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In what appears to be a very positive development for the City of Llano, FEMA engineers have re-drawn the updated floodplain map using the estimated flow of the 1935 flood as its benchmark for a “100-year flood.” Due to advanced digital mapping techniques, there will be some changes from the old map, but most elevations will be within one foot of the old map, and the floodplain within city limits is only slightly larger than before.

The changes came after Mayor Mike Reagor and others voiced concerns to engineers from Halff Associates, who had been commissioned by FEMA to draw the new maps. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Hazel said, “This is a good example of city government standing up for the citizens of Llano.”

In other business, the council voted to waive lawn disposal fees for contractors who work inside city limits. In the first test for new procedures streamlining the closing of alleys, it approved the closing of an alley between California and Oregon Streets for Larry and Cheri Rogers. And it approved a park permit for the Crawfish Open, scheduled this year for April 15-18.

Council members discussed options for newer and more accurate water meters at the lowest possible cost, and applauded the revision of the FEMA floodplain map. They then went into closed session “to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect” which the city hopes to attract to Llano. Back in open session, Mayor Reagor would say only that “negotiations are continuing.”

City Manager Finley deGraffenried reported that the Comprehensive Plan Committee was off to a good start. The next step is to conduct a survey of Llano citizens; the committee will meet again when that is completed. The city is seeking bids for filter replacement at the water plant, a project that may cost up to $100,000. February 12 has been designated as a “stand down/clean up” day for Llano city employees, when they will take a day off from regular duties to look around and fix or clean up whatever needs attention. Progress is ongoing in the airport improvements, and the city hopes soon to have an agreement on repairs to the Legend Oaks lift station.