After a full week of debate about transparency, efficiency and public input, City Council has adopted a new set of meeting procedures and a committee structure that will overhaul the legislative process. Council members voted unanimously at their first regular meeting Thursday to adopt the ordinance after incorporating several amendments. Council based some of the […]
Tyler Whitson
Posted inEnergy, Environment, Resources
Austin Energy to clarify gas plant study request
Austin Energy will update its call for consultants to conduct an independent study of a proposed gas plant and renewable alternatives, following a Monday request from the Electric Utility Commission. Gage Loots, supervising senior buyer for the utility’s purchasing office, told the Austin Monitor on Wednesday that his staff plans to issue an addendum to the […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Local Politics
Council members debate public input plan
The future of public input at City Council meetings remains unclear ahead of possible action Thursday, as Council members continue to discuss whether and how to limit it in favor of moving it to committee meetings. During a Tuesday work session, Council members reacted to the public feedback they received during and after last Thursday’s […]
Posted inAustin, Public Safety
Police Monitor says citizen complaints up in 2013
The Office of the Police Monitor, which works to improve relations between the Austin Police Department and the public, is preparing to issue a report showing that citizens filed more complaints against police officers in 2013 than in 2012. Police Monitor Margo Frasier told the Austin Monitor on Friday that 2012, which had fewer overall complaints […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Government, Music & Entertainment, Resources, Texas State Legislature, Water
New agriculture commissioner calls water top issue
Recently elected Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said Wednesday that he plans for the agency to play a more active role as it relates to water. “We’re going to have a water department, and we’re going to be very involved,” Miller said at a luncheon during a Lower Colorado River Authority Planning and […]
Posted inWhispers
LCRA wonders aloud about Fayette’s future
Lower Colorado River Authority General Manager Phil Wilson mentioned during a meeting of the LCRA Planning and Public Policy Committee on Wednesday that he is interested in the future of Austin Energy’s stake in the Fayette Power Project. “What’s that going to look like?” he asked. Noting that Austin has a new City Council, he […]
Posted inWhispers
Shepherd bids farewell to her sheep
Environmental Board Coordinator Marilla Shepherd celebrated her last day of 28 years of service to the City of Austin on Wednesday. During their regular meeting, board members engaged in a heartfelt send-off ceremony for Shepherd, who worked with them for 10 years. Environmental Officer Chuck Lesniak presented her with a certificate of appreciation that commended […]
Posted inWhispers
LCRA sticks with new mission statement
The Lower Colorado River Authority has decided not to change its new, simplified mission statement: “To enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service.” The board of directors held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss potential amendments to the statement, which they officially adopted Dec. 16. […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Local Politics
Council hears feedback on restructuring proposal
The new City Council tested out a lot of ideas at Thursday’s meeting, giving members of the public the opportunity to comment on proposed legislative changes via Twitter, call-ins and online polls in an environment evocative of a television program. Though feedback varied on a lot of issues, the overall message from citizens was that […]
Posted inAustin, Environment, Music & Entertainment, Parks
City plans to repair cyclo-cross damage at Zilker
City staff has revealed a one-year plan that they hope will remediate tree and turf damage related to a national cyclo-cross championship held in Zilker Park earlier this month. Watershed Protection Department Environmental Officer Chuck Lesniak told the Environmental Board Wednesday that Parks and Recreation Department staff and City Arborist Michael Embesi have “a pretty […]
Posted inWhispers
ZAP member comments on ‘missing middle’
Zoning and Platting Commissioner Rahm McDaniel said during last night’s regular meeting that there is an increasing scarcity of median-income housing available in the city. “Median affordability is becoming a real problem, and we can’t just look at affordability as a low-median income problem in Austin,” he said. “I…and I think others, would like to […]
Posted inCity Hall, Environment, Local Politics, Resources, Texas State Legislature
City orders study on bag ban that state may toss
Amid concerns that state leadership will take steps to limit city ordinances such as Austin’s plastic bag ban, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission has instructed city staff to study the ban in time to send the results to the state legislature. The commission unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday requesting that the Austin Resource Recovery Department […]