City of Austin City Council met Aug. 14.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The following represents the actions taken by the Austin City Council in the order they occurred during the meeting. While the minutes are not in sequential order, all agenda items were discussed. The City Council of Austin, Texas, convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 14,2024, at Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX and via videoconference.
Mayor Watson called the Council Meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Council Member Harper-Madison appeared via videoconference.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. Approve an ordinance ordering a general election to be held in the City of Austin on November 5, 2024, for the purpose of electing a Mayor (at large) and City Council Members (single member districts) for District 2, District 4, District 6, District 7, and District 10; ordering a special election for the purpose of submitting proposed charter amendments to the voters: providing for the conduct of the general and special elections: authorizing the City Clerk to enter into joint election agreements with other local political subdivisions as may be necessary for the orderly conduct of the elections: and declaring an emergency.
A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and seconded by Council Member Qadri.
The following amendment was made by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and seconded by Council Member Qadri.
The amendment was to revise the Proposition O ballot language in Part 2 to read:
"Shall the City Charter be amended to remove the restriction that officeholders must wait until after leaving office in order to solicit and accept political contributions to pay unpaid campaign expenses or to reimburse campaign expenditures made from personal funds and to impose contribution limits on such officeholders.
The amendment was also to revise Part 15, Section 5 to read: "(5) An officeholder who, after an election, has unpaid expenses remaining, or who has unreimbursed campaign expenditures from personal funds that were made with the intent to seek reimbursement from political contributions, may solicit and accept political contributions, subject to the limitations on candidates in this section, until the unpaid expenses are paid and the unreimbursed expenditures are reimbursed. An officeholder may also pay the unpaid expenses and reimburse the unreimbursed expenditures from political contributions received during a subsequent campaign."
The amendment was approved on an 11-0 vote.
Ordinance No. 20240814-012 was approved as amended on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Qadri's second on an 11-0 vote.
13. Approve an ordinance ordering a citizen-initiated special municipal election to be held on November 5. 2024. on the question of releasing an area from the City of Austin's extraterritorial jurisdiction into unincorporated Travis County, the area being located on Menchaca Road south of Slaughter Lane; providing for the conduct of the special election: authorizing the City Clerk to enter into joint election agreements with other local political subdivisions as may be necessary for the orderly conduct of the election; and declaring an emergency.
Ordinance No. 20240814-013 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Qadri's second on an 11-0 vote.
AUSTIN HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION MEETING
Mayor Watson recessed the Council Meeting and called the Board of Directors' Meeting of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation to order at 10:32 a.m. See separate minutes.
31. The Mayor will recess the City Council meeting to conduct a Board of Directors' Meeting of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. Following adjournment of the AHFC Board meeting the City Council will reconvene.
JIZTELLER LOCAL GOVERNAIENT CORPORATION MEETING
Mayor Watson adjourned the Board of Directors' Meeting of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and called the Board of Directors' Meeting of the Mueller Iocal Government Corporation to order at 10:34 a.m. See separate minutes.
32. The Mayor will recess the City Council meeting to conduct a I3oard of Directors' meeting of the Mueller Local Government Corporation. Following adjournment of the MLGC Board meeting the City Council will re-convene.
Mayor Watson reconvened the Council Meeting at 10:36 a.m.
1Iayor Watson recessed the meeting to go into Executive Session at 12:00 p.m. without objection.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The City Council went into Executive Session, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, to discuss matters of land acquisition, litigation, and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda and to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda.
6. Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance authorizing fees, fines, and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, beginning on October 1,2024, and ending on September 30,2025, and waiving fees and other charges. Conducted.
7. Approve an ordinance adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, beginning on October 1,2024, and ending on September 30,2025.
Conducted.
Mayor Watson reconvened the Council Meeting at 12:52 p.m.
DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED
2. Conduct a public hearing and consider public comment on the proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Resource Recovery as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 proposed budget.
The public hearing was conducted and motion to close the public hearing was approved on an 11-0 vote.
3. Conduct a public hearing and consider proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Energy as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 proposed budget.
The public hearing was conducted and motion to close the public hearing was approved on an 11-0 vote.
4. Conduct a public hearing and consider proposed rate and fee changes for Austin Water as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 proposed budget.
The public hearing was conducted and motion to close the public hearing was approved on an 11-0 vote.
5. Conduct a public hearing and consider a proposed drainage charge rate change for the Watershed Protection Department as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The public hearing was conducted and motion to close the public hearing was approved on an 11-0 vote.
8. Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of the Austin Police Department; creating certain positions; and repealing Ordinance No. 20230816-010 relating to Police Department classifications and positions. 3
Ordinance No. 20240814-008 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool'§ motion, Council Member Ellis' second on an 11-0 vote.
