, which is current ly being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. By: /s/Ste ven K. Schwartz II, Attorney for Dependent Administrator.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Electronic Bids ad dressed to North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2, Attention Erica Allison, Presi dent, Board of Directors, will be electronically received, until 3:00 p.m. Local Time, Friday, November 18, 2022, and then publicly opened and read at Kimley-Horn, 5301 Southwest Parkway, Building 2, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78735 for “PLUM CREEK PHASE 1 SECTION 12C Ð WATER, WASTE WATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING FACILITIES” for North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2, Hays Coun ty, Texas In addition to the opening of sealed Bids at the address above, you may view the public opening of sealed Bids via Microsoft Teams. To join via Microsoft Teams, call to the following number: +1 984-204-1608

Phone Conference ID: 989 273 680#

Scope of Work of the Contract Documents includes the following: Furnish and install approximately 1,097 LF of new roadway along with drainage, water, and waste water infrastructure in Plum Creek. Drainage improvements

include approximately 426 LF of drainage pipes, approxi mately 487 LF of 6’x4’ culverts, and 10 LF of 5’x3’ culverts. Water improvements include approximately 606 LF of water line and appurtenances. Sewer improvements include ap proximately 101 LF of sanitary sewer line and appurtenances. Bids received after the clos ing time will not be considered. A MANDATORY pre-bid con ference will be held remotely on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Local Time, via Microsoft Teams. Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is MANDATORY, and no Bid will be opened unless the bidder or repre sentative was present at the pre-bid conference. Bidders may call into the MANDATORY pre-bid conference through the following number: +1 984-204-1608 Phone Conference ID: 964 337 888# Each Bid must be accom panied by a Bid Bond or a certified or cashier’s check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than two per cent (2%) of the total amount Bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract Documents and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within seven (7) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor. If a certified or cashier’s check is provided, the successful bidder shall deliver, at the bid opening

address, the original certified or cashier’s check within twen ty-four (24) hours of receipt of the bid opening.

Copies of the bidding documents may be reviewed and obtained from www. CivcastUSA.com: search: PLUM CREEK PHASE 1 SECTION 12C Ð WATER, WASTEWATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING FACILITIES.

Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications, plans, soils report, and environmental reports for this Project. There is NO charge to view or down load documents.

Bidder must submit its Bid and Bid Securities in com pliance with Owner’s Order Adopting Section 49.2731

Electronic Bidding Rules and all Bids and Bid Securities must be submitted through www.CivcastUSA.com. Search: PLUM CREEK PHASE 1 SECTION 12C Ð WATER, WASTEWATER, DRAINAGE, AND PAVING FACILITIES.

Bidder must register on this website to submit a Bid and Bid Security and there is no charge to submit Bids and Bid Securities on this website.

By submitting a Bid, Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the Contract Documents may be accepted, executed, or agreed to using an Electronic Signature, as defined by and in accordance with Owner’s Electronic Signature Rules for Construction Contracts.

The Owner reserves the

right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Success ful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Bid and the Contrac tor agrees that the Contract Documents can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS

To all persons interested in the Estate of Arthur William Smith, Sr., Deceased, Cause No. 22-0416-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETER MINE HEIRSHIP AND FOR APPOINTMENT OF AN INDE PENDENT ADMINISTRATOR in this estate on the 28th day of September, 2022, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of ARTHUR WILLIAM SMITH SR., Deceased, and their respective shares and interests

The

Offeror registers on this website, the Offeror must provide a working e mail address, so the Offeror will receive any addenda or clarification issued by the OWNER

A mandatory pre proposal conference will be held as described in Section 00 21 14 Instructions to Offerors at the following location, date, and time: Date: 10/25/2022, Time: 3:00 PM; Place: San Marcos Activity Center (501 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX 78666)

The contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Proposals is/are expected to be funded in part by a loan or grant from the Texas Water Development Board. Neither the State of Texas, nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation to Offerors or any resulting contract.

All procurements by the OWNER are subject to the OWNER’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The Program provides HUBs full opportunity to participate in all of the OWNER’s contracts. Goals for HUB participation are stated for each solicitation. Information on achieving the goals or documenting good faith efforts to achieve the goals are contained in the Proposal Documents and other Contract Documents. When a HUB participation goal applies, each Offeror is required to complete and return a HUB Participation Plan with its Proposal. If a HUB Participation Plan is not submitted with a Proposal, the Offeror will not be accepted for consideration. The successful Offeror will be required to document compliance with their HUB Participation Plan with each monthly pay application.

