Photo courtesy JJ VelasquezBig decisions made in 2013
Transportation master plan
The city adopted a transportation master plan in the summer. Springing from its comprehensive plan and using data from the Hays County Transportation Master Plan, CAMPO, Capital Metro, the city of Austin and other entities, the master plan provides a road map for the city's long-term transportation needs.
Skate park opening
On Dec. 14, the Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park, located at 480 S. Loop 4, Buda, was unveiled to the community. The event drew dignitaries, business owners and skateboarding enthusiasts alike to the 10,000-square-foot skate park. The park was named after Jackson Tyler Norris, a teenage skateboarder from Buda who died after being struck by a vehicle in June 2011.
Noise ordinance
City Council established in December a noise-restricting ordinance that aims to temper concerns of some downtown residents who feel outdoor music at local establishments is creating a nuisance. But musicians and business owners feel the restrictions are too stringent. The ordinance—which places decibel level restrictions for commercial, industrial and residential areas during certain times—may be revisited as part of the city's downtown master plan process.
Top issues for 2014
Downtown master plan
The city is undertaking a months-long master planning process to guide future development downtown. Changes that will be considered include signage, walking areas and parking; regulatory changes; marketing strategies; operational changes; and measures of success. The public input process will include focus groups, town hall meetings and meetings of an informal advisory committee. Officials hope the process will take steps toward cementing the historic district as the "heart of the community."
Roads
Improvements to FM 967 and FM 2770 are in the planning process. A dedicated turning lane to improve traffic flow on FM 967 and repaving of the two roads are in order, according to Mayor Todd Ruge. The city is working with the Texas Department of Transportation as well as Hays County on the delivery of these projects.
Flood recovery
The Halloween floods of 2013 wreaked devastation in Buda, especially in Onion Creek Village, Buda Elementary School and the Buda Fire Department. In total, more than $1 million in property damage was reported, and the city plans to address concerns related to the flood. Its drainage master plan is to be brought up to date and perhaps increased in scope.
Meetings
City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda
512-312-0084, www.ci.buda.tx.us
Terms and compensation
The mayor and council members earn $75 and $50 stipends per meeting, respectively. They serve three-year terms.
Media Coverage
Meetings are not televised or streamed online.
