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Eight third-graders who attended Monday night’s city council meeting got a first-hand look at some of the uncomfortable decisions faced by local governments. When a local property owner requested a Specific Use Permit to place a new manufactured home on a lot zoned for single-family housing, several neighbors objected, arguing that the presence of a manufactured home would hurt property values in the neighborhood, where several existing homes have been recently renovated, and a couple of new homes have been built. Good points were made for both sides in an emotional debate, but the council accepted the Planning and Zoning Committee’s recommendation, and chose not to grant the request.

The council approved a grant of $1,000 from the hotel/motel tax fund to advertise the upcoming Starving Artists Show, scheduled for September. It also approved the sale of a ten-foot strip of city right-of-way to allow property owners to build a fence as close to the street as possible, without obstructing sidewalks or city utilities. The city received a very favorable report from accountants Neffendorf, Knopp, Horry and Doss, who conducted the annual financial audit. And the council discussed the possibility of leasing the old Llano Buzz building at 904 Ford Street for use as an antique shop.

City Manager Finley deGraffenried reported that improvements are underway at the golf course, and that city crews are preparing an 100’ x 250’ area just east of the Moore complex for use as a dog park. Because of its good claims record, the city has received a Workmen’s Compensation rebate of $13,500. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee is working on a long-term plan for Llano, and a Community Attitude survey will be mailed to residents soon. The public should be aware that LCRA employees will be driving slowly through neighborhoods March 4 and 5, recording information for a Land Use Inventory.