Author: City Administrator

Happy New Year to the City of Uhland. As we start 2016 I feel it is important to share the plans and goals of the coming year.

First let me introduce myself; My name is Bryan Geiger my family and I moved to Uhland in April last year from Kyle, we have lived in the area for almost 15 years. Although my wife is from Austin; I moved to Texas in late 1998 and have never looked back. I am Christian and as such my decisions and actions are guided by my faith. I am Veteran of the U.S. Army, I am proud to say that experience helped make me the volunteer I am today. I believe in our Government, our Constitutional rights and the fact that we each play a part in ensuring our freedoms and the freedoms of our neighbors. I believe it is our individual responsibility to look out for our fellow man, to serve one another and to be available to support our community when the need arises. I am truly excited about this opportunity and look forward to many years of supporting this community.

I would like to also take a moment to address some immediate concerns.

• The recent flooding had a devastating impact on some of our neighbors as wells as a few roadways. We are continuing working with the County, State and FEMA to resolve the financial concerns of the flood impact. We have already repaired the bridge on Old Spanish Trail and are looking forward to repairing Cotton Gin Road in the very near future. In addition to securing funds to do these repairs we are also looking for ways to lower the risk of future impacts in these areas.
• Recently the City of Kyle announced a new transportation plan that include extending Grist Mill road through the intersection at Heidenreich Rd and into Kyle, for the purpose of creating another corridor to Highway 21 and on to Texas 130. We have been in discussion with Kyle and Hays County on this and are taking every step to ensure that we have a seat at the table as this plan progresses.

Uhland is on the edge of some monumental growth and as such we have many opportunities and challenges ahead of us. I urge each of you to be aware of what our future is bringing and be willing to share your concerns and support for how these changes will shape our community in the coming years.

As you may know we are aggressively improving the water system in Uhland: first to bring it up to State standards and second to support the growth that is coming. We are also looking heavily at a few other opportunities to improve city services and support the growth.

Although it is too early in the discussion phase to talk about many of these opportunities, I can share a few items that we are pursing aggressively.

• We are in the beginning stages of planning to install waste water pipes that will eventual connect to the Waste water plant that Walton is planning for the new development east of 21 (info).
• We are also preparing a comprehensive transportation plan with the intention of improving and adding roads to support the coming growth. This will include a new Zoning map that will align those properties best suited for commercial real-estate opportunities with proper road access and utility services.

I know this sounds like we are intending on spending money that you may fear will drive up property taxes. Let me assure you that at this time we are pursuing every opportunity to use grants available to us to cover the cost of these improvements. Although I cannot promise that we will never raise taxes to support this growth, please know that we (City Council) are committed to meeting these needs and will do everything in our power to minimize the impact this growth may have on our citizens.

With the future being so bright it would be wonderful to get more community participation in the City Council meetings; which are the First Wednesday of every month (Events). This is the best time to voice your concerns and/or praises for the issues being discussed. If you are unable to attend but have something to contribute, please us this (form) to communicate with the City Offices.

Thank you for your time and support.

Mayor Bryan Geiger