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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 10 FEB. 17 MAR. 15, 2023
Mano Amiga collected more signatures than needed to repeal the agreement. creating change Community members can enact change via a petition.
what is meet and confer? In the city of San Marcos, meet and confer agreements began in 2006 and are renewed or renegotiated every three years between the city and the police union, serving as its all-encompassing employment contract for all o cers.
and are revisited prior to its expiration.
The agreement is a give-and-take negotiation between the two entities. The agreement is a blanket employment contract for the police department. The agreements stand for three years
The San Marcos city clerk certi ed the petition to repeal the agreement.
Community members have 60 days from the agreement’s adoption to gather 10% of votes cast in the most recent general election held in the city to repeal the contract.
Buda Biscuit & Baking Co. to relocate to Buda
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The City Council approved a resolution to repeal the agreement.
The city and police union now have 120 days to renegotiate the agreement.
The deadline to approve the new agreement is June 7.
Kyle spring break camp now open to register
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SOURCES: CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Police contract repealed after petition e ort On their second vote Feb. 7, the San Marcos City Coun- cil narrowly approved to repeal the meet and confer agreement between the city and the San Marcos Police O cers’ Association in a 4-3 vote. Mayor Jane Hughson and Council Members Mark Gleason and Matthew Men- doza were the dissenting voices. BY ZARA FLORES
Initially, Gleason motioned to deny, but the vote failed 3-4. “I think it’s unfortunate that the voters are not going to have a chance to have a say in this,” Gleason said. “This was an opportunity to send this to the community … and nd out where the community stood on this.” Meet and confer agreements are also referred to as col- lective bargaining agreements because the two entities, the city of San Marcos and the SMPOA, must negotiate
Billboard highlights student fentanyl overdoses
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“Sometimes, we really do have to knock everything down and recreate something, as a community, until we see change,” Council Member Alyssa Garza said.
CONTINUED ON 22
Aquifer conservation making strides on Comal, San Marcos waterways
BY ERIC WEILBACHER
Heading into a decade of conser- vation management, the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan has made signi cant progress in preservation of its spring ecosystems and those e orts are set to continue in the coming years as drought con- ditions and invasive species persist. The Comal and San Marcos springs are major focal points of those e orts, according to local conser- vationists, and key indicators of the overall health of the aquifer system.
Riley’s Tavern in Hunter still brings the music
PRIORITIES OF THE PLAN
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The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan de nes who is responsible to protect endangered species in the Comal and San Marcos springs. Cities and other entities permitted to pump groundwater are compelled by the plan to protect the springs environments.
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Habitat protection measures Water ow protection measures Supporting measures such as biological monitoring The plan outlines the following priorities to protect the springs:
SOURCE: EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
CONTINUED ON 25
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTERS Zara Flores, Amira Van Leeuwen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrian Martinez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sbknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sbkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM HEATHER: In this issue, our editor Eric Weilbacher covers a story about aquatic vegetation restoration and controlling nonnative sh species in our rivers. Much progress has been made, and soon it will be more about maintaining these ecosystems (see Page 25). Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM ERIC: How will the city of San Marcos handle the repeal of the meet and confer agreement between the San Marcos Police O cers’ Association and the city going forward? Reporter Zara Flores takes a deep dive into what voting to repeal the agreement—which the City Council passed in September and then repealed in February—could mean in the coming months (see Pages 22-23). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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The Halal Project
Chi’Lantro
ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY CHI’LANTRO
