The 2015 Austin City Council from left: Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, Councilman Sabino Renteria, Councilman Don Zimmerman, Councilwoman Delia Garza, Councilwoman Ann Kitchen, Mayor Steve Adler, Councilwoman Leslie Pool, Councilwoman Ora Houston, Councilman Gregorio Casar, Councilwoman Sheri Gallo and Councilwoman Ellen Troxclair[/caption]Austin City Austin City Council considered an 110-item agenda during its June 18 meeting.
Approved items
• Allow 90-day extension of temporary late-night, or non-peak hour, concrete installation ordinance to allow more time to finalize a permanent ordinance.
• Citizens will now only be able to speak once per three regularly scheduled council meetings during general citizens communication.
• Purchase a 32.673-acre property at East Ben White Boulevard and Pleasant Valley Road for no more than $2 million. The area will be used as parkland.
• An agreement with Travis County was approved to enable the city to collect hazardous materials from county residents outside of Austin's city limits. Travis County will pay Austin an undisclosed amount for these services.
• Council directed City Manager Marc Ott to explore establishing a living wage for city employees and employees of businesses contracted with city of Austin. A stakeholder working group recommended paying $13.03 per hour for FY 2016 and increase to $16.83 by FY 2020.
• Lessened restrictions of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, on first reading. Before a final vote from council, the Planning and Neighborhoods Committee will hear the item again to further revise the item.
• Council Members Greg Casar of District 4, Ann Kitchen of District 5 and Kathie Tovo of District 9 will work with Travis County officials and the city manager to develop recommendations on a location, governing structure and funding options for creation of a sobriety center in Austin.
• City staff will explore ways to strengthen enforcement of current law regarding short term rentals in Austin. Suggestions must return to council no later than Aug. 13.
Postponed items
• Consideration of a contract to bring Austin Downtown Wayfinding System to Austin, which would help drivers navigate throughout the downtown area, was postponed until June 25. The contract would not exceed $463,478 in cost.
• A vote that would initiate stakeholder meetings aimed at developing changes to the city's deferred utilities payment program was delayed until June 25, although speakers were allowed to provide testimony during the June 18 meeting.
