Get to know your Wimberley candidates
Tiger students build prosthetic hand
Tigers take down Knights
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 29
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
“This is about property rights, specifically of our citizens and residents in Texas. I think Texas can do better that what we’re doing right now with these projects. It’s not anything personal, but I think we can do better.”
The fight against Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) is now heading into the court system. On Monday, a multi-party –Lon Shell, County Commissioner, Pct. 3 lawsuit was filed in Travis County District Court on against Kinder Morgan an effort to create more behalf of several plainand the Texas Railroad oversight on the pipeline tiffs, including the city routing process. The suit of Kyle and Hays County, Commission (TRC) in
Newcomer leads the pack in campaign spending
also seeks to temporarily halt condemnation activity for Kinder Mor-
gan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) until the state establishes more oversight. David Braun, an attorney representing the Texas Real Estate Advocacy Defense (TREAD) Coalition, a local nonprofit paying for the litigation, said the current
PIPELINE LAWSUIT, 6
Hard-fought loss
BY MOSES LEOS III A newcomer to the Dripping Springs political scene has vastly outspent the entire field running for a handful of city council seats up for grabs May 4. Geoffrey Tahuahua, who is running in the Place 5 city council race, spent more than $3,200 on his campaign, according to 30day campaign finance reports filed April 4. Additionally, Tahuahua collected more than $3,300 in political contributions from 15 different sources from Jan. 11 to March 25. Primary contributions to Tahuahua’s campaign include $500 from John Rowley, founder of CounterPoint Messaging, a Nashville, TN-based message media and digital firm. Tahuahua also received a $500 contribution from San Coleman of Coleman & Associates, an Austin-area landscape architect. A $400 contribution came from Pamela Medere, an attorney with Jackson Walker LLP. Tahuahua took out a $2,500 personal loan, according to the report. The majority of Tahuahua’s expenses went toward political advertising. Tahuahua has $2,775 cash left in his campaign fund.
D.S. CAMPAIGN FINANCE, 6
75¢ Thursday, April 25, 2019
County united in lawsuit against pipeline BY MOSES LEOS III
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Wimberley Okays debated short term rental rules BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Bypassing the recommendation from its Planning & Zoning Commission, Wimberley city leaders approved a contentious revision of its short term rental (STRs) ordinance. By a 4-0 vote, Wimberley’s City Council April 18 approved a recommendation made by Wimberley’s STR committee, which was a body of local residents and STR owners that sought to bring out of compliance STRs into compliance. Council member Allison Davis was absent from the meeting. One of the most controversial aspects of STR committee’s proposed ordinance, which was approved April 18, included an annual renewal for the conditional use permit required to operate an STR. However, Wimberley
WIMBO SHORT TERM, 5
Tigers state run comes to an end
WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Legacy’s Lilee Simpson trips up Dripping Springs’ sophomore Georgia Irons while trying to get to the ball in last Thursday’s game that ended the Tigers’ run for state. See story on page 4.
Wastewater issue at center of Wimberley candidate debate BY EXSAR ARGUELLO The only debate slated for candidates seeking a seat on the Wimberley City Council dais centered on the city’s polarizing wastewater controversy. Hosted by the League of Women Voters, candidates debated on the wastewater project, the proposed boring under Cypress Creek and future of the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve. Wimberley Mayor Susan Jaggers, who is running for the Place 3 seat, as well as Place 1 candidate Tim Dodson and incumbent Place 5 council member Erik Wollam supported the city’s change of scope for its wastewater project, which scrapped a cityowned plant for a facility operated by Aqua Texas. Those three candidates said the change of scope is connected to an argument of no discharge. “This community needs to heal itself by getting this can kicked down the road done. It does that by completing this project and bringing us back together,” Wollam said. “It prevents discharge into the Blanco, it’s the financially correct thing to do…” Jaggers said she could not support the cityowned plant because it is located within Blue Hole Regional Park. Jaggers she will “fight tooth and nail” to keep a wastewater plant outside of the park to ensure the park stays protected.
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
of transparency and communication with the current city council and a broke trust in local leadership. Bowman said he would address transparency by hosting multiple town halls with both wastewater options laid out for people to see, if elected. “The trust has been broken and nothing I saw will satisfy the people in this room,” Bowman said. “I will commit to having four meetings after the election to look at our options…that’s the only way to get that trust back.” Proponents of the na-
Plans for a program that could prohibit former Hays County elected officials and employees from conducting business with the county led to a lengthy debate on the legality, intent and specifics of the policy. The idea, deemed a “revolving door policy,” was crafted by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos. The item was discussed during a workshop at Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting, but no formal action was taken on the item. The effort is meant to promote the fair treatment of all potential contractors by putting firms and consultants on a level playing field, while promoting transparency to the public, officials said. The proposal was inspired by neighboring jurisdictions that have enacted similar polices. Kyle prohibits any former “member of a city body” from conducting business with the city for a two-year period. “I believe we need a revolving door policy,” Becerra said. “…As a community, we have some work to do to fortify the confidence that our residents of the county have with Hays County’s way of doing business.” Villalobos said he wasn’t aware of other counties that have revolving door policies, but pointed to “cooling off” periods other jurisdic-
WIMBERLEY DEBATE, 6
REVOLVING DOOR POLICY, 8
PHOTOS BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Most of the questions asked of Wimberley City Council candidates at last Wednesday’s candidates debate at Wimberley City Hall had to do with wastewater issues. Present at the debate were candidates (left to right) Rebecca Minnick, Tim Dodson, Susan Jaggers (behind Christine Byrne and in left photo), Christine Byrne, Eric Wollam and William Bowman. See Wimberley wastewate story on page 8.
“Unlikely is not good enough,” Dodson said in regard to the pipe potentially leaking. “We need a double-sleeved piece of pipe. I saw it happen in Bay Town and when it does happen, there is no However, Christine going back…” Byrne, who is running Rebecca Minnick, who against Jaggers in the Place 3 race, refuted her is running against Dodclaim and said the plant son in the Place 1 race, was not within the park. along with Byrne and Bowman also worried Byrne, who supported over the proposed borthe city-owned option, said those plans includ- ing. Minnick said a price for the boring has yet to ed irrigation to Blue be confirmed. She said Hole Park, which is lost there are major environin the change of scope. Dodson, however, was mental risks associated not a fan of the proposed with the boring. Place 5 candidate Bo boring under Cypress Bowman, Byrne and Creek that would transport raw sewage to Aqua Minnick discussed what they alleged is a lack Texas.