Each Proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond on the furnished form, in an amount of not less than five percent of the total Proposal, as specified in Form 00 21 14, Instructions to Offerors Performance and payment bonds when required shall be executed on forms furnished by the OWNER. Each bond shall be issued in an amount of 100% of the Contract Amount by a solvent corporate surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas and shall meet any other requirements established by law or by the OWNER.

The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any minor informality (one that does not affect the competitiveness of the Proposal) in any Proposal or in the solicitation process

Inquiries from Offerors regarding this Invitation must be submitted through CivCAST. If an Offeror contacts any officer or employee of the OWNER, or any other representative of the OWNER, during the period beginning on the date this Invitation is issued and ending on the date of contract award or rejection to all offers by the OWNER, any offer submitted by the Offeror is subject to rejection by the OWNER

in such estate.

The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration often (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publica tion, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas.

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your at torney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above noted date and time.

Applicant's Attorney: COLIN G. WISE

1921 CORPORATE DRIVE, STE. 102 San Marcos, Texas 78666 (512)392-2197

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 20th day of October, 2022.

Elaine H. Cardenas

County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666

BY: /s/ Barbara Villanueva Barbara Villanueva, Deputy

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for: Wallace Middle School Improvements - PACKAGE 2, is requesting competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via Fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 Fax or via email to bidaus@bartlettcocke.com no later than 2:00:00 PM on 11/17/2022. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Angela Erickson via email Aerickson@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 Phone to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Dis advantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), Minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project. Bart lett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Bartlett Cocke General contractors, Construction Manager-at-Risk, for: Hays CISD - Academic Support Center Ð GMP #1, is request ing competitive proposals from subcontractors and suppliers. Subcontractor and supplier proposals will be received via Fax to (512) 326-4339 or (512) 326-3990 Fax or via email to bidaus@bartlettcocke.com no later than 2:00:00 PM on 11/10/2022. Any proposals received after this time will not be accepted.

Electronic copies of the proposal documents may be obtained from Bartlett Cocke or viewed at local and online planrooms. Contact Geoff Sandars via email Gsandars@ bartlettcocke.com or phone (512) 326-4223 Phone to make arrangements.

Small, Woman Owned, Dis advantaged, HUB, HUBZone, 8(a), Minority, and all similar firms are encouraged to submit proposals on this project. Bart lett Cocke General Contractors is an equal opportunity (EEO) employer.

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFQ)

DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR GREGG CLARKE PARK SKATE PARK: RFQ 2022 12 PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL RE QUIREMENTS FOR THE DE SIGN CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CITY OF KYLE GREGG CLARKE PARK SKATE PARK

NOTICE TO RESPOND ERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a Design Build firm/team for the design construction of one (1) skate park located at Gregg Clarke Park as stated in this RFQ and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide complete architectural and engineering design and construction cost estimates for the construc tion of a new skate park at Gregg Clarke Park. The city is seeking a company with skate park experience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR GREGG CLARKE PARK SKATE PARK: RFQ 2022 12 PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 262 3939

REQUEST FOR PRO POSAL DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

To complete RFQ can be found at: https://www. cityofkyle.com/recreation/ design-build-services-greggclarke-park-skate-park-rfq%E2 %80%902022%E2%80%9012 %E2%80%90pard

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFQ)

GREGG CLARKE PARK SPLASH PAD: RFQ 2022 11 PARD SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GREGG CLARKE PARK SPLASH PAD

NOTICE TO RESPOND ERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a vendor for design, furnishing, permitting, delivering, and installing one (1) splash pad located at Gregg Clarke Park as stated in this RFQ and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle.com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit pro posals to provide complete architectural and engineering design and construction cost estimates for the construction of a new splash pad at Gregg Clarke Park.

The city is seeking a com pany with splash pad expe rience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies.

