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2021
Volume 34, Issue 34
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July 15, 2021 | 50 Cents
Helping students gear up for school
Local organization to distribute shoes, school supplies
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Lining the walls of a room in the building that houses the gym in what was once Liberty Hill High School are boxes and boxes of school supplies filled with anything and everything a student could ever need on the road to education. From pens, pencils and markers to notebooks, folders, binders, glue, scissors and the like – it’s all there as a result of a joint venture between Operation Liberty Hill, Community Pathways Organization and L4 Cares called “Operation Back to School.” The supplies will be distributed to needy families at an
event scheduled for July 31 at Grace Alive Church. According to Susan Baker, Operation Liberty Hill executive director, there is a definite need for services such as this, only most Liberty Hill residents are simply not aware. “Unlike in Austin, you don’t see the homeless population here,” said Baker. “People don’t realize they exist.” With the population and economic growth of the area in recent years, the haves and havenots are now further apart than ever before, she said. “Due to all the affluence which has moved into the area, the
See HELP, Page 3
SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO
Vicky McCown and Susan Baker of Operation Back to School have collected school supplies and athletic shoes to be distributed to local needy students.
Pounding down the dogs Rookie eater triumphs in contest
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Alex Chapman sat down at the table to engage in his first-ever eating contest at the Liberty Hill Independence Day Spectacular, he figured he would give it a pretty good go. But, he didn’t expect to win. “I thought I would have two or three, be full, stop and just enjoy the free meal,” said Chapman, a Cedar Park resident of 11 years who is planning a move to Liberty Hill with his family in the near future. “But, I had people cheering me on, so I kept going.” When the clock had elapsed on the five minutes of culinary consumption, Chapman had successfully downed nine hot dogs – with the buns – to claim
victory. In fact, not only had Chapman prevailed, but in doing so, defeated defending champion 13-year-old Kolton New, who finished second with eight dogs devoured after having won the title the last time the contest was held in 2019 with a total of eight-and-a-half to his name. The field of 12 competitors ranged in age from 10 to 65 years old, which provided Chapman, a 43-year-old father of two – with plenty of rivals. But when it was all said and done and the crumbs had settled, he had reigned supreme. One might wonder what prompts someone to choose to undertake such an uncomfortable venture, but for Chapman,
Council considers hiring contracted financial manager
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The City Council held a lengthy discussion during their meeting July 7 about the need for hiring a financial management consultant to assist the City in a variety of financial matters, like completing last fiscal year’s audit. Council member Crystal Mancilla asked Wayne McKethan, president of The Financial City Manager, to present to the council on services he could provide to the city regarding financial management. “I thought there was a need for a couple of different reasons,” Mancilla said. “We are growing so fast right now, and when I vote for something, I want to do it with clear conscious. Also, with [Wayne] being educated, he can educate a new council. Three of us are new to city government, politics and how money is used in the budget. Also, what is concerning me is the 2019-20 audit isn’t done. He can come in and help with that.” Chief Financial Officer Becky Wilkins said the 2019-20 au©2021 The Liberty Hill Independent
dit isn’t completed due to the pandemic and the fact that she was working shorthanded for 14 months due to an employee being out on FMLA. She also added that she just found out the head auditor over the city’s audit lost her husband recently, so a new assignment will likely have to be made. She estimated the audit will be completed in two to three weeks. McKethon said most audits should be done in February. “I am interested in helping you if we can determine what you need,” he added. “This would be a contracted position. I would provide expertise and independence and will look at everything [financially] to get to the truth and see how efficient we can be. Then I’ll make recommendations based on what I see.” McKethan said his methodology is to first interview City staff, council members, the Mayor, approved media and other outside participants to determine trouble spots. Then, he will analyze all City financials and research and determine potential areas of concern, like the current uncompleted audit. Next, he will document his
See COUNCIL, Page 4
it simply seemed like a good idea, he said. “We were looking at the event’s website to see what was going on at the celebration,” said Chapman. “The hot dog contest seemed like fun.” Ironically enough, the featured fare isn’t even usually on his dietary menu of choice, he said. “No, I’m not a huge hot dog fan,” said Chapman. “I much rather prefer Texas barbecue.” Chapman said once he reached eight hot dogs, he thought he was just about done, but a surprising source of inspiration struck in the form of support from the crowd who had gathered around to witness the
Alex Chapman won the annual hot-dog eating contest at the Liberty Hill Independence Day
See CONTEST, Page 3 Spectacular by consuming nine hot dogs. (Courtesy Photo)
BUSINESS
Chamber celebrates anniversary of Texas Honey Hole
COURTESY PHOTO
Members of the Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce celebrated the first anniversary of Texas Honey Hole on July 1 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the candy shop’s new location at 1201 Loop 332. The ribbon was cut by owner Jodi McCumber and her family.
