Hello Neighbors! With hopes of Spring around the corner, let me update you on your city’s work through the winter months – with a heads up about what to look for in the near future. One primary focus has been our postal service. After many hours meeting with our new Postmaster, I feel confident we have plans in place to ensure quality services. Here are a few key points:
• The Postmaster ( Steve Lilley ) , Manager of HSBay ( Casey Shackelford), and two clerks in HSBay are all new since this summer. They have been working to understand prior practices and align those with new USPS protocol (and union requirements). In addition, they have a contract with UPS delivery that has confused many.
o The Postmaster arrived in November and has spent much time (alongside our HSBay Manager) reconfiguring the post office, identifying repairs/efficiencies, and examining some of the practices being used previously (some – in truth – were not USPS compliant, but were being done to assist in a neighborly fashion). They recognize that we are a unique community and are looking for ways to meet the same expectations within guidelines. (Don’t get me started on the union and bureaucratic policy hoops!)
o As a part of the efficiency review, they were able to provide evidence that we are in need of additional support – and a new clerk will be added to our PO. This clerk will help with the behind the scenes processing and accurate distribution efforts – allowing front desk staff to better serve customers and address other needs.
o There is a clear difference in boxes rented at the Post Office (these have a box number that is NOT associated with a physical address – even in the USPS database …oddly!) There are plenty of these to rent as these are owned/managed by the Post Office. Some advantages include the length of time they can hold mail. If you rent such a box, all your regular mail goes there (do not use a physical address). If you order through UPS, FEDEX, or AMAZON, you need to enter 9740 W FM 2147 (the Post Office address) + #(your POBox #). If it has YOUR physical address on it, it will likely get returned.
o If you have one of the community kiosk boxes, these ARE associated with your physical address. Community kiosk boxes are owned by the POAs, not the postal service. Any concerns or questions about availability, repair, or location of your box should be referred to the president of your POA. If you order from UPS (or others) you can just use your physical address. Efforts to reassign individual kiosk boxes closer to the home address are in process. If the POA runs out of their boxes, you can ask them to add more – but can also always rent one of the PO Boxes at the post office. (Note: For now, the post office IS managing issuance of new community kiosk boxes for HSBay Proper/West POA. New residents in these areas should go through the post office clerks to sign up for delivery.)
I am ready to trust in a new start of quality service. Join me in supporting this new staff and welcoming them to our community. Some simple changes are intended to increase quality of service (such as changing the standing in line pathway so that they can see who/how many are in line AND keep the entry doors clear for others to enter), and we can help by adapting and being patient. In time they will know you as our dear Jane did…and our neighborly relationships and service can get back on track. Share any ideas or concerns with the Postal Manager, Casey Shackelford830-598-8773.
• HWY 2147 upgrade is in full swing for the coming year. Keep your eye on the benefits of the end result as we navigate any challenges that come naturally with road work. Go to https://www.horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/216/Street-Updates for details.
• We are working with all area Mayors and our County Judges for a deep review with internet providers. The goal will be to bring ISP (Internet Service Providers) to the table to fill in gaps in service areas, increase speed/capacity, and have fully mapped sustainable services across the Highland Lakes. LCRA, PEC, and CAPCOG are all partners in the efforts moving forward. There is not one answer at this time that is not cost exorbitant, but a collaborative plan may work.
• We have speculative housing back to the community preferred pace - and are working with builders and POAs to ensure the high standard of housing and daily living is a priority. Code enforcement is active – and shared efforts are in place for greenspace, limited disruptions at construction sites, road impact, and planning for efficient utility services as we grow.
• Stay on the lookout for Long Range Planning surveys and public forums and GET INVOLVED! Your voice matters and you have a great committee of your highly skilled neighbors working on your behalf to help us set our plan for the future of our city. As are motto indicates, we are committed to Preserving the past while planning for the future…..keeping HSBay unique!
• I joined City leaders from across the state this week in discussing legislative actions that can impact rural cities this year, unfunded mandates, shared challenges. I came away with some good lessons learned for our proactive efforts….but mostly came away counting my blessings for our community – so much for which to be thankful comparatively.
• Communication remains our biggest challenge – help us find ways to keep you informed – starting with perusing our website to keep abreast of departments hard at work for you! We plan to put a listing of Citizen Academy graduates – they have taken the time to get deeper insight of city functions and serve as a neighborhood resource.
Wishing you blessings as we head into the season of hope, Spring Break at the lake….with the promise of wildflowers forthcoming! Please let me – or city staff/council members – know if we can assist.
Cynthia Clinesmith, Mayor