Proposals marked GREGG CLARKE PARK SPLASH PAD: RFQ 2022 11 PARD are to be submitted to:

Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 262 3939

REQUEST FOR PRO POSAL DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

The complete RFQ can be found at: https://www. cityofkyle.com/recreation/ gregg-clarke-park-splash-padrfq-2022-11-pard-0

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFQ)

DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR PARK RESTROOMS: RFP-2022-10-PARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND GENERAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION FOR PARK RESTROOMS IN THE CITY OF KYLE

NOTICE TO RESPOND ERS:

The City of Kyle is accepting proposals for the selection of a Design Build firm/team for the design construction of five (5) park restrooms located at city parks in the City of Kyle as stated in this RFP and posted on our website: www.cityofkyle. com. The City of Kyle invites qualified companies to submit proposals to provide complete architectural and engineering design and construction cost estimates for the construc tion of a new restroom at the following locations: Gregg Clarke Park, Steeplechase Park, Waterleaf Park, Lake Kyle Park, and Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park. The city is seeking a company with restroom experience as well as experience working with public municipal agencies. Proposals marked DESIGN BUILD SERVICES FOR PARK RESTROOMS: RFP-2022-10PARD are to be submitted to: Mariana Espinoza City of Kyle, Director of Parks and Recreation 700 Lehman Rd Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 262-3939

REQUEST FOR PRO POSAL DEADLINE: 5:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022

All proposals received will be reviewed by City Staff. The staff’s recommendation will go to the Kyle City Council for final approval.

The complete RFQ can be found at: https://www.city ofkyle.com/recreation/designbuild-services-park-restrooms-

rfp-2022-pard

INVITATION TO BID

Separate sealed bids ad dressed to the City of Kyle, AT TENTION: CITY ENGINEER, will be received until 11:00 a.m. on November 15, 2022 at the City of Kyle Public Works Building located at 520 E. RR 150 in Kyle, Texas, 78640 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud, for fur nishing all labor, material, tools and equipment and performing all work required for:

CENTER STREET AND SOUTH STREET, including:

Center Street: Construction of Raised Median (166 ft.), Curb and Gutter (71ft), pave ment structure, striping, and signage.

South Street: Construction of Raised Median (166 ft.), non- mountable curb (135 ft.), pavement structure, striping, and signage.

Misc.: Traffic Control and flagging as shown on draw ings.

Copies of the Specifications and Bid Documents will be on file by October 19, 2022 and may be examined at the following locations:

- City of Kyle website (www. cityofkyle.com)

- Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217

Complete Contract Documents have also been provided to CivCast USA for immediate download. Please go to https://www. civcastusa.com/. The Project ID is “Railroad Quiet Zone Improvements”. Prospective Bidders shall address written inquiries through the project’s

CivCast website. Hard copies of contract documents are not available.

A non-mandatory pre-bid virtual conference will be held on November 2, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Please follow the link to attend the pre-bid conference. A link to attend the meeting will be posted on City of Kyle website (www.cityofkyle.com) and on www.civcastusa.com.

Bidders should carefully ex amine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies in, or omissions from, the plans, specifica tions or other documents, or should be in doubt as to their meaning, bidder should notify the Project Engineer via www. civcastusa.com. Obtain clari fication prior to submitting any bid, but no later than 5:00 p.m. November 4, 2022. Answer to the questions pertaining to the bid and addendums will be posted on www.civcastusa.com no later than 5:00 p.m. Novem ber 8, 2022. Bidder shall be responsible to check the www. civcastusa..com site before submitting bid.

To place a classified ad, call us at 512-268-7862 or email us!

paper@haysfreepress. com

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal histor y, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

Hays Hawks fall to Liberty Hill

New hair salon cultivates a cozy, elegant experience

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

KYLE — A vision of creating an “Instagramworthy” hair salon has come true for three women in Kyle.

LMK Salon officially opened its doors on June 7, 2022 in Plum Creek. Owners Dasha Rose (“L”), Cayce Herrera (“M”) and Sarah Compton (“K”) are first-time business owners, having previously worked together at another salon.

Hailing from as close as south Austin to as far as El Paso and Pennsylvania, Rose said that the three felt drawn to open their salon in Kyle and stay close to the loyal clientele they had built.

“We enjoy the community around here and how close knit it can be,” Rose added.

When it came to designing the salon, Rose said that they wanted a place that felt comfortable and cozy but still looked and felt elegant. They also wanted to keep everything “close to home” and maintain a local edge, so they brought in Austin-based designer Kristin Marino, owner of KozyKasa, to help accomplish this goal.

Operating since January 2020, KozyKasa takes on both residential and commercial projects, but Marino said that working on LMK Salon in particular was an “amazing opportunity.”

“On that first initial phone call, I knew it was definitely a project I wanted to take,” Marino said.

LMK Salon’s stunning interior features midcentury modern touches, an emerald green ceiling, pink tiling, Texas-style artwork and nods to classic hair salons that add “fun and whimsical” touches.