Page 2
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Thursday, July 15, 2021
Development Services asks for more staff
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer More staff is at the top of the list for the City of Liberty Hill’s development services, which includes the planning department, the building department and the code enforcement department. Members of development services presented their budget requests to the City Council at its most recent budget workshop on July 7. John Byrum, director of planning for the City of Liberty Hill, said the department’s role is to provide comprehensive land use services both to the public and to the City, in support of the preservation, assistance and regulation of development in the city and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The planning department is part of several pre-development meetings, Byrum said, which brings a need for more staff. “A lot of people are interested in Liberty Hill,” he said. “In March, we had 15 pre-development meetings. We have these meetings every Wednesday morning. We’ve already tied with last year’s amount [and it’s July]. Really good people are interested in coming to Liberty Hill.” Byrum said current goals for the planning department in the upcoming fiscal year include
code amendments, updating the City’s standard operating procedures, creating an application submittal deadline, keeping better records of submittals, and building a staff. Byrum, who just began his role as director about two months ago, said these changes will be a big help to the department. “We are lacking some codes, so we’re working on putting those in place just to bring our code up to date,” he said. “I’ve also learned over the last couple of months that there haven’t really been any procedures put in place for the entire planning department, so we’re working on doing that not only for staff but also in helping us deal with the public. We are also creating a submittal deadline, because right now anyone can come in and submit their project on any day, but by creating a deadline, that will help us stay on track. We also want to get planning staff turning things around faster. We currently have a 14-day turnaround process. We also want to keep better track of documents.” Future goals for Byrum’s department include continuing to update code amendments, updating the City’s comprehensive plan, and creating a GIS department. “The GIS department will be in charge of keeping our
maps updated,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot of our maps aren’t up to date, and some of our zoning hasn’t been updated on our zoning map. By having the GIS department in house, we can have our maps updated right away instead of waiting for a third party. I think we’re getting the right staff in place, and it’ll be good—it’ll take some time but we’ll get there.” City Building Official Elias Carrasco said the building department’s main roles are to issue permits and conduct inspections. Because of the growth Liberty Hill is seeing, he needs more resources, like staff, in his department as well. Carrasco said in 2019, the City issued 1,464 permits. In 2021, from January to June, the City has already issued 1,676 permits. “We are definitely going to pass last year’s number this year,” he said. When it comes to inspections, the building department conducted 15,093 inspections in 2019. In 2021, from January to June, the City has already conducted 17,284 inspections. Carrasco added that in 2019, the average number of inspections conducted per day sat at 57, with one building inspector on staff. In 2021, there are about 68 inspections per inspector per day, with two building inspectors on staff. “We really want to stay be-
tween 50 and 60 inspections a day, because we want to keep it thorough,” he said. “Right now at 68 it’s not overwhelming because I can still help, but we want to keep it under that. Every house being built has 21 inspections, and every commercial business has 23 inspections.” Future plans, including the growth and build out of subdivisions like Butler Farms, The Hills, Dickenson Ranch and Rio Ancho, will only increase the building department’s need for more inspectors, Carrasco said. “When any of these come on board, we’ll need another inspector,” he said. When it comes to budget asks, Byrum said development services numbers aren’t too drastic, as they are mainly focusing on new staff and updating the City’s comprehensive plan. “As you have more staff, you need more money for supplies, training and certifications,” he said. We are also asking for consulting funds for the comprehensive plan. That’s something that should be updated every five to 10 years and looks out to the future for the next 20 years.” Development services asked for $75,000 in the budget for consulting services for the
See BUDGET, Page 7
Liberty Hill Police Blotter Prepared by Liberty Hill Police Department
Week of July 5-11, 2021 The Liberty Hill Police Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 676 incidents resulting in seven cases, 120 citations, 108 warnings and one arrest. Weekly Highlights: - On July 5 at approximately 10:26 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 foe an animal complaint. - On July 5 at approximately 11:38 AM, officers responded to the intersection of W. SH 29 and CR 214 for an accident.
- On July 5 at approximately 11:59 AM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On July 5 at approximately 7:48 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious vehicle. - On July 5 at approximately 9:27 PM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for found property. - On July 6 at approximately 9:48AM, officers responded to the 14000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On July 6 at approximately 12:59 PM, officers responded to Forrest St. for a citizen assist. - On July 6 at approximately 10:02 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for a suspicious vehicle. - On July 7 at approximately 7:46 AM, officers responded to Shawi Pass for a suspicious incident. - On July 7 at approximately 11:14 AM, officers responded to the 2000 block of US 183 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On July 7, at approximately 2:32 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a hit and run accident. - On July 7 at approximately 9:30 PM, officers responded to Deserti Rd. for suspicious activity. - On July 8 at approximately 12:17 AM, officers responded to N. Bear Creek Rd. to assist
the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On July 8 at approximately 4:00 AM, officers conducted a traffic stop on the 13000 block of W. SH 29 resulting in a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. - On July 8 at approximately 10:41 AM, officers responded to Green Bur Oak Loop for a disturbance. - On July 8 at approximately 4:29PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for suspicious activity. - On July 8 at approximately 9:44 PM, officers responded to the 8000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On July 9 at approximately 2:08 AM, officers responded to Liberty Drive to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On Jul 9 at approximately 8:35AM, officers responded to the 1000 block of Loop 332 for a traffic hazard. - On July 9 at approximately 11:19 AM, officers responded to Mount Vernon Way for a 911 silent call. - On July 9 at approximately 2:03 PM, officers responded to the 12000 block of W. SH 29 for an accident. - On July 9 at approximately 9:59 PM, officers responded to Liberty Meadows for suspicious activity. - On July 10 at approximately 3:50AM, officers responded to Turkey Creek Cove for suspi-
cious activity. - On July 10 at approximately 10:51 AM, officers responded to Giada Loop to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On July 10 at approximately 12:13 PM, officers responded to the 1000 block of CR 279 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On July 10 at approximately 2:59 PM, officers responded to the 13000 block of W. SH 29 for a disturbance, resulting in the arrest of a female adult for assault. - On July 10 at approximately 11:35 PM, officers responded to the 3000 block of US 183 to assist the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. - On July 11 at approximately 12:51 PM, officers responded to the 11000 block of W. SH 29 for a citizen assist. - On July 11 at approximately 3:07PM, officers responded to the intersection of US 183 and W. SH 29 for a 911 silent call. - On July 11 at approximately 7:15PM, officers responded to the 10000 block of W. SH 29 for an alarm call. - On July 11 at approximately 9:28 PM, officers responded to the 2000 block of US 183 for a traffic hazard.