County debates revolving door policy
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News-Dispatch
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PHOTOGRAPHER
Teach no tolerance for violence and abuse BY LAURA DE LA PAZ, LPC-1 An act of kindness from a stranger can have long lasting effects on a person. It could be helping with car issues on the side of the road or being there for someone in a time of crisis. In the last few years alone, sexual assault has been a crisis that has increased across the nation. The #MeToo movement has inspired victims and survivors to speak out and share their stories. This has resulted in more individuals learning that one of their loved ones has been affected by sexual violence at some point in their lives and they in turn want to take action and get involved in the movement. When a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or child abuse goes to a hospital in Hays or Caldwell counties, the HCWC sends an Advocate to be with them. The Advocate can be a staff member, intern, or a community member. This is our Hospital Emergency Advocacy Response Team (HEARTeam). HCWC Advocates have responded to 32 hospital calls since October
A HEARTeam Advocate is there to provide emotional support for the victim and any supportive family members or friends who are with them, and to give them information about HCWC’s services. Advocates have responded to 32 hospital calls since October 1, 2018, which is a 45% increase from last year. 1, 2018, which is a 45% increase from last year. Volunteers who go through the necessary training to become Advocates are able to respond to the hospital and be a support system to a recent victim of assault. Anyone with a heart for victims can be an advocate. With the increase in hospital calls, HCWC is encouraging compassionate members of the community to volunteer their time to our HEARTeam. Once a victim arrives at the Emergency Room a nurse calls HCWC, and we dispatch an Advocate. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) meets with the victim to explain the process of the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). The purpose of a SAFE is to collect potential evidence that could be on the victim’s body. Law Enforcement is called
Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Flood mitigation funding amendment heading to voters in November STAFF REPORT
thanking Zwiener for helping to pass the A proposed amendment. constitutional “This legislation applies amendment that could the lessons learned from provide state funding Hurricane Harvey to meant to prevent improve response and catastrophic flooding will recovery statewide, while head to the voters this also providing support November. to those affected,” The measure, known Bonnen said. “Texas has as House Joint Resolution undergone enormous (HJR) 4, would create challenges in recent a Flood Infrastructure months since Hurricane Fund (FIF) that could Harvey devastated the allocate money for flood Gulf Coast. migration and drainage, Meanwhile, a handful of flood control projects, bills authored by Zwiener according to a press aimed at curbing sexual release. Texas voters will misconduct advanced to decided on the FIF when committee last week. the amendment is placed House Bill 2672, which on the November 2019 increases the window ballot. of reporting a sexual HJR 4 was part of a assault claim from 180 larger disaster response days to two years, as package that included well as House Bill 2678, House Bills 5, 6 and 13. which requires the Texas According to the release, Department of Public the FIF would have an Safety to maintain sexual initial $3.26 billion deposit assault statistics, were from the state’s Rainy Day introduced to the House Fund. Homeland Security and State Rep. Erin Zwiener Public Safety Committee. (D-Driftwood), who In addition, HB supported HJR 4’s passage 2279, which extends through the Texas House, sexual harrassment said in a statement Hays protections to employees and Blanco counties of businesses large and must invest in “smarter small, was passed out of safer ways to manage and the House International mitigate natural disasters” Relations and Economic such as flood events. Development Committee. “By creating this fund, Zwiener said in a we are planning ahead statement the bills and equipping our would progress the state with the resources enforcement of sexual necessary to handle the assault by providing data volume of flooding we’ve to atuhroirites. seen in recent years,” “With this legislation, Zwiener said. we can begin to Speaker of the understand and address House Dennis Bonnen why victims of sexual (R-Angleton) lauded assault are less likely to the efforts to pass the receive justice,” Zwiener legislation, while also said.
if the victim chooses to make a report. Advocates empower clients to make their own decisions while offering their knowledge of the SAFE procedure. A HEARTeam Advocate is there to provide emotional support for the victim and any supportive family members or friends who are with them, and to give them information about HCWC’s services. Responding to someone who has gone through a traumatic experience so recently can seem overwhelming; however, there is training that is required to help community members learn the best ways to offer support. All Advocates must complete our Certified Sexual Assault Advocate training, which is free, consists of 30 training hours in a classroom setting and 8 hours shadowing an experienced staff
The following are a list of calls made to law enforcement agencies in Hays County between April 15 and April 21, 2019. Agency Activity HCSO Assault - Aggravated HCSO Assault - Aggravated HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Sexual Assault - Child BPD Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Harassment HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Marijuana HCSO Public Intoxication HCSO Indecency w Child BPD Missing Person BPD Missing Person HCSO Robbery HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Missing Person BPD Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Reckless Damage HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Deadly Conduct HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Recovered Stolen Vehicle HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Charlie
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
for this to happen to them. Every call we respond to is different, however we approach them all the same. The victim is not to blame, and we are an empathetic resource for them. In our world today, it’s difficult to avoid conversations about sexual assault, domestic violence and member. Advocates learn child abuse in the media skills to better empower and with loved ones. At volunteers to provide such times, these topics can an important service, while be seen as controversial. also developing relationHowever, being kind to a ships with other like-mind- stranger in a time of need ed community members is rarely viewed as controall working together to versial; being a HEARTeam make a difference in their Advocate is one way to community. make a difference. The Being a victim of abuse most important thing is can feel confusing, isoyou are able to be there in lating, and scary, among their time of need. many other things. There If enough people take is no telling how someone action, we will successfully is going to respond after create an environment that being victimized and it’s will not tolerate violence important to know that and abuse. there is not a right or wrong way for someone The following article is to act. We at HCWC want the third article of a fivevictims to know that there week series focusing on is support for them during raising awareness about one of their most vulnersexual assault and child able moments. We are not abuse. April is both Sexual there to make decisions for Assault and Child Abuse them or tell them what to Awareness month and it do. We remind them that is our hope to educate our this was not their fault and local community on these that they did not choose two very serious issues.
