July Special City Council Meeting Recap
Lakeway City Council held a special meeting on Monday, July 11 at Lakeway City Hall. Here is a recap:

AV ZONING COMMITTEE UPDATE:
Aviation Zoning District Study Committee Chair Ron Massa gave a brief update on the committee's progress. The committee was formed earlier this year to review the current ordinance as it relates to the Lakeway Airpark. Possible recommendations from the committee discussed Monday, include: permitting flying clubs based on a special use permit; better defining and restricting primary flight training; clarifying permitted commercial operations; and a better definition and continued restrictions on night operations. The committee is working to finalize details and plans to present their recommendations to the Zoning & Planning Commission (ZAPCO) on August 3, 2022, and then recommendations to City Council on August 15, 2022.

PARKS PROJECTS REVIEW:
Parks & Recreation Director Andra Bennett gave a presentation on 11 potential parks projects that could be completed as part of the parks strategic plan. Those potential projects include updates to City Park, Heritage Park, Hurst Creek Greenbelt, the Activity Center and Swim Center grounds, among others. These projects were also discussed in a recent City Manager Town Hall held a few weeks ago, and those details can be found by CLICKING HERE. You can also find details in the City Council packet from Monday by CLICKING HERE (starting on page 4). City Council will work to prioritize the projects and discuss potential funding options at upcoming meetings. Have input on these projects? Email your comments to info@lakeway-tx.gov.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS REVIEW:
Engineers with Walter P Moore gave an update on the 15 potential transportation projects discussed over the last few months. City Council took citizen input and identified projects for a potential bond. The bond attorney and financial advisor also gave an update on current and projected interest rates, along with other details for City Council about calling a potential bond election. City Council decided to have bond election language drafted for the August regular City Council meeting, which could be included in a formal vote. These transportation projects were also discussed at a City Manager Town Hall in April. CLICK HERE to see slides and a video presentation regarding those projects from that town hall. You can also CLICK HERE to review the City Council packet material from Monday night (starting on page 35). Have input on these projects? Email your comments to info@lakeway-tx.gov.

COVID-19 CITY GRANT FUNDING:
Assistant City Manager Joseph Molis presented more potential items to purchase from the nearly $4 million awarded from a grant associated with the American Rescue Plan Act (implemented during COVID) for the City of Lakeway, including a public access kiosk, online permitting system and automated/touchless public doors, as well as other equipment. That total came to $713,000. City Council voted in favor (7-0) of approving the purchase of that equipment from the grant funding. Future equipment and materials are also outlined on a spreadsheet provided to City Council to be brought forth for potential future approval.

FY 2023 BUDGET WORK SESSION:
City Manager Julie Oakley gave an initial presentation of the upcoming budget for FY 2023, which will start on October 1, 2022. The initial budget discussion showed a possible No New Revenue (NNR) tax rate (or rate at which the City of Lakeway would collect the same amount of property tax dollars as compared to the previous year) much lower than the current tax rate. City Manager Oakley calculated that NNR tax rate based on historical information, but will still need to await information from the county appraisal district that's due July 25 to formally incorporate a final NNR tax rate number into the budget. City Council discussed that if there is a revenue surplus this year, finding ways to further lower the tax rate for residents, fund future capital projects, or possibly increase the Homestead Exemption for those residents 65 and older. Several budget meetings will take place over the next few months for the public to get more information and comment. City Council will vote on the budget and tax rate at the regular City Council meeting in September.

If you're interested in reviewing the full video and agenda from Monday night's meeting, please CLICK HERE. If you'd like to provide feedback on any of these items, email comments to info@lakeway-tx.gov.
Community Blood Drive
The next Lakeway Community Blood Drive will take place this Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek). Those with registrations will have priority during the process. However, walk-ins will be welcome as well. We Are Blood holds blood drives at the Lakeway Activity Center every two months. Blood from the local drives are distributed to over 40 hospitals and clinics throughout ten (10) Central Texas counties to help those most in need. CLICK HERE for more details, including a link to register.
Canoe Battle This Sunday
The battle of the summer will take place at the Lakeway Swim Center this weekend. Join the Lakeway Parks & Recreation team on Sunday, July 17 at 6 p.m. for the ultimate canoe battle. Teams of three will join together in a battle to be the last canoe afloat in the Lakeway Swim Center pool. The rules are simple: When the whistle blows, use buckets provided by the Lakeway Swim Center to sink the opposing canoe. Last one above water will move on to the next round. There will be two age brackets with a 12 and under category and 13+ category. If you don't have a team, you will be partnered up. Pre-registration is not required, but we do ask that you arrive several minutes before 6 p.m. to prepare for the battle. Be sure to follow our Parks & Recreation Facebook Page (@lakewayparks) for a chance to check out a preview of the battle as demonstrated by our great lifeguard team! You can also CLICK HERE for more information.
Lakeway Archivist Retires

City Archivist Mike Boston (pictured left) retires today, having served in the role of archivist since 2005. Besides overseeing activities at the Lakeway Heritage Center, Mike also served on the 4th of July Committee, organizing military flyovers and bands for the parade, and helped organize the City's Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremony for many years, coordinating with the Standing Military Committee and Daughters of the American Revolution. We thank Mike for his many years of service to the community! CLICK HERE to see pictures from his retirement party.
Lake Travis Film Festival

The 2022 Lake Travis Film Festival will take place this coming September 15-18, 2022 in several pop-up locations throughout Lakeway and Bee Cave. The film schedule was recently released, and features several narrative films, feature documentaries, short films, music videos and screenplays. The festival will feature a total of 11 documentary features by filmmakers around the world. Besides the films, there will also be parties, table reads and a screenwriter masterclass. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase your ticket(s).
Saturday, July 16 @ 8AM
Sunday, July 17 @ 6PM