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Thursday, July 15, 2021
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Fight or flight? That is the question
By WILT CUTTER Columnist This week the Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives decided that the Special Called Legislative Session wasn’t for them and took two private jets to Washington DC. Now this decision wasn’t made suddenly, although it looked spur of the moment. See, during the Regular Session of the Legislature the Republicans had proposed “ballot integrity” bills and pushed them all the way through the committee process, through the Calendars and onto the House floor for consideration. The Democrats complained bitterly that these bills infringed on voter rights, were onerously aimed at Democratic areas and represented a sore loser mentality because of the recent presidential election. The Republicans were equally as sure that folks voting via mail and around-the-clock in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas definitely was wronger than two fellers sitting in a bathtub full of tofu tickling one another with fake feathers manufactured in communist China. Voter Fraud versus Voter Rights! Bumper sticker/T-shirt of the year. One thing for sure, nobody was budging, much less compromising. So the D’s managed to whittle away the time on the calendar in the final days of May, then
HELP
walked, killing a few of everyone’s favorite issues. D’s lost bills, R’s lost bills. That’s also a part of the power process in Texas where sessions only come around in odd-numbered years, January through June 1. This action ticked off the R’s something fierce. So the Governor vetoed a few items in the appropriations act including staff pay. D’s said that was unfair, R’s said you shouldn’t have left. The Governor now has called a Special Session and placed a lot of R issues on the list with a sprinkling of issues we’d hope all the legislators might be interested in— like lowering property taxes. The Democrats have left again. They say the voter bills are so wrong and the Republicans are so immovable that they were duty bound to fly the coup. The R’s make their point in the Texas way: you got elected to represent. You should stay and do what you were elected to do. Sometimes it’s honorable to lose. We all know that. Sometimes you eloquently object to the wrong that you feel is being done and you let history show that even though you were not in the majority you did not sit quietly. You stand tall and you oppose issues you believe are wrong. And sometimes you just have to quit. Texas Governor Sam Houston’s name was called three times during the Capitol Succession vote that put Texas out of the USA and into the Confederate States of America
Continued from Page 1
gap between the two groups is bigger than it ever has been,” said Baker. “Also, there’s so many more than the numbers suggest.” One of the most at-risk groups is known as “ALICE,” which stands for asset-limited, income-constrained, employed – a demographic that doesn’t qualify for federal aid due to the fact they live above the poverty line, but one that still needs assistance and are constantly on the edge of money-related turmoil, she said. “Something like a flat tire can be a catastrophe,” said Baker. Vicky McCown is the executive director of Community Pathways Organization, a local nonprofit that serves area youth – and is involved with the program due to her desire to help students have all they need to be successful academically. “We want to help at-risk students break the cycle of not having what they need,” said McCown, a lifelong Liberty Hill resident. “Also, we want to be able to give parents assets they need.” In addition to the school supplies, the program has been
collecting athletic shoes for students in need. “We’ve had instances of students not being able to participate in physical education because they didn’t have the right shoes,” said Baker. “So, our focus is on athletic shoes.” McCown said students should always have access to what they need and not just at certain times of the year. “For example, before STARR testing, we always make sure to tell the students to get enough rest, have a good breakfast and so forth,” she said. “But, students deserve to have that every day.” Students who are already on the free or reduced lunch program are also eligible to receive the school supplies and volunteers are needed to help pack the backpacks that will be distributed. Monetary donations can be made on Operation Liberty Hill’s website at www.operationlh.org and supplies or new pairs of athletic shoes can be dropped off at Operation Liberty Hill, 1401 N. US Hwy 183 in Leander or Cross Tracks Church at 101 Church Street in Liberty Hill.
just ahead of the Civil War. General Houston declined to vote yes because he opposed succession. He was removed as Governor. He went back home to East Texas. Texans will no doubt get to argue for generations about whether or not the Democrats should have stayed and fought the good fight or left in defiance. In an honorable argument we’ll take turns and buy one another a beer before, during and after the debate. However, there is a thing called optics. And the D’s failed this important test. Pictures of some elected Democrats laughing and smiling with alcohol visible on the private bus/private jets showed the symbolic face of elites jetting on a summer getaway. That, my friends, is not the face of the hurt, defiant and somber defenders of hard-won civil rights paid for by Rosa Parks, John Lewis and Dr. King. Nope, this was the face of rich lawyers on vacay! If you’re going to make a principled stand, challenge our thinking and shut down the government, your face should reflect the moment. You should be trembling in awe as you move into position to defend the thing that all free peoples hold dear. Wilt Cutter is the only man in the world whose name is his profession. He finds beauty in the naturally occurring poetry of the Shin Oak Ridge and its people. His typewriter hates injustice.
Tracie’s Saloon raising money for cancer patient
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Staff Writer Life has certainly not been easy for Justin Savilonis since he was diagnosed with cancer back in 2019. The 17-year old has battled the disease that has already caused him to need liver, pancreas and bowel transplants. Recently, he also lost both legs to amputation during a yearlong stay at Dell Children’s Medical Center. However, Savilonis has now been released from the hospital and with his return home comes additional burdens for his family in providing care. As a result, Tracie’s Outlaw Saloon is hosting a charitable event on July 18 from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. to raise funds to help the family deal with the obstacles they now face. Margaret Savilonis, Justin’s mother, said she has been inspired by the willingness of the community to host such an event for their benefit. “I feel very blessed,” she said. “I’m very grateful for everyone who cares and prays for us.” Modifications to the Savilonis home has included a wheelchair ramp to enter and reconfiguration of a bathroom for access. The fundraiser at Tracie’s will include barbecue plates for sale, an auction and a 50/50 raffle, with the proceeds going to the family to assist with their many needs. Savilonis said Justin has fared relatively well since his return home, but there
CONTEST Continued from Page 1 feast. “I had complete strangers cheering me on,” he said. “People were chanting my name.” Despite his status as a rookie competitive eater, Chapman did have a trick up his sleeve, which he pulled out when he needed it most, along with a set strategy he entered battle with. “I decided to just eat all the hot dogs first, then attack the buns,” said Chapman. “Once I got to the buns, I dipped them in water, which made it much easier and I think in the end, that was the difference.” However, victory had a price – and a very costly one at that – of the gastrointestinal variety. “I felt like I had a lead balloon in my stomach for the next two days,” he said. “All I had to eat was a little bit of watermelon.” Once Chapman was called up on stage to be presented with the winner’s trophy, he said he was a bit hesitant initially to fully embrace his
Page 3
Justin Savilonis has returned home recently after a yearlong stay in the hospital battling cancer. (Courtesy Photo) are still bumps in the road along the way. “He’s doing pretty good and he’s taken a lot in stride,” she said. “But, there’s still some times when he gets depressed.” As for the conditions surrounding her son’s predicament, Savilonis remains thankful for the fact Justin is still by her side despite all he’s been
newfound fame, which was the result of a rather gluttonous act. “I thought to myself, ‘Is this really something I should be proud of?’” he said. “But, then I realized it was. After all, how many chances do you get to do something like this?’” Well, Chapman will certainly have the chance again next year to return in order to defend his title and has already begun researching ways to improve his performance level. “I’ve read many competitive eaters will drink a lot of water leading up to a contest,” said Chapman. “So, they can expand their stomach.” However, aside from the glory of being crowned a hot dog hero, Chapman said the most enjoyable aspect of the entire experience was the fact it happened in his soon-to-be hometown. “I think that was the best part,” he said. “I felt like I was already a part of the community.”
