January 2012: BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS Nominations are once again being accepted for the Ruby Ranch Board of Directors. There are 3 Board positions open for election and Board members will be elected during the Annual Meeting on February 7, 2012. If you wish to run for the Board, you can use the nomination form available here.
December 2011: 2012 Annual Dues The 2012 Ruby Ranch HOA dues statements are in the mail so expect them soon. The Ruby Ranch Board of Directors voted to increase the 2012 annual dues to $285 in order to continue to rebuild our road repair fund. In 2011, Creekside, Richards and East Bartlett were resurfaced with 1½ inches of hot mix asphalt at a cost of approximately $106,000. We anticipate additional roadways will be requiring resurfacing in the near future to maintain our streets in good condition. In addition, due to lightning strikes and age, much of the gate mechanism for Sections 4 and 5 had to be replaced during the last year. In order to recover and build up funds for potential future expenses, the gate fees for Section 4/5 were raised from $60 to $69. Gate fees for Sections 7 and 8 remain the same, at $60
October 2011: TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS, will take place at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on November 9, 2011. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public. You can see more information here
October 2011: LOST DOG A little tan Chuawawa showed up at 489 Story Dr. Please contact Mike and Betsy Wiegman at (512)-312-5787, (512)-947-0788, or (512)-564-5544 if this is your dog.
October 2011: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Check out the Neighborhood Night Out pictures here
September 15, 2011: Help for the fire victims
Hello. My name is Gabriella and I live here in Ruby Ranch. I am a Girl Scout in Troop 1731 and student at Dahlstrom middle School. The recent wildfires in our area have destroyed over 1,500 homes and have left so many people with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Some people have begun to collect and deliver food, clothing and other items, but there is still a great need.
I couldn't imagine losing everything. So, I want to help and give my neighbors a chance to help as well. I am planning a neighborhood drive to collect items and send them to the victims of the fires in Bastrop, Steiner Ranch, and Dripping Springs.
Please consider donating some of the following items. They do not need to be new, but clean and in good condition.
- non-perishable food
- bottled water
- clothing
- shoes
- toiletries - soap, shampoo
- diapers
- baby wipes
- hair brushes
- feminine products
- pet food
- school supplies
- backpacks
- toys
- bikes
- stuffed animals
- ... and many prayers.
You can leave the items on your porch. On Saturday September 17, I will be going with my parents through the neighborhood to collect the items. You can send an e-mail to ortegonfamily@austin.rr.com to let us know that you have items ready to be picked up.
Thank you.
Gabriella
Troop 1731
September 14, 2011: Deer Survey Results
During the annual meeting earlier this year, the Board proposed surveying Ruby Ranch residents on deer trapping and deer population in our neighborhood. Since sending the survey out, we've received over 170 responses -- you can see the summarized results here.
September 6, 2011: Stage III Critical Drought Imminent
(from BSEACD) With hot temperatures, no rain, and no creek flow, water levels in the area aquifers continue to decline. The District’s drought triggers, the Lovelady Monitor Well and Barton Springs, are predicted to cross their respective thresholds for Stage III Critical Drought in early September and the District will enter Stage III Critical Drought—possibly as early as this Thursday (9/8/11).
The increase in drought stage means more watering restrictions will be in effect soon. The restrictions limit water use and help slow water level decline thereby protecting springflow and water supplies for the 60,000+ groundwater users in the District. The District asks all of its groundwater-using residents to continue their water conservation measures and be even better stewards of an increasingly scarce resource. A list of water conservation measures and more detailed information on aquifer conditions are available on District’s website at www.bseacd.org.
The aquifer can no longer afford anything other than minimal use, and that may be the situation for many, many more months. Groundwater is a shared resource, so conservation has to be a coordinated effort. Please help us spread the word--CONSERVE.
