The regular city council meeting for June was this past Monday, June 21 at City Hall. Here are a few highlights from that meeting:

Financial Report: Finance Director Shereen Gendy gave an update on the current state of the City's finances. Revenue is ahead of projected estimates at this point in the budget cycle by $767,525 thanks in part to favorable sales tax income. Expenses are $510,757 under the projected estimates at this point in the budget cycle thanks in part to some open positions and salary cost savings. Budget planning will begin soon for the FY 2022 cycle. The City's FY 2022 budget will begin on October 1, 2021.

Camera Surveillance System Disclosure: Mayor Kilgore announced that eight cameras had been previously installed in different locations in the Rough Hollow area by a home owners association (HOA). The cameras were placed in the City's right-of-way without proper approval through the City and city council, capturing vehicle license plate information on area roadways. After discussion and citizen input, a representative with Rough Hollow who was in attendance at that meeting agreed to have the cameras removed and have the data purged for the time the cameras were in operation. The City will explore guidelines and policies for managing future surveillance systems that may be placed within city limits.

Clubhouse Drive Property: City council received a presentation related to a potential development at 314 Clubhouse Drive. The particular plot of land sits in the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and is part of Travis County. The developer would request annexation into the city limits and request zoning the property for the construction of 17 single family homes. Under a potential development agreement, the City would have more control over the construction of the homes. Without annexation and a development agreement, the City would not have those powers. After a lengthy discussion, and opposition on certain aspects of the proposal from several area residents, the item was tabled to the July city council meeting to give the City an opportunity to research additional options.

Disaster Declarations: Mayor Kilgore signed two disaster declarations recently, extending both the COVID-19 disaster declaration and the February 2021 winter storm disaster declaration. Both declarations will continue to allow for the potential for further assistance from the federal government. City council unanimously approved to affirm the emergency order measures. CLICK HERE to view those declarations.

Golf Cart Recreational Use Discussion: Councilmember Gretchen Vance brought a discussion on golf cart use for recreational purposes to city council. The discussion included citizen input from a majority of residents in favor (both in-person and submitted through email comments) of less restrictions on the current use of golf carts in the City. Several discussions revolved around safety measures for the use of the carts, including having a proper state-issued license plate, the use of seat belts especially for young passengers, and restrictions on non-licensed individuals being allowed to drive golf carts in the City. City council decided to bring the discussion and possible action up at an upcoming city council meeting.

Advisory Committee For Police Chief Position: City Manager Julie Oakley announced the creation of an advisory committee to help in the search for the next City of Lakeway Chief of Police. City council voted to have Councilmember Steve Smith and Councilmember Gretchen Vance join Mayor Kilgore on the committee. The committee will also consist of residents with a law enforcement background.

For more details about this city council meeting, including the full agenda and video from Monday night, CLICK HERE.

The City of Lakeway Fourth of July Celebration will take place starting next Friday (July 2) and run through Sunday (July 4). The theme this year is "America, The Beautiful - A Symbol of Freedom." Here is a full list of the activities planned that weekend:

Fireworks Show: Fireworks will shoot off near Rough Hollow Elementary School around 9:30 p.m. on the evening of Friday, July 2. The location of the fireworks will be in a yet-to-be completed subdivision at the end of Tomichi Trail. CLICK HERE for a map, including the launch location and parking options.

Parade: The famous Lakeway Fourth of July Parade will start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 3. The parade route will travel down Lakeway Drive, starting at the Live Oak Golf Course and ending at the Lakeway Activity Center, where there will also be a hot dog reception from 10 a.m. to noon. CLICK HERE for a map of the parade route and parking options.

Swim Center Activities: The Lakeway Swim Center will open from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 with a special $4 entry all day long. On Sunday, July 4, the Lakeway Swim Center will host another "Mermaid Day" from noon to 6 p.m. Come out for a chance to see and learn how to swim with some Lake Travis mermaids.

CLICK HERE for more information on the festivities taking place over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

If you still need a COVID-19 vaccine, the Central Texas Counties Vaccine Collaborative offers several opportunities throughout the week. CLICK HERE for details on upcoming locations and times. The website also includes information on testing and other helpful COVID-19 resources.

A total of 84,534 cases have been reported to date in Travis County. There have been a total of 2,721 cases in the Lakeway area (zip codes 78734, 78738 and 78669) since the start of the pandemic (up 6 cases from the same time last week). There are currently 239 active cases at this time in Travis County (down from 267 last week) and 65 individuals hospitalized in the region (down from 76 last week). CLICK HERE to review the COVID-19 case dashboard. CLICK HERE for more details on hospitalizations.