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1984 four-piece falafel, hummus, loaded fries and baklava for dessert. 512-216-6076. www.thehalalproject.com COMING SOON 3 A new location of Chi’Lantro , an Austin-based Korean barbecue-inspired restaurant, is set to open sometime in 2023 at 180 Springtown Way, Ste. 104, San Marcos. Jae Kim founded the chain in 2010 and has expanded the business to locations throughout the Austin metro and Houston, both as food trucks and brick-and-mortar stores. Kim and Chi’Lantro were also featured in an epi- sode of “Shark Tank” in 2016 and landed a $600,000 investment; ultimately, Kim did not take the deal. The menu allows customers to create their own rice bowls with options such as Korean barbecue steak, marinated tofu, kimchi and more. www.chilantrobbq.com RELOCATIONS 4 Two businesses, A Alchemy 1979 Records and B Atypical Apothecary, relocated to 145 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos, on Jan. 1, followed by a grand opening celebration Jan. 21. Alchemy Records owner Walter Thorington’s shop was previously located at Red Bud Roasters, 169 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos, and Atyp- ical Apothecary owner Dina McAweeney was operating in the back room of Stu- dio 13, 171 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos. The two made the decision to move together because of their similar styles. The move gave the two more space to expand their inventory. The record shop sells a wide
array of genres and artists. Atypical Apothecary holds charm readings on Saturdays and carries a variety of teas and crystals. Instagram: Alchemy Record Shop, Atypical Apothecary 5 The San Marcos Auto Center broke ground on its new facility in late Jan- uary at 2510 Hunter Road, San Mar- cos. The original dealership is located on Hwy. 123 and will relocate to the new facility in late 2023 or early 2024 once it is completed. San Marcos Auto Center specializes in the sale of pre- owned cars and auto repair, which will remain the same at the new location. www.sanmarcosautocenter.com EXPANSIONS 6 Skillpoint Alliance , a nonpro t organization based in Austin, announced Jan. 9 that it will be expanding its free training in skilled trades to Hays County starting Feb. 21 at Signify, located at 1611 Clovis R. Barker Road, San Marcos. Skillpoint Alliance will start o ering its six-week certi ed production training manufacturing program that prepares students for entry-level jobs, such as manufacturing technician, equipment technician and more. Those in the program will also earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration-10 safety certi cation, forklift certi ca- tion and other certi cations relevant to manufacturing work. 512-323-6773. www.skillpointalliance.org ANNIVERSARIES 7 CFAN , located at 1000 Technology
SPRINGTOWN WAY
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NOW OPEN 1 Arabian Nights Hookah Lounge , located at 130 E. San Antonio St., Unit C, San Marcos, opened Jan. 1. The hookah lounge o ers a variety of hookah avors, such as cherry, moji- to, gum and citrus with mint. There is also an outdoor seating area and belly dancing shows on the rst Saturday of every month. Owner Suhel Asani said he is trying to bring more cultural activities
to San Marcos with the new lounge. 512-210-8585. 2 The Halal Project opened in October at 312 University Drive, Ste. 312A, San Marcos. The new restaurant is a fam- ily- and locally owned business that specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Customers can choose from a variety of meal items, such as rice plates that come with a choice of protein; salads; and sauc- es or wraps, which also vary in protein. The menu also includes sides, such as a
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COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
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The historic marker unveiling was held Jan. 28 in San Marcos.
Alchemy Records & Atypical Apothecary
Salon Mink
COURTESY COUNCIL FOR THE INDIGENOUS AND TEJANO COMMUNITY
AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT
ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT COMMUNITY The Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community held an unveiling ceremony Jan. 28 to celebrate the newly installed Don Felipe Roque de la Portilla historical marker at 1105 N. Old Bastrop Hwy., San Marcos. Don Felipe Roque de la Portilla was a Spanish-born Army captain and rancher who settled in San Marcos along with around 50 other settlers in the early 1800s. The settlers established a colony where El Camino Real de los Tejas crosses the San Marcos River. The historical marker was initially installed in 1976 and sustained vandalism, gunshots and other
Way, San Marcos, celebrated 30 years of business Feb. 17. The business started with the fusion of two aerospace compa- nies, GE Aircraft Engines and SNECMA. CFAN has a state-of-the-art facility in San Marcos and has taken on the man- ufacturing of fan blades for airplanes. 512-353-2832. www.c-fan.com 8 Salon Mink , located at 331 W. Hopkins St., Ste. 108, San Marcos, celebrated 15 years of business Feb. 3. The salon has grown and has more than 15 sta members who specialize in hair services including cuts and color, skin care services such as facials, lash lifts, eyebrow tinting and more. Salon Mink also o ers Swedish and deep-tissue mas- sages starting at 30 minutes and up to an hour and a half. The locally owned and -operated salon o ers complimentary drinks at appointments and carries
Amika-brand products. 512-754-6465. www.salonmink.com CLOSINGS 9 Solid Gold , a woman-owned vintage shop, announced on Jan. 12 that they would close by the end of January as the landlord has sold the building. The business celebrated its second anniver- sary in October. Solid Gold owner Zimi Chappell said business has slowed over recent months, leading to not being able to a ord the increased rent with the new landlord. Located at 164 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, the business sold a variety of curated vintage, midcentury and eclec- tic items, including furniture, clothing, jewelry and other home decor items. The new owner of the building at could not be reached for comment.
