.png)
GTX Residents: Free Spay/Neuter Clinic for Cats
The Georgetown Animal Shelter is again holding three free spay/neuter clinic for cats this spring – February 25, April 29, and June 24. The goal of the clinics is to reduce the cat population in Georgetown. This is the sixth year that the shelter has offered free spay/neuter clinics for cats, and it seems to be making a difference in the number of kittens ending up at the shelter.
Spay and neuter surgeries and a rabies vaccination will be provided at no charge. Other services available at the clinic include a combo test (feline AIDS/leukemia test) for $20, an FVRCP vaccine for $5, microchip for $10, e-collar for $10, or cat carrier for $5.
Appointments are required for the free clinics, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are not necessarily for low-income cat owners. Cats or kittens must be at least three months old.
The clinic is offered only for cats whose owners live in the Georgetown City Limits, so bring your driver’s license or other form of ID that shows your current address.
Additionally, the shelter continues to offer low-cost vaccine clinics every few months, which are walk-up clinics for vaccinations only, not spay/neuter surgeries. A list of low cost vet clinics can be found here.
Call (512) 930-3592 to schedule your cat for surgery. All spay or neuter surgeries will be done by a licensed veterinarian.
The spay and neuter clinic will be held at the City of Georgetown Animal Shelter at 110 W.L. Walden Drive near the McMaster Athletic Fields. Contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592 or by email at animalsvc@georgetown.org. The City of Georgetown Animal Shelter website is pets.georgetown.org.
Georgetown Parks and Recreation announces Spring Break camps
Georgetown Parks and Recreation offers Spring Break camps for students from March 13 – 17. Pricing and schedules vary for each program.
Participants can select from five camps:
- Camp Goodwater (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; ages 5 – 12; $140 resident/$175 nonresident) includes a variety of activities, such as swimming, challenge course, games, crafts, weird science projects and more.
- Basketball Skills Camp (8 a.m. – noon; ages 8 – 17; $115 resident/$145 nonresident) offers participants the opportunity to improve ball handling, shooting, footwork, and defense techniques.
- Tennis Camp (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; ages 7 – 12; $140 resident/$175 nonresident) focuses on technique, stroke production, strategy and shot selection through a variety of drills and games.
- Junior Tennis Academy (1 – 3 p.m.: ages 11 – 18; $80 resident/$100 nonresident) is designed for competitive junior players. Sessions will focus on proper technique, stroke production, strategy and shot selection through a variety of drills, games and match play scenarios.
- Teen Adventure Camp (ages 12 – 17; $250 resident/$315 nonresident) takes participants on a rock climbing and backpacking adventure on the longest loop trail in Arkansas.
Spring Break Camp registration begins on Feb. 1. For more information and to register click here or call (512) 930-3596.
Octavio Garza Starts as Public Works Director
A civil and environmental engineer with more than 21 years of experience started yesterday as public works director, a new position for the City of Georgetown. Octavio Garza comes to Georgetown from the City of Waco where he had been the public works department director since 2014.
In Georgetown, Garza will oversee the City’s Street Maintenance, Transportation Planning, and Storm Water Drainage departments, in addition to the Georgetown Municipal Airport and solid waste and recycling services.
“Octavio brings a significant amount of quality experience to the City of Georgetown and is a great addition to lead the newly formed Public Works Division to meet the demands of our growing community,” says City Manager David Morgan.
In Waco, Garza was responsible for the city’s Engineering, Traffic, Streets, and Solid Waste departments, as well as the city’s digital mapping, development, and floodplain administration services. The Solid Waste department encompassed operating a city-owned municipal landfill.
Prior to Waco, Garza served for six years as city engineer and capital programs manager for the City of New Braunfels where he had oversight for developing and implementing an $87 million bond program. The bond program approved by voters in 2013 funded transportation, parks, and economic development projects. Garza also led the engineering division, negotiated professional services contracts, and managed the street maintenance program in New Braunfels.
Garza’s other experience includes management of capital projects and environmental investigations for the cities of San Antonio and San Marcos as well as serving as a project engineer for water and environmental projects for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the San Antonio River Authority.
Garza has a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and civil engineering. Both degrees are from Texas A&M University in College Station. He also is a certified public manager and a certified floodplain manager.
City hosts Creative Georgetown workshop on Feb. 11
City leaders are seeking public input on the future direction of the City’s role in arts and culture in Georgetown at the inaugural Creative Georgetown event Feb. 11 in the Georgetown Public Library.
The come-and-go event will give attendees the opportunity to learn about the wide-ranging art, music, theater and cultural opportunities for audiences, learners, makers and doers at all levels as well as an overview of the City’s study of the economic impact of arts and culture.
