News

Granite Shoals Postal Unit Saved For Now; Mayor Reilly Thanks Citizens and Congressman Mike Conaway (June 23, 2006)

The U.S. Postal Service has reversed its decision to terminate its postal unit services to Granite Shoals residents. The postal service had issued a 30-day notice of its intent to close the facility effective on July 5, leaving shocked Granite Shoals area residents to have to find alternatives for their mail. After receiving the unexpected notice on June 5, residents of the area began signing petitions circulated by the city and local businesses to save the post office. Hundreds of petitions were received and forwarded to federal officials.

“Congressman Mike Conaway and his staff quickly stepped up to the plate and helped us save the postal unit,” Granite Shoals Frank Reilly said. The city and the residents not only contacted postal officials, but also their elected officials, by the petitions, letters and phone calls. Reilly noted that “the efforts of our citizens who collected signatures and called to save the postal unit and Congressman Conaway’s intervention got the attention of the postal service. Our business community, led by Granite Shoals Chamber of Commerce president Bill Pipkin at Texas Country Bank also deserves a heaping of credit for their leadership.”

The postal service has stated in correspondence to Congressman Conaway that they hope to award a contract to an operator by July 6, but that the existing unit will be maintained until they make the determination. The service has stated that the new contract will require a 120-day written notice before the contract could be cancelled. Two contract proposals have been sent out, one to Wanda Walker, the current operator, and the other to Texas Country Bank in Granite Shoals.

“Now that the short term crisis has been solved, we will now continue our efforts to obtain a new full-service post office and zip code for Granite Shoals,” Mayor Reilly said. “I’m asking people to keep collecting the petitions, because they also ask for the new post office and zip code.” he stated.

Granite Shoals Postal Facility At Risk! (June 5, 2006)

The Marble Falls postmaster has informed us that the Granite Shoals Contract Postal Unit will close effective July 6, 2006. A letter was delivered to box holders on June 5. The decision was made by the U.S. Postal Service regional office, not the Marble Falls postmaster.

Granite Shoals Mayor Frank Reilly is taking the lead to save the facility at some location within the city, and to work toward obtaining a future permanent full service site and separate zip code for Granite Shoals.

Reilly stated, "First, we need to ensure that the postal service maintains a facility somewhere in our city so that box holders do not have to drive to Kingsland or Marble Falls to get their mail. I recently rented a box, and can understand the hassles and inconveniences associated with sending out change of address notices. Second, we need to encourage the postal service and our federal elected officials to help us with obtaining a zip code and our own permanent post office."

We have the chance to do these things if we work together.

Attached is a petition, please print it out, sign and return the petition by mail, fax or hand delivery to :

Mayor Frank Reilly

City of Granite Shoals

410 North Phillips Ranch Road

Granite Shoals, TX 78654

Fax: 598-6538

You can also just send a letter to the mayor expressing your support for a Granite Shoals postal facility, a separate Granite Shoals zip code, or both.

The mayor will collect the petitions and letters and forward them to the appropriate authorities at the U.S. Postal Service, Congressman Mike Conaway, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Senator John Cornyn.

Click here to link to the petition.

Click here to read the notice from the postmaster.

Current G.S. Contract Postal Facility

Judge Denies Beaver Island and Web Isle's request to block city from re-annexing

On May 24, 2006, State District Judge Gil Jones denied a temporary restraining order request from the Beaver Island and Web Island residents who sought to prevent the re-annexation of their subdivisions by the City of Granite Shoals. The city council has re-annexed those subdivisions, and other issues in the lawsuit filed by the subdivision residents remain pending before the court.

Crowd Attends Crockett Park Re-Dedication

Over 100 Granite Shoals residents attended the re-dedication of Crockett Park on May 20, 2006. The park was named after Henry Crockett, a gentleman who resided near the park, who along with his family helped maintain and improve the park over the years. Mayor Frank Reilly, Mayor Pro Tem Shirley King and Parks Committee Chair Jackie English handed out certificates of recognition to over 90 people and businesses who contributed to the recent rehabilitation and improvement to the park. The LCRA gave the city a grant to help spearhead the project, and in-kind contributions from the city, residents and community members resulted in a new playscape, new fishing docks, new trees and shrubs, new paved parking areas and new restrooms.

City Breaks Ground on New Water Plant

Granite Shoals City Council Members and the Mayor broke ground on a new $6.8 million water plant on May 4, 2006, which is expected to meet water needs and drinking water regulations for the next 30 years.

