The Ridgerunner

WPOA general meeting hears from Sheriff,
Jacobs Well Natural Area representatives

The most recent general meeting of the WPOA was a well attended and very lively session that featured visits from representatives from Hays County law enforce-ment and from our subdivision’s neighbor across Cypress Creek, the Jacobs Well Natural Area.

Both Sheriff Alan Bridges and Constable Daryl Ayres spoke to the gathering with information about law enforcement’s ongoing efforts in Woodcreek North. Both emphasized that all of us can help them by being their “eyes and ears” and being ready and willing to report any suspicious activity we witness. Constable Ayres also noted that his division has investigated the dumping problem that has plagued the area and has arrested and filed charges in one case and has another pending. He also noted that traffic tickets have been issued to speeders on several of our streets. He also suggested that when a speeder is sighted, a report with a description of the car and the license number called into the department would help them catch violators. The number to call to report non-emergency situations is 393-7896 and to report violations to the traffic division, call 393-7800. For emergencies and to report suspicious activity, 911 is always the right number to call.

David Baker spoke to the group on behalf of the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and its plans to develop the area around Jacobs Well as a community center for aquifer and watershed research, education and conservation. The area will be managed and restored as a natural preserve to provide permanent protection to our extremely sensitive area. The Watershed Association welcomes new members. More information about the spring and how we can advance the efforts to preserve it, contact the Association 512-847-1582 or see the website online at www.jacobswellspring.org. Baker also announced that there will be a public meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on August 2 at the center. For more information on the meeting, call the number listed above.

Winton Porterfield announced the plans for the improvement of Valley Spring Road from the entrance at RM 2325. He noted that the improvement of 3,100 feet from the entrance will begin in the third week in August and that the road and utility work will make necessary the closing of Valley Spring from Flaming Cliff. Detour signs will be posted and all outbound traffic will be directed to use Creekside, Long Bow, Sprucewood or Crazy Cross to Pleasant Valley and from there to Woodacre or straight through on Pleasant Valley to Jacobs Well Road. Work from the low water crossings to Flaming Cliff is under consideration, but no work on the low water crossings is planned.

It was noted in the meeting that Linda Germaine and Jim Westbrook have joined the board since the last general meeting. Committee reports were presented by roads chairman Bill Bradfield and treasurer DuAnne Redus. There were questions from members regarding non-compliance by builders in managing trash around building sites. The Architectural Control Committee is looking at areas where builders are not observing restrictions. Information regarding these matters should be called into the office 847-9889.

PAGE TWO

FROM THE DRAWING BOARD
By Anita Fournier

Here we go again! No rain affects growth of any kind, and now both “fauna and flora” are suffering.

Deer and other wildlife are searching for water and food, and your yard is as good as any place for drinks and dinner. My yard is greener than the others on the street and has turned into a Bed and Breakfast where deer can eat, drink, sleep and spend the night!

After doing everything possible to discourage the deer from foraging on our lawns and flowerbeds, I have found an interesting product and have tested it for one week in a client’s garden.

The product is an electronic pest repeller called Yard Guard. That’s right! The manufacturer advertises that it “deters critters and chases destructive pests from your property.” After testing this for a week, we found that it seems to deter deer but has not stopped turkeys, armadillos or other pests.

According to the company, Yard Gard deters critters with powerful ultra sound waves and protects up to 4,000 square feet, is weather proof, motion activated and harmless to humans, pets, birds, and turkeys. Yard Gard is battery operated but can also be used with house current. For our test, we plugged the unit into an outdoor electrical outlet and mounted it on a porch post.

Motion Sensor Activation: Up to 35’ x 70’ and is adjustable. The Ultra Sonic Frequency is 15
khz-25 kHz (adjustable). Power supply: 4 x 1.5 volt C Battery or the A/C adapter. The output of Ultra Sound Pressure is 90 DB at one meter.

The average price for Yard Gard is $54.00 plus tax. If you give me a call at 847-1814 I can tell you where the product is available. Regardless of deterring only deer “so far,” it is worth the price! If we find it discourages more critters, we will give you updates in this monthly article. Please keep in mind that we are still in the testing stage, but I FELT COMPELLED TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS NEW PRODUCT ON THE MARKET.

