The Council met first as the Board of Adjustments in regard to reducing lot sizes on two new homes on Hickory Street. After discussion with the requestor and hearing concerns from neighbors, that was withdrawn after the presentation, the Council voted unanimously to approve the variance.
Among items on the Consent Agenda approved Tuesday night, the Council authorized the annual Hammerfest Aerobatic Contest at the Llano Municipal Airport on October 14-17. Council agreed to wave rental fees for the Llano Prospector’s Get Together at the JLK Event Center on Feb. 26, 2022. The Llano Prospector’s “Get Together,” a 501c3 nonprofit, has been the premier gemologist & treasure hunter event in the Texas hill country for years, held in Fredericksburg and other communities. This event will bring enthusiasts from all over the state and create a great economic impact, according to Tony Guidroz, Community Development Director. Council also waived rental fees for the Lonestar Gambler 500 rally set for September 24-26 at Robinson City Park. There will be a car show Friday night along with “Cruise the Circle.”
Several public hearings were held, including two special use permits that passed unanimously. The Council also held it’s fourth public hearing for the 2022 annual budget.
TxDOT Representative Jeff Lowe informed the Council that engineers within his organization had determined that changing traffic patterns downtown would be detrimental to the flow of traffic. Police Chief Michael Scoggins told Council he was disappointed with the dictation of the situation. Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn also expressed his disappointment and asked who in Austin he needed to contact to come visit Llano during opening of deer season through Christmas to witness the traffic issues. He said getting an emergency vehicle across the bridge and through the congestion is virtually impossible.
Lowe did indicate to Council and staff that a study of the Llano bridge was done in 2014 and would provide a copy. He added that any project approved by TxDOT to address any type of crossing would take 5 to 8 years to complete. In closing, he told Council that the bridge is protected by the Historical Commission.
In other business, Council voted unanimously to approve GrantWorks to administer the American Rescue Plan Act funding. GrantWorks Associate Vice President of Client Services Shirleen Bonacci told Council of the approved projects that the $866,507.46 could be used for along the guidelines provided.
Council approved contracting with Hill Country Auto Salvage and Towing to address several vehicles that are currently abandoned or code violations in accordance with the City of Llano Ordinances. Residents will begin to be notified if there is a code violation and how to remedy those cases. If remediation is not achieved, the company will be authorized to remove them.
Finally, Council voted to postpone the approval of the 2022 annual budget until September 20. The Council is expected to hear a motion to approve the No New Revenue Tax Rate as well.
Llano City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of the month in the Council Chambers at 301 West Main Street at 5:30 p.m.