Austin: Tax Boost, Hospital Future, Congress Ave Test
Potential Tax Increase:
City leaders are considering a tax rate increase proposed by the city manager, with a public hearing planned to gather community input.Congress Avenue Redesign Trial:
Discussions are underway to conduct a trial run of the planned renovation for Congress Avenue, focusing on its impact on traffic, parking, and public transit.Repurposing Old Hospital:
Options are being explored for the vacant old Brackenridge Hospital building, with suggestions to transform it into offices or other community spaces.Utility Policy Review:
The city is preparing to address the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA), which involves setting up public hearings and hiring expert assistance.
Full Transcript
* X Council Memo 27 August 21, 1980 TAX RATE INCREASE ITEM POSTPONED Consideration of the following was postponed until August 28, 1980 at 9:00 A.M.: i 1. Taking a vote on the City Manager's proposed tax rate increase. ^ i 2. Setting a public hearing on proposed tax rate increase. 3. Notices on proposed tax rate increase. PURPA Consideration of Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) was postponed until August 28, 1980 at 9:15 A.M. Items to be discussed are: 1. Hearing Procedures 2. Selection of Professional Services a. Professional services for assistance with prepared testimony. b. Professional services for assistance with arranging and administering the hearings process. USE OF OLD BRACKENRIDGE HOSPITAL BUILDING Councilmember Himmelblau introduced an item to Council concerning the provision to Council by the City Manager of a report discussing the options for using the old Brackenridge Hospital Building. She said she wanted to look at some alternatives for the use of the old brick building. She said the beds are not needed and should be taken from the city's inventory and the building used for offices or something. CONGRESS AVENUE Mayor McClellan introduced an item to Council proposing to test the approved design for renovation of Congress Avenue. She said, "We probably need some staff dicussion on this. I want to make sure a trial run is a realistic one on determining what will happen to the traffic flow, and we are also going to have to look at where the curb would be, the extension, the lane reduction plus the increase in width, the 30 degree angle parking, revised signal timing during the trial period. I have a letter from White's Pharmacy that has some good suggestions. It should be done the whole length of the street that it will be done. The buses are another problem because you will have six an hour with the approved plan. Can we have a report next week about what it would take to have a realistic runthrough?" Mr. Davidson said there will be one. ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned its meeting at 2:10 A.M., August 22, 1980.