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Draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan update open house Feb. 12
The City of Georgetown Planning Department will host an open house from 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St. on the draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan update. The meeting is come-and-go, and presentations will be made on the hour.
During the meeting, residents and property owners will be able to learn more about what’s included in the plan and provide feedback to staff.
City staff presented the draft plan to City Council at its Jan. 28 meeting. The plan is expected to be adopted by the council this spring.
The 2030 Plan acts as a guide for the City’s growth and development decisions, and components of the plan include land use, Williams Drive Gateway Plan, gateways and image corridors, housing, and plan implementation.
The implementation plan will guide how the City uses the 2030 Plan during the next 10 years.
The implementation plan outlines three major strategies:
- Regulatory framework
- Decision framework
- Plans, programs and partnerships
Each strategy relates to the goals outlined in the 2030 Plan update, which were drafted using public input from community surveys including the first “On the Table,” in which more than 1,400 people participated in conversations to envision Georgetown’s future, and an accompanying online public survey taken by an additional 1,460 people.
To see the full draft plan, visit 2030.georgetown.org. Feedback should be sent to 2030@georgetown.org.
The Planning Department also is offering office hours by request. To request a meeting or to have a planning staff member present at a community meeting, call (512) 930-3575 or email 2030@georgetown.org.
Black History Month events in February
Several events will happen in Georgetown throughout February in recognition of Black History Month.
Courageous Conversations
Come to the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St. for a screening of “The Best of Enemies” followed by a discussion facilitated by Courageous Conversations of Georgetown at 2 p.m. Feb. 2. The PG-13-rated film, based on a true story, focuses on the relationship of a civil rights activist and a Ku Klux Klan leader who co-chair a community meeting on school desegregation in 1971. Sensitive topics may be discussed, and a guardian’s discretion is advised for those age 18 and younger.
Georgetown Art Center
The Georgetown Art Center will have a variety of events related to the “Tignon” by artist Chelsey Antoinette exhibit running Feb. 14-March 15. Tignon is a French word that can mean cloth or handkerchief and is used to reference the headwraps of Creole women. Events include workshops, as well as an artist reception and a talk. For details on the events, visit georgetownartcentertx.org.
Mural dedication
The City will celebrate the dedication of the “Preserving History” mural at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at the back of City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. The mural features the work of Georgetown artists Devon Clarkson and Norma Clark.
Clarkson painted the portrait of Mary Smith Bailey, the founder of the first preschool for non-white children during the period of segregation, which later became the Mary Bailey Head Start Center. Clark painted the colorful, abstract imagery based on the people who live in the Track, Ridge and Grasshopper neighborhood as well as people who attended the historic Marshall Carver neighborhood school.
For more information on the mural, visit arts.georgetown.org.
Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association
The Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association will host several events in Georgetown to celebrate National Black History Month in February.
The group will host a workshop “Heart of the Headwrap” from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Georgetown Art Center, 816 S. Main St. Seating for the workshop is limited. The suggested donation for tickets is $25. For ticket information, contact Regina Durden at (512) 636-4576 or reginadurden@bradshawsg.com.
View art by African American artists in the Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St., through Feb. 22. GCCMA will host a meet the artists and panel discussion event from 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the library.
A panel discussion “The Black Vote” will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the library.
This year’s annual Black History Month Banquet on Feb. 29 will include a presentation entitled “African Americans and the Vote” by Audrey Selden with Selden Consulting.
The 38th annual banquet is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Southwestern University. The banquet is open to the public. The suggested donation is $25 per person or $250 for a table sponsor.
For more information about the banquet, contact Regina Durden at (512) 636-4576 or email ggcma1975@gmail.com.
Champion Site Prep to relocate to Georgetown
Champion Site Prep plans to begin construction on a new headquarters for its more than 200 employees near I-35 and CR 143 in 2020.
After a temporary relocation to Jarrell, Champion Site Prep plans to invest more than $17 million in an 18-acre headquarters facility.