through, she said. “I ask all the time why,” said Savilonis. “But, we’re blessed he’s still here – he’s a miracle.” For more information on the event, contact Larry Ard at (512) 636-5630. Tracie’s Outlaw Saloon is located at 40 Highway 183 in Liberty Hill.
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COUNCIL
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Continued from Page 1
findings, develop financial strategies and present findings and recommended solutions and a roadmap on how to get those issues fixed. Lastly, he will provide oversight as the City develops and implements a plan. “You always have to have transparency in your financials and also a real ability to convince your citizens and keep the trust of citizens,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to show this and present it and be able to come out with answers to questions.” Mayor Liz Branigan said it’s “gossip on the street” that the City has money missing, its finances are in chaos, and she believes the City does need help. Council member Kathy Canady disagreed. “I think our budgets have been balanced, and our tax rates have stayed the same the last couple of years,” she said. “I would love to look into 2015 through 2018. If I had my preference, I’d look into the past.” Mancilla said hiring McKethan would allow the City to get in a good place financially, and Branigan added that he could help the City develop different processes to streamline the financial system. Council member Tony DeYoung said he was more comfortable with a black-andwhite approach to McKethan’s roles and responsibilities, meaning he wants to know specifically what McKethan would be working on before hiring him. McKethan said he wouldn’t know what issues he would be working on until he conducted his interviews and research. The Council decided to discuss the potential hiring of McKethan in an executive session with City Attorney Alan Bojorquez and plans to direct staff to have a meeting with McKethan in the next few weeks to discuss the scope of work he would do for the City. Road projects Road projects were also a hot
topic during the meeting, with officials discussing three different roads that are set to be updated. Engineer Curtis Steger gave a brief update on results of a meeting the City had with Mojo’s owners regarding the changes that will be made to Brown Bridge Road. In addition to closing the northernmost entrance to the parking lot, the City will also add a median that will allow right and left turns from northbound Brown Bridge Road. Another change will be to the parking lot exit, where left and right turn lanes will be clearly painted. In addition, more delineators will be added to the road to increase safety. These updates have increased the estimated cost of the project from $17,967 to $30,574. “This is just a rough estimate,” said City Administrator Lacie Hale. “We did move forward and order delineators and signage at a cost of $4,600 so far. With Mojos’ planned improvements, there could be some cost sharing opportunities.” The Council also discussed the intersection of Loop 332 and CR 279, and what the best thing to do there is to improve traffic flow and safety. Steger said he believes the most efficient and effective design is a roundabout. “Drivers will only have to stop or slow down if somebody else is already in the interchange, and they will only have to look one direction for conflicts,” he said. “Overall it’s a better design. It’ll move more vehicles through and be safer, and it will also be an entry point for the City to put monument signage or landscaping as a gateway coming into town from CR 279.” Steger said roundabouts do come with some challenges, like drivers learning how to use them properly, but he said informational videos can be posted on city websites and social media to help people learn. The roundabout was originally designed to incorporate with Wetzel Park and
the downtown parking lot in 2018, but a contract was never awarded. City staff will be looking into what the bids for that project were and see what the pricing is for the project today. The third road the Council discussed was the possible extension of Stubblefield Road. Because of the morning traffic created by those traveling to school at Liberty Hill Elementary as well as work, Council member Chris Pezold said adding a small section of road north of RM 1869 up to Loop 332 could be a big traffic relief. “I think it’s worth starting a conversation with the [Liberty Hill Independent] School District and [Fellowship] Church,” Pezold said. “That small section of road could get everyone going into the queue line at the elementary school.” Staff was directed to reach out to the potentially affected parties to see if a discussion could be started on this extension project. Development issues Council also discussed amending the city’s wastewater certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) boundary for a proposed development on US Hwy 183. The proposed development is not within city limits or the city’s ETJ. Concerns were raised regarding the wastewater treatment plant’s capacity to service a new development. Council ultimately decided not to take action, citing the need to do more research on both sides to understand what the capacity limitations would be, and if the developers are willing to be annexed into the city in the future. Wilkins presented a “clean up item” from several years ago regarding a payment the City owes to the Stonewall Ranch subdivision. When the City purchased the wastewater treatment plant from LCRA in 2012, the city also took on the fee that LCRA had agreed to pay Stonewall Ranch as sections of the subdivision were
completed. “We owe 70 percent of wastewater costs per section completed, which is approximately $200,000 per section,” said Wilkins. “These are financial obligations that were not taken care of by previous staff. Of the $750,000 that we do owe them, there is roughly $600,000 that came in from a bankruptcy in 2015 and 2016. We were able to set that aside, so out of wastewater funds, we [have to pay] $150,633.66 to fulfill our contractual obligation to the Stonewall Ranch subdivision.” Sections one through four were paid for by LCRA, and since the City took over the plant in 2012, sections five through eight have been completed. These payments were not taken care of previously because of “incompetence of previous staff,” Wilkins said. “They’ve been trying to get their money for several years now,” she said. “Going forward, as they complete each section, Planning will prepare the documents, bring them to council for acceptance, and if council accepts them, they will be forwarded to finance to be paid in a timely manner.” Wilkins added that going forward, these payments will be planned for in the City’s annual budget. The motion passed unanimously to pay the amount due. The Council also unanimously approved a credit to the Stonewall Ranch subdivision because of an ongoing error made in 2016 when the living unit equivalents (LUEs) weren’t set up appropriately. “No reduction was made each month based on the number of completed dwellings, so they were overbilled $319,735.65,” Wilkins said. “We are asking for a one-time credit to their account to be applied and going forward billing will be adjusted monthly based on the actual number of existing LUEs.” Pezold started a discussion with the Council about halting LUE payments for Main Street Social until ordinances related
Thursday, July 15, 2021
