[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6607118,"mediaKeyId","2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147","parentId",2956533,"title","Moody Museum board reports visitor gains, facilities work and $100,000 fundraising goal for statue","audioSeconds",981,"startMs",1886000,"endMs",2867000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147&start=1886&end=2867","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147/thumbnail_1886000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6607118/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Moody-Museum-board-reports-visitor-gains-facilities-work-and-100000-fundraising-goal-for-statue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607118-85d6abe795da8b836896a4d3c463fbc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158594&Signature=jK-iVTsO5Btlo-ckZlo47KnJ3-83EB1cCAIxVywfEuypFHk~Cu5~I4LrsWPCkoPMjg0hnKLNp41loMQMNyj2hIfQIue2Qsl~4WcKY7BqkkcWiGbjrqWo6xHVC2Z1pci~~hJBWvSG-NfMhSQFChztvqufUv76gvtlhQaMdLd~roSGx~gm54W2TZGavXh3D-TjQfurPPJQOidM1SQzY5tBEj6yeN74BB4A0JuLBaHZCLVgdD-zXcvibzvxRspggzrgzK9sOdnXpL0s9OjLbxH9bdCtXolxewdzxaX446F2bl9ez1b8YYOXduiDLarHJpCTjJvzuYg62s~ZxdkvxhbxJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Taylor","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Taylor City Council received a report from the Moody Museum advisory board Thursday detailing visitor trends, recent repairs and ongoing fundraising for a bronze statue of Governor Dan Moody.

Board representatives told council the museum had roughly 400 visitors during the year the board reviewed, including tourists and groups brought to the site by local organizations. The board said it hired its first part‑time docent last year (April–October), which increased weekend openings and visitor numbers; a new docent, a Taylor native and retired teacher, began work in February.

“We had people almost every weekend when he was there and they're open we're open Fridays and Saturdays when we have a docent. And, overall, our visitor numbers this year were around 400 people,” the board presenter said.

Facility repairs completed with city assistance included security camera installation, replacement of an elevator cable, porch repairs, threshold replacements, rewiring of a living‑room light fixture, additional concrete for driveway accessibility and painting of the kitchen and back entrance. The board said the Friends of the Moody contributed about $23,000 to install internal storm windows that improved humidity control and prevented damage after a separate window was broken.

Board members identified a list of remaining needs: exterior repainting; construction of a retention wall on the west side of the property to address erosion that threatens a large oak tree; gutter replacement; irrigation line repairs; and a concrete pad and mailbox to stop mail being left on the front porch.

The Friends of the Moody are fundraising for a life‑size bronze statue of Governor Dan Moody to be installed on the museum lawn and timed to be unveiled during Taylor’s sesquicentennial next year. The board said the statue project is “about a hundred thousand dollar investment” and that the city is seeking bids for the foundation work while the Friends sell commemorative bricks and collect donations.

Council member praise and questions followed the presentation; a motion to receive the Moody Museum advisory board update passed 4-0.

The board also described exhibit programming including a recent Olympic exhibit, a Black history display, partnerships with the Taylor Garden Club and Samsung interns for grounds work, plans for a Taylor City history room, and resumed educational talks planned for June.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Taylor - City Council - Apr 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Moody Museum advisory board reported visitor growth, completed repairs and a $100,000 fundraising effort for a bronze Governor Dan Moody statue; the council received the update 4-0.","taxTitle","Taylor, Williamson County, Texas","taxId",56865,"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},6607124,"Council receives communications department update; 'Taylor on Foot' community walks, dashboards, ADA captioning highlighted",768,3091000,3859000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147&start=3091&end=3859","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147/thumbnail_3091000.jpg","/articles/6607124/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Council-receives-communications-department-update-Taylor-on-Foot-community-walks-dashboards-ADA-captioning-highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607124-7ac7be835c53b3cf41612af3a0f476f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158594&Signature=iL791nZc0yiya8nnnQw6ZaYvv7VyYoSGelveuagQGBleiq8OCnIiApuYMCmZ-TfyST7D7OJsHri8kbOq~HQxD9wvfgnLEJQgaQnstGIzC3gXXJ3r3uCzSXcl~XGnm0Ye-i~uJSrS0bMumtpn3uF1w-LuYaV9kJo1RThPDnEK5qsefo9Lsn3Pe0-p3WTsWWxttkFBO6nDCiope3oi50xThyZ7MsqBagaxZbFUtkjDQdk1zo2K9-znlhs9dGTncltPgs-u6QOJJrTu367VQUFJkvB1eBkA-H2hknsrfKSw6zXIc8Rpi1IeSY1vpU0T67S7p3bP3L2rkOBEzJNOoc7ysQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Taylor City Council voted 4-0 to receive a status update from the city communications department that outlined new outreach programs, digital tools and accessibility plans.

Communications staff described a new initiative called “Taylor on Foot,” a quarterly door‑to‑door program modeled on Cedar Hill’s outreach that aims to “meet residents where they are” and to have multidisciplinary teams—including one council member, a police officer and departmental staff—visit about 50 homes in a two‑hour walk. The first walk is scheduled for May 17 in District 3.

