By Eleni Himaras
reporter@ltview.com
The Bee Cave City Council approved a variation to the recently adopted Shops at the Galleria Comprehensive Sign Package and approved an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for intersection improvements at Hamilton Pool Road and Texas 71.

Daniel Myrick, vice president and general counsel for the developer, came to the council on behalf of an organic grocery store interested in leasing a large space at the Shops. The council had previously denied a request to allow additional signage for this particular tenant on the back of the building but conceded, this month, to allowing them two additional, smaller, monument signs.
“We think it does meet some middle ground — giving tenants signage they desire and keeping the look uniform,” Myrick said.
The variance would be contingent on a binding lease with a grocer and would only allow a grocery store to use the sign of the tenant ever vacated the spot. If it were taken over by any other type of business, the new monument signs would simply advertise the Shops at the Galleria.
In other action, the council approved a new funding agreement with TxDOT for improvements to the Hamilton Pool Road/Texas 71 intersection to reflect the latest estimate for construction.
In 2006, TxDOT estimated the cost of the project at $1.09 million but as of April 27, 2009, is now saying it will cost closer to $1.23 million.
“How come every time TxDOT is involved, it goes up 20 percent from the estimate?” Councilman Mike Murphy asked.
Despite the price hike, council was faced with approving the agreement or halting construction. With only Councilman Bill Goodwin voting against, they approved the agreement, which leaves $265,167 left uncommitted from the city’s $6 million bond package for the construction of Bee Cave Parkway.
The city also heard an update on the City Park, which is nearing completion and continued deliberations over updates to the 2009 Comprehensive Plan, which will be presented for final approval at their next meeting scheduled for May 26.