Wimberley City Council Elections

Q: The plan to have the city’s effluent treated by Aqua Texas is well underway, but there are still steps to be taken before it is finalized. It appears there may be a possibility for the city council to reverse course and revert back to the city-owned treatment plan. If elected, how will you try and handle the sewer system and why do you believe that is the correct and feasible option?

Minnick: The City Council needs to make decisions based on verifiable, well-researched facts. The lack of open communication with this council makes it impossible for citizens – or candidates – to know definitively what course of action CAN be taken on the city sewer. The city must honor its promises to business owners who made decisions based on their timelines. Every effort must be made to avoid further delays. I have always favored a city plan because the size of the plant will serve to manage growth and development. The city system represents a discrete asset that will ultimately save users and the city money. Ensuring no discharge ever with the city plan can – and should - be easily accomplished by altering some aspects of the plan. The Aqua Texas option cannot be altered to provide water to the park, it requires boring under the creek (causing disruption in the park and potential risk) plus the city will be subject to cost increases as levels of usage rise. Aqua Texas’s environmental track record is also controversial. Long term, the city plan.

Much misinformation has been spread about the city plan that needs to be addressed.

Q: Besides the sewer system, what are your main priorities if elected?

Minnick: My priorities include instituting more effective communication channels between council and all stakeholders by creating more opportunities for genuine conversations. At the very least, I would propose regularly held workshops on topics of special concern. A priority would also be strengthening the city’s partnership with local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Sales tax exclusively funds our town and we must provide support to businesses for our own good. Parking is nearing crisis levels on the weekends and holidays in our town square. I propose forming a task force to explore options. Concrete plans to solve safety issues associated with pedestrians and sidewalks both downtown and bordering our schools need to be developed and grant funding needs to be seriously explored. Our roads have been an issue for years and action must be taken on this as well.

Q: Do you foresee a need or an appropriate situation for the city of Wimberley to have a property tax above zero percent? Would you support a property tax?

Minnick: No council member can ever promise that a proeprty tax on the books, if required, will stay at 0 percent. We can’t control who will be on council, who will vote for/against the tax or what the financial pressures will be. That said, I would not support a tax above 0 percent to pay for an Aqua Texas plan – especially if there is no citizen input to initiate such a plan. If a property tax for roads or other city improvements garners widespread support, it should be subject to citizen input in the form of a vote.

Q: For a number of years, local politics have become rather divisive in Wimberley with the discord creating apparent issues for the city and council. How will you try and heal that division and can you work with those on the other side of a political issue to strike a compromise?

Minnick: As a community, we can start by coming together and remembering that we have common values: Our unique environment, our community spirit and our commitments to each other. I see four elements of healing our community. First is through open and frequent communication. Second, we must actively listen to all citizens – and each other as council members - respectfully. Third, we must be honest and we must deal in facts. And fourth is inclusiveness. We need to involve a larger number of citizens on committees and commissions, and avoid asking citizens to serve on multiple groups. There are enough capable and creative individuals in Wimberley to draw from to make this happen. I will work toward consensus, not just compromise. I strongly believe our council must set an example of decorum and take responsibility for rebuilding trust in our town.

Q: The city recently deannexed two properties in Wimberley totaling more than 100 acres. How do you view the issue of deannexation for the city?

Minnick: I feel strongly that our boundaries must remain intact. As a General Law city, we have no authority to annex property unless a property owner specifically requests it. Once a property is disannexed, it’s gone forever. Disannexation forfeits incorporation and zoning, our strongest tools to manage growth, protect our environment and retain our character. City processes to achieve this include comprehensive reviews of potential development by the City Staff, our Planning & Zoning Commission and the Council. Public hearings are required where citizens and neighbors can provide input. County requirements require NO such public review. This could have a devastating effect on our charming town and our city finances. A dangerous precedent has been set and, if elected, I will NOT vote for any further disannexation.