Doug Fowler

This document, a message from the Mayor, outlines current initiatives and future strategic directions for Horseshoe Bay. Key focus areas include ongoing infrastructure enhancements such as electricity grid improvements, development of a phased shared use path, and the construction of traffic-calming roundabouts. It also highlights the establishment of new community facilities like the city hall and walking trails. The message emphasizes community collaboration and seeks public input for the development of a comprehensive plan that will guide the city's direction for years and decades to come, alongside the conceptualization of a citizens legislative group.

The agenda covered several key areas, including staff recognition for Police Chiefs Graham and Nelson receiving Patriot Awards from ESGR, and the introduction of the new City Secretary, Susie Quinn. The council addressed Proclamation of gratitude to Pedernales Electric Cooperative for their assistance during a cold weather event. Public hearings were continued concerning variance requests for the Cap Rock Thundercloud subdivision regarding cut and fill depth standards, requiring further review of geotechnical reports. Business items included the presentation and acceptance of the Audited Financial Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2025, authorization for the publication of Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation, approval for a Fire Department Rescue Boat vendor, consideration of building permit extensions, approval of a donation of property to the Mausoleum, and approval of the Summit Rock Public Improvement District Revised Payment Agreement. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 First Quarter Investment Report, approval of minutes from previous meetings, approval of a Water Rate Study Consultant, and awarding contracts for Street Upgrade Engineering and upgrades to Mountain Dew. Discussions were held in Executive Session regarding legal requirements related to Architectural Control Committee review and Right of Way easements.

Key discussions included recognition for the Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police regarding their Patriot Award nominations. A new City Secretary/Legislative Services Director was introduced. A proclamation was issued to the Pedernales Electric Cooperative for their response during the winter weather event. Public comments raised concerns regarding property damage from golf balls at the Slick Rock course, though no action was taken as the item was not on the agenda. The Fiscal Year 2026 First Quarter Financial Report was presented, showing revenue and expenditure figures for general, utility, and capital funds. Public hearings concerning variance requests for the Cap Rock Thundercloud subdivision regarding cut and fill limitations were continued pending further engineering studies and definitive parking solutions. Business items included the acceptance of the Audited Financial Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2025; approval to publish a Notice of Intention to Issue Certificate of Obligation Series 2026 for street reconstruction and infrastructure; approval of purchasing an Emergency Response Fire Boat; approval of building permit extensions for projects at 109 Plaza Escondido and 1407 Swallow; approval of donating land to the HSB Memorial Association; and approval of the Summit Rock Public Improvement District revised agreement for utility infrastructure payments. Monthly reports updated staff relocation to City Center and provided an update on the January winter weather event response.

The meeting commenced with the council convening in their new city hall location, followed by an invocation and pledges. Key announcements included the introduction of the new City Secretary, Susie Quinn, who brings over 30 years of experience. The council recognized Chief Jason Graham and Chief Paul Nelson of the Police Department with Patriot Awards from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). A proclamation of gratitude was presented to the Pedernales Electric Co-op (PEC) for their exemplary support during the extremely cold weather event of January 24th to 26th, 2026, which impacted water and wastewater facilities. Public comment included concerns from condominium owners regarding golf balls striking residences from the Slick Rock driving range, prompting discussion about ordinance review and contacting ownership for netting installation. The financial portion of the meeting included a presentation by the auditing firm Brooks Watson and Company on the draft audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, noting an unmodified opinion and a $3.9 million increase in net position for the year.

The meeting began with an invocation and acknowledgments of the impending move to the new city hall location. Recognition was given to Captain Steve Boyd for 10 years of service and to Beth Coons for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Courts Clerks Association. New city team members introduced included John Byron, Development Services Director, and two new full-time Fire Department employees, Asa Oliver and Jiren Sims. Chief Fowler provided a reminder regarding preparing for upcoming cold weather and potential freezing temperatures (the four Ps: people, pets, pipes, and plants). During public comments, a resident discussed plans to plant milkweed plugs along the City Center walking trail to support monarch butterflies. The council opened a public hearing to consider Ordinance No. 2026-07, rezoning 1.363 acres from A1 to R1, which the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended for approval; this item was approved. A second public hearing was opened for a variance request regarding general design standards for a 4.47-acre development for 10 garden homes; however, due to insufficient engineering information, staff recommended continuing the hearing to the next month, and the council agreed to continue it without taking action.