City Council Special Called Meeting Transcript – 01/06/2015 Title: ATXN2 Channel: 6 - ATXN Recorded On: 1/6/2015 6:00:00 AM Original Air Date: 1/6/2015 Transcript Generated by SnapStream ================================== [5:34:03 PM] Austin city council, special called ceremony, swearing in ceremony. Special called meeting, swearing in ceremony. >>> >> Test test test this is a test of the Austin city council meeting captioning system. [5:53:14 PM] >>> >>> >>> >> [6:15:26 PM] >> Good evening, everyone. If everyone could please find their place. I'm going to ask you to stand, while the pros prosession comes in. We are about to begin. [6:18:13 PM] Please be seated. Good evening, I'm Austin mayor Lee Leffingwell. I welcome you all to city hall for a truly historic event. The first inauguration of a district-based council in over 100 years. [Applause] Believe it or not the last geographically represented council in Austin, Texas was sworn in in 1905, well over 100 years ago. Before we start, I want to recognize some elected officials that are here with us tonight in the chamber. Former senator Gonzalo Barrientos, please stand when I call your name. [Applause] Former mayor, Ron mullen. [Applause] Former mayor Bruce Todd. [Applause] And representing former mayor Roy butler, Mrs. Anne butler. [Applause] State representative Jason Isaac. [Applause] Councilmembers bill Spelman, Mike Martinez. Mike Martinez -- Chris Riley [applause] Laura Morrison [applause] -- laura Morrison [applause] [6:20:16 PM] And mayor pro tem Sheryl Cole. [Applause] We also have former mayor pro tem Jackie Goodman. [Applause] Former councilmember, Hancox. I want to take a minute to thank some very important people that I've worked with in my past 15 years serving on the city's environmental board, as a councilmember, and as mayor. First, thanks to my great office staff members, who have worked with me over the years. I'm going to call out the names of all of them and some of them have -- have come and gone. First of all, my chief of staff, Nancy Williams. [Applause] Former chiefs of staff, mark Nathan and Andy Norman. And here comes a whole bunch of names. Amy Everhart, Janet Jackson, Lili Smallen, Renee eyes, Zach green, Matt Curtis, [indiscernible], Michelle suer and Larry schooler. I want to emphasize all of these people didn't work for me at one time. [Laughter]. I want to say thank you to our city, Marc Ott and his great staff that I've worked with as a councilmember and a mayor over the last 10 years. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you for your support all these years. Thank you, Julie, please stand up. [6:22:19 PM] But most of all, I want to thank the citizens of Austin for giving me the opportunity to serve this city. I'm very proud to have been mayor of my hometown, Austin, Texas. Now, I want to offer congratulations to mayor elect Adler and all of the councilmembers elect on their election to this office. I wish them [indiscernible] They will face every day in this place. And as they work to fairly balance the needs of their individual districts with the priorities of the entire city. So may god bless the great city of Austin, Texas, the greatest city in America. [Applause] Now, since you're already standing, don't sit down. I'm going to ask everyone to please stand and remain standing for the posting of the colors, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem and the invocation. [Bag pipes playing]. [6:25:22 PM] Hcolor guard present arms. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Now I would like to introduce Hayden to sing our national anthem. [singing national anthem]. Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed, at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming and the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. O, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ... O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. [6:27:27 PM] [applause] >> Mayor Leffingwell: Order arms. Order arms. >> Order. Halt. >> Mayor Leffingwell: May I please welcome captain Eric Gerber, chaplain, United States army for the invocation. Captain? >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor, city council members, distinguished citizens of Austin. I invite you to pray. Dear gracious and loving god, I invite your presence here tonight. I thank you that we live in a country that is founded on freedom. I thank you that we live in a country for which we can vote for our own elected leaders. Lord may the mayor of this great city be filled with wisdom from the first day of his term until the last. May you place great men and women around him that will give him solid and finished. May you now heal the wounds that need healing and bless the families as they continue to love and support their elected members here tonight. I ask that you instill confidence in the new leaders, I ask that you gave them strength, when the meetings drag on, when the agenda seems endless. In these hard and painful times, I pray that they will remember to take a deep breath, to pause and listen. In your most gracious name we pray. Amen. >> Mayor Leffingwell: I I men. Retire the colors. [Drums]. [Bag pipes playing]. [6:30:51 PM] >> Mayor Leffingwell: Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Now I would like to ask the mayor elect and the councilmembers elect to please take your positions in fronts of the dais to be sworn in by the presiding judge of the city of Austin municipal court, judge Sherri statman. >> Good evening, it is my distinct honor to be part of this historic occasion. It is also my privilege to stand among this dedicated group who are united in their desire to serve this city we all love. Before the work can officially begin, I will administer the oaths of office. Mayor elect, please step forward. If you will raise your right hand and repeat after me. >> I Steve Adler, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of mayor of the city of Austin ... >> [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. >> Of the state of Texas. >> And will to the best of my abilities. >> And will to the best of my abilities. >> Preserve, protect and defend. >> Preserve, protect and defend. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. >> And of this state. >> And of this state. >> So help me god. >> So help me god. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Thank you. [6:33:01 PM] Ms. Houston, if you will please raise your right hand and repeat after me. >> I ora Houston do solemnly swear or affirm. >> Do solemnly swear. >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. >> [Repeating oath. >> Of the office of city council district number 1. [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my abilities. >> [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. >> [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >> And of this state so help me god. [Repeating oath. Congratulations. [Applause] >> Please raise your right hand. I, Delia Garza. >> I Delia Garza. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. [Repeating oath. >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. [Repeating oath. >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 2. [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >> And of this state. [Repeating oath. >> So help me god. [Repeating oath. >> Congratulations. [Applause] [6:35:09 PM] Please raise your right hand, I Pio Renteria, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Austin city council district number 3. >> Of the office of the city council district number 3. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >>> And of this state. [Repeating oath. >> So help me god. [Repeating oath. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Please raise your right hand. I Greg Casar. [Repeating oath. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. >> Do solemnly swear. >> That I will faithfully execute of the duties. [Repeating oath. >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 4. [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >> And of this state. >> And of this state. >> [Repeating oath. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> I, Ann kitchen. [Repeating oath. >> Do solemnly swear or [6:37:12 PM] affirm. [Repeating oath. >> That I will faithfully execute of the duties. [Repeating oath. >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 5. [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >> And of this state. [Repeating oath. >> So help me god. >> So help me god. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Please raise your right hand. >> I don Zimmerman. [Repeating oath. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. [Repeating oath. >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. [Repeating oath. >> Of the office of Austin city council. [Repeating oath. >> District number 6. [Repeating oath. >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath. >> And will to the best of my ability. [Repeating oath. >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath. >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath. >> And of this state. [Repeating oath. >> So help me god. [Repeating oath. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Please raise your right hand. I Leslie pool pgh [repeating oath] >> Do solemnly swear or affirm pgh [repeating oath] >> That I will faithfully execute the duties pgh [repeating oath] >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 7 pgh [repeating oath] [6:39:12 PM] >> Of the state of Texas and will to the best of my abilities preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath] >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath] >> And of this state. [Repeating oath] >> So help me god. [Repeating oath] >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> I Ellen troxclair. [Repeating oath] >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. [Repeating oath] >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. [Repeating oath] >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 8. [Repeating oath] >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath] >> And will to the best of my abilities. >> [Repeating oath] >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath] >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath] And of this state. [Repeating oath] Is that so help me god. >> So help me god. >> Congratulations. [Applause] >> Okay, Kathie tovo. >> I Kathie tovo. >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. [Repeating oath] >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. [Repeating oath] >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 9. [Repeating oath] >> Of the state of Texas. [6:41:13 PM] [Repeating oath] >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath] >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath] >> The constitution and laws of the United States. [Repeating oath] >> And of this state. [Repeating oath] >> So help me god. [Repeating oath] >> Congratulations. >> Please raise your right hand. I Sheri Gallo. [Repeating oath] >> Do solemnly swear or affirm. [Repeating oath] >> That I will faithfully execute the duties. [Repeating oath] >> Of the office of Austin city council district number 10. [Repeating oath] >> Of the state of Texas. [Repeating oath] >> And will to the best of my abilities. [Repeating oath] >> Preserve, protect and defend. [Repeating oath] >> The constitution of the United States. [Repeating oath] >> And of this state. [Repeating oath] >> So help me god. [Repeating oath] >> Congratulations. [Applause] [6:43:16 PM] And the acting city attorney, Anne Morgan, to join us on the dais, please. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: I am Austin mayor Steve Adler. [ Cheering ] >> Mayor Adler: I'll try real hard to get used to saying that. A quorum is present, so I'm going to call this special called meeting of the Austin city council to order on Tuesday, January 6th, 2015, the time is 6:44 P.M. At this point, I would like to ask mayor Leffingwell and -- and the [indiscernible] To join me at the podium for a special recognition of your dedicated years of service. Please come forward. [Applause] [6:45:17 PM] [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: So my understanding is that the highest award that this city can give to one of its citizens is the distinguished service medal of the city of Austin, which is a -- a beautiful commemoration. This city owes all of you an incredible amount of thanks. There's no city in the world that is a more preferred place to be or that is out front in so many ways. When you took the office, that's not where we were and you managed to take this city through a time that was difficult and trying, a time that a lot of cities are still in the process of recovering from and you have taken our city and somehow or another you made it excel and exceed from where it was when we entered into that period of time. And that's a remarkable achievement and it is a gift that you have given to us. You know, we know as a group that -- that we stand on the shoulders of the people that have come before us and we stand on the shoulders of the people that are in the room that were introduced earlier. But in a most immediate sense, we stand on your shoulders and in doing that we stand high and the view is awfully nice from where we're standing right now. So on behalf of the city of Austin, I want to give you these -- I want to give you