Offload Hazardous Waste Saturday, Sept. 25

Williamson County is hosting a household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Dell Diamond Parking Lot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Dell Diamond is located on Highway 79 at 3400 East Palm Valley in Round Rock. this event is open to all Williamson County residents. The following chemicals can be accepted : Acids • Antifreeze • Batteries • Cell phones, telephones • Cleaning products such as polish, oven cleaner, drain opener, stain remover • TVs (must be working, no wooden consoles or large screen TVs) • Lawn and garden chemicals, herbicides and pesticides • Used motor oil and filters • Transmission and brake fluid • Household products labeled “caution,” “warning” or “poison” • Paint, lighter fluid, solvents and
varnish • Pool chemicals • Pesticide • E-Waste provided by Goodwill (computers, monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines, personal electronics). Click here for more information.

183A Changes Underway to Increase Safety in
Response to Block House Concerns

HNTB, the engineering contractor for the ongoing construction on 183A, and Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) met August 25th. During the meeting, a number of issues, many in direct response to BHCOA requests, were addressed.

Outcome of the meeting:
Under consideration is making this stretch of highway a construction zone with limited speed designations and appropriate ticketing by Williamson County Sheriff's Department.

A stretch of the barriers obstructing the view of northbound travelers have been moved to allow for improved visibility for residents wishing to turn left onto Scottsdale.

Additional signage on the roads, including signs with blinking lights, may be installed to help make motorists aware of the construction zone.

Under consideration is moving the line where traffic stops at the stop sign located between the north and south bound lanes of 183A to improve visibility of the oncoming traffic.

Appropriate measures will be considered in upcoming meetings to ensure the safety of all. Since BHCOA begin communicating directly with Long's office and HNTB, several improvements have been made to increase safety awareness on 183A, including a radar speed sign, increased enforcement, and meetings among decision-makers to consider additional options.

BHCOA extends special thanks to Commissioner Long's office for helping BHCOA make contact with the appropriate administrators, to HNTB, and to CTRMA.

Annual Fest Scheduled Cancelled This Year

As the Block House MUD board members struggled with the budget and proposed tax rates, difficult decisions were made. One of those decisions was to cancel this year's Fun Fest that would normally be held at the end of the summer. Discussions centered around the idea of hosting this even every other year instead of annually. The holiday event in December, with a visit from Santa, is still in the budget at this time. The board will formally adopt the tax rate at a meeting to be held Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker House in Tumlinson Park.

MUD Pleas to CTRMA Rebuffed

On June 23, the Block House MUD issued a resolution to the CTRMA requesting that the CTRMA commission an update of the 2001 Environmental Impact Statement and address the impact of noise for US 183A inlcuding the Scottsdale flyover by providing sound barriers or modifications to the roadway and flyover to reduce noice impacts on residents.

Many homes were built after the 2001 Impact Statement but prior to roadway construction. Additional improvements are scheduled for construction and because of their elevation, they will increase impacts of the roading on adjacent residential areas.

On August 3, the CTRMA declined to re-evaluate the 2001 Environmental Impact Study. Click here to see the complete letter. During the roadway construction, many community meetings were held with CTRMA. In response to neighborhood concerns, CTRMA voluntarily exceeded NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) requirements and constructed a subdivision wall. In addition, the CTRMA stated that the currect construction of below grade toll lanes should have a beneficial impact in terms of noise.

September MUD Meeting Sept. 14

Ordinarily, the regular monthly board meeting of the Block House MUD is set for the fourth Wednesday of each month. However, the September meeting will be held on Sept. 14 to comply with deadlines to announce the proposed tax rate. The meeting will still be at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker House in Tumlinson Park.

Please note that the November and December meetings will also be changed because of the holidays. Those meeting dates will be announced later in the year.

Deed Restriction Enforcement is Legal Process

You may be frustrated by a neighbor who is violating the deed restrictions. Or, you may be frustrated that you are the one who has received a violation letter.  Regardless of which side of the fence you are on, it is important to understand that deed restriction enforcement is a legal process.  Grace periods are built into the process to allow residents to either remedy or dispute the violation. These neighbors may be dealing with financial difficulties, family issues or insurance negotiations.  The Block House MUD and Pinnacle Texas Management, the company responsible fore deed restriction monitoring, try to be both understanding and firm.  The end result is hoped to be a neighborhood with a high quality of life and strong property values.

$200 Reward Offered For Information on Vandals

There has been a increase in in vandalism and graffiti-writing in the Block House MUD in the past few months. Cleaning graffiti or repairing damage from vandalism can cost the District thousands of dollars. To prevent future damage, the District is offering a $200 reward for information that leads to the apprehension of persons vandalizing (including graffiti) any district property or facility. Be aware that Williamson County Sheriff's deputies patrol throughout the Block House MUD. Certainly no parent wants to receive the call that their child may be involved in such activities. You may want to consider a family conversation around the dinner table about the costs to the entire community and to individuals when people show this kind of disrespect.