August 3, 2011: NH WATCH ALERT - REDHEAD YOUNG GUY~ AROUND RUBY RANCH SELLING BOOKS
TODAY 8/03/2011 A YOUNG RED HEADED MAN IN EARLY 20'S DRIVING A BLACK HONDA ACCORD AROUND ALL OF RUBY RANCH NEIGHBORHOOD ALL MORNING BLACK HONDA ACCORD NORTH CAROLINA PLATES - ZXR-7864 SELLING BOOKS AND DVD'S? SEVERAL NEIGHBORS HAD HIM COME UP POUNDING ON THEIR DOORS AND RINGING THE BELL. HE STAYS AROUND A BIT TOO LONG. WE ARE GETTING ALOT OF CALLS ABOUT THIS. THE SHERIFF OFFICE WAS CALLED AND DROVE OUT TO RUBY RANCH NEIGHBOR'S HOME GOT THE STORY BUT SAID CANNOT DO ANYTHING HERE BECAUSE THERE IS NO ANTI-SOLICITATION POLICY IN HAYS COUNTY. SO PLEASE BE ALERT. WE ARE NOT SURE WHO HE IS.SAYS HE IS A COLLEGE STUDENT FROM NORTH CAROLINA. HE WAITS BY THE GATES TO GET IN AND HAS GOTTEN IN AT THE W. BARTLETT GATE (side gate)AS ANOTHER NEIGHBOR HAS PHONED TO TELL US AS WELL.
July 2011: Redistricting Meetings
Hays County has established a list of redistricting meetings that will be held by the Commissioners Court and individual commissioners. The list will be updated if/when other meetings are set. There are several access points on the web site (home page rotation block, Commissioners Court left-hand navigation panel, Elections home page) and also by clicking on http://www.co.hays.tx.us/redistricting
May 2011: From Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
We’re proud to announce the May edition of the Aquifer Bulletin is now ready! These are dry times, so this Bulletin touches on aquifer conditions, recharge limitations, how this drought compares to the 2008-2009 drought, and the mandatory restrictions that go along with Stage II Alarm Drought. Click on the May 2011 Aquifer Bulletin link on our Online Newsletters page: www.bseacd.org/outreach/newsletters/
Topics Include:
- Stage II Alarm Drought Declared
- Mandatory Water Restrictions for Groundwater Users
- GM Report
- Rule Change Highlights
- District's Plan for Planning
- District's Legislative Initiatives
- Regulatory Compliance Reminder for Permittees
- Recharge to Local Water Sources
May 2011: Road Work
You may have noticed that our neighborhood streets were recently improved. KBDJ, LP Conservation Land and Quarry provided crack sealing for the public roads in Ruby Ranch. There was a lot of good work done and we appreciate it very much. Thank you, KBDJ.
April 2011: Stage II Drought Declaired
At this evening’s Board meeting, the Board of Directors of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared ‘Stage II Alarm Drought’ for the District, effective immediately. The drought declaration affects authorized water use by some 60,000 groundwater users primarily in northern Hays, southern Travis, and western Caldwell counties.
The Lovelady Drought Indicator Well, in the Edwards Aquifer and located in South Austin, dipped below its Alarm threshold of 175.0 feet depth-to-water on April 24. The 10-day average discharge at Barton Springs, the District’s other official drought indicator, also dipped below its Alarm threshold of a 10-day average of 38 cubic feet per second, based on BSEACD manual measurements, on about April 22. For the Board to officially declare drought, only one drought indicator has to cross below its trigger threshold. In this instance, water levels in the Lovelady Monitor Well and springflow at Barton Springs prompted the drought declaration.
Declaration of Stage II Alarm Drought requires all of the District’s permittees to implement measures specified in their User Drought Contingency Plans to meet monthly pumpage reduction requirements. All permittees must achieve a 20% reduction in pumpage. Permittees with certain conditional permits may have to reduce use even further. End-user customers served by water utilities on groundwater wells are required to comply with their utility’s water use restrictions for this drought stage. Generally, restricting outdoor water use, including landscape irrigation on a specified frequency, pool filling & refilling, and non-essential water use such as water fountains, is sufficient to reach monthly pumpage targets for Stage II Alarm Drought.
When compared to historic monthly rainfall totals for Austin, the District weather station indicates a 11.6 inch rainfall deficit since last October. The Stage II Alarm Drought declaration comes after one of the driest seven-month periods on record, near the beginning of the heavy outdoor water-use season, and also at a time when abnormally hot and dry conditions are forecast to continue. Without reductions in demand, deeper drought stages, with even greater required curtailments of pumping and water use, will be reached sooner. Since groundwater is a shared resource, water conservation has to be a coordinated effort.