The company performs site development and excavation services for schools, commercial retail, office buildings, hospitals, subdivisions, and commercial site development.
“We are excited to see Champion Site Prep return to Georgetown, and continue to grow in our community. We always appreciate when one of our major employers chooses to grow here,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “The City works hard to partner with our businesses to continue to create a world class business environment that makes Georgetown a great place to work.”
Along with the new location, the company plans to create 75 new jobs during the next five years with an average annual salary of $65,000.
“We are excited to soon be building our new headquarters for Champion Site Prep, and are happy we are able to build in Georgetown. Georgetown’s growth and supportive business climate make it a perfect place for companies like ours to grow,” said Trey Taparauskas, Champion Site Prep president and CEO. “We could have put the building anywhere in Williamson County, but Georgetown is our home. We appreciate the efforts made by City leaders and staff to help us find a location in Georgetown, and we look forward to a long partnership with the City as we continue to grow.”
During its Jan. 28 meeting, City Council approved an agreement with the company to reimburse the company $500,000 for infrastructure improvements.
Chase the Chief 5K and Hammerlun Family Fun Run on March 8
Registration is open for the seventh annual Chase the Chief 5K and Hammerlun Family Fun Run on Sunday, March 8, at East View High School, located at 4490 E. University Ave. Participants will get the chance to chase Georgetown Police Chief Wayne Nero.
The goal of Chase the Chief is to encourage students and their families to lead active, healthy lives. This event is a joint fitness initiative by the Georgetown Police Department, Georgetown ISD, and the Georgetown Health Foundation. The race is sponsored by Huckabee Architects.
Chase the Chief features a 5K and a Fun Run. Other activities include a police department obstacle course and fitness fair open from noon-5 p.m. Look for race day registration and other event activities on the athletic fields.
Registration for the event is priced at $5 for students and $10 for adults. Register at ChaseTheChief.georgetown.org. Register by Jan. 31 to be guaranteed to receive a T-shirt.
Proceeds from this event will help fund grants for physical education programs at Georgetown area schools.
Packet pickup is available March 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Operations and Training Center, 3500 D.B. Wood Road. Race day registration and packet pickup starts at noon.
Following the race, there will be an award ceremony.
To register for the Chase the Chief 5K and Hammerlun Family Fun Run, go to ChaseTheChief.georgetown.org.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 1.38 Acres (1061 Old 1460 Trail)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the February 11, 2020 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation is approximately a 1.38-acre tract of land situated in the William Addison Survey, Abstract No. 21 and 0.979 acres of right-of-way on Shell Road, generally located at 1061 Old 1460 Trail, to be known as 1061 Old 1460 Trail.
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Ethan Harwell in the Planning Department, 512-930-3692 or email at ethan.harwell@georgetown.org.
Proposed Voluntary Annexation of 15.267 Acres (The Enclave at Hidden Oaks)
The City of Georgetown is considering a voluntary annexation of property into the city limits. A Public Hearing will be held at the February 11, 2020 meeting at 6:00pm. City Council meetings are located at the City Council Chambers, 510 W. 9th Street.
The area being considered for voluntary annexation is approximately a 14.288-acre tract of land situated in the William Roberts Survey, Abstract No. 524, and 0.979 acres of right-of-way on Shell Road, generally located at 3700 Shell Road, to be known as The Enclave at Hidden Oaks.
After holding the required public hearings, the City Council will consider an ordinance for the annexation.
For additional information, please contact Ethan Harwell in the Planning Department, 512-930-3692 or email at ethan.harwell@georgetown.org.
State of the City event Jan. 29
The inaugural State of the City event is from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. St. The event will highlight major projects and programs completed in 2019, allow attendees to connect with City officials, and preview what’s to come in 2020.
During the event, attendees will be able to tour City Hall, as well as visit informational tables from various City departments.
The evening will conclude in the Council and Court building, 510 W. Ninth St., with a presentation from Mayor Dale Ross.
Childcare and refreshments will be provided.
