Hello Bastrop!
Bastrop Middle School Student Council members led the pledges this week. Kei Pormprasong who serves as secretary of the organization along with Case Benoit shared their passion for math and The University of Texas Longhorns.
We are always inspired to see young people from the community willing to dedicate their time.
Elgin hosted the Bastrop County MLK Walk this year and those of us who participated in the walk were treated to the lovely mural that was revealed on January 14, 2023. Next time you find yourself in Elgin, it is definitely worth checking it out.
February is Black History Month and Council Member Cheryl Lee accepted the City’s Proclamation. “Steal Away Home” is showing at the Bastrop Opera House during the month of February and Council Member Lee will be making her acting debut. The Bastrop Public Library will be hosting events throughout the month as well, please check out their events.
This week I received a handwritten letter from eight-year-old Layton Hanna requesting a road to connect her Great-Grandmother’s neighborhood (The Settlement) to Riverside Grove to the east and FM 969 to the west. Miss Hanna points out the safety concerns with only one way in and one way out forcing traffic to utilize the Highway 71 frontage road rather than accessing the nearby neighborhood. I am pleased to let Miss Hanna know the City’s Master Transportation Plan includes the Blakey Lane extension which will connect FM 969 to Old Austin Highway.
City Attorney Alan Bojorquez provided an informative and educational briefing on the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA). TOMA is often discussed by people who have uniformed opinions that are not based on the actual law. City Council and all Boards and Commissions conform with TOMA requirements regarding City meetings. Mr. Bojorquez also reminded everyone that as the City’s Attorney, he and his firm represent City Council, Boards and Commissions, and City staff when acting in their official capacity with the City.
City Manager Carrillo provided an update on her process to evaluate permitting and building processes and codes. She expects to bring recommendations to City Council within the next three months. George Arimes with Intelligent Consulting is already at work as part of this effort.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kristi Koch was directed by the city council to recuse herself for four months from Code amendment items brought to the Planning and Zoning Commission due to recent activities with the “ad hoc” developer group. Our City Manager has been working with a group of local developers to identify items for improvement. Ms. Carrillo is dedicated to fairness and transparency and requested steps be taken to assure the Planning and Zoning Commission provides the important role of neutrality when reviewing proposed changes.
Congratulations to the Cultural Arts Commission’s 2023 Mini-Grant Recipients. Several fun things are planned in the coming months.
City Council unanimously approved the installation of two murals to be located in Bob Bryant Park.
City Council unanimously approved authorizing the City Manager to allow BISD to defer platting the area around Mina Elementary as they resolve land ownership. This will allow construction to continue and is another demonstration of the City of Bastrop partnering with BISD.
Speaking of BISD, in recognition of Spring Break, City Council will hold only one meeting in March. The March 14th meeting was officially canceled making March 28th the only meeting for the month.
Enjoy this gorgeous weather!
Mayor Schroeder