to LUEs for downtown restaurants are researched. “[Owner] James Prince came here and spoke his peace about not getting a satisfactory response from the [Economic Development Corporation],” Pezold said. He added that he thought a downtown revitalization project started by the EDC called for a max of four LUEs. “We’re having trouble finding that ordinance to see if it does exist or not, but given when I’ve studied the EDC’s charter, everything [Prince] is doing meets that and until we make sure he is being treated fairly, I want to put a halt on his payments. He has made one of five payments so far. Let’s find out what’s going on before he goes in and pays more.” The City is currently charging Main Street Social for 27 LUEs. “All I want is a fair playing field, and right now things don’t seem right,” Pezold said. Canady said suspending his LUE payments wouldn’t be fair to him or the city. “I’m not sure we’re doing him a favor by suspending payments,” she said. “He owes us money.” Branigan said she agreed that a deferment of payment was a good idea so that the staff has time to research if it’s being “absolutely fair and transparent.” The Council unanimously passed a motion to allow Prince to defer payments for 60 days while staff researches ordinances related to downtown LUEs. Planning & Zoning Two positions on the Planning & Zoning Commission have been expired since October 2020, but those serving in the positions have remained on the commission. Council member Angela Jones said the two members -- Wes Griffin and Brian Williams -- either needed to be reappointed or replaced. The Council ultimately voted to reappoint Griffin and replace Williams with John Mathiason, because Williams
lives in the Georgetown ETJ, not the Liberty Hill ETJ or Liberty Hill city limits, and Mathiason has more than 20 years of planning experience, but not without some push back from Canady, who voted against the appointment. “I’d like to say again, we have people in the city limits who would like an opportunity to be on the board they are governed by, and again we have chosen not to do that,” she said. “The citizens within city limits are still in the minority. We had the best and brightest on this board for 10 years. It’s a moot point. We are going to continue to tell our citizens, by this action, that they’re not the best and brightest.” “We are not saying that at all,” DeYoung said. The Council also discussed removing council members from having the ability to be voting members of city boards and commissions. “[As council,] we already have the highest authority in the city,” Jones said. “Whatever is brought before these boards comes to us anyway. I would encourage all of us to listen in to these meetings, but we should be voting members.” Currently, the only council member who sits on another board is Canady, who is on the Parks Board, but also previously asked to be appointed to the EDC Board. Canady agreed that removing council members from boards was a best practice after listening to advice from Bojorquez. “There is no legal impediment that keeps council from being on another board, but to be a voting member is very rare,” he said. “Normally, best practice is that the council member is a liaison to interact with and provide feedback and input.” Council tabled the item and directed staff to investigate the liaison approach. Read more about the meeting at lhindependent.com/council-considers-hiring-contracted-financial-manager/
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
Page 5
Liberty Hill EDC plans to hire its own legal counsel
By RACHEL MADISON Staff Writer The Economic Development Corporation discussed hiring a lawyer for the Board’s own unique needs at the regular meeting July 12. Director Jamie Etzkorn said her ongoing task of trying to get the EDC Board’s bylaws amended has been difficult due to unforeseen circumstances, adding that hiring a lawyer would help complete this task, among others. Etzkorn, herself an attorney, recommended attorney Cobby Caputo, partner at Austin-based law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP, for the role. “I think it’s best if we have our own legal representation outside of the City so that way if things happen with the counsel the City has retained, it doesn’t affect us with our legal matters moving forward,” she said. “It’s no fault of anyone’s, but we had legal agreements
tions, that he is a “perfect fit” for the role. She said because the EDC Bylaws still need a serious overhaul, that one of Caputo’s first assignments would be to revise those. According to his engagement agreement, Caputo’s hourly rate will be $295. “Caputo and his firm specialize in the sort of work we’ll be doing here and I think he’ll be a good fit,” said Matt Powell, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation. “I’ve worked with him personally on a few projects. He’s expressed a personal interest in seeing the development of western Williamson County and playing a part in that.” The Board unanimously authorized Powell to negotiate and execute a contract with the law firm. The item will now go to city council at its July 28 meeting. Sales tax within the city con-
tinues to go into new territory, said Powell. The July report, which trails 60 days behind, meaning the numbers are from May, showed sales tax revenue of $208,817. This represents about a 26 percent increase year over year, Powell said. “People continue to shop local and we have more choices to offer them,” he added. “We have other places [of business] that have opened since then. I believe around September we will start to realize these new [businesses] that have opened up, and we should continue to see strong numbers.” Powell said the first time the City garnered sales tax revenue north of $200,000 was in November 2020, and since then, it has happened three more times. He anticipates that by the end of 2021, it will be rare to see a report with a sales tax revenue under $200,000. The Board also heard from several applicants for the open
Helpful tips and tricks. Rea- LEGAL NOTICES sonable rates. Call Karen, 432553-2468. LEGAL NOTICE (9/30p) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Liberty Hill has been asked to review and PUBLIC approve the following applicaNOTICES tion(s), to wit: A request for an administrative LIBERTY HILL ISD is appeal/variance from the 45 seeking Responses for Design square feet maximum of wall Build Services. All interested signage, as outlined in Chapter Responders please see RFQ 14, section 6.12.05 (B), Table #21-007 available at www. 6-3, of the Unified Developlibertyhill.txed.net click De- ment Code, to allow 63.29 partments - Business Office square feet of wall signage in - Purchasing - Current Bid Op- the C-3 (General Commercial/ portunities Or request a copy Retail) zoning district on the by emailing: proposals@lib- following property: ertyhill.txed.net. S9247 – HWY 29 Business (7/15) Plaza, Block A, Lot 2, 1.045 acre tract and being Williamson MISSING PROPERTY County tax parcel R – 605493, If you believe the police de- known as 12950 WEST STATE partment may have a found HIGHWAY 29, LIBERTY item that belongs to you, you HILL, TX 78642. can call the Property Division In accordance with Section directly at 512-548-5530 or 211.008, Texas Local Governemail at ekrause@libertyhill- ment Code, the Board of Adtx.gov. When contacting the justment’s jurisdiction extends Property Division, describe to and includes the following the item(s) you are looking for, final actions: in detail, and we will let you 1. Appeal of an Administrative know if we have it. If we do, Decision we will make arrangements to 2. Administrative Exception get it back to you. The Board of Adjustment will (7/29) take final action on this matter
