Llano City Council: trade days, short‑term rental, daycare tax break and leases win approval; water‑rights legal hire approved with $50,000 cap

The Llano City Council on May 14 approved a package of zoning and administrative measures, including a specific‑use permit for a monthly trade market, a permit for an accessory building, a special‑use permit for a short‑term rental, and a 50% property tax exemption for a qualifying daycare facility. Council also approved a lease amendment with Cadence Bank, adopted a school‑zone speed ordinance and set the time to canvass the May election. Council separately authorized contracting with attorneys on water‑rights work with a legal fee cap of $50,000.

The approvals came after public hearings for several items. Council approved Ordinance No. 15‑54 to allow a monthly ‘‘trade days’’ market at 202 West Grayson, and Ordinance No. 15‑56 to permit a short‑term rental at 709 Fly Creek Drive. Council approved an accessory building permit at 305 West College (ordinance number recorded in the minutes as 5555) and adopted resolution R2025‑10 granting a 50% property‑tax exemption to a qualifying childcare facility. Council also approved Resolution R2025‑11 to add to an existing vehicle lease with Cadence Bank and adopted Ordinance No. 15‑59 to amend the city’s school‑zone speed rules.

Several items passed on motions and seconds with aye votes recorded. For some routine agenda items the minutes record unanimous voice votes; where roll call was performed the clerk recorded affirmative votes by Councilmembers Larry, Kara, Tara, West and Elliot (see action records below). Council set the canvass for the May election for May 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Variance: 505 Sheffield — variance approved to allow a 3‑foot setback (motion carried). - Ordinance No. 15‑54 (Specific Use Permit — Trade Days, 202 West Grayson) — approved. - Ordinance (accessory building), 305 West College — approved (ordinance number noted as 5555 in the minutes). - Ordinance No. 15‑56 (Special Use Permit — short‑term rental, 709 Fly Creek Drive) — approved following public comment and staff review. - Resolution R2025‑10 (Property tax exemption for qualifying childcare facility) — approved; council voted to grant 50% exemption as permitted under the referenced constitutional authorization. - Appointment: Andrea Stighetti to Llano Main Street advisory board — approved for a two‑year term. - Ordinance No. 15‑57 (Master fee schedule amendment) — approved to correct fees charged by outside review providers. - Ordinance No. 15‑58 (Traffic control devices) — discussion occurred; council asked staff to narrow and reevaluate the proposed list before returning it for action (no final vote recorded). - Resolution R2025‑11 (Lease agreement with Cadence Bank — truck lease expansion) — approved (roll call recorded: Larry Yes; Tara Yes; West Yes; Elliot Yes; others recorded as present/yes). - Ordinance No. 15‑59 (School‑zone speed limits) — approved to align local school zone signage and hours with regulatory standards. - Contract for professional legal services on water‑rights development — approved with a not‑to‑exceed cap of $50,000; council discussion noted uncertainty about total hours and the possibility of returning for additional funding. - Election canvass — set for May 14 at 4:30 p.m.

Why it matters: These votes affect land use and small‑business events (the trade market), neighborhood property rights (accessory buildings and short‑term rentals), public safety rules (school‑zone speeds), municipal fleet financing, and the city’s approach to securing additional water supplies. The legal‑services authorization begins a process that may require further council action and funding if water‑rights work expands.

Background and context: Several items came through the planning commission or staff review before council consideration. The short‑term rental request included written opposition from two nearby residents; applicants said they had met with neighbors and would provide local property management contacts and quiet‑hours signage. The daycare exemption request referenced state constitutional authorization for local taxing bodies to exempt qualifying childcare facilities; the applicant reported county approval and asked the city for a matching 50% exemption.

What’s next: Council asked staff to refine the proposed traffic‑control list and return it for further consideration. The legal‑services authorization includes a cap and council discussion acknowledged it may need amendment if the work requires more hours or complexity.

Ending: Council adjourned after receiving monthly reports and starting the budget process.