Utility commission continues push for independent Austin Energy board

Clearly frustrated with the direction taken last week by City Council members over the governance of Austin Energy, the city’s Electric Utility Commission passed yet another resolution last night urging Council to move toward a powerful independent governing board.  …

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 16, 2013

Council finalizes plans for improvements to Barton Springs pool area

After more than four years of discussions, improvements are finally coming to Barton Springs.   Once complete, the improvements will, in the words of Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Kimberly McNeely, “Take what we currently see at Barton Springs…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 15, 2013

Accusations traded over routine waste disposal contract

Council members Thursday approved a contract with Allied Waste Services for the company to handle a selection of class 2 non hazardous Austin Energy waste. By the time the 5-1 vote was recorded, however, the agreement was about much more…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 15, 2013

Council passes Austin Energy governance measure on first reading

Austin City Council members Thursday passed on first reading an ordinance that would create an independent board for Austin Energy but it remains unclear exactly what powers that board might have. The events kicked off the first segment of debate…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 12, 2013

Legislation could limit Austin's tree ordinances

Two bills pending before the Texas Legislature could have a dramatic effect on the future of Austin’s trees.  House Bill 1377, carried by Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, would recognize all Texas landowner’s trees as “real property,” thereby undercutting state municipalities’ existing…

Uncategorized • By Ramon Ramirez • Apr 12, 2013

Board of Adjustment settles feud over three-inch strip of concrete

The Board of Adjustment conjured up some Solomon-like wisdom Monday night, trying to bring peace to feuding neighbors by splitting concrete.   Julie Lipton was seeking variances to maintain a deck and trellis at her 4416 Sinclair Avenue home. The…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 11, 2013

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Workman bill would give landowners expanded legal rights

Rep. Paul Workman, R-Austin, is fronting a mounting frustration among southwest Austin landowners, many of whom have taken years to get their development projects off the ground, only to face opposition from a city that some consider to be cozy…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Apr 11, 2013

More changes for LCRA’s management structure

Officials with the Lower Colorado River Authority have once again rearranged the organization’s management structure. The new set-up comes with the departure of longtime executive Kyle Jensen.   Jensen retired from the organization earlier this month. When he left, Jensen…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 11, 2013

Board of Adjustment says no to exemption for illegal South Austin porch

The Board of Adjustment thwarted an attempt to hold on to a treasured South Austin porch Monday night, voting against a special exception that would allow the porch to remain at 2004 Goodrich Avenue.   The homeowner, Lindsay Lane, explained…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 10, 2013

Bill would allow East Austin land bank without Travis County participation

A bill from state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, would allow the long and hotly debated creation of a homestead preservation district in East Austin to move forward without funding participation from Travis County. If approved, the measure would circumvent –…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 10, 2013

Environmental Board supports development at former tank farm site

Development on a salvaged East Austin tank farm won unanimous support from the Environmental Board last week.   The board voted 4-0 to approve the environmental aspects of the Planned Unit Development. Chair Mary Gay Maxwell and Board Members Jennifer…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 9, 2013

Council to study possible extension of time for demolition permits

An ordinance change brought forward by Council Member Chris Riley and Mayor Lee Leffingwell would extend the amount of time before a demolition permit expires from six months to two years in most cases. The change is set for a…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Apr 9, 2013

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