Bee Cave City Council votes to advance new public library and safety improvements on ballot

The Bee Cave City Council convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives and infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing community safety and accessibility. The meeting began with a focus on the proposed Bee Cave Public Library, which is set to be located on the Skaggs tract adjacent to Hill Country Indoor. Council members emphasized the need to place this initiative on the upcoming ballot to secure funding and community support.

Following the library discussion, the council reviewed the Bee Cave Parkway Safety Improvement Grant awarded by TxDOT, amounting to approximately $960,000. This grant will fund the construction of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Bee Cave Parkway and Highway 71. City staff highlighted the urgency of completing engineering and preplanning work by July 1, 2026, to meet the grant's timeline.

The council also addressed the need for general road improvements along Bee Cave Parkway, particularly between Highways 71 and 620. This project aims to extend the roadway's lifespan through necessary maintenance, including a mil and overlay process. Additionally, concerns raised by parents from the nearby Montessori school regarding safety prompted discussions about installing guardrails to protect children playing near the road.

Infrastructure improvements at Central Park were also on the agenda, with plans to add more parking spaces to accommodate community events. The council noted that current parking capacity is insufficient, hindering the ability to host activities in the park.

Another significant topic was the Tordera Drive extension, which is part of the thoroughfare plan and will enhance connectivity to the new library. The council discussed the potential need for a traffic light at the intersection of Tordera and Bee Cave Parkway, emphasizing that any installation would require voter approval.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on crosswalk improvements throughout the city, including Falcon Head and Ladera, to enhance pedestrian safety. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of recent charter language changes that may complicate the approval process for these projects, particularly regarding what constitutes a significant alteration requiring a ballot initiative.

As the council prepares for the upcoming May ballot, they acknowledged the need for clear communication with the community to ensure understanding of the proposed initiatives and their funding sources. The council plans to revisit these discussions in a future meeting, with a deadline for finalizing ballot language set for February 11, 2025.