Shop Small and support local businesses
Shoppers are invited to Shop Small, Shop Local with Georgetown merchants during the annual Small Business Saturday event Saturday, Nov. 27.
Holiday shoppers and visitors are encouraged to celebrate the season and support a small business by shopping at locally owned businesses. Participating retailers and restaurants will have specials and discounts available.
The kick-off event will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 27 at the Visitors Center, 101 E. Seventh St., A free canvas tote bag will be given to shoppers while supplies last.
City staff also will be on the Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting public input about downtown parking, including garage location and options. A digital survey will launch Nov. 27. For more information, visit the project website.
The weekend will also include Artist Sunday, Nov. 28. Shoppers are encouraged to support local artists, and art-based businesses will have unique offerings perfect for gifting to friends and family.
The annual Small Business Saturday and Artist Sunday events are sponsored by the Georgetown Main Street Program, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Georgetown Association.
For more information, visit mainstreet.georgetown.org/shop-small.
Lighting of the Square on Nov. 26
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Lighting of the Square event on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 26. The event will be held on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St. The festivities include entertainment from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Josh Schroeder and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell will flip the switch illuminating the courthouse lights and grounds, as well as the lights around the Square, at about 6 p.m. Stores will be open late, and entertainment during the event will be provided by the Austin Carolers.
Toy donations to the Georgetown Police Department Blue Santa and Williamson County Brown Santa are encouraged. More information is available at bluesanta.georgetown.org or at wilcobrownsanta.com.
After the lighting, Williamson County Brown Santa will offer the option for visitors to take photos with Santa inside the courthouse from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a donation of an unwrapped toy, wrapping paper, or a monetary donation. Enter the courthouse on the south side on Eighth Street.
Free parking is available at Sixth and Main streets, Seventh and Rock streets, Austin Avenue and Fifth Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Seventh and Eighth streets, and the parking garage located at Fourth and Rock streets.
The lights around the Square are supported by the City of Georgetown, and Williamson County provides the lights on the courthouse.
For details on holiday events and activities in Georgetown, call 512-930-3545 or visit VisitGeorgetown.com.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 26.961 (Hope Ranch)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the November 23, 2021 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street. This Board is now meeting in-person with a quorum present and the public is welcome to attend. If special accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Staff Liaison, Robyn Densmore at robyn.densmore@georgetown.org or 512-931-7715 for assistance. Additional information on available options for public comment will be provided on the posted agenda.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation approximately a 26.961 acre tract out of the William Roberts Survey, Abstract No. 524 and a 2.217-acre portion of Shell Road, a right-of-way of varying width of record described to Williamson County, Texas generally located at 2101 Shell Road to be known as Hope Ranch
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Cesar Acosta in the Planning Department, 512-930-6652 or email at cesar.acosta@georgetown.org.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 47.83 Acres (Broken Oak)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the November 23, 2021 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street. This Board is now meeting in-person with a quorum present and the public is welcome to attend. If special accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Staff Liaison, Robyn Densmore at robyn.densmore@georgetown.org or 512-931-7715 for assistance. Additional information on available options for public comment will be provided on the posted agenda.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation approximately a 47.83 acre tract out of the L.P. Dyches Survey, Abstract No.171 and a 3.55 acre portion of Ranch Road 2338, a right-of-way of varying width of record described to Williamson County, Texas, generally located at 7811 Ranch Road 2338 to be known as Broken Oak
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Cesar Acosta in the Planning Department, 512-930-6652 or email at cesar.acosta@georgetown.org.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 104.323 Acres (Reserve at Adkins Ranch)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the November 23, 2021 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street. This Board is now meeting in-person with a quorum present and the public is welcome to attend. If special accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Staff Liaison, Robyn Densmore at robyn.densmore@georgetown.org or 512-931-7715 for assistance. Additional information on available options for public comment will be provided on the posted agenda.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation is approximately a 104.323-acre tract out of the Burrell Eaves Survey, Abstract No. 216 and a 24.414 acre portion of State Highway 195, a right-of-way of varying width described to the State of Texas, a 2.18 acre portion of County Road 234, a right-of-way of varying width described to Williamson County, Texas, and a 4.581 acre portion of County Road 143, a right-of-way of varying width described o Williamson County, Texas generally located at 2170 Highway 195 to be known as Reserve at Adkins Ranch.
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Cesar Acosta in the Planning Department, 512-930-6652 or email at cesar.acosta@georgetown.org.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 3.038 Acres of City-Owned Right-of-Way (Higgs Road)
The City of Georgetown is considering the voluntary annexation of the following properties into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held for each request at the November 23, 2021 City Council meeting beginning at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street This Board is now meeting in-person with a quorum present and public is welcome to attend. If special accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Staff Liaison, Robyn Densmore at robyn.densmore@georgetown.org or 512-931-7715 for assistance. Additional information on available options for public comment will be provided on the posted agenda
The area being considered for voluntary annexation is An approximately 3.038 acres of City-owned Right-of-Way situated in part in the Joseph Mott Survey, Abstract No. 427, the Calvin Bell Survey Abstract No. 112, and the William Addison Survey Abstract No. 21, a right-of-way of varying width described to the City of Georgetown, Texas, known as the Higgs Road (2021-13-ANX).
