A proposed ordinance aiming to protect circus animals within city limits sparked a passionate debate at a City Council Health and Human Services Committee meeting on Monday, with supporters calling it a major step forward and opponents arguing that it is burdensome and flawed. The committee ultimately chose to table the proposal until its next […]
Tyler Whitson
Posted inAustin
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 setting broad requirements for barbecue establishments. Committee members also said, however, that the city should […]
Posted inEnergy
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 at the end of the month apply to each of the providers’ primary facilities, which […]
Posted inCity Council
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, Environment and Sustainability Committee was unable to vote Tuesday on a recommendation to Council for […]
Posted inWhispers
Floods prevent flood buyout discussion
In the aftermath of the Memorial Day weekend floods, City Council has postponed a briefing and discussion about staff’s proposed voluntary flood buyout and relocation policy that was scheduled for Tuesday morning. Mayor Steve Adler noted in Tuesday’s Council work session that Real Estate Services Officer Lauraine Rizer, who would have participated in the briefing, […]
Posted inAustin, City Council
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 included representatives and legal counsel for Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Central Health, Austin Community […]
Posted inCity Hall
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 major concerns with the proposal. Council voted to adopt an ordinance on first and second […]
Posted inEnergy
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 Samsung and Freescale Semiconductor lower than they would be if the contracts were to expire […]
Posted inCity Council
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. While the full Council must make the final decision on the franchise renewals and regulations, […]
Posted inResources
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 overall. According to Watershed Protection Department Director Victoria Li, who unveiled the proposed structure in […]
Posted inWhispers
LCRA board members say farewell
Four members of the Lower Colorado River Authority board of directors took part in their last official meeting Wednesday, as the board prepares to welcome four new members appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, according to his announcement Monday. Vice Chair John Dickerson and board members Jett Johnson, Michael McHenry, Vernon “Buddy” Schrader – all of […]
Posted inAustin
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 Tuesday work session, during which Budget Office and Law Department staff said the city would […]