Council Campaign Updates
Nina KNOWS Lakeway
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: So sorry, I am NO LONGER RUNNING for Lakeway City Council.
I’m WALKING for Council!
I looked for ways to reach more Lakeway residents, not just those I already know or who are active on social media. One answer was designing a door hanger. I ordered 6,500 of them. (B2B Copies & Printing did a great job!) I’m now walking them ALL OVER LAKEWAY.
Really having great fun exploring Lakeway’s neighborhoods and hearing what residents are interested in, what they are worried about, and where they think things may be going the wrong way. I’m happy to tell people about MY views, but this is mostly about listening to community input.
If I miss you and you find my door hanger when you get back, please reach out to my website or via direct email (all the info is on the hanger). I want to hear from YOU!
I have really enjoyed meeting residents and chatting about Lakeway issues during the campaign. After the election, that will be even more important.
As a Councilmember, I will offer regular OFFICE HOURS. That way, residents can meet with me face to face, if they prefer, not just communicating on social media and via email.
April 7 was the deadline for Council candidates to file their first campaign finance report.
It is always interesting to see the amount of contributions going to various candidates, as well as exactly WHO is supporting them. Plus—how they spend funds. This batch of reports was quite illuminating….
This report covers the start of the election cycle, through March 28. The second report is due April 29.
Go to the city’s election page and scroll down a bit to find the reports– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/427/Election-Information
Council denied the workforce housing project at its April 4 meeting. Lakeway’s need for workforce housing is obvious; it has been going on for years, but the pandemic and the resulting spike in home costs and rents made it much worse. As I said when it was my turn to testify on that agenda item, usually I’m saying “no, no, no” to the big developments proposed for Lakeway. This time, I was saying “yes, yes, yes.”
After ZAPCO approved this project in early March, I stress-tested it all over social media. I found 2 things:
1—There was a huge amount of misinformation out there on this project, being spread by a well-organized group. With a series of arguments, people were told it was a bad thing, so they were scared of it.
2—Once people got the FACTS, they generally had no problem with the project.
Crucially, I did NOT find any persuasive argument, based on facts or data, AGAINST this project.
I look forward to hearing details on the alternative plans Council must have in the works to remedy Lakeway’s years-long and increasingly severe worker shortage and stem the resulting loss of sales tax revenue to the city (estimated at $2 million dollars). As so many people saw fit to mention at the meeting, loss of sales tax revenue means higher property taxes will be levied in order to fund city services.
For the record, I am the ONLY Council candidate who spoke in favor of the project; the others all spoke against it.
CANDIDATE FORUMS
–Candidate Forum presented on behalf of Rough Hollow
Thursday, April 14, with a Meet and Greet at 7PM and the Q&A session at 7:45PM, at the Rough Hollow Highland Village Pavilion (next to the swimming pools). While the event is targeted to Rough Hollow, all Lakeway residents are welcome to attend.
–Municipal Elections Candidates Forum presented by Lake Travis Progressives, Lake Travis Democrats, and Tuscan Village Voters
Tuesday, April 19 (NEW DATE), Lakeway Council candidates will lead off at 6PM, followed by LTISD School Board candidates at 7PM, and Bee Cave Mayoral candidates at 8PM. This forum is ONLINE, open to all to VIEW LIVE here: www.facebook.com/LakeTravisProgressives/
—PLUS, there was an in-person forum on March 28. Held by a conservative group at a large venue here in town, ONLY about 20 people were in the audience. The event was recorded, and you can watch it via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btBl_2Dsl3Y My personal impression was that the first half of the event, with questions from the moderator, was fairly well handled and produced useful insights into the candidates. However, once it opened up to questions from the audience–clearly the red meat of the event–things got ultra-partisan and divisive, shifting into political territory irrelevant to Lakeway city governance. But, that’s what fast-forward is good for, right?
Voters Guides COMING SOON!
–Community Impact Newspaper will publish a Voters Guide (print version and online) this month. Watch your mailbox for the April issue. Here is a link to the online newspaper: https://communityimpact.com/news/austin/lake-travis-westlake/
–The League of Women Voters Austin Area will create a May 2022 Local Election Voters Guide. It will be published online at www.LWVAustin.org and at www.VOTE411.org prior to April 25 (start of early voting).
—The Austin American-Statesman recently sent questions, advising that a candidate round up will be published before early voting starts.
Bits and pieces….
–YARD SIGNS are available: If you want a free yard sign delivered, let me know. nina4lakeway@gmail.com
–Watch my campaign site’s Events and Media page for updates on opportunities to learn about the candidates. https://www.nina4lakeway.com/events-and-media
–My Policies page has detailed info on my position on TEN ISSUES now facing Lakeway. https://www.nina4lakeway.com/policies
–Stay updated via my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Nina4Lakeway
–How to contribute: CONTRIBUTIONS are gratefully accepted, so I can win a seat in this crowded election.
