Georgetown Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Council Member Valerie Nicholson will resign from her position effective May 31, because she and her family are moving out of the district.

“While this is not an ideal end to my term, I’m honored to have served in Georgetown and look forward to the future,” Nicholson said in her letter of resignation. “I’d like to thank council members, past and present, for their leadership, along with City staff for their professionalism and teamwork. I appreciate the District 2 constituents and community members who entrusted me to represent them and their interests.”

Nicholson is serving her first term on the Georgetown City Council, after being elected in May 2017. Although her first term would have expired this month, the May 2020 election was moved to November because of the Coronovirus pandemic. The Council elected her as mayor pro tem in May 2019.

The Council will elect a new mayor pro tem at its June 9 meeting. The District 2 seat will remain vacant until an election. According to the City’s charter, an election to fill a vacant position must be held within 120 days of the vacancy. However, the City is waiting on clarification from the Governor’s Office about whether the City can delay filling the District 2 seat until the Nov. 3 election.

“Valerie’s legacy will be that she left the city better than she found it,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “She put her heart and soul into her service here. She absolutely loves Georgetown, and it showed in everything she did. She was a huge asset to this Council, and I wish her all the best.”

Nicholson served on multiple boards during her time on the Council, including the boards for the Georgetown Economic Development Corporation (GEDCO) and the Rivery Park and Williams Drive tax increment reinvestment zones. She volunteers for and is a member of the Economic Vitality Committee for the Main Street Program and is a former member of the Georgetown Commission on Aging.

While a member of the Georgetown City Council, Nicholson was committed to leading “with an open mind and a servant’s heart.” Her priorities related to keeping Georgetown safe and vibrant during a time of significant growth.

A native of central Texas and Georgetown resident since 2009, Valerie and her husband Blake have three sons. Nicholson has nearly 20 years of experience in public sector, primarily in K-12 education, consulting for educational technology, and operating a small business with consistent support of local nonprofits since 2014.

“Above all, I want to thank my family for encouraging me every step of the way, in all things. This has been part of their life’s journey too, and I hope I’ve made them proud,” Nicholson said. “We may be forgotten in the richness of Georgetown history, but the past decade spent here and the memories made will last a lifetime for us.”

Today the U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates showing that Georgetown is ranked seventh on the list of fastest-growing cities in the country with a population of more than 50,000. Georgetown’s growth rate was 7.2 percent from July 1, 2018, through July 1, 2019, resulting in a population estimate of 79,604.

“People continue to choose to call Georgetown home, because they see what we do: Georgetown has it all,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “We are a safe community, with unparalleled parks, an award-winning library, a low tax rate, and the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. With dedicated partners like Southwestern University, Georgetown ISD, Williamson County, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, the Chamber, and Sun City, working to maintain Georgetown’s charm and character, people will keep moving here and building upon what we have.”

Georgetown was the seventh fastest-growing city in the U.S. on the list released last year by the Census. In 2018, Georgetown was the sixth fastest-growing city in the U.S., fifth in 2017, the fastest in 2016, and the second fastest in 2015.

Georgetown’s population was 47,400 in the 2010 census. According to today’s estimate, Georgetown added 32,204 residents with a growth rate of 67.94 percent from 2010 to 2019.

“This sustained growth helps the City maintain one of the lowest tax rates in the region and helps us fund the infrastructure and other services needed to keep up with that growth,” Ross added.

The news release from the Census about the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. is at census.gov.

Updated: Asphalt paving on Sun City Boulevard will start on Tuesday, May 19, weather permitting. (The start date moved from Monday to Tuesday.) Paving work will be done in the 1.4-mile segment of the road from San Saba Drive to Highway 195.

The project will include daily lane closures. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. The paving work is expected to be completed in 10 working days, weather permitting.

The City of Georgetown will open several facilities and lobbies to the public starting May 18, in accordance with orders from the governor’s office, as well as the City’s ability to provide essential safety measures and enforce occupancy requirements.

“While we reopen some City facilities to provide better access to additional City services, we do so very cautiously,” Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross said. “We continue to prioritize your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of our staff. The last thing we want to do is contribute to a second spike of COVID-19 cases in our community. So, we ask everyone coming to our facilities to follow the safety guidelines we’ve put into place.”

What follows is a detailed listing of what is opening and under what conditions. The City anticipates opening Municipal Court and the Recreation Center as early as June 1.

The Georgetown Public Library and some park amenities opened May 1, and the Tennis Center opened May 4. For more details, see the April 30 news release. The City will reclose any of its facility, if safety procedures can’t be maintained or the governor alters his orders.

For additional detail about City services and COVID-19-related information, visit bit.ly/COVID19GTX.