If you witness any kind of suspicious activity, please contact the Williamson County Sheriff's department at 911. If you have information regarding vandalsim in the Block House MUD, call 259-0959 or leave a message on the "Contact Us" section of this website. Your message will be sent directly to our district manager.

Twice A Week Watering Schedule Easy To Follow

In light of the long, hot summer we know is ahead of us, it only makdes sense to use our water resources wisely all year round. The City of Cedar Park (our water source) recommends watering twice a week. This schedule will be easy to follow and reduce the strain on our water service providers. While this irecommendation is voluntarily, you are asked to water only on your assigned days before 10:00 am or after 7:00 pm. Just find the last number of your street address in the first column, and then read across to find out your watering days.

Last # of Address Days to Water
0, 2, 4,6 or 8 Thursday and Sunday
1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 Wednesday and Saturday
All Commercial Customers Tuesday and Friday

Tree Replacement Guaranteed with
CIty of Leander Easement In Block House MUD

The City of Leander has begun construction of a new 24" gravity wastewater line that traverses along Block House Creek part of which is located on Block House M.U.D. property. The District and City of Leander negotiated an agreement for the easement and access needed for the installation of the new wastewater line. Part of the agreement addresses restoration and revegetation of the disturbed areas in which the City's contractor will replace 29 trees, soil, and grass upon completion of their work. Any trees lost in the construction will be replaced on a caliper-inch per caliper-inch basis by comparable hardwoods as described in the agreement.

The contractor has completed the clearing and grubbing of the easement, made the bore across Chardonnay Bridge, and will begin excavating next week for the installation of the pipe. No traffic delays are expected with this project that began in late May and is expected to conclude in July. The District will continue to monitor construction activities for compliance with the agreement.

Our Drinking Water Meets or Exceeds
All Federal (EPA) Drinking Water Requirements

Your drinking water is supplied to you through the distribution system as owned by Block House M.U.D. The District purchases all of its water from the City of Cedar Park, who obtains surface water from Lake Travis. The City of Cedar Park treats and filters the water from these sources according to federal and state standards, removing harmful contaminants. The TCEQ has completed a Source Water Susceptibility for all drinking water systems that own their sources. This report describes the susceptibility and types of constituents that may come into contact with drinking water sources based on human activities and natural conditions.

The analysis was made by using the data from the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required tests and is presented in the attached pages.  We hope this information helps you become more knowledgeable about what’s in your drinking water. 

New Board Member Joins Block House MUD

The Block House MIUD welcomes a new board member, Eric Mott. Eric has lived in the Block House MUD for five years with his wife, Nicole. Growing up in Fredericksburg, Texas, Eric played drums and percussion in high school. He moved on to master many other instruments including piano and is now an audio engineer and career musician. While Eric and Nicole don't have any children yet, Eric is passionate about public school band programs. He wants to make sure they receive all the support they need to be successful. Eric is proud to come from a distinguished military family; his father and grandfather were decorated officers. Eric's brother, Raymond, is serving in the 1st Cavalry at Ft. Hood. Eric is looking forward to meeting more neighbors and serving the district.

Incumbent board members Terence Davis and Debbie Junk were re-elected to the board.

Residents are always welcome to attend the Block House MUD monthly meetings and meet the board members. The meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December) at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker House in Tumlinson Park. Citizens can also sign up to speak to the board about items of concern in the district.

Update: Sound Blankets to Muffle Sound (Hopefully!)

Sound blankets to muffle sounds coming from the chillers at the Cedar Park Events Center were delivered to the Cedar Park Event Center late last week. It is expected that the blankets will be installed within the next few weeks. The sound blankets were approved by the Cedar Park City Council on March 25.

Even-Month Garage Sale Set for Saturday, October 14

Every other month, on the second Saturday, the Block House MUD promotes Community Garage Sale Day in the District. Signage will be placed throughout the neighborhood and ads are placed in both the Hill country News and the Austin Statesman. Each neighbor can host their own sale or maybe your block wants to go in together as a group. Potential customers can just cruise the area and find all sorts of treasures. So plan ahead to get change, save your bags and display your items.

Clean-up Day Will Separate Brush, Yard Waste

The large-item clean up day s, held on the third Satured of each month, will have separate compacting containers for brush and yard waste ONLY. If you bring any brush, it MUST be separated. The clean up event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jumano Park. By separating brush and yard waste and compacting it, we will use the available space more efficiently and preserve the opportunity to make mulch.

To discourage use of the service by non-residents, proof of residency (i.e., a CURRENT utility bill) is required. No commercial type refuse is allowed and the following items cannot be accepted: refrigerators unless they have been tagged as Freon-free by a certified CFC contractor, car batteries or tires, latex- or water-based paints.

