TipSheet: Travis County, 10.04.16

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.

9. Consider and take appropriate action on contribution agreement with Turner’s Crossing Public Improvement District Developer. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: Now that the county’s PID machine has finally got its legs, it’s off to the races. The latest proposal comes from developers eyeing the creation of a public improvement district in far south Travis County along FM 1327. To get there though, the developers have to put up $25,000 in order to fund the various economic and market analyses that are necessary to verify the viability of the potential PID. It takes money to make money!

13. Consider and take appropriate action regarding Cultural Affairs Committee recommendations. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: Sure, downtown Austin might seem like it’s got nothing on Dallas or Houston when it comes to art museums and cultural experiences, but maybe that’s because people just don’t know where to look. Travis County is doing its part with its Folk Art Library, pieces of which are on display in the foyer of the Commissioners Court chamber. On Tuesday, the Court will rename the collection the Ed Jordan Folk Art Library in commemoration of local artist Ed Jordan, who has offered to donate his substantial collection of books, magazines and other material pertaining to Mexican folk art to the nonprofit Austin Friends of Folk Art.

18. Order damaged and unrepairable firearms to be destroyed, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 263.152(a)(3). (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: Thanks to the feds, this item’s description is a little misleading. Of the 211 damaged and unrepairable firearms in the county’s possession, a full 199 are Tasers. Even though they don’t propel bullets via miniature explosions of gun powder, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (not to be confused with the Bureau of Crazy Uncles) legally considers them to be firearms and thus they must be disposed of in such a manner. Rest assured though that the batteries and all plastic components (which probably are a big part of why there are so many damaged Tasers) will be properly recycled.