TickTock: Austin City Council meeting 8.18.2016
Monday, August 22, 2016 by Michael Kanin
TickTock for Monday, August 22, 2016
Participants:
MKanin 268
eraycollins 5
DanKeshet 3
ndhapple 3
StephanieKTrinh 2
nanciwilson 1
jasoncherkis 1
cubbie9000 1
cbrendonriggs 1
Thursday, August 18, 2016 9AM
“I’m waiting to pounce on that keep Kanin tweeting link, @MKanin. Are you in for the long haul today?”
@eraycollins oh yeah! August 18, 2016 09:05 AM
“Yeah, check out the section on partnerships, something y’all are already doing. @MKanin @austinmonitor”
@eraycollins @austinmonitor word! August 18, 2016 09:05 AM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 10AM
Checking in from #atxcouncil, where we should get some #atxbondage, maybe some AE rate case settlement, more #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:03 AM
42, 46, & 47 will be w.drawn #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:10 AM
Item 95
tenant notification (item 95) will go at 6pm or later #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:11 AM
oh! and this! KEEP ME HERE IN CHAMBERS ON THURSDAYS https://t.co/dvCjzOjtB9 #atxgov #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 10:12 AM
“@MKanin Any idea when 75 will be taken up?”
@DanKeshet no time certain there yet. Will keep you posted August 18, 2016 10:21 AM
Item 2
add item 2 to the list of items withdrawn #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:29 AM
@MayorAdler talking about lotsa late action on tenant relocation, lobbying items. suggests 1st reading only approval #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:31 AM
@d3forpio has no problem waiting for a couple weeks on tenant relocation #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:32 AM
@PoolforAustin reports that she was planning on 1st reading only today for lobbying rules #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:32 AM
more on tenant relocation here: https://t.co/zKC061Cp9M #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:33 AM
more on lobbying rules here: https://t.co/yPQ4Eslcwi #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:33 AM
@MayorAdler indicates transpo bond discussion could happen right after consent #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 10:36 AM
pulled: 9, 19, 21, 23, 25, 30, 48, 49, 54, 55, 58, 59, 63, 64, 65, 73, 74, 75 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:38 AM
#atxcouncil hearing citcom on items that’ll go on consent #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:40 AM
Item 29
MPT @kathietovo puts 19 back on consent, will ask a quick question on item 29 before it goes on consent #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:43 AM
consent passes. yeas: 11 (unanimous), w exceptions as per usual #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:46 AM
Item 82
#atxcouncil takes up item 82 first. 82 initiates density bonus code changes. much more to come here #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:48 AM
Zilker’s David King up. Not a big fan of density bonus. cites limited impact on affordability #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:50 AM
@DonZimmermanATX wants to see what will come back, indicates that he will probably vote against whatever comes back #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:52 AM
82 passes. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:52 AM
abstains: @EllenforAustin #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:52 AM
#atxcouncil will talk about mobility bond…right after a “5-10” minute executive session. #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 10:53 AM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 11AM
#atxcouncil remains in executive session discussion over the potential mobility bond #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 11:26 AM
@DonZimmermanATX clearly agitated after coming out of exec session. remains the only CM on the dais currently #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:39 AM
@d3forpio is now out of exec too. no other stirring on dais #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:47 AM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 12PM
RT @cubbie9000: And 72 minutes later, they’re back. https://t.co/SsRUu6L9A9 August 18, 2016 12:05 PM
#atxcouncil returns from exec session. MPT @kathietovo at the helm. head directly to citcom #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:05 PM
Some things just kind of happen naturally… https://t.co/wrwemitFgh August 18, 2016 12:26 PM
I *do*, thanks for the reminder! https://t.co/8mfm08mEsg August 18, 2016 12:28 PM
Item 48
CitCom concludes. #atxcouncil heads to item 48. 48 is concrete pours. #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:36 PM
@DonZimmermanATX pulled this one. notes amount of time it’s taken to do this. suggests that its time to just stop trying #atxcouncil #Atxgov August 18, 2016 12:38 PM
staff asks for “one more shot to see” if they can get enforcement down #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:39 PM
staff: gunning for return to #atxcouncil in late september, early october #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:39 PM
staff: more specifically, we can’t enforce ordinance as it is written #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:39 PM
