Comments on: June 7th City Council Agenda

By: Dan Harper

Dan Harper — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:04:08 +0000

Tom,

What the Ernsts are saying is correct.

Getting rid of the dam at Lady Bird is not a (how was it worded in the newspaper?) “nice to do” project but rather a needed project.

The pond has changed significantly in the last fifteen years. But it can be fixed. You have two choices: take the dam out or face dredging the pond every twenty years. The third option of doing nothing shows zero leadership.

Talk to Steve Nelle with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He is an expert on streams, land management and water quality. A lot cheaper than hiring a private consultant…

By: Clifford Ernst and Kermit Ernst

Clifford Ernst and Kermit Ernst — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:50:30 +0000

Mayor Tom Musselman,

Growing up just south of Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, we have spent most of our lives as down stream residents on the Live Oak Creek. We remember the beautiful creek, before there were dams or a golf course in the park. Over all, we are very pleased with Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, but we are disappointed at what has happened to the Live Oak Creek.

The dams in the park function more like sediment traps, restricting the normal flow of sediment. This has caused and continues to cause an increase in bank erosion down stream. The dams also trap organic material and nutrients in a stagnant pond, which reduces water quality and clarity. Above the park, the Live Oak Creek looks as clean and clear as it did 60 years ago. However inside the park the Live Oak Creek looks cloudy, even scummy and mucky in some areas.

Restoration of creeks and rivers has become very popular with many communities across the country. This includes restoring the normal water flow and restoring the riparian area (area off or on the bank of a creek) with native plants. A restored riparian area would provide a better buffer between the golf course and the Live Oak Creek. It would be beneficial to the natural aquatic habitat.

Such a project locally would enhance the beauty of Lady Bird Johnson Park and benefit all the users of the park, whether local citizens or visitors or neighbors. We want to be proud of our park. Please give a creek restoration project, in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, your consideration.

Sincerely,

Clifford Ernst, pernst09@gmail.com
Kermit Ernst, kmernst@beecreek.net

By: Steve Watson

Steve Watson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:23:48 +0000

I’m in agreement. Those numbers are becoming larger and larger. I know it is a very difficult issue.

By: Case

Case — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:23:35 +0000

Tom,
I have always thought the council should consider people that are in the ETJ resident status as a potential pool for positions on some of the various boards. I am not throwing my hat in I just was thinking because this “group” is affected by what the council does on a number of issues but is somewhat out of the loop because they are not in the city limits it would be good to get their help, possibly even the entire county aperture.???

Just a quick thought…might be wrong in assuming these residents are not considered.

Have a great meeting!

All the best,
Case