On May 12, our newly elected city council members will be sworn in and take their seats for their first meeting.
I want to congratulate Lee Carney, Anthony Francisco, Crista Goble and Sky Hullum on their election and willingness to serve our community.
Also, I want to thank Tommy Gaut, Cindia Talamantez and Philip Thurman for their service.
Each one has shown genuine care for Burnet and its residents. Their commitment has made a real difference.
Because of their leadership, the city is in one of the strongest financial positions it has ever been in. The services we provide to our residents have continued to improve. We are grateful for their service and the foundation they have helped build for the future.
The National Resources Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection Buyout Program continues to gain momentum.
Since council approved the grant agreement April 6, the NRCS team has transitioned the project to the city, allowing us to move it forward more directly. Staff is working with participating property owners to complete required documentation, while survey, environmental and appraisal services have been authorized and are preparing to begin field work.
Upcoming council action will include title services and grant administration, both of which (along with other services) require time-consuming federal procurement processes that staff has prioritized to keep the project moving efficiently.
As the work advances, the pedestrian bridge project has also taken an important step forward. Eight design and engineering firms submitted Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) in response to the Request for Qualifications that was advertised.
City staff will evaluate the SOQs, and based on qualifications, experience and references, determine which firm will be selected and recommended to council for approval by the end of this month.
Staff approval will pave the way for the design phase, with the goal of creating a functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing crossing at U.S. 281 north.
Each year, you may hear a simple piece of advice: “Do not water your yard in May.”
While that may sound counterintuitive, it is actually one of the best things you can do for your lawn and for our community water resources.
In Central Texas, May is typically one of the wettest months of the year. Most established lawns get all the moisture they need from rainfall alone.
By turning off your irrigation system this month, you allow nature to do the work while avoiding unnecessary water use.
And, it helps create a stronger, more drought-resistant lawn heading into the hotter summer months. Overwatering may lead to shallow roots, increased risk of lawn disease and higher utility bills.
For sure, if you have recently installed sod, planted new seed or added landscaping, those areas will still need regular watering to become established.
As we continue to be good stewards of our water supply, small actions can make a meaningful difference.
If your yard is established, consider giving your sprinkler system a break this May, and let rain take it from there.