Safety changes

Unless otherwise stated, the public can expect the following changes when visiting City facilities and interacting with staff:

• Occupancy limits
• Face coverings, strongly encouraged but optional
  • Unless physical distancing cannot be maintained, in which case, masks will be provided or other accommodations will be made.
• Minimizing touch points
• Hand sanitizing stations
• Sanitization schedules
• Signage indicating occupancy limits and directions for self-screening before entering the building
• Safe-spacing, floor markers
• Limited seating
• Limited hours
• Physical distancing

In addition to the steps listed above, City employees will be required to take their temperature before and when they arrive to work. Employees also will be required to wear masks when interacting with anyone, staff or public, if 6 feet can’t be maintained. Employees exchanging items with the public, like cash, will wear gloves. The City continues to prioritize telecommuting, virtual meetings, and working in shifts, to limit number of people in the building at one time.

Lobbies opening

The following facilities will open their lobbies to the public, under the safety guidelines listed above, including removal of seating, safety spacers, and face covering requirements when a safe physical distance cannot be maintained:

• City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
• Visitors Center, 103 W. Seventh St.
• Public Safety Operations and Training Center, 3500 D.B. Wood Road, including the medication collection kiosk
• Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Ave.
  • iPads and seating will be available in the lobby for people who need to access the internet to connect or disconnect utility service.
• Georgetown Municipal Airport terminal, 500 Terminal Drive

Parks and Recreation

Staff will continue to monitor orders from the governor’s office and work to open additional facilities and services, including pools and summer programs, as soon as is feasible. The City hasn’t yet made a determination on all summer camps, but so far has cancelled the Junior Fire Academy and all Tennis and Adventure camps, as well as the Adaptive camps for June. Georgetown Police Department also cancelled its Junior Police Academy.

The City anticipates opening the Recreation Center as soon as June 1. Although the governor’s orders allow gyms to open at limited capacity on May 18, the Center will be used through May 28 to offer childcare to the City’s essential employees.

Open by May 18

• Garey Park, with new fees
• Garey House: Private tours and outdoor photoshoots
• Bark Park
• Pavilions with one table
• Drinking fountains
• Restrooms: Except at VFW Park and the McMaster Athletic Complex
• Skate Park
• Blue Hole Park
• Parks administrative offices: By appointment only
• Tennis courts and pickleball courts at McMaster Athletic Complex: Limit to four players per court
• Georgetown Tennis Center: Reservation only

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also has opened the Georgetown and Granger Overlook and the Georgetown and Granger Stilling Basin.

Remaining closed

• Pools
• Playgrounds and splash pads
• Pavilions with more than one table
• Exercise equipment
• Basketball courts
• Volleyball courts
• VFW Park
• McMaster Athletic Complex
• San Gabriel Park baseball fields
• Recreation Center
• Community Center
• Parks Administrative Offices, by appointment only

Garey Park

Staff will be working at the gatehouse window starting 8 a.m. Monday, May 18. The interior of the gatehouse remains closed to the public. Park hours remain 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Playground and splash pad remain closed.

Annual passes sold prior to May 18 will continue to be extended for the duration of the Play Ranch closure. Equine passes will no longer be extended once the gatehouse open.

The following park fees will go into effect May 18:

Daily entrance fees:

• Per person: $2/resident & $4/nonresident
• Equestrian rider: $6/resident & $8/nonresident
• Children 3 years and younger: Free

Annual Passes:

• Annual park pass (no change):
  • $100/resident individual
  • $150/nonresident individual
• Annual equestrian pass:
  • $125/resident rider
  • $200/nonresident rider

  A 50 percent discount will be offered on Tuesdays from October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021.

  For complete details or updates, visit parks.georgetown.org.

  Municipal Court

  In accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court of Texas, and under the guidance of the Office of Court Administration, Municipal Court will not conduct any in-person proceedings, including the lobby transaction windows, until at least June 1. Any essential proceedings that must be held in-person will be limited to no more than 10 people.

  The Municipal Court lobby will remain closed, but staff will be available to assist customers by phone, fax, or email during regular business hours. Contact Municipal Court at (512) 930-3625, court@georgetown.org or fax at (512) 930-8030.

The City of Georgetown is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofit agencies for Strategic Partnerships for Community Services grant funding for the City’s 2020-21 Fiscal Year, which begins Oct. 1, 2020.

“We are excited to provide this opportunity to partner with our local nonprofits to help meet needs in our community,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “Now more than ever, we are aware of the critical role they play in providing a safety net of support for our residents.”

Application forms and supplemental materials should be filled out and submitted no later than 5 p.m. June 1, 2020. Funding decisions will be made by the City Council in compliance with the policy and funding guidelines subject to the availability of funds. Grants will be awarded in a range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The Strategic Partnerships for Community Services Advisory Board, which is appointed by City Council, will review the applications received. The board will then make funding recommendations to City Council for potential approval in the 2020-21 Fiscal Year.

Applications, supplemental materials, and more information is on the City website at government.georgetown.org/city-management/strategic-partnerships-for-community-services-grant-funding.

