The city of Woodcreek is stepping up traffic enforcement after agreeing to hire Hays County Sheriff’s Officers for additional work specifically focused on radar enforcement of speed limits.
“I think this is a good interim step that we can have in place for some time to at least start running radar,” Councilmember Brent Pulley said. “I think folks on Woodcreek Drive, Brookhollow and Champi on Circle are ready to see a presence out here for law enforcement. We are not locked into a long term contract… We can use them on an as needed basis where we need them.”
The council unanimously approved four hours a week of additional traffic enforcement. The standard rate is $50 per hour for a deputy and $10 per hour for the use of the vehicle. The initial cost is expected to be around $12,500 per year at this rate.
The radar signs placed around Woodcreek give data about how often speeding occurs and how fast the vehicles are going.
“On Friday we had almost 30 high speed alerts,” Councilmember Debra Hines said. “They range throughout the entire day. Some occurred in the evenings. A lot of our high speed alerts actually happen 8 to 5, Monday through Friday.”
Looking at the data, Hines also pointed out that on Saturday at 1 a.m. a ve hicle was driving 40 mph down Brookhollow Drive, where the speed limit is set at 25 mph.
The council discussed multiple different alternatives for future traffic enforcement including potentially more hours by the Sheriff’s Office or hiring an employee in house to do the job.
The city also revisited an ordinance that was recently changed allowing swimming pools to partially count as pervious cover. The council changed the ordinance back to its original wording that swimming pools are considered 100% impervious cover.
The council is also removing the process of “stop work” signs being publicly placed. The city will now use “alternative methods of communication” to encourage compliance with the code and permit processes.
The city is still looking for volunteers for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Board, the new Ordinance Review Committee, the new Tree Advisory Board, and the new Roads “Platinum Panel.” To serve on a committee, you will need to complete an application for the particular committee. Applications can be found online at woodcreektx.gov. Completed applications should be returned to City Hall or emailed to woodcreek@woodcreektx. gov. Applications received will be forwarded to the City Council for selection to each of the committees.
