Stories by Charles Boisseau
Advisory committee reconsiders MBE/WBE sanctions
Not everyone is happy with the new rules the city adopted last year to clarify the sanctions imposed on prime contractors and consultants who fail to comply with the city’s minority- and women-owned business procurement ordinance. In a special-called…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Aug 3, 2009
City tries, once again, to stop zoning infractions on Parmer Lane
Most drivers probably pass the old metal building without a second glance. The gray structure at 3601 West Parmer Lane is occupied by a mix of` mom-and-pops — auto and motorcycle repair shops, a car stereo installation outfit, a…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jul 13, 2009
Environmentalists hand wish list to city hall
Mayor Lee Leffingwell told the crowd gathered at city hall Thursday that he hoped to make environmental issues the centerpiece of his administration and to build on the legacy of former Mayor Will Wynn. And the crowd was more than…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 29, 2009
Walk for a Day regional trail would extend 35 miles south of Barton Springs
A group of about 20 stakeholders gathered last week for the first public glimpse of an ambitious plan to build a 35-mile regional trail from Barton Springs south into Hays County. The volunteer steering committee was created in 2000…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 26, 2009
Council approves two tree protection measures
Austin City Council on Thursday unanimously approved two measures requiring more trees be planted or saved during development, but sent city staff back to develop a new plan to protect the city’s most mature trees. The actions put a…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 24, 2009
Council to consider proposal for enhanced protection of trees
The Austin City Council is getting ready to decide how Austin can better protect and cultivate one of the area’s most important natural resources — trees. City Environmental Officer Pat Murphy last week outlined several amendments to existing ordinances…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 17, 2009
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Firefighters threaten suit over naming of assistant chiefs
Austin firefighters are considering filing a suit over Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr’s appointment of more assistant fire chiefs than they say the law allows. On Thursday, City Council granted Chief Kerr’s request to appoint two more assistant chiefs,…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 15, 2009
EMS union may join police in foregoing 2010 pay raise
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services employees are considering joining Austin police officers in renegotiating a pay raise as the city grapples with the city’s projected budget shortfall in the coming year. EMS workers are operating under a three-year labor…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 12, 2009
Council delays selection of firm to develop waste plan
The Austin City Council postponed a vote Thursday on whether to approve a professional services contract designed to guide how the city manages its waste and recycling operations for at least the next generation. The contract is seen as…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 12, 2009
BOA postpones vote on controversial variances for rehab hospital
Developers on Monday won a delay on consideration of variances for a controversial 80-bed rehabilitation hospital at 38th and Jefferson streets after hinting that new plans may not require variances to city codes. Officials with the proposed Central Texas…
Uncategorized • By Charles Boisseau • Jun 10, 2009
Parties agree to delay in battle over of Hyde Park demo
Two sides in a battle over the demolition of Hyde Park house agreed to a temporary cease fire last week in what has emerged as a classic battle over whether a family has the right to demolish its aging homestead…