*Venmo: @Nina4Lakeway
*PayPal: There is a PayPal button on the campaign website. https://www.nina4lakeway.com/
*Check: Make it out to Nina Davis Campaign Fund and contact me for the mailing address OR to have it picked up.
Let’s Make Lakeway Even Better!
What is going on in Lakeway ….
Lake Travis Community Library
During April, view the photography exhibit of local artist Mary Seewoster, on exhibit in the library’s meeting room.
Transportation Town Hall
Town Hall Series with City Manager Julie Oakley continues Thursday, April 21 5:30-6:30PM at the Lakeway Activity Center. Topic: Transportation, reviewing potential upcoming projects. After an introduction by City Manager Oakley, residents can visit stations ask questions of city staff and leave feedback. UPDATE: It was announced at the March 31 Council meeting that this Town Hall will include late-breaking info on the future of 620. If you missed the first meeting in this series (which was really excellent), covering Building Development Services, go here to watch the 50-minute video: https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/154791
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
On Saturday, April 30, from 10AM-2PM, you can drive through the Police Station parking lot (1941 Lohmans Crossing) and drop off unwanted prescription drugs for secure disposal. Go here for details, including what will be accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1583
Brush Recycling Offered 1st Thursday of Every Month
City of Lakeway offers free yard waste drop off for Lakeway residents the first Thursday of every month, at the Public Works Department (3303 Serene Hills Drive) 7AM-3:30PM. Limit is one pickup truck load of yard waste or up to one 8’X5′ pile. Go here for details, including what is accepted: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1584
Heritage Trail Bus Tours
This fun annual event returns Friday, May 6, with a choice of 3 free bus tours. Hosted by Lakeway Heritage Committee members, the tours explore Lakeway by visiting around 20 historical locations. Times are 9:15AM, 11:15AM or 1:15PM. Meet at Lakeway City Hall, to see the updated Liebelt Cabin before climbing aboard. Go here for details and to register: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1171/Heritage-Trail
Protest your property taxes online
Lakeway Activity Center is offering Texas Property Tax Protest 101, a 2-hour workshop on protesting your own property taxes online. $18 charge. Workshop covers the documents involved, deadlines, procedures, and how to present an effective case. Taught by Rachel Duck, senior tax consultant at the property tax law firm, Popp Hutcheson PLLC. There are 2 upcoming days/times to choose from: May 7, 10am-12pm, May 11, 6pm-8pm. https://secure.rec1.com/TX/lakeway-tx/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTE4OTU5MzA=
COUNCIL MEETING RESULTS
Council met on March 31.
Councilmembers Kumar and Higginbotham were absent. RESULTS in ALL CAPS:
ITEM 6 (within the consent Agenda): Creating Aviation Zoning District Study Commission and appointing members as follows:
Mayor Kilgore appoints Ron Massa
Mayor Pro Tem Mastrangelo appoints Matt Sherman
Councilmember Higginbotham appoints William Cotton
Councilmember Kumar appoints Chris Lee
Councilmember Smith appoints Ed LeBlanc
Councilmember Trecker appoints JoAnn Anderson
Councilmember Vance appoints Randy Adams
APPROVED unanimously along with entire Consent Agenda
ITEM 13: Citizens Participation for items NOT on the Agenda. 1 PERSON SPOKE
ITEM 16: Amending the budget to purchase 4 additional police patrol vehicles and 1 motorcycle unit (for $300K from the Capitol reserve Fund) in fiscal year 2022 rather than in fiscal year 2023 as planned, due to supply chain problems that have delayed 2021 purchases and are expected to continue. APPROVED unanimously
ITEM 17: Lakeway Resort and Spa requests $120,000 in hotel occupancy tax funding for an advertising campaign. APPROVED unanimously
ITEM 18: Adding 2 more projects to the ongoing transportation engineering study (increasing cost of the study by $39K). The projects are: 1) connecting Birrell Street from Medical Drive to Lohmans Spur; and 2) connecting Main Street through Phase 2 of The Oaks PUD, but being REVIEW ONLY of the pricing presented by the developer for a 130 ft. bridge spanning Yaupon Creek and connecting to the adjacent property. APPROVED 4:1
ITEM 19: Funding the city’s required share (10%) of right of way costs associated with the upcoming Hwy. 620 expansion, the amount due being $3,222,096. CONSENSUS reached for the City Manager to continue working with TXDOT on this matter.