@DonZimmermanATX is against. would rather “hit the reset button” #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:40 PM
48 passes, i believe on first reading yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:41 PM
nay: @DonZimmermanATX #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:41 PM
#atxcouncil moves along to items 23, 74, 75, 76. that is to say: #atxbondage #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:42 PM
@MayorAdler reports he & @D5Kitchen agreed base document they’ll vote on is here: https://t.co/wTuvb4Xfjb #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:45 PM
@DGarzaforD2 wanted to divide question here, @MayorAdler thought they could. city legal seems to disagree #atxcouncil #atgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:46 PM
oh hey, @cubbie9000 is also tweeting about this #atxbondage stuff… August 18, 2016 12:48 PM
staff: only problem left to tackle is enforcement #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:50 PM
@SheriGalloD10 pitching this amend now… #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage https://t.co/y7ANGRrcQD August 18, 2016 12:51 PM
@SheriGalloD10 amend is an attempt, based on @EllenforAustin call, for further voter ed surrounding tax impact here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:52 PM
https://t.co/kYLZ8JhiXp August 18, 2016 12:53 PM
@EllenforAustin seconds @SheriGalloD10 amend, @MayorAdler supports #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:53 PM
“@MKanin Wait, does Council need to call elections? Could they just call a snap election sometime?”
@DanKeshet dont think we can do a snap election like a *real* snap election? August 18, 2016 12:55 PM
RT @cubbie9000: @DanKeshet @MKanin Only on uniform dates spelled out by state law. May and November. August 18, 2016 12:55 PM
@D5Kitchen also supports, @DonZimmermanATX no objections–then suggests nothing legally binding re: what’s in front of #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:57 PM
@MayorAdler then points to language in res that is, in fact, legally binding. #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:57 PM
@D5Kitchen says she wouldn’t support anything that wasn’t legally binding #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:58 PM
@DonZimmermanATX pushes his case. suggests that language reflects just an intent to create contract #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 12:59 PM
@MayorAdler, an attorney you’ll remember, refutes #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 12:59 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 1PM
Gallo amend passes. yeas: 11 #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:01 PM
i believe this is the document we’re working from https://t.co/DWbKs5ouZf #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:04 PM
@EllenforAustin moves amend that would add details about estimated tax impact on, we think, bond language. #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:05 PM
“Refutes what, @MKanin? @MayorAdler”
@eraycollins @MayorAdler the notion that the language is not legally binding August 18, 2016 01:06 PM
nevermind. we’re voting on additions to ordinance language, not bond language #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:07 PM
@EllenforAustin amend passes. yeas: 10 #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:08 PM
abstain: @d3forpio #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:08 PM
now, MPT @kathietovo moves to strike language in bond question about estimated tax impact #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:09 PM
MPT @kathietovo: doing a good bit of other public ed around tax impact, better to heed city legal warnings #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:10 PM
@MayorAdler adds to @kathietovo argument, suggests that this bond discussion will be most transparent #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:12 PM
@EllenforAustin argues against #atxgov legal interpretation of tax impact language rules, suggests her convos w AG leave room #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 01:14 PM
“What are the city legal department’s warnings, @MKanin? @kathietovo”
@eraycollins not clear yet, but seems against including language that illustrates tax impact August 18, 2016 01:15 PM
@DonZimmermanATX revealing his frustrations here. suggests city legal “deliberately misleading” him on language ? here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:17 PM
@DonZimmermanATX accuses #atxgov legal of lobbying against tax impact language, giving him purposefully bad counsel #atxcouncil #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:18 PM
@MayorAdler challenges @DonZimmermanATX. suggests what CM Zim is saying is untrue; Gallo amend handles transparency ?s #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:19 PM
Honestly dont know. @cubbie9000 ? https://t.co/hjD18C9FWP August 18, 2016 01:20 PM
RT @cubbie9000: Mayor counters that including estimated tax impact on $300k on ballot language is misleading. #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 01:23 PM
RT @cubbie9000: Adler: “This is the most transparent bond posting this city has ever had.” #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 01:23 PM
RT @cubbie9000: Mayor sez he supports because tax impact could change. Also cites other ‘transparency’ changes offered by CMs Gallo & Troxc… August 18, 2016 01:23 PM