PAGE THREE

First incorporation information
gathering draws large attendance

More than 100 area residents attended the first meeting scheduled to present information regarding the possible incorporation of Woodcreek North.

Attendees at the meeting were given a chance to sign a petition to Hays County for an election on the question of incorporation. There were enough signers of the petition to meet the number required to ask that the proposition be put on the ballot for the election in November. The Hays County Elections Administrator Joyce Cowan will review the petition, and when petition signers are certified as qualified residents and registered voters in the proposed incorporation, the petition will be presented to County Judge Liz Sumter for authorization of an election.

Bill Bradfield, spokesman for the Incorporation Com-mittee, presented information regarding the steps necessary to ask for an incorporation election. In addition to the petition, these include having a map of the area to be included in the corporate limits of a new municipality, and determining a name for a new community. A map was on display at the meeting, but it was noted that it was as yet incomplete pending discussions and negotiations with the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek. In previous incorporation attempts, the proposed name for the community was Jacobs Well. However, it was noted at this meeting that the question of a name for the community should it come into being is still open, and suggestions are welcomed.

Although it was pointed out that the purpose of this first meeting was to explain the process involved and to allow those who wanted to sign the petition for an election to do so, those with questions regarding the “pros and cons” of incorporation indicated a desire for more information before making a decision. Bradfield reiterated that signing the petition was not a vote to incorporate, but only a request for an election to decide whether or not to create a city government.

A second meeting has been scheduled for August 3rd at 1 p.m. in the VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. Officials from Wimberley and Woodcreek and Hays County have been invited to attend this second meeting that is designed to concentrate on questions regarding the possible benefits or detriments of incorporation.

Requirements for participation in an election are that a voter must live in within the proposed boundaries of the area to be incorporated and be a registered voter in Hays County. Woodcreek North residents are encouraged to attend and to bring to the meeting their questions, suggestions and ideas on how to proceed.

Hays County creating habitat conservation plan

The Hays County Habitat Conservation Plan is being created to initiate solutions to protect endangered species under the mandate of the Federal Endangered Species Act. The golden cheek warbler and the black capped vireo are the primary focus of the plan.

Hays County Commissioners also intend for the plan to provide open spaces as identified by in the County Parks and Open Space Master Plan, and to protect species determined to be at risk. A major initiative of the plan will be to protect water quality and aquifer recharge.

A population increase of 49 percent between 1990 and 2000 has resulted in a projection that the population of our county will triple by 2040 to 280,076. Population increases have already resulted in changes in land use and development that has destroyed wildlife habitat and has had an impact on water quality. When complete, the con-servation plan will provide regional solutions by considering how to protect open spaces and natural resources that support endangered species. Learn more about the plan and how to participate at: www.hayscountyhcp.com

WATER, WATER ANYWHERE?

TSU’s River Systems Institute coordinating study of Cypress Creek

The River Systems Institute is coordinating a study on the Cypress Creek watershed in and around Wimberley. A three-year grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and other partners will fund the project which is designed to sustain the health of the creek as it undergoes changes resulting from rapid development for commercial and residential usage.

River Systems Institute director Andy Sansom says the organization will provide a sensible approach to research through sound science and unbiased information. Faculty from the departments of Geo-graphy and Biology-Aquatic Resources will manage the project. Personnel from the River Systems Institute will assist in compiling research with students and personnel from the university. The multi-phase project seeks to define the current state of the watershed, gather input from community stakeholders and develop a set of scientific tools for local decision makers.

Referring to a planned series of town hall meetings as the first step her Community Voices 2008 Program, Hays County Judge Liz Sumter announced the first round of town hall meetings that are to take place throughout the county.

According to Sumter, “the town hall sessions should provide a very productive forum. What’s important to me,” Sumter continued, “is making certain that the forums offer the opportunity for a true exchange of information. It’s not enough for me to talk to the citizens about what the County has been doing or what plans are on the drawing board. It’s just as important for me to hear what the citizens have on their mind.” Meetings have been scheduled for Dripping Springs, San Marcos and Buda. The meeting in Wimberley will held on February 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wimberley Community Center, Ranch Road 12 at River Road.

