Happy New Year Bastrop, 

Cedar Creek Middle School Student Council representatives: Nelle Salinas, Sophia Morales and Trinity Ramirez led the pledges at our first city council meeting this year.  We appreciate these young ladies attending and showing their dedication to their school and community.

Chaplain Ketrich Stegar provided the invocation.  In addition to serving as a Chaplain for the Bastrop Police Department, he also serves as the Pastor for The Refuge.

The Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade award winners were recognized at council complete with certificates and pictures.  We are thankful for all the hard work that goes into preparing an entry for the parade.  The BollyX walking group award winner entertained council with a routine when they made their way forward for their award.  If you are curious about BollyX consider trying out a class at the City’s Recreation center.

Council unanimously approved calling the May 6th City Election and contracting with Bastrop County to provide the election services.  Candidate packets are available at City Hall now.  Applications will be accepted, per State Law, from Wednesday, January 18 until 5 pm on Friday, February 17.  Our City Charter allows a maximum of two consecutive terms so the Mayor’s seat will be open with no incumbent.  Council Member Plunkett was elected to an unexpired term thus Place 3 will also be on the ballot for a three-year term.

The State of Texas 88th Legislative Session convened on January 10th and will continue through May 29th.  Council unanimously approved priorities for the City of Bastrop to pursue including requesting support for the railroad quiet zone in conjunction with the planned hotel next to the Bastrop Convention Center.

The consent agenda included appointing David Barrow to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Merrique Deschamault and Debora Acosta to the Youth Advisory Council.  The Construction Standards Board is in need of someone willing to serve from the Electrical and Mechanical Trade.  If you know of a good candidate, please encourage them to complete a Board application or contact me directly.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations will start at 10 am in Elgin.  Bastrop County rotates the host city for the walk each year and I hope you will join me in Elgin for the 37th anniversary of the Federal holiday.

See you around town,

Mayor Schroeder