March 2011: Annual Meeting Minutes
Click here to see the meeting minutes from the Ruby Ranch HOA Annual Meeting held on February 8
March 2011: Downtown Buda Farmers Market
The Downtown Buda Farmers Market opening day is Saturday May 14th! They will be open every Saturday from 9 – 12 and are located across the street from Garcia’s Restaurant on Main Street. Visit their website at http://www.budafarmersmarket.com/ Would you like to become a vendor? Please visit the website or contact the Market Manager Jennifer Denton.
March 2011: Buda Comprehensive Plan Meeting #2
After a few months of meetings among City staff, area stakeholders, and gathering input through a workshop and surveys, draft recommendations for the future of Buda have been created. Join other citizens in Buda to review these ideas and provide comments. Click here for more information.
February 2011: Possible abduction attempt:
A male 13 year old child went to his mailbox today (Wed. Feb. 23). A small maybe blue car came up with blackened windows. The window was lowered just a couple inches and what looked like money was offered to him along with a motion for him to come closer to the car. The boy gave them the thumbs down and went swiftly to the house. This happened in Ruby Ranch, Bartlett, within the gates. Keep the kids close to the house and watch for a small car with blackened windows. Remind children not to approach vehicles. If you are interested there is a great stranger danger video on APD’s website that you could watch online with your kids. Here is the link: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/strangerdanger.htm I would recommend watching the video first before showing it to your children to make sure it is appropriate for your kids.
February 2011: Austin’s 9th Annual Austin Cave Festival Kicks Off National Groundwater Awareness Week
Nestled among the neighborhoods of southwest Austin is a little-known nature preserve called the Village of Western Oaks Karst Preserve. It encompasses approximately nine acres in the recharge zone of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. Despite its small size, the preserve contains six karst features, including one that is habitat for cave-dwelling species of concern and one that recharges, or contributes replenishing water to, the aquifer.
Each year, the Barton Springs/ Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) and the Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA) hold the Austin Cave Festival at the Village of Western Oaks Karst Preserve to educate citizens about the importance and sensitivity of the Edwards Aquifer and its recharge features. This year, the Austin Cave Festival kicks off National Groundwater Awareness Week (Mar. 6-11), providing an opportunity to highlight groundwater resources and raise awareness of local groundwater issues. In and around Austin, over 60,000 people rely on the groundwater stored in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer as their sole source of drinking water and even more enjoy its groundwater resources when swimming at Barton Springs—the main, natural discharge point of the aquifer. Additionally, Barton Springs is the only known habitat for the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
All Austin-area citizens are invited to this fun, free event. The Austin Cave Festival will be held from 9 am to 3 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Village of Western Oaks Karst Preserve, which is located on Davis Lane at La Cresada Drive, just west of South MoPac freeway.
The day’s activities will include short caving adventures into the Preserve's Live Oak and Get Down Caves, informational booths from local organizations, hands-on activities for children, a drawing for a rain barrel, and a cave-themed story time with Master Naturalist Peggy Murphy at 11a.m. and 1p.m. Other educational and fun things to do and see include:
- Visit 2 wild caves.
- See how water gets to Austin-area aquifers.
- Learn about animals that call Austin’s caves home.
- See real arrowheads and how replicas are made by flintknappers.
- Enjoy a cave-themed story time.
- Learn about your local creeks and what steps you can to take to protect them.
Guests to the Festival are asked to bring only water to drink while visiting; food and drinks attract fire ants, which are harmful to wildlife and humans.
For directions, photos from last year’s festival, and more information, please visit:
www.bseacd.org/events/austin-cave-festival/
February 2011: Election results from the RRHOA Annual Meeting
The Board of Directors, after determining from proxies and ballets cast that there was a quorum at the annual meeting, counted the votes for the two open Board positions. The results were as follows:
Kevin Rodriguez - 55 votes
James Wier - 53 votes
As a result, Kevin Rodriguez and James Wier were elected to the Board of Directors for a 2-year term.