Electronics Trash Not Good for the Environment

As you plow through your Spring cleaning projects, just remember that many electronic devices contain lead, mercury or other chemicals that can leak into the ground.  Even though Block House MUD residents have an opportunity to dispose of large items each month, there are more responsible ways to get rid of old TVs, computers and the batteries that power our gadgets. Goodwill locations will take computers, Radio Shack stores will accept used batteries and many major electronics stores have programs to take TV sets.  Contact the store before you go or visit this website for information: www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm#local

New Rules Set For Baseball and Soccer Field Reservations

Block House MUD residents can reserve the baseball or soccer fields for team play for up to tow hours of practice twice a week. Just turn in the Application to Reserve Recreational Facilities Other Than Pools along with the $10 per hour fee. Within the District, the form and fee can be dropped off with Mary Edwards at the Walker House or placed in the drop box near the kiosk across from the Walker House. Or you can mail or take it to Crossroads Utility Services at 2601 Forest Creek Drive in Round Rock. Please note that there are no carry-over reservation from previous season - all teams must make new reservations. Click here to see the rules regarding practice field use. For more information, contact Mary at medwards@crossroadsus.com or 259-0959.

Environmental Volunteer Opportunities with Block House MUD

Block House Municipal Utility District is currently offering volunteer opportunities for interested individuals. Opportunities include storm drain marking, volunteer monitoring, and the adopt-a-stream program. Each of these activities benefits the community and environment in many ways!

Storm drain marking consists of the placing of markers on storm water inlets throughout the area. These markers help raise public awareness of storm water pollution and reduce the amount of toxic discharges added to our storm sewer system.

Volunteer monitoring is an opportunity for you to do your part to ensure potential pollutants stay out of the storm sewer system.  Potential pollutants include grass or tree clippings, trash, construction debris, and hazardous waste. 

Lastly, the adopt-a-stream program gives you the opportunity to take ownership of a designated stretch of stream.  This program is very similar to the adopt-a-highway program but perhaps even more important.  Volunteers spend their time removing trash and debris from the channels and streams that carry drainage water back towards the ocean. 

Each of these opportunities has their own distinct impacts on the community.  Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a Boy or Girl Scout, or just someone looking to get involved; the opportunity is here. Click here to send a message about your willingness to make a difference.

Greenspaces NOT For Dumping, Creek Cleanup Project Underway

You may think that rocks and yard waste is okay to dump i n the greenbelt areas around the Block House MUD. You would be wrong. Currently, the Block House MUD is working on a project to clean up the creek and greenspaces. As you trim trees and shrubs this spring, please be aware that even yard yard waste is not allowed to be dumped. Not only is dumping trash on district property prohibited but is harmful to the wildlife in the greenbelt areas. Block House residents have regular trash pickup service to get rid of refuse. If you see any suspicious activity in any Block House MUD greenbelt areas, contact Williamson County Sheriff's Department by calling 911.

Cedar Park Library and Recreational Facilities
Open to Block House MUD Residents

The Block House MUD negotiated an agreement with the city of Cedar Park to provide fire protection to the Block House MUD. Section 7 of the agreement states that: "...all residents of the District will be entitled to use City library and park facilities, including parks and pool, and to participate in City recreational programs for the same rates and fees charged by the City to residents of the City."

Do You Know Your Water IQ?

Do you know the watering schedule for your home? Why is it a bad idea t owater in the middle of the day? Do you know why you should care about water? (Trick question: It comes from the Block House MUD who gets it from the City of Cedar Park.) You can take a quiz about these facts, find the answers to these questions along with water saving tips, and resources at www.wateriq.org.

Simple Courtesy is Key to Community Life

In our busy lives, we may not always think about how our actions affect others. If you're too tired to wheel in your trash can, surely no one else cares. If you pop fireworks late at night and leave the debris on the street, you're just blowing off steam, right? If your basketball goal encroaches into the street, at the least the kids are out of your hair. But the fact is that your neighbors' lives are hectic, too. And when your neighbor drives home and has to drive around your basketball goal or notices your trash can out (again) and the firework paper littering the street, it's just more irritation in their life.

While it can be difficult to teach your children the idea of consideration for the community, it would be a good topic of conversation around the dinner table. Here's one example you can offer. After a recent rain, kids riding their bikes on the bike track then scooted around at the pavilion andon the benches. Thick slabs of mud dried on all these surfaces. It cost the Block House MUD more than $400 to clean the mess and make the pavilion useable again.

