[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6668988,"mediaKeyId","2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b","parentId",2215958,"title","Lakeway receives $1.4 million FEMA reimbursement; council weighs options for one‑time funds","audioSeconds",1232,"startMs",5776000,"endMs",7008000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b&start=5776&end=7008","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b/thumbnail_5776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6668988/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Lakeway-receives-14-million-FEMA-reimbursement-council-weighs-options-for-onetime-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668988-74a18ef0e1184c110942acdab7598cbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1769970979&Signature=MHigtHVp4dmBcr7hefS8YMg5j8DIN9k0rc0aSmQjhOo1mWbau5oWYI~FEX0U5BATA8~DLuwq3BWJvOmCf0hnJCWS3tiXNQDsst9ccnrhdxIGRkNzaPbZOPRvASlCfiMl7vftcTCfek-xNea~ynrA44~BPxArVsQvEIgCCZfWYSdxopvOdKu4i0m4D7vSMup7yznvPV66aUvY3kr92-V-OmDocWBY15tJaX9whpZ-M~~r7L3zNjescRQYxiecwtKeAfdMqgkhW1PcvaC3nmsSjWb-L6qxCnyJfTbwW5Bd72icJKjYPSNW~wz~fuSydynzhqMoyG8qa1dNbygxTlz7-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lakeway","date","2025-02-03T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Joseph presented on Feb. 3 that the city has received a FEMA reimbursement check for $1,400,000 tied to the recent storm response, and council discussed how to treat the one‑time funds ahead of the summer budget cycle.

What was announced: Joseph said the amount represents roughly 75% of eligible expenses the city documented to FEMA and TDEM for storm response and cleanup. He credited emergency management staff Wahida for months of documentation and said staff will continue to pursue an additional administrative reimbursement category estimated at roughly $93,000.

Options discussed: City staff offered four options for council to consider: 1) leave the money in the general fund; 2) allocate some or all for increased emergency response capacity (vehicles, equipment, software, mitigation); 3) create a dedicated emergency reserve fund to cover future disasters; or 4) seed the capital improvement program (CIP) to offset future capital needs. City Finance staff confirmed the reimbursement will appear as a revenue in the current year and recommended documenting it as one‑time money.

Council members asked for time to consider. Several members said they preferred earmarking or documenting the money so the public understands it is a one‑time reimbursement rather than recurring revenue; others suggested placing funds in a capital reserve or emergency fund to reduce future pressure on the property tax rate.

Next steps: Mayor and council asked staff to gather council member preferences by email and to return to council with a recommendation that reflects the group's views ahead of budget season. City staff also said they will continue to pursue the additional administrative reimbursement and will note the funds in the budget with an explanatory asterisk so residents understand the revenue is not recurring.

No formal vote was taken at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lakeway - Special City Council - Feb 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Joseph told the council on Feb. 3 that the city has received a FEMA reimbursement check for $1,400,000 covering about 75% of documented storm response costs, and council discussed options for using that one‑time money.","taxTitle","Lakeway, Travis County, Texas","taxId",69618,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6668992,"Council member presses TxDOT breakout projects for RM 620; city may contribute up to $250,000",1321,3166000,4487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b&start=3166&end=4487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b/thumbnail_3166000.jpg","/articles/6668992/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Council-member-presses-TxDOT-breakout-projects-for-RM-620-city-may-contribute-up-to-250000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668992-873665bfe3db8f6cabca4c65487f0018/orig.mp4?Expires=1769970979&Signature=ISdGa57zXESl8p4jPUaL4-FcFPmGPIXqtXJDOKT92r2-N4Mjz76Hgdh0TNqqsdrhMWivIGPbLJan1FPWcq7dvDiAGlKUkFiUtMuilwPKcxDUNG0djWjeAivo5omm9G610lfZyQuy~LwxdazbJWRSeM0IOB2enu21JeV0iTnfYQhRoYHYHdyyQwvGDHwVBHpgEHX~RG9yh-UNV7BJcVwMvCy8kf2NqG-Th2j5SEPDV0s~A4Whsdf26gtIE6Z3phB8sr8dCGT~u~g9viPsq1c1khUEOQX4KREoBoKk-xZdVmiT3zeQsr4IrMlRnKfMCGBBEIVxLzvNlVX~~irleq1x5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council Member O'Brien outlined a proposal on Feb. 3, 2025, to ask the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to treat four signalized intersections within Lakeway as “breakout projects” from the larger RM 620 widening, allowing interim improvements before the full project — potentially reducing U‑turn collisions and lessening disruption when the main project arrives.

O'Brien proposed interim pavement widenings and the future signal work at Lomans Crossing, Lakeway Boulevard, Main Street and Dave Drive. The concept would add pavement on the outside of existing lanes to increase U‑turn turning radii and, where appropriate, construct ultimate signal locations. O'Brien told council he had discussed the idea with TxDOT and that TxDOT indicated it would likely fund new traffic signals placed in their ultimate locations while the city would be asked to participate in the interim widening costs.