damage that ultimately led to its temporary retirement. The marker and ceremony are to promote and preserve the history of Hays County and the city of San Marcos. www.citc.us 512-554-6905
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lacimatx.com
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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a new location at 5103 Kyle Centre Drive, Ste. 101, Kyle. The build-out of the new location is underway with an anticipated opening at the end of February. The Joint Chiropractic o ers treatment for a variety of issues, such as arthritis, sciatica, knee pain and more. The business also o ers plans and packages for visits at a lower cost. www.thejoint.com 5 A new location of Swish Dental is slated to open sometime in 2023 at 5581 Kyle Centre Drive, Ste. 104, Kyle. Build-out of the new facility, which has not yet begun, is expected to take at least six months, thus, there is no opening date yet. Once open, Swish Dental will o er all the same services as its other locations, including gen- eral and emergency dental, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, crowns and veneers. The Austin-based chain has more than a dozen locations throughout the region. www.swishsmiles.com 6 The Kyle Planning and Zoning Com- mission approved a conditional-use permit for the construction of a new Valvoline Instant Oil Change , to be located at 5100 S. FM 1626, Kyle. The new build is estimated to be 3,763 square feet. There is already a development agreement in place for the new facility, though a timeline for construction is not yet known. Valvoline will o er vehicle maintenance, including battery and air lter replacements, but will not o er any type of body work on
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NOW OPEN 1 Providence Behavior Therapy opened in early December at 668 N. Main St., Ste. C, Buda. The o ce o ers applied behavior analysis therapy, behavioral support, speech and language therapy, and other specialized services. Provi- dence also o ers individual, group, family and couples therapy. 512-200-2792. www.providencebehaviortherapy.com COMING SOON 2 Children’s Lighthouse , an early
learning school, is set to break ground on its new facility in early 2023 at 1190 Veterans Drive, Kyle. The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission ap- proved a conditional-use permit for the construction of the 11,314-square-foot facility, which will have 10 classrooms and three playgrounds. The school will o er three di erent curriculums for di erent ages from six weeks-12 years old. Completion of Children’s Light- house is estimated for late 2023. www.childrenslighthouse.com 3 Ghostletics Gym is set to open mid-March at 1151 Bunton Creek Road, Ste. 201, Kyle. The gym will be an open
warehouse-style community gym that is open 24 hours to members; there is sta on-site from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Ghostletics Gym will have traditional gym equipment throughout but will also o er other services, such as boot camps and personal training. Ghostletics Gym owner Kevin Xavier is a sports therapist who o ers rehabilitative and therapeutic recovery services. The sta at the gym will also have a range of specialties, including personal training and massage therapy to help member and client needs. www.ghostleticsgym.com 4 The Joint Chiropractic is set to open
cars. www.valvoline.com RELOCATIONS
7 Cronauer Law relocated to 668 Main St., Ste. D, Buda, from 7500 Rialto Blvd.,
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Children’s Lighthouse
Swish Dental
COURTESY CHILDREN’S LIGHTHOUSE
COURTESY SWISH DENTAL
Julia Borregales opened Buda Biscuit & Baking Co. in January 2022.
