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Former Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong dies
Former Texas Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong, 82, passed away Sunday night. Armstrong, who began his political career as a Texas House member from Austin, also served in President Bill Clinton's administration as an Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Armstrong served as Texas Land Commissioner from 1970 to 1983. He was an unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1982, losing to the Democratic nominee, Mark White. White then defeated Republican Gov. Bill Clements. White appointed Armstrong to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, where he served from 1985 to 1991. Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt released a statement praising Armstrong: "Bob loved the land and people of Texas. He was a dedicated Democrat, public servant, husband and father, and of course a passionate conservationist. Because of Bob Armstrong’s decades-long effort, Texas acquired the 212,000 acre property that is now Big Bend State Park. The visitor center was dedicated to Bob last summer and bears his name." Current Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said, "While Bob had an easygoing personality and enjoyed a good laugh, he also demonstrated an impressive work ethic and passion for our state's natural beauty." Armstrong is survived by his wife, Linda Aaker; his sons, Will and Landis; his daughters, Martha Louise and Shannon Armstrong of Denver, Colorado; and two grandchildren. Services are set for 2 p.m. Thursday at University United Methodist Church.
Council to consider interlocal with AISD
This week City Council will consider an interlocal agreement between the city and the Austin Independent School District that will allow for administration of a proposed "Austin Promise Zone." However, it is not clear exactly what such a designation would do absent congressional action. The purpose of the Promise Zone is to revitalize high poverty areas. These would include Rundberg, St. John's, Colony Park, East Central and Dove Springs if the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development designates the areas as eligible for funding. Promise Zones are part of the Obama administration's attempt to revitalize low-income communities throughout the country by attracting private investment, reducing crime and improving educational opportunities, among other things. AISD applied for the designation with support from the city, Travis County, United Way and the Austin Housing Authority, as what are called "key implementing partners." The city must assign an employee to help coordinate assistance from various agencies, but there is no fiscal impact, according to Council agenda backup. Although the chances of congressional action may seem uncertain this year, if the areas are designated, the designation will last for 10 years.
House backs pair of veterans bills
In response to the scandal that shook the Department of Veterans Affairs last year, two bills designed to continue to reform the VA passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The Long-Term Care Veterans Choice Act will give veterans the ability to transfer to a non-VA medical foster home for long-term health care needs instead of staying in a VA facility. The second bill will allow the VA Secretary to force an employee to repay bonuses, a safeguard against the current practice that awards bonuses even when the actions of an employee lead to substandard care for veterans. The bills now go the U.S. Senate for consideration. The bills were authored by Republican Will Hurd, who represents Texas' sprawling 23rd congressional district.
Friday is deadline for Cemetery Master Plan
The Cemetery Master Plan Draft is available for community review. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is seeking the community’s feedback about the draft plan, which addresses issues related to historic preservation, tree care, management and policy as well as heritage tourism and educational programming. Austin’s historic municipal cemeteries include Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery Annex and Plummers Cemetery. In order for comments and suggestions to be incorporated into the final draft, community feedback is requested by Friday. The full Cemetery Master Plan Draft can be viewed here. Once comments are received, the draft plan will be finalized and brought forward to several city boards and commissions before a final presentation to City Council in early summer.
Latest Tweets
Latest Headlines for Tuesday, March 3
City Council
Council plays fast and loose on Garza Tract vote
Those familiar with the previous City Council’s strict adherence to procedural rules have been left dizzy by the new Council’s first few meetings. Last week, during the Garza Ranch discussion about the maximum allowable number of vehicle trips per day…
City Council
Council debates deregulation of Austin Energy
When it comes to Austin Energy, there is one word that always stirs up debate. That word is “deregulation.” City Council held a policy workshop with Austin Energy management, stakeholders and policy advocates Monday on the myriad issues associated with…
City Council
Council approves rezoning on North Lamar lot
Though Mayor Steve Adler warned that the first approval was “tenuous,” a North Lamar rezoning case will move forward after City Council members approved it on first reading Thursday. Council voted 9-2 to approve a rezoning at 11712 North Lamar…
Police
ANC calls for body cameras for local police
The Austin Neighborhoods Council is calling for the use of body cameras by active-duty police officers. In a resolution approved last week, the ANC proposed the cameras, citing mistrust between neighbors and police; higher rates of incarceration, use of force and…
Travis County
TipSheet: Travis County Commissioners, March 3.
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website. Items of interest include: 12. Receive…
City Council
Council puts energy consulting contracts on hold
Picking up where others left off can be difficult, especially when it involves something as expensive and complicated as the Austin Energy generation plan. Rather than decide on up to $2 million worth of contracts for energy demand management consulting…
City Hall
New temporary permit fees are actually temporary
This year, Austin briefly had higher temporary food permit fees. Those are gone after a City Council vote last week, but work is already underway to establish new fees, again. As part of this year’s budget, Council moved forward with…
Development
Planners deny East Riverside change
At its most recent meeting, the Planning Commission voted 5-3 to deny zoning changes to several undeveloped lots from 5600 to 7522 Penick Drive, off East Riverside Drive. Ron Thrower of Thrower Design spoke for landowner Bill Greif and asked…
Austin
Explainer: Zim’s bill on housing scoring heads to State Lege Council
The Explainer offers a closer look at stories we have been following. This week, Don Zimmerman’s ongoing effort to change the way federal housing subsidies are awarded. City Council Member Don Zimmerman has displayed a certain … distaste for subsidized…