Committee to look at convention business in April

After hearing reports from City Auditor Corrie Stokes’ team about follow-up audits on police oversight and homelessness as well as a brief discussion about the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, City Council’s Audit & Finance Committee had little time to talk about issues relating to Austin Convention Enterprises. There was no mention of former Council Member Jimmy Flannigan, who is now president of ACE. His hiring caused some consternation on the part of some former colleagues, even though ACE Board President Phillip Schmandt explained the hiring scenario. Council Member Leslie Pool reiterated it was important that the committee understand ACE and the city’s role in oversight of the asset. Schmandt provided many pages of documentation at Pool’s request and she promised more discussion about ACE and the Hilton hotel at the committee’s April meeting. Committee members also agreed to postpone discussion on a disparity study and the minority- and women-owned business programs.