WHY BETH
MY MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE
'Weathering' two massive winter storms that devastated our environment and the city's responsiveness to residents' needs
Two major winter storms in two years have hit West Lake Hills with unimaginable damage, expense and safety concerns. During and following both storms, our city management and staff excelled with quick, resourceful and effective response - unequalled (in my opinion) to surrounding cities.
Our first hit, Winter Storm Uri in 2021, crippled our utilities due to statewide grid problems. And, of course, this year Winter Storm Mara delivered a thick sheet of ice that devastated our trees and our utility connections with Austin Energy. Despite overwhelming circumstances our city staff immediately addressed safety and accessibility needs by clearing roads of fallen branches and debris after the storm's retreat. Crews were on road hazards day one and started organized clean up by day three.
Close coordination between WLH fire and police departments, Water District 10, Austin Energy and our nearby cities worked to streamline and prioritize restoration.
To alleviate the financial burden to residents of storm debris removal, the city provided brush removal services for eight full weeks after the storm. Although Mara has severely impacted our city resources and coffers, careful and forward-thinking budgeting over the past few years has cushioned the financial hit.
The devastation to property and morale of both storms was no match, however, for the strong sense of community exhibited by so many of our fabulous residents. Neighbors pulled together with personal time and effort to help each other. People helping people is a hallmark of West Lake Hills.
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Two major winter storms in two years have hit West Lake Hills with unimaginable damage, expense and safety concerns. During and following both storms, our city management and staff excelled with quick, resourceful and effective response - unequalled (in my opinion) to surrounding cities.
Our first hit, Winter Storm Uri in 2021, crippled our utilities due to statewide grid problems. And, of course, this year Winter Storm Mara delivered a thick sheet of ice that devastated our trees and our utility connections with Austin Energy. Despite overwhelming circumstances our city staff immediately addressed safety and accessibility needs by clearing roads of fallen branches and debris after the storm's retreat. Crews were on road hazards day one and started organized clean up by day three.
Close coordination between WLH fire and police departments, Water District 10, Austin Energy and our nearby cities worked to streamline and prioritize restoration.
To alleviate the financial burden to residents of storm debris removal, the city provided brush removal services for eight full weeks after the storm. Although Mara has severely impacted our city resources and coffers, careful and forward-thinking budgeting over the past few years has cushioned the financial hit.
The devastation to property and morale of both storms was no match, however, for the strong sense of community exhibited by so many of our fabulous residents. Neighbors pulled together with personal time and effort to help each other. People helping people is a hallmark of West Lake Hills.
See MY LIFE EXPERIENCE
Return to WHY BETH