If you plan to attend, please register at georgetown-stateofthecity-2020.eventbrite.com.
Real Estate Agent Workshop on Feb. 13
The City of Georgetown, Georgetown ISD, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce are hosting the fourth annual Real Estate Agent Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13.
The free workshop starts at 9 a.m. at the Georgetown Community Center, 445 E. Morrow St. Coffee and breakfast will be provided. Presentations begin at 9:30 a.m., and the event will conclude at 11 a.m.
Nearly 200 real estate professionals attended last year’s presentation.
Scheduled speakers include City Manager David Morgan, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce President Jim Johnson, Georgetown ISD Superintendent Fred Brent, Georgetown Police Cpt. Roland Waits, and St. David’s Georgetown CEO Hugh Brown.
The purpose of this event is to equip real estate professionals and those interested in real estate with the information they need to know to effectively market Georgetown to homebuyers. Information tables will also be staffed by representatives from:
- Georgetown ISD
- Georgetown Chamber of Commerce
- David’s Georgetown
- The City of Georgetown
- Police and Fire
- Parks and Recreation
- Visitors Center
- Georgetown Water and Electric Utilities
- Development Services, including Economic Development, Building Inspections and Planning
If you plan to attend, please register here.
Candidate filing period begins for May election
The first day to file for candidates who wish to run for mayor or for a seat on the Georgetown City Council was Jan. 15. Candidates for mayor as well as for City Council districts 2 and 6 will be on the ballot for the May 2 election. The filing period is Jan. 15 through Feb. 14. Completed applications for candidacy should be submitted at City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
Valerie Nicholson is the current council member for District 2, Rachael Jonrowe for District 6, and Dale Ross is mayor.
To see maps of council districts, go to maps.georgetown.org/council-district-maps.
Georgetown City Council members serve three-year terms representing one of seven single-member districts. The mayor serves a three-year term representing the whole city. A candidate for city council or mayor must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the term of office and a citizen and qualified voter of the state of Texas and the City of Georgetown. Candidates for council district seats must be a resident of the council district the member would be representing for a period of six months as of the last legal date for filing. Candidates for mayor must be a resident of Georgetown for a period of six months as of the last legal date for filing.
The last day to register to vote in the May election is April 2.
Early in-person voting is April 20-28. In the early voting period, voters may cast ballots at any early voting location in Williamson County. Early voting polling places, dates, and times will be listed at wilco.org/elections.
On election day on May 2, voters may cast ballots at any vote center location in Williamson County. Polling places, dates, and times will be listed at wilco.org/elections.
For details about the city election, go to government.georgetown.org/city-secretary/elections.
Cupid’s Chase 5K and Fun Run on Feb. 8
Register now for the 25th annual Cupid’s Chase 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 8. The chip-timed 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m. in San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., near the showbarn. The race begins and ends in the park. To register online or for details, go to cupid.georgetown.org.
Through Jan. 21, the registration cost for the 5K is $25 per person age 11 and older. The price increases to $30 after Jan. 21 through race day.
The Kids Fun Run for children age 10 and younger starts at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $10 before Jan. 21 and $15 after Jan. 21 through race day.
Participants who register before Jan. 21 are guaranteed to receive a Cupid’s Chase T-shirt. T-shirts are not guaranteed if you register after Jan. 21. Cupid costumes are encouraged. Strollers and dogs on a non-retractable leash are always welcome on the Cupid’s Chase course.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female winners, the overall male and female masters winners, and the top three male and female finishers in each age division. Awards also will be presented to the top overall male and female City of Georgetown employee.
Race results will be posted after the race at cupid.georgetown.org.
In case of bad weather on race day, check facebook.com/GTXParksandRec, and parks.georgetown.org for updates. There are no refunds or transfers for participants.
Cupid’s Chase is sponsored by Georgetown Parks and Recreation. Event proceeds help fund projects at Georgetown parks. To register online or for details, go to cupid.georgetown.org.