“They [the owners] have such fun and amazing personalities,” Marino said. “Their goals were to be fun and bold, make a statement for their clientele and have it be their own.”

“The building is supposedly, from what we’ve been told, the

oldest farmhouse in Kyle, so we wanted to keep that farmhouse feel but elevate that and have a ‘glam’ experience,” Rose said.

“Kristin did a great job of having three owners — three girls, in particular — and bringing everyone’s vision together, and elevating the architecture already in the building.

… Every room feels a little different, there’s a different touch.”

Marino said that she often finds design inspiration from her experiences traveling, with India and Mexico in particular.

“Everywhere I go, I’m finding inspiration in

architecture. … [In India] there are a lot of cool patterns and prints; a lot of their towns and cities have bold, bright styles,” Marino said, adding that people also often overlook Mexico and that there is more than just “Cabo and Cancún.”

LMK Salon offers cut, style and extension services, color services like highlights and balayage and à la carte services such as brow tints and Brazilian blowouts. Find more information and book your appointment (and enjoy a glass of champagne) at www. lmksalon.com.

THE PERFECT FIT

Hays Hawks volleyball player commits to Utah Tech

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HAYS — Luisa Langi, middle blocker for the Hays Hawks, announced on Oct. 9 her commitment to play Division 1 volleyball at Utah Tech University.

The 16-year-old was not planning on committing after her first visit, but she immediately connected with Utah Tech’s head coach Camila Hafoka and assistant coach Whitnee Tupe.

Langi realized that it’s not typical to commit to a school after one visit, but said she found her “perfect fit.” Not only does Langi have family in Utah, but Hafoka is Samoan, and the roster is made up of several Polynesian women.

“I loved the idea of getting coached by and playing with people like me since there’s not many Tongans or other Polynesians here,” Langi said. “I just knew immediately that this was the place I needed to be.”

She also loved the “authentic family culture” at the university, referring to a team activity she attended where the families of the coaches were also invited.

Langi said she feels like the coaches will help her get where she needs to be developmentally.

While her volleyball career started in middle school, Langi said it was never “anything big” until she got to high school. She was inspired by her Aunt Mia, who played college volleyball and was the first all-state player at Trinity

High School, and she now wears jersey No. 7 on the club team for her.

But Langi never saw a future in college volleyball, at least not until former Hays head coach Ashley Davis pulled Langi into her office and asked if she wanted to play in college.

“That kind of started my dream for me because I didn’t realize I even had a chance and once she told me I just needed to put in the work, I was like, ‘I’m willing to do that,’” Langi said.

At the time, Davis told her if she wanted to make varsity and play college volleyball by her junior year, she needed to play on a club team. So, after her freshman year, she began playing on the United VBA team.

One of Langi’s role models is Trista Strasser, who was a varsity senior

middle blocker when Langi was a freshman on JV. Strasser now plays volleyball for the University of Missouri.

“She really took me under her wing for the short time we were in school together,” Langi said. This year, Langi is attempting to break Strasser’s solo blocking record of 70. Langi currently has 65.

Marci Laracuente, the current head coach of the Hawks, said Langi is a leader on and off the court.

“I think her work ethic and just the person she is helps everybody else become better around her,” Laracuente said, adding that Langi is a hard worker and holds herself accountable.

Along with playing volleyball, Langi hopes to study sports management at Utah Tech.

The Hays Hawks hosted the Liberty Hill Panthers on Friday, Oct. 21. The Hawks fought hard, but ultimately fell to the Panthers. Pictured above, MaKayla White sizes up the competition.

Megan Disu (No. 13) leaps for a spike against Liberty Hill.

COURTESY OF THE DOVE AGENCY

COURTESY OF THE DOVE AGENCY

COURTESY OF THE DOVE AGENCY

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

(From left) Former Hays head volleyball coach Ashley Davis and Lusia Langi holding the 26-6A 2nd Team All-District and 26-6A Academic AllDistrict Award.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Middle blocker Lusia Langi (No. 9) hits the ball against Cedar Creek.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Mary Kyle Hartson

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Parks and Recreation staff helped judge the three costume contests. Residents of all ages showed up in their spookiest, funniest or most creative costumes to compete.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The first, second and third place winners of the age 7-12 costume contest, with Pennywise taking home the top spot.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Karina, 5,

first

in

pumpkin decorating contest in the 0-6 age group.

certificate

Halloween gift basket.