The Gibbs Team

512-431-2403

Lake Travis

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Drought Update

iphone pics 486At the August 20th Lower Colorado River Authority Board Meeting, a vote was set for the September 17th meeting to revise its application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to amend its current Water Management Plan due to the drought that is currently in its six year.

In the meantime, the LCRA staff is meeting with interested parties and stakeholders to consider adjustments that will:

  1. Maintain the combined storage to 600,000 feet.
  2. Add a 35,000 acre-foot per year demand associated with Corpus Christi’s Garwood water rights.
  3. Include a three-tier regime for interruptible agricultural customers that consider storage and inflow conditions, plus the use of a look-ahead test.

At this time, Lakes Travis and Buchanan which are our region’s water supply reservoirs that provide drinking water to more than a million people, water to industries, businesses and the environment hold about 706,371 acre-feet of water. These numbers indicate that the water levels are at 35% of capacity.

According to the LCRA, should the combined storage drop below 600,000 acre-feet, 30 percent of capacity, the LCRA Board would then issue a Drought Worse than the Drought of Record declaration, which in turn would then require cities, industries and other firm customers to reduce their water use by 20 percent, and would cut off all Highland Lakes water to interruptible customers.

This drop below 600,000 acre-feet is projected to happen at the earliest January 2015.

Since the drought began, LCRA has been working aggressively to conserve water and expand the water supply. In fact, the LCRA has discontinued Highland Lakes water to most interruptible agricultural customers for three years in a row with permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

In order to endure the present drought conditions and to be proactive, LCRA is 1) requiring its customers to limit lawn and landscape watering to once a week in the communities they serve, 2) pursuing a new reservoir in Wharton County, 3) drilling groundwater wells on its property in Bastrop County and 4) investigating other potential projects to add new water supplies.

Due to the extreme drought conditions, the Village of Briarcliff has recently enacted Stage 3A water restrictions.

These restrictions include:

  • Residential water schedule by water irrigation system or hose end sprinkler is acceptable one day a week from midnight to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.
  1. Odd addresses may water on Wednesday.
  2. Even addresses may water on Thursday.
  3. Commercial, multi-family and HOA may water on Friday.
  • Watering with a hand-held hose is allowed at any time.
  • Washing vehicles, house or sidewalks is prohibited.
  • Filling pools with potable water is prohibited.
  • Maintaining pool levels is allowed.
  • Outdoor water features are not allowed unless to maintain aquatic life.

Please review your neighborhood or city website to find out at what stage of water restrictions you are currently under. They are not all the same.

In case you are wondering how much rain would be needed to fill up our beloved lakes a KXAN article from May 28, 2014 reported that heavy rains of 3-6 inches are far from enough to bust the drought and assuming the soil absorbed the same amount each time, filling Lake Travis would need a similar amount of rain 17 times in a row. Moreover, Lake Buchanan would require 18 similar rain events to fill the lake.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Wes Peoples

Bisset Photo.frontMy listing at 111 Bisset Court in the Bluffs at Rough Hollow, built by Wes Peoples Homes, is one of my favorites because of its intricate design and architecture.

So, you can imagine my delight when I saw that Wes Peoples, the founder and president of Wes Peoples Homes, had been profiled by the Austin Business Journal this past week.

The article covered his over 35-year career, his favorite things like music and books, along with his extensive community involvement. Overall, it was a fabulous read and a great way to get to know one of the best custom builders in the Austin area.

Founded in 2011, Wes Peoples Homes builds luxurious homes in carefully selected sites in the Austin area from lakeside estates around Lake Travis to condominiums in downtown Austin.   The homes he builds are technologically savvy, exquisitely designed, environmentally conscious and energy efficient.

Currently Wes Peoples Homes is building in the Bluffs at Rough Hollow off of Highway 71, Boulevard at Lakeway, Edgewick in downtown Austin, Teravista between Round Rock and Georgetown and Shady Hollow in South Austin. Additionally, Wes Peoples Homes is planning to build in River Place, Crystal Falls, Rancho Sienna and 404 West Alpine in downtown.

I encourage you to read the Austin Business Journal article to find out more about Wes Peoples and who the man is behind the builder. You can find it at Austin Business Journal/Wes Peoples Article.

111 Bisset Court is also a great way to see the quality workmanship, elaborate details and high-function design of Wes Peoples Homes. 111 Bisset Court is a 3437 square foot, one-story, four bedroom and three bathroom home situated on the 1800-acre community of Bluffs at Rough Hollow with oversized lots, stone exteriors, tile roofs and glass & wrought iron front doors.