ITEM 21: Executive Session covering police matters.
The Executive Session was not needed after all. Council APPROVED unanimously policy changes related to use of force, as requested by Chief Coen.
ADJOURNED at 7:58PM.
The Meeting Packet is here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3275
Go here to watch the Council meeting online— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/157897
Council met on April 4.
Councilmember Higginbotham was absent. RESULTS in ALL CAPS:
ITEMS 4 and 5: As to 16419 Clara Van, being 1.571 acres near the Marina, amending the Future land Use Map from residential to commercial, and also changing zoning from R-6 single-family to Marina. (ZAPCO recommended denial of both actions.) ITEMS WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
ITEM 6: Special Use Permit covering 99 years for a 24-hour convenience store and gas station at 1301 RR 620 N. and Debba Drive. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 7: As to Lakeway Highlands and Rough Hollow, approval of the resubmitted consolidated and amended preliminary plan, with the addition of added water quality ponds at LCRA suggested locations and the removal of the gas station. (ZAPCO recommended approval.) APPROVED (with NO GAS STATION) 4:2
ITEMS 8 and 9: As to 18214 W. Hwy. 71 at Bee Creek Road, a 14.89 tract, amending the Future land Use Map from Commercial to Mixed Use, and also changing the zoning from C-1 (office/retail) to PUD (Planned Unit Development), to include 276 workforce housing apartments and a restaurant. (ZAPCO recommended approval of both actions.) DENIED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 10: License Agreements between Lakeway and various Rough Hollow subdivisions, to legitimize ongoing use of land in the city’s right of way for walls, lights, irrigation, signs, monuments and the like. APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
ADJOURNED 10:17PM.
The Meeting Packet is here– https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3276
Go here to watch the Council meeting online— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/158014
Council next meets on Monday, April 18.
The Agenda will be published next week.
Daring Mighty Things
On April 8, the first private astronaut mission launched to the International Space Station. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, carrying 3 tourist astronauts who each paid $55MIL for the trip; they will spend a week on ISS, working on scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities. This is the first time NASA has partnered on a tourist venture. Axiom Private Astronauts Headed to International Space Station 4/8/22 https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/axiom-private-astronauts-headed-to-international-space-station
This awesome video captures in just 2 minutes the intricate and days-long process of NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket being fully stacked along with the Orion Spacecraft inside the gargantuan Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The SLS will power the Artemis I mission, an uncrewed flight test around the moon, launching later this year. Watch as NASA stacks its Artemis Moon rocket at Kennedy Space Center https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNpAxzg_v9E
Travel back through time nearly 13 billion years via the Hubble telescope. The light from this star that astronomers just spotted is 12.9 billion years old 3/30/22 https://www.npr.org/2022/03/30/1089626170/the-light-from-this-star-that-astronomers-just-spotted-is-12-9-billion-years-old
The Russian space director insists cooperation with western countries on the International Space Station will be suspended until economic sanctions against Russia are lifted. Russia to halt cooperation over International Space Station 4/2/22 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/02/russia-to-end-cooperation-over-international-space-station
Back to me….
Here is a good book I recently finished (available at Lake Travis Community Library):
The Match (2022) by Harlan Coben—This is the second in Coben’s Wilde series, and I found it a good escapist mystery.
I got my second Covid booster from HEB here in Lakeway on April 1. Second boosters are available to all age 50 plus, as well as to anyone who is immune-compromised, 4 months after the first booster. My arm was sore and I felt yucky for a day. Considering all the meetings and personal contact that are part of running for office, I’m happy to get the extra protection.
Fawn season is coming! In recent years, Lakeway residents posted photos of new fawn parked in their yards during the first week of April. Don’t assume the fawn you spot on a walk or in your yard is abandoned; Mama Doe will leave her newborn to rest, while she grazes in the vicinity, before collecting the baby and moving on. Here is more info on how to tell if a fawn needs help (plus lots of adorable fawn photos from past seasons): https://ninawriteorwronginlakeway.com/parked-fawns-injured-deer/
Drive carefully! Dozens of fawns are hit by cars in Lakeway every spring. If you see a doe, assume there is a fawn with her; if you see one fawn, watch for another.
Here are a couple of the fawn banners that the Wildlife Advisory Committee commissioned; they will be displayed at various sites around Lakeway this spring.
Here are some recent photos of our deer herd. So far, I haven’t seen any new fawns, but I live in hope!
The Coronavirus
Worldwide, Asia and Europe continue the latest surges.
