TipSheet: Travis County, 3.29.16

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.

5. Consider and take appropriate action regarding the issuance of a Mass Gathering Permit for Levitation to be held April 29 – May 2, 2016, at 9507 Sherman Road, Austin, Texas 78742. (Judge Eckhardt & Commissioner Gomez)

Monitor’s Take: Judge Sarah Eckhardt postponed a decision on this permit last week after a pair of Carson Creek Ranch’s neighbors showed up with concerns about traffic and parking. Levitation’s permit wrangler has since told the Monitor that those concerns have been mollified, which means the three-day music and camping festival must now try to convince the Court to back its requested variance for late-night music.

10. Consider and take appropriate action on the appointment of a chair to a Citizen Advisory Committee concerning the provision of additional capacity for the Civil and Family Courts System. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: The could likely be the last step in the drawn-out process to deputize a brand new citizens’ committee to help chart the path of county planners working to find fresh options for a new civil courthouse. Last week, Judge Eckhardt attempted to nominate SafePlace President Julia Spann as the chair of the committee, but she ultimately decided to delay that action in order to actually consult with Spann first.

20. Consider and take appropriate action on the pending conveyance of a right-of-way easement to Louis and Pamela Williams on, over and across the paved portion of land located within Tom Hughes Park in Precinct Two. (Commissioner Shea)

Monitor’s Take: Another item that appeared on last week’s agenda only to be postponed, this decision would give the Williams family access to their property through Tom Hughes Park. In exchange, the county is trying to leverage certain conditions from the Williamses including limiting development on their property to no more than two single-family homes.

21. Consider and take appropriate action on a proposed park fee for Hamilton Pool Preserve Reservations in Precinct Three. (Commissioner Daugherty)

Monitor’s Take: Your next visit to Hamilton Pool could be a dramatically different experience. County staff is requesting a new program to deal with the crush crowds during the peak season from May 1 to Sept. 30. You will no longer be able to just show up and wait in line. Instead, visitors will have to pay register online and pay a $10 reservation fee on top of the $15-per-vehicle parking fee. The aim is to, among other things, better manage traffic on Hamilton Pool Road, which backs up with people waiting in line to use the preserve’s 75-space parking lot.