City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 12/11/2025 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 12/11/2025 6:00:00AM Original Air Date: 12/11/2025 Transcript Generated by SnapStream ================================== Please note that the following transcript is for reference purposes and does not constitute the official record of actions taken during the meeting. For the official record of actions of the meeting, please refer to the Approved Minutes. You're watching a meeting of the Austin City Council Council members well good morning everybody. It [10:00:32 AM] is 10:00 in the morning on December 11th, 2025, and I will call to order the last regular meeting of the Austin city council for the year 2025. I say regular because we may have another meeting. But but we this is the last regular meeting. So welcome everybody. We are meeting in the city council chambers, which are located in city hall at 301 west second street in Austin, Texas. And we have a quorum of the austity council present. What I'll do is I'll Wal through what our day is going to look like, and in just a few minutes, I'll read changes and corrections into the record. Changes and corrections to the agenda into the record. And we will then go to our consent agenda members. Right now, I don't have any items pulled from the consent agenda. We will hear from speakers. Public speakers on the consent agenda. We will then have a council remarks and discussion with [10:01:33 AM] regard to that agenda and a vote. We have some non consent items. They are public hearings. Those are items 88, 89 and 90. And we will take those up after the consent agenda. We will have public communication at a time. Certain general public communication at a time certain of noon. We will recess at the end of that. So around 1230 or 1235, depending OHOW that goes. 1230 or 1235 we will recess until 110 or 115. We'll call that when we get to it. Depending upon where we are in the agenda, we will have live music during that period of time that we're in recess at 2:00. We have two sections of things that are set. Of course, our regular zoning items, which are set for a time certain at 2:00, but we also have two items, items 86 and 87 are public hearings. And those [10:02:33 AM] hearings have been noticed in such a way that we need to take them up at 2:00 or after. My plan would be to take up the 2:00 time certain on zoning before we take up items 86 and 87. So items 86 and 87 would come after our 2:00 time certain on zoning. Any questions on that? All right. Very good. What we will now do is we will I'll read into the record changes and corrections for Thursday, December 11th, 2025. Item number 20. I'm sorry. Item number 63 is withdrawn. Item number 63 is withdrawn. Items 86 and 87, as I indicated previously. But I want to read it into the record. These public hearings will be taken up no earlier than 2:00 pm. So with that, unless there's any objection or questions or comments, I will turn to the city clerk's office and ask that you please start calling [10:03:33 AM] our speakers for the consent agenda. Folks, if you're here to speak on the consent agenda, what I would ask that youis when your name is called, please go ahead and com forward. Pick one of these chairs. Take one of those chairs that might be open so that you'll have an opportunity to speak, but that lets us know you're here. If the chairs are all full for some reason, just pick one of these front seats so that you'll be ready to to give your testimony when it's time. And with that, I'll turn to the clerk's office. >> Thank you. Mayor. On item number one, Jo Ann Norton. >> Okay. >> Good morning, I'm Joanne Norton, although I'm on the animal advisory coisission, I'm speaking as a private citizen from district three requesting your support for agenda item one. Shortly after, I began [10:04:33 AM] volunteering with the Austin animal shelter in 2018, I joined the Austin animal center, Travis county correctional center dog foster program for almost two years until covid shut it down. Various AAS dogs were fostered by a team of inmates. I went to the jail weekly to check on the dog and provide inmate education on a variety of animal related topics. I cannot say enough good things about my experience. The inmates took such good care of the pets, were respectful and eager to learn. In addition to my classes, AAS staff provided education on topics like encounters with wildlife, the benefits of preventative care, and jobs in animal care. This type of program is a win win. Dogs get training, making them more adoptable. The jail system has a lot of potential adopters. The inmates learn so much that they can pass along to their family and friends. Shelter staff spends time in the community, and tensions in the system are relaxed because the inmates need to be on their best behavior to re in this type of program. I really hope U vote to support this item. It's a bonus that the focus is [10:05:35 AM] on working with our veterans, many of whom take comfort with animals to get through their past trauma. I also want to thank city manager Broadnax for putting such a productive team, interim team over the animal shelter. While they could coast until the new chief is hired, that's not happening. Innovative programs like this jail program are going full steam ahead to support the people and pets of Austin. Interim chief Fernandez is using his city and community contacts to make things happen in support of the strategic plan. And because it's the right thing to do. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> On item number two, Zenobia. Joseph. >> Miss Joseph, are you here? >> Okay, we'll go next to items seven and eight. Bill bunch. >> Mr. Bunch. Mr. Bunch. >> All right, mayor, that brings us to item nine, which is the settlement. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. On item number nine, members, that is related to a proposed settlement that the city of Austin might enter into. So [10:06:36 AM] I'll call up a legal counsel to make a brief presentation. >> Good morning, Mr. Mayor. Morning. Mayor pro tem, city attorney, council members. I'm assistant city attorney Jeremy Thompson. I'm here today to recommend that you approve a settlement payment and a personal injury lawsuit that appears on your agenda as number nine, it is Melendez et Al. Versus city of Austin. We recommend that you approve a payment totaling $183,000 to settle the Juana Carreon Melendez individually and as next friend of L and DL minor childr and Eduardo Luna versus city of Austin, dba Austin energy. This lawsuit relates to a March 2023 car accident involving an Austin energy vehicle, where the plaintiffs seek payment for injuries allegedly sustained in that accident. In exchange for the payment, the plaintiffs [10:07:36 AM] will release any and all claims against city from the accident and will also dismiss their lawsuit filed in the district court of Travis county. The Austin city attorney's office recommends that you approve payment based upon these terms. I'm available to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you. >> Council, any questions of legal counsel? Thank you very much. Thank you for your report. >> Thank you. >> Go back to the clerk. >> On item 11, bill bunch. Item ten. Sorry about that, Zenobia. >> Joseph I've not seen either one of them come in. >> Item 12 bill item 14. Bill bunch. Item 15. Bill bunch. Item 16. Bill. Bunch. Item 22. Bill. Bunch. Item 28. Bill. Bunch. Item 29. Zenobia. Joseph. [10:08:41 AM] Item 35 bill. Bunch. Item 43 bill. Bunch. Item 50 bill bunch. Item 54 Richard suttle. >> He's waving his right to speak. >> Item 55 bill bunch. Item 56 Alexis. She. Item 56 Oscar. Paul. >> If your name has been called, please come forward. You're standing up in the back. I'm sorry. >> Those people are not here. >> Well, we still have to call their names. Are you standing to tell me that or for some other reason? Okay, well, why don't you start making your way down if you know that. Okay. Well. All right. Been good talking to you. [10:09:41 AM] >> Item 56. Zenobia Joseph. Item 56, Chris baker. >> Mr. Baker. >> Hey. Good morning. My name is Chris baker. I'm a resident of district five, and I'm actually just going to go ahead, if you don't mind, and speak to items 56 through 62, which are all othe items on today's agenda. And throughout this year's budget cycle, I worked with the homeless service providers consortium. As you all know, on November 18th, we sent you all a letter that outlined the consortium's priorities and of course, the dream with those kinds of letters is that all the items get funded. But I think really the goal is to make sure that you're aware of the priorities and to hope that as much of those priorities