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Liberty Hill committee hears ARPA-funded water and sewer updates, sets April downtown workshop
Summary
The Downtown Revitalization Committee reviewed ARPA-funded water and wastewater projects and streetscape progress, heard that waterline work will begin within 30–45 days, and scheduled a public workshop for April 12 to present the downtown master plan.
Liberty Hill—s Downtown Revitalization Committee on Feb. 25 received updates on ARPA-funded water and sewer work and downtown streetscape improvements, approved January minutes and agreed to host a community workshop on April 12.
Interim public works director James Herrera told the committee the waterline ARPA project was redesigned to include boring so crews would not need to tear up freshly paved sections of state highways and major streets. "This actually is gonna start, within the next 30, 45 days," Herrera said, adding that the wastewater phase will wait for developer-driven site work and is likely to start in an August–October window and take roughly four to six months once begun.
The work is intended to increase capacity and allow future downtown growth, Herrera said, noting some portions of the system will be upsized (existing 4-inch and 6-inch lines are being replaced with larger pipe in critical locations) to address fire-flow and reliability concerns. He also said combining phases on a separate interceptor alignment could save more than $1,000,000.
Communications Director Katie reported streetscape construction is on track and said wayfinding signs have been delivered and were expected to be installed as soon as ground conditions allow. "The project is scheduled to be completed mid May," Katie said, noting that timing aligns with the Whimsy and Wonder festival.
Katie also told the committee she submitted an AARP grant application for downtown seating, estimating the benches, plaques and related elements at "a little over $18,000." She asked the finance director for permission to pre-order benches if the grant result is delayed, with the promise to secure sponsorship money if the grant is not awarded.
The committee agreed to hold a public workshop to review the downtown master plan at Forest Coffee House on April 12, tentatively from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Members discussed combining outdoor displays and a slideshow loop with staffed stations so committee members can answer questions as people circulate. Staff discussed recruiting local businesses for food and potentially scheduling live music later in the day as a draw.
The session also included other downtown items, from power-pole relocations (staff confirmed plans to accommodate three-phase service where property owners have requested it) to briefings on grant and program opportunities. The committee voted to accept the Jan. 28 minutes with Elaine—s updates and adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.; its next regular meeting is scheduled for March 25 at 5:30 p.m.
What happens next: staff will continue coordinating construction sequencing, communications and permitting; Katie will track the AARP grant timeline and sponsorship options; and the committee will hold the April 12 workshop to seek broader community input on downtown priorities.