at the Liberty Hill Municipal Courthouse, 2801 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 6:00 PM. For more information, you may either visit the Development Services Department at 100 Forrest Street, call (512) 778-5449, or send an email to planning@libertyhilltx.gov. By order of the Director of Planning on July 12, 2021. (7/15)
pushed back and delayed because of counsel with the City changing. If we had our own counsel those types of problems hopefully wouldn’t happen.” Etzkorn added that she also thinks it’s always good to have two opinions. “Two attorneys never hurt,” she said. “I don’t see the problem in us having separate legal counsel.” The rest of the Board agreed. Director Eric Bailey said he did research in favor of the EDC Board having its own separate legal counsel, and that it makes sense and the Board is to the point of needing its own counsel. Director John Clark said he liked the idea of having a single person to go to for questions and advice. Etzkorn also added that based on Caputo’s background and experience in working with municipalities and other economic development corpora-
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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Liberty Hill has been asked to review and approve the following application(s), to wit: A request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Duplex in the Downtown Commercial/Retail District (C-2) on the following property: AW0510 AW0510 –Plaster, T.p. Sur., 0.4888 acres, & AW0233 Henry Fields Survery., and Williamson County Tax Parcel R-022756. In accordance with Section 211.006, Texas Local Government Code, a public hearing on this application will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission at
position on the EDC board. After going into an executive session to discuss, the Board unanimously nominated Demetrice Gonzalez to the position. This nomination will go before city council at its upcoming July 28 meeting for final approval. Gonzalez has over two decades of military experience and most recently spent time working in the Liberty Hill Independent School District at Liberty Hill Junior High. Gonzalez said she is passionate about the children growing up in Liberty Hill and would like to see them come back to
Liberty Hill to live and work as adults. She is also passionate about veterans and helping them to utilize and develop their business skills to benefit the community. Also during the meeting, the EDC Board unanimously decided to add Powell as a signer on the board’s Classic Bank economic development account, and Etzkorn and Bailey volunteered to attend the upcoming Texas Municipal League’s annual conference in October in Houston. The next regular meeting of the EDC will take place Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.
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NEWS@LHINDEPENDENT.COM the Liberty Hill Municipal Courthouse, 2801 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 6:30 PM. Upon receiving a recommendation from the Commission, the City Council will conduct its own public hearing and take final action on this matter on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Liberty Hill Municipal Courthouse, 2801 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. For more information, you may either visit the Development Services Department at 100 Forrest Street, call (512) 7785449, or send an email to planning@libertyhilltx.gov. By order of the Development Services Administrative Assistant on July 9, 2021. (7/15)
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, July 15, 2021 Page 6
Football Boosters support present, connect future for Panthers program
Critical to get younger parents engaged to ensure continuity
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor In order to ensure Liberty Hill’s football program remains competitive on the field year after year, the Panthers’ system of player development runs down from the varsity squad all the way to the middle school level where tomorrow’s gridiron stars are cultivated today. However, just like the coaching at the lower levels must be solid to lay the foundation for future success, parents at all levels of the program must be aware of what they can do to help support the Purple-andGold off the field. Since 2019, the Liberty Hill Football Boosters have taken up much of the slack in supplementing the program outside of the school district’s oper-
ational budget and the earlier parents become involved, the better, said Chelle Harrison, who is vice president of operations for the club. “We’re always looking to bring in younger parents who want to help,” she said. “We want to create a road map for them as far as how they can support the program.” According to Shawn Lapuszynski, Liberty Hill Football Boosters president, the real beauty of the club lies in the fact all of the money they raise goes directly back into the football program. “One-hundred percent of what we raise right goes back for the kids,” said Lapuszynski, who has had three sons play for the Panthers and has an incoming
See BOOSTERS, Page 7
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
“The Walker Express,” a hydraulic-powered celebration horn is just one of many undertakings the Liberty Hill Football Boosters have financed through fundraising over the years.
THE LAST GAME
One last return to action
Senior defender was injured much of season
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Rhett Hofmann stepped onto the field at Glenn High School for the last game of his senior season, he knew it was much more. Liberty Hill’s final regular-season contest was to be its last of the campaign, as the Panthers had no playoffs to look forward to after a rugged debut season as a Class 5A club. The Purple-and-Gold’s 3-3 draw with the Grizzlies on that March evening also marked the final competitive soccer game of Hofmann’s life, as he had already decided not to further pursue the sport that had been a part of his life for just about as long as he could remember. More poignant, though, was the fact Hofmann had missed much of the season with a debilitating foot injury that saw
the lanky center back fight to return to the lineup following the initial injury, only to break the foot, which forced him back to the sidelines midway through the district schedule. Even then, Hofmann said he wasn’t nearly fully fit for his final comeback. “I might’ve been 65-70 percent,” he said. “So, I just took some Tylenol.” Missing games wasn’t something Hofmann was accustomed to, having missed nary a start since his elevation from the JV squad to varsity during his freshman season, so being relegated to the sidelines while his teammates fought on without him wasn’t something he took lightly. “It was a big deal for me because I had played every game,” he said. “It was always very meaningful for me to play for my teammates because the games were the culmination of
everything we had done.” Hofmann added the fact the Panthers had no postseason party to partake in made the entire experience that much more painful. “We had never had that happen to us before,” he said, of missing the playoffs. “It was all kind of surreal.” In the days and weeks since his soccer career came to an end, Hofmann had more time to focus on academics leading up to graduation and matriculation to Texas Tech University, where he will study business. According to Hofmann, the realization his competitive athletic existence had reached its conclusion only truly sunk in recently. “I don’t think it really hit me until a couple weeks ago,” said Hofmann.