RT @cubbie9000: @MKanin @eraycollins Ayup. August 18, 2016 01:25 PM
@EllenforAustin takes issue w @MayorAdler suggestion that ballot language statement is untruthful #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:27 PM
@EllenforAustin suggests that language in educational materials is the same as what shes trying to put on ballot #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:28 PM
@EllenforAustin wonders how it can be untruthful in one place and not in another #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:28 PM
@MayorAdler backs off a little. says “untruthful” might have been a bit hyperbolic #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:29 PM
that is to say, a statement that illustrates impact to all residents, regardless of home value #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:30 PM
amend to strike language passes. yeas: 7 #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:33 PM
Nays: @EllenforAustin @DonZimmermanATX @Oraatx1 @DGarzaforD2 #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxvondage August 18, 2016 01:34 PM
Now. Question coming on dividing ordinance and resolution #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:35 PM
with only two #atxcouncil members looking to divide question, @MayorAdler seems inclined to keep it all as one vote #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:37 PM
@EllenforAustin moves to split ballot into three props #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:39 PM
@DonZimmermanATX seconds #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:39 PM
@MayorAdler will vote against splitting bond into three props #atxcouncil #atxgov #atxbondage August 18, 2016 01:39 PM
@MayorAdler continues. says he worked all week to find a way to make the ballot language universally true #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:40 PM
motion to break into three props fails yeas: @DonZimmermanATX @EllenforAustin & @Oraatx1 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:41 PM
abstain: @DGarzaforD2 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:41 PM
yeas: 7 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:42 PM
@DonZimmermanATX tries a vote on separating ord and resolution. fails. yeas: @EllenforAustin & @DonZimmermanATX #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:42 PM
nays: 9 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:43 PM
now to the main event. vote on bond coming #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:43 PM
@Oraatx1 offering up respect for @MayorAdler and apparently lining up to vote against prop #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:44 PM
@Oraatx1 will vote and campaign against the bond #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:44 PM
@DGarzaforD2 echoes @Oraatx1 concerns about process, limited voices heard here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:45 PM
@DGarzaforD2 also looking for more public transit “we have to get people out of their cars” #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:46 PM
@DGarzaforD2 notes imperfections. adds, if i only voted for perfect plans, i’d never vote for anything #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:46 PM
@DGarzaforD2 now thanking @MayorAdler & @D5Kitchen but won’t vote yes #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:47 PM
difference ‘tween @Oraatx1 & @DGarzaforD2 is CM Houston’s from-the-dais promise to urge others to vote against bond #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:49 PM
https://t.co/obrcOEj38J August 18, 2016 01:54 PM
@d3forpio in signaling his support takes a quick shot at @DonZimmermanATX & warding of #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:55 PM
@d3forpio bets that if they separated projects by district, the folks in D6 wouldn’t even vote for roads #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:56 PM
@Oraatx1 returns to notion that she’s been “bullied” re: this bond; argues portions of the community left out of convos #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:57 PM
@D5Kitchen will support, would have preferred a smaller package but is in #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:58 PM
@GregCasar also supports. “portions of this bond…not my favorite”; but others are really important #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 01:59 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 2PM
@DonZimmermanATX will abstain. wanted it broken up. hates legal advice here on language #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:02 PM
https://t.co/bhVH1KyDup August 18, 2016 02:02 PM
@DGarzaforD2’s vote will also be an abstain #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:03 PM
one hard no, two abstains thus far #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:03 PM
@DGarzaforD2 argues that Austin is very far from ward politics #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:05 PM
@EllenforAustin is also an abstain. one hard no, three abstains #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:06 PM
https://t.co/9wiptPCTjY August 18, 2016 02:07 PM
@SheriGalloD10 is a yes #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:07 PM
RT @AKMcGlinchy: Gettin’ close, folks. https://t.co/tHnmmk5cNQ August 18, 2016 02:07 PM