Other home amenities include:

  • Bosch microwave & dishwasher
  • Wolf gas cooktop/oven
  • Rinnai tankless water heaters
  • Blown-in cellulose wall and attic insulation (100% post-consumer material)
  • Energy efficient Low E3 vinyl windows with bronze exterior frames to match façade and clay interior frames to accent interior finishes
  • Upgraded granite & Silestone countertops throughout
  • Upgraded all-wood custom cabinetry
  • Hand-trowel drywall finish on all interior walls (excluding garages) and orange peel finish on all interior ceilings (excluding garages)
  • 3Ž4” (nominal) 3-coat stucco system with sand-finish texture
  • 50 year tile roof systems (barrel & flat tile)

If you or someone you know is interested in 111 Bisset Court or in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or at austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Lake Travis Fire Rescue

ML new 7Mary Lynne Gibbs is pleased to announce that she has been appointed the Co-Chair for the Lake Travis Fire Rescue Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC), which has been established by the Travis County Emergency Services District No. 6 (TCESD No. 6) Board of Commissioners. The role of the CAC is to advise the Board of Commissioners on policy and administrative decisions that guide the operations of Lake Travis Fire Rescue (LTFR). The CAC serves as a link between the TCESD No. 6 Board and the public at large.

LTFR has five fire stations serving an area encompassing over 104 square miles west of Austin, including Bee Cave, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, River Place (until it is annexed in 2017), Hamilton Pool Road, Hwy. 71 West up until Bee Creek Road, The Hills and Lake Travis.

LTFR’s mission is to minimize loss of life and property through emergency response, prevention and community involvement. This essential public service has grown in the Lake Travis area since the early 1960’s after Mansfield Dam was built, which created the Highland Lakes chain, including Lake Travis.

The vision of LTFR is to be recognized by those they serve as exceptional and innovative. They succeed in this endeavor by putting into practice their commitment to Professionalism, Leadership, Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Safety.

According to Fire Chief Robert Abbott, LTFR attempts to seek continued improvement in their services. They never stop looking for ways to improve. Additionally, LTFR continues to pursue innovative ways to serve the community’s public safety needs.

LTFR is funded through ad valorem taxes, sales tax, building inspections, plan reviews and permitting. Moreover, LTFR Community Foundation, which is in its second year, has been created to provide community awareness, funding and resources for Lake Travis Fire Rescue, necessary to maintain the highest level of service possible, safeguarding life, property and the environment. The Foundation will have its first big fundraiser in October 2014.

Mary Lynne is thrilled to be an integral part of such a top-notch program. She is excited to serve her community in this capacity and is honored to have been chosen for this appointment.

Of course, if you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling real estate in the Austin area, please contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2304 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

 

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21828 Briarcliff Drive

Briarcliff.lakeviewYou don’t want to miss this extraordinary home at 21828 Briarcliff Drive because it offers a slice of heaven sitting atop a hill on the Lake Travis waterfront. This Spicewood, Texas lake retreat is currently listed for $1,450,000 and provides a variety of amenities for its new owner.

The clean lines, commanding details and extraordinary floor plan of this 3929 square foot home that was the design of architect, MJ Neal, attribute to the grand stature of this rare property on one of the deepest channels of Lake Travis.

Briarcliff.backWith four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, an office, formal living and dining room, remarkable views can be had from almost anywhere in this home…even the hallways and the massive iron and wood staircase have a view of the lake!!! In fact, each room and outdoor living area has been strategically placed for the ultimate view of Lake Travis.

Unique details include Maplewood and travertine tile that cover the floors of 21828 Briarcliff Drive and several vaulted ceilings capped with tongue and groove wood. Furthermore, many of the rooms have built-in desks, bookshelves and cabinetry to house a plethora of items.

Briarcliff.arialfrontAnother highlight of the location of this lake property is that it sits on .955 of an acre due to how far the land reaches towards the lake and Briarcliff Marina is right around the corner. However, a marina is not necessary for the owners of 21828 Briarcliff Drive since it has its own private boat dock with boat lift on the property.

Surprisingly, four fireplaces can be found in 21828 Briarcliff Drive! One of them separates the formal living and dining room on the first floor.   These two rooms are open to each other, as well as the kitchen and are situated with a wall of windows overlooking an outdoor entertaining area complete with another fireplace, outdoor kitchen, infinity pool, hot tub and living space. This home boasts approximately 2500 square feet of outdoor patio space. It’s absolutely incredible and an entertainer’s dream!

The kitchen is perfect for the most professional gourmet and is impressively put together with its travertine tile, granite countertops, Thermador appliances, sub-zero refrigerator, and miles of counter space. The extra-large island allows for more cabinetry, work space and seating, along with a comfortable spot to take in the Texas Hill Country views.

