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Whispers
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 by Mark Richardson
Capital Metro board OKs 2015 budget
The Capital Metro board of directors approved a $322 million budget for Fiscal Year 2015 on Monday, along with the proposed service changes for spring 2015. The new budget will take effect Wednesday. The budget includes $222.8 million for operating expenses, $4.6 million for loan repayments and $12.8 million for interlocal agreements. Additionally, the agency plans to invest $81.9 million in capital projects, mostly through investments in its transportation system. The adopted budget also includes $350,000 for the Basic Transportation Needs Fund, which is designed to increase low-income, transit-dependent individuals’ access to transportation.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
New development fees in effect tomorrow
As of Oct. 1, the Planning and Development Review Department will implement new fees, raising some commercial, residential, zoning, site plan, building plan and permitting applications 25 percent. The department will also implement boat dock fees that had been approved as part of this budget cycle. The increases are in response to a study by Public Financial Management, which recommended the department limit increases of fees to 25 percent each year until they are brought up to rates comparable to other cities. For more details on the fee changes, visit the city’s website.
Monday, September 29, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
Clarification
Since running the Whisper on the leaky Austin Neighborhoods Council news embargo, the Austin Monitor has been told that candidates were not, in fact, sworn to secrecy. Those who publicized their endorsements did so because they were told they earned the endorsement, and were excited to share the news with their supporters. At any rate, everything is out in the open now. Look for our story on the forum, and endorsements, Tuesday.
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Monday, September 29, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
Firefighters reject new city contract
In a vote that had historically high turnout, the Austin Firefighters Local 975 voted down the latest offer from city management, with 93 percent of the 773 votes cast in opposition to the contract. Firefighters have been working without a labor agreement for about a year since, in 2013, the city removed hiring provisions that had previously been in place for more than a decade. A letter from AFA president Bob Nicks noted that the “no” vote means firefighters will have to go two years without a pay increase, adding that they have been put in a no-win situation “with the city playing professional standards against the livelihood of the firefighters’ families.” In another letter thanking union members for the vote, Nicks wrote, “the city manager and fire chief are killing the very spirit that they claim to instill in all city employees … honor, duty, family and sacrifice. We cannot hold out forever. Over time, if our bosses do not care, if the current Council does not care, then we will work hard to seat a new Council that will not let our department be destroyed, one that will protect it and support it so great things can continue to happen.” AFA recently formed a special political action committee to support eight candidates running for City Council, and has raised about $200,000 toward that goal so far.
Monday, September 29, 2014 by Jo Clifton
Smith recovering from heart surgery
Craig Smith, who sits on the board of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, is home from the hospital after undergoing a quadruple heart bypass last week. Smith, a Travis County assistant attorney, has served on the aquifer board since 1998. Because no one filed to run against him, the district has canceled the November election for his seat and named him to another term. Smith missed last week’s board meeting because of the surgery but seems to be recovering quickly and intends to be at the next meeting in October. His wife, Mary Ann Neely, who serves on the city’s Environmental Board and is an active Democratic precinct chair, said Sunday that she is encouraged by Smith’s progress.
Monday, September 29, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
CapMetro to adopt 2015 budget today
Capital Metro’s board of directors will consider adopting the agency FY2015 budget proposal today at noon. During the 2015 fiscal year, CapMetro will implement the second half of its fare restructuring, and single fares will rise from $1 to $1.25. Day passes will increase to $2.50 from $2, and monthly passes will now cost $41.25 instead of the current $33. Included in the restructuring is an elimination of MetroRail’s zoned fare structure.
Friday, September 26, 2014 by Mark Richardson
Businesses must begin recycling
Beginning in about a week, most commercial and multifamily properties will be required to offer recycling as part of the next phase of the city’s Universal Recycling Ordinance. The 2012 ordinance sets out minimum recycling standards for commercial properties to ensure convenient recycling is available to employees and tenants. By Oct. 1, 2017 all businesses in Austin will be required to recycle. City officials are taking steps to notify newly affected businesses of the requirements, including direct mailings, working with business organizations, conducting site visits and providing free training. For information about how to comply with the new regulations, including a series of free lunches and seminars at local restaurants in October, go to austinrecycles.com.
Friday, September 26, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
International House case postponed
Facing a long discussion on ride-sharing, a proposal for historic zoning for the house at 3805 Red River Street was postponed until City Council’s Oct. 16 meeting. Though historic zoning for the International House is supported by members of the preservation community and fans of the distinctive red and white house, the owners are seeking a demolition permit. The owner, 95-year old Gwen Shive, purchased the house in the 1960s in order to stave off the commercial zoning that threatened the neighborhood and fears selling the house would result in just that, despite assurances from potential buyers to the contrary. In order to approve historic zoning against the owner’s wishes, six or more City Council members will need to vote in its favor.
Friday, September 26, 2014 by Tyler Whitson
Board and commission appointments
Council members approved a number of appointments to citizen boards and commissions Thursday. Council appointed Council Member Kathie Tovo’s nominee, Dennis Mick, to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Implementation Advisory Commission and Mayor Lee Leffingwell nominees Granyon Perry and Alejandro Delgado to the Community Development Commission. Low-Income Consumer Advisory Task Force appointees include Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole nominee Cyrus Reed, Chris Riley nominee Kelly Weiss, Bill Spelman nominee Chris Strand, Mike Martinez nominee Lanetta Cooper and Tovo nominee Tim Arndt.
Friday, September 26, 2014 by Mark Richardson
Council backs measure to repeal HB 2
Council Member Mike Martinez sponsored an item adding support for any legislation repealing House Bill 2 to the City of Austin legislative agenda, and calling for a study of the impacts HB2 has on access to women’s health services in Austin. The measure — passed in the second special session of the 2013 Legislature — places extreme restrictions on abortion procedures, providers and facilities. Portions of the bill are still being challenged in the courts. Council Members Laura Morrison and Bill Spelman were co-sponsors of the item, which passed unanimously.
Thursday, September 25, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
Shots fired, and returned, in mayoral campaign
The Mike Martinez mayoral campaign issued a news release claiming that fellow candidate Steve Adler had contributed nearly $10,000 to Republicans through his law firm, Baron & Adler, LLC. Martinez campaign manager Bo Delp wrote, “The facts speak for themselves: Steve Adler has intentionally, repeatedly, and systematically supported the Republican Party by contributing thousands upon thousands of dollars to Republican candidates.” Adler campaign manager Jim Wick responded to the allegations, saying it was “another desperate political attack from the Mike Martinez campaign.” Wick wrote in an email, “Obviously, Steve’s a Democrat, and donations from his law firm don’t establish otherwise. He’s recently been endorsed by the University Democrats, the Central Austin Democrats, the Austin Progressive Coalition, the North by Northwest Democrats, and the Stonewall Democrats. He helped found Progress Texas and has spent much of his life working on behalf of Democrats.” Wick attached a record of Adler’s donations, which shows almost $200,000 in donations to Democratic candidates and organizations. Wick added that partisanship isn’t going to solve Austin’s problems.
Thursday, September 25, 2014 by Elizabeth Pagano
Urban Trails Master Plan up today
A push for positive support of the Urban Trails Master Plan has gathered some steam, at least on Facebook. When the plan was last before City Council Aug. 29, no one spoke in its support. This time, Bike Austin has promised to take to social media to keep supporters updated and coordinate attendance. The plan, which is the last item on today’s rather long agenda, will be taken up some time after 4 p.m. Those who oppose the plan worry about environmental impacts of paved urban trails and what they fear is an unclear public process for trail approvals.