TickTock Austin City Council Meeting: 11.3.2016
Monday, November 7, 2016 by Michael Kanin
TickTock for Friday, November 4, 2016
Participants:
MKanin 157
eraycollins 1
lubomudrov 1
SomewhereinATX 1
Thursday, November 03, 2016 10AM
checking in from #atxcouncil, where it may just be a light day #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:08 AM
#atxcouncil under way #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:13 AM
Item 41
item 41 ppd. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:13 AM
Item 66
item 66 (spay/nueter item) will be time certain 4pm #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:14 AM
items 74 and 75 will be ppd until 12/15 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:14 AM
pulled: 6, 26, 29, 41 (ppd), 53 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:15 AM
Item 53
MPT @kathietovo asks for item 53 to come up right after champions item (time certain is 2pm) #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:16 AM
reminder: time certain doesn’t necessarily mean that it will happen at the time, only that time or later #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:17 AM
#atxcouncil will also discuss cancellation of work session on 11/8 (election day, for those of you keeping track) #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:18 AM
Item 26
seems item 26 (along w item 67) will be set for 1pm or later #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:19 AM
we’re about to vote on #atxcouncil consent agenda #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:30 AM
consent passes. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:36 AM
off the dais: @EllenforAustin, as she will be all day #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:36 AM
#atxcouncil moves along to briefing on Dripping Springs wastewater discharge permit (to Onion Creek) #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:38 AM
here’s the @austinmonitor’s latest on this, courtesy of @JoClifton78704: https://t.co/WE2AfUdbzN November 03, 2016 10:39 AM
#atxgov staff opens with overview. includes surprisingly complicated piechart about jurisdictional purview here #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 10:40 AM
that, staff argues, underscores the importance of cooperation here #atxcouncil #atxxgov November 03, 2016 10:41 AM
Heres that piechart #atxcouncil #atxgov https://t.co/QhFg7bcFht November 03, 2016 10:42 AM
@DonZimmermanATX interrupts to wonder what effluent discharge from #atxgov looks like next to the proposed here #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 10:42 AM
answer: CoA discharge has higher concentrations of nitrogen, etc #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:43 AM
CoA staff note volume of water in creeks in question here versus Lower Colorado is substantial. much more water in river #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:45 AM
CoA staff now into history of #atxgov intervention in TCEQ permitting, and results, including settlement agreements #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 10:46 AM
Heres the history cited by #atxgov staff #atxcouncil https://t.co/S0oGCwDnd7 November 03, 2016 10:46 AM
CoA staff: Dripping Springs discard would “cause excessive algae bloom”; “degrade quality of water recharge”; more #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:48 AM
staff adds that this permit would set a new precedent for “unconditional discharges in the Barton Springs Zone” #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:48 AM
CoA notes that it has also developed a model that it argues is more effective than TCEQ model #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:49 AM
CoA staff, bringing it home, notes that Onion Creek provides the most recharge to Barton Springs of any area source #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:51 AM
staff now briefing #atxcouncil on next steps. headed to admin law judge, TCEQ, then perhaps District Court (which can only remand) #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:52 AM
@PoolforAustin wonders if Dripping Springs could store effluent rather than discharging it #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:54 AM
seems other option is land application (so, spraying…stuff). Dripping Springs would need to buy lots of land to do it #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:55 AM
@PoolforAustin notes that Belterra has onsite storage. staff confirms #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:56 AM
@PoolforAustin what happens if the algae bloom happens? staff: no going back #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:56 AM
most immediate impact here appears to be folks who live downstream in DS ETJ. could move into edwards aquifer, tho #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 10:59 AM
RT @eraycollins: Not necessary to buy land, @MKanin. Landowners can and have been paid to allow application of treated sludge and liquid w… November 03, 2016 10:59 AM
RT @eraycollins: Transport to application site can be a problem. Might be far away. @MKanin November 03, 2016 10:59 AM
Thursday, November 03, 2016 11AM
@PoolforAustin, back to storage question, why hasnt DS considered that? #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:03 AM
legal: storage is going to “play a part” no matter the situation #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:04 AM
@DonZimmermanATX argues doesn’t have expertise here, wonders if DS has had opportunity to bring their engineers #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:05 AM
to that, staff reminds @DonZimmermanATX that they are, in fact, qualified to talk about this stuff #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:05 AM
@DonZimmermanATX believes that, but wants to hear the other folks too…#atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:06 AM
