The City of Horseshoe Bay City Council meeting was held on April 15 at 3 p.m. in the council chambers. Mayor Elsie Thurman called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. City Manager Jeff Koska gave the invocation.
Proclamations
Thurman shared several proclamations for the week of May 4-10. “Public Service Appreciation Week” has been celebrated the first week of May since 1985. It is organized annually by the Partnership and Public Employees Roundtable and member organizations to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. These unsung heroes do the work that keeps our city and nation working by ensuring clean water, public safety, integrity in elections and the legislative process, and proper management of public funds and resources.
“Drinking Water Week” serves to highlight the importance of safe drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock in our communities. The city utilities department is hosting an informational gathering and question and answer session on May 8 from 2-4 p.m. in the council chambers to help residents understand how water is protected, cleaned and delivered throughout the city.
“Municipal Clerks Week” recognizes the city secretary, also known as the legislative services director. The city calls upon the citizens of Horseshoe Bay to recognize this week by thanking the legislative services director and records and information manager for their outstanding service and exemplary dedication to the community.
Thurman declared the week of May 11-17 “National Police Week.” The men and women of the law enforcement agency of the city play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Horseshoe Bay and provide an unceasingly vital public service. Included in the proclamation is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, which pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. It is celebrated May 15 of each year.
Thurman declared the week of April 21-28 “International Dark Sky Week.” In November 2015, Dark-Sky International designated Horseshoe Bay as an International Dark Sky Community, the eighth city within the U.S. and one of only two Texas cities with the designation at the time. The city has a long-term commitment to building and maintaining public support for lighting practices that help preserve a dark sky outside of daylight hours, raising awareness about light pollution, and providing education, resources and solutions to encourage protection and enjoyment of dark skies and responsible outdoor lighting. The city will celebrate Hill Country Night Sky Month on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. More details will be provided in a future issue of the Beacon.
Recognitions
Police Chief Jason Graham recognized Communication Officer Jay Bauman as the Hill Country 100 Club Horseshoe Bay Officer of the Year for his dedication and service to the community and department. Graham also presented Officer Mark Ward with his five-year service award. Graham introduced new staff member Cody Mitchell, a criminal investigator.
Presentations
Carrie Pickering of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson, LLP presented the City with tax sale excess proceeds in the amount of $2,674.18.
Public hearings
A public hearing was held regarding the preliminary subdivision plat for Tres Vista, a subdivision of approximately 3.22 acres off That Away. The council voted to approve the preliminary plat in accordance with the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Business
A presentation was made by representatives from the Richter’s Ranch proposed subdivision, a 54.567-acre development seeking approval for 123 single-family residential lots and seven commonly owned lots located at Mountain Dew and Rocky Ridge. The council voted to defer the matter until the city development services department is presented with a complete application according to their standards and all applicable fees are paid to the city prior to entertaining any discussions regarding the developer’s variance request. The city also deferred a decision until third-party engineer Freese and Nichols is available to hear and see the updated proposal by the developer, and until the city is presented with a verifiable determination by Texas Parks and Wildlife that there are no protected species within the area of development.
The council voted to approve the request of Turrentine Properties, lnc. for the property located at 70 I Hi Circle North for 60-day permit extensions for Units A and B and 90-day permit extensions for Units C and D for a total fee of $25,000 for all four extensions.
The council voted to authorize Koska to negotiate a service agreement allowing the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department to provide firefighting services to the City of Cottonwood Shores. The contract will begin in April 2025 and end in October 2025, with an automatic renewal for an additional 12-month period ending October 31, 2026. At the end of the contract, Cottonwood Shores plans to have a hybrid paid/volunteer city fire department and to discontinue the HSB contract. Mutual aid between the cities will continue as a normal operation between the two communities.
The council voted to approve a resolution supporting staff’s request to submit a formal application for grant funds to the TXDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program, which, if selected, would provide 80 percent of the funding needed for shared use paths that would develop bicycle, pedestrian, and golf cart mobility and connectivity around the city.
The council voted to approve a resolution allowing staff to provide TXDOT with a request to include roundabout design options for future intersection improvements on FM 2147 at two major intersections, Horseshoe Bay West Blvd and Horseshoe Bay Blvd.
The council voted to approve Ordinance 2025-12, which will repeal the exemption for telecommunication services from the local sales and use taxes.
Staff reports
Koska shared that the council and staff held the second in a series of budget workshops on April 15 to begin preliminary discussions with the various departments to consider operational and maintenance budgets for FY2026 and the 5-year capital plan for FY26-FY30. Koska also shared that the construction of the City Center is moving at a quick pace and is approximately 45 percent complete. The expansion of the West Fire Station is also proceeding smoothly and may finish ahead of schedule.
Thurman adjourned the meeting at 4:47 p.m. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 20 at 3 p.m. in the city hall council chambers. To learn more about council meetings, visit https://www.horseshoebay- tx.gov/agendacenter. Be sure to follow the City of Horseshoe Bay on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ horseshoebaygov) and Instagram (www.instagram. com/horseshoebaygov).
