With the measure, city staff is authorized to spend $17,304.58 with Antique Timberworks of Fredericksburg to repair chinking, seals, rotted logs and replace thresholds.
Not included in the council measure are less urgent repairs needed to the cabin’s roof, Lakeway City Manager Julie Oakley said.
“We believe that this work in the $17,000 will stabilize the deterioration of that water entry around the doors and windows,” Oakley said.
Repairing the roof will require additional funding, and City Council approved a second measure to give city staff authority to pursue grant money from the Lakeway Civic Corp.
Much of the immediate repair bill will be paid by $14,000 the city had budgeted as matching funds for an unsuccessful competitive grant application with the Lower Colorado River Authority. Lakeway City Council voted Dec. 7 to allow Lakeway city staff to find ways to use the funds budgeted for the grant to help preserve the cabin.
Council members authorized use of the money March 15 after stating the economic outlook for the city had improved since December when many on the council were concerned about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think we have to be stewards of it and to take care of it at this point,” Council Member Gretchen Vance said. “I just can't imagine allowing it to deteriorate any further at this point.”
The Liebelt Cabin was built in 1869 and has fallen into a state of disrepair that threatens the safety and viability of the structure. It was relocated adjacent to City Hall in 2011.