SHANNON HOFMANN FILE PHOTO
See GAME, Page 7 Rhett Hofmann (#3) returned from a serious foot injury to play in the final contest of his senior season.
New soccer coach looks to hit ground running
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Felix Esparza found himself on a football field during his high school days at United High School in Laredo, only it was as a linebacker and defensive back in the American version as opposed to the global game going by the same name. However, he always had more of a soccer brain and now Esparza has been charged with leading his own side after being named Liberty Hill’s new head boys’ soccer coach. Although someday becoming a coach wasn’t always necessarily the plan, he said. “About halfway through college, I decided I wanted to be a coach,” said Esparza, 30, who was most recently an assistant varsity coach at John Marshall High School in San Antonio. “I remembered my coach in high school once saying he never worked a day in his life because he loved what he did.” Safe to say what Esparza may be lacking in experience – as this is his first head-coaching position – he more than makes up for with enthusiasm and a desire to learn and has an excellent role model to emulate in Lady Panthers head coach Darren Bauer, he said. “I would be nervous if Coach Bauer wasn’t here,” said Esparza. “But, he’s here to show me the way and it’s great having the chance to learn from someone who’s been so successful.” Esparza said he prefers a possession-based game and one in which players have the willingness to be selfless. “We want the ball to do the work and be unselfish,” he said. “But, I believe it’s im-
portant to use a system which suits your players.” Ezparza credits Marshall head coach Mario Flores, who he worked under for the past three years, for helping further develop his coaching philosophy. “He really expanded my knowledge and understanding of the game,” he said. According to Esparza, perhaps the most critical element in establishing the kind of culture he wants his team to embrace is always having open lines of communication – and it can work both ways up and down the chain-of-command. “I really want to build trust with my players,” said Esparza. “I’ll always tell them the truth, but I also want to know what’s going on in their minds.” Interestingly enough, Ezparza was majoring in kinesiology at Texas A&M University International when he decided to also minor in science in order to open up more teaching positions for himself and that kind of wisdom is what has landed him in Liberty Hill, where he will attempt to infuse the same kind of desire into his new players – along with a healthy dose of two-way ownership, he said. “Accountability is a big thing for me as a coach,” said Esparza. “But, I also want my players to hold me accountable.” Even down to the smallest of details, he said. “For example, whenever you step on the field, you always hustle,” said Esparza. Following a rough season last year that saw the Panthers miss out on the playoffs, Esparza will take over a team whose roster is filled with youth and
SCOTT AKANEWICH PHOTO
New Liberty Hill head boys’ soccer coach Felix Esparza will look to get the Panthers back to the playoffs after missing the postseason last year. untapped potential. “These guys have talent,” he said. “But, it’s up to me to get it out of them.” Esparza is currently in the process of moving to the area with wife Angela and will soon settle in with the school year – and the new season – rapidly closing in, a process he is highly anticipating. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with
the community,” said Esparza. “I want people to come up and talk to me.” As far as the one characteristic he wants his players to exude more than any other, the choice is clear, he said. “Confidence,” said Esparza. “I want them to be confident in themselves, in their teammates and in the ability to win.”
We’re almost there
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Rest assured. We’re almost there. Aug. 2 is right around the corner and with it, Liberty Hill’s first official day of practice for fall sports. Not like it’s been nice enough to go to the lake or anything else this summer anyway, what with all the springlike weather in the middle of summer, right? So, why not just get back after the business of Panthers sports? Some of us are chomping at the bit to get back to attending Purple-and-Gold practices, games and matches following the summer of our discontent. Last year at this time, we were nearing the end of being holed up for several months due to the pandemic (how I hate even saying that word) and after a brief delay by a few weeks, fall sports carried on as usual, with of course, some differences from usual, like having to wear Halloween masks everywhere we went and having to stay six feet away from all other living creatures. But, thankfully, that was then and this is now. Autumn will mark our third school year on the Liberty Hill beat and we’re looking forward to what kind of results the Panthers will get in their second year of Class 5A competition. No longer is the higher classification an unknown quanti-
ty, as it was a year ago, as we know exactly how tough it’s going to be without having to imagine. Unless you’re the football team that can look forward to more 79-0 games against the JV competition they have in their district. We’re definitely not looking forward to that nonsense again. (Still no reason football can’t be in the same district as all the other sports, by the way). One thing Liberty Hill will have going for it this year compared to last is the fact they’ll be able to play all four non-district games this fall, including a matchup against Georgetown to go with games against Ellison, Del Valle and LBJ. After that, the Panthers won’t be tested again until the playoffs. All that being said, though, 79-0 is better than no game at all, which is what we’ve been dealing with all summer. Liberty Hill’s volleyball squad will be poised to build on a campaign that saw the Lady Panthers finish third in a very rugged district with a year of experience under their belts in facing top-notch competition. Only this season, they’ll be able to play all the early-season tournaments to get them ready for the district schedule – a luxury that was notably absent last year – with the Purple-and-Gold set to play in tourneys at Westwood, Glen Rose and Smithson Valley. Down at the middle school level, an entirely new set of teams will play at Santa Rita Middle School, which is
See ALMOST, Page 7
Thursday, July 15, 2021
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
GAME
Page 7
Continued from Page 6
In fact, the epiphanous moment that triggered these emotions was a visit to Panther Stadium with a former teammate, he said. “I went up to kick a ball around with (fellow senior) Enrique Esquivel,” said Hofmann. “We both realized it, so it was good because I tend to internalize things, but I had someone to share it with.” Hofmann said he hasn’t spent much time on the game in recent months since he hung up his cleats – at least in the waking realm. “I’ll still have dreams about soccer,” he said. “But, I haven’t touched a ball much.” A perk of his playing days being done is not having the grind of daily practices to deal with, although he’s filled part
of the fitness void by continuing to work out – only these days for an entirely different reason. “Going off to college and all now, I’m trying to get bigger,” joked Hofmann, who stands 6-foot-3 and tips the scales at 180 pounds. “The soccer guys are usually scrawny.” Speaking of which, Hofmann still sees and works out with former teammates such as Jessie Anaya, Zach Ellis, Jack Hamrick and Cade Johnson, so just because they are no longer teammates doesn’t mean the strong bond they built with one another is gone. Hofmann will see another familiar Liberty Hill face upon his arrival in Lubbock – Panthers baseball player Ryan Rhoden – who he will be Red
Raiders roommates with. “We’re been family friends for a long time,” said Hofmann. However, despite his passion for purple and gold, Hofmann said he’s eagerly anticipating heading for his new home in the South Plains. “I’m going five-and-a-half hours away to be able to experience some different things,” he said. But, one of the most emotional experiences he will physically leave behind will always lurk in his memories, he said. “Just stepping off the field after that final whistle,” said Hofmann. “It was pretty devastating to see how the guys reacted once the realization set in – there was some sadness, but we had a lot of heart.”