Ste. 250, Austin, Feb. 1. Cronauer Law has o ces in Texas and Illinois. The Tex- as-based attorney, Ross Brennan, said the relocation came about as he wanted to work locally and serve Hays County. Cronauer Law o ers personal injury and military law services. 512-733-5151. www.texascronauerlaw.com CLOSINGS 8 Bandit Tacos announced via social media Dec. 29 was its last day in opera- tion at Willie’s Joint, located at 824 Main St., Buda. The post read the truck was closing to focus on catering, events and pop-ups. Bandit Tacos opened July 4, 2020, and sold breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos; salads; sides; and deserts. Facebook: Bandit Tacos 9 Summon Cafe permanently closed
shop Jan. 1, following six months of business at 408 Main St., Buda. The busi- ness sold 14-inch and personal pizzas, pastries, and more. The business closed as the owner moved away from Texas. www.summoncafe.com 10 Sweet Cakes 4 U , located at 302 S. Main St., Ste. 101, Buda, an- nounced via social media Jan. 22 that it will be closing, sometime in the spring. The announcement was just before the business’ 10-year anniversary Feb. 1. According to the post, the business was struggling with sta ng issues, result- ing in uctuating hours of operation. For the time being, customers can still shop cakes by the slice, whole cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods, as Sweet Cakes 4 U anticipates being open through the spring. 512-312-4594. www.sweetcakes4ubudatx.com
ZARA FLORESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATIONS A Buda Biscuit & Baking Co. , B Devil Dog Co ee Company and C Uncle Buda will be relocating to the BTX Business Park, located along FM 1626 in Buda on March 1. The three truck-based businesses are located at 12406 Old San Antonio Road, Manchaca. Buda Biscuit & Baking Co. opened in January 2022 by Julia Borregales, and o ers baked goods and breakfast sandwiches. Devil Dog Co ee Company is a veteran-owned co ee truck that sells co ee shop classics, such as mochas, lattes, cold brew and co ee
beans. Uncle Buda opened in mid-2022 and o ers Japanese comfort food, such as chicken karaage, gyoza and more. Instagram/Facebook: Buda Biscuit & Baking Co., Devil Dog Co ee Company, Uncle Buda
A B C
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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TO DO LIST
February & March events
COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES
LIVE MUSIC BUCK’S BACKYARD 1750 FM 1626, Buda 512-312-9456 www.bucksbackyard.com FEBRUARY 24 Bri Bagwell & The Banned, 8 p.m. 25 Bart Crow, 7 p.m. MARCH 29 Taj Farrant, 7 p.m. CHEATHAM ST. WAREHOUSE 119 Cheatham St., San Marcos 512-353-3777 www.cheathamstreet.com FEBRUARY 25 Carson Je rey, 8 p.m. MARCH 03 Shaker Hymns, 8 p.m. 10 Don Stalling & The Divided, 8 p.m. THE RAILHOUSE BAR 107 E. Center St., Kyle 512-262-7879 www.railhousebar.com FEBRUARY 22 Neel Cole, 4 p.m. 24 Austin Meade, 8 p.m. 25 Indian Sex Stones, 8 p.m. MARCH 01 Josh Field, 4 p.m. 08 Sam Lewis, 4 p.m. THE MARC 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-757-5443 www.themarcsm.com FEBRUARY 25 Said The Sky, 9 p.m. MARCH 04 Kaivon, 9 p.m. 31 Bear Grillz, 8 p.m.