February 2011: Possible abduction attempt: A male 13 year old child went to his mailbox today (Wed. Feb. 23). A small maybe blue car came up with blackened windows. The window was lowered just a couple inches and what looked like money was offered to him along with a motion for him to come closer to the car. The boy gave them the thumbs down and went swiftly to the house. This happened in Ruby Ranch, Bartlett, within the gates. Keep the kids close to the house and watch for a small car with blackened windows. Remind children not to approach vehicles. If you are interested there is a great stranger danger video on APD’s website that you could watch online with your kids. Here is the link: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/strangerdanger.htm I would recommend watching the video first before showing it to your children to make sure it is appropriate for your kids.
February 2011: BSEACD Newsletter The Winter edition of the Aquifer Bulletin is now available on-line. Visit: http://www.bseacd.org/outreach/newsletters/ Click on January 2011 Aquifer Bulletin for the newest newsletter. Topics Include: - Aquifer Outlook: Drier Times Ahead, - 2011 Scholarship Contests Open, - GM Report: A Glance Back, a Peek Forward, - Rainwater Revival Recap, - New Monitor Well Installed, - Learning Opportunities for All Ages, - The Saga of the Hill Country PGMA, - Recent Publication: Hydrogeologic Atlas, - Build Your Own Rain Barrel
January 2011: Annual Meeting Annual Meeting Ruby Ranch Homeowner’s Association will have an annual meeting Tuesday February 8, 2011 at 7 pm at Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626. We must have a quorum (164 people or proxies) to conduct business at the annual meeting. Help us avoid the additional cost of having another meeting by returning this proxy. Please mail the proxy back even if you plan to attend. If you do attend the meeting, your proxy will be returned to you if you so desire. Note: everyone will be mailed notice of the meeting and your mail will include a self addressed and stamped Proxy. Please complete and return either the one you get in the mail or this one.
January 2011: Lost Dog We live close to Ruby Ranch in Hays Country Oaks and we are missing our 9 month old female Belgian Shepherd since Monday, January 3rd. If you see her, please call Anne Walker at 512 740-3317. She looks like a young German Shepherd, mostly brown with a black face -- see her picture here. She could also easily be mistaken for a coyote. She has a red collar on. Today we discovered that she was seen at the Rutherford Ranch on 967 last week. I have a dog that can confirm by scent whether she has been in a location or not. Please help this puppy find her way home to her family. UPDATE: She was seen this morning at 5:00AM running down FM 967 close to the Rutherford West subdivision. She was headed in the direction of Buda so she may be coming back in our direction. If anyone sees her please call 512 740-3317.
December 2010: Hays County Issues Burn Ban The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday authorized restrictions on outdoor burning for the next 90 days, citing the dry and windy conditions throughout the county. Under the ban, residents in unincorporated Hays County are prohibited from outdoor burning except when authorized by the Fire Marshal. See more information here.
December 2010: 2011 Annual Dues The 2011 Ruby Ranch HOA dues statements are in the mail so expect them soon. The Ruby Ranch Board of Directors voted to increase the 2011 annual dues to $250 in order to increase our road repair fund. Earlier this year, Creekside, Richards and East Bartlett were resurfaced with 1½ inches of hot mix asphalt at a cost of approximately $106,000. In the future, this type of continuing road work will be necessary to maintain our streets in good condition.
December 2010: Solicitation. From Laurie Bain, Deputy, Hays County Sheriff's Office We have received a number of complaints today regarding solicitors on foot canvassing the neighborhoods, mostly in Wimberley area. These are young individuals claiming that they are selling books and/or magazines to benefit "whatever comes out of their mouth" at the time. Anywhere from cancer, to children with cancer, to help children learn to read, raise money for college, etc. They are accepting credit cards and cash only. When refused they beg for a small cash donation to help the benefit even if you do not purchase product. Additionally they claim to know neighbors and "name drop" them to gain trust and will ask you "who lives next door"? Do not give them any information, credit card information, or money. These solicitors are beileved to be scammers from out of state and you should call Hays County Sheriff's Office if you have any problems or concerns with any of them.
December 2010: Christmas Decorations A big thanks to Celia & Jerry Weaver and Cheryl Christians for decorating our front entrance (at RM 967). Be sure to check it out in the evening -- the lights are beautiful!