Mayor Watson recessed the Council Meeting at 2:46 p.m. without objection. Mayor Watson reconvened the Council Meeting at 3:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED
7. Approve an ordinance adopting the City of Austin Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, beginning on October 1,2024, and ending on September 30,2025.
A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and seconded by Council Member Qadri.
The following amendment was made by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and seconded by Council Member Ellis.
The amendment was to incorporate the "Staff Amendments" and "Council Amendments for Consideration" sections from Attachment A with the number in the "Enterprise or other funds" column of the "Support Services Fund, Mayor and Council" line revised to be "$1,869,000."
The following amendment to Mayor Pro Tem Pool's amendment was made by Council Member Ryan Alter and seconded by Council Member Velasquez.
The amendment was to revise the budget to maintain the City's reserves at the current level of 16.7% to free up $4.3 million of 1-time funds and to allocate those funds to the following initiatives:
"Fuentes-5 -Early Childhood Social Services Contract Adjustment: $195,408 1-time
Increase funding for Alter-7 -Homelessness Prevention from $1,000,000 to $2,212,508: $1,212 908 1-time
R. Alter-8 -Services fur Families Experiencing Homelessness: $300,000 1-time
Vellasquez-2 -Substance Use Continuum of Care: $140,000 1-time
R. Alter-5 -Expanded 1Iobile Crisis Outreach Team (EXICOT) 24/7: $1,460,340 1- time
Veldsquez-3 -EMS Communications: $105,000 1-time
R-Alter-10 -Additional Fire Department Cadet Class: $875,000 1-time" 4
A motion to divide the question was made by Council Member Alison Alter, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and failed on a 4-6 vote. Those voting aye were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Alison Alter and Ellis. Those voting nay were: Council Members Ryan Alter, Fuentes, Kelly, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Council Member Harper-Madison was off the dais.
Council Member Ryan Alter's amendment to Mayor Pro Tem Pool's amendment was approved on a 7-4 vote. Those voting aye were: Council Members Ryan Alter, Fuentes, Harper-Madison, Kelly, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Those voting nay were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Alison Alter and Ellis.
The following amendment to Mayor Pro Tem Pool's amendment was made by Mayor Watson and seconded by Council Member Alison Alter.
The amendment was to add three FTE+ to the Downtown Area Command (1)1'AC) program.
The amendment to Mayor Pro Tem Pool's amendment was approved on an 11-0 vote.
Mayor Pro Tem Pool's amendment as amended was approved on a 10-1 vote. Council Member Kelly voted nay.
Ordinance No. 20240814-007 was approved as amended on a roll call vote on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Qadri's second on a 10-1 vote. Those voting aye were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Alison Alter, Ryan Alter, Ellis, Fuentes, Harper-Madison, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Council Member Kelly voted nay.
6. Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance authorizing fees, fines, and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, beginning on October 1,2024, and ending on September 30,2025, and waiving fees and other charges. The public hearing was conducted and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on an 11-0 vote. A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Mayor Pro Tem Pool and seconded by Council Member Vela.
The following amendment was made by Council Member Ryan Alter and seconded by Council Member Alison Alter.
The amendment was to revise the "Austin Center of Events (ACE), Entertainment, and Other Permit Review" fees listed in Exhibit 'A' and on Page 979-980 of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget to maintain these fees at Fiscal Year 2023-24 levels.
The amendment was also to direct the City Manager to return to the Council with recommendations for changes to these fees and any additions to the list of City Co-sponsored events listed in Exhibit 'C' to minimize the impact on small or free community events, at the September 26,2024, Council Meeting.
The amendment was approved on a 10-0 vote. Council Member Harper-Madison was off the dais.
Ordinance No. 20240814-006 was approved as amended on a roll call vote on JIayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Vela's second on a 10-1 vote. Those voting aye were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Alison Alter, Ryan Alter, Ellis, Fuentes, Harper-Madison, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Council Member Kelly voted nay.
9. Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of the Austin Fire Department creating certain positions; and repeating Ordinance No. 20230816-009 relating to Fire Department classifications and positions.
Ordinance No. 20240814-009 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Qadri's second on an 11-0 vote.
11. Ratify the property tax increase reflected in the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The motion to ratify the property tax increase reflected in the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 adopted by Council today was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Ryan Alter's second on a 10-1 vote. Council Member Kelly voted nay.
1 Conduct a public hearing and approve an ordinance adopting and levying a properly Cad valorem) tax rate for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
The public hearing was conducted and a motion to close the public hearing and approve Ordinance No. 20240814-001 for the properly tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 47.76 cents per hundred dollar valuation, which is effectively a 5.9 percent increase in the tax rate was approved on a roll call vote on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Vela's second on a 10-1 vote. Those voting aye were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Alison Alter, Ryan Alter, Ellis, Fuentes, Harper-Madison, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Council Member Kelly voted nay.
