Burnet city officials provided an update on road maintenance efforts, during the recent city council meeting on Nov. 12.
With approximately 45 miles of roads in the city, nearly half have been improved through dedicated maintenance and rehabilitation over the past two years.
These efforts have boosted the city’s Remaining Service Life (RSL) – a key measure for assessing road quality – from a score of 8.1 in 2022 to 12.2 in 2024. The city is working toward an RSL goal of 15, and additional projects are planned for the spring and summer to continue enhancing road conditions.
Facilities Policy
At the same Burnet City Council meeting, members unanimously approved several ordinances aimed at strengthening city policies and enhancing city facilities.
One key ordinance addresses cybersecurity by banning certain applications, including TikTok, on city-owned devices and personal devices used for city business.
This policy, aligned with state mandates, aims to protect against security risks and includes procedures for app management, as well as oversight and disciplinary measures for policy violations.
The council also approved Ordinance No. 2024-47, updating zoning classifications to ensure properties are appropriately designated in line with current uses and surrounding areas.
The changes, recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission, include:
• 902, 904, 906, and 908 Lewis Drive: Reclassified from Light Commercial (C-1) to Duplex (R-2);
• 1000 and 1001 Lewis Drive, 807 Mildred Avenue: Reclassified from Light Commercial (C-1) to Duplex (R-2);
• 700 Janet Drive: Reclassified from Medium Commercial (C-2) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC); and
• 608 E. Washington Street: Reclassified from Medium Commercial (C-2) to Neighborhood Commercial (NC).
These zoning updates promote consistent and suitable land use, demonstrating the city’s focus on responsible planning.
Fire Insurance Rating
In other business, councilors were informed that the city of Burnet has been recognized for its fire protection excellence, receiving a Class 02/2X rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), placing it among the top-rated cities in Texas and nationwide for fire readiness. The rating, announced on Nov. 1, was presented to the city council at a recent meeting.
The ISO rating scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the highest classification, and only a small percentage of fire departments in the country achieve such a high rating.
According to 2023 ISO data, only 11.2% of fire departments in Texas received a Class 2 rating, and nationally, just 5.2% of departments hold this distinction.
Burnet stands out as one of 323 departments in Texas and 2,004 nationwide to receive the Class 2 rating. This achievement underscores Burnet’s commitment to public safety and solidifies the city’s status as a leader in fire protection.
Medical Helicopter Also, the council approved an extension for CareFlite’s Site and Design Plans submission deadline as part of a 40-year Ground Lease Agreement. Originally set for September 29, 2024, the deadline has now been moved to Dec. 15, 2024, allowing additional time for planning on the 0.972-acre site at the Burnet Municipal Airport.
Finally, the council greenlit an agreement with CNC Pro AV to enhance the audiovisual capabilities in the new city hall complex.
The approved system will support communication across council chambers, conference rooms, and offices, featuring high-definition displays, ceiling microphones, audio amplification, and integrated network solutions.
This upgrade aims to improve resident and stakeholder engagement by facilitating seamless streaming and meeting access.
These initiatives highlight Burnet’s focus on public safety, technological upgrades, and responsible planning, reinforcing its dedication to the community’s needs.
David Vaughn is the city manager for Burnet. He shares municipal and community updates with citizens in his weekly newsletter.
