The County has selected RVI, a landscape architecture and planning firm based in Austin, to facilitate and compile the Master Plan
Note: Press releases from the county recently have added written directions to the new $60 million county government center at Hunter Rd & Wonder World Drive in San Marcos. They advise, "GPS locators/maps do not have the correct location of our new building and may show you a similar, private address that is not close to the Government Center." The address is 712 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666. The government center is a real monument for taxpayers to behold. You should take a spin by it if you have the time and can afford the gas expense. We hear it will soon to be listed among the Seven Wonders of Hays County.Directions: "Take the Wonder World Drive exit off of IH-35 and head west, or head east on Wonder World Drive from Hunter Road. At the bottom of the Wonder World Drive railroad overpass, turn North on South Stagecoach Trail. The Government Center is a large, stand-alone building at the end of the cul-de-sac."Two press releases, sent Jan. 6, 2012, from the Hays County public information office. For more information, contact communications specialist Laureen Chernow, laureen.chernow@co.hays.tx.us, 512.393.2296, County Judge Bert Cobb at bert.cobb@co.hays.tx.us, 512.393.2205, or your county commissioner.
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday (Jan. 3) to authorize County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D., to offer the owner of 3.495 acres at 5458 FM 2770 a contract to purchase the land for its new Precinct 2 office building. The authorization limits the land cost to no more than $471,950.00.
The land is across FM 2770, also known as Jack C. Hays Trail, from the Plum Creek subdivision and on the south side of Crystal Meadow Drive across from Barton Middle School. The County has been seeking a new location to accommodate a 13- to 15-thousand- square-foot building it intends to construct following an unsuccessful search for a larger rental space in Precinct 2. The County currently rents a former bank building owned by the City of Kyle at 111 N. Front Street.
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – Hays County is in the process of developing a master plan for the Jacob’s Well Natural Area and is inviting the public to a discussion of development options at a January 19 Open House. The County has selected RVI, a landscape architecture and planning firm based in Austin, to facilitate and compile the Master Plan, which is expected to be finished in Spring 2012. The meeting is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. January 19 at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12. For more information, contact county grants administrator Jeff Hauff at jeff.hauff@co.hays.tx.us, 512-393-2211.
28 comments:
Every time I turn around, the county commissioners court is on a SPENDING SPREE! Isn't anybody watching them?? They are spending money like a bunch of spoiled rotten rich kids.
The County Commissioners are like high brow brokerage firms.
They feel like they have to have a fancy building to feel and look professional - when all they really need it a couple of offices with a few computers.
It's like the Wall Street crooks and the federal government war criminals. They need fancy cover to hide their crimes against taxpayers.
Does the county even know what the boundaries are of the "Jacobs Well Natural Area"? Conley was so anxious to divert taxpayer monies to the benefit of David Baker's WVWA group and developer that he rushed the closing through without a survey of the property and with a bunch of restrictive covenants that made the overpriced land even more worthless than it was to begin with.
Some of those restrictive covenants obligate the county to make additional payoffs to SOS and WVWA if the trigger conditions are met.
Be wary about improvements that trigger additional payoff amounts to SOS and WVWA. No doubt you will see WVWA promoting such building in order to later claim entitlement to a payoff.
To be a successful (win elections) county commissioner or county judge you have to a) lie to the public about your true intentions (record or campaign promises), b) pay off your supporters, c) buy off your opposition, and d) recruit a tight circle of special interest big donors to pay off your campaign debts.
Will Conley and Debbie Ingalsbe are running for reelection. They both have earned honorary doctorates in winning elections.
Judge Cobb is on a fast learning curve. Whisenant and Jones are still in school, deciding on their degree path.
$472,000 for 3 acres! You gotta be kidding me. Are there gold bricks buried under it??? How much is the building gonna cost? Please remind me to file a protest against paying my county taxes on this one and a lot of other county boondoggles.
Uh! Shafted the resolution stated that they could purchase the land for NO MORE THAN $471,950.00. This does not mean that they will spend that much.
Didn't the City of Kyle offer a land swap to the County for the Precinct 2 building that wouldn't have cost the County anything???????
What happened????????
Let's play Connect-The-Dots! Does anybody happen to know who the landowner(s) is and the realtor making the sale to the county?
Minutes of Comm Court state a contract for sale between County and Patricia Reno-Davis for 3.495 acres. Minutes don't give a price.
