About the Author
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government, politics and the environment. A journalism graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, he was recently awarded a Foundation for Investigative Journalism grant and has three Associated Press Managing Editors awards for excellence in reporting.
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Discover News By District
Tip Sheet: Travis County Commissioners 12-2
Monday, December 1, 2014 by Mark Richardson
The Travis County Commissioners Court meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday. In the interest of space, we’ve decided not to post the entire agenda here. The County Clerk’s office hosts a copy at its website.
Items of interest for Commissioners Court include:
3. RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROGRAM YEAR 2013 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROVIDED BY HUD. (ACTION ITEM #21)
(Backup)
Monitor’s take: Each fiscal year, the county is required to provide a report on how it spent funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community development Block grant. Commissioners will hear comments and consider approving study. Travis County faced sanctions in 2009 and 20013 for not spending grants funds according to federal regulations. Previous coverage here.
16. CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED REVISIONS TO THE LAND WATER AND TRANSPORTATION PLAN.
(Backup)
Monitor’s take: Travis County staff has spent several years developing a Land Water and Transportation Plan to guide development in areas outside the city. Commissioners heard from staff regarding public comments on the plan and could amend it based on what they heard.
25. CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING TRAVIS COUNTY APPOINTMENTS TO THE CENTRAL HEALTH BOARD OF MANAGERS.
(Backup)
Monitor’s take: Commissioners postponed this last week to decide if they were gong to push ahead with nominations or leave it up to the incoming court in January. Coverage is here.
29. LEGAL CONSULTATION ON REQUEST FROM CITY OF AUSTIN REGARDING EXPERT STUDY AND WITNESS FOR POSSIBLE TAX CHALLENGE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Monitor’s take: Commissioners opted to not consider hiring a consultant to analyze commercial property appraisals a few weeks ago. Apparently, its back on the table. Executive session item.
31. CONSULTATION WITH COUNTY ATTORNEY ON CITY OF AUSTIN’S PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE FY2015 CENTRAL BOOKING INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AND RELATED SERVICES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.
Monitor’s take: The two sides are apparently back at the negotiating table after President Obama’s executive order removed ICE’s Secure Communities program as an issue. May have an agreement this week. Previous coverage here.
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