@SheriGalloD10: “geographic equality does not mean ward politics” #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:08 PM
$720m transpo bond will be on ballot. yeas: 7 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:09 PM
nays: @Oraatx1 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:09 PM
abstains: @DGarzaforD2, @DonZimmermanATX , @EllenforAustin #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:10 PM
#atxcouncil now heads to lunch, exec session re: interim city manager. back at 3, they say #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 02:10 PM
#hero https://t.co/fXv4HH7F1p August 18, 2016 02:52 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 3PM
#atxcouncil remains in executive session #atxgov August 18, 2016 03:15 PM
stirring on dais, #atxcouncil looks set to return #atxgov August 18, 2016 03:46 PM
#TravCobondage https://t.co/kmg4jnse1o August 18, 2016 03:49 PM
https://t.co/X2mw938v8C August 18, 2016 03:50 PM
#atxcouncil is back #atxgov August 18, 2016 03:55 PM
speakers on 21 seem inclined to let it head along on 1st reading. and it does. yeas: 10 #atxgov #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 03:58 PM
off the dais: @Oraatx1 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 03:58 PM
for the record, 1st reading is pretty much a punt to a later date #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 03:59 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 4PM
Item 9
#atxcouncil will now try to quickly deal with item 9. 9 is a loan agreement for Austin Water capital improvements #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:00 PM
loan would be $20.4m+ for multiple Austin Water capital improvements #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:01 PM
@DonZimmermanATX not a big fan. suggests reclaimed water project costs $7.2m, doesnt want to accept loan for work on it #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:04 PM
as promised, @MayorAdler signals lobbying regs & tenant relo will be 1st reading only pending more work. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:05 PM
AWU head Greg Meszaros argues reclaimed water about managing resources, not triggering more costs w other water sources #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:05 PM
still, 9 passes. yeas: 9 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:07 PM
nays: @EllenforAustin @DonZimmermanATX #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:07 PM
Item 25
#atxcouncil moves along to item 25. 25 is ACVB deal for tourism promotion. five year deal at $16.47m #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:08 PM
Item 21
with that, #atxcouncil moves to item 21. 21 is the lobbying rules change item #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:10 PM
MPT @kathietovo turns to hotel/motel occupancy tax. wants to talk about how those $$s are used #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:10 PM
MPT @kathietovo argues that level funding would allow #atxcouncil to explore other uses of h/motel occ tax #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:12 PM
that aside for the moment, staff are arguing that no increase in the budget could result in layoffs #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:14 PM
MPT @kathietovo fires back: why would staff be on-boarded w funds that are not yet approved #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:14 PM
staff: we work on a forecast. also, it seems there is an event coming that will require sig staff? #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:15 PM
@MayorAdler wonders how ACVB is expected to plan if they don’t plan (maybe hire) ahead of budget horizon #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:17 PM
MPT @kathietovo notes distinction between ACVB/Convention Center staff. talking ACVB contract here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:17 PM
with that in mind, MPT @kathietovo pitches a steady level of funding (no increase) through the budget process. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:20 PM
staff notes proportional nature of increase (8%)–steady figure, he argues, but convention center has done well #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:23 PM
As MPT @kathietovo notes here: h/motel occ tax dollar use is restricted #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:25 PM
now we get into the code definitions of who can use h/motel tax revs. short answer: tourism. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:26 PM
@PoolforAustin wonders if Convention Center could continue w marketing plan if #atxcouncil freezes $$s. staff signals concern #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:29 PM
@PoolforAustin keys in on Convention Center ops, bonuses. hints at wider convention center $$ freeze. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:32 PM
lots of blurring here between ACVB, Convention Center ops. concern from at least three CMs over that whole set of $$s #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:34 PM
h/motel tax is of course is the deal. CMs looking for room to use those $s elsewhere #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:36 PM
“@muelleratx @MKanin I was a bit off. They’re talking about funding the visitor’s bureau, which is a purely marketing operation.”
