Boerne City Council looks at city lake water treatment plant expansion
The water treatment plant near Boerne City Lake is set for an expansion, increasing water production and quality for city water users.
Boerne City Council on Nov. 18 reviewed the pilot study for a new treatment plant construction at the city lake site.
The original plant was constructed in 1978, with area residents using groundwater prior to lake use, Utilities Director Michael Mann said.
Mann said the plant expansion would help meet regulatory requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, targeting chemicals such as Geosmin, an organic compound that gives water an earthy taste and smell.
Fair Oaks Ranch amends agreement for elevated storage tank engineering
Fair Oaks Ranch is one step closer to the construction of an elevated water storage tank, which will be constructed on the corner of Ammann Road in Kendall County.
City Council on Nov. 20 approved a resolution authorizing the execution of an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. for engineering services.
The agreement was originally approved in 2019 and was planned to be constructed on the southern portion of the property formerly known as The Reserve.
Boerne Plant Street parking lot to undergo renovations
Boerne City Council on Nov. 18 approved funding for the reconstruction of the parking lot located off Plant Street near River Road.
The area was purchased by the city in 2021 to be used for public parking in the downtown area. The renovations will maintain the same parking capacity while enhancing landscaping and improving public visibility.
Four bids were received for the project, ranging from around $490,000 to $949,000. With a 10% increase for unforeseen circumstances, the total project cost is projected to be around $539,000. The budgeted amount for the project was $400,000.
Director of Engineering and Mobility Jeff Carroll said the additional funds for the project will be pulled from other transportation projects, and staff may come back for a budget adjustment at a later date.
Boerne City Council approves stipend increases for elected officials
Boerne City Council on Nov. 18 approved a resolution increasing the compensation for elected officials.
These changes will not take effect for any sitting elected official; instead, they will be implemented after the next election for that position.
This resolution will double the pay of the mayor and City Council, increasing the mayor's salary from $200 to $400 each month, and City Council's pay from $150 to $300 each month.
Since 1925, the compensation scale for elected officials has changed numerous times, including the following notable changes:
- 1925: $25 per month set by ordinance
- 1977: compensation abolished
- 1980: council “fees” set per meeting
- 2008: mayor's stipend set to $200 per month, council stipend set to $150 per month
SAWS backup water supply project shifts locations in Fair Oaks Ranch
The city of Fair Oaks Ranch staff is working on a project to provide a backup water supply to portions of the city.
City Council on Nov. 6 held a workshop covering the San Antonio Water System Emergency Interconnect Project.
Assistant Director of Public Works Steven Fried said the project is designed to provide the city with an emergency supply serving customers south of Dietz Elkhorn Road.
“This will provide our system resiliency during a power outage or a situation where our system cannot maintain normal flow or pressure,” Fried said.
