During the workshop we had a review of ‘Sustainability’ as requested by Councilman Vaughan. Apparently this created some

angst as Councilman Gorena briefly mentioned “Agenda 21″. I had to look this up. It’s a document that the United Nations created and that the last three presidential administrations have signed off on as goals to strive for. Google it if you’ve got some life to waste.

Whether you agree with the UN or not, stating that one is against using fewer fossil fuels, development that protects the environment and is easily recyclable or some of the other measures discussed by the UN seems like saying “That guy I don’t like says we should eat BBQ. That’s it, I’m not eating BBQ anymore”. I could give a flying fig what the UN is suggesting. Our Congress can’t agree on anything but stagnation, you really think they’ll approve a ‘one world government’ UN agenda? Apparently the conspiracy theorists have much more faith in our divided Congress than I do.

Now, if we can create policies locally that spur local development, reduce our expenses and creates a better quality of life, as long as it works for Lewisville I’m on board. Unless it’s George Lucas suggesting another edit of the original Star Wars. I think we can all agree that enough is enough on that one.

I’m sure we will pursue a few projects as a result of the sustainability conversation. I’d like to see the City allow residential wind turbines, perhaps update our ordinances to make sure folks can raise backyard chickens for personal use, review our recycling program to make sure the landfill and its revenues don’t dry up too soon, as well as look at our development standards to encourage sustainable building and energy efficiency, especially when there is a sound return on investment for residents.

Economic Development

Council approved a waiver of development fees in an estimated amount of $425,000 for a new 70 townhouse development on 6.1 acres on Kealy, across from CCA. This will be a great project that will help boost traffic in Old Town.

Protecting our Concrete

We also folded the MCL Grand into our skateboarding prohibited ordinance. This allows the police to ticket anyone using our new courtyard to ‘grind out some gnarly goofy foot ollies’. Apparently that’s what the hip kids are saying now. That language may or may not be in the real ordinance, you’ll have to check.