@DanKeshet @muelleratx yeah, but the my are also talking about the convention center August 18, 2016 04:37 PM
MPT @kathietovo circles back. looks at $2m+ increase in ACVB and wonders if #atxcouncil can use some of that elsewhere…#atxgov August 18, 2016 04:38 PM
to be clear: MPT @kathietovo is interested in exploring the idea, could return $s after budget process #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:39 PM
New ACVB head now up to make his case #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:40 PM
ACVB: avg h/motel collection is 31%; #atxgov = c. 20% #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 04:41 PM
“@MKanin did they ever announce that time certain for #94, the tenant relocation assistance?”
@ndhapple seems 6pm? August 18, 2016 04:42 PM
ACVB: implies that there is very little wiggle room in budget, compared to competitors (and that this could spiral) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:44 PM
“@MKanin that’s what I was told, didn’t know if they ever actually announced it.”
@ndhapple they actually havent done it formally yet. Just indicated that this was their intwbt August 18, 2016 04:45 PM
“@MKanin that’s what I was told, didn’t know if they ever actually announced it.”
@ndhapple …*intent* August 18, 2016 04:45 PM
staff arguing that window for planning events goes out 4-6 years ahead of time. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:47 PM
ACVB: 81% increase in hotel rooms by ’19, argues “there is a need” for ACVB work here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:48 PM
ACVB head argues further argues that a lack of marketing will drive down occupancy (and supports w two studies) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:49 PM
ACVB head also not happy with make-up of task force. wants more industry reps, city legal #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:49 PM
@DonZimmermanATX wonders how ACVB manages downturns #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:51 PM
ACVB: some conventions will always be there? gives them a base to work from #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:52 PM
as ACVB head worries aloud re: less $s, MPT @kathietovo continues to press idea that it’s not actually less $s #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:55 PM
MPT @kathietovo turns to concept of heritage tourism. notes decline in funding here. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:56 PM
ACVB head: heritage tourism $s still there, just in a different budget (marketing vs specifically heritage marketing) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 04:58 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 5PM
Standing media desks! Hurrah! https://t.co/JazU8OrDkL August 18, 2016 05:03 PM
(for those wondering, here is something on ‘Heritage Tourism’): https://t.co/DbQ3KPWvWO #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:04 PM
now we get speakers on items 25 & 75. #atxcouncil #Atxgov August 18, 2016 05:04 PM
@DGarzaforD2 has an amendment to the task force item; looking to add a community rep #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:21 PM
@MayorAdler moves to add rep from convention center, restaurant industry to convention task force #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:27 PM
@DGarzaforD2 offers a total of five new members here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:29 PM
@EllenforAustin looking to maneuver membership in a way that would keep the size smaller, add more voices #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:29 PM
@DGarzaforD2 list includes a member of the environmental commission #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:31 PM
@EllenforAustin skeptical of an environmental commission rep (@D5Kitchen’s idea, it seems) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:32 PM
@D5Kitchen not concerned re:task force at 18. suggests flood mitigation task force (22 membs, she says) worked fine #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:33 PM
@PoolforAustin thinks 18 is too big, timeline is too short to fill #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:34 PM
@EllenforAustin wonders if @DGarzaforD2 could drop unspecified community member; argues all are community members #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:39 PM
MPT @kathietovo reminds us that all nominees here will have to be approved by #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:40 PM
#atxcouncil haggling over convention center task force make up. seems we may be getting close…#atxgov August 18, 2016 05:46 PM
@EllenforAustin trying to trim the task force by one, moves to strike UTC rep #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:50 PM
#atxcouncil seems to have intended to remove UTC rep #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:52 PM
task force item passes. yeas: 11 (unanimous) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:53 PM
@MayorAdler & @GregCasar note public testimony on tenant relocation doesn’t need to happen tonight, as item will be back #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:53 PM
#atxcouncil takes dinner break. will be back at 7:15 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 05:54 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 7PM
stirring on dais, #atxcouncil looks set to return #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:16 PM
#atxcouncil headed to budget public hearings (items 81, 89) #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:29 PM
#atxcouncil reports five hours of speaking time on the budget #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:30 PM
with five hours of public testimony on budget, and THEN 16 items to complete, #atxcouncil is looking for solutions #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:33 PM
first up, #atxcouncil will hear from families with children on the budget #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:34 PM
Item 59
#atxcouncil will next ppd item 59 to sept 1. passes. yeas: 11 (unanimous) #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:36 PM
nothing else to do now. #atxcouncil will start hearing from budget speakers w families #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:37 PM
First set of speakers up to call for, as one said, “prime-time after school programs” #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:42 PM
meanwhile, @EllenforAustin will put 63 up for approval real fast. it passes yeas: 11 (unanimous) #atxgov #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 07:45 PM
fire alarm here at city hall #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 07:56 PM
#atxgov city hall evacuated after fire alarm. #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 07:59 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 8PM
“#atxgov city hall evacuated after fire alarm. #atxcouncil”
Council members, aides outside #atxcouncil city hall after fire alarm. For the record: this does not seem serious https://t.co/TsmBZdpsqM August 18, 2016 08:00 PM
Welp, @Oraatx1 is back inside #atxcouncil #atxgov https://t.co/jaRlj8wk9B August 18, 2016 08:02 PM
“@MKanin Why is Houston still on the dais?”