“It’s a unique opportunity to get together for a morning of fun and valuable information,” Library Services Director Eric Lashley said. “Artists, musicians, actors, writers, organizers and our many residents who don’t make art but love to attend plays, exhibits and concerts will all find something of interest. We’re hoping for a good turnout because no matter their level of interest in the arts everyone will come away with something of value.”
From 8:30 a.m. to noon, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several sessions discussing the arts, including presentations by local arts groups and a professional development workshop focused on promotional tools and techniques for artists.
Children will also be able to participate in a Hands on History program presented by The Williamson Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will learn about Valentine’s Day traditions and make their own vintage Valentines.
The event is free and open to the public, and will include refreshments and door prizes from local arts and culture organizations. Registration is not required; however, individuals are asked to indicate their interest in attending on Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/648581891980810. This will allow organizers to have an approximate headcount.
A full schedule is available at arts.georgetown.org/creative-georgetown.
Courageous Conversations begins new series Jan. 31
Beginning Jan. 31, the Georgetown Public Library and Courageous Conversations of Georgetown, TX will continue its partnership hosting moderated conversations about race and social justice.
The series of conversations will use “March,” a three-volume graphic memoir by U.S. Rep. John Lewis, as a basis for discussions modeled on The Red Bench program developed by Interfaith Action of Central Texas.
“March” is Lewis’ firsthand account of his experiences during the Civil Rights movement. “March: Book One” explores Lewis’ childhood in rural Alabama, Lewis meeting Martin Luther King Jr., the Nashville Student Movement and the lunch counter sit-ins. “March: Book Two” focuses on Lewis’ participation in the Freedom Riders campaign and his leadership of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. “March: Book Three” follows Lewis’ continued leadership of SNCC through the Mississippi Freedom Summer and Freedom vote initiatives, and his involvement in civil rights efforts in Selma, Alabama. Copies of all three books are available for checkout at the library.
“We selected ‘March’ for its civil rights ties to John Lewis and the graphic novel form as an appeal to our Georgetown youth, all in the hopes of helping to create a beloved community,” said Jaquita Wilson a member of Courageous Conversations of Georgetown, TX.
Moderators will facilitate small table discussions of topics addressed in each volume of the memoir Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21. The series will conclude Feb. 28 with a screening of the documentary “Good Hair” followed by a brief discussion. No discussion will take place Feb. 14.
Registration is not required, and all events are free and open to the public.
Visit library.georgetown.org or www.courageousconvogtx.com for more information.
Holt Cat to open facility in Georgetown
Holt Cat, a Caterpillar equipment and engine sales, rental, parts and service dealer, will build a regional Caterpillar facility at 2101 Airport Road near the intersection of Lakeway Drive and I-35.
The business is expected to create 129 new jobs and a net benefit to the City of more than $13 million over 10 years.
City Council approved an economic development agreement with the construction equipment company during its Jan. 24 meeting. Under the agreement, if the company meets its expectations, the City will rebate up to $1.5 million in sales taxes generated by the company over five years.
The City is also moving forward with infrastructure improvements in the area, including expanding Airport Road and extending a wastewater line along I-35 that will allow for future commercial development as well as the Holt Cat facility.
The council also approved a $185,000 Georgetown Economic Development Corp. grant to connect to the wastewater line extension.
“We’re excited that Holt Cat has chosen Georgetown to locate its newest regional sales hub. This facility will bring investment and jobs to a previously undeveloped area and initiate additional growth around it,” Mayor Dale Ross said. “This economic development agreement is another excellent example of what can get done when City departments work together. This is the direct result of various departments, such as economic development, utility services, planning and others, coming together to help bring another outstanding employer to Georgetown.”
The company expects to build an approximately 60,000-square-foot facility by the end of 2018, invest a minimum of $20 million in infrastructure and improvements by the end of 2018 and have a minimum of $27.5 million in sales per year for the first five full calendar years of operation.
“We appreciate the City of Georgetown’s decision, and are excited for Holt Cat to be a bigger part of the community,” said Tony Shedrock, Holt Cat vice president of general services. “Recognizing the growing need to support our customers and employees along the I-35 corridor, our new location in Georgetown will provide a great work environment that will assist in better serving our customers and will provide for a substantial positive economic impact for Georgetown and their citizens.”
The location will be the company’s largest retail location built in more than 30 years and will be a state-of-the-art facility, Shedrock said.
“We very much appreciate the way the staff and City Council made us feel welcome and worked with us to make this venture possible,” Shedrock said.
Holt Cat expects to hire specialized heavy-equipment mechanics as well as administrative, sales and marketing positions with an average salary of $48,500.
The San Antonio-based company sells, rents and services Caterpillar machines, engines, generator sets and trucks throughout a 118-county region in Texas.
Candidate Filing Period for May Election
The filing period starts today for candidates who wish to run for a seat on the Georgetown City Council. The places for District 2, District 6, and the mayor will be on the ballot for the election this spring.
