Little bits of big news
CR 132 construction alert
HUTTO – Travelers on CR 132 will need to plan for delays on Aug. 28. Construction crews will be installing a wastewater pipe along that route from Branson Boulevard to FM 3349.
This is the first phase of a capitalimprovement project to provide wastewater service to the Hutto Megasite.
The total cost of the project is $16.2 million.
The design was complete in April and a construction bid was awarded in June to JM Pipeline for $3,386,524.
The wastewater project is expected to be finished by June 2025.
Snyder pushes for records release
City Council took no action on an executivesession agenda item regarding the release of former staffers’ separation agreements after City Attorney Dorothy Palumbo recommended waiting until an appeals process was finished.
The records under consideration for release are related to the separation agreements for former executive staff members including an assistant city manager, an assistant to the city manager, a human resources director and a certified financial officer from 2021, according to Mayor Mike Snyder.
The agenda item was pushed by the mayor, who wants to end speculation about the events that included former City Manager Odis Jones, whose federal lawsuit against the city is under appeal, and executive staff employed by the city during Odis’ term.
Snyder has faced claims of bias and discrimination since he was elected, many stemming from interactions related to the former staffers’ departures.
Snyder argues releasing the records will exonerate him, since nobody made formal claims of inappropriate conduct when they were under oath.
Police Department wins awards for DWI enforcement
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has recognized several Hutto police officers for enforcing drivingwhile- intoxicated laws.
“This recognition emphasizes the department’s strategic focus on identifying and intercepting impaired drivers through rigorous enforcement and training,” said a statement from the city. “The partnership between MADD and the Hutto Police Department is a shared commitment to making our roads safer for everyone.”
Those recognized included Officer Sarah Halstrom, who received the Distinguished Enforcement Hero Award for leading the department in both stops and arrests during 2023.
Officers Alexia Casanova, Brandon Muniz, David Sandoval and Jeffrey Woolverton received Outstanding Service Awards for their contributions to educational, preventative and enforcement efforts, officials said.
Officers Brianna Finney and Kevin Krzan received Outstanding Rookie awards.
The Hutto Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association also was recognized, receiving the Community Partner Award. That honor highlights the association’s role in supporting the department in its DWI training initiatives, a spokesman said.
“We are working tirelessly to save lives, serve more victims and/or survivors and ultimately, put an end to impaired driving,” said MADD CEO Stacey Stewart.
A representative of the organization said 4,300 people under age 21 are killed every year in substance-abuse related auto mishaps, and 43.6 percent of fatally injured drivers tested positive for drugs.