@StephanieKTrinh she was outside for a minute, then back then August 18, 2016 08:05 PM
“.@MKanin is rich in both charm and integrity. https://t.co/eOEdv1OENY“
@timmytyper @TexasMonthly @MichaelDell hey! That’d be fun. @cubbie9000 gets a transpo column? August 18, 2016 08:09 PM
Still outside here at #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:09 PM
city hall being evacuated with fire alarm going off #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:10 PM
@andrewdobbstx asked if id ever been part of a fire alarm here at #atxcouncil city hall. Answer: nope #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:10 PM
Yay! We get to go back in #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:11 PM
Seems something got burned next door at @AustinJava #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:13 PM
#atxcouncil taking care of some quick business. 64 passes; 65 ppd to 9.1 #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:26 PM
we’re also gonna skip the AE public hearing; speakers will get another shot on 8.25 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:26 PM
that settled, #atxcouncil continues on w budget hearing. speakers continue to urge CMs to offer up more $s for after school programs #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:29 PM
This is how these things happen, right? Like via Twitter? https://t.co/khoAcoPMxQ August 18, 2016 08:31 PM
Item 58
now #atxcouncil ppds item 58 to 9/1. #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:34 PM
budget hearing continues #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:34 PM
“@MKanin All the great publishing deals happen on Twitter. That’s how Bezos bought WaPo.”
@jasoncherkis ohhhhhhhh…maybe i should have tweeted my gawker bid? August 18, 2016 08:35 PM
88, 93 public hearings now closed w no speakers. #atxcouncil #atxgov continues on with budget hearing August 18, 2016 08:37 PM
“@MKanin Is there an 8.25 meeting?”
@StephanieKTrinh might be an AE meeting? No official full #atxcouncil meeting tho August 18, 2016 08:38 PM
RT @ShelbyLAlex: @MKanin @StephanieKTrinh yes, I think that is set aside for a public hearing on AE rates specifically August 18, 2016 08:43 PM
#atxcouncil continues to hear testimony in support of #atxgov dollars for after school programs #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:47 PM
“@MKanin Sad that they only care about kids in AISD and not all the schools in ATX tax base.”
@nanciwilson how do you mean? August 18, 2016 08:49 PM
next set of speakers up pushing for use of “equity lens” as part of budgeting for this coming year. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 08:54 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 9PM
@DGarzaforD2 pitch to take some $s from APD to fund HHS programs getting some support from speakers here #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:01 PM
@d3forpio pushes back a bit on APD $s to HHS, notes he feels APD money support is as important #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:02 PM
ritual at city hall whenever folks -18 show up. @SheriGalloD10 tells ’em to register to vote; @DonZimmermanATX urges them to get a real job. August 18, 2016 09:04 PM
RT @ndhapple: Zimmerman gets boos for telling group of largely Hispanic kids visiting to finish school, get jobs, do something productive… August 18, 2016 09:04 PM
Item 94
#atxcouncil pauses a second to dispatch (for today) with item 94. 94 is the tenant relocation item #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:13 PM
94 will pass on first reading only, with more work to do before it comes back #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:13 PM
oh wait. seems some some amendments on 94 will need discussing–before it passes on 1st reading. it’ll be back later #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:17 PM
budget hearing continues. StuartHarryHersh up. got a comprehensive list of proposed housing budget $ changes #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:19 PM
“@ndhapple the Hart kids?”
