[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"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","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6103845,"mediaKeyId","2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2","parentId",2793080,"title","Council advances tree-mitigation ordinance after public hearing, asks staff to soften resident replacement rules","audioSeconds",390,"startMs",4320000,"endMs",4710000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2&start=4320&end=4710","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2/thumbnail_4320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6103845/Bastrop/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-advances-tree-mitigation-ordinance-after-public-hearing-asks-staff-to-soften-resident-replacement-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103845-eb715c90035c2fd437701e4909390a89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951474&Signature=BLB7Kx7S8cR4oDBiTzwxRr-irakA3A11ha1jGDjXxhV6Y66DAryXqrO7DOL0z2vekza1U1bh5FOQisfm7IRHlu0Em4ZJggwJZWsuF1yEsieqXkPXs30CFOJakFWmtLJCl0jL9sJ5XYEoksc3VmNw-ykDZBg3WNsh90EyGeLFAiszon~1ayvMIoMMJ0TnJX2Hgrps5Q6hst0qaYPuX~Y-DE7JbUmW1SfKA3pifMLXpGKCWo0eLz~8Ev~ah8Onxz1nAAys7rqrAlueYm33OGoJxN-CK5EI9IhT8Nx6u4-SR7-yGlXx2aYtpQgQGLkgGaw6y4Ndha9k4rgnP62nt0y4FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Bastrop","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","Bastrop City Council held a public hearing on a proposed tree-protection ordinance (first reading) that would create a mitigation fee schedule, set replacement requirements and establish penalties for unauthorized tree removal. The ordinance passed first reading with an amendment directing staff to revise how replacement trees are required for private homeowners in cases where the city determines removal is for health and safety.

Key provisions: Development Services staff explained the proposed framework: a mitigation fee set at $400 per caliper inch for protected trees removed without complying with the ordinance; required replacement inches on a caliper-for-caliper basis; and doubling of required mitigation (fee and replacement inches) for noncompliant removals. The ordinance also creates a misdemeanor penalty of $500 to $2,000 per tree for removal without required permits and provides an administrative appeal path to the city manager and, if needed, to the tree advisory board.

Public comment and staff clarifications: Colton Sam Meyer (resident) asked whether a homeowner would face a fee for removing a large diseased tree; Development Services presenter James Guy replied the city would connect the homeowner with an arborist and if the arborist determined the tree was diseased the homeowner would not pay the mitigation fee. Guy summarized the application, inspection and appeal process for private property, and he confirmed smaller trees on single-family lots (below enumerated thresholds) are treated differently under the ordinance.

Council amendment: Several council members raised concerns that the replacement requirement — which uses small nursery stock caliper inches (commonly 2-inch trees) to replace much larger specimens — could require impractical numbers of replacement trees when an exceptionally large tree dies or must be removed for public-safety reasons. The council voted to approve first reading but directed staff to revise the language in letter F of the ordinance to provide a more tailored replacement approach for residential health-and-safety removals and to return that revised language at the second reading.

What happens next: The ordinance passed first reading with the amendment; staff will draft the revised replacement language and the item will return for second reading at a future council meeting where council will consider the updated language and any additional legal recitals recommended by the city attorney.

What the record does not show: The council did not adopt a final, specific alternative replacement formula in this meeting — it instructed staff to propose changes and return them for the next reading.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bastrop City Council - March 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved first reading of a tree-mitigation ordinance after a public hearing, and asked staff to rewrite replacement rules for residential cases where a tree is removed for health or safety reasons.","taxTitle","Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas","taxId",69403,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6103850,"Council approves package of transportation, building-code and fee changes; several votes split 3–1",660,3600000,4260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2&start=3600&end=4260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6103850/Bastrop/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-approves-package-of-transportation-building-code-and-fee-changes-several-votes-split-31","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103850-30c83ad73028487ad08f3dc493f65867/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951474&Signature=Mz6608CrkhvJoJpEBmRj0JzybHMv0CWd38aUSNmhsXTySd5Vju2GiR7GUtkMAmjZiwokpvhis3SMGpOpOMBiKHS2uF-IuYfDMfIWntuyQ0oeu8VyB-jiTXqTyKjWSP9WAmTUvDPoG0Hckm95xz9ltWVy7Lv9I0TZ3ZXMHI186oegjSmVp9bnYrvFWUs9sIpRTBOtptVYpnP8I~gsZyf6pFq9FbSskDxaN1tG3Y33EGhGjaseR7nuZm5Js8absYZLbLXm4kiU8uqKtg78O4rtXyOPuhf6YWf4ZMdSfiKvKb20BU03mGvV0eyMXzmn6VasEq9VVOk3W9aHSAABaRyavg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bastrop City Council on March 11 adopted a bundle of ordinances and resolutions that revise the Transportation Master Plan and amend the B3 form-based building code, update fees and impact charges, and address parkland dedication and other municipal code sections. Several of the land-use items passed by 3–1 votes; others passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda.