October 2010: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Check out the Neighborhood Night Out pictures here
October 2010: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT RUBY RANCHERS COME JOIN THE POTLUCK DINNER AT THE RR LODGE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2010, meet NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH CAPTAINS, HOA MEMBERS, ACC MEMBERS, POLICE , BUDA FIRE DEPT AND LOTS OF NEIGHBORS. EACH FAMILY TO BRING SOMETHING TO ADD FOR THE POTLUCK DINNER - (remember to label your dish if you need it back) your street Captain will be filling you in on details. WE BEGIN AT 6:45 PM TILL JUST AFTER 8 PM ~ JOIN THE FUN AT THE LODGE ~ SIGNS WILL BE POSTED AS A REMINDER. MORE INFO ~ 312-9304 Sarah and Bobby ~ Neighborhood Watch Coordinators
September 2010: Hold the date. KBDJ will hold a Community Open House on Saturday, October 9th. The open house will be at the quarry starting at 10:30am and going until 1:00pm. The quarry will be operating that day. KBDJ will be providing tours of the quarry operation, educational sessions, food, a question and answer period, and an actual live blast as well as activities and games for the children.
August 2010: BSEACD news. The Summer Edition of the BSEACD Aquifer Bulletin is available. Visit http://www.bseacd.org/outreach/newsletters/ and click on ‘August 2010 Newsletter’ Topics Include: Aquifer Status, Website Highlight: Aquifer Data, Permitting Summary, GM Report, State and Regional Water Planning, Acronyms Defined, District Aquifers' Desired Future Conditions, 2010 Groundwater to the Gulf in Review, 2010 Scholarship Winners, Now and Then, District Spotlight, Upcoming Events
The annual Creek Cleanup has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 18th—in recognition of National Protect Your Groundwater Day. This year we’ll be working on a stretch of Williamson Creek. We’ll provide a t-shirt, drinks and lunch in exchange for help protecting the quality of water recharging our aquifer. For more information, visit: www.bseacd.org/events/creek-cleanups/
Attention all Rain Catchers (current and future) -- The District is helping sponsor the first-ever rainwater harvesting festival—The Rainwater Revival—that will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Roger Hanks Park in Dripping Springs. The Hays County Water Conservation Working Group is coordinating the festival. ‘Collection, conservation, and common sense’ is the theme for the festival. The What, Why and How of Rainwater harvesting techniques and systems will be central to the booths, demonstrations, and invited speaker presentations. Rainwater harvesting is an innovative and accessible solution for alternative water supply on a residential scale. Find out more at: www.bseacd.org/events/calendar/rainwater-revival-rainwater-harvesting-festival.
July 2010: Mother’s Day Out at the Hays Communities YMCA of Austin. The Hays Communities YMCA Mother’s Day Out program will teach basic classroom skills such as numbers, colors, alphabet and related themes, focusing on fun games, group crafts and activities. The first Fall session begins August 23, 2010. Sessions run monthly. Children ages 3-4 meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm. (Must be 3 by Sept. 1). Kids ages 4-5 meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am to 1:30pm. (Must be 4 by Sept. 1). All children must be potty trained to attend. Cost: The M/W/F session is $200 for YMCA Members/ $275 Non-Members; The T/Th session is $160 for YMCA Members/ $235 Non-Members; Registration fee is $45. Financial Assistance is available to qualified applicants. Contact Jane Nussel at (512) 523-0099 or jnussel@austinymca.org to register or for more details.
May 2010: See the new Ruby Ranch neighborhood watch tab. See the tab on the right side of this website or go here for information on RR Neighborhood Watch -- If you see something, say something. Safety & Preventing crime matters in our neighborhood.
May 2010: Board of Directors statement on Deer Trapping in Ruby Ranch -- Click here.
April 2010: Ruby Ranch Picnic, Sunday May 2nd - 1 to 4 pm @ The Park by the Creek (Turn at the Ruby Ranch Lodge Entrance). Come have fun, meet your neighbors, and show your support for traffic safety. Get more details here
April 2010: Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District news -- Spring is here! And so is the Water Conservation Period edition of the Aquifer Bulletin. This newsletter is packed with information about the Water Conservation Period that starts May 1st. Please visit www.bseacd.org/outreach/newsletters and click on ‘Current Newsletter’ for the Water Conservation Period edition.
Attention Teachers and Educators … Registration for The Groundwater To the Gulf: Summer Institute for Central Texas Educators (June 22-24th) is now open! This 3-day, hands-on, field trip-based training is FREE and a wonderful opportunity to explore local science issues! Please visit www.bseacd.org/events/g2g for more information.
