Stories by Tyler Whitson
Barbecue smoke debate takes new shape
While it did not take action on a set of proposed barbecue smoke regulations Monday, the City Council Health and Human Services Committee made it clear that it hopes to find a way to help residents impacted by smoke without…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Jun 2, 2015
Council extends certain hospital energy contracts
Following up on last week’s decision to extend contracts for large Austin Energy customers, City Council voted Thursday to expand the treatment to St. David’s HealthCare and Seton Healthcare Family. The six-month extensions for contracts that were set to expire…
Energy • By Tyler Whitson • May 29, 2015
Climate action plan blows past committee
Climate action advocates can rest assured that a proposed 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emission plan will go before City Council in June, though it will not come with a committee recommendation. Due to a lack of quorum, the Open Space,…
City Council • By Tyler Whitson • May 28, 2015
Regional leaders sound off on appraisal challenge
In preparation for tomorrow’s decision, City Council members sat down with leaders from regional taxing entities Tuesday to discuss the pros and cons of challenging the Travis Central Appraisal District’s valuation of Austin commercial properties this year. Those in attendance…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • May 27, 2015
Citing criticisms, Council delays new drainage fee
Despite a request from staff to adopt a new drainage charge by the end of the month, City Council is delaying action until the middle of June with the hope that its Public Utility Committee will be able to address…
City Hall • By Tyler Whitson • May 26, 2015
Council extends large energy contracts
Following extensive deliberation, City Council voted Thursday to extend long-term contracts for Austin Energy’s two largest customers for six months and permanently revise the way the utility calculates rates for a third major customer. The move effectively keeps rates for…
Energy • By Tyler Whitson • May 22, 2015
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Council pushes ahead on taxicab contracts, co-op
City Council concluded another chapter in the current taxicab franchise renewal saga Thursday, voting to tentatively renew contracts with the city’s three service providers and amend related regulations. It also directed city staff to explore creating a fourth, cooperative franchise.…
City Council • By Tyler Whitson • May 22, 2015
Council prepares for reworked drainage fee
In the wake of last year’s ruling that the city’s stormwater drainage charge is unfair to certain residents, City Council will hold a public hearing today to consider adopting a new fee structure that staff says would be more equitable…
Resources • By Tyler Whitson • May 21, 2015
Council may challenge "undervalued" appraisals
Following the release of a report stating that Austin commercial property in Travis County is “significantly undervalued,” City Council is considering an appraisal challenge that could reduce the burden on residential property taxpayers. Council discussed the potential move at a…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • May 20, 2015
Regional Affordability Committee takes first steps
Though they have a long road ahead of them, members of Austin’s Regional Affordability Committee are taking a measured approach to developing a strategic plan to achieve their goals. Rather than take action at their second meeting on Monday, members…
Austin • By Tyler Whitson • May 19, 2015
Almost half of Austin curbside trash recyclable
Despite the city’s ambitious goal to achieve zero waste by 2040, many Austin residents are sending items to landfills that they could be putting into the city’s blue recycling bins. Austin Resource Recovery Department Director Robert Gedert told members of…
Environment • By Tyler Whitson • May 18, 2015
Council weighs homestead exemption equity
City Council is facing an array of difficult choices as it attempts to balance potential increases in the city’s homestead exemption tax with its upcoming budget needs. Following a Wednesday budget work session, Council members can add possible impacts on…