these medals and I want to thank you for your service. [Applause] [6:48:10 PM] >> Mayor Adler: At this point we want to let the new councilmembers take a few minutes to -- to give some remarks. We're going to deliver those in the order of districts. If that's okay. Councilmember Houston, that sounds awfully nice, too. [Laughter]. Why don't you start us off? >> Thank you, mayor Adler. To everyone in this building and those who are watching on the television, welcome to the people's home. This night is like no other night in the 175 year history of the city of Austin and you are participating in this historic event. Take a moment to be aware of the significance of the opportunities that are on the horizon. City government has shifted from we've always done it that way to what is in the best interest of our shareholders. How often does the city have the ability to realign our hopes, our dreams and ensure that we are considering the public good for the public throughout this great city. Shareholders want to participate in real ways and want the ability to provide input at the very beginning of a process rather than at the very end. I'm delighted to represent this splendid family who live in Austin and in district 1 and if you know anything about blended families, you know they don't always agree on things. Yet they are committed to making it work. Everyone stays at the table because they know how important their conversations are to the future. And I want to take a minute to introduce my family. My son, my daughter, Gina Houston, somebody, please stand up. Hey. [Laughter]. A family friend for over 40 years, Gonzalo Barrientos. [6:50:13 PM] [Applause], penache gash who has represented our amazing supporters, there he is right there. And the reverend Lisa sanders who is my priest. [Applause]. As I close, I must acknowledge the two people on whose shoulders I stand, Arthur bd witty who in 1951 ran for the council and almost ran that election but it caused the council to change the charter and mandate an at large system and then with a gentleman's agreement the first councilmember of African-American decent was elected in 1951, my friend beryl Hancock. [Applause] It will be an honor and a arrival to serve with my colleagues as we begin setting policy and working with each of you on the critical issues that this city faces. We need everyone to do their part as we work to create an Austin that we can all be proud of. Thank you so much. [Applause] >> Councilmember Garza? >> [Indiscernible]. >> Is it on now? I just learned how to do that. Thank you all for being here for this historic event as we change the face of city government with the new 10-1 council. I was blessed to grow up in a family that emphasized the value of public service and my parents have been my inspiration to devote my career to giving back to my communities. I want to thank my parents, my sisters and their families for being an incredible support system. [6:52:13 PM] I could not be here without them. My husband, Ramiro, we just got married so -- so I'm not used to saying husband. [Laughter]. [Applause]. Ramiro has been my rock and I can't -- I can't thank him enough for his love and encouragement. My campaign staff and supporters made it possible for us to run an inclusive and grassroots campaign. I want to give special thanks to my campaign manager, Marisa Williams and my friend and mentor former councilmember Jackie Goodman. I also want to thank and recognize the outgoing council. Each and every one of them have served Austin with the best interest of the city at heart and have passed some of the most Progressive and effective policies in the country that will improve the quality of life for Austin residents for generations to come. This new council will succeed because we're able to continue to build on the strong foundation previous councils have built. Serving as an Austin firefighter and advocating for families as an assistant attorney general, were humbling and deeply rewarding experiences for me. I'm so honored to be given this opportunity to continue to serve the city and I'm inspired to be part of this new 10-1 council. I spent countless hours working alongside some of the most dedicated people I have ever met during the process to pass 10-1. I know we'll continue to strengthen -- to strengthen that bond as we deliver on the promise of 10-1 to be the most inclusive and representative government this city has ever seen and ensure that every austinite has a choice at city hall. As I work with you and for you, I pledge to work hard and also fight for what I believe is right for district 2 and all of us. I ask austinites to give us guidance, hold us accountable and ensure that we are protecting what makes Austin such a special place. I know that this council is committed to rolling up our sleeves, working together and I have no doubt we'll make grade strides forward in improving lives and expanding opportunity for everyone in our community. Thank you. [Applause] [6:54:18 PM] >> Councilmember Renteria? >> Thank you. Mayor and former and new city council members, elected officials, friends and family. I can't express how happy and proud I am to share this historic moment with you and with everyone here who hoped and worked for a brighter future in our city. Thank you for joining us today. Today is not about the 11 of us being sworn in before you. It's much bigger than that. It's about the community throughout Austin that after suffering decades of underrepresentation and neglect will finally have a voice in this building. I ran for city council in 1990 under a single member district platform. I ran because our community to have real representation from -- from -- real representation, big change would be needed. Well that change has finally come. You and I are witnesses to it here today. During this campaign I set the tone, I set out to prove that a low and middle class income dad could win a tough campaign without having to spend a huge amount of money or having to hire high dollar consultants ... Who is willing to work hard for Austin has the opportunity to serve in this building. This is progress that I and so many others, including some of y'all in the audience today, have worked for, for a very long time. It's time to celebrate that progress and it's time to get to work. My staff and I are excited to roll up our sleeves to get right to it for Austin and the people of district 3. Before I finish, I would like to mention and recognize my beautiful wife, my campaign manager, and my soul mate for the last 34 years, Laurie [indiscernible] Renteria. [Applause] [6:56:24 PM] My daughters solan Renteria Gonzalez and her husband Chris. And solan -- I mean Sabrina, my granddaughter and my two sons, Carlos and David. [Applause] You know, along the trail I have met so many people and they're just like families to me. And I have so many that -- that volunteered on my campaign and all I want to say is thank you very much for all the hard work and support that you all have gave me and I'm here to prove that we can make this town and take it forward for better. Thank you. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: So we may look pretty calm up here but running for office was a pretty scary experience for me, frankly and probably for many of us. But I felt so energized and inspired on a day-to- day basis by folks like you all, by supporters in the community, by everyday people, I took risks and did much scarier things for their own families and for the betterment of our community and for ideas much bigger than themselves and I want to illustrate that with one short story from a few months ago. I was at a neighborhood town hall, had a chance to speak and at the end of the meeting, older, white-haired woman approached me and without any prompting started telling me her story about how she grew up in uvalde, not so long ago as a young person. While she loved her town, she knew that there were things that could be better about it. And she knew that there were things that people didn't want to talk about or had accepted as reality that she didn't want to accept as reality and that's why she and 15 of her classmates [6:58:25 PM] chose to walk out of their school in protest of racial segregation. And the way that she told me the story, without me prompting her or us having known each other at all, it really moved me. I will never forget that moment. It drove me throughout the campaign and I hope continues to drive me and that sort of spirit will hopefully continue to drive this council, that while she was young, she had a vision for what was better and she had principle and while she took a risk, she also knew that our community is all of our responsibility and none of us can abdicate that responsibility. And so I really think that her story in many ways is Austin's story and so many of y'all's story, that with that sort of energy and vision and go- gettingness, that -- that we can take this city -- even changing the way that this council does business so that we can truly engage the public and channel the amazing energy and talents and courage that exists in this city so that we can truly be the greatest city in America. I would really like to thank my younger sister, katalina for being here with me tonight, kat, my baby sister is not so baby anymore. So thank you. [Applause] And I -- I can't thank so many of my supporters I see scattered throughout the room, I'm truly, truly, grateful and honored, thank you. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: Councilmember kitchen. >> Well, thank you all so much for coming tonight. As many of us have said so far, you know, you should know that tonight really is about all of you. The people of Austin and now together we can make this city a better place to live for everyone. We should all be very proud [7:00:26 PM] of this historic change in our city government. And my thanks go out to everyone in district 5 and throughout the city who worked so very hard to make this happen. My -- campaign manager -- and I'm so honored to be a member of this first council with a majority of women, I have to say. [Applause] And, of course, a council that is more representative of our population and the geography of Austin. As I start down this road, I want to send a very, very special thanks to my family and my mother who could be here -- who couldn't be here today who reminded me every day of what is important in life. Thank you. [Applause] So tonight -- tonight I just want to talk for a minute about opportunity. You know, as a group, we have a historic opportunity to successfully serve the people of Austin and collectively tackle the tough problems we face as a growing city. I'm a south Austin night and proud of it and I'm honored to be a voice for district 5 in south Austin. I kicked off my campaign at the broken spoke, which for those of you who may know it's a south Austin landmark that represents what's old, what's real and what we love about our city. A place that's now surrounded by what is new and changing on a street, south Lamar, that's in transition. So I kicked off my campaign there because our city is in transition. From a quiet place I moved to in 1973 to the 11th largest city in the country. So we're a big city. And today we have an opportunity to work together as a new government, in a climate of change. To bring together all parts of Austin, to protect what we love and make this a better place for everyone. We really -- we have a chance to take on some really tough problems that we all heard about from [7:02:27 PM] the -- I heard about from the people of district 5 and we all heard about throughout the city. Problems that we pledge that we would do our best to solve. Invest in our neighborhoods, make sure that people can afford to live here, and be healthy, safe and prosperous. So let's start now. We heard you when you told us we needed to improve public engagement and customer service. We heard you when you said to make city council meetings work better for the citizens of Austin. And on Thursday, this coming Thursday, we will ask you for your thoughts on proposed changes to the council meetings and committees to make these changes a reality. Changes that we need as a council to have greater opportunity to tackle major problems and to give the public a greater opportunity for meaningful engagement. Earlier in the process, and before decisions are final. So thank you again for sharing this evening with us. I'm so proud and honored to sit here with my new colleagues and the wonderful staff of the city of Austin. I promise to listen and work for the people of south Austin and our community, to help us all make a better future for Austin. So thank you for putting your trust in me. And let's get to work. [Applause] >> Martinez: Councilmember Zimmerman. >> Well, I need to start my comments a little bit differently. I've been here 15 years in Austin. For my political friends and my political adversaries, you will both recognize when I say that I have to give thanks to the hand of Providence, because without that I wouldn't be here. So I would like to start with that. [Applause]. And also I really appreciate as the other councilmembers have said, we are all very excited that you voted for 10-1, we're very excited about that. And I'm excited and very happy and I'm very grateful to the voters of district 6 that have trusted me with this position to serve. We had a lot of donors, volunteers, campaign