Police Blotter
Worship in a church of your choice 11:00 AM
Thursday, April 25, 2019
www.stmartindp.org
Date 04/15/2019 04/16/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/15/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/16/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/18/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/17/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/19/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/21/2019 04/20/2019 04/20/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/22/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019 04/21/2019
Time 12:33:51 0:08:22 9:27:37 14:28:54 7:48:15 18:56:08 12:18:36 7:08:42 9:56:35 16:46:39 13:22:45 13:34:04 18:42:08 14:10:37 7:06:26 6:29:50 20:48:47 21:20:17 22:08:27 9:22:58 12:28:09 13:50:28 14:19:50 8:24:28 0:15:17 7:49:36 20:59:28 13:45:20 16:07:15 19:21:03 16:12:37 18:20:01 18:15:53 2:03:10 6:02:25 20:52:47 7:27:40 15:07:06 15:23:17 12:30:59 19:36:33 14:48:45 15:11:07 5:58:06 9:15:48 7:36:04 16:01:21 5:31:24 4:22:31 20:11:56 8:23:03 10:03:21 14:06:56 14:07:22 23:35:13 2:54:54 21:38:13 10:08:12 15:35:05 15:58:10 9:28:32 13:26:18 19:30:42 7:08:05 1:19:38 17:34:24 12:54:46 17:08:40 13:03:48 21:23:53 20:48:44 1:49:27 19:23:49 19:31:51 8:11:42 20:56:15 13:43:26 10:57:30 18:51:49 19:12:41 23:16:02
Location Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School Mercedes Ln, Kyle Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School Miss Donna Ln, Dripping Springs Railyard Dr, Kyle Cabelas Dr, Buda, Carrington Oaks Green Acres Dr, Wimberley Skyview Ter, Kyle Heritage Oaks Dr, Austin Green Acres Dr,Wimberley E Goforth St/FM 2001, Buda Exit 220 NB, Buda 3801 W RR 150, Kyle Sadler Dr, San Marcos Hill Country MHDD Stone Rim Loop, Buda Shale Cir, Buda Green Acres Dr, Wimberley Golden Cv, Kyle Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley RR 3237, Wimberley Ranch House Rd, Wimberley Dacy Ln Kyle, Chapa Middle School Ranch House Rd, Wimberley S FM 1626/RR 967 Buda 12085 RR 967 Buda Maeves Way, Austin RR 12, Wimberley, HEB Lehman Rd, Kyle, Lehman High School RR 12, San Marcos, Sac N Pac 109 Lone Spur Ln, Driftwood Rosemary Holw, Buda Ghost Crk/Coldwater Holw, Buda Windy Hill Rd, Kyle, Poco Loco Supermarket RR 32, San Marcos Robert S Light Blvd, Trails At Buda Ranch Apts Quarter Ave, Buda Mariah Dr, Kyle San Marcos Yarrington Road Materials Wallace St/RR 12, Dripping Springs RR 12 Wimberley, Woodcreek Apartments Rolling Meadows Ln, Kyle Bell Springs Rd, Austin High Rd, Kyle, Deso Hair Salon Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood Myers Creek Rd, Dripping Springs San Marcos Regency MHP Palomino Rd/Goforth Rd, Kyle Day Dr, San Marcos Heep Run, Buda Par View Dr, Woodcreek Summit Dr, Kyle Exit 217 SB, Buda Exit 219 SB, Buda Leisurewoods Dr/N FM 1626, Buda Pebble Creek Ln/Spanish Trails Blvd, Buda Stone View Trl, Austin Cresthill Cswy, Kyle Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Goforth Rd, Kyle San Marcos Garnet And Gold Social Society Hidden Hills Dr, Dripping Springs Samuel Dr, Buda Stag Horn Pass, Kyle Exit 221 SB, Buda 201 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs Satterwhite Rd, Buda, Docs Drive In FM 2001, Buda Lame Hoss Ln, Driftwood Signal Hill Rd, Austin Siebert Dr, Kyle Santa Fe Run, Kyle San Marcos, Real Life Faith Center Mt Olive School Rd/Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley Summit Dr, Kyle Lone Man Mountain Rd, Wimberley Davis Ranch Rd/N Old Bastrop Hwy, San Marcos RR 32/RR 12, San Marcos Hillside Ter/FM 2001, Buda Hillside Dr/Dacy Ln, Buda Exit 210 SB, Kyle
Thursday, April 25, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
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Get to know your Wimberley candidates Wimberley City Council members for places 1, 3 and 5 were asked the following questions. Candidates that did not submit a questionnaire as of press time are Eric Wollam (Place 5) and Tim Dodson (Place 1).
REBECCA MINNICK, PL. 1 What is the best approach to Wimberley’s wastewater issues – a third-party operated facility or a cityowned facility and why? A city-owned plant is the best approach because the size of the plant will serve to manage future development and will be less expensive to both users and the city in the long run. No discharge is easily accomplished with the city plan. The Aqua Texas option doesn’t provide water to Blue Hole Park and it creates additional costs and environmental risks boring under the creek. Costs will rise as levels of usage rise and Aqua Texas’ environmental and customer service track record is dismal. However, we need a sewer ASAP and I will work to ensure it happens. How should Wimberley address state officials directives of incorporating a property tax? I oppose a property tax for an Aqua Texas system. No Council member - ever - can guarantee that a property tax set at zero will stay at zero – especially one that will be in effect for 28 years. We can’t predict the future: How much revenue will the sewer generate? How many users will be served? Or, how will FUTURE council members vote? Currently, we do not even have costs on boring under the creek or up-to-date costs of what has been spent to switch. There are still many unanswered questions and unverified claims. What are your thoughts on the recent de-annexation of properties in the city? A dangerous precedent has been set and, if elected, I will NOT vote for any further disannexations. Disannexations forfeit our zoning, our strongest tool to manage growth, protect our environment and retain our character. City processes to achieve this include comprehensive reviews of potential development by the City Staff, our Planning & Zoning Commission and the Council. Public hearings are required where citizens and neighbors can provide input. County
requirements require NO such public review. This could have a devastating effect on our charming town and our city finances. What does Wimberley lack and how would you go about fixing that issue? Traffic congestion, parking and pedestrian safety are serious issues in the commercial areas at the Square. We need directional signage, lighting, sidewalks and parking. I believe that we can address some of the challenges with shortterm strategies such as temporary parking areas and shuttle buses. I propose creating a task force to explore solutions, timelines and funding options including grants. Since our city runs on sales tax, we need to support our merchants because they support us. We need to work together to make our Square as safe, economically viable and charming as it can be. What was the last movie you saw in theaters? Mary Poppins. I took my granddaughter during the holidays!
CHRISTINE BYRNE, PL. 3 What is the best approach to Wimberley’s wastewater issues – a third-party operated facility or a city-owned facility and why? Last May, the City plan was on track to be completed - on budget and on time with 160 users. The state-of-the-art system would have allowed us to keep local control, re-use the effluent in an environmentally responsible way to enhance our park and decrease the demand on our precious aquifer. The City plan is an investment in our future and the best choice. Ten months later, we have a half completed system to nowhere, skyrocketing legal fees, broken contracts, money and time wasted, grants declined and an impending city-wide ad valorem property tax.
pledge. It may be set at “0” initially, but there is no guarantee it won’t increase. This could be hanging over our heads for 28 years. I do not trust that Aqua Texas rates won’t skyrocket in the future, necessitating a tax above zero. Ad valorem taxes should be brought to a vote before the people. What are your thoughts on the recent de-annexation of properties in the city? It is NOT in the best interest of the City for any council member to vote to disannex property. This has set a dangerous precedent and will open us up to more disannexation requests and future litigation. We are giving up our controls on growth, zoning and future tax base when we allow properties to disannex. Our citizens will no longer have input on future development. As your council member I will not support future disannexation requests. What does Wimberley lack and how would you go about fixing that issue? Wimberley’s challenges include road repairs, traffic, parking and sidewalks. I would collaborate with local groups and explore various grants for sidewalks (especially along 2325 and Old Kyle Road). Traffic issues during Market Days and peak season Saturdays could be alleviated with help from our Constables. Parking could be expanded to near by lots with a shuttle service. Finally, the transportation advisory board can help develop a comprehensive road plan, that prioritizes needs and offers recommendations. What was the last movie you saw in theaters? My daughter and I saw Crazy Rich Asians.
SUSAN JAGGERS, PL. 3
What is the best approach to Wimberley’s wastewater issues – a third-party operated facility How should Wimor a city-owned facility berley address state and why? officials directives of We need to complete incorporating a proper- the sewer system as ty tax? currently planned and The change of scope to approved. Why? It’s the Aqua Texas will necesmost environmentally sitate a property tax sound and financially
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responsible option. No City-owned plant at Blue Hole means no discharge of sewer effluent into the Blanco River, a potential environmental catastrophe for our river and aquifers. Unlike the City, Aqua has a land application permit and cannot discharge. The economics are simple. The City could build a $3.1 million plant and spend $214,000 annually to operate it. The other selected option is to spend $0.2 million to connect to Aqua and pay them an annual cost of just $53,000. How should Wimberley address state officials directives of incorporating a property tax? This assertion is incorrect - there are no directives for a property tax. The TWDB loan is currently secured by a pledge of sewer revenues, including a City subsidy. Recognizing lack of sufficient collateral, TWDB also requested it be secured by a pledge of property taxes as well –- but only if needed. In fact, there currently exists a similar pledge in our original, but still existing TWDB loan – with a zero percent tax rate. Actually the risk of property taxes required for the sewer are diminished since Aqua processing costs would be one-fourth the cost of a City plant.