Why it matters: the changes collectively alter local standards for streets, lot sizes, allowable building types and impact fees — rules that will shape future development patterns and municipal service costs.

Votes at a glance (recorded motions and outcomes):

- Ordinance 2025-23 (second reading): Repeal the 2019 amendment to Chapter 5 of the Transportation Master Plan and restore earlier language. Motion passed (voice vote) 3–1; Councilperson Foster voted nay. (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)

- Ordinance 2025-24 (second reading): Amend Bastrop Code Chapter 14 (B3 Building Code) to remove mandatory street network/gridded network references. Passed 3–1 (Foster dissent). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-25 (second reading): Amend B3 technical manual to remove mandatory street network references. Passed 3–1 (Foster dissent). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-26 (second reading): Remove duplexes as an allowed building type in P2 and P3 zones. Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-21 (second reading): Establish build-line standards and a first-layer setback in P2 and P3; includes clarifying language that the first-layer setback applies to undeveloped lots. Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-01 (second reading): Minimum lot sizes in P2 and P3 (no changes since first reading). Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-19 (second reading): Enact parkland dedication and park enrichment fund provisions (Chapter 10 subdivisions). Passed unanimously. (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Ordinance 2025-16 (second reading): Adopt master fee schedule (amend Appendix A). Passed as part of consent (unanimous). (Included in consent motion.)

- Ordinance 2025-08 (second reading): Amend impact fees for water and wastewater utilities. Passed as part of consent (unanimous). (Included in consent motion.)

- Ordinance 2025-06 (second reading): Amend cemeteries chapter and fees (Fairview Cemetery). Passed as part of consent (unanimous).

- Ordinance 2025-18 (second reading): Local property tax exemption for qualifying childcare facilities added to code. Passed as part of consent (unanimous).

- Ordinance 2025-31 (first reading, moved to consent for second reading 03/25/2025): Appointment of Caroline A. McClellan as presiding municipal judge — motion to include on next consent agenda passed (first reading action recorded).

- Ordinance 2025-20 (second reading): Amend membership terms of city boards/commissions to remove elected officials when their terms end. Passed 3–1 (Councilmember Lee opposed). (Mover: Councilperson Meyer; Second: Councilperson Plunkett.)

- Resolution R2025-517 (9Q): Amendment to master CCN transfer agreement with Aqua Water Supply Corporation for Val Verde service transfer; motion to approve passed unanimously (4–0). (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)

- Resolution R2025-62 (9R): Approve public improvement plan agreement (PIPA) with PRC01 Bastrop LLC for Sendero Phase 1; motion passed unanimously (4–0). (Mover: Councilperson Plunkett; Second: Councilperson Meyer.)

Context and debate: Several residents and speakers urged caution before changing the Transportation Master Plan and B3 code. Cecilia Serna and others argued the 2019/2017 plan differences and consultant reports should be fully reconciled and that changes could harm the city’s historic fabric. Jared Hruska and other supporters said the city must adapt quickly to rapid development pressures. Councilmember Foster repeatedly voiced concern about removing mandatory grid requirements and was the lone dissenting vote on multiple B3 and Transportation Master Plan items.