THROUGH FEB. 28
HEAL WITH ART SAN MARCOS ART CENTER
MARCH 13 17
TAKE A BREAK MARY KYLE HARTSON SQUARE PARK
The San Marcos Art League’s rst exhibit of the year is “Healing Arts,” in partnership with the Cenikor Foundation’s Project Awareness, Intervention and Mobilization. The Cenikor Foundation provides substance use treatment. The exhibit showcases art that revolves around substance use, addiction and recovery to highlight the healing nature of art. 10 a.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m. (Wed.-Sun.). Free. 117 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos. 737-213-4003. www.artleaguesmtx.org
Make the most of spring break with the city of Kyle’s Spring Break Camp, hosted by the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in shing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Campers will need to bring their own meals. The camp is open to students in grades 2-9. Registration for the camp closes March 7. 7:45 a.m. (daily). $100 for week. 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle. 512-262-2929. www.cityo yle.com/recreation
FEBRUARY 24 SIP SOME WINE The League of Women Voters of Hays County will host its annual fundraising event at the Kissing Tree Golf Club that is both a wine-tasting event and silent auction. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward scholarships for high school students, 2023 candidate forums and other local election outreach. Attendees must be age 21 and older. 5:30 p.m. $35. 201 Kissing Tree Lane, San Marcos. 512-710-5793. Eventbrite: League of Women Voters of Hays County Wine Tasting 26 HONOR BLACK HISTORY Texas State Theatre and Dance will present the rst annual “Young, Gifted & Black: A Black History Celebration,” a tribute to Shirley Harris, the rst Black student to graduate from Texas State University. More than 30 Black Texas State artists will produce and perform songs, scenes and monologues honoring Black excellence. Harris graduated from Texas State, formerly Southwest Texas State University, in 1967 and taught elementary
school in San Antonio for 40 years. 7:30 p.m. Free (ticket required). Theater Center, 430 Moon St., San Marcos. 512-245-6500. https://txstatepresents. universitytickets.com MARCH 04 SUPPORT NONPROFITS The city of Buda will host its rst annual Volunteer Fair at the public library. A variety of nonpro t organizations, including the Hays County Food Bank and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Central Texas, will be at the fair to share more about the organizations and how the community can help. Organizations range in focus from children to seniors. City of Buda boards, commissions and committees will also be in attendance. 10 a.m. Free. 405 E. Loop St., Bldg. 100, Buda. 512-312-0084. www.budatx.gov 17 ATTEND A ST. PATTY’S SHINDIG Head down to Willie’s Joint Bar and Grill for a St. Patrick’s Day party. Green beer will be served at the Shamrock Shindig, accompanying a craw sh boil. The
night will be capped by a musical lineup featuring Sun Valley Station, Shaker Hymns and Rye Mountain Revelry. 5 p.m. Free. 824 Main St., Buda. 512-295-0483. Facebook: Willie’s Joint Bar and Grill 17 PARTY FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY Ragnar’s On The Compound will host an unorthodox St. Patrick’s Day celebration with its St. Patty’s Day Industrial Metal Pandemonium. Half a dozen Texas-based industrial and metal bands will perform throughout the night with the rst band starting at 6 p.m. Doors at 5 p.m. $10 (age 18 and older), $17 (age 17 and under). 6900 RR 12, San Marcos. 512-842-7320. Eventbrite: St. Patty’s Day Industrial Metal Pandemonium 25 CREATE ART IN THE PARK The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department will host an Art in the Park event at Mary Kyle Hartson Park. Residents are welcome to join each month for a di erent arts and crafts project. The event is family-friendly, and supplies for each project will be provided. Registration is required. 10 a.m. $5. 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle. 737-213-0233. www.teamsideline.com/kyle
Find more or submit San Marcos, Buda and Kyle events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Buda considers expanding transportation program
COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES
COMPLETED PROJECT
Buda City Council held a discussion Dec. 6 regarding the Senior Transportation Service, referred to as STAR. The program was established in 2005 to promote indepen- dence and enhance the quality of life of those 60 years old and older, or individuals with disabilities living in Buda. The program is free for those who meet the require- ments, and rides are o ered to various locations in Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. Riders can make reservations up to 30 days in advance but no later than two days before. Eligible destinations include nonemergency or routine medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more. At the Oct. 11 meeting, the council unanimously voted to extend STAR operating hours and hire another driver. The new hours following that meeting are Monday and Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. At the Dec. 6 meeting, the council had another discus- sion regarding the program and its limitations. “Part of the [action taken in October] was that we look into the total cost if we were to expand the program into the [extraterritorial jurisdiction],” City Clerk Alicia Ramirez said. “Generally, we get up to about 30 requests for the ETJ.” The ETJ is land on the outskirts of a city’s limits, though residents living there may still have a Buda address and/or ZIP code. The ETJ outweighs the age 65 and older population
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The city of Buda’s Senior Transportation Service, known as STAR, increased its ridership in 2022 by more than 50% compared to 2021. RIDERSHIP REVVING UP
1,200 1,000
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800 600 400 200 0
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BUNTON CREEK RD.
150
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WATERLEAF BLVD.
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SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA COMMUNITY IMPACT
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OLD STAGECOACH RD.
