Kendall County approves water conservation resolution
Water conservation has been a recurring topic of discussion among local leaders, who are evaluating low lake levels and drought conditions.
While recent rain has improved drought conditions, leaders continue to take a proactive approach to water management. Kendall County Commissioners approved a resolution on June 10, advocating for conservation education and urging the community to conserve water. The resolution was spearheaded by Commissioner Andra Wisian.
According to the resolution, Kendall County has experienced severe to exceptional drought during the past three years, and the County’s population has grown approximately 17% from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2024, resulting in increased water demands.
The resolution also included exhibits highlighting ways the community can conserve water or become involved in conservation efforts.
Fair Oaks Ranch City Council approves issuance intent for $9.55 million in Certificate of Obligation bonds
Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on June 5 approved a notice of intent to sell $9.55 million in certificates of obligation.
Staff aims to cover nine drainage projects totaling $1.61 million and 8 water and wastewater projects totaling $15.59 million over multiple fiscal years. This does not guarantee the city will take on debt, but it begins the process of receiving bond revenue if city council chooses.
Director of Finance Summer Fleming said the debt for water projects would be funded through water revenue, wastewater projects funded through wastewater revenue and the debt for drainage projects through an ad valorem tax levy.
City Council issued CO bonds in September, totaling around $3.19 million. Total water project costs for FY 2025-26 include an additional $6.89 million in funding, and in FY 2026-27, water projects will need around $4.31 million. The combined total over Fiscal Years 2023-24 to 2026-27 comes to $15.59 million.
Fair Oaks Ranch Community Center indefinitely postponed
Progress on the Community Center Project in Fair Oaks Ranch has been indefinitely postponed following a unanimous decision by City Council. On June 5, City Council was scheduled to consider a resolution amending the project funding agreement between the city and the Municipal Development District for the project.
Council member Emily Stroup made a motion to postpone the agenda item, citing a need for additional information and consideration of options. The motion was seconded by council member Keith Rhoden and unanimously approved by the rest of council.
“I still have a lot of unanswered questions about this project, and uneasiness about it,” Stroup said.
Residents voiced concerns regarding the project, including parking issues, the removal of heritage oak trees, the tight space of the development and the overall cost.
An indefinite postponement allows council to revisit the project at any future meeting, not limited to a specific timeline. Future approval will be dependent on the direction that City Council takes when reviewing the project plans and considering possible changes.
Boerne considers interlocal agreement with SARA for floodplain submittals
Boerne City Council on May 27 discussed a potential interlocal agreement with the San Antonio River Authority, or SARA, for the technical review of FEMA floodplain submittals.
Engineering and Mobility Director Jeff Carroll said the agreement addresses rainwater draining into the Cibolo Creek, then into a basin in the San Antonio Watershed, which is monitored by SARA.
Carroll said that when city staff receives a technical flood study, such as map revisions and floodplain development analyses, it is a two-step review process, starting with the initial review performed by city staff and/or consultants to ensure compliance with the City’s adopted flood protection standards. Upon the city’s review and preliminary approval, the flood study is submitted to FEMA for their final review before updating FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Under the interlocal agreement, rather than FEMA approving the submittals, SARA will, resulting in a reduced timeline for project approval, as well as local experts reviewing the plans rather than national experts.
