GOT WATER . . . . . . PROBLEMS???

Again, thanks to everyone from the Amberwood HOA that joined me on that August 31th, evening meeting. I know that it was on short notice, and a true sacrifice to give up your Friday evening, but I greatly appreciated it.

Well, as many of you have heard, the city council voted unanimously to approve a resolution denying the rate increases proposed by Monarch Utilities. While the legal process moves actively forward, I did want to address another issue related to this matter.

While visiting with everyone, their were several prominent concerns regarding the quality of both the water and service received from Monarch Utilities. The concerns ranged from inaccurate billing, to brown water, to foul smelling water, to possible discharge from the Monarch water tower.

While the city continues to work on the rate issue, I feel it is imperative that residents of both Amberwood and Indian Paintbrush (or any Monarch Utilities CCN customer) have the proper authorities look into your quality concerns.

After a few phone calls, I was able to identify the most appropriate contact for residents with such issues and concerns. Residents that believe they may have quality concerns should contact: TCEQ Consumer Assistance Hotline 512.239.6100 or Utility District Section 512.239.6947.

I will continue to update you on our progress.

Thank you,

Mayor Mike Gonzalez

Seton Update

Back in May of this year, the city council ratified a letter of intent or “LOI” with Seton Hospital and SCC development for the construction of a 210 bed medical facility along with a retail and professional office complex.

So what exactly is an LOI. Simply put, it is a document where all parties agree to the overall general agreement for a project. It allows the different parties to openly say – we agree to the concept of this project.

The LOI is the foundation on which a more specific agreement is formed; this is referred to as the Development Agreement “DA”. The DA details exactly, what is to be built, when it will be built, who will build it, and who will pay for it?

I’m encouraged that the overwhelming majority of Kyle citizens see Seton Hospital / SCC project as a real benefit to the city and the greater Hays County area.

Since May 2007 representatives from Seton, SCC, and the city of Kyle have been meeting regularly to get a final DA drafted that mirrors the LOI. As you can imagine, getting so many parties to agree to specific contractual language can be time consuming. My goal is to have the final DA agreed to this week, and ready to be presented to Council for approval at our next council meeting on September 18, 2007.

Our proposed FY 07 – 08 annual budget, that forecasts a reduction in the property tax rate, allows the ability to meet our financial commitments to the Seton Hospital/SCC project.

In short - If at the September 18^th meeting at least 4 of the 7 council members agree with the proposed DA and Annual Budget, the city of Kyle will have a green light for the Seton Hospital/SCC project and a FY 07 – 08 budget that allows for a reduction in the city’s property tax rate.

Local Public Servants, Serving up Blizzards, Serving up up Miracles

August 9th, 2007 was a day local citizens made it a miracle day in Kyle.

On that day our local Kyle Dairy Queen participated in the DQ Miracle Treat Day, where all proceeds form the sale of Blizzards® Treats were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals across North America.

The 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals are there 24 hours a day to help kids of every age and background overcome every imaginable disease and injury—from asthma and broken bones to cancer, heart defects, pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy and serious injuries.

As a show of local support for this great cause, we were fortunate enough to recruit a great “Blizzard Team” of local officials to help raise awareness for the event.

Your Kyle Dairy Queen Blizzard team include: Justice of the Peace Beth Smith, 428th District Court Judge Bill Henry, Miss Kyle Teen Taylor Cripps, Councilmember Michelle Lopez and Mayor Mike Gonzalez.

A special thanks goes out the Kyle Dairy Queen management and staff and to the Smith Dairy Queen Corporation that operates 32 Dairy Queens in Texas.

In 2006, Smith Dairy Queen Corp. was the largest Children’s Miracle Network contributors among all Dairy Queen Franchise owners.

Thanks for joining us on this day and making this a true Miracle Treat Day for local children in need.

Thank you.