obvious observation of your morning: this discharge permit continues to be something of a battle. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:08 AM
MPT @kathietovo wonders if TCEQ rule making changes might make discharge alternatives easier #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:09 AM
even if it does, staff says, it could be a while; that might make Dripping Springs less interested in that route #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:10 AM
Staff takes a minute to “underscore” that Dripping Springs has reuse on table, adds that’s been considered in model #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:11 AM
RT @eraycollins: I haven’t heard the recycling option, as per Big Spring, et al., in drier parts of TX. @MKanin November 03, 2016 11:12 AM
RT @eraycollins: TBC, in this instance “recycling” means production of potable water from sewage. @MKanin November 03, 2016 11:12 AM
@MayorAdler careful to note that process between #atxgov, Dripping Springs, has been open #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 11:13 AM
@MayorAdler continues: “that does not mean we always agree” #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:13 AM
"”Reuse” = treatment of sewage to produce potable water? @MKanin"
@eraycollins or, in this case, spraying on land November 03, 2016 11:14 AM
@PoolforAustin closing: if environmental harm happens, no way for #atxgov to get what it loses back. pushing for no discharge #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 11:14 AM
@PoolforAustin: there is “no way to unpolluted” #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:15 AM
@DonZimmermanATX closing: we need more folks (read: DS reps) to weigh in #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:17 AM
Item 6
briefing concludes. we move along to item 6. 6 is for a fishing pier off the boardwalk #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:18 AM
pulled by @d3forpio. expressing his concerns now #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:18 AM
@d3forpio why did the pier move from the south side to the north side #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:19 AM
staff: we discussed connecting it to boardwalk, and #atxcouncil opted for that #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:20 AM
@d3forpio that’s not what the neighbors say…#atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:20 AM
hmm…seems no resolution on that, and seems this’ll pass? @d3forpio wants staff to be more straightforward next time #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:22 AM
@DonZimmermanATX takes opportunity to hate on ’10 bonds. argues lang unclear on ballot. will vote against cause bonds. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:24 AM
@PoolforAustin commits to working with @d3forpio to get a pier put in on north side of the river #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:25 AM
@DonZimmermanATX continuing to press his case. wants to redirect $600k here to construct pier on the northside of river #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:26 AM
6 passes. yeas: 9 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:27 AM
nays: @DonZimmermanATX #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:27 AM
Item 29
#atxcouncil moves along to item 29. 29 is about this: https://t.co/VUhfKcDXEI #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:28 AM
law says that #atxcouncil is okay. @DonZimmermanATX disagrees, appeals to @MayorAdler to hold off on vote, loses. #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:30 AM
"@MKanin Why would @DonZimmermanATX vote against a Fishing Pier?"
@SomewhereinATX @DonZimmermanATX i believe because he believes that the 2010 bonds were a mistake, and that the boardwalk is too expensive November 03, 2016 11:31 AM
@GregCasar says that the Dallas DNA lab contract is a step in the right direction, notes we’re not quite there yet #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:32 AM
@GregCasar expects report in four weeks re: clearing DNA lab backlog #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:32 AM
@DonZimmermanATX tries again to move term back to 12 months. doesn’t get a second #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:33 AM
29 passes, with @DonZimmermanATX vote. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:33 AM
Item 27
#atxcouncil moves along to item 27, cancellation of election day work session #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:34 AM
@Oraatx1 points to annexation set for 11/10. wants to make it a second-reading-only thing without running out clock #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:36 AM
if #atxcouncil also ppds 11/10 meeting all 40 zoning cases would have to be re-noticed #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:37 AM
oh hey: also, the Grove is supposed to be back next week too…#atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:38 AM
also part 2: #atxcouncil isn’t posted to ppd 11/10 meeting. so they’d have to say on message board they won’t be there #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:39 AM
@DonZimmermanATX raises what he considers posting issue; that #atxcouncil isn’t posted to extend DNA contract w Dallas to 6 yrs #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 11:40 AM
@DGarzaforD2 doesn’t want to cancel 11/8. business of the city, she says, doesnt stop just for election day #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:41 AM
@GregCasar also doesn’t see need to cancel meeting #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:41 AM
…and @d3forpio wont be here #atxcouncil @atxgov November 03, 2016 11:44 AM
@oraatx1 also wants to have meeting, as does @mayoradler #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:44 AM
@mayoradler was going to vote for meeting but now wants an opportunity for folks to meet #atxcouncil #ATXGov November 03, 2016 11:44 AM