Cobb: 'Now's the time to be frugal and quit raising taxes'
In other words, Cobb is a typical fiscal conservative. Say the right things to get elected and then spend other people's tax money on their earmarks and personal projects.
Isaac did it with his big government sonogram crap.
Right wing hypocrites.
Jacobs Well Master Plan?
Well let's start by getting rid of the monopoly that WVWA has been granted on "maintaining" the area.
Let's also require continuing payments to WVWA to be subject to WVWA turning over its books for public inspection. Tired of seeing taxpayer funds diverted to buddies of Conley.
That $25,000 Conley is trying to authorize for a survey is the newest boondoggle for the WVWA camp. A survey should cost well below $10,000 for that area and should have been conducted prior to the purchase. Wonder who will get the bulk of the $25,000? It won't be the surveyor.
Speaking of pay-offs. Conley earmarked what was it, 5 million dollars total to Jacob's Well. Let's say his, nay, the tax payers, investment wins him the votes of 300 Wimberley Enviro-Dems in the primary. By my calculation that would be $16,666.666 dollars PER vote. Now that's some rich free market politics, folks! Sure beats the socks off Rick Perry by an Iowa Corn Field mile.
Enforce the laws we already have:
1. Illegal Immigrants
Instead of throwing money away trying to round up illegal immigrants (who will merely re-enter the country), fine the business owners who hire them. If the owners stop hiring illegal workers, the workers will stop coming.
2. Overdevelopment over the Trinity Aquifer
County Commissioners Court should stop rubber stamping every plat that is set before them. Make land developers put in rainwater collection for new homes.
3. Sewage mess on the Square
The City of Wimberley has the power to declare the situation a danger to public health and close
the Square until the situation is remedied. PIDs and MMDs just spread the cost to the public at large (including, in some cases, to people in the ETJ) instead of having the business owners correct the problem they themselves have made.
@ Use the Laws We Have said...
Enforce the laws we already have:
1. Illegal Immigrants
Instead of throwing money away trying to round up illegal immigrants (who will merely re-enter the country), fine the business owners who hire them. If the owners stop hiring illegal workers, the workers will stop coming.
Where did this come from?
2. Overdevelopment over the Trinity Aquifer
County Commissioners Court should stop rubber stamping every plat that is set before them. Make land developers put in rainwater collection for new homes.
Put in a rainwater collection system on your own home. You've got no greater right to groundwater or surface water than any other property owner.
3. Sewage mess on the Square
The City of Wimberley has the power to declare the situation a danger to public health and close
the Square until the situation is remedied. PIDs and MMDs just spread the cost to the public at large (including, in some cases, to people in the ETJ) instead of having the business owners correct the problem they themselves have made.
Well right now it isn't a problem. As long as Jacobs Well is flowing, the sewage is washed into Blue Hole and on downstream. There is plenty of time to figure out how to dispose of the waste before Jacobs Well stops flowing on a more permanent basis in a couple of years.
January 10, 2012 8:33 PM
to Anonymous, Jan 10, 11:11 p.m.:
You say:
"Well right now it isn't a problem. As long as Jacobs Well is flowing, the sewage is washed into Blue Hole and on downstream."
You don't see dumping sewage into Blue Hole, Cypress Creek, and the Blanco River as a problem!?
Political calculator, by my reading that is called "Dirty Money", c/o the taxpayers.
You don't see dumping sewage into Blue Hole, Cypress Creek, and the Blanco River as a problem!?
There are lots of problems in Wimberley. The amount of money that the county diverted for the benefit of WVWA would have easily addressed the sewage issue and accomplished something of value to boot. Instead, the county gives millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars to benefit the faux environmental group WVWA - which spends all of its time lobbying against things like a sewage treatment facility and water for property owners under the pretext of "sustainability" and "environmentalism".
The situation is not going to change until you are stewing in your own cra# and algae blooms are floating at Blue Hole. Next time David Baker gets up and uses the word "sustainable" to restrict your water use for his benefit, just realize that he means "keeping the status quo", i.e., sewage with no other place to go.
I look forward to the day that Jacobs Well is not sending Wimberley's cra# downstream any more. Maybe then you'll realize that paying the not-so-non-profit WVWA to lobby against sewage treatment and surface water wasn't such a smart idea. That organization is even lobbying to keep homeowners from being able to have a well and also to prevent utility companies from being able to serve the property owner. Wimberley deserves the results.
