April 2: Council allowed the restructuring of the Austin Fire Department, which has caused some concern because it could result in the loss of a member of the wildfire division. Former firefighter and District 2 Council Member Delia Garza supported the move but said she wants council to look into restoring positions for the wildfire division. Vote: 8 "yes" votes and 3 "no" votes from council members Ora Houston, Ellen Troxclair and Don Zimmerman
April 16: Council approved the second reading to amend zoning from commercial to multifamily for the property at 8528 Burnet Road. This would allow the development of a 225-unit apartment complex. Thirty-four units would be designated as SMART Housing, which are income-restricted to 80 percent of the area's median annual family income. Council will vote on the third and final reading at its April 23 meeting. Vote: 7 "yes" votes and 4 "no" votes from Councilwomen Leslie Pool, Kathie Tovo, Ora Houston and Ann Kitchen April 16: Council approved a zoning change from limited office to multifamily residence-low density for the property at 12101 N. Lamar Blvd. for the development of a 239-unit apartment complex. The property is currently undeveloped and located near single-family and multifamily properties and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Vote: unanimous approval with Councilwoman Ann Kitchen off the dais