China continues to fight a massive surge. In early April, its largest city, Shanghai, was locked down, with mandatory Covid testing commencing for over 26 million residents. China’s policy of mandatory isolation of Covid patients in government facilities results in parents being separated from children, often for extended periods and with little or no information on the minors’ whereabouts or wellbeing. Also, food shortages are reported among the millions locked down. Last week, China deployed 12,000 additional medical workers to Shanghai.
Hong Kong’s Covid death toll continues to set records. Coffins are now in short supply; crematories and mortuaries are overwhelmed.
The UK is setting new Covid case records yet again. During the first week of April, there were over 5 million cases, which amounts to 1 in 13 people living in the UK testing positive. There, the Omicron variant BA.2 is dominant. Hospitalizations and deaths are also rising. Citizens are irate that the country no longer offers free testing, despite the current surge. The UK dropped restrictions and switched over to a living with Covid strategy in March.
As for vaccinations, 11.4 billion shots have been given, with 58.8% of the planet’s population fully vaccinated.
In the US, in the last 2 weeks, cases have increased 1%, hospitalizations are down 22%, and deaths decreased 31%. We are averaging 30,000 new cases per day. 15,000 Americans are currently hospitalized with Covid, and the death rate averages 550 people per day.
New daily case rates have doubled in both NYC and Washington, DC, since the end of March. Throughout the northeast, cases are up. But, in most of the rest of the country, case numbers are flat or decreasing.
On March 28, the CDC announced that the BA.2 variant is dominant in the US, accounting for well over 50% of new infections. BA.2 is more transmissible but seems no more severe than the original Omicron variant that spawned it.
Experts are surprised that BA.2 hasn’t seemed to cause a new surge in the US. Some say it is starting in the northeast and will gather momentum soon. Others say the problem is that lab testing is at a new low, and that is how new case statistics are derived. In the past couple months, people started relying on home test kits instead of lab testing, which is less and less available nationwide. To the extent BA.2 cases are severe enough to cause hospitalization, those stats will start to rise, followed by an increase in the death rate.
Many states are scaling back Covid programs. Free test sites are shutting down all over the country, along with vaccination sites. Several states no longer release Covid data (new cases, hospitalizations, deaths) daily.
The federal government recently launched a Covid site designed to provide info to the public on assessing local Covid risk, buying good masks, finding nearby test-and-treat centers, local vaccination locations, how to order free test kits, and more. www.covid.gov
Other than advanced age, diabetes has been the worst harbinger for people with Covid. Diabetic patients account for 30-40% of Covid deaths. Diabetes weakens the immune system, as well as causing obesity and high blood pressure which can worsen a coronavirus infection. Diabetes is rampant in the US, afflicting 34 million people (13% of all adults). Those with Medicare (Part B or a Medicare Advantage Plan) can now get up to 8 FREE Covid test kits EVERY MONTH, from local pharmacies. Go here for info: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-covers-over-counter-covid-19-tests
As for vaccination, in the US, 66% of the entire population is fully vaccinated. Average shots administered per day increased to 486,000. 98 million booster shots have been given.
On March 29, the FDA authorized a second booster for Americans 50 and older, as well as for the immune-compromised. The second booster can be given 4 months after the first booster, and can be either Pfizer or Moderna. The strategy is meant to protect older people until the fall, when it is expected another shot will be recommended for everyone. Experts hope that by then we will have a modified vaccine tailored to fight recent variants.
In Texas, the current positivity test rate is 3.6%. In the last 2 weeks, new cases decreased 44%,hospitalizations dropped 25%, and deaths fell 46%. We are averaging 2,600 new cases and 28 deaths daily. As of now, there are 1,300 Texans hospitalized for Covid-19.
In Texas, only 61% of all residents are fully vaccinated (no change in last 2 weeks).
Recent Covid articles I recommend….
Covid in D.C.: What to know about the risks of Omicron and BA.2 4/8/22 https://www.politico.com/news/2022/04/08/dc-covid-omicron-ba2-risks-what-to-know-00023920
Do Home Covid Tests Expire? 4/5/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/05/well/live/covid-test-expiration-date.html
Medicare Covers Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests 4-4-22 https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-covers-over-counter-covid-19-tests
Covid and Diabetes, Colliding in a Public Health Train Wreck 4/3/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/03/health/diabetes-covid-deaths.html
A New Wave of Covid-19 Is Coming. Here’s How to Prepare. 3/30/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/30/well/live/ba2-omicron-covid.html
F.D.A. Allows Second Coronavirus Boosters for Everyone 50 and Older 3/29/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/29/us/politics/second-coronavirus-booster-shot.html
We Study Virus Evolution. Here’s Where We Think the Coronavirus Is Going. 3/28/22 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/03/28/opinion/coronavirus-mutation-future.html