10. Approve an ordinance establishing classifications and positions in the classified service of the Emergency Medical Services Department; creating certain positions: and repealing Ordinance No. 20240718-069 relating to the Emergency Medical Services Department classifications and positions.
Ordinance No. 20240814-010 was approved on Council Member Ryan Alter's motion, Council Member Fuentes' second on an 11-0 vote.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
Items 14 through 29 were acted on with one combined motion.
14. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to identify funding or other resources capable of providing small grants to community-based organizations in pursuit of the goals set forth in Resolution Nos. 20071213-058,20210902-048, and 20240418-076 regarding the African American Cultural Heritage District. Council Sponsors: Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Council Member Jos6 Velasquez, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Paige Ellis.
Resolution No. 20240814-014 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
15. Approve a resolution amending Resolution No. 20021003-040 and directing the City Manager to solidify the City's efforts and financial support for Juneteenth celebrations, to identify opportunities to further support and sustain other culturally significant and legacy events, and to return to council with updates. Council Sponsors: Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Paige Ellis, Council Member Jos6 Velasquez.
Resolution No. 20240814-015 was approved on 1Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velaquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
16. Approve a resolution relating to cybersecurity, contract efficiencies, and the Information Security Office. Council Sponsors: Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly. Resolution No. 20240814-016 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member VelAsquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
17. Approve a resolution relating to EMS billing process improvements and related system investments. Council Sponsors: Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela.
Resolution No. 20240814-017 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
18. Approve a resolution relating to retention bonus payments for Aviation and Austin Water Utility employees. Council Sponsors: Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool. Resolution No. 20240814-018 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member \7elkisquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
19. Approve a resolution relating to maternity leave benefits for sworn firefighters. Council Sponsors: Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Paige Ellis, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly.
Resolution No. 20240814-019 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
20. Approve a resolution relating to the Austin Fire Department's overtime costs. Council Sponsors: Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jose Velasquez. Resolution No. 20240814-020 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
21. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan informed by the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment, and to present the completed Veterans Affairs Action Plan to Council within six months of the publication o f the Texas Veterans Needs Assessment. Council Sponsors: Council Member Paige Ellis, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Mayor Kirk Watson.
Resolution No. 20240814-021 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member I7elhsquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
22. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to conduct a feasibility study to determine potential properties that can host an LGBTQIA+ community center and establish a task force to lead this initiative. Council Sponsors: Council Member Jose Velasquez, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela.
Resolution No. 20240814-022 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
23. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to explore possible agreements with Travis County and other area partners, identify funding, and engage the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission to explore collaborations or partnerships to address the City's homelessness response system, including permanent supportive housing. Council Sponsors: Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Jose Velasquez, Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes.
Resolution No. 20240814-023 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool s motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
24. Approve a resolution directing the creation of a dedicated fund for the acquisition of land to be used for parkland, protection of the City's water supply, ininroved drainage, and tlood mitigation. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Jose Velasquez, Council Member Jos? "Chito" Vela, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Alison Alter.
Resolution No. 20240814-024 was approved on 1Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on a 10-0 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Pool abstained.
25. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to develop a multi-year plan for applying the City's Living Wage requirements to future solicitations for social services. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council
Member Jos6 Velasquez, Council Member Alison Alter, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri.
Resolution No. 20240814-025 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
26. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to appropriate delinquent property tax penalties and interest to the House Our People Endowment Fund for homelessness prevention services. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Jos6 Velasquez, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jos6 "Chito" Vela.
Resolution No. 20240814-026 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
27. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to explore providing supplemental litter prevention and abatement services. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Jose Velasquez, Council Member Jos6 "Chito" Vela, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri.
Resolution No. 20240814-027 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
28. Approve a resolution initiating an update to the Downtown Austin Plan. Council Sponsors: Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jos6 "Chito" Vela, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool, Mayor Kirk Watson.
Resolution No. 20240814-028 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
29. Approve a resolution relating to shade tree planting projects at parks and community tree planting and increasing the allocation from the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Jose Velasquez, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jos6 "Chito" Vela.
Resolution No. 20240814-029 was approved on Mayor Pro Tem Pool's motion, Council Member I7elhsquez's second on an 11-0 vote.
30. Approve a resolution directing the acquisition and development of additional Downtown Austin Community Court facilities to provide criminal justice diversion and navigation services. Council Sponsors: Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member Zohaib "Zo" Qadri, Council Member Jos6 Velasquez, Council Member Jose "Chito" Vela.
Revolution No. 20240814-030 was approved on Council Member Ryan Alter's motion, Council Member Velasquez's second on an 8-0 vote. Mayor Pro Tem Pool and Council Members Alison Alter and Ellis abstained.
Mayor Watson adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m. without objection.