Travis Commissioners encourage legislators to expand Medicaid

Despite some misgivings among the ranks, the Travis County Commissioners Court moved forward in declaring support for Medicaid expansion on Tuesday.   The court voted unanimously to approve a resolution “strongly encouraging” the Texas Legislature to expand coverage in accordance…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 20, 2013

Commission backs rezoning despite ‘commercial creep’ concerns

Setting aside concerns about “commercial creep,” the Planning Commission unanimously recommended a zoning change for a South Austin property last week.           The owner of the property at 2111 Fortview Road is seeking a zoning change from Single-family residence (SF-3)…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 19, 2013

Council OKs managed growth agreement In Barton Springs zone

Apparently backed up against a legal cliff, Council members voted last week to move forward with a managed growth agreement for the Shady Hollow Garden Townhomes project in far southwest Austin.   Managed growth agreements can be used to extend…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 19, 2013

Watson bill would move utility oversight to PUC

New legislation, filed Thursday by Sens. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and Kirk Watson (D-Austin) would move oversight of water and sewer utilities from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Public Utility Commission.     “Over the past decade, more…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Feb 15, 2013

Council tentatively OKs new Austin Energy governing board

A proposal from Council Member Bill Spelman, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole to take the first step toward an independent governing board for Austin Energy passed on a surprise 7-0 vote Thursday night.   Spelman and…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 15, 2013

PUC staff chastises city on rate design, transfer from Austin Energy

Public Utility Commission staff released written testimony today that calls for a $31.6 million reduction in the $105 million transfer Austin Energy sends to the City of Austin’s general fund. If ultimately forced on the city, that would represent a…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 14, 2013

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Planning Commission endorses new downtown parking regulations

The Planning Commission moved forward swiftly with new downtown parking regulations Tuesday night. They voted unanimously to recommend the code amendment, which would eliminate downtown parking requirements, except for parking for the disabled.   The vote was 8-0 to recommend…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 14, 2013

Watson files bill on development rules for local state-owned land

Two actions at the Texas State Senate within the past week could have direct impact on the development of state owned land in and around the City of Austin.   A bill filed Tuesday by Senator Kirk Watson (D-Austin) and…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 14, 2013

Commissioners hear first round of fight over emergency services district

Though it will return in March, the discussion over a new Emergency Services District in northeast Travis County started on a heated note at the Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday.   The proposed district – Travis County Emergency Services…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 13, 2013

Council trio continues push for independent Austin Energy panel

Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Council Member Bill Spelman, and Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole continued to push for an independent governing body for Austin Energy at a Tuesday Council work session. In what marks something of a departure from earlier suggestions,…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 13, 2013

Council appropriates more than $14 million in new expenditures

After an extended and sometimes contentious debate, City Council members approved more than $14.3 million in fresh FY2013 budget appropriations Tuesday by a 6-1 vote. Mayor Lee Leffingwell provided the only dissent.   In all, 10 programs will benefit from…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Feb 13, 2013

Board of Adjustment grants variance for Montopolis cottages

The Board of Adjustment extended its benevolence to a small Montopolis property last night.   The board ultimately granted a variance which will allow the property owner to place two small cottages on the lot – located at 1204 Valdez…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 12, 2013

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