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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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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…

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…

Sheriff Hamilton addresses Secure Communities

A special briefing on how President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration is changing local law enforcement policies left several questions unanswered Thursday at a Travis County Commissioners Court work session. Sheriff Greg Hamilton updated the commission on the new…

Council considers health care for more employees

Though the City of Austin offers health coverage to most of its regular employees, City Council has kick-started a process that could lead to an expansion to all employees in the next fiscal year. Council voted Thursday to direct city…

Council votes for more study of Adler staff plan

On a 6-5 vote, City Council postponed action Thursday on Mayor Steve Adler’s plan to add five staffers to his office, sending the question to the Council’s Audit and Finance Committee. Those voting for the postponement included Mayor Pro Tem…

Council takes small step in Garza case

Though they were only deciding one small detail of a decades-long fight over what was once the Garza Ranch, City Council members took hours to contemplate how many trips per day should be allowed on the last piece of land.…