Special election called to fill vacant council seat, temporary signs allowed through Oct. 31

Businesses in Bee Cave will be able to continue displaying temporary signs through Oct. 31 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take a hit on businesses across the country.

In a financial update, city officials said that while sales tax revenue was down about 25% in April, after the state allowed businesses and restaurants to open in a limited capacity, the May revenue was down by just 9%.

To help businesses inform customers of closures and changes in operating hours and procedures during the coronavirus pandemic, the city of Bee Cave relaxed its sign rules in March, allowing temporary signs.

In June, the council allowed the display of temporary signs through July 12, but small business owners requested an extension as the pandemic continues to curtail sales and as many navigate how to communicate with customers amid shifting protocols.

Lindsey Oskoui, Planning and Development director for the city, said to stay in line with the city's comprehensive plan the city will emphasize the use of the signs to be for wayfinding purposes rather than advertising. She said this helps to support local businesses during the pandemic and can help recruit potential customers. The order for temporary signs is limited to only retail and service businesses, such as restaurants.

"I am in complete support of this," said Council Member Andrea Willott. "Our businesses need all the help they can get."

Filling a vacancy

The council also called for a special election Nov. 3 to fill the council seat previously occupied by Bill Goodwin. Goodwin was removed from his council seat in June following an investigation that found him to have violated the city charter.

Goodwin has since filed a lawsuit against the city and council members requesting the court grant him temporary and permanent injunctions against the city so that he can continue to serve as a City Council member.

Bill Aleshire, the attorney representing Goodwin, told the View in an email that the move to call for a special election was premature. He said the case is pending before a federal judge. A state court hearing is planned for Aug. 11.

"There is no vacancy," Aleshire said. "Bill Goodwin won't be a candidate for a two-year term on the Bee Cave Council that he already won on May 14. No one elected at the Nov. 3 election will actually be elected because the council's action to declare Goodwin's position vacant will eventually be declared void by the court. Yet this mayor and council continue to waste Bee Cave taxpayer money on attorney fees and fake election expenses."

Applications to run in November must be filed by Aug. 20. The elected individual would serve through May 2022. Anyone interested in running should email City Secretary Kaylynn Holloway at kholloway@beecavetexas.gov.

Following a proclamation from Gov. Greg Abbott to expand early voting in an effort to spread out voting at polling places amid the coronavirus pandemic, early voting will begin on Oct. 13, rather than Oct. 19, and run through Oct. 30.

In other action, the council directed Mayor Kara King to sign an agreement with the county that indicates the city would like to receive coronavirus relief funding as a result of the economic downturn to the pandemic. The money could be used to fund coronavirus related expenses, such as communication technology related to the virus, city officials said.

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