“The first and biggest 1 is is a project known as Taylor on Foot,” communications staff said, summarizing the new outreach plan. Staff said the goal is to collect neighborhood concerns, connect residents with city services and community partners, and provide substantive follow‑up. Team leads will collect feedback and communications will route issues to appropriate staff; staff set a target of providing substantive responses or resolutions within 30 days when possible.

The presentation also introduced a capital improvements dashboard that lists major projects, timelines, funding sources and biweekly updates. Staff said the dashboard allows users to filter projects by type (streets, parks, drainage, facilities) and to sign up for email or text updates.

Other items discussed included a planned development dashboard that will show projects in the pipeline, expanded use of the city’s FlashVote survey tool for community input (including an upcoming sidewalks, trails and ADA transition plan survey), and a development video series to explain projects when “dirt turns” to reduce rumor and confusion.

Staff flagged U.S. Justice Department accessibility guidance and said the city will request budget funds to add closed captioning to council and other streamed meetings ahead of a 2027 deadline. “We’re actually going to be required, at the latest by 2027, to have closed captioning on these streams,” communications staff said; the department said it is exploring in‑house and vendor options, including real‑time captions for hearing‑impaired audience members.

Council members asked about translation for Spanish speakers and other language groups. Communications staff said Spanish captions and translations are part of the plan and noted preliminary discussions with Samsung for ad‑hoc Korean translation support.

A motion to receive the communications department project updates passed 4-0 after a second by Councilman Anderson.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (approval of minutes from the March 27, 2025 meeting): approved, 4-0.
- Moody Museum advisory board update: received as presented, 4-0.
- Task Order 63 (HDR Engineering design and bid for Fifth & Murphy waterline): approved, 4-0.
- Communications department project updates: received as presented, 4-0.

","The council accepted a presentation from the communications department on a new 'Taylor on Foot' neighborhood outreach program, a capital improvements dashboard, development and survey tools, and plans to add closed captioning for council streams to meet ADA guidance. Council approved the update 4-0.",{"_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},6607128,"Taylor council approves design contract for Fifth and Murphy waterline replacement",135,2924000,3059000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147&start=2924&end=3059","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147/thumbnail_2924000.jpg","/articles/6607128/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Taylor-council-approves-design-contract-for-Fifth-and-Murphy-waterline-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607128-b7eb8d794746dab83690d014faf750b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158594&Signature=FVO70N4bZ-I-VNxcYo3KGbDGMSHCQy7IoofLHD0PbF3s8cr8k09mbClK3EAK3SrCA~5NufaP5x8WXkWzhpxe1~AxXl994suXvwI8UA4~cguEpFWFjgdcddB0CIifdlePt8mZC59Ikdn1d11PD2UN4PcI3ZzPoD-6oDYzYIuitETXobOTEA0e8i2NCjnr9XZsU0u2Yh4TEpqx8URgKprfOsavJzUzVLoLsapiOiwXe8U5XE~hFHg2fyRcxI31zsinOLbIihDCJVtEruGc0g~s27uAb2xjl1WrTdbZvMR7fhYE0ntrV-S8GKfrMwmOpTsvPMJgvffsbCjFZfLOTV-r1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor City Council voted 4-0 Thursday to approve a design and bidding contract with HDR Engineering Inc. and a local surveying proposal for the Fifth and Murphy Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Waterline Replacement Project.

The council approved Task Order 63, which covers design and bidding for approximately 1,100 feet of new, 8-inch waterline in the project area. City staff said the work is funded through an awarded CDBG grant and will address aging two-inch mains in the neighborhood.

Public works staff presented the project. “This is 1,100 feet of 8 inch waterline,” a staff member said during the presentation, and the HDR portion of the task order was described as $98,900 for design and bidding services. Staff said the design phase is expected to take about seven months and that subsequent construction inspection and testing costs will be brought to council when ready.

During citizens communication prior to the vote, resident Sandra Wolf raised concerns about neighborhood infrastructure on Murphy Street, asking council to consider water and sewer main replacement and to factor in accessibility for residents who use wheelchairs. Wolf told the council she would follow up by email with additional information.

Council members moved and seconded the motion to approve the task order; the council later recorded the vote as 4-0 in favor.

The approved task order covers only design and bidding. City staff said construction costs, construction inspection and testing, and final construction contracts will be presented to council later in the project schedule.

Project background and next steps: staff said the project will replace small-diameter mains that remain in parts of the neighborhood and bring the lines up to the current minimum 8-inch standard. Following the design phase, the city expects to solicit construction bids and return to council for award and construction-related approvals.

No timeline or construction start date was provided at the meeting beyond the estimated seven-month design period.

