Hello Bastrop!

 
Juan Ramirez and Arwyn Ayala led the pledges this week. These two impressive students are completing their sophomore year at Bastrop High School. Both are members of the City’s Youth Advisory Council, the Family Crisis Center’s Youth Advisory Board, the Robotics team, and the band. We were honored they made time to participate in the council meeting. These young people have bright futures ahead of them.

Ketrich Steger, Police Chaplain and Pastor for The Refuge, provided the invocation and included prayers for our City Manager and her family.

Firefighter Day is May 4, and the council was pleased to recognize our dedicated fire department. The City of Bastrop Fire Department has a proud history, and we appreciate their dedication.

Visit Bastrop presented its mid-year report showcasing its outstanding accomplishments. They will celebrate their fifth birthday on May 8; it is hard to believe it has already been five years. Visit Bastrop is the foundation of our tourism economy; please join me in celebrating with them. Susan Smith, President and CEO of Visit Bastrop, recognized Mayor Pro Tem Rogers and me for supporting their efforts during our time in office. We were both honored by her kind words of appreciation and gorgeous flowers.

Please join me in congratulating Kevin “Lippy” Mawby and Ron Castaneda as the two newest members of the Main Street Board. As part of the Main Street organization procedures, candidates for the Board are put forward by the existing Board. Both gentlemen are business owners in the district and will make outstanding contributions.  

Council unanimously approved the renewal of the PHI Health contract for $32,334 ($6 per household per year), allowing every resident of the City of Bastrop to utilize insurance that will cover the cost associated with medical helicopter transportation from Bastrop County to Austin provided by PHI. Last year, 47 residents were transported by PHI and benefited from the City’s insurance.  

Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that will allow pro rata reimbursement for oversized water and wastewater infrastructure that benefits surrounding areas. This will enable developers to pay for infrastructure investments rather than placing the burden on existing ratepayers. The second reading of this ordinance will likely be on May 9, 2023.

Grant funding from TxDOT provided by the Transportation Alternatives Program is accepting applications by June 5. The City of Bastrop is applying for just over $12M to rehabilitate the “Old Iron Bridge.”  Stay tuned as we report our progress in the process.

Please stay weather aware,

Mayor Schroeder