For questions, contact Shirley Rinn in the City Manager’s Office at shirley.rinn@georgetown.org or (512) 930-3723.

Georgetown City Attorney Charlie McNabb has announced his resignation from his position effective July 3, 2020.

“It has been my pleasure to serve as city attorney for the City of Georgetown these past few years,” McNabb said.

McNabb was hired as city attorney on Feb.18, 2016. He came to Georgetown after serving a total of 27 years with the City of El Paso, Texas, including 10 years as city attorney. A municipal law pioneer, McNabb obtained one of the first municipal law certifications from the Texas Municipal League. In addition to his service to Georgetown and El Paso, he also served as fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, founding fellow of the El Paso Bar Foundation, public policy fellow of the Texas Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution, and president of the Texas City Attorney’s Association.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Charlie over these last four years,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “Charlie is one of the top municipal law experts in the state of Texas, and we’ve been lucky to have him share his expertise with the City. I believe his greatest legacy will be the way he mentored and developed his staff.”

The position of city attorney is one of four that reports directly to the City Council. The Council expects to begin the recruitment process for the next city attorney in early May, with the goal of making a selection prior to McNabb’s departure July 3.

Starting on Friday, May 1, the Georgetown Public Library and some parks facilities will open to the public for limited services. The Tennis Center, 400 Serenada Drive, will reopen Monday, May 4. Most other City facilities will remain closed to the public while City officials develop a phased re-opening of other public areas for May 11. The openings follow executive orders issued Monday by Texas Governor Greg Abbott that allow some businesses and facilities to open to the public as part of Phase One of the Open Texas plan. The changes also are in response to the expiration of the State’s and Williamson County’s Stay Home orders, effective April 30.

“Anticipating that the Governor would be making changes to rules affecting city operations, the City has been working on a phased plan to re-open public buildings and other city facilities,” said City Manager David Morgan. “The limited re-opening of the Library, Tennis Center, and select other facilities represents an initial phase of our plan. We ask for the support of the public in observing the rules for the use of these facilities for their safety and the safety of City employees.”

Members of the public entering the Public Library or parks facilities opening Friday should consider wearing face masks to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 to others and the City employees who work there. Visitors also will be asked to follow safe, physical distancing requirements, use hand sanitizer and wipes, follow other rules, and avoid entering either facility if they are sick.

While some services will be offered, hours and services will be limited at the Public Library, 402 W. Eighth Street, and Parks and Recreation facilities.

Public Library

The Public Library will be open for patrons to check out books, DVDs, and other materials, but most other services will not be offered. For complete details or updates, go to the Library website at library.georgetown.org.

• Materials on both floors will be available for “grab and go.” Patrons should limit their time in the building to 30 minutes or fewer.

• Library hours of operation will be limited through May 15: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

• Areas and services that remain closed and will not be available include the meeting rooms and conference rooms on the second floor; public-use computers; printing, faxing, and photocopying; story time and play areas in the children’s area, and public seating in the building. Donations of materials are not currently being accepted.

• Curbside pickup service will be discontinued April 30.

• The Red Poppy Café remains open and will have limited indoor seating.

Parks facilities

Some outdoor parks facilities will open May 1.

• Small picnic pavilions in City parks will be available without reservations for use by small groups, while allowing for physical distancing. Larger pavilions will be closed.

• Outdoor restrooms in parks will be open.

• Tennis courts and pickleball courts at parks will be open.

• Most parks and trails remain open, including San Gabriel Park, Garey Park, and most trails.

• Parks facilities that remain closed include the Recreation Center, Blue Hole Park, basketball courts, the Creative Playscape, playgrounds at parks, and splash pads.

Tennis Center

The City is working to open the Tennis Center Monday, May 4, with limited hours and services. For complete details or updates, go to the Parks and Recreation website at parks.georgetown.org.

• Players must make reservations to reduce interactions inside the building. Reservations can be made by calling (512) 931-2444. Occupancy in the building will be limited to 10 people, including staff.

• Reservation time will be limited to 1.5 hours and a maximum of four players per court.

• Tennis Center hours of operation will be limited: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

• Players must bring all their own equipment, including balls, racquets, and water. Rental equipment will not be available, and water will not be provided on the courts.

Other City facilities

Most public buildings and facilities remain closed. The City is working on a plan to open lobbies and public areas of these facilities with a tentative opening date of May 11: City Hall, Georgetown Municipal Complex, Municipal Court, Visitors Center, Light and Water Works building, and the Airport Terminal.

Facebook Live

Georgetown officials will share this information in more detail during a Facebook Live scheduled for noon Thursday, April 30, on the City’s main Facebook page. Speakers will include City Manager David Morgan, Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett, and Library Services Director Eric Lashley.

For more information about current city services and programs, go to the City of Georgetown, COVID-19 site at georgetown.org/coronavirus-information.