Austin City Council met March 26 beginning around noon with an agenda of 51 items and a consent agenda of 38 items before any changes were made.
Approved items:
- Council expressed its support of bills in the Texas Legislature that would reduce toll charges for truckers who use SH 130 in an effort to reduce congestion on I-35. Vote: 11 "yays" and 0 "nays". For more about the item,click here.
- A temporary ordinance regarding overnight concrete pours was extended to allow a permanent ordinance to be voted on during the April 2 meeting. Vote: 11 "yays" and 0 "nays". For more information about the ordinance, click here.
- The lease for Recycled Reads at 5335 Burnet Road was renewed for a seven year term in an amount not to exceed $1,151,643. Some council members voiced concern that the program should be considered for termination to reduce city spending. $1,151,643. Vote: 6 "yays" and 4 "nays" with District 5 Councilwoman Ann Kitchen off the dais. For more information on Recycled Reads, click here.
Items sent to council committees:
- An item that would allow the vacation and naming of a currently unnamed piece of land adjacent to 900 S. First St. to First Street Highlands was sent to Open Space, Environment and Sustainability committee. The full council will consider the item again May 7 after the committee discusses it.
Postponed items:
- An item that would allow the Austin Fire Department to make restructuring changes was postponed until City Council meets April 2 to allow for more public input. Many council members voiced concerned that the proposed restructure would take away focus from the wildfire program and leave Austin susceptible to wildfire outbreaks.
