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Speakers at ZAP hearing find flaws in Austin Comprehensive Plan

Following a briefing Tuesday night, the Zoning and Platting Commission took public comment on the Imagine Austin plan, and it looks like Austin is gearing up for a fight.   The Austin Comprehensive Plan, also known as “Imagine Austin,” is…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 8, 2012

Council members begin to tackle Austin Energy cash questions

On Wednesday, Council members began to delve into the deeper policy issues related to Austin Energy’s proposed rate increase with a discussion of the utility’s reserve funds and its debt. Though no formal action resulted from the conversation, Council is…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 8, 2012

Toll authority plans managed lane network on Austin roadways

Three sets of express lanes in Austin may eventually stretch from FM 620 down to Slaughter Lane and cost up to $750 million, but the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority admits the impact on congestion may be minimal.   Last…

Uncategorized • By Kimberly Reeves • Mar 7, 2012

Waller Creek design to bring added value to urban space project

The manager of the Waller Creek Conservancy design competition, which will produce a redesign of the 1.5-mile stretch of city parkland and urban space along Waller Creek in downtown Austin, assured Council members last week that the project is a…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 7, 2012

DC court asks for more information in Texas redistricting case

Just when Texas officials thought they had a May 29 date for a primary election, judges in Washington D.C. wants to take another look at things. The court charged with pre-clearing Texas electoral maps under the Voting Rights Act on…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 7, 2012

Last-minute agreement would hand entire shelter to Austin Pets Alive

At a crowded meeting last night, the Animal Advisory Commission voted 4-1 to recommend to Council a proposed agreement between the city and rescue group Austin Pets Alive that would allow APA to move all of their current operations to…

Uncategorized • By Josh Rosenblatt • Mar 6, 2012

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Landmark Commission uses ‘demolition delay’ policy to study home

Last week, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to use a brand new “demolition delay” policy that allows the city to put a hold on demolition plans for structures that do not have historic landmark status.   With the demolition permit…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 6, 2012

EMS staffing change continues to cause labor-management friction

An attempt by city management and the Austin/Travis County EMS Employees Association to agree to set firm parameters around a pending EMS staffing change appears to be on the rocks. The news came Monday as a resolution from Council Member…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 6, 2012

Payday lending regulations headed back to Council for consideration

The final piece of payday lending regulations is headed back to City Council with a positive recommendation from the Planning Commission.   Council unanimously passed an ordinance regulating alternative financial institutions last August. They also initiated land use code amendments…

Uncategorized • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 5, 2012

Contract sets up coming discussion of police officer-population ratio

The Austin City Council is set to approve a $97,871 agreement with Police Executive Research Forum to conduct a study of “current and future police staffing needs” on Thursday. The results of that study, which are expected before Council members…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 5, 2012

Council stays up late to hear bag ban arguments

Thursday’s Council session stretched past midnight, with a vote pending on the proposed plastic bag ban. If approved, the measure would limit the use of single-use bags within the city limits. Approval seemed likely, despite the 11th-hour efforts of both…

Uncategorized • By Austin Monitor • Mar 2, 2012

Alternative plan for Austin Energy rate hike falls short

Late Thursday night, Council rejected an effort by members Laura Morrison, Kathie Tovo, and Mike Martinez to set an interim Austin Energy rate hike equal to $35 million in new revenue over the next year. Austin Energy officials had argued…

Uncategorized • By Michael Kanin • Mar 2, 2012

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