The locations of the Llano Skate Park might have been last on the agenda but was the first item up for discussion at the city council meeting.

Concerned citizen Rich Burnett voiced his worry about the skate park being too close to the residential side of Badu Park.

“We are concerned about loitering, the lights, the noise and whatever else can happen at a teenage gathering area.” said Burnett.

Alderman Mike Reagor eased concerns by saying that Badu Park is big and neither the council nor the skate park committee had decided on a particular area of the park.

Both Burnett and Alderman Reagor agreed that the east side of Badu Park would be the ideal place because facilities were already built and it was away from the residential area.

Mayor Roger Pinckney suggested that decisions need to wait until the skate park committee comes back with an exact proposed location.

The council discussed the issue regarding the deposit procedure for renting Robinson Park.

The city staff is considering raising the deposit for damage and clean-up and drafting a contract that details procedures for clean-up charges and responsiblities, security and safety requirements, erection of tents and awnings and the cut-off time for music.

Mayor Pinckney told the staff that he would like to take an example from Marble Falls, San Saba and other areas that hold the lessee liabel for any damages to the park; that these cities have a contract that has teeth to actually file suit against the lessee.

The council suggested good ideas for the staff to consider but took no action on the issue.

The council approved for stop signs to be placed at the intersection of Bayley and East College streets.

Also approved was for the city to start the process of updating the Llano Comprehensive Plan. The plan has not been updated since 1997 and addresses demographic changes, transportation needs, public facilities, economic development, land use policy and tourism.

Police Chief James Schilling discussed with the council for the need of purchasing a traffic calming device.

Chief Schilling said he had looked at these devices and thought they would help the police slow traffic in town, especially in the school zones.

The council thought it was a good idea but didn’t make a decision. The council hopes to make a decision before school starts in the fall.

The council went on to approve the decision of financing the purchase of a water truck and excavator for the City Water Department. Also approved was the budget amendments for the expense to replace and relocate the damaged police department repeater and the purchase of the John Deere excavator.

While approving items on the agenda, the council also approved providing pool passes for the participants in the 2008 Texas Summer Reading Club at the Llano Library.

The council then moved on to more water business, discussing a water contingency plan and the sewer rate plan.

The water contingency plan would be implemented to conserve the city’s water supply.

Alderman Reagor commented that people need to use their heads about when they water; don’t water in the middle of the day and stuff like that, these are standards people should be doing in the first place.

Mayor Pinckney added that the plan is not just on a local scale but affects the whole state.

Water in the Llano River flows down to Llano’s neighbors, down to Austin and eventually flows to the gulf. While flowing through the state, people use that water.

“The state expects us to do our part in conserving water on the Llano River,” said Mayor Pinckney.

The sewer rate plan was discusssed to clarify when a leak, sewer or water, is reported or discovered by the city the city utility department will adjust the usage rate to compensate for that leak.

The council ended the meeting by approving the Texas Main Street Program Preserve America Grant Application and a resolution to make certain improvements to the airport.