City of Marble Falls news

CARTS Introduces new buses to Rural Transit Fleet

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

A little ceremony at 5:45 p.m., before the Marble Falls City Council meeting tonight, Tuesday, Oct. 17, will recognize the introduction of new busses to the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS).

CARTS serves 10-county and urban areas, including Burnet County. The new 22-foot Country Bus vehicles have been rolling out to the areas this month.

Colorful high-back red seating, grab bars and a wheel chair life are features to be enjoyed during CARTS passenger trips for up to 35 people a day, and reaching 4,000 from Marble Falls, in the last year. The Country Bus also provides some 3,000 medical transportation trips and 400 more take the Interurban Coach route.

Marble Falls council approves sculpture to enhance dog park

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

A usual addition to sculpture in Marble Falls will be come to Ruff Dog Park with the acceptance of a gift by the city council at its meeting Tuesday, March 21.

Robert W. Moss, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, submitted the proposal for dog-themed art through a donation of $9,450 from Robert Ruff.

Concrete artist Cheryl Latimer of Bastrop is to create four dog bone sculpture, two of them plain and two more with backrests to read “Sit” and “Stay.”

In addition the concept of a dog sculpture, 4.5 feet tall on a 6-foot wide base was approved.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The Marble Falls City Council on Tuesday, March 7, heard a proposal that could bring large permanent sculpture installations to town.

The council also considered a full agenda, but it was presentations from the creative community, medical sector and appraisal district which sparket the most interest.

She was introduced by Robert Moss, director of the Parks & Recreation Department, who expressed willingness to work with City Manager Mike Hodge on the project.

Carolyn Bates of the Highland Lakes Creative Arts (HLCRA) Board of Directors addressed the council to say that owners of Sculpture Ranch and Galleries south of Johnson City were selling the property.

“They are moving sculptures back the artists except for about 15 major works,” said Bates. “Basically, the artists want the work displayed. This could be part of making Marble Falls the arts destination for the State of Texas.

By Glynis Crawford Smith

The Highlander

The City of Marble Falls ballot may look imposing to voters with its list of eight City Charter amendments.

Since a charter is essentially a city's constitution it is important, but in the case of this election, it might be said it is important housekeeping.

“Most of what is included is to clean up the charter to be consistent with state law,” explained City Manager Mike Hodge.

“The Propositions clarify the charter,” agreed City Secretary Christina McDonald, the city election official.

Right now, various ordinances have been required to fill the gaps in the existing charter. Citizen approval of the amendments would solve inconsistencies, say city staff.

Each proposition was recommended to the city council by the Charter Review Advisory Committee, which conducted a comprehensive review of the charter and requests for changes that had come up over the last two years.

At the meeting of the Marble Falls City Council on Tuesday night, July 5, Mayor John Packer proclaimed July Parks and Recreation Month in Marble Falls.

From the city's Parks and Recreation Department, Packer introduced Director Robert W. Moss, Parks Superintendent Lewis Fincher and Administrative Assistant Monique Breaux. The trio with a staff of maintenance personnel and city pool lifeguards and operators manage about 130 acres of park land, trails, green belt and facilities.

“Our parks and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities,” proclaimed Packer, praising them for maintaining physical and mental health and boosting the economy.