Another city board member resigns over disagreement with Council

In a strongly worded letter to Council Member Kathie Tovo, Resource Management Commissioner Chris Herbert resigned on June 17. Herbert’s is the fourth departure in a week from a body that helps govern the city’s utilities.   Herbert’s resignation and…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 24, 2013

Council vote OKs paid parental leave for non public safety staff

In a first for a Texas municipality, the City of Austin will offer 30 days of paid parental leave to many of its employees. As part of a resolution approved without a ‘no’ vote – Mayor Lee Leffingwell abstained –…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 21, 2013

Council approves 20-year plan to build out Waller Creek development

City Council approval of a plan to turn the two-mile stretch of Waller Creek into a nature-lover’s utopia was delayed for a time Thursday by a belaboring of the legalese of the multi-phased project. Council Members Laura Morrison and Kathie…

Uncategorized • By Charlotte Moore • Jun 21, 2013

Council to hear Marriott prevailing wage issue at June 27 meeting

Austin City Manager Marc Ott has placed the contentious issue of what to do with $3.8 million in fee waivers awarded to White Lodging Services Corporation for the construction of a downtown Marriott Hotel on the Austin City Council agenda…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 21, 2013

Council to study putting part of I-35 underground to ease congestion

An item on today’s agenda from Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole and Council Member Chris Riley asks Council members to instruct City Manager Marc Ott to explore the possibility of a ‘Cut & Cap’ project for a portion of I-35…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 20, 2013

Zoning and Platting Commission splits on rezoning Northland Drive parcel

A plan to rezone a “challenged” piece of land in Northwest Austin split the Zoning and Platting Commission right down the middle Tuesday night. With the vote divided evenly 3-3, the case will proceed to City Council without a recommendation.…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 20, 2013

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Price of reclaimed water going up, but only a little for golf courses

It’s possible some Austin golfers will be paying more in greens fees as the Austin Water Utility prepares to raise the rates for the use of the city’s reclaimed water. The Reclaimed Water Program runs miles of recycled wastewater through…

Uncategorized • By Charlotte Moore • Jun 20, 2013

Commission backs streamlined Downtown Density Bonus Program

Despite some reservations, the Planning Commission favored speed over perfection last week, voting unanimously to move forward with a Downtown Density Bonus Program.   The commission voted 8-0 to approve the “streamlined” version of the program, with Chair Dave Anderson…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 19, 2013

Staff proposes changes to affordable housing funding

City budget and housing staff Tuesday recommended a series of changes to the way the city collects affordable housing funds, including a significant adjustment to the funding mechanisms for the city’s Housing Trust Fund that would turn it from a…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 19, 2013

Lehmberg lays out costs, duties of Public Integrity Unit for Commissioners

In two weeks, Travis County taxpayers could find out if they’ll end up footing the bill for high-dollar, white-collar crime investigations in Texas. Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg appeared before the Travis County Commissioner’s Court Tuesday to lay out…

Uncategorized • By Charlotte Moore • Jun 19, 2013

Three Electric Utility Commissioners suddenly quit panel

Three of the City of Austin’s seven Electric Utility Commission members abruptly announced their resignations from the dais at the board’s regular meeting Monday. The trio, Commissioners Michael Webber, Steven Smaha, and Philip Schmandt – a group referred to collectively…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 18, 2013

White Lodging says city broke promises on Marriott prevailing wage issue

After the city cancelled fee waivers associated with an economic incentives package Friday, the development company behind the construction of a new Marriott Hotel at Third Street and Congress Avenue fired back Monday. In a statement from Deno Yiankes, White…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Jun 18, 2013

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