Cost and schedule: O'Brien estimated a project in the $3,000,000–$4,000,000 range and said the city’s maximum participation would likely be capped at $250,000 (roughly 10–20 percent of the concept cost depending on final scope). He estimated about 15–18 months to reach construction after completing remaining right‑of‑way acquisitions and utility adjustments, with a construction window of roughly six to eight months.

Right of way and design: Staff said most required right of way for the four intersections has been acquired or is near completion, with two notable exceptions: the Goodwill property at Main Street and a corner parcel at Lakeway Commons near Lomans Crossing. TxDOT plan sheets and exhibits provided the geometry O'Brien used in his estimates and indicated some work could align with the ultimate TxDOT design, reducing duplication.

Council and public concerns: Council members asked for updated crash‑data analysis (Charlie Sullivan's earlier study was requested to be refreshed to year‑end). Some members expressed concern about permitting multiple close U‑turns on RM 620 and asked whether prohibiting certain U‑turns (for example near the H‑E‑B/Sonic entrance) would improve safety; staff said changing signal and median geometry could trigger more extensive environmental or public‑hearing processes with TxDOT.

Citizen Steve Goody of Serene Hills said he sees the H‑E‑B turn location as a frequent problem. LTFR and staff described near misses and some collisions at the intersections cited by council.

Council direction: Council did not vote on the concept but gave O'Brien direction to continue refining the proposal with TxDOT and return with a more detailed cost breakdown, updated collision analysis and a clearer right‑of‑way and utility timeline. O'Brien said he would proceed and bring more detailed exhibits and a negotiation strategy for an advanced funding agreement to a future meeting.","Council Member O'Brien presented a TxDOT‑backed concept to build interim pavement at four raised‑median intersections on RM 620 that would enlarge U‑turn radii and install signals; estimated total cost $3–4 million with a city contribution of up to $250,000. Council asked staff to continue negotiations and requested updated crash data.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6668996,"Lakeway officials highlight years of wildfire mitigation work, urge home hardening and signups for alerts",2731,240000,2971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b&start=240&end=2971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b/thumbnail_240000.jpg","/articles/6668996/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/Lakeway-officials-highlight-years-of-wildfire-mitigation-work-urge-home-hardening-and-signups-for-alerts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668996-b08c6d09a4e353fe05993721dd766593/orig.mp4?Expires=1769970979&Signature=C7b3VzsznmNmElHWVt443Q5sLyMl7OdtNLMyDH~ZTC26KkCMkV0FeIOjKIwIwfTg~LP5GsFDLVhXQVkde-zj8iABQua4qLlbf~r1iBUNseTuZ7q83mwl1nEQ--OzHYI2tu68Veos6h49S-fXZ4k7hO5yO5aWgUq7klol6uVlYgccQCL6f5~vRLBjvxxtSulXxN4gBBCJVn7YQyCyo~R5-6LyfnEwyT2NcR3xPdMoRh8~0gTc1LPxEIPSKglze~7e7yluPIJ5zh5TB-n2MeNSGbzTPfE~kt7JgPQD20jathPiek~GsPfI5vJEYNekMSupbg4cvfzYMwjW-VBJq-5h6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeway city officials, the Tri City Emergency Management Office and Lake Travis Fire Rescue briefed the City Council on wildfire preparedness and mitigation measures at a special meeting on Feb. 3, 2025, outlining multi‑year programs, recent storm debris impacts and steps residents can take to reduce home ignition risk.

The briefing — led by Lake Travis Fire Rescue Chief Abbott, Tri City Emergency Management Director Wahida and LTFR wildfire mitigation specialist Dustin Dunn — summarized work dating to 2011, noted accelerated efforts after the 2021–23 winter storms and described completed projects such as the Hamilton Greenbelt mitigation paid with roughly $350,000 and an 18‑month effort.

Why it matters: Speakers said the city and partner agencies have invested in mechanical fuels treatments, volunteer programs and planning to reduce risk where homes meet wildland. But they cautioned debris from recent storms and contiguous privately owned forested lands limit the effectiveness of city work alone, and emphasized homeowner actions and policy changes are needed to reduce structure losses.

“...the programs that we've put in place with the collaboration with the cities and Travis County have gone a long way to keeping this community safe,” Chief Abbott said, adding that the 2021–23 storms left “a lot of down and dead” vegetation that increased fuel loads and cleanup costs.

Dustin Dunn summarized preparedness steps including use of the Tri City warming center and shelter, volunteer trainings and updates to the Tri City Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2023. Dunn said volunteers number about 65 and the symposium and wildland task force created last year have improved communication among utilities, county and federal partners.

Dunn also urged homeowners to pursue home‑hardening measures and Firewise assessments. “We do not share the reports with with anybody. It's largely, my eyes that are seeing them,” Dunn said in response to homeowner concerns about assessments being shared with insurers. He said assessments use a nonprofit platform called Fire Aware (referred to in the presentation as “Fire Aside”) and that he had not heard of insurers submitting Freedom of Information requests for individual homeowner assessment reports.