Implementation notes: most of the items were adopted on second reading and therefore will take effect per the ordinances' effective-date language unless otherwise noted. Several changes adjust permit and subdivision review standards; staff and development services will implement technical changes through the permitting process.","On March 11 Bastrop City Council approved multiple ordinances updating the Transportation Master Plan and B3 form-based code, parkland dedication, fee schedules and other code items. Several votes passed 3–1 with Councilmember Foster dissenting; other consent items passed unanimously.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6103854,"Neighbors press council over North End Prairie plan; developers and residents give conflicting accounts",1569,997000,2566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2&start=997&end=2566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2/thumbnail_997000.jpg","/articles/6103854/Bastrop/Bastrop-County/Texas/Neighbors-press-council-over-North-End-Prairie-plan-developers-and-residents-give-conflicting-accounts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103854-5c8c957c0614511f1ae0ef3b9357aef2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951474&Signature=eZXgXNDMpMR6UzLHBab~mNiHjspfFeLnoTPvJMhtSsWrUTH1CnNPYfSkugEKRZ6CIjZO0YvjEiNQqezvj41n0tgvxvLOFEiaMOx5JLPHDrjpiRVLU-q5pqmBhylOEGw17OMjk~yPS8rdtSk5tTaQnYEWi4A4BmRiPwYLYdgF8HBmchQkoNdYuiCIC8FwqwtNUz-kAsyUegVtWeMVCKV3dqFeE~fb3AVeVTkAxA-1NhJy4S4QCkHzJOCSSGtwgYXXP2mNx7UaFn~rjHvWoDKYpCYih0zueqVAMwu4yuGGxtKN1ghbWscS3PjlAvVZAgDxKB9XUzPLsAJIypmOXGTSfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Neighbors and the development team clashed over the North End Prairie proposal during public comment at the March 11 Bastrop City Council meeting, with residents saying they were not adequately informed and developers saying the project has been under review for years and includes engineered drainage protections.

Why it matters: the proposal — described by speakers as roughly 42 homes on about 4 acres between Pecan and Hill Street — affects existing homeowners' drainage, parking and neighborhood character. Several speakers urged the council to insist on transparency, careful drainage review and protections for current residents before final approvals.

What residents said: Heather Green, a resident at 2007 Pecan Street, told the council she spoke on behalf of herself and 12 neighbors and said they had received inconsistent or late information about the project. \"This development is a proposed 42 home establishment on a mere 4 acres,\" Green said, and raised concerns including parking, narrow internal streets, increased traffic and the lack of a complete, approved drainage plan. She described prior neighborhood flooding in 2016 and said residents fear repeated flooding without a confirmed drainage solution.

Developer response and timeline: Tom Leibowitz, who presented on behalf of the project team, told the council the project team has worked on the site since a purchase in August 2021 and submitted a neighborhood regulating plan in August 2022. Leibowitz said staff approved a preliminary drainage plan in August 2024 that includes an on-site retention pond and underground storm pipes and that the developers later submitted a preliminary plat and a grandfathering application asking to proceed under development rules in place when the project began. \"City staff approved our preliminary drainage plan on August of 2024,\" Leibowitz said, adding that the plan \"includes an on-site water retention pond and underground storm water pipes. The new drainage infrastructure will provide better protection for every level of storm than the site does currently.\"

Nonprofit and affordability claims: Jody Smith, who said the project team formed the Homes for Good Foundation to carry the project forward, said the development is mission-driven and not intended to generate profit for the developers. Smith said the team is talking with nonprofit partners to support homebuyer readiness and lending programs for households up to about 80% of area median income; she said the model could help teachers and other local employees qualify for homeownership.

Process and next steps: City staff and the council discussed procedural steps for plat review and grandfathering requests. The transcript records that the preliminary plat was under review and that staff will hear requests for grandfathering status at the Development Review Committee on March 20. If staff denies a grandfathering request, the transcript records the appeal path: city manager, then zoning board of adjustment, then district court if necessary.

What the record does not show: council did not take a final vote on the North End Prairie project in this session. The meeting record contains multiple public comments and developer statements and shows the application remains under staff review and subject to formal appeal procedures.

