TipSheet: Travis County, 7.07.15

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 include:

4. Consider and take appropriate action regarding response to flooding in and around Travis County. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: More than a month after the Memorial Weekend floods, staff will brief the Commissioners Court on the ongoing cleanup activity. Don’t be surprised to hear an update on Travis County workers’ efforts in Hays County. In recent weeks, Commissioner Gerald Daugherty expressed his anxiety over the possibility that the neighborly gesture could leave Travis County constituents vulnerable should another disaster strike.

7. Consider and take appropriate action regarding revisions to the Mass Gathering Permit application process including recommendations to streamline the application process and designate the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office as the coordinating agency for receipt of applications for Mass Gathering Permits. (Commissioner Shea & Commissioner Daugherty)

Monitor’s Take: At long last, the Commissioners Court will take up this set of changes to the mass gathering permit process. As we’ve reported before, it stems from neighborhood complaints near Carson Creek Ranch, an outdoor venue that has seen an increase in activity in recent years. The biggest change the commissioners are considering is a noise curfew that would prohibit amplified sound after 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. One group is openly campaigning against the proposed changes on the web and through social media. As of Monday evening, 78 people had indicated on Facebook that they will show up to Commissioners Court on behalf of Citizens for Live Music in Travis County & Texas.

26. Consider and take appropriate action on legislative matters, including a preliminary report on unfunded mandates and additional revenues from the 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. (Commissioner Daugherty)

Monitor’s Take: The 84th Texas Legislature has long since gaveled out of existence but the dust continues to settle as officials across the state attempt to make sense of the nearly 1,400 bills and joint resolutions approved by lawmakers. This item will feature a update from the Intergovernmental Relations Office on what new programs the county will have to find funding for.