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of Buda proper by nearly 1,000 residents, according to agenda documents. The city of Buda has around 1,500 residents age 65 and older, while the ETJ has around 2,330. If service expanded into the ETJ, the number of requests would increase, Ramirez said, as ridership continues to increase. However, a rise in requests and ridership would also result in increased costs for the individual taking the calls and the driver. The council elected to gure out how to fund the poten- tial expansion during the next budget cycle and discuss the matter with the city’s Task Force on Aging. For more information or to schedule a call, contact 512-532-1014.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JAN. 30. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. The speed limit changes have been made to improve public safety. All speed limit signs were placed as of Jan. 17. B The speed limit for tra c traveling on FM 150 from I-35 to Lehman Road has been reduced to 35 mph; C the speed limit from Lehman Road to Woodlands Drive/Waterleaf Boulevard has decreased to 45 mph; and D the speed limit from Woodlands Drive/ Waterleaf Boulevard to SH 21 has decreased to 50 mph. FM 150, FM 2770 speed limit changes The Kyle City Council adopted an ordi- nance Dec. 20 to lower the speed limit along portions of FM 150 and FM 2770 following the results of a Texas Depart- ment of Transportation study. A Tra c going both ways along FM 2770 now has a speed limit of 45 miles per hour from near Bob Shelton Stadium to FM 150.
Regional airport taxiway reconstruction underway
O cials with the city of San Marcos announced Jan. 13 construction is underway to replace Taxiway Charlie at the San Marcos Regional Airport, located at 1807 Airport Drive, San Marcos. In its place will be a safer taxiway out tted with an upgraded LED light system, new signage,
markings and pavement. Crews began working on the project Jan. 3, which includes the demolition of existing concrete and signage. Excavation work also began in February. The project is expected to cost $5 million, of which the City Council approved $549,273 from the general fund with the remaining
90% of the cost funded by a Federal Aviation Adminis- tration grant. Once completed, the taxiway improvements will increase safety and visibility in the area. Timeline: January-summer Cost: $5.39 million Funding sources: city of San Marcos, Federal Aviation Administration
Work began Jan. 3 at the San Marcos airport.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Hays & San Marcos CISDs
COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES
QUOTE OF NOTE
Fentanyl continues to claim Hays CISD student lives
“WE AS A DISTRICT HAVE SPENT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON COVID 19 LOSE ANYBODY TO COVID 19 , BUT WE HAVE LOST STUDENTS TO FENTANYL.” PROTECTIONS, ... AND WE DID NOT
HAYS CISD OnJan. 3, two days before the start of the spring semester, a 14-year-old student was found uncon- scious in her San Marcos home. Lifesaving measures were performed but were unsuccessful. While toxicology reports are still pending, an accidental fentanyl overdose is sus- pected, according to city of San Marcos o cials. If con rmed, she will be the fth and youngest student from Hays CISD to die from a fentanyl overdose in the past six months, though the district has not released the student’s name, only her age. Another student’s name and age were not con rmed by the district. There were also three additional suspected fentanyl overdoses that occurred during winter break in students as young as seventh grade. All three students survived. On the heels of the most recent report, Janel Rodriguez has made a statement to the community with a billboard in Kyle that features students who have fallen victim to the deadly opioid, including her own son, Noah. Noah Rodriguez died in August 2021, just days into his sophomore year at Johnson High School. In the days following Noah Rodriguez’s death and memorial service, friends and fellow peers continued to su er from overdoses, Janel Rodriguez said, which sparked the idea for the billboard.
TIM SAVOY, HAYS CISD CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER
The billboard is located in Kyle o Exit 217 going northbound on I 35. COURTESY JANEL RODRIGUEZ
HIGHLIGHTS SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees approved a resolution Jan. 17 to begin the process of becoming a District of Innovation. From adoption, the board has 30 days to hold a public hearing and create a committee that will pursue the District of Innovation initiatives, which include exemptions for penalties for students who miss class due to extracurricular or academic activities, and exemptions that will allow students more exibility in visiting colleges. SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees approved a $7 million contract for the construction of a new administration building. Hays CISD Meets Feb. 21 and March 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Buda Elementary Campus, 300 San Marcos St., Buda. 512-268-2141 • www.hayscisd.net San Marcos CISD Meets Feb. 21 and March 6 at 6 p.m. at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Road, San Marcos. 512-393-6700 • www.smcisd.net MEETINGS WE COVER
The billboard went up Jan. 8 and will be on display at least until April 8. It features three smiling faces: 15-year-old Noah Rodriguez, 17-year-old Kevin McConville and 15-year- old Garrett Garcia. Next to their faces, the billboard reads, “Fentanyl steals your friends.” There is also a website listed: www.forever15project.org, also started by Janel Rodriguez. The hope with the Forever15 Project is to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and provide resources. Janel Rodriguez has started a GoFundMe page to raise money to extend the time the billboard will be up.
