Big decisions made in 2013

YMCA construction

The new 28,000-square-foot facility includes a full basketball court, free weights, a cardio area, spin room, indoor pool and more. A portion of Alliance Boulevard, formerly CR 165, is being reconstructed to improve access to the area.

EWCHEC opens

The opening of the East Williamson County Higher Education Center brought Temple College, Texas State Technical College and Texas A&M–Central Texas to Hutto. Ultimately, the college will allow students to obtain educations ranging from a technical or associate degree to a master's degree.

FM 685

Engineering and right of way acquisition for the reconstruction of FM 685, one of the city's primary arterials, was completed in 2013. The widening and bridge replacement project will begin construction in 2014 with completion expected in 2015.

Top issues for 2014

Selection of new city manager

Former City Manager David Mitchell left Hutto at the end of December to take the same position with the city of Harker Heights. City Council has hired The Management Connection to assist with the search for a new city manager.

Infrastructure

The city will begin construction on its second wastewater treatment plant in 2014. This improvement will ensure the city has adequate treatment capacity given the city's anticipated future growth. FM 685's reconstruction will also begin in early 2014.

Downtown

With the hiring of a downtown manager in 2013, the city will be looking to place an even greater emphasis on historic Hutto. New events in the downtown area can be expected as well as improvements and enhancements to existing events.

Meetings

The council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. City Council Chambers 401 W. Front St., 512-759-4033, www.huttotx.gov

Terms and compensation

The mayor and council serve three-year terms with no term limits and without compensation.

Recordings

The minutes, which list details of previous council meetings, are available at www.huttotx.gov.