Austin Annexation Battle: Los Altos Residents Resist
Los Altos Annexation Debated:
A special meeting was held to consider the "limited purpose annexation" of the Los Altos neighborhood, which would primarily grant Austin zoning control but not full city taxation or services.Community Pushback:
Los Altos residents overwhelmingly opposed annexation by Austin, raising concerns about potential taxes without full city services like EMS, and clearly stated their preference to join West Lake Hills instead.Council Skepticism and Debate:
Some city council members questioned the benefits of limited annexation for Austin, with one even proposing to deannex Los Altos entirely, though this motion was later withdrawn.Decision Postponed:
The public hearing concluded without a final decision on Los Altos' future. The council opted to gather more information and schedule a vote for early December.
Full Transcript
CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Called Council Meeting November 12, 1981 1:30 Ρ.Μ. Los Altos Village 1821 West Lake Drive The Meeting was called to order with Mayor McClellan presiding. Roll Call: Present: Mayor McClellan, Mayor Pro Tem Trevino, Councilmembers Absent: Deuser, Duncan, Mullen, Urdy Councilmember Goodman Councilmember Goodman entered the Council Chamber at 1:35 p.m. Mayor McClellan stated this is a Special Called Meeting of the Council for the purpose of a public hearing on limited purpose annexation of Los Altos Subdivision. Mr. Richard Lillie, Director of Planning, defined limited purpose annexation. Mr. Lou Thibault, who appeared at the hearing, asked if they would be taxed by the City of Austin under limited annexation, Jim Nias, Assistant City Attorney, told him that would only occur if there is an amendment to the Charter. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS- November 12, 1981 Mr. Lee Baker questioned whether they will be served by EMS. Mr. Lillie told him that the area most likely will be served by County EMS. Mayor McClellan asked for a report concerning EMS. John Lendrolla wondered why Austin wants to annex Los Altos. He thought they would be better as part of West Lake Hills. Councilmember Mullen questioned why the Council is considering limited annexation because he said the City will gain nothing from it. He said he will vote against it. John Trolla told Council that West Lake Hills is interested in annexing Los Altos. Ben Zondo told Council he would rather be part of West Lake Hills. Roy Kanino asked if they come under limited annexation how soon full annexation would be accomplished. Mr. Nias told him it would be five years. Rob Lippman told Council he filed the initial petition for disannexation and will pursue the question of annexation by West Lake Hills. Mr. Lillie stated that if this happens then Los Altos would become part of Austin's ETJ and Austin would have to release them. Los Altos would then have to petition West Lake Hills. Motion Councilmember Mullen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Duncan to deannex. Los Altos. Councilmember Urdy asked what the difference is between limited purpose annexation and leaving Los Altos as it is. Jim Nias said the main difference is zoning control. After some discussion and questions Councilmember Deuser said perhaps the Council should take time to find out more, as well as the residents of Los Altos. Councilmember Deuser said he thought they should close the public hearing today and vote by December 1. Mr. Nias said he could have an ordinance ready the first meeting in December. Motion Withdrawn Councilmember withdrew his motion and Councilmember Duncan withdrew his second. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 12, 1981 Motion Councilmember Deuser moved that the Council close the public hearing. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Duncan, Goodman, Mullen, Urdy, Mayor McClellan, Mayor Pro Tem Trevino, Councilmember Deuser Noes: None ATTEST: ADJOURNMENT Council adjourned its Special Called Meeting at 1:55 p.m. APPROVED Cen Mayor sace Mono City Clerk