$57M Hays CISD central o ce project underway
HAYS CISD TheKyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use permit Jan. 27 for the construction of the Hays CISD Academic Support Center, which will be located next to the central o ce at 21003 I-35, Kyle. The central o ce building will be renovated to allow for further growth. Other buildings at the site will be demolished as they are in bad shape. The new facility will be home to the superintendent, communications and security, curriculum and instruction,
human resources, and technology support. Other improvements will include new parking lots, bus storage, sidewalks and more. Construction will be split into two phases with the majority of preparation work in the rst. The second phase will see the removal of six existing buildings. The district is in the process of removing portable buildings and fencing the construc- tion area for work to follow. The $57 million project is funded through the 2022 bond and is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
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Construction to commence The new academic support center will replace buildings at the existing Hays CISD Central Administration site.
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE, HAYS CISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from San Marcos
San Marcos residents will not need to worry about paying for parking, but visitors will. The proposed rates for the paid parking pilot program at City Park are as follows: PAID PARKING PARAMETERS
Please Join Us
Less than 4 hours: $10 More than 4 hours: $15 Holidays, special events: $25 flat fee
San Marcos residents: FREE First 30 minutes for nonresidents: FREE
AQUARENA SPRINGS DR.
SAN MARCOS
For Our 2 nd Annual
CITY PARK
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day event
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
San Marcos residents park for free during paid parking pilot
BY ZARA FLORES
WE ARE COMING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR DORAL ACADEMY OF TEXAS FAMILY.
Case said the department will make an effort to include at least one machine that accepts cash for greater accessibility. San Marcos residents must provide proof of address to receive a parking permit. These documents include a valid driver’s license, an enhanced identification card offered by the public library, a San Marcos utility statement with identification, a different current utility statement with a photo ID, or a rental or housing contract with a photo ID. There is no limit to the number of vehicles that can be issued a permit. “We have no way to charge entry to the river, so the parking is our only option,” Mayor Jane Hughson said. Council Member Jude Prather also chimed in, saying it is time to start charging visitors as it gets busy and very crowded on the river during the summer and holidays. Despite council approval and direction, Case said the program may not take off by May. “This may not roll out this sum- mer. ... We want to make sure that we’re doing our due diligence in acquiring the equipment, working with the Parking Advisory Board and also making sure that we’re able to educate our residents,” Case said.
SAN MARCOS The City Council approved implementing a paid park- ing pilot program Jan. 17 for visitors at City Park. San Marcos residents will be able to park for free. The parks and recreation board has discussed this idea since late 2019 in an effort to generate revenue for the Parks and Recreation Department, according to agenda documents. The proposed pilot program would require the purchase of automated time meter machines and would be installed at the City Park only for the time being. The parks department already has $38,000 allotted for the purchase of equipment needed for the program, Parks and Recreation Director Jamie Lee Case said. The program is anticipated to launch May 1 and will be reviewed by the council every year until December 2025, when the council will determine whether to end the program or make it permanent. The parking meter machines recommended are cashless, which council members Alyssa Garza and Mark Gleason opposed. “I hate going places and not having a cash option. I mean, it’s easy to be on a trip and lose your credit card,” Gleason said.