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Cesar Acosta in the Planning Department, 512-930-6652 or email at cesar.acosta@georgetown.org
Georgetown hires two assistant city managers
After a nationwide recruitment search conducted by Affion Public, City Manager David Morgan has appointed Nick Woolery and Police Chief Wayne Nero as assistant city managers. Their first day will be Dec. 6.
Nero has served as interim assistant city manager since June 14. Assistant Police Chief Cory Tchida will continue to serve as interim police chief until this position is permanently filled.
“It has been an honor to serve Georgetown as the chief of police for the last decade,” Nero said. “The future of our police department is bright and in very capable hands. Georgetown is a special community, and I am excited to continue serving my community in a new role.”
Nero has served as Georgetown’s chief of police for the past 11 years. During that time, Nero and his executive team rebranded and successfully established an organizational culture that is vision-inspired, mission-driven, people-focused, and performance-based. Under his leadership, Georgetown has become the 153rd Texas law enforcement agency to achieve recognized status through the Texas Police Chief’s Best Practice Recognition Program. Nero holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut, a program offered in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School.
As assistant city manager, Nero will oversee several City departments, including police, fire, information technology, community services, and human resources and organizational development.
“Wayne Nero has been a key leader making a significant impact in our community and organization,” Morgan said. “I’m excited about his service in this new role.”
Woolery has served as assistant city manager for the City of Baytown, Texas, since 2019. He started with the City of Baytown in 2010 as assistant to the city manager. In 2014, he was promoted to interim public works director, and in 2015 became the City’s director of strategy and innovation, where he oversaw the City’s 5-year strategic plan. Woolery developed and oversaw the implementation of a $636 million comprehensive capital improvement program, launched a significant public engagement program, and implemented a process improvement and people empowerment program leading to more than $1 million in savings. He also has significant development experience executing agreements for residential, commercial, industrial, and hotel/convention projects. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Public Administration degree from Washburn University.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join an already talented team and help positively impact the City’s future,” Woolery said. “My family and I are looking forward to calling Georgetown home and being a part of such a special community.”
Woolery will shepherd development across Georgetown, overseeing the City’s planning, inspections, systems engineering, public works, special districts, and communications departments.
“Nick provided significant value in Baytown and will be a tremendous asset to Georgetown,” Morgan said. “His experience in organizational development and process improvement will be critical as we meet the ongoing demands of growth.”
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 3.858 Acres of Right-of-Way (Blue Springs Blvd)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the November 9, 2021 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street. This Board is now meeting in-person with a quorum present and the public is welcome to attend. If special accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Staff Liaison, Robyn Densmore at robyn.densmore@georgetown.org or 512-931-7715 for assistance. Additional information on available options for public comment will be provided on the posted agenda.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation of a certain territory consisting of 3.858-acres, more or less, in the LJ Dyches Survey, Abstract No. 180 being a portion of right-of-way of Blue Springs Boulevard.
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Cesar Acosta in the Planning Department, 512-930-6652 or email at cesar.acosta@georgetown.org.
Nominate and vote for the Best of Georgetown, TX
Where’s the best food and drink in Georgetown? Where’s your favorite place to shop? What are the best things to do? During the month of November, nominate and vote in the online poll for the Best of Georgetown, TX with 44 categories for local businesses, attractions, services, and activities in Georgetown.
The Nomination Phase will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8.
The Voting Phase will begin at noon Saturday, Nov. 13, and end at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30.
For more information on the Best of Georgetown, TX contest, please visit Bestof.Georgetown.org.
The winners will be announced in January and posted at Bestof.Georgetown.org.
Winning businesses receive window decals as well as certificates showing their award and category. In addition, the business names will be listed on the 2021 winners’ flyer at the Visitors Center and on the Bestof.Georgetown.org website for one year. Winners will have access to the Best of Georgetown 2021 logo for use in their websites and printed material.
The annual Best of Georgetown, TX contest is sponsored by the City of Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Mosquito trap tests positive for West Nile in Georgetown
A mosquito trap sample collected Oct. 5 in north Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile virus. This testing is part of the City of Georgetown’s participation in the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program. The positive test was indicated in lab results received Oct. 6 from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.
The sample was collected from a trap near Diamond Dove Trail and Airport Road.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. In 2021, there have been eight mosquito samples pools that returned positive for West Nile virus in Williamson County. This is the first positive trap in 2021 at this location. The last positive trap collected at this location was October 2016.
The City and the Health District are encouraging everyone to be especially vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Recent rain and continued warm temperatures are prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
While there have been no reported incidences of human infection of West Nile virus in Williamson County this year, symptoms of infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those age 50 and older and/or with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for severe symptoms, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis, and in rare cases, death.
City of Georgetown parks staff will continue mosquito control efforts with the treatment of standing water with larvicide, and WCCHD will continue enhanced monitoring and testing, along with increased public outreach and education. The City is prepared to take additional action if necessary.
Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, WCCHD monitors the mosquito population and tests for mosquito-borne viruses.
The most important way to prevent West Nile virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, needing as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
What you can do
Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and reducing the chances of mosquito bites are the most effective lines of defense against exposure to West Nile virus. As part of its Fight the Bite campaign the Health District recommends the 3 Ds of mosquito safety:
- Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and treat water that can’t be drained,
- Defend by using an EPA-approved insect repellent, and
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
For more information, go to the WCCHD website at wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org.