What does Wimberley lack and how would you go about fixing that issue? The City needs to have a plan that helps ensure that Wimberley stays Wimberley – the reason most of us want to live here. We cannot help but experience growth and change here in one of the fastest growing counties in the country. However, we can still protect the City from rapid and unbridled growth that could change our unique character forever. We need to do this through updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and reviewing and revising City ordinances to support our objectives. What was the last movie you saw in theaters? I wish I had time to go to the theater.
WILLIAM BOWMAN, PL. 5
What is the best approach to Wimberley’s wastewater issues – a third-party operated facility or a city-owned facility and why? I have always favored a locally managed, publicly owned, zero discharge sewer What are your system. My problem thoughts on the recent with Aqua Texas (AT), is de-annexation of prop- that it is an IOU (investor erties in the city? owned utility). This Obviously we cannot means that there will dismember the City always be pressure to piece by piece through send excess revenue to disannexation. Howshareholders rather than ever, there are times making investments when disannexation for preventative is appropriate. These maintenance and system should be decided on upgrades. The AT plan a case-by-case basis. will also require the For example, the City’s implementation of a desire to add land at the long-term city property time of incorporation tax. may have resulted in Unfortunately, the gerrymandered boundoriginal city plan has aries or other fairness been delayed almost issues that forced a year and would be certain properties to be difficult to pursue due included that should not to contract cancellations have been. Also, keep and recent engineering in mind that there are changes. Texas laws that guide the different processHow should es and circumstances Wimberley address for disannexation that state officials directives must be considered and of incorporating a followed. property tax?
As part of the planned switch to Aqua Texas, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), our lender, is requiring us to change to a bond that is backed by a property tax. The current city council voted last week to pursue a 28-year property tax plan to help pay for the system. I am disappointed that the public did not have a chance to comment, or possibly vote, on the change. In my time campaigning around Wimberley, I have encountered a great deal of resistance to any additional property tax being levied at this time. What are your thoughts on the recent de-annexation of properties in the city? In my opinion, one of the primary roles of any city official is to protect the boundaries and territory of the city. If I am elected to the city council I will never vote to de-annex property from the city. I think it was a huge mistake for the current city council to allow it to happen. What does Wimberley lack and how would you go about fixing that issue? My biggest concern for Wimberley at the moment is the lack of sidewalks along the 2325 corridor. Every afternoon, a large number of students from Danforth Middle School and Wimberley High School walk to local eating establishments like Subway, Mima’s, and Odie’s. The route along 2325 is rocky and uneven and places students dangerously close to the heavy afternoon traffic flow. I would like to see the city pursue state and federal grants to begin planning a sidewalk from Carney Lane down to Green Acres. In addition to helping students it would make Market Days easier to navigate as well. What was the last movie you saw in theaters? The last movie I saw was a scary one “Pet Semetary.” My favorite movies are “Forrest Gump” and the “Star Wars” movies.
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Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Sports
Legacy blanks Tigers in state semifinal BY MOSES LEOS III
GEORGETOWN – When she had a chance to take stock of the bronze medal draped around her neck Thursday, Dripping Springs senior Jessica Carmichael’s face radiated with happiness. Granted, the accolade was a bittersweet memento of a 4-0 state semifinal loss to the Mansfield Legacy Broncos that brought the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers’ thrilling championship quest to an end. But the medal also signified the amount of work put in to becoming the first Lady Tiger squad to reach the state tournament in 11 years. While the conclusion wasn’t how the Tigers envisioned their season ending, Carmichael cherished the ride to get there. “We made it here. I know the ride home is going to be a little sad, but we’re going to celebrate how awesome this season was,” Carmichael said. “We worked for this. We lost, but we worked our hardest to get here.” Bailee Perinne, Lady Tiger head soccer coach, lauded the play of her
squad, specifically her 11 seniors who provided key leadership during the season. Their talents pushed them past several key tests, including wins over perennial powerhouses Gregory-Portland and Boerne Champion in the regional tournament. Getting to play at state was an “exciting” venture, said Tiger senior Ziva Payer. “We worked our butts off every single day – training and in games and even our rest days,” Payer said. “Our coach pushed us to be the best athletes we could be.” Ultimately, Dripping Springs failed to corral a larger, more physical Legacy squad from not only imposing their will, but also taking advantage of opportunities and Tiger miscues. Legacy leapt out to a 1-0 lead when Bronco Brigid Murray took advantage of loose ball in front of the Tiger net and successfully buried a 15-yard shot. Legacy’s lead expanded to 2-0 right before intermission when a misplayed ball in front of the net was booted in by Viviana Garica. The Broncos kept
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
The Lady Tiger soccer season came to a bitter-sweet end last week. This squad with a season record of 25-5-3, was the first in eleven years to make it to the state tournament.
get “the opportunities they had been getting all year,” Perrine said. The Lady Tigers were outshot 12-1, but finished the game with six total corner kicks. “Usually my team is the strong team, but this is probably the strongest team we’ve met up with physically,” Perrine said. A formidable Legacy midfield proved a challenge for the Tigers to bypass. Carmichael said Legacy won balls out of the air “every single time,” which is a weakness DripDripping Springs’ senior Elizabeth Driggers wipes away tears ping Springs has battled after the Lady Tigers 4-0 loss in the Class 5A state semifinal with this season. Dripping Springs also last Thursday at Georgetown. battled against a blustery up the pace and tallied two while Ashley Perez added 20 mile-per-hour wind in more goals in the final 40 a goal on a penalty kick in the first half, which kept minutes. the 65th minute. them from making long Bronco Andrea Garcia While her team had an passes into the scoring headed in a goal four min- overall speed advantage, third for Payer and seutes into the second half, Lady Tiger strikers didn’t nior Zoe Flores. However,
Perrine credited Legacy’s ability to shut down their game plan and keep her team off the board. “It was a good team to play, a good team to see and compete with,” Perrine said. “You can’t be mad at that. We wished it bounced way more and that we capitalized on our opportunities. Perrine, Carmiachel and Payer all looked ahead to the future of the program. Six underclassmen are expected to return next season. While there are some leadership roles to be filled, Perrine said this season’s success could lead to a prosperous 2020 campaign. “We’re going to have a super-solid team,” Carmichael said. “I have to say watch out to everyone next year.”
