​​​​Timeline Details​

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Engineering Study, Nov 2021 - July 2023​​

In November 2021, the Seguin City Council unanimously approved a resolution to partner with MLNDA to        execute the engineering study for the repair and rehabilitation of Nolte Dam. MLNDA has fully funded the study. We received the results of the first phase of the study in late May 2022. The second phase of the study investigating the operations methodology was finished in July 2023. The studies compared two different options for spillgate replacement, the Obermeyer gates and modernized bear trap gates. GBRA prefers the Obermeyer gate solution. The information contained in the studies does not truly reflect all the work performed by MLNDA representatives, consultants and others to arrive at this point. The studies have produced significant cost savings and provided a path forward towards the ultimate goal of restoring Meadow Lake. The studies can be found here:

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MOU with GBRA, Dec 2021

In December 2021, GBRA Board of Directors authorized the development of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Meadow Lake Nolte Dam Association (MLNDA). Per GBRA, "The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Board of Directors authorized the negotiation and execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GBRA and the Meadow Lake Nolte Dam Association (MLNDA) on December 15, 2021. The purpose of the MOU is to indicate both parties intentions to continue discussions regarding the long-term sustainability of Meadow Lake. Continuing discussions may include additional engineering studies of Nolte Dam, the establishment of a Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) and the possible transfer of ownership." The entire MOU can be found here:

 

 

 

Loan Application to TWDB - April 2022

A Project Information Form (PIF) for initial application to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the Clean Water Revolving Fund was submitted and accepted by the TWDB for inclusion into Fiscal Year 2023’s Intended Use Plan. This will allow a WCID we set up to potentially obtain a low interest loan.

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Boundary Survey, March - June 2022

In March, we began the survey process with HMT Surveying to map the lakefront property boundaries. This was a step necessary for the formation of a WCID and was completed at the end of June.

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Zoom Webinar Update - June 2022

MLNDA President Jacy Robbins presented a comprehensive update on the progress of the Nolte Dam rehabilitation and answered questions. Please see the Meetings/Events tab to watch the full webinar.

 

Internal Vote to Create WCID - June 2022

MLNDA members voted online on whether to move forward with WCID Creation. The results were as follows: ​

Yes - I think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID: 161 votes (99.4%)

No - I do not think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID: 1 vote (0.6%) 

Yes - I think MLNDA should begin the steps to create the WCID wins with 99.4% of the vote. Votes tallied: 162

 

WCID District Creation through Petition - July 2022

We needed the notarized signatures​ of at least 50 property owners attached to the petition. We obtained 133 signatures and were able to file the petition with the County on July 17. 

 

WCID Creation Approved by Guadalupe County Commissioner's Court - August 2022

On August 16, 2022, we received approval for the creation of the Meadow Lake WCID #1. The temporary Meadow Lake WCID #1 Board of Directors had their first meeting at the GBRA annex building on August 19th at 2pm to call for the election. The Board voted 1) to NOT accept fees for being on the Board, and 2) that the WCID will rely on donations to fund expenses until a 2nd election to levy taxes. The WCID Board Agenda posting can be found here:

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WCID Proposition A Vote - Nov 2022

Propositions on the ballot:

• Proposition A: WCID Creation & Voting in of Permanent Board of Directors

Proposition A must be approved by voters to create the WCID. This was on the Nov 2022 election ballot for property owners (designated by the boundary survey) who are voters registered in Guadalupe County. Propositions B&C can be approved at a subsequent election. MLNDA recommended we wait on voting on propositions for the O&M tax and the WCID interest tax rate until the November 2023 election to allow financing investigations.  ​​

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GBRA Acceptance of Dam Rehab Solution & Contract Negotiations - 2023

Representatives from MLNDA, the Meadow Lake WCID, the proposed operator and the city of Seguin will meet with GBRA in 2023 to present the FNI engineering report. It would be beneficial for all parties to work together and by far will lead to quickest solution.

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WCID Pursues Financing Support  - up to 1 year
Options to investigate include:

• Local Government Revenues (TIRZs & Government Contributions)

• Loans/Grants

• Other Potential Sources

• Optional: Final Engineering (7 months). Contingent on finding a funding source for ~$600,000. Provides most accurate cost possible for Debt Election.

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DOE Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives Grant - Oct 2023

On behalf of MLNDA, GBRA produced and submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) in June 2023 to the Department of Energy (DOE) to apply for the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives Grant which could award up to $5M for the rehabilitation of Nolte Dam. The full application is due on October 6, 2023. MLNDA is working with GBRA to insure the full application is submitted.

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WCID Proposition A & B Vote - Nov 2023

Propositions on the ballot:

• Proposition A: O&M Tax

• Proposition B: Sinking & Interest Tax Rate (Debt)

The WCID will decide on the bond amount with feedback from financial advisors and Meadow Lake property owners.