@cbrendonriggs @ndhapple believe so August 18, 2016 09:19 PM
current speakers are up noting what they term as poor wages, conditions for Zach Scott Theater stagehands #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:30 PM
@MayorAdler wants to know what the connection is between Zach Scott and #ATxgov is. answer: there is $40k in #atxcouncil budget for theater August 18, 2016 09:32 PM
@DGarzaforD2 asks for confirmation on Zach Scott funds. staff: ongoing $40k expense for Zach Scott theater maintenance #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:40 PM
more calls from the public to move dollars from APD to other sources #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:45 PM
Item 54
#atxcouncil pauses for a second to approve item 54, solix contract sans $50k for multi-site search #Atxgov August 18, 2016 09:50 PM
deal on 54 also removes $50k from contract (for that search) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:52 PM
54 passes as amended. yeas: 11 (unanimous) #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:57 PM
with that, budget testimony continues #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 09:57 PM
next speaker up pushing for healthy food options across #atxgov #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 09:57 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 10PM
Item 94
#atxcouncil returns to try item 94 again. seems there is an agreement on what gets passed now. either way, more discussion next time #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:00 PM
Believe this is what they are about to add…#atxcouncil #atxgov https://t.co/WEMr0nhqHP August 18, 2016 10:01 PM
@SheriGalloD10 will abstain on this vote. passes. yeas: 8 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:02 PM
off the dais: @EllenforAustin #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:02 PM
nays: @DonZimmermanATX #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:02 PM
abstain: @SheriGalloD10 #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:03 PM
next set of speakers offers more criticism of APD budget, community policing plans #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:10 PM
two speakers from D10 call for spending $600k+ on upgrading old quarry. make general statement re: spending on branches #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:36 PM
another batch of speakers up to call for freeze in APD budget #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 10:39 PM
@DGarzaforD2 picks up on thematic issue tonight: struggles of those w brown, black skin in #atxgov #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 10:57 PM
Thursday, August 18, 2016 11PM
reps from #atxgov flood mitigation task force up, arguing for more flood mitigation spending #atxcouncil August 18, 2016 11:02 PM
“Names? @MKanin”
@eraycollins missed em August 18, 2016 11:07 PM
@DGarzaforD2 also takes a minute to fire back at @DonZimmermanATX for earlier comments; adds, “we don’t condone” them #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:10 PM
@GregCasar picks up on comments made by speakers re suspended APD robbery detective about the shooting of David Joseph. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:31 PM
@GregCasar calls those comments appalling. didn’t want to let evening pass w.out acknowledging #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:32 PM
composting folks will take a turn now. these folks pushing for curbside citywide composting #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:32 PM
compost supporters raise existing pilot program, argue its success. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:34 PM
@andrewdobbstx says compost push generated 27k communications in support of idea #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:35 PM
@andrewdobbstx says pilot saw avg +9lbs per household of landfill diversion under compost pilot #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:37 PM
@DonZimmermanATX not a fan of curbside composting. argues that it will cost more, contribute to affordability crisis #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:41 PM
@andrewdobbstx fires back: most folks will save dollars w curbside composting #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:41 PM
Item 90
oh. did i mention we’ve moved on to item 90? cause we have. we’re now on 90. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:42 PM
and, i’m afraid, this will mark the end of my evening. thanks for following along this far. #atxcouncil #atxgov August 18, 2016 11:44 PM
RT @cubbie9000: https://t.co/38PtYRTqj8 https://t.co/tW98uGNhYf August 18, 2016 11:52 PM
Friday, August 19, 2016 12AM
RT @loganfountain: and by tonight we mean always forever https://t.co/evaQ6BAmq2 August 19, 2016 12:03 AM
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.
