Hello Bastrop!

Lost Pines Elementary Girl Scout Troop 151 members Sarah Dominguez and Sienna Gutierrez led the pledges this week.  They did a great job of representing their troop and shared the importance of setting a good example at school.  Pastor Bernie Jackson led the invocation and invited Sarah and Sienna to join her. 

April is both National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.  We are blessed to have dedicated staff serving non-profit organizations focused on these two critical issues.  Springfest is scheduled for April 29th and the public is invited to this free event at Fisherman’s Park to learn more about these organizations and to meet adults they can trust, from police and fire to health and human services.

Command Sergeant Major Michelle Thompson attended the council meeting to receive the Proclamation welcoming the “Best Warrior” competition.  Please join me in thanking the Texas Army and Air National Guard members you may see around town.

During the month of March, several council members attended the outstanding performance of the “Addams Family” at Bastrop Opera House.  The “Empty Bowl” event is always a favorite along with BCMA’s Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon.  City Recreation had their kickoff event to launch the Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan survey – if you are not one of the 614 people who have taken it, please do so now. 

Council unanimously approved the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board work plan.  This is the first Board to submit a work plan.  The dedicated Board is working with Visit Bastrop on a “Welcome Packet” for new residents.  They are focused on identifying a communication strategy to engage each and every resident.  Their efforts include working with other city boards like Parks and Cultural Arts.  Keep your eye out for their soon to be released logo.

City Manager Carrillo is currently serving as the BEDC Executive Director.  She provided an update on all current BEDC projects and discussed next steps which includes a joint meeting on April 17.

Council unanimously approved the construction contract with Archer Western Construction for the Simsboro Aquifer Water Treatment Plant.  Construction on the first phases started in November of 2022 on ancillary portions of the plant, final completion is scheduled for January of 2025. 

Old Austin Highway will be reconstructed this summer while school is out.  The vast majority of the work will be done at night and council unanimously approved the construction contract to Gulf Coast CRH.

Development process improvements continue, and fee reductions were approved on first reading with the council directing the city manager to consider lowering other fees.  The second reading for final approval will be on April 11th.

Enjoy this lovely weather,

Mayor Schroeder