overlap with the council council's prioritiespossible. And today's agenda reflects that, [10:10:44 AM] the overlap that we had there was substantial. It's not everything, but that's okay. It makes sense because every item that's on today's zo agenda represents a smart investment, the right kind of investments that we need to make with the limited dollars that we have in this year's budget, with everything happening at the federal level, it warms my heart to see so much investment in permanent supportive housing. Very happy to see that the projects at the ras, the safe alliance dental care are all on today's agenda. And you guys all know I have a special place in my heart for the Esperanza community. Not a project, but an incredibly important one nonetheless. So a big thanks not just to everybody on the dais, but to the staff director gray and the and the zo team for getting these items turned around so quickly. These guys are miracle workers. We're grateful for all that they do for all that you do. So thank you so much, and I hope that you'll support all of today's [10:11:44 AM] agenda items. >> Thank you very much. Thanks for what you do in the community. >> Item 57 Sarah Andre. >> That that's the friend that. >> Item 59 Alexis Sheehy. Item 59 Sarah Andre. >> She's still not talking. >> Item 59 Oscar Paul. Item 59 Mario Cantu. Item 60 Zenobia. Joseph. Item 62 Joe Westfall. >> Good morning council. My name is Joe Westfall. I'm the chief operating officer at the other ones foundation and a resint of district eight. I'm here speaking on item 62 and on behalf of our executive director, Elizabeth baker, who [10:12:46 AM] is currently attending the governing board meeting this morning, where tuf is under consideration for a major state investment to expand the Esperanza campus. That state award was made possible because of this council's early support, and I want to especially thank the mayor for helping bring state partners to the table. Because of your action today, 100 existing shelter units will remain open and 100 new units will come online. In 2026. Over 60% of our clients engage in onsite workforce development we are actively addressing the landscape of diminishing rental subsidies and the importance of carving new pathways out of homelessness through workforce reintegration. This kind of progress requires federal, state, county and city partners working together. The expansion of Esperanza community is not only increased capacity, it's a life saving infrastructure investment that will reduce unsheltered homelessness and offer hundreds of people a [10:13:47 AM] dignified path forward. We are profoundly grateful that you are considering directing limited public dollars toward such a meaningful impact. We also recognize how difficult this budget year was in return for your consideration to for remains committed to disciplined, transpantnt operations, ensuring every dollar drives down unsheltered homelessness. And we will continue leveraging city support to secure additional federal, state, philanthropic and private funding. Thank you for your partnership and for believing in what Esperanza represents for our community. >> Thank you and thank you for being here and what you do. >> Also on item 62, Tim Vickers, Zenobia. Joseph. >> Welcome, sir. >> Howdy. Thank you. All right. So my name is Tim Vickers. I'm a native and a resident of the Esperanza community. And this is my experience with the other [10:14:48 AM] ones foundation. A few years back, my father and I lived with my grandmother in her house. Well, sadly, they both passed away in 2021. Personally, I was unprepared and unequipped to deal with the responsibility that would follow, which resulted in ultimately losing her house and being dropped into homelessness almost overnight. Before Esperanza. I would stay almost anywhere, almost anywhere I could, places that were not stable and placesthat were not . Places making it almost impossible to keep my personal documents or to keep steady work, or even ask for help. Coming to Esperanza felt differently. They helped me get outside of the chaos of homelessness, but not just with the bed, but with structure, support and a clear path forward. Since living here, I have acquired all of my personal documentation. I've graduated from Austin community college, I've earned my EPA certification and now a licensed hvac technician. And I'm on a real path towards stable work and a stable housing environment. Every day, Esperanza, I see people putting [10:15:48 AM] in effort. The staff are hands on and consistent. They check on us. They help us set goals. They help us achieve goals. And when needed, they will walk us through the steps necessary. And ultimately it is a safe place. Safety may sound simple, but when you have gone without it, it means eveing. And that's why the other ones and Esperanza matter. Because places like this give a person a real chance at getting their life back. If I hadn't come he, I wouldn't be on the path I'm on now, a path moving forward instead of being stuck in a survival mode. Funding Esperanza isn't just funding a program, it's investing in real people who need a stable place to stand up. I'm one of those people, and there are many more who could make the same progress if they had what Esperanza gave me. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you for being here. >> On item 62 and 65. Zenobia Joseph. Ite 69 Zenobia Joseph. Item 77 Leah boho and bill [10:16:50 AM] bunch. Item 78 Leah boho. >> Leah. Bubble. Okay. Saying no. Okay. >> Item 78 bill bunch on items 84 Carlos Leone, bill bunch and Zenobia Joseph. >> I still don't see Mr. Bunch or miss Joseph, but please keep calling. Mr. Leone. >> You got it, mayor. Sorry, Carlos Leone, first and foremost, gracias a dios for letting me speak to item 84. Per my appeal director, search emails to you via city clerk. You have Kathy Donnell and Hannah Terrell's cover letters and resumes, though each has been interim director for one year, Donelan has ten plus more years experience as assistant director than Terrell, resulting in Donelan leading the design, construction and public opening of five new San [10:17:50 AM] Antonio public branch libraries, a state of the art library, a federally funded connect technology lab, and a library portal at the Briscoe western art museum. Those projects totaled 40 million in funding and leveraged private donations. All projects were on time and within budget, and incorporated award winning, innovative service models and design. That's government efficiency. Donovan does more with less because before that, she worked for nine years here in the city of Austin controller's office, budget office and city manager's office. Terrell has no comparable accomplishments or experience. An enhanced id cards, which Terrell claimed as her most proud accomplishment at the meet and greet, followed San Antonio library's enhanced id card program, which Donlon first subsidized, overseeing their support services. Though mayor Watson just called to boost government accountability, Terrell still has not revised [10:18:51 AM] April's rules to comply with your superseding rules. Thus, Kathy Donlon is the right hire right now for APL. Enact the will of the prop Q voters. You took an oath to serve or face citywide revolt. All of you. The time is now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. >> Carlos Leon on 85 as well as Mary castle, Chloe Wilkinson, land Richie, Marty Beyer. >> If your name is called, please come forward. Mr. Leon, you may begin. >> You got it. Mayor josé Carlos Leon, first and foremost, gracias a dios for letting me speak to item 85. Like this. Resolution directing city manager to remodel city facilities. Approve another resolution directing an independent third party to operationalize mayor Watson's call for a citywide performance audit to boost government [10:19:52 AM] efficiency and accountability. For example, city manager Broadnax has been as transparent as possible with we the people he serves, read the appeal director. Search the public invite to the meet and greet invite went out two days before Thanksgiving, and the event itself was held the Monday after Thanksgiving. Bee the names and bios of the four semifists were withheld from the public until the event itself. Researching them, preparing specific questions was impossible without having obtained all candidate applications by pr weeks ahead of time. Then, without warning, candidate feedback had to be provided by 11:59 P.M. That night for consideration, meaning we attendees had less than four hours to do that after the end of the event. Thus, Broadnax gave us two little time to fact check candidate bios and in person statements implying he did not want us to carefully consider and reflect upon what we saw and heard. Because first impressions are often based on [10:20:54 AM] judgment clouding feelings, they need to be tempered with rational thought and evidence based analysis. Yet Broadnax did not live stream the event for those who could not be there in person, and did not archive it on at sun for the public to review and reference. Prop Q voters rightly rejected all that wrong. The new appeal director better embody that reality. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. You all have to stay on top of this right now, because we don't meet to the middle of January, and Broadnax is going to make that hire between now and then. It better be the right hire or this is just the beginning. >> Next speaker, just state your name and begin speaking. >> Please go ahead. >> Good morning, mayor Watson and Austin city council. My name is Mary Elizabeth castle. I'm a city of Austin resident, and district one formerly was in district five for some time. And I'm also the director of government relations for Texas values, which is a public policy organization that stands [10:21:54 AM] for faith, family and freedom. We have 254 supporters in all counties, including Travis county, and I've come to Austin city council meetings for the past seven years and have mostly shared my concerns about different policies the city council passes. But today, I am pleased that the city council is headed in the right direction in adopting a resolution that accepts and aligns with the Texas women's privacy act, sb eight. Your resolution states that the city does not seek to invade the privacy of any individual or violate their civil rights. That's excellent news to hear, because every time a man is allowed to enter a female restroom or locker room, that is exactly what hap. Her privacy and her civil rights are under title nine are violated, and my handouts that emailed to the city clerk yesterday is a letter that my team at Texas values and I drafted to help with guidance for universities, schools and government entities on how to comply with the state law. Senate bill eight. Additionally, I provided you with polling that shows that protecting women's privacy is not a partizan issue. 89% of independent voters and 83% of [10:22:55 AM] Democrat voters believe that locker rooms should be separated based on sex. Your resolution seeks to be both gender inclusive and follow sb eight. Well, that is very simple. The Texas women privacy act is inclusive because it allows each person to go to the restroom based on their biological sex, something that has already been determined and is immutable without concern of stereotype or any other requirement. I commend the city for bringing this resolution to follow the Texas women's privacy act. Other cities must follow suit. Recently, Arlington city council voted against something that would have violated sb eight. So if you have any questions, we ca serve as a resource and please look at the letter for any more guidance. But thanks again for letting me to speak and protecting women and girls in Austin. >> Thank you. Please, whoever wants to go first, just state yoame. >> Good morning council. My name is Marty buyer. I use they them pronouns. I'm here to speak on item 85. I've lived in Austin for 28 years and currently live in district nine. For 11 of those years I worked [10:23:55 AM] here at the city. Most of those alongside many of you here at city hall. As a non-binary person, I feel so fortunate to have worked for an employer where I felt seen and valued. I helped start the city's lgbtq plus employee organization and launched the lgbtq plus quality of life advisory commission and then served on it. The city and nearly every recent city council member has spoken up and supported our community every step of the way. I hope today is no different. I now serve as the chief program officer for the Texas freedom network. Tfn is a statewide advocacy and base building organization of over 150,000 members that builds power to create a more just and equitable Texas free from far right extremism. In my role, I have spent the last five years at the state capitol, which, as most of you know, is quite the opposite of Austin city hall. During the past three legislative sessions, I have been in those chambers with my community while we endured vicious attack after vicious attack. Every year it has felt worse and worse as our humanity and dignity has been legislated away. When sb eight passed [10:24:57 AM] during the special session, after everyone had been completely exhausted from all of the fighting, it was devastating. People like me who already deal with stares or comments for just existing, will now face lawfully acceptable repercussions for simply existing in public life when we need to use the restroom. When I worked at city hall, I deeply appreciated the single use restrooms accessible here. I appreciate them when I'm at the airport and in so many other city facilities. Item 85 will show the city's commitment to keeping our city safe for the gender expansive community here. For people like me, it is a huge relief to know that the city is working hard to protect everyone who simply wants to exist. Please vote to approve item 85. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good morning. My name is Landon Ritchie. I use he him pronouns and I am the policy coordinator for tent, the transgender education network of Texas, the state's largest and only trans and bipoc led and focused policy, education and advocacy organization that aims to work for and establish [10:26:00 AM] Texas, where trans people can not just survive, but thrive in the state that we call home. I'm here on behalf of tent and myself as an Austin resident and transgender man on item number 85. Irrespective of sb eight and the current manufactured panic we're witnessing over our existence, navigating public life is trans people, especially navigating essential facilities like restrooms, has always been marked by the forced need to be constantly hypervigilant, prepared to receive disapproving stares and invasive questions at best, and bracing for the possibility of being target of physical violence at worst. In the 2022 us transgender survey, 4% of respondents reported being denied access to a restroom in a public space, at work or at school in the last year, and 6% reported being verbally harassed, physically attacked or experiencing unwanted sexual contact or contact when accessing or using a restroom. In the last year, the rates of being denied restroom access were even higher when trans people use the facilities according to sex assigned at [10:27:00 AM] birth, which is the outcome sb eight hopes to achieve. Laws like sb eight don't only endanger and encourage discrimination against trans and gender expansive people, they also make essential facilities L safe for everyone. When policies are passed that encourage people to question and police someone's sex. Cisgender people who don't conform to rigid gender stereotypes, who don't look feminine or womanly or female enough, will be an already have been subject to harassment and violence. Against this backdrop, it's encouraging to see city. The city remains steadfast in its commitment to protect its residents and recognize sb eight for the harm that it is. Austin is a city known for its commitment to inclusivity and being a safe haven for artists and creatives who are often trans and queer. And our community is what makes Austin what it is. >> Thank you very much. >> On item 116, Stacy Smith. >> Good morning. Sorry, I [10:28:02 AM] didn't know we were going from 85 to 116. I would have been here quicker. Good morning and happy holidays. I am Stacy Schmidt and I am representing opportunity Austin which is the economic development partnership for this region. I am here in support of item 116 that will authorize the negotiation of a business expansion agreement with southwest airlines. We are excited about the impact of this partnership that will have on the airport and Austin's economy. We remain hopeful that an agreement with Austin can be finalized here today. Southwest has been an exceptional airport partner and community partner for almost 50 years. Their interest in exploring this expansion is validation that Austin's already strong economy still has momentum. If the city is able to win this project, this expansion will create 2000 jobs and potentially bring almost $12 million per year in tax revenues to the city of Austin. More importantly, these [10:29:02 AM] are good jobs for families that are already here. This will support an internship program, the infrastructure academy. And this is what collaboration is really all is about and what it takes to win these type of competitive projects. It