TipSheet: Travis County Commissioners 5.5.2015

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:

5. Consider and take appropriate action regarding: a. 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; and b. Policy on the orderly conduct of mass gatherings. (Commissioner Shea & Commissioner Daugherty)

Monitor’s Take: This reform measure is a reaction to the growing number of big events held in unincorporated areas, specifically Carson Creek Ranch. A steady stream of mass gathering permits for the venue have flowed through the Commissioners Court this year and several have been met with concerns from neighbors. According to the backup material, this item aims at making the permit application process more efficient and easier to understand for all interested parties, including the general public.

6. Consider and take appropriate action on report from the City of Austin/Travis County Sobriety Center Planning Committee. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: Commissioners will receive an update on the ongoing effort to establish a sobriety center — or, in layman’s terms, a drunk tank — in partnership with the City of Austin. The sobriety center would relieve pressure at the county jailhouse by providing a dedicated space for exuberant tipplers to sleep it off. The committee laying the groundwork for the center estimates yearly staffing costs to top $1.3 million.

21. Consider and take appropriate action on receipt of 500 copies of the “Travis County: Icons and Ideas” coffee table book. (Commissioner Gómez)

Monitor’s Take: In what could be the most exciting thing to happen to coffee tables since Cosmo Kramer, this item will formally accept the delivery of 500 copies of a county-commissioned coffee table book about — that’s right — Travis County. Commissioners assigned the project to the publisher two years ago with zero cost to taxpayers. Each copy will retail for $59.95.