@d5kitchen calls day very important, will vote to cancel November 03, 2016 11:44 AM
@poolforaustin points out that it’s also about staff getting time off #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:45 AM
Further, @PoolforAustin says she’ll be out at the pools all day, where she says they should be. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:45 AM
"@MKanin who’s idea was it for #ATXCouncil to meeting the week of the election, anyway? Might as well meet the week between XMAS and NYE"
@lubomudrov: @PoolforAustin just noted that she didnt realize when they set calendar it was election week. I bet thats what happened November 03, 2016 11:46 AM
@PoolforAustin also takes a minute to argue that #atxcouncil should give Grove mediation time to work #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:47 AM
might also, as @GregCasar, face a quorum issue. and that appears to sway everyone the other way #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:48 AM
so. no work session Tuesday. yeas: 9 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:48 AM
nay: @Oraatx1 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:48 AM
check your #atxcouncil message board for any discussion ahead of 11/10 meeting #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:49 AM
with that, #atxcouncil moves along to items 64 and 65 #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:49 AM
64 passes. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:50 AM
(these items are boards and commission administrative items) #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:51 AM
65 passes. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:51 AM
so. champion tract’ll go at 1pm (w applicant request for ppd); 2 for HLC item; 4 for spay neuter and the rest of it #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:54 AM
#atxcouncil will take lunch from 12:30-1:30. i am also headed for a break. i’ll be back this afternoon #atxgov November 03, 2016 11:54 AM
Thursday, November 03, 2016 12PM
Yikes. My typo. That should read polls… https://t.co/OBiyTN1mR0 November 03, 2016 12:55 PM
RT @cubbie9000: @SomewhereinATX @MKanin @PoolforAustin Few hundred thousand knuckleheads waiting until the last minute. https://t.co/CyeqUP… November 03, 2016 12:55 PM
Thursday, November 03, 2016 2PM
Item 53
I’m back as #atxcouncil turns to take up item 53. 53 is the Palma Plaza item, and accompanying demo permit code change #atxgov November 03, 2016 02:54 PM
more on this here: https://t.co/QPsHbY3dnK #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 02:55 PM
off the bat, MPT @kathietovo notes that she will bring back the larger, demo permit question next week #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 02:55 PM
this effectively separates the zoning case from the overarching demo permit issue here #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 02:56 PM
Thursday, November 03, 2016 3PM
the underlying issue here is the inability of #atxgov historic landmark comm to get itself a quorum on the current case #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 03:02 PM
we’ve reported on this too…
https://t.co/Np08mJvGeG
https://t.co/Ud0RfNa7BO November 03, 2016 03:04 PM
https://t.co/Np08mJvGeG
https://t.co/Ud0RfNa7BO November 03, 2016 03:04 PM
MPT @kathietovo clarifies that the second half of the res will be back next week as part of something new #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:04 PM
@Tterkel with FourT up. they’ve applied for the demo permit, and they own the property #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:07 PM
@Tterkel notes that they made 2 trips to HLC before getting a quorum and hearing #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:07 PM
@Tterkel argues that the demo permit rule change as a reaction to #atxcouncil not liking the result of the hearing, is unfair #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:11 PM
CX: @Tterkel is not the current property owner #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:12 PM
@Tterkel is the applicant for demo permit #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:12 PM
RT @davidahartman: @MKanin pretty confident TTerkel apple analogy will become tomorrow’s quote of the day . . . November 03, 2016 03:15 PM
@Tterkel adds #atxgov staff said property wasn’t worthy of H zoning, further suggests tructure doesn’t contribute to district #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 03:15 PM
@PreservationAus rep up. urging #atxcouncil to initiate h zoning, allow HLC to review (again) #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:16 PM
@perservationaus rep reports her own slate of suggestions #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:17 PM
to be clear, those @PreservationAus suggestions are in re procedural issues w h zoning #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:18 PM
@frankharren up. compares fourplex at issue here w Millet Opera House; suggests real history associated w the latter #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:19 PM
@frankharren, like @Tterkel notes #atxgov staff suggestion that fourplex isn’t historical #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:20 PM
@DonZimmermanATX will vote against H zoning here. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:21 PM
reminder: the property in question here is the Palma Plaza Apartment House #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:28 PM
2 speakers (preservation side) now made reference to aff’dble prices at Palma Plaza. might be some dispute on that point #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:30 PM
@Tterkel now closing. passes out photos. argues there is nothing historic here, that not all old buildings are historic #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:38 PM