demonstrates a willingness to partner with job creators. Approving this agreement will send a valuable signal. Signal that the city of Austin wants to compete and win transformational economic development projects like this one. We are grateful for the hard work of this council and the economic development department that has spent countless hours working with the company and with our staff to get this across the finish line. We are in full support of doing what it takes to compete for this project and ask for your support of item 116. This will be a huge victory not only for the city of Austin, but for the entire region. Thank you. >> Thank you! >> On items 116, 118 and 121 [10:30:06 AM] bill bunch. Mayor. That concludes all speakers on the consent agenda. >> Thank you very much, members. As you just heard, that concludes all the speakers on the consent agenda. What I would ask that we do is we get a motion on the consent agenda, a motion and a second on the consent agenda, as read is. Let me ask first if there's anyone that wishes to pull an item from the consent agenda before we take that motion. All right, then I'll take a motion on the consent agenda. Before we do that, let me just point out that in your backup on item number 68, councilmember alter has some direction to the city manager on item number 68. And that is to conduct a study to ensure current rates and rate structures for towing, reflect changes in vehicle conditions and other economic drivers since the prior applicable cost of service. Study the motion to adopt the consent agenda will include that direction on item number 68 that is, in your [10:31:07 AM] backup from councilmember alter motion is made. You have a question or a motion? >> I'll make the motion. I was just going to ask the author of that amendment to speak to the inspiration behind it. >> We do that, and then I'll take the motion. Councilmember alter, will you speak to that? >> Sure. I I've had the opportunity to speak with some tirz, and one thing they have highlighted is since the last time we did this, which I believe is something like 20 years ago, the proliferation of electric vehicles has really changed the dynamic because there's so much heavier. And so having us look at that new element to towing and and seeing, do we need to kind of change the rate structure because of that change in the cars that are actually out there? >> That's great. I figured there was some logic behind it and it seemed fine on its face, but just wanted to make sure I understood it before moving forward. >> Great. Thank you. Councilmember Ellis moves approval of the consent agenda as read second by councilmember Velasquez. I'll open the floor to discussion. Councilmember Siegel, you're recognized. [10:32:07 AM] >> Discussion of the motion. >> Or comments on the consent. Both. I consider it all. Good discussion. Thank you I appreciate you. Well, just want to lay out a little bit the rationale behind agenda item 85, which is this resolution to create a capital improvement plan for our facilities in compliance with senate bill eight. I want to thank everyone who showed up today to speak on this item. And the advocates from tent, which is the transgender education network of Texas, Texas freedom network, aclu Texas, equality Texas, and the lgbtq plus quality of life commission who helped guide the creation of this resolution. I also want to thank co-sponsors mayor pro tem Fuentes and council members qadri Velasquez and altar. I just want to be clear that senate bill eight is an unjust law. It's very likely unconstitutional. It's motivated by a hateful, discriminatory animus. It's not backed by any crime data or evidence of safety needs, you know, so- called bathroom bill. It's really designed to divide us and conquer us for cynical political ends. And really, it [10:33:09 AM] puts cities like Austin in a terrible position where we have to choose between sacrificing, potentially the dignity, safety and privacy of our trans, non-binary and gender expansive community, or else to spend scarce public resou on updating our facilities. I do believe this law will be struck down by the courts as unconstitutional, but until then, I want us to send a message as a city, and I believe all of us age that we are welcoming. We're welcoming to our residents, to our visitors, to everyone who comes to our great city. And so the purpose of this resolution is to build on the work of staff, to understand our facilities, and really to figure out how inclusive they are and could be. We are not appropriating dollars today, but we are authorizing the creation of a plan to evolve our facilities over time to ensure they are gender inclusive. State law under senate bill eight, which took effect on December 4th, regulates what are called multi-use restrooms. And what [10:34:09 AM] we see in the private sector is restaurants and other facilities. They simply design bathrooms in a way that are single use, so every toilet is enclosed and has privacy. And so we're not asking the city to fix everything at once. Especially because we hope this law will be invalidated shortly. But until that time, especially in our most public facing facilities like city hall, we want to make sure our buildings are welcome for all. So I want to thank staff for working on this, and to everyone who is committed to ensuring that Austin respects and protects the rights and safety of every member of our community. Thank you mayor. >> Thank you, councilmember. Mayor pro tem, followed by councilmember qadri and councilmember Velasquez. >> Colleagues, I want to speak to item 116. I want to first thank our airport and economic development staff and the leadership at southwest airlines for this proposal. This proposal will make a real difference in our district two community. Thousands of good union paying jobs that will help pay the bills and support our families. We know that when people have stable work, our [10:35:09 AM] whole commity benefits from local businesses to neighborhood stability. I'm especially proud that this incentive agreement would also include childcare support through a first time investment in the childcare assistance reserve fund. Anyone who has looked for affordable childcare in our community knows just how hard that is. And so this fund will help ensure that our families get the access and care that they need. And for all austinites, we're also getting more direct flights and better reliability from southwest. That means easier trips to visit families and better connections for our local businesses. And so this proposal really delivers for our working families, from good paying jobs to local hiring, to childcare support and better service. >> Thank you. Mayor pro tem, councilmember qadri, councilmember Velazquez, and councilmember alter. >> Thank you mayor. Just wanted to quickly touch on item 85 and thank the bills. All the items sponsor councilmember Siegel and want to thank everyone who's been out here today to speak on this item. Our our our city has a long history of [10:36:10 AM] defending civil rights and supporting our lgbtqia+ communities. And we're going to continue to create spaces. And for every austinite, whether it be in schools or workplaces or public facilities, you know, I believe our local leaders in Austin here know what's best for our community. And our state legislators, unfortunately, have issues with that at times. So I'm really grateful for the work that councilmember Siegel put in item 85. You know, thankful for all the co-sponsors that were a part of this and grateful to advocates, families and community partners standing up today and making sure that Austin will keep being a place for safety for everyone, and where everyone can live their lives as authentically as possible. >> Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember. Velasquez. Councilmember. Altar. Councilmember. Laine. >> Thank you mayor. I just had a few comments on a few items on the on the consent agenda. First item 59. There are some issues with the project that we're working on with the community, but I wanted to clear up that. Item 59 approves funding to support the delivery of permanent supportive housing [10:37:10 AM] services at the Bailey. At Stacy. There are strict timelines involved with low income housing tax credit projects, and if if this had been postponed, theje would be in jeopardy. This item will bring will contribute to the provision of 26 permanent supportive housing units in district three, and we are happy to welcome that on item 62. In August, I co-sponsored a resolution brought forth by the mayor to explore additional funding for more community based shelter and workforce development programs. Today, we're seeing the results of this resolution, and