Austin City CouncilCourtesy city of Austin

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

Austin City Council met April 2, with the meeting starting at approximately 10:30 a.m. There are 38 items on the agenda, 25 of which on the consent agenda.



Approved items:



  • Allow the restructuring of Austin Fire Department, which has caused some concern because it could result in the loss of a member of the wildfire division. Former firefighter and District 2 Council Member Delia Garza supported the move but said she wants council to look into restoring positions for the wildfire division. Vote: 8 "yes" votes and 3 "no" votes from Council Members Ora Houston, Ellen Troxclair and Don Zimmerman.

  • City Council expressed approval of HB 1756, which makes changes to the Austin Firefighters Relief and Retirement Fund. Vote: 10 "yes" with District 6 Council Member Don Zimmerman abstaining.

  • Authorized a contract with new management company for Caswell Tennis Center. The two speakers who provided comment said that new management would allow fresh eyes to bring needed improvements to the center. District 10 Council Member Sheri Gallo said she is working on changing the two-hour parking limit for the center to allow tennis players longer parking times. Vote: unanimously approved.

  • Initiated the gathering of stakeholders, including barbecue restaurants and neighbors affected by barbecue smoke, to develop a possible ordinance to reduce or eliminate how residents near the restaurants are affected by smoke. Vote: 9 "yes" votes with Council Members Ellen Troxclair and Don Zimmerman voting "no".

Postponed items:



  • Allow Lone Star Riverboat to provide boat excursions on Lady Bird Lake for 60 months utilizing a plot of parkland.

Public hearings scheduled:



  • Hearing regarding drainage charge set for 4 p.m. May 21 at City Hall.

  • Hearing regarding how adult-oriented businesses are approved to operate in downtown set for 10 a.m. April 16 at City Hall.