Keith Brainard is the current council member for District 2, Rachael Jonrowe is the council member for District 6, and Dale Ross is the mayor.
Today Dale Ross filed to run for re-election as mayor, Rachael Jonrowe filed to run for re-election for District 6, and Valerie Nicholson filed to run for the District 2 seat on the council.
The filing period ends on February 17. A packet of information for prospective candidates is available at City Hall at 113 E. Eighth Street. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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 and is elected at-large. A candidate for city council or mayor must be 21 years of age 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 twelve months as of the last legal date for filing.
The last day to register to vote in the May election is April 6.
Early in-person voting is April 24 through May 2. In the Early Voting period, voters may cast ballots at any Early Voting location in Williamson County.
On Election Day on May 6, voters may cast ballots at any vote center location in Williamson County. Polling places, dates, and times are listed at wilco.org/elections.
For details about the city election, contact Shelley Nowling, city secretary for the City of Georgetown, at Shelley.Nowling@georgetown.org or (512) 930-3652.
Chase the Chief 5K and Fun Run on March 5
Registration is now open for the fifth annual Chase the Chief 5K and Fun Run on March 5 at the Georgetown ISD Stadium, located at 2295 N. Austin 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 joint fitness initiative by the Georgetown Police Department and the Georgetown ISD Council of PTAs.
Chase the Chief features a 5K and a 1-mile Fun Run. Other activities include a police department obstacle course and fitness fair open from 1-5 p.m. Look for race day registration and other event activities on the stadium field.
Registration for the event is priced at only $5 for students and $10 for adults. Register at ChaseTheChief.georgetown.org. Participants who register by Feb. 10 are guaranteed to receive a Chase the Chief T-shirt.
Proceeds from this event will help to purchase equipment for the GISD physical education program.
Packet pickup is available March 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Operations and Training Center, 3500 DB 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 Fun Run, go to ChaseTheChief.georgetown.org.
Cupid’s Chase 5K and Fun Run on Feb. 4
Register now for the 22nd annual Cupid’s Chase 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, Feb. 4. The chip-timed 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m. in downtown Georgetown at Seventh and Main streets and ends at the Bark Park on Holly Street. (A shuttle will take you back to the starting line.) To register online or for details, go to cupid.georgetown.org.
Through Jan. 11, the registration cost is $18 for adults ages 13-54 and $16 for children age 12 and younger and seniors age 55 and older. Registration between Jan. 12 and Feb. 3 is $22 per person for all age groups.
The Kids Fun Run for children age 8 and younger starts at 7:30 a.m. The course is a loop around the Courthouse. Registration is $10 before Feb. 4 and $15 on race day. T-shirts are not guaranteed if you register on race day.
Participants receive a Cupid’s Chase T-shirt, while supplies last. The event includes a Cupid costume contest. 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 and the overall male and female masters winners as well as 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. If you are a City of Georgetown employee, be sure to indicate so when you register.
Race results will be posted after the race at cupid.georgetown.org.
In case of bad weather on race day, check facebook.com/CityofGeorgetown, https://www.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 to fund projects at Georgetown parks. To register online or for details, go to cupid.georgetown.org.
Recycling Christmas Trees and Boxes
City of Georgetown residents are encouraged to recycle Christmas trees, boxes, and wrapping paper to reduce material going to the landfill. If you recycle your tree, please remove the tree stand and any garland, ornaments, or lights. Artificial trees cannot be recycled.
Curbside Pick-up: Texas Disposal Systems customers in the city limits of Georgetown can put Christmas trees on the curb for collection on your regular yard trimmings pickup day. Trees seven feet in length or less can be placed at the curb uncut. Longer trees should be cut into sections. No artificial trees.
Collection Day Look-up: For Georgetown city residents, your yard trimmings collection day is on your first recycling day of the month. Look it up at recycle.georgetown.org.
Boxes and Wrapping Paper: Cardboard boxes and wrapping paper are recyclable. If they won’t fit in your recycling cart, you can put wrapping paper and boxes in a larger box and set it next to your recycling cart so it can be recycled. Ribbons and bows are not recyclable. Cellophane wrap and plastic bags are recyclable if they are placed in a yellow bag-the-bag, tied, and placed inside the recycling cart. Note that no extra plastic bags next to your trash cart are permitted without a bag tag. Go to recycle.georgetown.org for a complete list of recyclables.
Christmas Tree Drop-off: From Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 at no charge, Christmas trees will be accepted at the City of Georgetown Collection Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive. Normal fees apply to other items. Mulch is available, year-round, free-of-charge to City residents.
Collection Station: Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Collection Station is closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, open on Dec. 31 (closing at 3 p.m.), and closed Jan. 1. For details, contact Texas Disposal Systems at (512) 930-1715.