Sumter, who distributed Year in Review statement to various media outlets shortly after the end of last year, said “the summary of what took place in 2007 is all well and good, but the citizens also want to know where we’re going in the future. They also want a chance to voice their opinions. That’s what the Community Voices 2008 Program is all about. I’m looking forward to the program because I’m looking forward to some one-on-one dialogue with our citizens.”

Hays County Commissioner Will Conley was guest speaker at the WPOA’s general meeting. He presented members with information on the improvements planned for FM 2325 that will include measures redesigned to improve safety before the new school is completed and open by the fall of 2009. There is an agreement in place between Hays County and Wimberley Springs Partners regarding work on the roads in their area whereby Valley Spring Road will be brought up to county standards as far as the first bridge. Conley indicated that it might be possible to get Federal assistance to improve the two bridges. He also noted that water lines would have to be pressure tested before work can begin on Valley Spring.

Conley also announced that Woodcreek North will have a representative on the board when The Wimberley Watershed Association begins work on its Jacobs Well Natural Area project.

All needed speed limit, stop and other informational signs are now in place and traffic regulations are being enforced by Sheriff’s patrols. On the matter of road improvements within the area, Roads Manager Bill Bradfield announced that work has been ongoing on repairs to potholes and the shoulders of our roads and 45 streets received maintenance work during 2007. Streets scheduled for work this year include Rosewood, Caliche Court and Cochise. Work on Deer Ridge is hampered by problems with easements and occupancy. Resurfacing the road as it stands is being considered. A drainage survey is planned for Creekside Drive. Aqua Texas began work on improvements to its pipelines along Crazy Cross Road in mid-January. Bradfield estimates that work may be completed by late March. He also noted that Aqua Texas would make the repairs to Crazy Cross that will be required after their project is completed.

It was announced at the meeting that petitions are circulating to ask Hays County to include the question of incorporation of Woodcreek North on a future election ballot. For persons who would care to help by signing up registered voters in their neighborhoods, petition sheets are available by calling 847-1351.

From my vantage point as your County Judge, I am pleased to report that 2007 was a very productive year. Your Commissioners Court closed out the year with a host of accomplishments — some of which you may already know about, but others which may have escaped your attention. By way of review, here are some of the major achievements of 2007.
On the environmental front, your Commissioners Court put forth a 30 million dollar park bond package that received overwhelming approval from the electorate. Following passage of the park bond, the Citizens Parks Advisory Team (C.P.A.T) was established to oversee the allocation of bond funds to various projects. The Dudley Johnson Park in San Marcos was the first project to receive funding; Harrison Park in Dripping Springs was the second to receive funding. Consistent with the Court’s interest in protecting our natural resources, interim subdivision rules that will strengthen water availability requirements were approved. Additionally, your Court approved funding for flood control measures for up to twenty low water crossings and increased funding that will be leveraged to obtain additional grant funds for another sixteen locations.

Working to address our roads and transportation issues, your Commissioners Court has taken several affirmative steps in response to the defeat of the road bond package in the May 2007 election. First and foremost, the Commissioners Court formed the citizen-based Transportation Advisory Board to develop a county-wide transportation plan that allows for maximum citizen involvement. Equally important, the county has formed the first public-private partnership for road development with Zachery American Inc. with the goal of completing badly needed improvements to FM 1626. The road and transportation challenge remains a top priority for me. The safety of our citizens and the economic wellbeing of Hays County are directly tied to this challenge, and in 2008 I will continue to give this issue my full attention.

In terms of governmental administration, I am pleased to report a variety of important initiatives. For example, the Court selected a site (off Wonderworld Dr.) for a new government center. The Environmental Health Department and the Road and Bridge Department have now been reorganized into one department known as Resource Protection, Transportation, and Planning. This important step will result in a more centralized or one-stop-shopping approach to development activities. We also began moving toward a county-wide planning effort for water and wastewater issues through partnerships with municipalities, Ground Water Districts, as well as private and co-op water companies.

In the realm of economic development, the Commissioners Court played an active role in brining Seton Hospital to the Kyle area. The Court was also instrumental in bringing The Lance Armstrong Ride for the Roses event to the Hill Country ─ an event that generated important tourism dollars.

My continued concern about the healthcare issues in our county served as a catalyst to move forward on a Federally Qualified Health Clinic for Hays County. If we are successful in this effort, we will be able to serve a larger number of citizens, both uninsured and underinsured and offer dental and mental healthcare — something the county has not been able to provide in the past.