staff, [7:04:28 PM] somewhere around 50 people helping. I just want to recognize two people here. My mom, Billie Zimmerman from San Antonio. Did she make it here? There she is. [Applause] My mom got me started in politics in San Antonio with the Barry Goldwater campaign in 1964. And she is a daughters of the republic of Texas member and got me started at the Alamo. So I would also like to recognize my wife, Jennifer Zimmerman. There's Jennifer. And without Jennifer, I would also not be sitting here. So thank you very much. Very, very excited about all of this. I want to echo the thoughts of the other councilmembers. We're all excited to get to work. But I would especially like to call out the fantastic work of mayor Adler. He has really organized us well. He's had some meetings to get to know us. I'm really excited about his leadership and I think he's going to be our point man for effecting all of the change that you want and I want to congratulate him and support the early efforts he makes in reforming the way we do meetings. So thank you very much and god bless you. >> Mayor Adler: Councilmember pool. >> Thank you, mayor. I am very honored and thrilled to have been elected and I will work hard to serve the residents of district 7 as well as all of Austin. This is a very exciting time for the city and I look forward to facing the challenges of a new system of representation. As has been mentioned, the new council intends to try things in new and different ways. And our first efforts, aside from how you see us arrayed up here this evening, has been working on new systems and work flow and it has [7:06:30 PM] been accomplished with a consensus of us all. We look forward to having public input on the concepts that we will roll-out later this week, so stay tuned for more and please do weigh in. There are many people that I would like to thanks. First, I'm so grateful to the residents of district 7, who have chosen me to represent them. My door will always be open and I look forward to working on issues big and small with you. I need to thank my family. My amazing partner, will grover, who was at first reluctant but later one of my biggest supporters. Thank you, will. [Applause] My -- my sweet daughter Emily, who watched the campaign from far away, but is here with us tonight. All the way from New York City. Thank you, Emily. [Applause] My other family members, Rhonda and David grover who live in district 7 and were responsible for some of the sign planting throughout allendale. Thanks to my stellar political consultants, Matt Hersch and Jeff Smith. [Applause] Their contributions were so valuable and truly selfless. I wouldn't be here today without their wisdom and guidance. We've all known each other a long time and it was Matt's and Jeff's belief in me that kept me going and kept us all focused on the things that matter. So I thank you. I also would like to thank two future voters, Alex Hersch and Avery Hersch for their hard work and tremendous contributions to my mail program. Watching them work on my campaign proves that there's really no age requirement for being an active and engaged citizen. Thank you Alex and Avery. [Applause] [7:08:30 PM] Thanks to Jo [indiscernible] Who led an incredible field program and brought so much energy and spirit to the campaign from the sweaty heat of August to the cold of December when my C canvassers were freezing for a reason. Jo's campaign management made the difference. I thank you, Joe. Thanks to Amy Smith who I have known for a long time and am so excited has agreed to join my staff, along with Katie Holloran who brings strong credentials in neighborhood planning and is president of her neighborhood association. And Leslie heathcox who worked with councilmember laura Morrison and brings a strong element of continuity to this new effort. Thanks to Heidi gibbons for her contributions, there's really no one better than Heidi to organize an event and get things done. Thanks to Sarah spites for the many hours she spent driving me to forums which I believe she affectionately referred to as driving miss Leslie. Thanks to Brigid Shea, now county commissioner precinct two Shea and to Barbara rush for their encouragement and steadfast support and a very special thank you to laura Morrison for her guidance and insights early on and throughout the campaign, even while she was working full time on the many complex issues that come before council. Her expertise, intuition and strong leadership will be missed. But I do have her cell phone number and I plan to use it. [Laughter]. Thank you, laura. [Applause] And so many people have helped in so many meaningful ways, I'm sure that I'm missing some, but please know that I appreciate all that everyone has done to make it possible for me to the win election and now to be before you to serve as the first representative of Austin city council district 7. [7:10:30 PM] Thank you. [Applause] >> Councilmember troxclair. >> Thank you to everyone for being here and for being a part of this historic evening. We have been intrusted with a monumental responsibility. We are here because the people of Austin recognize that we desperately needed reform in our city governance, making way for the geographic representation that you see here tonight. Because of this transformation, the expectations that have been set for this city council are higher than ever before. I've committed to bringing accountable, responsible and affordable government to Austin. And all of our constituents are looking to us to make Austin a better place to live. So now it's time for us to meet and surpass those expectations. This is an unprecedented opportunity for us to not only make impactful policy changes, but also significant reforms to our process. We have wasted no time getting to work, as others have alluded to. To improve the accessibility and efficiency of city government. While allowing for more thoughtful policy discussions. I want to say thank you to my wonderful family, especially my loving husband and my amazing parents. As well as all of the other friends, mentors, and supporters who have been with me every step of the way. To my fellow councilmembers, I'm honored to work alongside you and I'm looking so forward to everything that we're going to accomplish together. And most importantly, to the residents of district 8. When I'm asked what I want to accomplish during my term in office, I have quite a [7:12:31 PM] long list of policy priorities, but at the end of the day the most important thing to me is being a true servant leader. I never want to forget that I work for you. And I'm never going to forget that the most important part of my day is listening to and responding to your ideas and concerns. And I will never lose hope that together we will shape a better future for Austin. Thank you. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: Councilmember tovo? >> Thank you, what an incredible evening. It's so great to see all of you here and I want to thank you for being here to support all of us, whether you're here in the chambers or watching from other location. At the 2011 city council inauguration the pastor spoke about the complex nature of civic leadership he described "The inevitable tension between one worthy cause and another, between wants and necessities, between the popular and prudent and between immediate needs and long term good. The daunting task, as he aptly explained, is lightened because so many others stand before us in labor beside us. So thank you I see so many that are here not just to support but also thank you for your willingness to labor alongside us as we forward in this really historic time for our city. Tonight, as we embark on that really significant step, I would like to just begin by thanking the outgoing council, my colleagues, my friends, I've learned so much from each one of you and I just want to add my thanks on behalf of the city of Austin for all that you've done. Austin is a better place for your service. So thank you. [Applause] [7:14:32 PM] And tonight it's with great excitement I stand alongside an amazing new group of colleagues and prepare to serve on this historic council. I'm looking forward to working with each one of you as we build on a strong foundation and together craft a system that really expands the public's role and the decisions that take place within these walls. Together we've already started on envisioning city hall and the plans hold great promise. So thank you all. We have an unprecedented opportunity to change the way we work both here at city hall and our partners across the community. The challenging we are facing is great, among them prizing property rates, poverty rates, drought, climate change, an ever widening gap between the witchest and the poorest. We have hard challengees and tough discussions about how to face those challenges. It's going to require much collaboration not just among the elected leaders here in this room and across our community but as importantly with you our community members. So please stay with us, help us develop those innovative ideas, the solutions, the next steps and strategies. We require your thoughtful and ongoing participation. I want to extend my thanks to several groups of people. First to my campaign team who worked very hard and long hours, to my campaign consultants who are dynamite and wholly committed to making sure that this city is -- is a great city, so thank you. To all the volunteers and friends and supporters who spent time helping me succeed in my campaign. I want to thank our staff and our management here at the city. You work hard and long hours and we all appreciate it. And I want to thank my fabulous council staff for all the work that they do on behalf of the people of Austin. And then I'd like to also thank my family. My partner, Tom hurt, for all of his love and support. [7:16:32 PM] I wouldn't be here without him. I want to also thank my daughters who are here this evening. [Applause] I want to say that my daughters are not just some of my biggest fans, they are often some of my most vocal constituents, my most vocal no one voting constituents and they often speak out on different city issues ranging from the fact that they believe the city library should be open longer hours, they think the pools close when it's still way too hot outside, and also when they see people sleeping on benches. They always remind me that people in this city, there are lots of people in this city who need homes. So thank you, girls, for all of your support. [Applause] And I'd like to close by thanking the voters of district 9. Thank you for your confidence in my leadership and your confidence in my ability to balance the needs of district 9 and the diverse households within its boundaries while also staying focused on what's best for the whole city. So thank you, congratulations to my colleagues. You sure look forward to the adventure before us. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: Councilmember Gallo. >> Thank you, mayor. I am so honored to be here tonight to represent district 10. A better place to live, work and raise our families for all of the citizens here. But I fully realize that I would not be sitting up here without the efforts of an amazing, hard working group of people. My campaign volunteers, the very early and brave endorsements by three former [7:18:32 PM] Austin mayors, Ron mullen, Bruce Todd, and Lee Cooke, who are here this evening. Thank you, gentlemen. [Applause] Equally important was we had a great group of candidates in the district 10 race, and in the runoff I was blessed to be endorsed by four of those candidates. They are here this evening. Margie, Tina cannon, Matt and bill Worsham who I think [lapse in audio]. [Applause] And I could not forget the support of my amazing and very extended family for any of you that know me. My wonderful husband bill Hudspeth, my two great kids Anthony and cassie, my stepdaughters jenny and Ann. My extended cousins, aunts, my sister and brothers Ryan and Chris. So, so many people who have been so very helpful. All the spouses of all the relatives, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Truly I'm here because of all of you. Last, my stepmother Linda Perry, who was just amazing in my campaign manager and any of you -- [applause] -- That have had a chance to meet her know what an important part she was. Thank you. But most of all, I am here because of the influence of my father Edgar Perry. Could you stand up, dad, please? [Applause] He taught me by his influence and actions that public service is the rent that you pay to live in a community. I've learned that, I've learned it well, but it was because of his influence and I [7:20:33 PM] thank him for that. So it is indeed an honor to be part of this historic night tonight. To be a part of this wonderful group of people that is going to lead Austin in a new way, in a challenged new way, but with lots of participation from residents from all over the city for once. But there's another historic event tonight that's really important to me. My dad, who you just saw, served on the Austin city council as mayor pro tem over 50 years ago. And it's the first -- [applause] And it is the first time in the history of Austin that a father and daughter have both served on the Austin city council. [Applause] And my pledge is to serve the citizens as well as he served the citizens over 50 years ago. And I thank everyone for the opportunity