Austin City Council members have their eyes focused on the future with various items discussed during the May 19 work session before this week's council meeting.
Topics ranging from the development of a flood buyout program to proposed changes to the city's homestead exemption are not likely to receive votes until June 4. Other items on the May 21 agenda are likely to spur discussion throughout the day—and into the evening. About three-fourths of the agenda items were pulled for discussion during the May 19 work session, Mayor Steve Adler said. Not all the pulled items were discussed because of time constraints.
Adler said he still has unanswered questions he would like to resolve before taking a vote on approving the construction of a golf course near Decker Lake. District 5 Council Member Ann Kitchen said talks will continue in the council's Mobility Committee about changes to existing contracts with transportation companies such as taxis and chauffeurs.
Other items, such as contracts for vehicle rentals, could be sent to the council's Audit and Finance Committee for a closer look based on comments by District 10 Council Member Sheri Gallo.
Austin City Council has 53 items on its
May 21 agenda with 28 items currently on the consent agenda. The following items are highlights from the agenda:
- Consider changes to Austin's homestead exemption policy. This item will not likely be voted on during the May 21 meeting, based on discussions during the May 19 council work session.
- Consider approving an agreement that allows Decker Lake Golf LLC to develop a PGA-quality course facility at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in East Austin.
- Consider rate changes for customers regarding electric, gas and drainage fees.
- Consider approving $14 million for maintenance and a spare part for Decker Lake and Sandy Hill power plants.
- Consider a zoning appeal regarding a 1.213-acre property located along Red Bluff Road approximately 1,600 feet east of the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and East Cesar Chavez Street. The developer seeks to construct a hotel and restaurant. Should council deny the appeal, the developer would still be allowed to move forward with previously approved design plans.
- Consider requesting grant funding for road improvements on North Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road.
- Consider instructing City Manager Marc Ott to include minimum wage and fair chance hiring practices in upcoming budget talks.
