Mayor's Corner - June 10, 2021
Dear Citizens,
We have much to report since last month's news.
Even though we are still in recovery and being ever vigilant in the Covid-19 Pandemic battle, there is happy progress. The number of Covid -19 cases within the city has remained at 8 recovered and, sadly, 1 fatality. We attribute the low numbers in Woodcreek to your compassionate compliance and willingness to Stay In And Stay Safe this past year.
City Hall Opens
When the COVID-19 Pandemic started, the City Offices were closed to walk-in traffic, however staff continued to perform the day-to-day business both remotely and from City Hall. We are happy to announce, after over a year of shutdowns and shut-ins, City Hall is now open for regular business. Staff and Council are available for in person visits, small group meetings and will welcome you coming by. Masks are not required in accordance with the Governor's Orders. We are still observing the CDC safe distancing protocol.
In Person, Regular Meetings
The Woodcreek City Council and the various Boards and Commissions have been meeting at Camp Young Judaea for several months at no charge to the city. It was noted the facilities offered by Camp Young Judaea provided seating for audience members in a larger capacity than the Council Chambers at City Hall and social distancing can be maintained. Camp Young Judaea has informed the city the facilities that currently are being used for meetings will continue be available to the city at no charge for Special and Regular meetings. With this offer in mind, on June 3, 2021, City Council adopted a resolution setting regular meetings of the City Council to be held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2 PM at CYJ beginning with the August 11th, 2021 Regular Meeting. The city will continue to provide remote live access to see and/or hear the meeting and will continue to place the recording on the city website for viewing after the meeting.
Voting for the resolution were Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun, Councilmember Brizendine and Councilmember Hambrick. Voting against the resolution were Councilmember Pulley and Councilmember Rasco.
Pulley Lawsuit
The City Council passed a Resolution requesting Councilmember Pulley to immediately withdraw the lawsuit. The costs for the suit are continuing to grow. To set the record straight, the Judge last month allowed the continuation of the matter, not based on any determination of merits nor review of evidence. The Judge allowed the matter to continue by ordering Councilmember Pulley to file more complete evidence of his allegations. Subsequently, Councilmember Pulley amended his lawsuit as ordered by the court. In addition, Councilmember Pulley filed for monetary awards. There are concerns that this attempted use of the courts to win political advantages is poor public policy that sets a bad precedent and has caused disruption in conducting the business of the city. Voting for the Resolution were Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun and Councilmembers Brizendine and Hambrick. Councilmember Rasco voted against the resolution to urge dismissal of the lawsuit. Councilmember Pulley was required by law to abstain from voting.
City Inspector - Code Enforcement Officer
The City Council discussed and took action on the hiring of a City Inspector - Code Enforcement Officer. Misleading social media stories were posted in the days before the June Council meeting. During discussion, the Council set the record straight by informing the public that:
1. The City is not, nor never has been, planning to create a Police Department
2. The City Manager is not, nor has he ever been, charged with Code Enforcement Duties as part of his employment contract.
3. City Staff is not, nor have city employees ever, been charged with Code Enforcement duties.
4. The Constable's Office is no longer offering Code Enforcement Services for our city and has not charged for the services since informing the city of this change in February 2021. The Constable suggested that the city hire a Code Enforcer to replace the Constable's office.
5. The Hays County Constable, Pct. 3 and Hays County Sheriff's Office continue to offer criminal law enforcement and traffic enforcement at no cost to the city.
6. The city, as authorized by Council, has advertised for a Code Enforcement Officer, to be a part time city employee. Funds for code enforcement were previously allocated from the law enforcement budget and no new funding has been planned. The cost of a city code enforcement officer is less than the costs that were expended for many years on the Constable’s Contract.
The Council voted to proceed with the hiring of a City Inspector with Code Enforcement Duties as follows: Voting for the position – Mayor Pro Tem LeBrun, Councilmember Brizendine, Councilmember Hambrick. Voting against the position – Councilmember Pulley, Councilmember Rasco.
The purchase of a vehicle and renovation of the city hall were tabled.
Neighbor to Neighbor Program
An organizational meeting of Neighbor to Neighbor ambassadors was held at Quicksand Golf Course Clubhouse on June 1st. Plans are for the ambassadors to contact their neighbors and share information. Councilmember Hambrick is coordinating the program and may be contacted at bob.hambrick@woodcreektx.gov for more information.
Parks & Recreation Board
City Council discussed recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Board and voted unanimously to proceed with rezoning city properties as Parks. Public Hearings will be held as part of the rezoning process. The Parks and Recreation Board will have a workshop on Monday, June 14th at 4 PM. Workshop information is available on the city website.
Citizen Emergency Management Advisory Committee
City Council unanimously accepted the CEMAC Report and agreed to respond to recommendations as quickly as possible. The recommendation designating the City Manager as Emergency Coordinator has already been completed. This designation will streamline financial assistance during an emergency. Thank you to Jack Boze, Nancye Britner and Pat Rawlings for their extensive work developing the report.
Radio Show
Woodcreeker and Woodcreek City Manager Brenton Lewis is a guest on Wimberley Valley Radio 94.3 FM every Monday morning on The Breakfast Club Show, with Tim Kiesling and fellow Woodcreeker John O’Dell at approximately 8:30 AM. City Manager Lewis provides an update on actions of the Woodcreek City Council and other events happening in Woodcreek.
Best wishes,
Mayor Gloria Whitehead
