Horseshoe Bay commits $4.9 million
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GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH/THE HIGHLANDER
Horseshoe Bay Fire Chief Joe Morris, left, presents a 15-year service award to Keith Payne at the Meeting of the city council Tuesday, May 17.
BY GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH
THE HIGHLANDER
The Horseshoe Bay City Council voted Tuesday, May 17, to issue up to $4.9 million in certificates of obligation for improvements to the West Water Plant and acquisition of two new fire engines.
A portion of proceeds from the issuance of the certificates of obligation will be used to fund the project. Including the $1 million for fire trucks was a financial strategy.
“By issuing certificates of obligation, it is possible for the city to realize a savings in interest expense related to financing the fire engines,” said Larry O. Anderson, finance director, in his introduction.
The water plant project, estimated at $3.9 million has been planned since 2014 to ensure service to Horseshoe Bay West with about 3 million gallons of water per day.
A completion target of June 15 was delayed for two reasons.
“It took longer to get approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),” said Jeff Koska, director of community services. “As it was a membrane type plant, which is considered a non-conventional plant. we had to submit updated documentation based on the Central Plant’s pilot study completed in 2005.
“Secondly, like a remodel of a house, we had to do a lot more precise engineering to fit the new equipment within the existing building and site.”
Koska said the city had pre-qualified five contractors to bid on the project in the month of June.
“Staff will be taking a recommendation to award the construction contract at the July 19 council meeting,” he said. “Construction should be completed within 12 months, however the plant should be on line next May.
Two presentations were made at the meeting.
City Manager Stan Farmer introduced a new accounting supervisor, Stephani Wright.
The San Angelo native has served in the roles of finance director, interim city manager and city secretary over the course of an 18 year career in municipal service.
Fire Chief Joe Morris presented an award for 15-years of service to Keith Payne. Payne has served the city's fire department since before incorporation, when fire service was part of the local municipal utility district.
Without any official action, the council began a preliminary discussion of freeing up money for the landscaping of the median between Horseshoe Bay Boulevard and Clayton Nolan Drive, south of Ranch to Market Road 2147.
The Horseshoe Bay Property Owners Association (POA) plans to improve the property to match the north side of the streets, complete with palm trees.
As part of the 2009 agreement to accept city street maintenance, the city receives 39.5 percent of POA membership fees.
“The city can't put money into property they do not own,”said Mayor Steve Jordan. “But what we can do is defer payment of about $115,000 that has not been paid (this year).”
He called the major entryway “our front door.”
“Most people who come to Horseshoe Bay will be impressed; it will be important to see both sides of 2147 complete,” said Jordan.
“This has been done before, with the extension of the Quail Point facility,” said council member Jerry Gray. “As long as we have the understanding we would be reimbursed any late fees, I would be supportive.”
The Hidden Coves planned development was back on the council agenda. The council saw more detailed diagrams of the mix of garden home single-family lots, the two lake area lots and 37 boat slips, along with parking, recreational facilities, gating and cove dredging plans. Pending approval by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the council approved the planned development (PD) plan for the project to begin.
The council also held a public hearing on the annexation from the extraterritorial jurisdiction five disparate parcels of Quail Ridge property that were not given correct notice at the April 18 council meeting. Final approval should appear on the June 21 council agenda for action.
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