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Eagle Lake amends height requirement for mowing
Eagle Lake city council members voted to amend an ordinance that would change the height requirement for notices to be given out for mowing grass on properties from 12 inches to six inches at their city council meeting last week, Nov. 12.
The ordinance in question, the Weeds, Rubbish, Brush, Stagnant Water Ordinance 2011-03, Code of Ordinances Article 6.03 currently states that the city must wait until the grass on a property reaches 12 inches before putting up a notice requiring property owners to mow the grass.
Property owners would still have 10 days following the notice to resolve the issue, which city manager Charles “Tink” Jackson says could allow time for an additional eight inches of grass to grow.
Jackson says a pattern has emerged with some property owners taking advantage of the current ordinance, waiting until 10 days have passed before addressing the issue, and repeating the same cycle. He highlights how the tall grass can look unpleasant visually, and how the height can additionally become a health hazard.
“There were a couple of properties like that this summer, they get pretty noticeable, and they don’t look good,” said Jackson. “The lots looked like that 99% of the summer. It can create conditions for mosquitos, rodents, and disease carrying vermin to thrive.”
Council would be unable to change the 48-inch requirement for immediate abatement, but would be able to change the requirement for the height at which notices can be given and implement a policy where if the ordinance is violated, a fine would be handed down that would cost property owners more than the cost of mowing the grass.
The amended ordinance will be presented at the next Eagle Lake city council meeting following the council’s decision to change the notice requirements.
City council members also presented a Community Pride Award to David Burkhalter, owner of Moonside Macaron in Eagle Lake, for his commitment to improving the community through dedication.
“You have been a great asset to our community,” said Eagle Lake Mayor Timothy Kelley. “You have done a lot; you get involved and you’re greatly appreciated. This is the least we can do for your efforts. Thank you for everything that you do.”
A policy was additionally approved by council members banning the use of Tik Tok on city networks after the Texas Legislature voted to prohibit its use at their recent general session.
Jackson says the policy is a requirement by the legislature and mandated, leaving the city with no choice but to approve it.
“This is a policy that is required by the Texas Legislature after passing at the recent general session, so we really have no choice but to approve it,” said Jackson. “Because of the data mining provisions between Tik Tok and city governments, it can provide gateways for potential attacks on government software.”
An interlocal agreement was also approved between Eagle Lake and Colorado County for the street improvement project.
Jackson visited with Colorado County Commissioners at their meeting last Tuesday, Nov. 12, proposing the county help Eagle Lake with road paving and chip sealing instead of paying an asphalt company to do the seal. In exchange, the city would supply water for the county’s rural construction operation for the next 20 years.
Jackson says the agreement would be beneficial for both parties, saving the city around $1 million dollars on the project in the long term, with the anticipated water supply costing nowhere near the million dollars being saved.
“It probably put off a million dollars off the cost of the deal for us in the long run,” said Jackson. “The interlocal agreement would require some sort of trade off, and our tradeoff would be supplying water for their work instead of LCRA. It’s a very good trade, and the commissioners are very happy about it too.”
The next Eagle Lake city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