@GregCasar picks up on claims of affordability. owner up. disputes waiting list, notes price is $1350/month #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:39 PM
property owner also says prices are not going down, adds that half of fourplex is unfilled #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:40 PM
@Oraatx1 suggests that H zoning is relative, that someone’s history may not be important to those on outside #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:41 PM
MPT @kathietovo moves approval of H zoning for palma plaza. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:42 PM
MPT @kathietovo picks up on staff notes that existence of fourplex is itself a rarity. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:44 PM
MPT @kathietovo adds that renovations are “very reversible” #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:44 PM
MPT @kathietovo now going over the H bone fides of Palma Park. historical value of residents #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:45 PM
MPT @kathietovo notes that staff, she were unable to do comprehensive research here. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:47 PM
MPT @kathietovo trying to build an H argument here. looking for full commission vetting #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:49 PM
MPT @kathietovo’s roster of former residents includes folks of various jobs, relationships to #atxgov #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 03:50 PM
@PoolforAustin worries that #atxgov staff didn’t have the “bandwidth” to fully vet property #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:53 PM
@PoolforAustin pushing for attorney, more staff “quickly” at #atxgov historic preservation #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 03:54 PM
@DonZimmermanATX into property rights here. cites Kelo (SP?) vs New London #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:56 PM
tack here from @DonZimmermanATX: notes he’s in minority. urges majority to think about gov’t coming for their property #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:57 PM
@d3forpio wonders if case can be heard twice in close period here. staff: yes. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 03:58 PM
Thursday, November 03, 2016 4PM
@GregCasar notes HLC is process we’ve set up, and is hesitant to send property back thru–but would if h value was clear #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:02 PM
@SheriGalloD10 argues that @Tterkel didn’t get adequate time to make case to #atxcouncil. seems to like 7 day ppd #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:04 PM
MPT @kathietovo doesnt want to wait the week. says process is there, #atxcouncil should follow #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:05 PM
confusion here re: number votes, whether there was a vote on H zoning at HLC. our story is here: https://t.co/mEWo92GNH8 #atxgov #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 04:07 PM
MPT @kathietovo pushing for decision today, being coy over reasoning. only notes “clock is moving” #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:08 PM
@MayorAdler has staff confirm that no demo permit will be issued by staff. @kathietovo remains concerned #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:11 PM
with that, #atxcouncil moves to exec session to hear @kathietovo’s concerns here… #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:11 PM
we shall return after that…#atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:11 PM
@MayorAdler gets agreement from @Tterkel that property won’t get demoed in 7 if #atxcouncil takes another week to consider #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:15 PM
Item 53
#atxcouncil now filtering back from executive session on Palma Plaza (item 53) #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:35 PM
both agree. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:36 PM
now, @MayorAdler looking to get property owner, dev to agree to not demo property if #atxcouncil initiates h zoning #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:38 PM
@Tterkel will not agree to waive rights in future case, only in case here #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:38 PM
ppd vote passes yeas: 6 #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:39 PM
nays: @Oraatx1 @kathietovo @PoolforAustin @D5Kitchen #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:40 PM
demo permit convo key there. @kathietovo concern appears to be that demo might happen down line, related to ppd today #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:42 PM
#atxcouncil ppds items 75, 76, dispatches w AHFC agenda #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:43 PM
Item 66
and that moves us along to item 66. this is the spay/neuter item. #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:43 PM
this is our latest on this… https://t.co/Pev22jJgTl #atxgov #atxcouncil November 03, 2016 04:44 PM
@MayorAdler now, again, pushing applicant and property owner to agree to not request demo permit for week ppd #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:45 PM
im afraid i need to check out just about now. thanks for following along, we’ll see y’all next time! #atxcouncil #atxgov November 03, 2016 04:58 PM
City Council
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Key Players & Topics In This Article
Austin City Council: The Austin City Council is the body with legislative purview over the City of Austin. It offers policy direction, while the office of the City Manager implements administrative actions based on those policies. Until 2015, the body contained seven members, including the city's Mayor, all elected at-large. In 2012, City of Austin residents voted to change that system and as of 2015, 10 members of the Council are elected based on geographic districts. The Mayor continues to be elected at-large.
