By Pauline Tom.
Well, with all the rains, we are out of Groundwater Drought, according to the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District website. That’s a reason for thanksgiving.
When John Andersen met with the city council in November to give an update on our water, he gave word that we had been lowered from Stage 3 to Stage 2 restrictions. It turns out that we’re now officially in the green, with water levels steadily rising. Still, the Conservation District urges citizens to use water wisely.
Mountain City Water System (formerly known as Mountain City Oaks Water System) will refurbish storage tanks this month. The two tanks that together hold 200,000 gallons of water are still in good shape. The refurbishing is regular maintenance and will not interrupt service.
So, how many days will 200,000 gallons last Mountain City? 3 days in the summer.
The city gave a green light (no vote required) to purchase signage for the recycling trailer. A green and white decal now displays the “rules”. And, a large green and white flippable magnet, easily visible from the street, declares “Bins Full / Not Full”. The recycling trailer magnet works somewhat like the dishwasher magnets that say, “Clean / Not Clean”. This should be an huge improvement, giving notice to those involved when the trailer needs to be emptied.
The city asks residents to do their part to keep a constant green light for the natural storm water flow through the City. Water needs to run freely, unimpeded by fences, rocks, and other barriers, so that it does not end up in homes. In instances where a privacy fence has been added, a section could be added on hinges so it can open up when floodwaters flow.
Mayor Tiffany Curnutt suggested, “Consider grading your yard away from your home and into the natural flow area.”
Yes! It’s time for the Christmas Decor Contest!!! Already! Yes, there’s just this one weekend after the late Thanksgiving before the pre-judging takes place on Monday, December 9th and Tuesday, December 10th, starting at 7:00 p.m. The contest takes place over the weekend of December 13th – 15th. Décor activity culminates on December 19th with Tour de Lights, when Mountain City’s children and grandchildren travel by hayride past the winning houses.
Watch for ballot instructions through City emails from Mayor Tiffany Curnutt (register for City’s emails on www.mountaincitytx.com) and Loving Mountain City’s emails ([email protected]) and the LMC Facebook page (facebook.com/lovingmountaincity) and a distribution box near the old city hall.
City-wide Award categories for the 2013 Loving Mountain City Christmas Décor Contest are Grand Prize, People’s Favorite, Sparkle, Santa’s Workshop, CHRISTmas, Workshop (handcrafted / homemade), Theme, and Creativity.
A “Best of ….” Award will go to at least one house on a street. Longer streets (Cedar, Live Oak, Pin Oak, Maple, and Poplar) are divided into two or three segments. Live Oak Court is combined with a section of Live Oak Drive and a house on Hemlock to make a group of 16 houses for the “Best of …” competition.
We have the Best Little City That’s Somewhat Out In The Country! Used to be, when I started writing “Montage” almost 16 years ago, it was not “somewhat”.
One thing remains the same. Tidbits needed. [email protected] (with subject “tidbit”) or 512-268-5678.
It’s Advent! Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Thanks! Love, Pauline
