TipSheet: Travis County Commissioners 4.07

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:

1. Receive comments regarding the issuance of a Mass Gathering Permit for Untapped Festival to be held on April 18, 2015, at Carson Creek Ranch, 9507 Sherman Road. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: Carson Creek Ranch has lately become a popular venue for outdoor festivals such as Untapped, which spotlights craft beer and live music. Last week, a similar hearing for a mass gathering permit for another event at Carson Creek hit turbulence when neighbors turned out to raise their concerns over noise, light and traffic.

19. Discuss and receive update on the status of the Travis County Employee Capital Metro Transit Pass Program. (Judge Eckhardt)

Monitor’s Take: Staff will brief the commissioners on the success of a program designed to encourage county employees to use public transit. According to the backup material, a noticeable drop in participation at the beginning of 2015 is attributed to increased availability of downtown parking spaces.

21. Consider and take appropriate action on a request to authorize additional funds for Austin Colony Secondary Access to FM 969 (Gilbert Road Extension) in Precinct One. (Commissioner Davis)

Monitor’s Take: This road project was originally part of a 2011 bond package but has hit a financial pothole. Transportation and Natural Resources staff are anticipating a $1,105,169 shortfall and are asking the commissioners to approve additional outlays from a surplus and other unallocated bond moneys.