Photo courtesy Lyn Odom and the River Cities Tribune

City Council Unanimously Adopts New Ethics Ordinance

On May 4, 2006, the Granite Shoals City Council adopted a new code of ethics for city officials, including board and commission members. The code, which will be provided to all persons subject to it, will provide standards for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure ethical practices. Granite Shoals Mayor Frank Reilly stated "we want to ensure the highest levels of integrity within our city government, and this new ordinance not only gives us the tools to make sure we do so, it also sends a positive message that our city council supports ethics and fair practices in our city."

Beaver Island and Web Isle lakeside subdivision residents file suit against the City of Granite Shoals

On March 16, 2006, some residents of the Beaver Island and Web Isle lakeside subdivisions filed suit against the City of Granite Shoals attempting to void prior annexations, seeking a refund of property taxes, and attempting to overturn the new city charter adopted by Granite Shoals voters by a 2-1 vote last November. For Mayor Frank Reilly's commentary on the lawsuit, click here.

Wildflowers Beginning to Bloom in G.S. and the Texas Hill Country

Beginning in late March, through April, the Bluebonnets grace the landscape in Granite Shoals and the Hill Country. People from around the country flock to the Highland Lakes and the rest of the Texas Hill Country to travel through the "Bluebonnet Trail." Other flowers, such as Black Eyed Susans, Indian Paintbrushes and Mexican Blankets (Firewheels) continue to adorn the hills throughout the summer.

Beautification Committee and Board of Adjustment Created

The Granite Shoals City Council has created a new Beautification Committee to provide recommendations, leadership and engage in projects to further beautify the City of Granite Shoals. The city still has room for additional volunteers for this important committee. Contact Ronda Reichle, the Granite Shoals City Secretary (598-2424, ext. 101) for more information.

The City Council also created a new Board of Adjustment in accordance with the city's new charter. The board of adjustment has been meeting in joint workshops with the city's Planning and Zoning Commission for orientation sessions to discuss the roles of both entities. The board of adjustment will hear appeals of decisions by city staff and requests for variances to the city's zoning ordinance.

Granite Shoals City Council Unanimously Votes to Approve New Water Plant Construction

At its regular monthly meeting in March, 2006, the Granite Shoals City Council unanimously voted to approve commencing construction of a new water treatment plant. The plant will provide water treatment capabilities for the next few decades, along with the capacity to expand even more if demand increases. The plant will be a Pall Membrane treatment plant, which will provide excellent filtration and purification of the water, allowing for less use of chemicals. This will keep Granite Shoals in compliance with the strict environmental regulations of the U.S. EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ"). The city's current water treatment system already enjoys the top rating of "Superior Water Quality" from TCEQ, and the new plant will allow the city to maintain that accreditation.

LCRA Provides Granite Shoals with a Grant for Community Center Improvements

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is providing Granite Shoals with a grant, which along with matching funds and in-kind donations, will provide over $90,000 in improvements to the Granite Shoals Community Center, located on Phillips Ranch Road. The grant will spruce up the community center with a new roof, air conditioning, and interior improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Shirley King lead the city's effort to secure the grant and in-kind contributions.

Crockett Park Improvements Nearly Complete

The improvements to Crockett Park, including new fishing docks, restrooms, playground equipment, parking area, picnic tables, and a hiking trail are nearly complete. Watch this site for news of the dedication ceremony to take place on May 20, 2006. Mayor Pro Tem Shirley King, along with the rest of the City's Parks Committee have done a marvelous job in making this park project so successful.

Granite Shoals Names First City Manager

The Granite Shoals city council named its first ever city manager on February 7, 2006, unanimously hiring John W. Gayle as its interim city manager. Mr. Gayle has decades of experience in city management, having retired in the fall of 2005 from the City of Synder as its city manager. Mr. Gayle will serve until the city council names a permanent city manager.

Texas Department of Transportation Adds New Signage in Granite Shoals

The Texas Department of Transportation installed new city limit signs in Granite Shoals, reflecting the official updated population figure of 5,025 residents. New signs at R.M. 1431 and Phillips Ranch road point drivers toward the city offices located on Phillips Ranch Road. The City is continuing to work with TexDoT to secure additional signage to help drivers within the city on R.M. 1431.

Water Line Improvements

Crews are finishing up work on the water line replacements and installation of fire plugs funded by a grant from the Texas Office of Rural and Community Affairs in the area west of North Phillips Ranch Road behind City Hall. An additional grant will improve water lines and add fire plugs in the Sunset Woods area, and construction will begin soon. In addition, the city is continuing its roll out of city funded water line replacements and new fire plugs throughout the community.