I am behind on my updates, so forgive me. My workload is the reason I am not seeking another term on council. Today I sat through a city budget meeting from 11 AM to 2 PM, which is a very significant economic hit for me during business hours. On top of that, some of the arguments used by my esteemed colleagues for spending your tax money made me want to leave earlier. I have to tell you that just before I left the mayor and I had an exchange that was civil but clearly discordant. He said that I like to stick my head in the sand while he wants to invest your taxes to bring in new businesses that will keep taxes lower. I understand the argument, but disagree with it. I am a free market advocate, and anyone that thinks growing government and raising taxes is the best way to promote business needs a few lessons from Milton Friedman.

At our council meeting last Thursday we unanimously approved the revised master plan. As you know I have voted no in prior years on the master plan. The reason is that the objectives stated in the master plan are not ones that I am a free market, small government advocate can support. I have commented on this previously on this site. I voted yes on this revision because the revised format is a significant improvement and several changes have been incorporated that are more favorable to my way of thinking. I would have to decide between keeping the existing plan, which I don't like, or voting for a new better plan still with some things I don't like. I voted for the new plan.

That brings me to the main event last week, the public hearing on property under water. Yes, there is a lot of property under water that the City of Lago Vista now has. This was property whose ownership had been in dispute for some time. Through significant legal work the city got a court judgement stating that the city now has the property. Why would anyone want property under water? Because you cannot put a boat dock on someone else's property. Last year we had an investor who purchased such property in another area of town and then sold it to waterfront property owners so that they could put in boat docks. Now the city is attempting to offer the same thing at a fair market value. By state law we cannot give the property away so we had an appraisal. It came to $0.17/square foot. This seemed unreasonably high, but the city staff came up with a nice solution to reserve $0.10 of this as a city easement and offer the remaining $0.07 portion to the adjacent property owner. I think this is a very nice solution. However in the public hearing I heard several things that helped refine the issue:

If I buy this property, will I have clear title?

How do we deal with boat docks in coves or areas where more management is needed to ensure people don't get blocked in?

Regarding title, I am not an expert in this area. The city cannot give deeds to these property owners. I understand title insurance sometimes has so many exclusions that it does not provide much protection. I would have this concern if I was asked to buy property but could not demonstrate clear ownership. I think the city needs a reasonable response to this concern.

Regarding the difficult areas, a good approach would be for several property owners to form an association and jointly purchase and manage this property. That way the management of boat docks can be done in a mutually agreed upon process. This can be done under the offer the city is currently presenting.

I have to compliment the mayor here. The hearing lasted for about 2 hours and the mayor was very patient in answering questions. I think everyone had a chance to speak and have their questions answered. I think most everyone left with appreciation for the consideration the mayor gave them.

I also have to compliment those in attendance. Everyone was civil and appeared to have done a good job researching the issue and presenting sincere concerns.

I think there are a few issues that need to be worked out, but I think we may not be too far away from a good solution.

Lastly, we will be having a review of our curfew ordinance coming up. I intend to vote no on renewing the ordinance, as I did on 11/4/05.

WHY I RAN FOR OFFICE IN 2008:

After some time off, I'm running for City Council again because I want to serve our community. I've got the time for this important American tradition and in Lago Vista it's a completely volunteer position. I'll continue to be an independent voice watching out for the best interests of our community and I am especially committed to minimizing the impact on taxpayers. I'm not afraid to be the lone dissenting vote on an issue if I think it's unfair or against the best interests of Lago Vista home owners. What I hear most often is that you want to preserve the unique character of Lago Vista in the face of increased growth pressure from Austin. I will do my best to represent you.

Lago Vista is a great community that faces challenges as we grow. We need representation on city council that will listen to our concerns and is not afraid to address the important issues.

Pat Dixon will represent YOUR concerns on city council!