Austin City Council Photo courtesy City of Austin

The 2011–12 Austin City Council (from left): Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, Councilman Bill Spelman, Councilwoman Laura Morrison, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Councilwoman Kathie Tovo, and Councilmen Chris Riley and Mike Martinez.

Highlights of Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion)

(Posted 10:50 a.m.)

  • Offer energy efficient incentives to commercial customers and solar energy incentives to Austin Independent School District.
  • Approve the use of unmanned aircraft vehicles, also known as drones, to be studied for possible use by Austin Fire Department for emergency response.
  • Approve a resolution to provide support to minors that immigrate to Texas and do not have proper documents of their identity or citizenship.
  • Approve the prohibition of selling electronic smoking devices, or e-cigs, to minors.
  • Approve a resolution for City Manager Marc Ott to work with Urban Land Development on land use and design recommendations for moving forward with the I-35 Capital Area Improvement Project.
  • Approve a resolution for City Manager Marc Ott to explore the possibility of creating a municipal identification card.

This items in this list were passed with all council members voting "yes."

Distracted driving

(Posted 11:50 a.m.)

A public hearing will be held during the August 28 Austin City Council meeting regarding a possible distracted driving ordinance.

At the Aug. 5 council work session, some council members voiced concern about how best to enforce such an ordinance and whether cars at a complete stop—at a red light, for instance—could use their phone for a few moments.

Councilwoman Laura Morrison said she does text at stop lights, but that it could cause a problem if the lead car at a light is doing so and prolongs moving after the light turns green.

Not allowing drivers to access their GPS for just a few seconds could cause even more traffic issues, Councilman Bill Spelman said.

David King, a member of the public, told City Council he would approve of an ordinance after watching 10 drivers pass through a stop sign without slowing during a two-hour period in front of Zilker Elementary School.

Trail of Lights

(Posted noon)

Due to an increased number of visitors, the Trail of Lights has asked City Council to allow a $3 weekend entry fee for those age 12 and older.

However, Councilwoman Kathie Tovo fought the price increase.

"[When we brought the Trail of Lights back] we did commit to the public to allow that to be a free event, and it aggrieves me to start charging. I'm going to need some convincing why we're doing this," Tovo said.

A representative from the event said the reason for the charge increase is to make up for the cost of increased security during the weekend.

The motion to allow consideration of creating the fee did pass despite Tovo voting no.

Transportation bond

(Posted 4:37 p.m.)

Austin City Council unanimously agreed to place the $1 billion road and rail transportation bond on November's ballot.

The bond will now wait for approval from voters and then federal approval.