DECEMBER 28, 2022
2022: A Year in Review © Barton Publications, Inc.
Hays Free Press
75¢
HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 128 • No. 42
Serving Hays County, TX
Moratorium struck down in Kyle 'I just don’t believe that the moratorium is the appropriate tool in our toolbox to use.’ By Amira Van Leeuwen amira@haysfreepress.com KYLE — In a 6-1 vote, Kyle City Council struck down any consideration for a temporary moratorium on Dec. 20. Council member Yvonne Flores-Cale was
the single concurring vote who proposed enacting the “temporary moratorium on accepting, authorizing and approving new development in order to protect critical infrastructure,” which includes water, wastewater and transportation.
A moratorium can temporarily prohibit any activity. According to Section 212.135 of the Texas Local Government Code, “If a municipality adopts a moratorium on property development, the moratorium is justified by demonstrating a need
to prevent a shortage of essential public facilities. The municipality must issue written findings based on reasonably available information.” Flores-Cale emphasized that she is not antiSee COUNCIL, Page 2
Public hearing held for Hays development By Brittany Anderson
brittany@haysfreepress.com
HAYS — What was meant to be an opportunity for public discussion among residents, county planners and developers regarding Hays Commons — a proposed development in the small city of Hays — did not pan out to be as productive as intended. An applicant sponsored meeting was held at the Hays County Government Office on Dec. 19 by LJA Engineering to present the preliminary plat for Hays Commons and receive
public comment. LJA is working with Hays Commons developer MileStone Community Builders. LJA Project Engineer Brian Faltesek attended the meeting, along with LJA Vice President Daniel Ryan, who attended virtually. MileStone Entitlements Manager Shani Armbruster was the only MileStone representative present. Those in attendance — a handful of Hays residents and council members — first voiced concerns that
Heiser officially sworn in Kyle runoff finalized By Amira Van Leeuwen KYLE — The dais is full for the first time since August after Bear Heiser was officially sworn into office on Tuesday, Dec. 20, securing the District 1 seat on the Kyle City Council. After the election results were canvassed and certified during city council's special meeting, Texas Sen. Judith Zaffirini swore in Heiser, who claimed victory over Amanda Stark during the Dec. 13 run-off after winning with 767 votes (526 early, 241 on election day). Stark accumulated 302 votes (199 early votes, 103 on election day). Mayor Travis Mitchell said the council functions best with a full dais and he was “thankful” for Heiser’s work during the campaign and looking forward to his time of service on the dais. Mitchell noted that Heiser will bring more diversity and another perspective to council. See RUNOFF, Page 4
See COMMONS, Page 2
How It Started ...
New Year's babies The community’s first babies of 2022 were welcomed in local San Marcos and Kyle hospitals on New Year’s Day. Ezra Bernal was born at 8:46 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital – San Marcos to parents Janet Salazar and Jovanne Bernal, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 19 inches. He was delivered by Dr. Virginia Smith. Fernando Villegas was born at 2:22 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTUS SANTA ROSA HOSPITAL – SAN MARCOS AND CITY OF KYLE/ASCENSION SETON HAYS HOSPITAL
Above left, Janet Salazar and Jovanne Bernal with baby Ezra. Above right, Fernando Villegas with his mother.
... How It's Going Fifth grader takes home spelling bee title CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Emma Respondek, a Carpenter Hill Elementary fifth grader, won the 2022-23 Spelling Bee title. Her correct spelling of the winning word, “retribution,” came in the school-record 16th round of competition, where she outlasted a field of 20 talented spelling bee participants. Finishing in second place was fourth grader Norah Honea, third place was fourth grader Olivia Schweke and fourth was fourth grader Turner Haines.
BASKETBALL SEASON IN FULL SWING PAGE 8
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