To Anonymous, 11:17 AM:
I challenge you to cite words that show that WVWA does these things that you assert:
"lobby against sewage treatment and surface water"
"lobbying to keep homeowners from being able to have a well"
"[lobby] to prevent utility companies from being able to serve the property owner."
WVWA does none of those things, and you know it!
@ Use the Laws We Have who said...
To Anonymous, 11:17 AM:
I challenge you to cite words that show that WVWA does these things that you assert:
Well you obviously have not been watching how WVWA has been spending taxpayer dollars that Will Conley has been so freely giving them.
"lobby against sewage treatment and surface water"
David Baker didn't just "lobby", he illegally voted on the permit for WSP they like to refer to as the "golf course" while he was a sitting HTGCD board member.
When crime didn't pay, WVWA filed suit in an effort to invalidate the WSP permit. The case is
WIMBERLEY VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION vs HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, Cause No. 11-1086, 207th District Court of Hays County
The primary purpose of the permit was to utilize groundwater to dilute sewage so that it can be properly disposed of on the "golf course".
"lobbying to keep homeowners from being able to have a well"
Who are you kidding? Baker and clan have been seeking legislation to deny wells to property owners that don't already have one. This is not "new news".
WVWA has routinely lobbied Commissioners Court and legislators to support legislation to deny property owners any right to put in or keep a well. They want to require permitting for residential wells. However, their position on permitting is that the water has already been over-allocated so no new permits should be issued.
When 2009 legislation didn't materialize as planned, they worked to support creation of a new groundwater district via TCEQ to be overlaid on top of the HTGCD. The new district was not to be subject to recognizing exempt wells as the HTGCD was. This "plan" was successfully defeated as to the HTGCD territory due to the fundamentally unconstitutional objective of the plan. You'll find WVWA is a party to the proceeding known as
Groundwater Conservation District Creation Recommendation for the Hill Country Priority Groundwater Management Area, SOAH Docket No. 582-10-5643
WVWA also lobbied commissioners court to promote legislation that denied lot owners in platted subdivisions any right to have a residential well. The hearing on this was November 23, 2010 before the Hays County Commissioners Court. Watch the video yourself.
Another petition filed with the TWDB seeks to find GMA 9's determined desired future condition "unreasonable". This is an undeniable example of their efforts to limit groundwater to utility companies and property owners throughout all of GMA 9:
PETITION OF WIMBERLEY VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION APPEALING THE DFC SET BY GMA 9 FOR THE TRINITY AQUIFER WITHIN THE HAYS-TRINITY GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
"[lobby] to prevent utility companies from being able to serve the property owner."
Yes. WVWA lobbies for laws to prevent property owners from being able to have a residential well so that the property owners will be forced to rely upon a utility if available. Then WVWA protests utility company permit renewals. WVWA lobbies to get subdivision platting rules changed to meet these objectives. WVWA lobbies for legislation and they've lobbied other political subdivisions of the state to support legislation to achieve these objectives. Attend an HTGCD meeting and you won't be able to miss these clowns.
WVWA does none of those things, and you know it!
WVWA does all of these things and more. WVWA has engaged in unscrupulous, unethical, and apparently criminal conduct in its anti-property owner, anti-people, faux "sustainability" madness.
WVWA is primarily a lobbying organization and does not deserve "non-profit" status. Taxpayers are disturbed that county commissioners have given many millions of taxpayer dollars to this lobbying group which actively works against the very property owners paying those taxes.
Last Anonymous ranter says:
"WVWA has been spending taxpayer dollars that Will Conley has been so freely giving them."
Will Conley and Winton Porterfield (WSP) are good business buddies. Explain that fact in your little conspiracy world.
"David Baker didn't just "lobby", he illegally voted on the permit for WSP they like to refer to as the "golf course" while he was a sitting HTGCD board member."
Why is he not in jail if it is illegal? Show us proof.
And, finally, define for us your definition of "lobbying."
And how is your definition of WWA lobbying any different than what WSP does or any other entity that wants to get its economic agenda implemented?
And before you call someone a criminal, at least have the self-respect and integrity to give your name so we can all know the legitimacy of your research and your accusations.
Otherwise, you are nothing but a mastubatory windbag.
@ Live and Let Die who said...