And Attention all Volunteers … BSEACD is looking for help for the annual Creek Cleanup on May 15th. This year they’ll be working on a stretch of Williamson Creek. They’ll provide a t-shirt, drinks and lunch in exchange for help protecting the quality of water recharging our aquifer. For more information, visit: www.bseacd.org/events/creek_cleanups
March 2010: County Sets Public Meetings for Dahlstrom Ranch Access -- Hays County and its partners in the Dahlstrom Ranch conservation easement will hold public meetings on March 22 and March 31 to gather input from residents on certain aspects of public access. You can see the release here.
March 2010: Annual Meeting Minutes -- You can view the minutes of the Ruby Ranch Homeowners Association Annual Meeting here.
February 2010: Trash Pickup Day (Update) -- Thanks to all who came out and helped clean up the trash from the Ruby Ranch roadways! About 15 kids and 15 adults broke up into groups of about 5 or 6 with just adult groups doing Ruby Ranch Road and the kid groups doing all the side streets. We all picked up lots of trash and it was a super success.
February 2010: Results of the 2010 Ruby Ranch Homeowners Association vote for Board Members -- The Board of Directors, after determining from proxies and ballets cast that there was a quorum at the annual meeting, counted the votes for the three open Board positions. The results were as follows:
Scott Christians - 41 votes
Thomas Doebner - 42 votes
Grady Meyer - 43 votes
As a result, Scott Christians, Thomas Doebner, and Grady Meyer were elected to the Board of Directors for a 2-year term.
February 2010: Trash Pickup Day -- There will be a trash pickup day on Saturday morning, February 20th at 10:00 am. Everyone interested should meet at Renee and Dave Eiland's residence, 101 Armstrong Cove at that time. We will supply the trash bags. Let's help keep Ruby Ranch beautiful!
February 2010: Annual Meeting! -- the annual Ruby Ranch Homeowner's meeting will be held on February 16th, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hays Hill Baptist Church. Even if you plan on attending the meeting, please return the self addressed and stamped Proxy that that you should have received recently in the mail; if you did not receive a proxy, contact any of the Board members. It allows for the establishing of a quorum and does not authorize the board to vote on your behalf. We must have a quorum (164 people or proxies) to conduct business at the annual meeting. Help us avoid the additional cost of having another meeting by returning this proxy. If you do attend the meeting, this proxy will be returned to you if you so desire. Board members will be elected during the Annual Meeting in early 2010. If you wish to run for the Board, you can use the nomination form available here.
January 2010: BSEACD -- The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s winter edition of the Aquifer Bulletin is now available online: http://www.bseacd.org/files/file/Newsletters/AquiferBulletin_Dec2009.pdf.
December 2009: Hold the date! -- the annual Ruby Ranch Homeowner's meeting will be held on February 16th, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hays Hill Baptist Church. We'll have more details as we get closer to the meeting.
November 2009: It's that time again -- time to pay your annual Ruby Ranch Homeowner's Association dues. If you would like to help us save paper (and the environment), you can now request your invoice via email. If you'd like to receive your invoice via email contact us at us at board@rubyranchtx.com. Give us your name, address, and preferred email address and we'll email your invoice when it's ready. Invoices, electronic and paper, will be going out the first week of December and Due by January 1, 2010.
November 2009: BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS. Nominations are once again being accepted for the Ruby Ranch Board of Directors. Board members will be elected during the Annual Meeting in early 2010. If you wish to run for the Board, you can use the nomination form available here.
September 2009: National Night Out. Mark your calendars for National Night Out, this event will be held the evening of October 6, 2009, - please save the date. Last year was our first year participating in National Night Out, we'd like to continue the traditional and make this a successful evening. This will enable you to meet your neighbors, share discussions, we would like to encourage you all to come out and join us, children are especially welcome.
We plan to have refreshments to include hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and water. We expect to have the Sheriff's Department & the Buda Fire Department as guest, keep in mind, they are working many neighborhoods this evening and will attempt to spend some time with us, however if a call arises they will need to leave.
Event: Ruby Ranch Subdivision National Night Out 2009
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Location: E. Bartlett Dr. (Half way down on the creek side of E. Bartlett Dr.)