Tigers take down Knights Tigers wrap up district in walk off fashion crown, prepare for playoffs BY REED GRAFF
STAFF REPORT
A three-run, seventh inning home run from sophomore Brennan Frickel lifted the Dripping Springs Tigers to a wild come-from-behind 9-6 walk-off win over the McCallum Knights. The win further improved the Tigers playoff positioning heading into the final few games of the regular season. McCallum got on the board initially by scoring two first inning runs. The Tigers responded with a run-scoring single from RJ Cabela. However, McCallum battled back with four more runs to take a 6-1 advantage heading into the fourth frame. Dripping Springs slowly crawled back into contention over the next three-plus frames. After working the bases loaded, Tiger Ty Kaatz scored in the bottom of the forth inning on a fielder’s choice play. Dripping Springs’ Chris Tyree drove in a run via an RBI sacrifice fly, scoring Nico Ramirez to cut the Knight lead to 6-3 in the fifth inning. Cabela took over on the mound in the fifth and kept the ever-dangerous Knights off the board through the final few innings. Dripping Springs came roaring back in the sixth when Tiger Zach Tjelmeland laced a double to left that scored Brennan Frickel. Tyree blasted an RBI double to right field to tie the game up. Following a series of
Officially, the Dripping Springs softball team closed its regular season with a 7-0 win over the Austin Northeast High (formerly Reagan) April 18, capping off an unblemished run through 25-5A. The win, however, came as a result of a forfeiture. Even so, the Tigers, who are still ranked 3rd in Class 5A, are now preparing for a postseason run that begins this week with a three-game series against San Antonio Harlandale. Game one of the series will be played Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Frank Tejada Sports Complex in San Antonio. Game two will be played Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. in Dripping Springs’ Tiger Stadium, with an if-necessary third game played at the Tejada Sports Complex Saturday afternoon. The winner advances to play either Alamo
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Senior Chris Tyree makes a running catch on a fly ball to the outfield for the first out in the top of the seconded inning against visiting LBJ.
good at bats in the bottom of the seventh frame, Frickel came to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. Frickel came through in the clutch and blasted a hanging curveball over the left field wall for a threerun walk off home run. Head coach Chris Payne was proud of how his team handled a tough situation. “This was the closest we’ve had to a playoff atmosphere,” Payne said. “We just continued to grind and never thought we were out of it. Hopefully it catapults us going into next week and into the playoffs.” It was also an important night for the Tigers as they honored 7-year-old Will Allen, who they are sup-
porting in his receovery from a spinal cord injury. Both teams donned orange socks for Allen. Payne gave a lot of credit to Allen, who has meant a lot to the Tiger pogram. “They wanted to win for each other,” Payne said. “He made the stars align for us this evening.” Tyree and Frickel finished with three runs batted in. RJ Cabela pitched three scoreless innings and was the winning pitcher. As a team the Tigers scored nine runs on seven hits. The 18-9-1 Tigers are currently in second in District 25-5A. Dripping Springs plays Austin Northeast (formerly Reagan) High on the road Friday to close the regular season.
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PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Dripping Springs Tiger shortstop Camille Corona fields a ball during a 2017 playoff game played in Weimar. Corona, now a senior, will lead the Tigers into the playoffs starting Thursday.
Heights or Uvalde in the second round of the playoffs. So far this season, Dripping Springs as a team is hitting .442 and has an on-base percentage of .541. Four Tiger players are hitting above the .400 mark, led by senior Camille Carona, who has a batting average of .657, along with a team-
high 35 stolen bases on 47 attempts. Tiger Bailey Hudgeons is currently batting .591 with 11 doubles and four triples. In the circle, Dripping Springs senior Logan Hulon has amassed 168 total strikeouts and conceded only 32 walks over 90 total innings, according to stats compiled on MaxPreps.
Tiger tennis athletes head to state STAFF REPORT Four Dripping Springs High tennis athletes are bound for the state tournament in College Station after high-ranking performances at the Regional tournament in San Antonio.
The Tiger girls doubles team of Karley Higgerson and Whitney Robbins advanced to state after securing second place at the tournament held at the Blossom Athletic Center. Meanwhile, the boys doubles team of Thane
Johannsen and Henry Lovelace also secured second place and punched a ticket to state. Both teams move on to the state tournament, which will be held May 16-17 at Texas A&M University.
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Page 5
Education
DSHS students ‘lend a hand’ by building prosthetic devices STAFF REPORT Through the use of 3D printing technology, a handful of Dripping Springs High students are quite literally lending a hand to those in their community who might need help. The group, consisting of freshmen Gabrielle Avena, Natalie Chavez, Melissa Richardson, Sierra Stevens and Riordan Tiller, worked with Dripping Springs High educator Jad Jadeja last spring to craft and build prosthetic limbs for Central Texas residents. Building the limbs was done through international nonprofit e-NABLE, which reaches all over the world to create 3D-printable, opensource prosthetics for those in need. Individuals from across the globe can help improve designs for hands or arms for those who were born missing fingers or who have lost them due to war, disease or natural disaster. In the case for Dripping Springs High students, the use of “kits” provide a model of a mechanical hand in order to craft the prosthetic. This process also involves applying custom measurements – through a process called “scaling,” so that the device will correctly fit the individual who will benefit from it. Jadeja said when he first presented the idea as an engineering opportunity to students last spring, he
“ When I turned the question around and explained that this project would directly help others, this prompted their interest. Bringing in that human element grabbed their attention and appealed to their sense of service.” –Jad Jadeja, DSHS educator
didn’t get an immediate response. “When I turned the question around and explained that this project would directly help others, this prompted their interest,” he explained. “Bringing in that human element grabbed their attention and appealed to their sense of service.” Once they got the ball rolling on the project, students first had to complete a test run building a model called the “Raptor” hand. Once that process was successfully completed, the team received badges that indicated they are qualified to size, print, and assemble a hand. In 2019, the students crafted a hand for Mike Larson, a Cedar Park resident, who found the Tiger team through the e-NABLE organization. The engineering team took the man’s exact measurements to scale the model, then the team went to work on printing
and assembling the pieces, which was an intricate and time-consuming process. The team expects to finish the device in the next few months and will present it to the recipient, at which time adjustments will be made if needed. While they learned how to build the prosthetic, team members also worked on ways to fundraise to purchase material needed for the limb. In 2018, the students prepared a Student Leadership Grant through the Dripping Springs Education Foundation, which helped cover the cost of some materials for assembly kits. This year, the group applied for a second grant to cover 3D printer recycling for excess pieces. On April 6, the students met Larson, who visited and tried out the hand. The students measured the fit and made various adjustments to it.. Having high school students make it happen was the last thing I
DSHS sends several state qualifiers in Academic, Speech/Debate competitions STAFF REPORT
Avena, Ella Johnson and Caitlin Rinehart earned Several Dripping Springs a Bronze Medal and will High students will advance advance. Also placing third to the UIL Academic State were Varun Verma in ComMeet in five events based puter Applications and Ken on their regional finishes Gossett in the Spelling and April 13. The state meet will Vocabulary event; both be held May 2-4 at the Uni- have secured spots in the versity of Texas at Austin. state competition. Gabrielle Avena is the 5A The Speech and Debate Region Champion in Ready Team also had a great Writing and will move on weekend at the UIL regionto the state event. She also al meet. Campbell Melton placed third in Literary and Max Bibeau qualified Criticism and will advance for state by placing first in that event as well. The and third, respectively, in Literary Criticism team of Persuasive Extemporane-
ous Speaking. Addie Mae Villas earned the right to advance by placing second in Lincoln Douglas Debate; she is also the state alternate for Informative Extemporaneous Speaking. Lily Sethre-Brink is a state alternate in Lincoln Douglas Debate after placing fourth. As a team, DSHS was awarded second place Sweepstakes at the regional event. The UIL state tournament for speech and debate will be held May 29-30 at the University of Texas.