Country Fire U17 finishes third
Country Fire Volleyball’s 17-under team finished third in its division at the Amateur Athletic Union National Championships in Orlando, Florida, during which they posted a 12-1 record during the competition. First row from left are Emily Revis, Kayla Gillespie, Ellie Eissler and Kayla Cravens. In back, are Jason Tuggle, coach, Ariana Moore, Kiersten Vaughan, Adaziah Millett, Grace Watkins, Morgan Tuggle, coach. (Courtesy Photo)
BUDGET
Continued from Page 2
comprehensive plan, as well as an additional $133,980 over last year’s budget for personnel, including salaries, trainings and travel reimbursements, for a total of $738,880. The City just hired a code enforcement officer, and now that he is on board, the main goal for this department is to find direction. Carrasco said the City can go in one of two directions: court issued citations for violations or abatements for violations. City Administrator Lacie Hale said the city council will discuss at a future budget meeting the differences between the two options, including costs and benefits.
BOOSTERS
Continued from Page 6
freshman on the squad this season. “These young men work extremely hard because a lot is demanded of them, so our focus is always to benefit them.” Among the most beneficial events the boosters feature is “Panthermania,” a raffle in which large prize packages are auctioned off over the course of the first half of the season, with each one having a particular theme, such as hunting or barbecue, for example. The boosters sell memberships to corporate sponsors, but the lifeblood of the club remains parental involvement. With the advent of the brand
ALMOST
Carrasco also wants to make sure education is a large part of the code enforcement department. The department plans to create brochures with common code violations to pass out to the public, “Did you know?’ graphics online and on social media, door hangers with friendly reminders, and a code enforcement module on the City’s website. “Education is going to be a really big push for us,” he said. Chief Financial Officer Becky Wilkins said the code enforcement’s portion of the development services budget is $26,500, which includes $1,500 for the brochures, door hangers and other educational
new Santa Rita Middle School this fall, an entirely new football program will be added to the mix, which means more players to support, but also more parents who will have the opportunity to support them. Harrison – who has a pair of children in the football program – said it’s vital to immediately bring these new parents into the Purple-and-Gold fold. “We still want them to do things the Liberty Hill way,” she said. “So, it’s very important to teach them.” In the past, funds raised by the boosters have gone for things such as new uniforms
Continued from Page 6
opening its doors for business this fall and guess what? They’re also going to be Panthers, along with their new rivals at Liberty Hill Middle School (the institution formerly known as Liberty Hill Junior High), who have been Panthers all along. Panthers vs. Panthers when these two meet, but that’s okay
because we’re all Panthers ‘round these parts. At least until a second high school appears on the local landscape in the coming years. There will be one slight difference, as the Santa Rita Panthers will wear purple and black, as opposed to the Liberty Hill version that will feature the customary purple and gold.
materials, as well as $25,000 for junk removal and weed removal at substandard buildings. “This amount is just to get a start because we don’t know how many we will have,” she added. The overall development services budget ask for fiscal year 2021-22 is $943,880, compared to $685,050 approved for the previous year’s budget. No decisions are being made on budget requests for the 2021-22 fiscal year at this time. The Council is hosting a series of budget workshops throughout the summer before finalizing the 2021-22 fiscal year’s budget.
and luxury buses for longer road trips to playoff games, providing meals and sponsoring free audio broadcasts of games online, with alternate helmets on the to-do list for the near future. However, the boosters will only remain strong as long as there are those willing to step up and carry the mantle when their children are old enough to fill the Panthers’ ranks on Friday nights. “I think it’s really important to be part of something that reaches out to everyone,” said Harrison. “It’s a way to really give back to the community.”
Perhaps the best thing about the new program is it will afford many more aspiring young athletes the chance to play with twice as many teams now filling their rosters with local youth, which in turn leads to a larger talent pool for the high school varsity squads to choose from. Indeed, we’re almost there.
A publication of The Liberty Hill Independent benefitting Liberty Hill High School Athletics. The full-color programs will be distributed at home football games and will be available online as a digital edition.
Publish Date: August
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Liberty Hill & Surrounding Communities
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
HOMES AROUND THE HILL Homes for Sale 5BR/3BA 4BR/2BA 2BR/2.5BA 3BR/2BA 3BR/2BA 4BR/3.5BA 4BR/2BA, Game Room 5BR/3.5BA 6BR/5BA Commercial Space for Sale Commercial, Mixed Use Acreage/Property for Sale
Stonewall Ranch Hornsby, J - 4.6 acres Buttercup Townhomes Palmera Ridge Indian Oak Estates Somerset Ranch Cantarra Meadows/Pflugerville Spring Meadows - 2 Homes Coming Soon! Kempner Ranch - 40 acres
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