Parking: Feel free to park on the creek side of E. Bartlett from Ruby Ranch Road to the end of the street near the cul-de-sac
THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO RUBY RANCH RESIDENTS ONLY!
September 2009: Burn Ban Lifted: Hays County has lifted the ban on outdoor burning until further notice.
August 2009: BSEACD August 2009 Aquifer Bulletin. Articles in this edition of our quarterly newsletter center around the current Critical Stage Drought. You can access this edition on-line here: http://www.bseacd.org/newsletters/currentnewsletter.pdf
This drought affects us as a community. One of the most effective ways to conserve, protect, and manage our the groundwater resources is to keep you informed of the science, current conditions, and regulations affecting our District. This severe of a drought requires community action. To that end, this newsletter covers a wealth of topics. In this issue: a) Drought Status, b) 2009 Permitting Update, c) BSEACD Calendar, d) General Manager’s Report, e) Town Hall Meetings, f) Policy Advisory Committee, g) Drought Timeline, h) Rule Change Summary, i) Grant Project Updates, j) Impacts to Wells During Drought, k) Importance of Conservation During Extreme Drought, l) Report a Dry Well.
August 2009: A burglery report from a Ruby Ranch neighbor: "We had two of our vehicles entered and each lost items. One lost an ipod and the other lost a purse. In our trust of living back some distance from the road we do not lock the cars. This happened last monday night. We filed a report with the sheriff. The question remains was it local kids? Was it someone that came out maybe doing a drop-off and then picking them up? There is lots of wooded hiding areas... I just can't believe it was local kids- but one does not know. It takes a brazen individual(s) to go up a long drive in the dark and enter cars! We - even out here in our nice quiet neighbor must still keep vigilant!" Please make sure that you always lock your vehicles and keep your garage doors down. Don't make it easy for criminals!
June 2009: Burn Ban reinstated Hays County Judge Liz Sumter has signed an emergency order reinstating the burn ban that prohibits outdoor burning effectively immediately. For information about the rules for outdoor burning, please go to the Hays County Fire Marshal's Office.
HEAT PRECAUSTIONS
With temperatures rising before summer officially begins, the Hays County Health Department is reminding citizens, especially the elderly and those with fragile health, to take precautions. Remember to drink extra water, wear light colored and light weight clothing, and stay inside during the hottest part of the day. Do not leave children or pets in a hot car, even if the windows down. If you have elderly family and neighbors check on them. Make sure your outdoor pets have plenty of shade and water. If you need a fan: Call Family Eldercare at 512-459-4FAN and leave your information on voice mail if a fan coordinator is not available to take your call.
June 2009: Water users express concerns about groundwater supplies during drought Groundwater users in the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District expressed concerns about groundwater supplies holding up if the current Critical Stage drought worsens. The District held town two hall meetings on June 2 and June 8 in Sunset Valley and Buda to review and get feedback on proposed rule changes that would better prepare the District to regulate and conserve groundwater resources during extreme drought.
Approximately 50 people attended the informational meetings, which were held to explain prospective changes to District rules dealing with drought and to get informal feedback from the public, groundwater users, well owners, and groundwater permit holders. An additional public comment period on the rule proposals will be held in July and August, once the District Board of Directors formally proposes changes in its rules.
"The public concerns about adequate groundwater supplies reinforce our belief that the District should prepare now for the worst-case scenario in drought," said Kirk Holland, General Manager of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. "We will continue to work with our constituents to develop tools to manage resources in a drought that’s expected to worsen."
The District also plans to meet with permittees and take input from its Policy Advisory Committee in the coming month, Holland said.
The District is currently in one of the worst droughts in its history – just as the hottest, driest time of year starts. Aquifer levels and spring flows are expected to drop further during the summer, when rainfall is historically low and water usage high.
The District is proposing rule changes in two main areas:
• Drought stages for the Edwards Aquifer – introduction of one new stage, the Exceptional Stage, which would be more severe than Critical Stage (currently the most severe drought stage). Specific management measures also are proposed for an Emergency Response Period if and when the Edwards Aquifer is imperiled; and
• Management zones – introduction of zones to allow more equitable regulation and precise management of the different aquifers in the District.
The District has had a moratorium on new Edwards groundwater permits since April 9, 2009.