DSMS students honored in Junior VASE Five Dripping Springs Middle School art students received the highest possible score on their pieces entered in the Junior VASE competition. Three of the students entered two pieces, and two of them also received a “Platinum Award,” recognizing the top 10 percent of all entries. The mission of the Junior Visual Arts
Scholastic Event is to recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts by providing art students a program with a standard of excellence in which to achieve. Junior VASE encompass Grades 6-8. Artwork was judged on originality of concept, technical expertise, understanding of the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and the interpretation of the student’s stated intent. The jurors evaluate the art on a scale of 1-4, with “4” designated as “Excellent.”
Receiving the highest score of two pieces of artwork and receiving Platinum Awards were Piper Atkins and Trinity Seggelink. Atkins earned the Platinum recognition for a book and display; Trinity was honored for a monochromatic painting. Also earning two scores of 4 was Aspen Scott. Ben Furlow and Ava Wiese each had one entry earn a 4. The DSMS art teacher is Lindsey Thomas.
COURTESY PHOTO
(clockwise starting with far left): Royce Heflin, Gabrielle Avena, Riordan Tiller, recipient Mike Larson, Melissa Richardson, Sierra Stevens, Natalie Chavez, Anya Thomas
expected. I know these students are very busy and this project is beyond their other activities,” Larson said in a statement. “The fact they decided to take this on is impressive. I am grateful for their time, effort, and perseverance.” The personal motivation of the “Lend a Hand” members varies. Some have an interest in engineering and technology, while others want to learn how to use a 3D printer. Some enjoyed the social aspect of working together. All team members were drawn
to the community service element of the activity and were thrilled to contribute to a larger cause. “Originally I wanted to be a programmer and that was how I got involved,” Stevens said. “But once I started working on this I realized my interests were kind of shifting into the medical field ... now I want to be a surgeon. I also really like volunteering in this way; it’s a more active form of community service than other things I have done.” As they become upperclassmen, all of
the students hope to actively recruit younger members to “carry the torch.” Recently they set up displays at eighth-grade orientation activities and hope to identify incoming freshmen who want to be involved. “For me this is a fouryear commitment, said Avena. “As we get better at this and learn more about the process, it should go faster. We would like to pass the torch to younger students so when we graduate this can continue.”
Birdbaths welcome wildlife BY JERRY HALL
I have read that birdbaths need to be cleaned My backyard birdbath on a regular basis. I has had several visitors must confess that all the lately, but not of the kind cleaning I do is spray off I anticipated when I the bath with my garden installed it. hose each time I fill it. A gray fox hopped up The article I read was also one late evening and very specific as to what stood lapping water from to use in cleaning the the bath. One morning, I birdbath – a mixture of saw a large black vulture nine parts water to one standing in the bath, part vinegar, calculated preening and splashing to prevent mold in the water on its feathers. And birdbath. then there are the resiIf you are having troudent deer who regularly ble with mold, this might sip birdbath water. be something you could On rare occasions, I try. I have never had a actually see a regular bird mold problem and plan splashing around. to keep on with my hose
spraying. By the way, if you’re planning to install a birdbath, I recommend you purchase a heavy concrete model. It will be hard to tip over and will last forever. Also, make sure it is not too deep; over three inches and small birds have trouble reaching the bottom. And place the bath in the shade if possible so the water will stay cool and fresh. For lots of free entertainment, and to do a big favor for your resident wildlife, a birdbath is hard to beat.
Wimberley Short Term Rules Continued from pg. 1
Planning and Zoning Commissioners April 18 voted 6-1 to recommend the ordinance minus the CUP renewal process. Commissioner Craig Reitz was the dissenting vote. “This committee has been working on this for eight months…and I’ve seen before this all started that they all had different ideas and all at odds with each other,” said Councilmember Craig Fore. “But today, they are all in a unanimous decision to approve this and that to me says volumes about this.” Minnick stated that commissioners overwhelmingly opposed the annual renewal process. Minnick said the annual renewal of the CUP could prove problematic
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for the city as no other permit has a similar requirement. “What we’re trying to do is permit STRs through the ordinance,” Minnick said. “And I have concerns that the city will have legal exposure if we get sued on it.” Fore said potential legal exposure has been vetted by the city attorney, and he was not worried about that. “I find it very odd that we have two groups in this community that volunteer a tremendous amount of time that are joined at the hip but have come out, as I understand it, with completely diametrically opposed opinions on this issue of annual renewal…,” said Councilmember Erik Wollam. STR Committee
member Phil Collins said the committee hadn’t heard a single point of resistance to the annual renewal until the last P&Z meeting. Collins said the ordinance’s annual renewal calls for STR operators to fill a form checking a number of boxes stating compliance. “If I have to inspect my car, if I have to get a registration, if I have to get a license and if I have to get insurance, that’s done for a reason,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gary Barfeld. “This seems to me to put everybody on a level playing field and say equally, this is what you’re all paying…” Fees associated with the renewal process as per the new rules will be discussed in the near future.
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Wimberley Debate: Wastewater on their minds Continued from pg. 1
ture preserve are adamant on ensuring public access to trails within it. Byrne, who served on the Parks and Recreation board for over a decade, has been a supporter of keeping the area open the public. However, Jaggers
argued the area is “a preserve, not a nature trail,” calling for the city to limit access in order to prevent it. Minnick argued that the trail acts as access to the city and nature; Minnick was also against any fencing that would
distract from the river. All candidates vocalized opposition to Kinder Morgan’s proposed Permian Highway Pipeline that would cut through some areas in Wimberley Valley. Bowman commended the efforts of the coun-
cil to pass a resolution opposing the pipeline’s route, which was unanimously approved. “I was really our of them for all their discourse,” Bowman said. “I’m proud Wimberley took up and took a vote to reject Kinder Morgan.”
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D.S. Campaign Finance: Newcomer leads field Continued from pg. 1
Those amounts directly contrast the lack of spending by Place 5 candidate Randall Stephens and incumbent William Travis Crow, who both have not spent any money or received any
political contributions during the reporting period. Meanwhile, Taline Manassian, an incumbent council member running in the Place 1 race, spent the majori-
ty of the reported $272 campaign expenses on advertising costs, ranging from Jan. 1 to March 25, according to the report. Manassian reported $305 in her war chest as
of the last day of the reporting period. Anthony Aristar, who is running against Manassian in the Place 1 race, did not file a campaign finance report.