The third and fourth fireplaces can be found in the second-level master bedroom and bathroom, which again are both equipped with built-in cabinets for all of your clothes, personal items and necessities. The bathroom has an enormous walk-in shower, a jetted tub and a gorgeous double vanity.

Briarcliff.backoverviewAn office and another bedroom are located on the second level along with the master and each has fabulous views of the lake. The office is fitted with its own desk and bookshelves that are the envy of any executive. The work space is situated in front of windows for a picturesque outdoor scene.

Discover the two other bedrooms on the first level of 21828 Briarcliff Drive and find one of them having its own private entrance which lends well to those weekend guests during the summer season.

Briarcliff.boatdockIn addition to the homes many features, elementary school-aged children in this area are slated to attend the newest Lake Travis Elementary School #6 that is located in West Cypress Hills. Moreover, the Lake Travis Middle School will be moving to its new campus behind the Rough Hollow subdivision.

If you are interested in a private showing of 21828 Briarcliff or have other real estate interests, please contact Mary Lynn Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.

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Water Conservation

Even with the wet Memorial Day weekend we have had (some reports say Lake Travis is up a foot), Central Texas continues to experience dangerous drought conditions for the seventh year in a row.

According to the LCRA; Lakes Travis and Buchanan, which provide drinking water to more than a million people, and water to industries, businesses and the environment throughout the lower Colorado River basin, are currently only at 36 percent of capacity.

Clearly, water conservation is at a critical stage.

Therefore, the city of Lakeway has issued a moratorium on new swimming pool permits effective immediately.

A KVUE.com article quoted Devin Monk, Lakeway’s communication coordinator as saying that the city will review incoming permits on a case by case basis, but that the city is asking everyone to hold off on putting in a pool and consider the impact pools have on the water supply.

The article continued on to say that even though Lakeway doesn’t require permits for above ground pools, permission is necessary to fill them.

Pool permits will not be issued until the water supply returns to normal. Violators of this order could incur fines of up to $2,000 per day per infraction.

In addition to the pool permit moratorium, the West Travis County Public Utility Agency Board of Directors, meeting in Bee Cave on May 15, unanimously passed a 20 percent drought surcharge for both wholesale and retail customers across all rate classes effective July 2014.

In the BeeCaveBee, WTCPUA rate consultant Nelisa Heddin was quoted, “Residents have control over the net impact to them [of the surcharge] because they have control over their consumption.”

The report also stated that the surcharge affects only the volumetric rate—the portion of a residential bill that is based on consumption—and not the minimum rate.

Additionally, the Central Texas Water Coalition which was developed by the LCRA in May of 2010 to advocate and preserve the Highland Lakes role as an irreplaceable water source has expressed that the Lower Colorado River basin lacks the historical average of inflows and does not have adequate reserves to support the area during this continued drought.

Education and conservation are key to protecting our water resources.

According to the CTWC, water levels also have grave economic and fiscal impact. When Lake Travis water levels are below 660 feet, visitations decline and businesses diminish. Local government is affected as well with decreasing revenues from sales tax, hotel tax and alcohol sales.

With all of these added worries and restrictions, we thought it would be useful to provide the water conservation checklist found on the www.austintexas.gov that will help us preserve the water we do have and keep waste to a bare minimum.

INDOORS

  • Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If it appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs repair.
  • Replace older toilets with WaterSense® labeled high-efficiency models that use only 1.28 gallons per flush or consider installing a dual flush model that can use even less.
  • Take shorter showers—try for less than 5 minutes. If you take a bath, fill the tub half full.
  • Install water-saving aerators on your bathroom faucets and water-saving showerheads that use 2.5 gallons per minute or less.
  • Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, lathering in the shower, and shampooing or conditioning your hair.
  • Fix leaky or dripping faucets promptly. Plumbing leaks account for approximately 14 percent of water consumed in the home.
  • Run your dishwasher and clothes washer with only full loads. Scrape food from plates instead of rinsing them before washing.
  • Chill drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet to cool water.
  • Replace your clothes washer with a qualifying water-saving model.

OUTDOORS

  • Choose drought-tolerant plants when landscaping, and group plants with similar water needs together (hydrozoning). Add compost or mulch around trees and plants.
  • Thoroughly check your irrigation system each spring when you first turn it on and repair any leaks as soon as possible. Schedule a free irrigation system evaluation if needed.
  • Clean your driveway or sidewalk with a broom, not a hose.
  • Water your lawn only on your assigned day and adjust sprinklers so that only your lawn is being watered.
  • Install a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system to capture rainwater from your roof for use on your landscape.

If you or someone you know is interested in real estate, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Lynne Gibbs at 512.431.2403 or austinluxurybroker@gmail.com. It would be an honor to earn your business.