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November 14, 2024
Notes from Bandera City Council
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera motorists will need to pack some extra patience and vigilance before they hit the road on Friday, as construction crews are expected to begin rerouting traffic over Bandera Creek. Texas Department of Transportation Engineer Andres Gonzales said he would try to avoid implementing the switch during the busiest times of day, particularly during morning and afternoon school rush hours.
Gonzales said the Bandera Creek Bridge is being rebuilt in two sections. Vehicles will be directed to the completed half, so work can begin on the other half. Demolition of the existing bridge, which is 11 feet lower than the new bridge, will begin Nov. 18. Gonzales said the new bridge sits higher than the 25- and 100-year flood water marks at 1,210.23 and 1,207.13 feet.
The completion date of the overall $12.2-plus million project, which includes expanding from two to four lanes with a center turn lane, and adding curbs, sidewalks and drainage improvements, was originally February 2025, however that date has been moved to summer.
Bandera City Councilmember Lynn Palmer asked Gonzales on Tuesday whether he had any updates on proposed construction on Main Street.
“We are figuring out what the best option is,” Gonzales said, adding engineers should have a concept submittal early next year.
The last time there was a deathless day on a Texas roadway was Nov. 7, 2000. Stating there are many reasons for traffic deaths, Gonzales said distracted and drunk drivers are the leading causes. For more information, enter #EndTheStreakTX, or go to https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/endthestreaktx.html.
~ In other business, council members unanimously approved pay increases for the mayor and council, which will take effect after the 2025 municipal election. Per Texas Local Government Code Chapter 141, council is required to adopt the ordinance that sets the salaries before Jan. 1 preceding a regular municipal election. In November, three council seats will be on the ballot (currently held by Tony Battle, Brett Hicks and Debbie Breen). Following that election, the mayor will be paid $500 per month; each council member will be paid $300 per month.
~ Council unanimously approved a resolution banning TikTok from all city-owned or city-leased devices, including phones, tablets and computers. City personnel is also restricted from downloading TikTok on personal devices used for official city business.
~ The city will host its first Country Christmas in the Park on Sunday, Dec. 1, at City Park.
The event will include a ceremonial lighting, live music from the Bandera High School Jazz Band, a gingerbread bounce house, a snow machine, face painting, scavenger hunt, and of course, a visit with Santa.
“Everybody is real excited about bringing a family-friendly event to the park,” Council Member Brett Hicks said, adding about 20 businesses have committed to sponsorships.
Following the event, the lights will remain lit for the entire holiday season.
Gonzales said the Bandera Creek Bridge is being rebuilt in two sections. Vehicles will be directed to the completed half, so work can begin on the other half. Demolition of the existing bridge, which is 11 feet lower than the new bridge, will begin Nov. 18. Gonzales said the new bridge sits higher than the 25- and 100-year flood water marks at 1,210.23 and 1,207.13 feet.
The completion date of the overall $12.2-plus million project, which includes expanding from two to four lanes with a center turn lane, and adding curbs, sidewalks and drainage improvements, was originally February 2025, however that date has been moved to summer.
Bandera City Councilmember Lynn Palmer asked Gonzales on Tuesday whether he had any updates on proposed construction on Main Street.
“We are figuring out what the best option is,” Gonzales said, adding engineers should have a concept submittal early next year.
The last time there was a deathless day on a Texas roadway was Nov. 7, 2000. Stating there are many reasons for traffic deaths, Gonzales said distracted and drunk drivers are the leading causes. For more information, enter #EndTheStreakTX, or go to https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns/endthestreaktx.html.
~ In other business, council members unanimously approved pay increases for the mayor and council, which will take effect after the 2025 municipal election. Per Texas Local Government Code Chapter 141, council is required to adopt the ordinance that sets the salaries before Jan. 1 preceding a regular municipal election. In November, three council seats will be on the ballot (currently held by Tony Battle, Brett Hicks and Debbie Breen). Following that election, the mayor will be paid $500 per month; each council member will be paid $300 per month.
~ Council unanimously approved a resolution banning TikTok from all city-owned or city-leased devices, including phones, tablets and computers. City personnel is also restricted from downloading TikTok on personal devices used for official city business.
~ The city will host its first Country Christmas in the Park on Sunday, Dec. 1, at City Park.
The event will include a ceremonial lighting, live music from the Bandera High School Jazz Band, a gingerbread bounce house, a snow machine, face painting, scavenger hunt, and of course, a visit with Santa.
“Everybody is real excited about bringing a family-friendly event to the park,” Council Member Brett Hicks said, adding about 20 businesses have committed to sponsorships.
Following the event, the lights will remain lit for the entire holiday season.