Pipeline Lawsuit: Kyle, county join in “Texas is supposed to be a property rights state. That form and the process Kinder Morgan has been allowed to follow is in direct contradiction. It’s ridiculous a for-profit company should be granted the awesome right of eminent domain without a public hearing or environmental study.” –Travis Mitchell, Kyle mayor
Becerra said it’s “unfortunate” the lawsuit is the route that’s being taken to open up discussion. “I think the lawsuit we contemplated is our attempt to have them (Kinder Morgan) answer to someone in Hays County,” Smith said. Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell, who said Kinder Morgan has “kicked over an ant pile,” felt the lawsuit is an example of people “all over the political spectrum coming together in unison.” Part of the frustration extended to discovering “months ago” that the city had no real voice regarding the PHP and its routing, Mitchell said. Another factor was finding out only two forms were needed to be filed with the TRC for Kinder Morgan to build its pipeline and that it was going to use public highway, road or public utility easement. “Texas is supposed to be a property rights state. These forms and the process Kinder Morgan has been allowed to follow is in direct contradiction,” Mitchell said. “It’s ridiculous a for-profit company should be granted the awesome right of eminent domain without a public hearing or environmental study.” In a statement, Kinder Morgan officials said the lawsuit is “NIMBY (Not in My Backyard)’ism” and not about a “constitutional eminent domain process that’s worked well for decades.” Officials said the PHP has exceeded requirements from the TRC. Additionally, Kinder Morgan officials said through court proceedings, landowners are “compensated a fair value for easements on their property.”
“This lawsuit takes aim at not just the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) project, but all infrastructure projects, threatening the very thing that has made the Texas economy the envy of the nation,” said Kinder Morgan officials. Kinder Morgan has met with more than 100 elected officials about the project and held five public meetings, as well as having met with individual land owners, according to the statement. The company has also made “more than 150 route changes to accommodate landowners” in response to what they’ve learned through land surveys.“This (eminent domain) is a time honored process that is used on a limited basis when good-faith negotiations aren’t enough,” said Kind-
er Morgan officials in a statement. “Otherwise, one selfish landowner could stand in the way of a project that would benefit millions of Texans throughout the state.” Hays County resident Lana Nance, who is also a plaintiff in the suit, said she is hopeful the litigation is successful and that it forces someone at the state level to listen. TREAD officials said they expect there will be more lawsuits filed against the PHP by other communities in the near future. In recent weeks, Gillespie County Commissioners and the city of Fredericksburg have passed resolutions opposing the project.“I don’t believe these people (Kinder Morgan) are going to stop. They’re not going to stop,” Nance said.
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process taken by entities such as Kinder Morgan to route pipelines is “not balanced, unilateral and needs to be improved.” Braun said the point of the suit is to ask the TRC, which oversees the oil and gas industries in Texas, to establish rules and supervision requirements so landowners and communities are part of the routing process. The PHP is a proposed $2 billion 430-mile, 42-inch underground pipeline that will transport natural gas from far west Texas to the Houston area. Officials with Kinder Morgan estimate getting the pipeline operational by late 2020. The challenge is one of the first of its kind, said Clark Richards, with Richards Rodriguez and Skeith, the law firm that authored the litigation. Buda, Wimberley and Hays CISD leaders have joined Kyle and Hays County in passing resolutions opposing the PHP. Resolutions against the project have also come from the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, as well as the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. Richards said the Texas Constitution grants eminent domain power to private entities, but it also requires standards, which have not been set, in how they exercise that power. Renea Hicks, who is also representing plaintiffs in the suit, said he thinks Kinder Morgan is trying to establish a corridor for pipelines through the Hill Country. “We think the courts will require the Railroad Commission to adopt standards that create transparency and openness,” Richards said. Walt Smith, Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner, said parties in the suit seek the TRC to create a process that allows residents and jurisdictions to be part of the routing process. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said county officials have tried to conduct a two-way dialogue with Kinder Morgan in recent months, but Kinder Morgan representatives have “shut it down.”
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By Order of the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners, notice is hereby given that on Monday, May 20, 2019 at 7:00PM at the Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department, 15850 FM 1826, Austin, TX 78737, the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to consider approving Right of Way Ordinance #190520.001 amending Right of Way Ordinance #0905183.001 to include provisions for mail boxes and package delivery receptacles.
NOTICE OF LANLORD’S LIEN SALE
items. David Gowensfurniture, clothing, household items, boxes. Forest Scott Homes-lumber, building materials. Dawn Dunphy-Furniture, tools, boxes, household items. Jonathan McAdamshousehold items, lawn and garden, light furniture. Jack Carr-tools, fishing pole, pump tank, table. Allen Young-lumber, car parts, table. Terms and Conditions are at Storagetreasures. com. Auction is online at Storagetreasures.com.
Arches Self Storage, 3975 E Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620. All sales are to satisfy the Landlord’s Lien. Auction closes 12 noon, April 30, 2019. Auction is held at Storagetreasures. com. Units: Shana Hunterfurniture, boxes, books, lawn mower. Erik Johnsonchests, fishing equipment, car related items, helmets. Don Madden-furniture, decorations, household
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd Managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will begin on or about the time indicated at www.Selfstorageauction. com. Property will be sold to highest bidder for cash. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be temporarily required. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property may be sold by the space. Property being sold includes contents in spaces of following tenants, with brief description of contents in each space. Thursday, May 9, 2019,12:00 pm AAA Self Storage Dripping Springs @ 2300 W. US Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 www.SelfStorageAuction. com Brittany Castano: misc. items.
NOTICE TO PATIENTS OF SOUTHWEST DERMATOLOGY: It is with mixed emotions that we announce Dr. Pena-Robichaux will no longer be practicing at Southwest Dermatology in Buda, TX, located at 211B N FM 1626, 1A. Her last day seeing patients will be May 17th, 2019. Dr. Pena has been recruited to be the new Chief of Dermatology for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. In addition, she will also be part-time faculty at UT Dell Medical School where she has been asked to start a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic set to start in July or August 2019. Although we are disappointed to see Dr. Pena go, we are excited for her new transition. Upon Dr. Pena’s last day, our excellent dermatologists Dr. Brenda Watkins and Dr. Michael Graves will begin to see patients at our Buda location. Our goal is to continue to put our patients first and provide the best dermatologic care we can. For more information, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at (737) 717-3244.
TexSCAN Week of April 21, 2019 ACREAGE 33.62 acres, Coke County near Robert Lee. Rural water meter, end of road privacy. Mesquite and cedar cover. Whitetail, hogs, turkey, quail, dove. $3,000/ acre, fixed rate 30-yr. owner financing w/5% down. 800-876-9720, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com. FOR SALE: 30,000-head, working feedlot on 564 +/- acres in Beaver County, OK. For more information, contact Big Iron Realty at 402-649-3705.
ARROWHEADS Indian Arrowheads Wanted, Point types: Clovis, Firstview, Eden, Midland, Yuma, Cody, all nice Alibates Points. Must be authentic, unbroken. Top $$ paid X3. Call 979-218-3351 or text photos.
AUCTION Cal/Cam Parish Public Auction, Fri. & Sat., April 26 & 27 at 9 a.m. Location: Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, La. Cars, trucks, trailers, farm machinery, construction & industrial equip., RVs, ATVs & miscellaneous items. Online bidding available, www. TheBestAuctions.net. Phone 337-494-1333. Pedersen & Pedersen Auctions; Mike Pedersen, auctioneer, La. License #622.