Community voices: the meeting included multiple public commenters urging more transparency and asking council to schedule public discussion; at the meeting council directed staff to schedule a public meeting on North End Prairie for wider community discussion.","The proposed North End Prairie subdivision drew lengthy public comment on transparency, drainage and traffic. Developers said preliminary drainage plans were approved in 2024 and the project has been under review for years; nearby residents warned the 42-home plan on about 4 acres could worsen flooding and parking problems.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6103859,"Council directs legal action on Nixon tract, Burleson East deal and Valverde agreements after closed session",39,74000,113000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2&start=74&end=113","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2793080-cc5f8cfd5bea706f700454bb5df2c4c2/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/6103859/Bastrop/Bastrop-County/Texas/Council-directs-legal-action-on-Nixon-tract-Burleson-East-deal-and-Valverde-agreements-after-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6103859-1809effa4ac3010fe98f7a963edbd4b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951474&Signature=RIG6TVv2jij2DdPRR46p-yhdsxrshqNT6leBOLShiZ2Gnse6ei~Ulsh7qFSz0Jup1ItlHvSbdOm8tXXp9t0lCMv4XoxZUExPO8-Jr9tJSo37NEchF2CwSv-2I9QqPp4vtV1tddasf2hkVo6OUwxXKAG3Bv3wxOc-0~z5Lw2rqp-ItZVVAFewDvCjF6BCQjznzTdX1EwHSYtR8YvEGl5v8g7nIqWcxiFSpjDZHuJEHX~~F98JWCAfvxv7mSsODcE9Apc5PLQJ9D2g2oF1MsRJwg2oUMnz3e-uYVQaF1Ph7pJRITlNEZJ~W4VKoX0lHxqJ8Ztyyc~ld4vXEGyJwDGMHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bastrop City Council on March 11 returned from a closed executive session and unanimously approved three post-session actions: directing legal counsel to finalize a settlement agreement about the Nixon tract easement, asking staff to bring the Burleson East LLC economic development agreement back for final approval, and authorizing legal review and manager signature on the Valverde subdivision agreements.

The actions followed a brief public reconvening after a closed meeting called under the Texas Government Code. At 6:05 p.m. the council announced it had taken action on all three executive-session items. \"I move to direct legal counsel to finalize the settlement agreement regarding the Nixon tract,\" the council recorded as the motion offered by legal counsel, with Councilmember Plunkett listed as the mover and Councilmember Lee as the seconder. The motion carried unanimously. Later motions to bring the Burleson East agreement back for final approval and to authorize legal review and the city manager to sign the Valverde agreements also passed unanimously.

Why it matters: all three items concern legal and development matters that affect property transactions and future development in Bastrop. The Nixon tract settlement concerns an easement described in executive session; the Burleson East action advances an economic development agreement; and the Valverde motion clears the way for final legal sign-off and the city manager's execution after counsel approves the documents. Each motion as recorded instructs staff or legal counsel to complete specified next steps rather than adopt new, on-the-spot policy.

Supporting details: the council invoked the Texas Government Code provisions authorizing closed consultation with legal counsel and deliberation on real-estate and economic-development matters. Council minutes show the motions and unanimous voice votes for all three items. The recorded sequence: motion to direct counsel on Nixon tract (mover: \"Counsel\"; second: Councilmember Lee), motion to return the Burleson East agreement for final approval (mover: Councilmember Foster; second: Councilmember Plunkett), and motion to authorize legal review and manager signature for Valverde (mover: Councilmember Foster; second: Councilmember Lee). Each motion was accepted and recorded as carried by voice vote.

What the record does not show: the transcript does not include the settlement terms for the Nixon tract, the final text of the Burleson East economic development agreement, or the Valverde contract language — only that council directed legal staff to complete or return those agreements for final steps.","After a closed executive session, Bastrop City Council unanimously directed legal counsel to finalize a settlement on the Nixon tract easement, asked staff to return a Burleson East economic development agreement for final approval, and authorized legal review and manager signature on Valverde subdivision documents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council advances tree-mitigation ordinance after public hearing, asks staff to soften resident replacement rules

Council approves package of transportation, building-code and fee changes; several votes split 3–1

Neighbors press council over North End Prairie plan; developers and residents give conflicting accounts

Council directs legal action on Nixon tract, Burleson East deal and Valverde agreements after closed session