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JOHNSON CITY LIBRARY: "Friends of the Library"

My "old-timers" must be getting worse. Having driven by the new Johnson City Library countless times on the way to the ranch, I had assumed that the mortgage for the Johnson City Library was completely paid. Where and when I obtained that assumption I’m not sure. Apparently the "old-timers" must have been working over-time. Personally, it is kind of bothersome since I have been using the library more of late (the computer room), and that I belong to the Civil War Forum that meets at the library once a month.

Then about a month ago I started noticing a sign, (one of those payoff signs that looks like a huge thermometer) that indicates how much money the library needs to be debt free, which amounts to about $500,000 at this time. I actually thought it was an old sign that needed to be removed since according to my "old-timers" the library was paid for. Once noticed...never forgotten. Therefore, every time I passed by on my way to the ranch I would look at the sign and wonder why it hadn’t been removed.

Finally, I stopped by the library to inquire why the sign was still up. The good folks at the library told me that the sign was correct and about $500,000 was stilled owed on the principle. In addition, I learned that there was a program in effect called "Friends of the Library" that was dedicated to paying off the principle. Brochures are available at the library that explain the "Friends of the Library" program. Two notable parts of the program are that every penny collected from the "Friends" program will go towards paying off the principle owed on the library. Furthermore, there are varied membership contribution amounts and categories, e.g., a family membership is just $25. There are higher membership amounts and lower amounts. Of course, the "Friends" will accept any donations, no matter how small.

The Johnson City Library is an entity for which we all should be proud. It is and has always has been a valuable contributor to our community. Recently, I attended one of the board meetings and came away impressed with the future goals of the JC Board of Trustees. These are forward thinking folks who are dedicated to the library, and therefore to the community. Who, by the way, are volunteers.

I recommend that if you haven’t been to the library, check it out. I think you will find something of interest for every member of the family. For information concerning upcoming events go to the library’s web site (www.jclibrarysite.org).

Sincerely, Joe Summy

Five years ago, I was privileged to represent Warren Vilmaire and Susan Kirchman in the purchase of a property across from the Blanco County Courthouse on Nugent Street. The property Warren and Susan purchased was in ill repair. They have since transformed the property into something the town can be proud of – an attractive building with commercial space and an attached living area. Shortly after their purchase, they opened Kirchman Gallery. It has been a positive addition to Johnson City’s business community. Not only have Warren and Susan contributed to commercial activity in here, they have been actively involved in community service. They have been active members of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce where Warren served as President in 2008. Warren has also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Johnson City – a thankless but vitally important position. Warren has also been an active member of the Johnson City Lion’s Club. The main thing I’m trying to point out is that Warren and Susan are upstanding citizens and a great addition to our community.

Two years ago, my company was again privileged to represent Warren and Susan in the purchase of another run-down building on Main Street. Since that purchase, they have completely remodeled the building and opened a second business – selling fine art and jewelry at their new location. The nation-wide downturn in the economy has caused many businesses to consider other options for turning a profit. Warren and Susan are no exceptions. They decided that since Johnson City sits astraddle the Texas Wine Trail, it would make sense to include a wine tasting room in their business on Main Street. That business venture would serve two purposes: First, it would be another reason for travelers to stop in town. Second, it may help keep customers in their store longer, resulting in more sales. Therefore, they filed the appropriate applications with TABC. TABC determined that their place of business met all the requirements established by the Texas Legislature for a beer and wine permit. They were outside the established distance limits from schools and churches and in compliance with City of Johnson City ordinances. However, one neighbor filed a protest. That protest mandated Judge Guthrie, the county judge, to hold a public hearing before ruling on the case. The only complaint the neighbor put forward during the hearing was that she feared people would park in front of her house. During the public comment section of the hearing, several members of the First Baptist Church came forward offering concerns about the proximity of Kirchman Gallery to their church parking lot and side door. The general tenor of most of the complaints was that they didn’t want their parking lot used by patrons of Kirchman Gallery and they feared the proximity of a wine tasting establishment would be a negative influence on their youth. Some concern was offered about the business being located in a school zone and therefore their patrons would represent a danger to the youth of Johnson City.

In my opinion, I witnessed a travesty yesterday in Judge Guthrie’s decision to deny the permit to Warren and Susan. Here’s why:

1.One serious problem we have here in Johnson City is a lack of business activity. As the chairman of the newly formed Blanco County Economic Development Corp., I can tell you that this is our main focus. There are currently about 30 empty commercial buildings in town and many of the businesses which do occupy buildings are struggling. Susan and Warren have purchased two run-down, empty buildings and transformed them into something worthy of pride. They have proven themselves to be productive, positive additions to this community.

2.Warren and Susan’s application complied with every rule and ordinance of the City of Johnson City, Blanco County and TABC.

3. I understand and even agree with some of the points made by the members of the Baptist Church. However, there is a wine tasting establishment directly across the street from Kirchman Gallery and the church. The Silver K restaurant is directly across the street from the Baptist Church and they hold a beer and wine permit. Kirchman Gallery was not attempting to open a wild, rowdy, noisy bar – something that would be a nuisance to neighbors and to the Baptist Church.

4. Kirchman Gallery is located on Main Street, slightly more than a block from the downtown square. The entire 281/190 corridor in Johnson City carries a commercial zoning designation by the City of Johnson City. I don’t know how Judge Guthrie can logically deny a beer/wine permit to anyone whose property is located within a commercially zoned area if they are outside the distance limits established by the legislature unless he considers it a nuisance, something that would disturb peace and tranquility.

5.Warren and Susan are the kind of people Johnson City should welcome – willing to move here and make a positive contribution to this town and county. If this is the kind of treatment we give to folks who are simply trying to make their businesses successful, this town will continue on a downward slide and even more unoccupied, deteriorating buildings will be created. Don’t think for a minute that news of this decision won’t have an effect on others considering moving here to establish business opportunities.

6.After the ruling, Judge Guthrie didn’t even offer an explanation for his denial of the application. I think one is owed to Warren, Susan and the people of Blanco County and Johnson City.

Sincerely, Joe Stewart, Broker