EVENTS Buda Lions Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races, April 27-28, Buck’s Backyard, FM 1626, Buda, TX. For more info, visit www.budalions.com. Gonzales Inquirer 2nd Annual Come & Taste It Craft Beer & Wine Festival, Fri., April 26, 6-10 p.m.; Sat., April 27, 1 p.m.-11 p.m. Live Music featuring five bands on the square. For more information call 830-672-2861 or email terry.fitzwater@gonzalesinquirer.com. Lamesa – Chicken Fried Steak Festival, April 26-28. Hot Air Balloon Rally, 100+ booths, Balloon Glow/ Fire Fest, 5K Run, Team Roping, Chicken Fried Steak Cook off, Classic Car Show, Disk Golf Tourney, Chicken-Fried Steak Dinner (Tickets: 806-872-2181) and more. Info: www.ci.lamesa.tx.us, 806-872-4345 or 806-777-1171. Seguin – Earth Day Trade Day, Sat. April 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 80+ Vendors, green info booths, entertainment, music, food, kid’s activities, demonstrations and more! Downtown Seguin, Central Park, 201 S. Austin Street. Visitseguin.com, 830-401-5000.
CHARITY Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, www.boatangel.com.
CAREER TRAINING Airlines Are Hiring – Get FAA-Approved Hands-On Aviation Training. Financial aid for qualified students - career placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 877-207-0345.
HUNTING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. Call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.RespectForYou. com/NHL.
LOG HOMES Log Homes – 4 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #101 Carolina, bal. $17,000; Model #203 Georgia, bal. $19,950; Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $14,500; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500. View plans at www.loghomedream.com.
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
MISC. FOR SALE Barn Boards & Beams from Wisconsin. Large inventory – Buy Directly & Save Money! $2 to $4 Bd.Ft. Call or text Dave 608-632-2955. Delivery Available.
TRUCK DRIVERS Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
Service Directory Automotive
Air Conditioning
APC
Service Pros, LLC
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
Central Garage, LLC Complete Auto Repair
(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
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Service • Repair • Installation
512-410-7739 www.APCServicePros.com TACLB015741E
Licensed and Insured
TECL 24139
Construction
Monclova Construction, LLC
• • • • • • •
Foundations Driveways Parking Lots Retaining Walls Excavation Welding Fabrication
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
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Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
austin@monclovaconstruction.com
512-366-2554
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
robinnds@aol.com
Handyman
Glass Service
Reliable Handy Man Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Commercial & Residential
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
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Get your honey-do list done right.
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512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Texas Crossword Solution
Lawn Care
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
See puzzle, page 5
Tree Service
Shoe Repair • Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including:
Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
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www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com
Page 8
News-Dispatch
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Wimberley holds on wastewater debt authorization BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Concerns about meeting required creteria necessary to obtain a $5.5 million Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) loan for wastewater system upgrades led Wimberley city leaders to table action on authorizing the debt. Instead, Wimberley city leaders approved by a 4-0 vote April 18 a resolution stating their commitment to the TWDB to allow Aqua Texas to operate the wastewater facility. Council member Allison Davis was absent from the meeting. City leaders chose to wait on debt authorization, which would have been done via an ordinance, as the city has not met all requirements necessary for the project. Along with pledging to institute a property tax to pay down the debt if
Wimberley city leaders approved by a 4-0 vote April 18 a resolution stating its commitment to the TWDB on its change of scope to allow for Aqua Texas to operate the wastewater facility.
needed, Wimberley also had to conduct an environmental assessment on its wastewater plans. Some city leaders feared not checking off all requirements could pose financial risk for the city. “…If we do this before the other conditions are met, and we can’t meet them, then we’ve obligated ourselves with a project that we may not be able to complete,” Councilmember Craig Fore said. However, city leaders discussed how Wimberley plans to pay for the debt, should they move ahead with authorization. Sales tax dollars, as well
as monies generated by utility fees when the plant goes online, are ways officials plan to pay the debt. Stephanie Liebe, Wimberley’s legal counsel from the law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright, said if a property tax is needed to pay down the debt, city leaders could impose a property tax without an election. Requirements to hold an election for bonds is statutory and not constitutional, Liebe said. Using bond revenues to pay down debt is a similar tactic Wimberley employed when it incurred debt from the TWDB roughly four years
ago. Those bonds, which totaled $650,000, went toward completing the planning and design for a future wastewater system upgrade. At that time, TWDB officials asked the city to pledge a property tax in the event they were unable to pay back the bond with revenues the city generated. Wimberley uses sales tax revenue to pay down the $650,000 loan and anticipates paying that off by 2020. “I think what I’m hear-
Liebe said authorizing the bonds “doesn’t mean the bonds will be issued and closed.” Several considerations, including the upcoming Wimberley City Council elections, led city officials to hold off authorizing the bonds. Mayor Pro Tem Gary ing is there is nothing new happening here that didn’t Barchfeld said the pruhappen three or four years dent move for the city would be to pass the resago,” said Councilmemolution sending a strong ber Erik Wollam. “It may have different names, but message to the TWDB. “There is no tie so I everything is the same.” couldn’t vote,” Jaggers said Mayor Susan Jaggers throwing her hands in the argued that the debt still belonged to the city and it air jokingly. “Hopefully, in needed to be paid. Jaggers two weeks I can.” The $5.5 million loan said the city would be would pay for connection conveying a good faith to Aqua Texas, boring effort to the TWDB to move forward with autho- under the creek and more. rizing the debt. Liebe also The city still has about $200,000 of the $650,000 recommended authorizoutstanding. ing the bonds April 18.
Revolving Door Policy: New program? Continued from pg. 1
tions have implemented. Based on the conversation with Becerra, Villalobos said this cooling off period could last four years since elected officials serve four-year terms. However, the proposal was met with criticism by other commissioners, specifically on the county’s authority to implement such programs. Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith questioned how a revolving door policy would affect previous county employees from utilizing their expertise in the private sector. “I have a real problem with telling our employees that they’ve done a great job after 20 years, but you’re going to walk out the door and we never want to take advantage of your education – we don’t want to see you anymore,” Smith
said. Smith said it could also be burdensome to taxpayers as it could limit the pool of experts who can provide services to the county. General Counsel Mark Kennedy did not believe there would be limitations on the county’s ability to implement such a policy. However, the county “cannot dictate what an individual can or cannot do after we employ them,” Kennedy said. Becerra said he does not have the ill intent of hurting a former employee with this policy. Becerra argued that he didn’t want to create an advantage for those who have previously represented the county at a high level. Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell suggested additional disclosure methods for
former employees. “I don’t see a problem with disclosure if our concern is that somehow there is not transparency for the contracts we are entering into,” Shell said. Kennedy said the request for disclosure would be relevant in discretionary contracts but not in contracts where the county asks for bids for projects. Under state statute, the county is forced to contract with the lowest bidder on a project regardless of what county policies are in place. The county could implement its own policy separate to the state’s disclosure documents to address any transparency issues, Shell said.“I think the disclosure piece that has been moving through (this discussion) sounds like a perfect thing,” Becerra said.
Compassionate, personalized care has a new name. Seton is now known as Ascension Seton. That’s nearly 117 years of history rolled into one exciting, new beginning.
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