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Buda, Kyle & Hays County
COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES
San Marcos City Council Meets Feb. 21, March 7 at 6 p.m. 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-393-8000 www.sanmarcostx.gov Kyle City Council Meets Feb. 21, March 7 at 7 p.m. 100 W. Center St., Kyle 512-262-1010 www.cityofkyle.com Buda City Council Meets Feb. 21, March 7 at 6 p.m. 405 E. Loop St., Buda 512-312-0084 www.budatx.gov Hays County Commissioners Court Meets Feb. 28, March 14 at 9 a.m. 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-393-2205 www.co.hays.tx.us MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court Jan. 3 for “fit for duty” psychological evaluations for employees of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to be conducted by Cedar Park-based clinical psychologist Dr. Brandy Miller. $10,000
Project could add hundreds of apartments in Buda BUDA The City Council held a workshop Jan. 17 to discuss a potential horizontal mixed-use development by Forum Investment Group. The land is located at the corner of the I-35 frontage that would make this really cool and different,” Council Member Monica Davidson said. “I think that would make your project really distinguishable and something that our city could use.”
Court preserves natural easement
MONITORING TRAFFIC Several FlockSafety automatic license plate readers have been installed citywide as part
WHAT IS MIXED-USE? Mixed-use developments and buildings have a variety of uses for the land or spaces, including residential, commercial and retail, that can be integrated vertically or horizontally.
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HAYS COUNTY County officials announced Jan. 11 a partnership with the Hill Country Conservancy and La Cima to acquire Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve, an easement that will protect and preserve the 1,068 acres of land from future devel- opment as growth within the county and throughout the region continues. The land is part of the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan and located next to Purgatory Creek Natural Area and adjacent to La Cima. The easement was proposed by the Hill Country Conservancy and is funded through the Hays 2020 Parks and Open Spaces bond. other protected conservation land in the area for a total of more than 3,200 acres that includes canyons, caves, natural springs and other Edwards Aquifer-related habitats. The Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve will join a network of
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of a 12-month pilot program.
road and Manchaca Springs with about 12 acres in Buda’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and 18 acres in Austin’s ETJ. The proposal calls for 600-700 residential units on around 28 acres with 3-4 acres reserved for retail. The residential units would range from studios up to three bedrooms. The retail space would be reserved for a restau- rant or small convenience store, said Rich Wilson, Forum’s senior managing director of development. “My concern around this apartment row down this corridor [is] that all of them start to look alike. I don’t know of one up and down from us to Onion Creek and beyond that has the retail configuration at the bottom, so
Council Member Evan Ture echoed similar sentiments, saying he would like to see as much possible sales tax from the area, especially to increase resources and decrease traffic. However, with less than 5,000 acres of developable land left in Buda’s ETJ, Council Member Terry Cummings said they have very difficult decisions to make regarding “our very little remaining land.” With this being a workshop item, there was no action taken, and the developer will need to go before the Buda Planning and Zoning Commission as well as City Council for movement on the development.
Horizontal mixed-use developments have fully residential buildings next to commercial buildings.
CABELAS DR.
SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
JACK C HAYS TRAIL
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SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
License plate readers expand in Buda BUDA Buda Police Department Chief Bo Kidd provided the City Council with an update Jan. 3 regarding the FlockSafety pilot program of automatic license plate readers. The City Council approved a policy for the cameras in August as well as a 12-month pilot program. The policy outlined that officers still need probable cause or reason- able suspicion to stop a vehicle. Kidd said in the past few months,
the reader has been used to recover stolen vehicles and apprehend wanted individuals. The user agreements for new cameras have been completed, he added, and five more cameras will be installed throughout Buda as permitting is obtained; two have been given the green light from private property owners, while the other three will need permitting from the Texas Department of Transportation for installation. “I look forward to getting most, if not all, of these installed in January,” Kidd said. The police department will pro- vide reports of the data collected.
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Kyle hits pause on downtown project
floor would have been reserved for a restaurant; the second floor would have been office space and the third a rentable public-use space. In December, Mayor Travis Mitchell told Community Impact the plans for that building changed due to bud- getary constraints. The revised plan
remained the same for the first floor, but there would be no additional floors, just a loft area. However, movement on the build- ing has ended through council action. The council will discuss the future of the project at its visioning work- shop, which has been postponed.
KYLE The City Council voted Jan. 17 to end its contract with Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Archi- tects for work at 104 S. Burleson St., Kyle. Contracts with other firms
involved in this project have also been ended. The city bought the building with the intention of converting it into a three-story building. The main
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