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 Council met April 16 slightly after 10 a.m. with a 32-item agenda, which includes eight consent agenda items.
Approved items:
- Existing law was amended to place more limitations and oversight on adult-oriented businesses that wish to operate in downtown Austin. The law will not apply to any such businesses open and operating before April 26, 2015. Vote: 9 "yes" votes, with council members Ellen Troxclair and Ann Kitchen off the dais.
- The appointment of Arif Panju to the Historic Landmark Commission was approved despite concerns from council members, such as council members Kathie Tovo and Leslie Pool, because of Panju's past record of fighting against Bluebonnet Hills in Travis Heights from becoming a historic district. Councilwoman Delia Garza said she will abstain on all nominations made by Councilman Don Zimmerman, who nominated Panju, because of the character of a past nominee who has since stepped down. Vote: 6 "yes" votes, 3 "no" votes and 2 abstentions.
- A public hearing regarding Texas Gas Service's proposal to increase customer's gas rates was set for 4 p.m. May 21 at Austin City Hall. Vote: unanimous passage
Postponed items:
- Final approval of a zoning change for an apartment complex proposed at 8528 Burnet Road was delayed but will be considered April 21 after the matter was passed on second reading. The site is currently a commercial use, and the North Shoal Creek neighborhood group wants more compromise from the developer before supporting the apartment complex project. Vote to approve on second reading: 7 "yes" votes, 4 "no" votes with council members Ann Kitchen, Leslie Pool, Kathie Tovo and Ora Houston voting "no."
