Stories by Bill McCann
City moves toward removing tons of waste from East Austin tract
A two-acre, city-owned tract tucked into the Homewood Heights neighborhood in East Austin is by all outward appearances a friendly neighbor to the homes around it. The property is wooded and has its own natural spring. It is listed on…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Jan 28, 2010
Planning Commission OKs removal of gravel bar in Barton Springs Pool
The Planning Commission has unanimously endorsed city code changes that would allow the city to use a large crane to remove a growing gravel bar in Barton Springs Pool. At last week’s meeting, the Planning Commission joined the Environmental…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Dec 14, 2009
Roosters run afoul of proposed regulations on backyard barnyards
If the Planning Commission is in a fowl mood tonight, roosters could be another endangered bird in Austin. The commission is scheduled to consider a city code amendment that would prohibit residents from keeping roosters. Raising hens – as…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Dec 8, 2009
Critics pan city staff report on fluoride in Austin’s water supply
A city staff report supporting continued use of fluoride in Austin’s tap water to prevent tooth decay got some biting criticism from anti-fluoride activists and from members of the Environmental Board on Wednesday. Fluoride critics and some board members…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Dec 4, 2009
Council to consider approval of super-sized sewer
A super-sized sewer that will accommodate continued growth in and around downtown Austin for the next 50 years is on the City Council agenda for approval Thursday at nearly half the initial estimated cost. The Austin Water Utility is…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Nov 17, 2009
AWU seeks to double budget for low-flow toilet rebate program
Michael Ager lives in California but is one of Austin’s biggest cheerleaders when it comes to toilets. Ager has been busy convincing apartment owners to take advantage of Austin’s water-saving toilet program. A growing number have responded. Ager is project…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Nov 16, 2009
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Duncan outlines challenges facing Austin Energy
Austin Energy’s top official has issued a red alert on the financial and operational future of the city-owned utility. At a City Council work session on Wednesday, Austin Energy General Manager Roger Duncan pronounced the utility financially sound, but…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Nov 4, 2009
City, Hill Country Conservancy draft agreement for regional trail
City of Austin and Hill Country Conservancy staffs have negotiated a draft agreement needed to begin transforming the planned Walk for a Day regional trail from a long-held vision to the real thing. The trail, which has received widespread…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Oct 27, 2009
Slim Council majority backs staying the course on WTP4
As expected, by a thin 4-3 majority the Austin City Council voted Thursday to take a major step in constructing the controversial Water Treatment Plant 4 in Northwest Austin. But it was obvious from comments of the three dissenting…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Oct 23, 2009
Water/Wastewater panel backs excavation project for WTP4
Plans for Water Treatment Plant 4 took a step forward this week, in advance of a key vote by the Austin City Council next week on the controversial plant. The city’s Water and Wastewater Commission on Wednesday recommended that…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Oct 16, 2009
Environmental board makes poison ivy recommendations
South Austinite Daniel White is on a one-person crusade against poison ivy. He wants to wipe out the nuisance plant on any city lands where people may be exposed to it. But to the city’s environmental and parks staffs,…
Uncategorized • By Bill McCann • Oct 14, 2009
Duncan set to retire from Austin Energy next spring
Austin Energy General Manager Roger Duncan is dimming the lights on a storied career at the City of Austin. Duncan, widely regarded as the architect of Austin’s nationally known renewable and energy efficiency programs, announced today that he will retire…