to be able to do that and I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: Before I say a couple words, I want to start by recognizing the mayor, former pro tem mayor John Trevino is in the well. Would you stand, please? [Applause] Thank you. And mayor, I want to begin by thanking you for the advice and counsel that you have shown me as I have tried to get ready to -- to follow in your footsteps, which are -- which are great. You have left the city in so many ways, in so many wonderful places, I appreciate [7:22:33 PM] your service and personally I appreciate your help and support. Mayor, thank you. [Applause] And city manager Marc Ott, I want to thank you and your staff as well. I recognize that as a big budge of new kids come in on the block here, we have tested your -- your patience with us. [Laughter] As well as your willingness to support and help us explore new ways to -- to approach and handle the deliberations. And that you are helping us and supporting us as we effect change is something that I want you to know this whole group appreciates and thanks you for. [Applause] You know, the excitement in this city and in this room is palpable and the expectations are high, and on this dais the sense of responsibility is felt and it is real. Diane and I, my wife, Diane and I, we love this city and we feel so lucky to be here. Everywhere you go [lapse in audio] It means creativity, vibrant culture and a beautiful environment and more and more it means to people around the world opportunity. And even though and perhaps because we love this city, we know we must address our challenges. We are experiencing the stresses of growth every day. Whether we're sitting in traffic or whether we're struggling to pay rent or property taxes or watching our neighborhoods change before our eyes. We've got to protect our air and we have to protect our water and the people and [7:24:34 PM] culture that made our city unique. We need to promote -- [applause] We need to promote affordability and we need to ensure that we are creating better paying jobs for the people who live here. Because we can't let the story of Austin be a tale of two cities. We enjoy one of the most prosperous economies in the nation, but nearly half the minority children in our city are living in poverty. We are losing people and whole communities and with that we are losing our city's soul. And if we're going to successfully challenge -- tackle these challenges, we have got to understand each other better. Because you see differently challenges like gentrification and economic disparity depending who you are and where you live, and too often we've let our differences define us and we've let those divisions hold us back. Yes, we face daunting challenges. But we also have an extraordinary opportunity if we move forward in a new way. Austin's growth can enrich our communities and our culture, it can help us solve problems and we can become one of the world's great and growing cities. All growing cities have growing pains, but few of those cities have the resources that Austin enjoys. We have a world leading economy and an entrepreneurial spirit. Our citizens are creative, involved, invested and courageous. We design and invent cool things. We take on hard problems and we solve them. Austin can become the civic innovation capital of the world because together we will [7:26:34 PM] come up with new and effective ways to manage our growth so it doesn't manage us and to be sure that it benefits all in our communities. Now -- [applause] Austinites, austinites have plenty of good ideas. We just need to find the ideas that we can own together. And we need to make them happen. To move forward in this new way we need all points of view. And that's why this city owes such a debt of gratitude to mayor Leffingwell and the previous council and so many citizens, many in this room have worked so long and so hard to create this new 10-1 system. Today is the day that 10-1 begins. [Applause] And this is what it looks like. These are your new leaders. Now, some of these people that are sitting up here today, I have known for years, and some of them I have met during the course of the campaign. I've gotten to know and respect each of them. Each of them has incredibly impressive skills. Each of them inspires me. And each of them sees Austin and its challenges from a different angle. Today they represent much of what makes Austin special. The people that you see on this dais today more than ever before represent the cultural and geographic and economic and political diversity of our great city. [Applause] I'm hoping that you see yourself on this dais. [7:28:35 PM] And if you don't, rest assured that we're going to make sure that you are sitting at the table with us together as we shape our city's future. The only way that we're going to get the community will to do big things is to see Austin from each other's perspective. Because that's where our best ideas are going to come from. And it's in that spirit that we're going to join and work together with the city manager and the great people on the city staff. To move forward in a new way we must be proactive, thoughtful and deliberate. We've got to plan for the long term even as we are moving forward quickly. That's why we've already come together to propose a new way to involve our community in digs -- digs making at city hall, new ways to hear your ideas and opinions. With the new committee council structure that you will be hearing about later this the week that we would like the community to consider, there's going to be more meaningful impact on proposals that come before council earlier, more opportunities to weigh in, maybe even online, maybe even at your convenience. Council business will be more transparent and easier to follow. And because we're all working better together. You won't have to be at city hall at 3:00 in the morning just so your elected leaders -- [cheers and applause] So that your elected leaders can hear your voice. Skeptics have said that this council can't do anything about traffic. That we can't do anything about air quality. That we can't do anything about the permitting process in this city or affordability. They've said this council cannot come together to tackle our biggest challenges. And I disagree. [7:30:37 PM] Yes. [Applause] We face daunting challenges. These voices have also said that we couldn't come together around real changes in city government. But this week we're going to present a proposal to you to consider that does just that. You can already see this council [lapse in audio]. This council begins with mutual respect and a real sense of affection, I think. And a commitment to share, commitment to change this community for the better. We begin with a shared sense of responsibility to show what real collaboration looks like. We believe and trust that this will lead to better decisions and to an even better city. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change how our city works and we've got to make this moment count. Austin has the brains and the heart and the talent to solve big problems and to seize big opportunities, and we can only do it when we do it together. I am honored to join with these leaders to serve our great city and to build our city's future with you. Thank you. [Applause] [7:32:37 PM] Now we'll hit the agenda. Item number 1. And oh, my goodness, we don't go up to 185. [Laughter] Item number 1 was to approve a resolution canvassing the results of a recount. That is now withdrawn. The council -- [applause] [Cheers and applause] The council takes notice that a recount petition was received and a recount was performed today. We have certification that the vote totals did not change in any way. [Cheers and applause] And by law that makes a canvas not necessary. Item number 2. [Laughter] See how quickly we move through the agenda. [Laughter] Item number 2, we need to draw lots to determine term lengths. According to the city charter, article 3, section 2 a 1, there is a transition to a four-year terms and to staggered terms. And we do this by drawing lots. The city clerk will walk to each position on the dais starting with -- it says district 1. We're just going to start at the end and work our way through. We're going to start at this end and work our way across. Is that okay to do? The clerk will walk to the dais, start at that end over there. A marble to determine whether they have a two or four- year term to be everybody used. If a white marble is selected, the mayor is going to serve a two-year term. And if a black marble -- [7:34:42 PM] remember, two-year term. [Laughter] You give this to your wife to print out and she starts making changes. The member will serve a two-year term drawing a white marble and if black is selected the member will serve a four-year term. If each councilmember will announce the color and the city clerk will conduct the drawing. >> Black. [Applause] >> White. >> Black. >> Black. [Cheers and applause] White. >> White. White. >> Black. >> White. >> Black. [Applause] [7:36:49 PM] >> Mayor Adler: Thank you. The members that are drawing two-year terms, councilmember Casar, Zimmerman, Gallo, Garza and tovo -- pool. Is that right? Yes. And four-year terms by councilmembers troxclair, Houston, Renteria, kitchen and tovo. [Applause] The next item on the agenda is to select a mayor -- mayor pro tem. This is an office that the council selects. The mayor pro tem serves at the pleasure of the -- of the council. So there's no assigned term to the role, but it is the -- the office where we look at our peers and honor one with that honorific position and title. It would be my intent to take nominations for that. >> Mr. Mayor. >> Mayor Adler: Does anybody before I take any nominations want to propose a different method? >> I would like to be recognized for a motion to elect the mayor pro tem by lottery, if I could make that motion. >> Mayor Adler: Okay. We have a motion from councilmember Zimmerman to select by lottery or by draw of the mayor pro tem. Is there a second to that motion? Seeing no second, it dies for lack of a second. Then we'll move if there's not a different suggestion, I will take a motion by way of nomination for mayor pro tem. >> Mr. Mayor, I would like to nominate councilmember Kathie tovo for the mayor pro tem position. [7:38:50 PM] [Applause] >> Mr. Mayor. >> Mayor Adler: Yes. >> I would like to second that. >> Mayor Adler: Okay. [Applause] Councilmember Casar makes a motion, seconded by councilmember Renteria. Does anybody want to discuss this motion? Then we'll move to a vote. Are there any objections to the election of councilmember tovo as mayor pro tem? >> Mr. Mayor, I'd like to -- if there's not going to be any other persons voting, I'm going to have to vote no for my district and my pledge. >> Mayor Adler: Okay. Are there any other no votes? We'll then call for votes since there is an objection. All those in favor of councilmember tovo as serving giving the title of mayor pro tem, please indicate your vote. All of those aye. >> Aye. >> Mayor Adler: All those no? With a vote of 10-1, mayor pro tem, congratulations. [Cheers and applause] Without objection, I will adjourn the special called meeting of the Austin city council and at this time I would invite Hayden Vitera to sing "America the beautiful." Singing. [7:40:54 PM] [Singing] [Applause] >> Mayor Adler: Hayden, that was beautiful. Thank you. At this point I would ask chaplain Gerber please to deliver the benediction. >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor and city council. Got to be the first. I invite you citizens of [7:42:55 PM] Austin to provide with me. -- Pray with me. Lord, tonight the proper documents have been signed, the words spoken to lead and protect all the citizens of this great city. The members of the team have been selected and confirmed. It's a time of hope, a time to start a new year. Lord, in the military a leader inspires and motivates others to accomplish the mission. Lord, I pray and ask that the new team also be focused on living out the mission and vision of this great city. I ask them to lead by innovation. Lord, we do not know what the next few years will bring or what decisions will be made that affect the many young and old alike. I do pray that this mayor and council will treat all with respects as debates occur and tensions rise. Lord, may this respect be one of the many items that others around this nation look to Austin as they lead in that area. May all elected officials, the staff and citizens find ways to work together this coming year. And last, lord, I pray for all our new officials who are all around this great nation at all levels of local, federal and state government that may take office, I ask that you grant them passion as they lead this nation. In your most amazing name we pray. Amen. >> Mayor Adler: Chaplain, thank you very much. Thank you everyone else for coming. Thanks for those that were watching this on T.V. Or streaming. I'd also like to thank Thomas grouser who provided the music at the beginning part of the evening. [Applause] Before the ceremony. Thanks to Hayden Vitera, chaplain and judge statman for [7:44:55 PM] your assistance. Staff is in the atrium and they will validate parking tickets for people that have those. And like we talked about earlier, this is a birthday party for 10-1. There are refreshments and cake outside. Please join us. Thank you very much. [Cheers and applause]