Big decisions made in 2012

• New council member — In October, Sunset Valley City Council appointed former Mayor Pro Tem Mickie Powers to fill a vacant council seat. Councilman Zubair Hamir had resigned because he planned to leave the city.
• Ford promoted to police chief — Sunset Valley Police Chief Trish Houston resigned in July citing personal reasons. After reviewing several applications, City Council unanimously voted to promote Lt. Sean Ford.
• Events center moves forward — On July 24, City Council unanimously approved a final site plan and watershed development permit to turn the homestead and barn at 5207 Brodie Lane into the Brodie Events Center.
• Firewise designation — Sunset Valley was named a Firewise community in April for its efforts to promote local solutions for wildfire safety.

Top issues for 2013

• The future of Country White Lane — The recent Austin Curling Center application has brought the road, located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction, back into the spotlight.
• Proposed fire station — The city will work on a master plan for developing the Uplands Tract, a 7-acre plot south of West Hwy. 290, and investigate sites north of the highway for an Austin Fire Department station.
• Elections move to November — City Council voted Dec. 11 to move its May elections to November. Allowing elected officials to take office in November will also allow for a longer orientation process prior to consideration of the budget, according to city documents.
• Water supply issues — The city will continue its longstanding discussion about what to do with its former groundwater system.

Meetings

The council meets bimonthly on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.

• Sunset Valley City Hall, 3205 Jones Road
• 512-892-1383
• www.sunsetvalley.org

Terms and compensation

The mayor and City Council are volunteers who serve two-year terms.

TV coverage

Meetings are broadcast live through the city's website.