","The council approved Task Order 63 with HDR Engineering for design and bidding of a Community Development Block Grant-funded waterline project at Fifth and Murphy and accepted a local survey proposal; council cited grant funding and infrastructure needs. A resident raised related concerns about aging lines in Murphy Street during public comment.",{"_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},6607110,"Taylor police warn of attempted kidnappings in region; officer Jesus De Hoyos honored for victim‑services work",93,1017000,1110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147&start=1017&end=1110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147/thumbnail_1017000.jpg","/articles/6607110/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Taylor-police-warn-of-attempted-kidnappings-in-region-officer-Jesus-De-Hoyos-honored-for-victimservices-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607110-08b277c3e7d0f9f67dfed97e3e1542ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158594&Signature=VDLD7b~~-VwLpK-TnfLjIkXwizDykotn0hwlqqQaCg9eHrW9vJTaZ2LeGiUQEq5tr13X2FgiqJldQH8b1CsphxbLaxfKHSL6Fq305GREsWdLDPbcgh~58Z2pOQhL6Jz3JeINDgF8pynPxqrRBxJ3v2gjI66dFwDf85u1io7Gjiy0mkbE4Qcz795kJOZufCs~Ps1hNykBbt~lrRGTrXj8hNvSl-Z~FCvtw5f-ZUR6uqmbZ2UdH3C0x0uO2k5Sk3ZdLxEvU2Gn1D81KM-BA8i~mzHnfDz8in~GmZdD2ZmGdOhPMzW0hSGG~0BzUphXn3GrxcxAkU-0ONPCNI4YYnsWgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor Police Department detectives have noticed an increase in attempted kidnappings in surrounding communities, police told the city council Thursday, and the department issued a preventive alert asking residents to supervise children and report suspicious behavior.

“Now, fortunately, I wanna make it clear, we have not had any in Taylor,” the police chief said, asking parents and guardians to supervise children and be alert. The chief told council detectives had observed local attempts in other cities including Round Rock, Leander and Austin and said the warning is a preventive measure. “If you see it, say something,” the chief added.

In the same segment, the chief announced that Officer Jesus De Hoyos received the Williamson County victims’ rights officer of the year award. The chief credited a citizen nomination from Priscilla Moreno and noted De Hoyos had already been recognized locally as the Taylor Press reader’s choice officer of the year and the Taylor Police Department officer of the year in 2024.

The chief recounted one incident in which De Hoyos was a first responder to a serious crash involving a cyclist; De Hoyos assisted in lifting a vehicle off a victim and performed actions that, the chief said, aided the victim’s survival and recovery.

No formal council action was associated with the alert or the award announcement; the items were shared as departmental updates and recognition.

","The police department alerted residents about attempted kidnappings in Williamson County and neighboring cities as a preventive notice; Chief Luke also announced Officer Jesus De Hoyos received a victims’ rights award and has been previously recognized by the department.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6607117,"Big Easy Market owner tells council skill‑game ordinance enforcement threatens business",162,1422000,1584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147&start=1422&end=1584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956533-466f464eddfdf17b0c1570cd0c582147/thumbnail_1422000.jpg","/articles/6607117/Taylor/Williamson-County/Texas/Big-Easy-Market-owner-tells-council-skillgame-ordinance-enforcement-threatens-business","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607117-4c17fb2331fc597c1cbdfd2ca007a4f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158594&Signature=NIxsZu6ZKviC~0GQzulkW8sANLVz9FNPIME2U4smfiJQ4hera9r65-75MPpWHmHsiEabX2Ci0-StEw-0cIEeAaemnKsUi~Z7ip4ETiYbqH9L4jq9ee1ICyg88NX3b4jIxAks4va-JQvSV9L~i0kljtZsotHvioUSjBvvueQmtOVk5GcptvPs8X1wZzyqqF4lv2DIx79b9JzmNwQA7j9WFuew-l1cgK8ji0O7D5cwo52vZOYO~lWddyX~u6qU0Z-8fqXt9qFo3z9Sn-pH72uhehnreIen3xico56aEZPIjx8uxvko1yrFeKZ5Ug2oki4XLqWYplptBzVaUmZwBSUyAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Greg Smith, the owner of Big Easy Market, addressed Taylor City Council during citizens communication to raise concerns about city enforcement of a local ordinance covering coin‑operated skill games.

Smith said his company invested about $1.5 million to renovate a recently purchased property and installed a large flagpole with local recognition. He said his business had opened in December and within minutes an officer delivered a notice alleging possible violations of sections of the Texas Penal Code related to gambling.

“We follow the law. Y'all made the local rules for skill games,” Smith said, and told the council he had included a packet of materials and a court case in the council packet arguing that a court ruled certain games are not gambling devices.

Smith asked the city to review the ordinance and enforcement actions so the business could remain open. He said he wants to be an asset to the community and provided contact information to city officials.

Council members did not take formal action at the meeting. Staff and council did not provide a response during the allotted public comment time; Smith said he would follow up through the materials he left with the council.

","Greg Smith, owner of Big Easy Market, told council the store faces enforcement over skill‑based coin machines and referenced a court case that found such machines are not gambling devices; he urged the city to review local ordinance enforcement. No formal council action was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Moody Museum board reports visitor gains, facilities work and $100,000 fundraising goal for statue

Council receives communications department update; 'Taylor on Foot' community walks, dashboards, ADA captioning highlighted

Taylor council approves design contract for Fifth and Murphy waterline replacement

Taylor police warn of attempted kidnappings in region; officer Jesus De Hoyos honored for victim‑services work

Big Easy Market owner tells council skill‑game ordinance enforcement threatens business