Last Anonymous ranter says:
"WVWA has been spending taxpayer dollars that Will Conley has been so freely giving them."
Will Conley and Winton Porterfield (WSP) are good business buddies. Explain that fact in your little conspiracy world.
Not sure that is entirely accurate. However, even if it were true how does that justify giving millions of taxpayer dollars to WVWA?
"David Baker didn't just "lobby", he illegally voted on the permit for WSP they like to refer to as the "golf course" while he was a sitting HTGCD board member."
Why is he not in jail if it is illegal? Show us proof.
First, you don't go to "jail" without a trial. You don't have a trial unless the DA prosecutes. The better question is "why isn't the DA's office pursued Baker on this issue"? Perhaps it is due to the DA's office involvement in the Baker clan land deals surrounding Jacobs Well? Where's O'Dell to challenge the DA's office on their lack of pursuit?
You are referred to Local Government Code §§171.001-171.004. You are referred to the minutes of the HTGCD from January - April 2011 where Baker voted on the WSP permit and has since filed suit via WVWA claiming that WVWA is uniquely harmed by the WSP permit. Either there is no unique harm and Baker did not commit a crime or there is a unique harm and Baker committed a crime. Rest assured that a formal complaint will be filed with the DA's office in the event WVWA succeeds with the argument that WVWA is uniquely harmed.
And, finally, define for us your definition of "lobbying."
And how is your definition of WWA lobbying any different than what WSP does or any other entity that wants to get its economic agenda implemented?
There is a huge difference. WVWA claims 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. There are limitations on the types of conduct you can engage in to preserve 501(c)(3) status. Lobbying is one such activity.
A simplified explanation from the IRS website is as follows:
In general, no organization may qualify for section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying). A 501(c)(3) organization may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status.
'Legislation includes action by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure. It does not include actions by executive, judicial, or administrative bodies.
An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation."
WVWA engages primarily in lobbying. Baker and clan have lobbied for legislation to prevent wells. Baker and clan have lobbied for local governments to adopt resolutions. There are plenty of example. All of this runs afoul of the lobbying prohibition.
And before you call someone a criminal, at least have the self-respect and integrity to give your name so we can all know the legitimacy of your research and your accusations.
Criminal.
Will Conley may THINK he is buying environmentalist votes by supporting Jacob's Well, but these people despise and distrust him.
Conley is merely eating out of both sides of the hog trough.
Conley's actions in favor of Cypress Creek may have quieted the public disgust temporarily, but when the time comes to vote him out of office, be assured that people know what kind of slimeball he is.
"Where's O'Dell to challenge the DA's office on their lack of pursuit?"
I would imagine Dr. O'Dell is sick of being heckled and marginalized by the comments here and elsewhere. His tireless pursuit of the truth in Hays County politics hasn't exactly been welcomed.
This County is full of corruption and crony justice. You can literally get away with MURDER if you know the right people or have the goods on elected officials.
If you think this story has legs, pursue it yourself. I am sure Dr. O'Dell has had enough standing up for you.
I think Mark Key has a crush on David Baker.
The WVWA is in no way entitled to a tax free status under the IRS codes. They are a liberal political lobbying group that favors shutting down anything in the County that may encourage growth or upset their favored status with certain politicians. Baker did violate the law when he voted against WSP's pumping permit when the law plainly says he should have reused himself. There is a video recording of his violation. The WVWA has the best of both worlds, they get 5 million from the taxpayers and now the County (we taxpayers) will pickup the tab for the expected building of the "JW Natural Area." Be sure to attend the meeting on Wed, night at the Wimberley Community Center and see for yourself.
Don't expect Kennedy to go after Baker et al. since he may be positioning himself for a run for office next time around. He recently played kissy-face with the WPOA in granting them a waiver on a liability insurance requirement in order to service the 2 County owned entrances to their domain, thereby increasing the County's exposure to claims. He also extended their under the table sweetheart deal of a $200 per month lease on their huge office space. This guy is definitely a "player". Look for more handouts to the environmentalists and others that appear to have a certain amount of followers i.e. voters. I'd expect that favorite of the WISD, Swimberley to reappear this year.
Correction: the JW unNatural Area meeting will be on Thursday Night.
Surely Swimberley supporters have
better sense than to try again for
County funds in this down economy.
Last time they applied for County dollars, they were ranked next to last on the County's list of considered projects. Only some sort
of gun range ranked lower.
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