I'm proud that the Esperanza community is going to cnue to grow and serve residents in district three. Finally, on item 85, thank you to councilmember Siegel for bringing this resolution forward. I am proud to be co-sponsoring today. We're saying no. We're saying no to bullying. We're saying no to hateful rhetoric coming from the white house and folks down the street, and no to attacks on our trans and non-binary communities. We don't have control over hurtful policies that are consistently coming from the state house. But we as [10:38:12 AM] a city must do more, and we will do more. We won't be complicit with hate, and protecting our trans and non-binary friends is not optional. And it doesn't stop here with this resolution. But this is what we can do today. >> Thank you, thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember altar followed by councilmember Laine. >> Thank you very much. I want to talk about a couple items. First is item seven, which is the tepid. And we have already seen such incredible results from this. You know, if we are going to be able to provide the type of services we need to provide as a city, it's going to require us to expand the tax base. And that's not just property taxes, but sales taxes. And we have seen that through programs associated with the tpid. We've secured over, I want to say, almost 100,000 room nights, over $20 million worth of revenue. So these are ways for us to make some [10:39:14 AM] investments that pay back. I don't even know the number. It's not one fold or two fold. We're talking in the hundreds in terms of the rate of return. So this is a really good investment for the public. I'm really excited to see what that is bringing to our commu and ultimately the revenues that will follow it. I also want to talk about a couple of the homelessness related items. Of course, item number eight is the first money into the hope fund, which is going to allow for us to once again look outside of property taxes and provide the type of services we need for homelessness and bringing more people into housing, which is just something that I know we are all committed to and need to do more of, and always need more dollars than we have available. And lastly, I wanted to to speak about I have to go to to Esperanza earlier this week and speak with Tim, who came and [10:40:14 AM] testified today. And when I was talking to him, he he said that being there allowed him to get out of the chaos of homelessness and realize that he was a human again, and that really just kind of stuck with me. And, you know, we are talking about humans and and just being able to get out of survival mode, as he talked about today, and into a place where you can have dignity. And ultimately, you know, he's he's hoping to get a job here with the city. That is the type of success that is happening at Esperanza. It's the type of success that is happening roughout Austin and the approach that we're taking. And so I just couldn't be more excited at we are continuing to invest in the things that work and in the humans that are the the reality behind the numbers that we talk about. So than very much. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember. Councilmember [10:41:15 AM] vela. Councilmember duchen. >> Thank you. Mayor. First, I'd like to comment on item one, which authorizes the Austin animal center to establish a dog foster program with incarcerated veterans in the Travis state jail. Programs like this have been highly successful nationwide, both for the individuals caring for the animals and for the animals themselves. I'm very excited to see creative solutions at our animal shelter, which has been in need of assistance since long before the beginning of my term, and I want to applaud city manager Broadnax and acm Carbajal for their leadership on research backed policy initiatives like this one. Next, with respect to item 58, I am glad to see programs like our long standing partnership with the safe alliance continue to flourish, providing a secure place for women fleeing domestic vioe to go is a key function of our city's shelter system. The shelter offered by safe saves the lives of women and children every single year. Looking to the future, I also want to highlight the strength of my own commitment to working with longtime partners and forging new partnerships so that Austin continues to add family shelter [10:42:17 AM] beds, especially in north Austin. The number of districtsix children without stable housing has skyrocketed in the last five years, and these families need access to secure, safe, family oriented shelter that is closer to the schools their children attend and the neighborhoods they have most recently lived, so that family, friends and acquaintances are able to offer invaluable informal support. And then finally, on item 85, council member Siegel, I want to thank you for bringing forward this important resolution, which seeks to safeguard the rights of all austinites to manage their physical needs in peace. I would like to request to be added as a co-sponsor. >> Thank you. Without objection, councilmember Laine will be shown as a co-sponsor of item number 85. Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember vela. Then councilmember duchen. >> Thank you, mayor. First of all, I would like to also be added as a co-sponsor to item 85. And I want to thank councilmember Siegel for for bringing the item, which I strongly support. >> Without objection, councilmember vela will be shown as a co-sponsor of item number 85. >> I also want to highlight [10:43:18 AM] another item, 29, which is the sidewalks on the burnet corridor, which is actually right on the border between my council district and councilmember Siegel's council district. Badly needed sidewalks that are going in. That's where Q2 stadium is. That's where the domain is. That's an increasingly urban urbanizing area that I mean, if you've walked through there, you're you're really kind of walking on the grass and in the drainage ditch and stuff. And it's a very tricky area. So these are some badly needed improvements, and I'm really glad to see them on the agenda and moving forward. One also highlight item 42, which is a use of force consulting contract that APD is bringing a consultant to look at how we can reduce injuries and harm to both the public and to police officers, and trying to reduce the use of force. Again, glad to see APD continuing to emphasize that type of de-escalation and trying to minimize the use of force in [10:44:19 AM] any kind of encounters. And then finally, I wanted to highlight item 48 and 49, which are spay and neuter contracts that are going out. We are not going to kind of shelter our way out of the the, our animal shelter capacity issues. We've got to focus on the the spaying and neutering animals and reduce the overall population. And again, glad to see those contracts going out so we can continue to get control of our our animal population. Thank you very much, mayor. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember, councilmember. Harper-madison. Councilmember Ellis. >> Thank you. Mayor. I wanted to briefly flag item 64. Haven't had a chance to speak with councilmember qadri at length about this, but in its place, this is about a homestead preservation district that's happening in west campus and completely agree that the [10:45:19 AM] median income of the census tract being removed from this district makes a lot of sense, but I do worry that there's some uncertainty around the calculation regarding that median income, and that it's the remaining tracks compared to the remaining tracks is very uncertain. The bottom line is that it's not clear to me that at this moment, the residents of that west campus need a dedicated those dedicated tax dollars more than the other communities in the city. And they may. But with the staff report that we've got, I'm not entirely sure at this moment. So I'm voting no on that item. The last thing I just want to say is my gratitude towards my colleagues and staff and my own district ten staff, for all the work that has, we've we've done this year. It's been a year of a lot of lessons, some of them great and fantastic and helpful, and maybe a couple that weren't so much. But I'm just want to say I'm looking forward to [10:46:20 AM] continue this work going into 2026. >> Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember harper-madison, followed by councilmember Ellis. Not working okay. Councilmember Ellis. >> All right. I don't think I'm a co-sponsor on is it 65 or 85, 85? I want to be a co-sponsor on that, too. >> Without objection, councilmember Ellis will be shown as co-sponsor of item number 85. >> Thank you. And then I wanted to quickly highlight a couple of items 