To fund the administration of all county government activities, taxes were raised by three-quarters of a cent. The additional revenue will fund a variety of programs including the following: an additional 4 person patrol team for Dripping Springs; one specially trained mental crisis officer; an increase in the amount and quality of materials for road repair; a web master to enhance the county website; an additional planner and environmental compliance officer; and funding to the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. Additionally, your Commissioners Court added a Collections Department to collect fees and fines for the courts. This is expected to increase our revenue by several thousand dollars. On a personal note, I have been performing judicial duties which have not been performed by a County Judge in Hays County for over two decades, and this will also generate additional revenue for the county.
Looking ahead and planning for the future is another of my top priorities. Accordingly, I asked the Court to consider initiating a county-wide comprehensive planning effort. This request was unanimously supported by the Court, and we expect this important planning effort to get underway soon. Similarly, I’ve worked in conjunction with other county officials to establish a county-to-county coalition involving fifteen counties. Presently known as the Hill Country County Coalition, this association will be working to lobby the state legislature on important issues and to resolve common challenges. The Court has expanded on its regional participation by joining as board members with the Austin/San Antonio Light Rail Commuter District, Envision Central Texas, Clean Air Coalition, Clean Air Force, Austin/San Antonio Corridor Council, and County Executives of America. I personally serve on the board of the County Executives of America and Envision Central Texas in addition to many other regional boards in the area.

As I begin looking at my 2008 calendar, I can’t help but reflect back on all the entries in my 2007 planner. A quick review reminds me of more than 135 meetings with citizen groups and public ceremonies I attended during my first year in office. I also counted some 34 presentations to or meetings with city councils and independent school districts throughout the county. I attended 115 regional, board and committee meetings, as well as 51 workshops in conjunction with the Commissioners Court. All of that was in addition to the 50 or so weekly Commissioner Court meetings, as well as a number of unscheduled responses to emergency situations such as floods and fires. I am thankful that somewhere along the way I was able to find time to relax and reflect about the importance of county government. I hope that 2008 will be as productive as 2007 and that we will see even more citizens involved in the process of local government.

A subcommittee studying Hays County’s water related issues has recommended that the county consider the purchase of the 55-acre Jacob’s Well Natural Area just across Cypress Creek from Woodcreek North. This area also includes the building, tennis courts and swimming pool across from Cypress Fairway Village at the foot of Woodacre Drive. The purchase could be made using funds from the $30 million parks bond that was approved by voters last May.

The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association acquired the acreage in 2005 would continue to manage the property. There would be no further cost to the county, according to the Association’s Director David Baker.

The county’s acquisition of this property could be of importance to Woodcreek North in that the property would be included in the county’s master plan and its future protection would be assured. In addition, under county ownership, the property would become eligible for state and federal grants that could be used for improvements. Such funds are unavailable as long as the property is privately owned.

At its recent quarterly meeting, members of the WPOA said good-bye and “thank you” to Linda Germaine, Karen Toporowski and Meta Wilson who have finished their terms on the WPOA board, and by voice vote elected as their replacements Sue Csejka, who though retired, has taken a part-time job at TSU; Merry Merian, a registered nurse who works for NACES Plus Foundation and ad-ministers state certification exams for nurse aides, and DuAnn Redus, an organizational consultant and owner of Maui Wowi Coffee and Smoothies Shop in Wimberley.

Roads Manager Bill Bradfield reported on the roadwork done this year. Seven roads have been rebuilt and a number of others received repairs to potholes. Bradfield asked that members call the office so that reports about needed street cut and pothole repairs can be relayed to him. Three roads are currently being improved, Sunset Circle, Cripple Creek and Honeysuckle Circle. If cold prevents comple-tion, these three will be paved with the return of warmer weather. It was also noted that speed limit signs are now in place and patrol of our roads by the Sheriff’s department has begun. Tickets for traffic violations on our roads will now be issued.

A financial report by Leonard Denney noted that, thanks to great work by Office Manager Janelle Delaney, receipts from maintenance fees were up this year and that the Association’s finances are in good condition.