City forester Richard said the city has mitigated roughly 190–200 acres of municipal forested land since his tenure began and expects to finish the remaining city‑maintained acreage in the next few years. He described terrain‑limited areas — notably steep canyon rims and Golden‑cheeked Warbler habitat — where mechanical mitigation is difficult or restricted for environmental reasons.

Officials said much adjacent forest is privately held or managed by HOAs or developers (the Canyonlands area was identified in the Travis County GIS as owned by Rough Hollow Development), and outreach to private owners and HOAs has been uneven. The forester noted some HOAs restrict landscaping choices that could allow home‑hardening measures such as rock or artificial turf; staff said the city has written letters supporting policy exceptions in some cases.

Funding and federal support: The emergency management director said Lakeway is included in a 2023 Travis County all‑hazard risk assessment that FEMA accepted, which officials said improves eligibility for some FEMA grant programs. Staff reported FEMA/TDEM reimbursement work recovered a substantial portion of the city’s storm response costs; separate discussion later in the meeting covered the actual FEMA reimbursement (see related article).

Council discussion and next steps: Council members and staff discussed policy changes and communications. Mayor and council members asked staff to:

- Encourage residents to sign up for Warren Central Texas emergency alerts and promote the Tri City registration system;
- Finalize a revised landscape ordinance to remove HOA barriers that prevent recommended home‑hardening measures and consider letters supporting exceptions where appropriate;
- Prioritize outreach and coordination with adjacent private landowners and developers where contiguous forest borders city property; and
- Continue promoting Firewise neighborhood organization formation and free home ignition zone assessments, using LTFR contacts and the wildfire email wildfire@ltfr.org.

Chief Abbott and Dunn recommended homeowners create household action plans and designated meeting locations in case phone systems fail. Staff also committed to share after‑action items from recent tabletop exercises and to provide follow‑up information on available grants when FEMA and federal grant availability is clarified.

The council offered no formal votes on policy changes at the meeting, but repeatedly urged staff to return with proposals — including a possible ordinance amendment — and more detailed implementation and funding options for future discussion.","City and Lake Travis Fire Rescue leaders reviewed mitigation programs started after 2011 wildfires, described recent storm debris and cleanup costs, and urged residents to sign up for Warren Central Texas, obtain Firewise home assessments, and support changes to local landscape and HOA rules to allow home-hardening measures.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6668984,"At a glance: votes and formal actions at Lakeway City Council special meeting, Feb. 3, 2025",7387,62000,7449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b&start=62&end=7449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2215958-b4d6ef3216856681626e383cea3e142b/thumbnail_62000.jpg","/articles/6668984/Lakeway/Travis-County/Texas/At-a-glance-votes-and-formal-actions-at-Lakeway-City-Council-special-meeting-Feb-3-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6668984-cfd72fd802d99aebdd88e1edbbb18c5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1769970979&Signature=ig-Uys2fglVEgC9r9ytzucCN4yQZ3CoOZdO-vDokaVUjRff38IxUspbZiLWRLewV05Ub0HiK9IIrONC0P7i9T6fZTbgIGI8QbFqnX61sNxUrFxOsrXR4H6jrZGfKJjv-C0po-~n9ElWwCA1evlb84mHaaqQvUoteaz6q~5uYE~OCHW1E0GqIGkN0wnX4qDt1j47o7ItWbh7pQOzoSGoETwTqm0XTpHkK91pJzdRKZn903dKhwR2MZxyhH6btQuYJ-4nfwIgL-F51dhy0JwkN8MnqXNedPBiGKvdllig3bSX1xZJv4QuUuFGJ6IvK-8TWO5Xvyw3DT907bOKsW-u5Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lakeway City Council held a special meeting on Feb. 3, 2025. The following formal actions were recorded in open session.

Consent agenda approved (unanimous)
The council moved and seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda. The mayor called for a voice vote; the chair recorded unanimous approval. Outcome: approved (unanimous). Record: motion and second taken on the consent agenda; all present council members voted aye.

Ordinance calling special election approved (5–2)
Council adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑02‑03‑03, calling a special election for May 3, 2025, to submit proposed charter amendments to voters. The ordinance includes the propositions (as ordered by council at the Jan. 27 meeting) that will be posted and provided to Travis County. The motion to approve the ordinance carried 5–2 on a roll call following motion and second.

Executive session: city center legal consultation
The council entered executive session under Texas Government Code section 551.071 for consultation with counsel on a city center legal matter. The mayor announced the meeting returned to open session and that no action was taken as a result of the executive session.

No other formal votes on substantive agenda items were recorded; key substantive topics (wildfire mitigation, RM 620 breakout project concept, FEMA reimbursement use) were discussed but not resolved by formal motion.

Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.","Council approved the consent agenda unanimously and adopted an ordinance calling a May 3 special election on charter amendments by a 5–2 vote; no other formal votes were taken on substantive items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lakeway receives $1.4 million FEMA reimbursement; council weighs options for one‑time funds

Council member presses TxDOT breakout projects for RM 620; city may contribute up to $250,000

Lakeway officials highlight years of wildfire mitigation work, urge home hardening and signups for alerts

At a glance: votes and formal actions at Lakeway City Council special meeting, Feb. 3, 2025