79, 80 and 81. This is a package of items that's going to help transportation and public works with signalized intersections. So 79 is going to help make sure that they have additional detection at those intersections, which is something that is really important for a district such as the one that I represent that has a lot of highways and a lot of wide roads where we have a lot of speeding. This is going to be really helpful for transit vehicles to make sure that they can keep running on [10:47:21 AM] time, including being able to detect when there's pedestrians and cyclists in the area. 80 is for additional traffic monitoring capabilities, so I think this is something that's going to be ever more important as we start moving through the initial phases of project connect and I-35, where we have a lot more construction happening within the city limits, and it's going to be important now more than ever to make sure that everybody is getting where they need to be safely and on time. And then 81 supports emergency vehicle preemption and transit signal priority. So we know that it's really important to make sure that as our roads get more and more congested, that we are getting our busses through faster and that our emergency responders can get where they need to be very quickly. So those are items that I'm really excited that transportation and public works has brought forward. And then 28 is oak acres flood reduced flood risk reduction project. This is a quite small pocket neighborhood in southwest Austin that has only one way in and one way out. And it's a bridge over Williamson creek, which has [10:48:21 AM] routinely flooded. And I know that txdot is working on making sure that that area is not flooding as much as it has been in the past. So being able to bring this project forward is something that's hugely impactful for those neighbors. If flooding happens in that area, they are essentially stuck there. So I'm really, really glad that the city is stepping up and creating these improvements to make sure that that neighborhood is safe. >> Great. Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember harper-madison, we got it fixed. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That was apropos. Council member harper-madison has tech troubles, so I primarily wanted to say thank you to you, all my colleagues and the district on staff for all your hard work this year. It was a beautiful year. It was a traumatic year. It was a challenging year, and it was one that I believe is a true inspiration in many ways, [10:49:22 AM] primarily watching our constituents come together, come apart and come back together and consistently show up for themselves and for their communities. I also wanted to say to everybody, to Austin, thank you for your support and thank you for your patience. There was a lady who approached me at the H-E-B the other day and she said, it's you. I pray for you. And that's kind of what it feels like. It feels like Austin's been praying for and with me all year long, and I appreciate your prayer. And I just want to say thank you. And I'm happy to end 2025 strong and start 2026 even stronger. So thank you for the recognition, for the patience and the support. Let's keep fighting Austin. As a proud [10:50:22 AM] east Austin girl, I'd like to close it out by saying, yeah, we did that. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right members, the motion has been made and seconded. Keeping. Remember that the motion to approve the consent agenda includes the direction in your backup on item number 68 from councilmember alter. There being no further discussion, let me ask, is there anyone wishing to recuse themselves from a vote on any item on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to abstain from voting on any item on the consent agenda? Councilmember alter. >> I'm no on item ten. >> I'm coming to that one next. Yeah. No. Anyone wishing to let's go back on abstentions. I want to make sure I don't miss anybody. Anyone wishing to abstain on an item on the consent agenda as it was read all those that wish to vote no on an item. I have councilmember duchen voting no on item number 64 and councilmember alter on item number ten. Is there anyone [10:51:24 AM] else wishing to be shown voting no on an item? All right. In that case, without objection, the consent agenda as read is adopted, with council member duchen being shown voting no on item number 64 and council member alter being shown voting no on item number ten. All right. Thank you very much. Council. That will now take us to the consent items, items 88, 89 and 90. Each one of these are public hearings. Item number eight is 88 is a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 88. The public hearing is now open. If we could everybody hold down your talking so that you we can go through the rest of the agenda. The public hearing is now open on item number 88. I'll turn to the clerk. >> Yes, mayor. On item 88, Chris Benson. >> Folks, if I could ask you to please not talk in the council [10:52:24 AM] chambers. Wow. They're really listening to me here at this last meeting. Last meeting? Yeah, it's really kind of fun. Including our staff. I see our staff just talking away. Councilmember alter, you might want to ask your staff to be quiet. Could I please ask you to stop talking in the council chambers? Thank you very much. Sorry, sir, but you're you are allowed to talk. Now just state your name. For the record. >> My name is Chris Benson. I live on pierce road. >> Why don't you put that microphone in front of you? So when you talk, we can hear you. >> Sorry. >> There you go. >> Good morning. My name is Chris Benson. I live on pierce road on lake Austin, right near seashores cafe and items 88, 89 and 90 pertain to petitions to [10:53:25 AM] annex from the city of Austin. Other properties not mine, that are on lake Austin and in particular. So by way of background, I'm a retired engineer and lawyer. For 40 years. I practice patent litigation, and in doing so I was I helped out with things like drafting legislation as well as interpreting it, appearing before courts. And when I see when I saw what was proposed as the draft ordinance here, and in particular what is known as part three, I saw that there was an error. It's incorrect that the language of part three of the ordinances that are being proposed in 88, 89 and 90 is incorrect. It now states that if an area is annexed in accordance with section 43.141 comma, the landowners of the area are not [10:54:26 AM] eligible for a refund of taxes or fees for that area. >> You're welcome to talk. I'm just talking to the city attorney. >> No, I mean, I whatever. So the the issue is this is that in the this legislative session in 2025, the state legislature amended section 43.141 to allow the people that live along navigable waterways to descend from cities. If the city does not provide wastewater and water facilities and services to them, and in doing so, they also added provision G and provision G, and again, it's 43.1 41g provision G says if an area is described by subsection a3 is annexed in accordance [10:55:29 AM] with this section, the landowners of the area are not eligible for a refund of taxes. >> I'll tell you what, I'm sorry, but your time has expired on item number 88. But you signed up to speak on 89 and 90. So let me open the public hearing on 89 so you can finish your testimony. And we'll make and we make sure you get to say what you want to say. Members, I'm going to open two public hearings at the same time. Without objection, we'll open the public hearing on item number 89. The public hearing is now open on item number 89. I'll have the clerk call your name and you can start talking again. >> Chris Benson, two minutes. >> Thank you. Okay, so what happened was G was added to in may, became law in September. And what G says is that if you are now eligible for annexation along a navigable waterway, you're not eligible for a specific type of remedy under section 43.148. The way it's [10:56:31 AM] written is overbroad, and what I would recommend is that it simply be redrafted this way. Part three period. If an area is annexed in accordance with section 43.141% a a excuse me perenne perenne three. The landowners of the area are not eligible for a refund of taxes or fees for the area under 43.148. So basically we're adding at where it's 4143 .141. Just add a three. It's just an addition there. And then at the end of the sentence add under 43.148. And I believe that that will make it clear. It's so important. And I've dealt with all sorts of legislation that if we make minor changes, like by deleting certain letters or [10:57:32 AM] words, you can really change the meaning of something. And I think by simply adding those two things. A three after 43.141 and under 43.148 to part three of the proposed ordinance, it will make it clear and correct. >> Thank you very much. Let's go back to item number 88. >> Those are all the speakers on 88 and 89. >> Thank you very much, members. That's all the speakers that you've heard that are signed up to speak on item number 888. So without objection we'll close the public hng. Public hearing now closed on item number 88. It's all the speakers that have signed up on the public hearing for item number 89. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 89. What I'm going to do is go ahead and open the public hearing on item 90 as well. And if there's no objection. Without objection, the public hearing on item number 90 is now open. And I'll turn to the clerk. [10:58:33 AM] >> On item 90. We also have Chris Benson. >> Sir, do you want to you're signed up to speak on item 90. But have you completed your testimony? >> Yes I have, so the same. Got it. >> Thank you very much. Members. That's all the people that have signed up to speak on item number 90. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 90. Members. The public hearings have been closed on items 88, 89 and 90. I'm going to take them up individually just so that we have clarity with regard to the passage of any ordinance. With regard to item number 88, is there a motion to approve the ordinance? Motions made by councilmember qadri, seconded by councilmember Laine. Is there discussion without objection? Item number 88 is adopted with councilmember alter temporarily off the dais with regard to item number 89, is there a motion? Motion ma by councilmember qadri to approve item number 89. Is there a second second by councilmember Siegel? Discussion. Hearing none. [10:59:34 AM] Without objection. Item number 89 is adopted. Item number 90 is there a motion? Councilmember qadri moves approval. It is seconded by councilmember Laine. Is there discussion? Without objection. Item number 90 is adopted. Councilmember alter was temporarily off the dais on item number 88, but he would like to be shown voting in favor of item number 88. His vote will not change the outcome of the vote. I'll move that he be shown voting in favor of item number 88. Is there a second? It is second by councilmember vela with any discussion. Without objection, my motion passes and councilmember alter will be shown voting in favor of item number 88 members. That concludes all of our business before our 12:00 time. Certain. So without objection, we will be in recess until 12:00, promptly at 12:00, when we will take up public communication. The city council of Austin, Texas, is now in recess at 11:00 am. [12:00:55 PM] Good afternoon, everybody. It's 12:00 on December 11th, 2025 and I will call back to order the Austin city council members. We will first take up our public comment comments. The general public communication at our 12:00 time. Certain. And I'll turn to the clerk to call the names. Members, as you members of the public that are signed up to speak, you generally know where you are in the order of things. So if you could please go ahead and make your way forward and you'll be called upon and you can start speaking, please. >> First. Speaker kaiba white. Second speaker will be Amanda fallbrook and Bella Chang. If you could just say your name, begin speaking. First. >> Please begin. [12:01:56 PM] >> Okay. Good afternoon, mayor and council members. My name is kaiba white and I'm speaking on behalf of public citizen and our Austin supporters. We are very concerned about the conversation that took place in November about rushing to put a deposit on gas speakers for Austin energy, the Austin energy resource generation and climate protection plan. The city council, including most of you adopted just last year, lays out a process to follow before approving the addition of gas speakers to the Austin energy portfolio. The plan commits to quote a report to the city council following the feasibility phase prior to moving forward to the predevelopment phase and subsequently gathering council feedback incorporating community input prior to bringing a project forward for approval. Further, should Austin energy seek council approval for any Peaker units, we will show an analysis performed demonstrating why a carbon free alternative was not available, and how the [12:02:57 PM] requested action will impact the utility's ability to reach the goal of 100% carbon free by 2035. None of this has been done. The all source rfp is currently open, and it's entirely possible that clean energy alternatives to gas speakers that are quicker to deploy and potentially more affordable will be proposed purchasing gas speakers that won't go into service until at least 2030 is a de facto abandonment of the 2035 carbon free goal. Those assets would operate for at least 30 years, and carbon capture and speakers isn't practical. If you've read or heard anything about carbon carbon offsets in recent years, you'll know that isn't a solution either, as they are rife with a lack of accountability and sometimes outright fraud. In short, they don't work. What does work is to stop burning fossil fuels. Natural gas isn't the clean fossil fuel that the energy industry would that the natural gas industry would have you think it is? Well, gas plants produce less CO2 and other air pollution than coal plants. [12:03:57 PM] Once you look at the entire life cycle impact and account for the massive amount of methane that is leaked directly into the atmosphere, natural gas is about as bad as coal when it comes to climate change, and the air and water pollution created by natural gas extraction is creating wastelands and many health problems, including with fetal development. We don't push for carbon free goals just because they sound good. We're trying to protect our communities, we're trying to keep our climate livable. And it's increasingly not. A record 563 people in Texas died from heat in 2023. At least 135 people were killed, many of them children and central Texas flooding in the summer. These are tragedies of our own making. It's comfortable to think that our small contribution doesn't matter in the scope of climate change, but that thinking has led to a tragedy of the commons to each of us and each community, contributing to our communal suffering. You are in a position to stop, to help stop the climate crisis. Instead of rushing to invest in [12:04:58 PM] more fossil fuel infrastructure, we call on you to shut down Austin energy's existing coal and gas burning power plants. Thank you. >> Go ahead and call the names again so that the. >> Vollbracht Bella Chang, Robert Hendrix. Just state your name and begin speaking. >> Hello, my name is Bella Chang. I live in district ten, and I am the museum manager at the Umlauf sculpture garden and museum. But before I was the museum manager, I was a child on a field trip, a teen volunteer, a college student intern, a summer camp teacher, an exhibiting artist and performer all at the Umlauf. Needless to say, I have valued Umlauf role in the community throughout my entire life here in Austin. I'm proud to have been part of the museum's growth, and even more proud to have it as part of mine. I know [12:06:01 PM] so many others who would say the same. Today I will share about all the ways the Umlauf has invested its own resources into accessible arts education, and how inclusion on the 2026 bond would solve decades long access challenges that still exist today. My experience in so many roles at the Umlauf surely shows just how open the museum is to welcoming in people of all backgrounds to be part of the team. One of the things I love most is how we provide college and career readiness to teens through our volunteer and internship programs. For example, Rory and intern through the Texas school for the blind and visually impaired, was so inspired by his time at the Umlauf that he created an art print that we now sell on consignment in our gift shop. The Umlauf partners with visual and performing artists in all stages of their careers through annual exhibitions like design, shine or suspended, which are specifically for local artists or emerging talent. I even had the opportunity to participate in a major group exhibition in which 18 artists made their own interpretations of Umlauf work. It was a really special thing [12:07:01 PM] to be part of a community exhibition where status, CVS or formal training didn't prevent you from joining through shaping space, our long running after school art program. In title one schools, students get to have their own exhibition at the museum. Even our summer campers exhibit weekly and through a partnership with the nonprofit Austin angels, we offer free tuition