JUNE 5, 2019 FIRST CLASS
ALL-DISTRICT
Alumni from Hays first graduating class reminisce.
Hays Free Press makes its All-District soccer selections.
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 124 • No. 10
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
Judge delays pipeline lawsuit ruling City vs EDC BY KATIE BURRELL
Lora Livingston after two full days of testimoA Travis County Disny from both sides of a trict Judge plans to take contentious lawsuit. That approximately two weeks litigation, filed by multibefore deciding the fate of ple parties that include litigation against Kinder Kyle and Hays County, Morgan and the Texas seeks more oversight Railroad Commission. on the pipeline routing That was announced process, but also aims Wednesday by Travis to stop Kinder Morgan’s County District Judge use of eminent domain
“There’s no oversight. Who can stop them from enforcing eminent domain, breaking rules and shutting off the pipeline.” –Renea Hicks, attorney for the plaintiffs
proceedings for its Permian Highway Pipeline, a
proposed 420-mile underground natural gas
pipeline that could cut through the Hill Country. Hearings on the suit took place May 28-29 in the 261st District Court in Austin. Those in attendance included representatives and employees of Kinder Morgan, as well as the TRC, which oversees
PIPELINE LAWSUIT, 13
Splash Pad opens in Buda
No light shining on Buda’s Pink Sunshine project BY MOSES LEOS III Plans for acquiring property meant to boost economic development on Main Street in Buda ended April 30 when city leaders voted 7-0 to officially end the venture. The formal decision to do so, however, was preceded by weeks of uncertainty, a factor in the backbiting between the city and the Buda Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Sources allege Buda officials purposely canceled meetings with the EDC meant to update them on the project, as the city accused the EDC of entering into contracts without its blessing.
PINK SUNSHINE The controversy centers on “Pink Sunshine,” a project the
PINK SUNSHINE, 10 PHOTO BY NICK MORRIS
Buda ASR bill Buda City Park completion set for April 2020 heads Items that that are included in Phase 1 of two building to Gov’s phases include a new pavilion, playground equipment, restrooms and a proposed splash pad, which could desk accommodate for the 2020 Buda Wiener Dog Races.
Nothing beats cool water on a hot and humid day and for this young Buda area resident, the time was just right to test out a feature at the city’s new Green Meadows splash pad. On Saturday, Buda city officials cut the ribbon celebrating the opening of the splash pad. The pad had been open to the public since April. The splash pad was part of Proposition 5 of the Buda 2014 bond project and was completed this winter. It was done amid delays that pushed back its completion by more than a year.
BY MOSES LEOS III
group contracted for improvements at the park, to “expedite their
calendar” in order to have the park ready by next year’s Buda Wiener
Dog races. Greg Olmer, Buda Parks and Recreations
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Animosity grows in contentious PEC board of directors race BY MOSES LEOS III
Allegations of impropriety have been levied against two of three candidates running in a District 4 Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) board of director’s race that’s grown divisive in recent weeks. Joe Pool, a Dripping Springs area attorney and candidate in the District 4 race, alleges incumbent
“Unfortunately, so long as he skirts the legally and ethically required disclosures, the PEC membership will be irreparably harmed.” –Joe Pool, PEC candidate for District 4 seat
board Vice President Jim Powers potentially violated PEC policy by not disclosing his area consulting
DIVERSITY
Limited housing options impacting Kyle’s economy.
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firm as a possible conflict of interest (COI). Pool said he felt it was “inappropriate” for
INDEX
April 2020 is the timeframe Buda officials aim for the majority of improvements at Buda City Park to be completed. In the interim, Buda city staff is working with the Barr Company, the
director, said officials April 29 issued a notice to proceed to the Barr Company on constructing the main portions of the City Park project. That process could be completed in two
News……………… 2, 14 Opinion………………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Education……………… 5 Community………… 6-8
Powers, whom he called a “lobbyist,” to not list his firm, J.L. Powers and Associates, on a required COI form. But allegations against Pool himself has arisen in the race, as Pool and Powers battle each other. The third candidate in the race is Kathi Thomas. Pool, in a May 21 letter
PEC BOARD RACE, 10 Business……………… 9 Service Directory…… 11 Public Notices……… 12 Classifieds…………… 12
BY MOSES LEOS III Buda’s multi-year quest for legislation aimed at allowing the storage of fresh water in the Edward’s Aquifer for later use is now in the hands of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. On May 22, Senate Bill 483, authored by State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) and co-sponsored by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood), was approved by a 1422-2 vote by the Texas House. State Rep. Cole Hefner (R-Mount Pleasant) and State Rep. Candy Noble (R-Allen) were the dissenting votes. In April, SB 483 passed through the Texas Senate by a 31-0 vote.
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