Cedar Park Sign Ordinance Promotes
Neighborhood Pride in Block House

To preserve the integrity of our community and promote pride in our neighborhood, the Block House MUD uses the Cedar Park sign ordinance as a guide for monitoring signs in the area. You can find the ordinance by pasting this link in your browser: http://codes.franklinlegal.net/cedarpark%2Dflp/. The ordinance can also be found on the Cedar Park website at www.cedarparktx.us. Under Quick Links, click on Code of Ordinances, then on the Franklin Legal Publising link. then click on Chapter 13 Sign Regulations.

The goal of the sign ordinance is to promote a positive image of the city, protect an important aspect to the economic base and reduce the confusion and hazards that result from excessive and prolific use of sign displays.

In addition, the sign ordiance purposes to strengthen the economic stability of business, cultural, and residential areas in the city; recognizing that visual clutter leads to decline in the community’s appearance, in property values, and in the effectiveness of the signs.

Block House MUD Works to Keep District Looking Good

Maybe you've noticed that the right-of-way on Block House Drive and Creek Run is nicely landscaped, mowed and trimmed. Or maybe you've taken it for granted that the area always looks nice. The fact is the Block House MUD worked with Williamson County to create a license agreement that enables the MUD to maintain these areas for the enjoyment of Block House residents.

Deed Restriction Enforcement Company Offers Online Reporting

Has that unmowed yard across the street gotten on your last nerve? The Block House MUD has engaged Pinnacle Texas Management to monitor deed restriction violations in the area. By correcting problems in the neighborhood, we can anjoy a comfortable quality of life and maintain property values. Pinnacle Texas employees will drive through the neighborhood weekly , photograph violations and send out violation notices as appropriate. If you would like to report a situation that you believe violates the deed restrictions, you can send an e-mail to blockhouse@pinnacletexas.com. There is also a report form at www.pinnacletexas.com.

Block House Residents In-The-Know  – Sign up NOW!

Stay informed about issues that affect the Block House MUD by signing up to receive e-mail notices. Click on Citizens Communications on the left side of this page, and fill out the form.  Currently more than 300 residents are on the list. 

Movies in the Park is a Popular Family Event

The are no ushers and the schedule is unpublished but the 100 or so Block House MUD residents who have been to the Movies in the (Tumlinson) Park don't seem to mind. Volunteers run the operation and that's why the showings are sporadic but if you check the Block House MUD website or are on our e-mail update list, you'll be in the know when the next feature is scheduled. To be added to the update list, simply click on the Contact Us section of this website and enter your name and e-mail address. Not only will you be notified of the next movie showing but you'll also receive reminders for important events.

Park Improvement Project Process Outlined

Boy or Girl Scout troops, residents or other community groups who would like to volunteer to work on a park-related improvement project in the Block House MUD should submit a written plan or request to District Manager Gary Spoonts by e-mail at gspoonts@swwc.com. You may also present your plan to the Block House MUD board during the Citizens Communications portion of a regular board meeting (the fourth Wednesday of each month). A subcommittee of the Block House MUD board will review the plan and determine the feasibility of the project and contact you to coordinate. All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Statement and Agreement. Click here to the agreement. If you would like to volunteer but do not have a specific project in mind, the District subcommittee can recommend several projects already identified.

Disc Golf Scorecards Available Online

Head out to the new disc golf course at Comanche and Tumlinson Park. Scorecards and pencils are supplied in a mailbox near the start of the course but, with the popularity of the game, the stock may be depleted. Now, you can print scorecards from this website and be prepared. Click here to print your scorecard or check the documents section.

Report Streetlight Outages

Streetlights provide a measure of protction and security in the neighborhood. When a streetlight burns out, you can report it to the Block House MUD district manager by e-mail at medwards@crossroadsus.com. Please makecareful note of the location of the pole with the closest cross street. If the poles have identification numbers, make note of that as well. It can take up to four weeks for repairs to be implemented.

Texas Department of Public Safety Website Lists Offenders

The safety of all Block House MUD residents, especially our children, is of the highest importance to the board members. You may want to check out the Texas Department of Public Safety website at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/Sor/index.aspx

Comanche Park Space Dedicated for Wildflowers

As you drive into Block House Creek from Hwy183, the first thing you see is Comanche Park.  To make this view more majestic, the MUD has dedicated a marked space in this park for a wildflower field.

Last year, neighborhood Girl Scout, Elizabeth Junk, completed a community seed -planting project. If you look closely you will see a few flowers beginning to blossom there! As tempting as it is to pick the flowers, we ask that you refrain so that the seeds can fall to the ground naturally and reseed the field in future years.

In the beginning of this process, seeds need to be added annually to ensure a lush crop. Elizabeth has created a manual to explain how to plant the seeds so that other community groups can replenish seeds every year.  If your family or community group would like to spearhead a planting day, please contact Debbie Junk at junkdeb@mail.utexas.edu. To see what kinds of flowers could spring up in the park, visit http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed/texasoklahomamix.html.