Commissioner Conley gave the meeting information on plans for improvements to RM 2325 by the state and for improvements to Valley Spring. The county will maintain the road after Wimberley Springs Partners bring it up to county standards. He also reported on county services that will be handled from the new county office complex across from Ace Hardware in Wimberley. In addition to the JP court and Sheriff’s substation, the complex will house a tax office, and a County Extension Service office. Plans are eventually to build a building for county offices.

MORE LIGHT NEEDED

Members of Pedernales Electric Cooperative who attended the annual meeting in Johnson City last June got a further lesson in just how easy it is to control an election. Although there were candidates nominated from the floor and many customer complaints voiced during the open discussion session, the outcome of the election had been decided far in advance of the actual meeting.

A major change in the way board members are elected is needed since the current system prevents any serious challenges to the present board and creates a climate in which accountability is unlikely. As it stands today, a nominating committee is appointed by the board, ballots are mailed to the over 200,000 customers bearing only that committee’s nominations. There is no chance for a significant challenge because by the time of the annual meeting, ballots have been mailed in, counted by company representatives, and the election of board members is already decided. These rules should be changed so that any qualified candidate can be listed on the ballot mailed to members.

As Cooperative members, we are not free to change our service because we are dealing with a monopoly not subject to any kind of government regulation. PEC’s president has since said the board will “consider a change in election procedure.” Such a change will have to be meaningful enough to allow challengers to have a reasonable chance to be elected

No sooner had the show of determination to retain our own EMS paid off in a change of direction and a change in the composition of the committee that proposed bidding out our local service, another battle has loomed in the form of a cellular phone company’s proposed tower to be placed on property leased from the VFW near Jacobs Well Road and Ranch Road 12.

After this information became known in March, petitions began circulating in an effort to stop the placement of yet another cell tower in our valley. State Representative Patrick Rose and Commissioner Will Conley are both involved in the effort to convince the company proposing the tower to be a better neighbor.

Wimberley is a close-knit community that loves this valley and its beauty, beauty that is in danger of being spoiled by the ever-growing number of cell towers.

The reaction to the proposed change to our EMS proved that, if we stand together, we can get things done. If more signers are needed, the drive will start again. The more of us who join with those already protesting the better we can make known our unified opposition to placing more cell towers anywhere in the area.

Wimberley is a close-knit community that loves this valley and its beauty, beauty that is in danger of being spoiled by the ever-growing number of cell towers.

The reaction to the proposed change to our EMS proved that, if we stand together, we can get things done. If more signers are needed, the drive will start again. The more of us who join with those already protesting the better we can make known our unified opposition to placing more cell towers anywhere in the area.

Correspondence between Judge Sumter and David Valle
Subject: Appriasals
To read in chronological order, start at bottom:

According to Section 23.12 of the Property Tax Code and according to David Valle, Chief Appraisal guru, it allows large holders of property to typically pay 30% less than just an average homeowner with one or two or three lots. I don’t know exactly where the break of lot ‘owning’ is without reading the legislation but now you know why Wimberley Springs pays less in taxes per lot. Can’t say I like that much. Liz

From: David Valle [mailto:dvalle@hayscad.com]
Sent: Monday, July 30, 2007 7:38 AM
To: lizsumter@co.hays.tx.us
Subject: RE: Appriasal Amounts

Judge,

Section 23.12 of the Property Tax Code allows Appraisal Districts to value residential property as inventory.

David

From: Liz Sumter [mailto:lizsumter@co.hays.tx.us]
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 2:58 PM
To: dvalle@hayscad.com

David, I have received some complaints from Woodcreek North residents, so now I am checking with you. The complaint is that the property owned by Wimberley Spring, aka Quick Sand, aka Woodcreek Development, Inc are undervalued compared to individually owned lots. Can you check for me please. Liz

July 27, 2007

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know where we are on the issues we spoke about.

I have sent forward the County Authority issue to legal in terms of being able to enforce and fine Aqua Texas for sewage spills and other water violation issues. I hope to hear from him soon.

The traffic issue is on Commissioners Court agenda for this Tuesday.

The plat for the subdivision for Wimberley Valley Springs is being pulled and looked at for road issues and possible timelines.

I have emailed David Valle about the appraisals being different for the developer vs homeowner. In fact, August 8th I go before the board protesting my land values.

If I have missed any issues, please let me know. Also, please pass this on to the other members at the meeting.