Big decisions made in 2015
Fingerprinting approved for ride-hailing companies
New regulations passed Dec. 18 for ride-hailing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, require fingerprint background checks. City Council will decide what penalties for noncompliance, if any, should be implemented during its Jan. 28 meeting.
Restrictions lessened for accessory dwelling units
New regulations passed Nov. 19 make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. ADUs can now be located closer to the main home and on a smaller lot size than before. Additionally, ADU structures cannot be larger than 1,100 square feet and cannot be used as a short-term rental that is not owner-occupied.
Drainage fee changes approved
Drainage fees applied to customers’ water bills changed in June from a monthly flat rate of $9.80 to an amount determined by the percentage of impervious cover on a given property.
Top issues for 2016
Short-term rental regulations
Laws regulating short-term rentals, or STRs, could change Jan. 28. Proposed new rules could include a new tiered permit fee structure, a phasing out of STRs that are not owner-occupied in residential areas and a limit on the number of occupants per STR. Council will also consider collecting hotel taxes from STR operators.
Funding for bicycle master plan
Advocacy group MobilityATX said Oct. 8 the majority of Austinites want the city to fully fund the $161 million 2014 Bicycle Master Plan. Mayor Steve Adler said a bond could be initiated to help pay for the comprehensive bicycle network.
Finalizing new sobriety center
Efforts to create an Austin/Travis County Sobriety Center advanced in October following a vote that allows city staff to negotiate a partnership with county officials to house the center at the existing Travis County Medical Examiner facility.
Meetings
Austin City Council meets at 10 a.m. most Thursdays at Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St. 512-974-2000, www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council.
Terms and compensation
The mayor serves four-year terms, and council members either serve two- or four-year terms. Compensation is $97,137 for council members and $110,796 for the mayor.
Video coverage
Meetings are televised live on cable Channel 6 and streamed online at www.atxn.tv.
Top 3 accomplishments in 2015 for Northwest Austin council members
Greg Casar | District 4
• Investment in green space: City funds and community partnerships helped develop three new parks for District 4.
• Progressive housing initiatives: Council approved easing restrictions on ADUs and prioritizing desegregated housing in the land development code rewrite.
• Neighborhood organizing: Two neighborhood associations were formed out of residents’ efforts to maintain affordable housing and quality of life.
Don Zimmerman | District 6• Established the first district office: He holds regular office hours at 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 101, to provide access to his constituents.
• Stopped an annexation: Residents of Old Lampasas Trail were against being annexed, and he helped prevent it from occurring.
• Defeat of the Travis County bond: Zimmerman said the bond’s defeat speaks of Austin residents’ concerns about affordability, and it will allow for a better solution to be designed.
Leslie Pool | District 7• Lobby reform efforts: She worked with supporters and opponents to reach an agreement and secure a near-unanimous council vote.
• 2015 Community Climate Plan: She sponsored the plan that aims to achieve citywide net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050.
• Parks, pools and libraries: She helped secure funding for improved access to all three, including a $350,000 investment to repair the pool deck at the Northwest Pool.
Sheri Gallo | District 10• Voice for District 10 residents: She and her staff facilitated collaboration between developers and neighbors regarding contentious developments, such as Austin Oaks.
• Short-term rentals: Ordinance changes will give the city the tools it needs to increase enforcement of the STR properties not in compliance.
• Reducing the tax burden: Council passed a 6 percent homestead exemption and a Senior and Disabled Homestead Exemption.