Links to the presentations made at the town hall meetings are available on the District website’s homepage, at www.bseacd.org. Summaries of the prospective changes and a markup of the language changes currently under consideration are available at www.bseacd.org/rules.
The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is a local agency of the State of Texas that conserves, protects and enhances the groundwater resources in its jurisdiction. It covers parts of South Travis County, North Hays County, western Caldwell County and a small part of western Bastrop County.
May 2009: Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District to Hold Public Meetings on Upcoming Changes to Groundwater and Drought Management Rules May 28, 2009 – The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District will hold two town hall meetings to receive input from District permittees, individual groundwater users, and the public on prospective changes to the District’s Rules dealing with management zones and drought management, especially during extreme drought conditions. These are information-exchange meetings only and are intended to provide input to future proposed rulemaking. “Currently, we are in one of the worst droughts experienced in the history of the District. Aquifer water levels and spring flows may drop further as we enter the driest time of year, when the aquifer typically receives little replenishment and has its highest water use. We believe that the rule changes we will discuss at the public meetings are essential to being prepared for the dry times ahead. And we want to hear from our stakeholders about those needs,” noted Kirk Holland, General Manager of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
Two town hall meetings are scheduled; from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm on
1) Tuesday, June 2, 2009, Sunset Valley City Hall, 3205 Jones Rd., Sunset Valley, Texas 78745;
2) Monday, June 8, 2009, City of Buda City Hall, 121 Main St., Buda, Texas 78610
These meetings are open to the public and members of the District’s Board of Directors will be present to receive inputs from all stakeholders on the changes in the Rules to respond to more extreme drought conditions. Summaries of the prospective changes and a markup of the language changes currently being considered are available on the District website at www.bseacd.org/rules. For more information about these meetings, please contact the District office at (512) 282-8441
May 2009: Control Burns. Effective immediately, citizens no longer have to call the Hays County Sheriff's Office to report that they will be burning. The Sheriff's Office receives over 75 calls per day from citizens reporting their burn location. If the Communications Division receives a call of reported smoke in the area, their protocols are to send the local fire department. There is no way of determining whether the burn is at the exact location of a controlled burn that may have been called in so the fire department will be sent immediately. Citizens can call the Fire Marshall's Office at 393-7339 to check if the burn ban is on and for any other information that they may need. After hours, their voice mail will advise if the burn ban is off or on. The Sheriff's Office and the Fire Marshall's Office stress to all citizens to use all necessary precautions to ensure that they burn safely. A water source at the burn location, consideration of wind velocity, using caution for the size of area the citizen plans on burning, and putting out all fires before dark are some of the essentials of safe burning.
April 2009: Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 campaign. My name is Jeanette Gates. I have two young children (Bryan and Erin) and we live on West Bartlett Dr in Ruby Ranch. Like many of you, I have become very concerned about the speeding in our neighborhood. I’m involved in an effort to try to organize a Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 campaign in our neighborhood. This does not mean our speed limit will change to 25 MPH, this is just the name of the nonprofit organization, which is made up of parents who have lost their children to traffic fatalities. This organization does a lot to help communities to organize and start campaigns in their neighborhoods. The methods the organization uses have proven to be effective in many cities across the nation. With the summer coming soon and more adults and children alike on the roads as pedestrians, riding bikes, running, walking our pets etc, this a perfect time to get started. My goal would be to kick off our campaign on May 1st, but I need help. Won’t you please consider volunteering to start a Traffic Safety Taskforce for our neighborhood. The time involved will be minimal.
I will need volunteers to do as little as:
- post signs in their yard
- make a small monetary contribution to help us purchase signs
- or just
help to spread the word
- help me
to organize our May 1st kick-off
• help me to contact law enforcement and/or other government officials
• organize our efforts with our local schools
• help to distribute flyers to our residents
Won’t you please join me in this campaign? Let’s not wait for a pedestrian fatality in our neighborhood before we act. Let’s act now. Please contact me at the following numbers or e-mail address if you would be interested in helping in this effort.
DON’T LET THE 2 MINUTES YOU SAVE BE THE LAST 2 MINUTES OF SOMEONE’S LIFE
Jeanette Gates
939 West Bartlett Dr.
Hm. 295-5345
j-gates@austin.rr.com