for dozens of children experiencing foster care. We also inspire budding artists or enthusiasts through our free tours for Austin independent school district students on any day. Families enrolled in snap can show their ebt card for free museum admission. We host monthly free family days, free exhibition, opening receptions and talks. And every October we host our biggest free family event, straw fest, which had more than a thousand visitors this year. Visitors from every city council district attend these programs alongside tourists. Bloomberg connects an international digital platform from Bloomberg philanthropies, has been a major resource to promote accessibility at the Umlauf. This digital guide adapts to the user's phone [12:08:02 PM] settings. That means if your phone is set to Spanish, the guide opens in Spanish. If you use large text or high contrast, the guide opens with those features. If you need to read a transcript for audio components, you can. And if you need audio resources, you can get that too. We have even more Spanish language resources, including a full print guide, plus bilingual captions on our museum video. And we also partner with Austin community college students to offer guided tours and story times with American sign language interpreters. >> Hi, I'm Amanda vollbracht from district five and director of operations at the Umlauf, one of the coolest parts of the Umlauf accessibility resources is the fact that all of our bronze sculptures can be touched. Not only is this an amazing resource for visitors with low to no vision, but it's also a great way to engage with children or others who best learn through touch. We've had partnerships with Texas school [12:09:02 PM] for the blind and visually impaired since our founding in 1985, and have led specific touch tours for these groups. While the Umlauf has invested all of the resources we've described today into the programs and services we provide the community, there are many physical barriers and accessibility concerns on site that must be addressed. The Umlauf is requesting to be included in the 2026 bond to support projects from the historic preservation, expansion and unification plan that the Umlauf completed in partnership with the city of Austin. The bond funding would address these accessibility concerns on the city owned site. As part of the hpu plan, the Umlauf completed an accessibility assessment with contour collective. Areas that need to be addressed include portions of the trails, public restrooms, the crosswalk, and the parking lot, which are highlighted in this diagram. Additionally, there are two acres of green space on the southern portion of the Umlauf site that are completely overgrown and not at all [12:10:03 PM] accessible. The hpu plan proposes cleaning this natural space of invasive species and creating a trail that the public can access for free, giving two acres of parkland back to the community. Finally, we need to provide access to the original gift that Charles and Angelina Umlauf gave to the city of Austin in 1985. Their historic home and studio. This national register of historic places site is not open to the public as it should be. There is currently no way to get to it from the sculpture garden, which is 45ft below the homestead on a daily basis. Our ests ask when they'll be able to access the Umlauf family home and studio. It's clear that this is a priority to our community. City of Austin bond funding will be tripled by the Umlauf financial contribution. And finally, allow us to make our eight acres fully accessible to everyone. Thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you both. Mr. Hendrix. >> Yes, I'm Bob Hendrix, a [12:11:03 PM] volunteer chair of the Texas Sierra club's executive committee and co-chair of citizens climate lobby. Thank you for hearing me. I have often bragged about this council, your strong climate plan, your early leadership on solar and wind, your commitment to energy efficiency and community well-being. That's why I'm shocked and deeply disappointed to learn that the council is seriously considering approving funds for new gas Peaker plants before completing the study required under the Austin next generation plan, adopted just this year. A credible study will almost certainly show what national data already shows. New gas Peaker plants would raise electricity rates, increase carbon pollution and add harmful air pollution, while battery energy storage systems are cleaner, safer and cheaper. I fully understand Austin energy's concern about meeting peak demand on hot summer days when buying off the ercot grid can be expensive, but that is exactly what battery systems are built for. They can buy electricity in the [12:12:03 PM] early morning when prices are low, and discharge it in the late afternoon when demand and prices spike. The same process works for days of extreme cold. It saves money for Austin ratepayers and helps reduce price volatility across the entire ercot grid. Unlike gas Peaker plants, which sit idle more than 90% of the time, battery systems can be used almost every day of the year, providing reliability services and reducing costs. Gas plants require staffing, fuel contracts and maintenance whether they run or not. Right now, batteries are already cheaper than gas speakers on a levelized cost basis. Gas plants depend on the volatile price of natural gas, driven by global supply shocks and OPEC decisions. Battery systems, by contrast, qualify for up to a 30% Ira tax credit or cash payback through 2033, and their costs continue to fall faster than analysts have expected. Technology improvements will only make them cheaper and more [12:13:04 PM] reliable. I know the oil and gas industry has funded a disinformation campaign about battery safety. The facts are straightforward the early generation systems did have a few fires, none harming anyone. Today's systems use safer chemistries and modern designs that have had no fire incidents. And unlike gas plants, which release pollution every time they run, batteries produce zero carbon or other air pollution. Pollution, which worsens climate change and kills thousands prematurely in some battery storage, meets peak demand, lowers bills, avoids pollution, improves reliability, and aligns with Austin's climate commitments. Moving ahead with gas speakers before completing the required study openly, transparently and free from oil and gas bias would be irresponsible and unnecessary. Austin has led before we can keep leading. Thank you. >> Our next set of speakers mason Hayes, Eileen Mcginnis, [12:14:05 PM] and Stephanie Noel. >> Hello, council members. Mayor Watson, my name is mason Hayes and I'm a drone show artist here in Austin. You may be familiar with some of the previous work we have partnered with at the university of Texas. M currently running my own drone show company focused on low count drone shows. So that's 50 drones or less and education. And my goal is to bring free low count shows to the central Austin area. Could we go to the next slide, please? I believe there's a video. There's one very specific venue that works well for low count drone shows, which is baseball fields, as because the field is large enough to create a design as well as keep the entire FAA mandated safety radius inside of the range of the baseball field fence. That gives you 360 degree audience viewing with 100% safety. We can hit the [12:15:07 PM] next slide. Thank you. My concern and problem is that I cannot currently rent baseball fields through the Austin parks department to run these events. I was in touch with the parks department and had a great conversation with Greco following this email. I understand that this event is unprecedented. A low count drone show on a baseball field is not a rental purpose that they currently recognize, as well as some field maintenance concerns. So I'd like to show one video of the drones landing on a baseball field. Because baseball field is a standard venue for a drone performance, just so that you guys can see what it looks like when the drones do land on the field. Obviously there's not going to be any damage done from this. A little bit of dust kick up. We can also take off from the grass. So super standard venue for us to perform in. So my ask is to help figure out how to permit these events through the city of Austin, so that I can pay the parks department to [12:16:08 PM] rent these fields. I'm not asking to do this for free. We have a map now that you with six different baseball field venues owned by the parks department in the central Austin area, the ones on the west side are going to be easier because they're not as close to the airport. And of course, we have the fields closer to the airport, which Wille slightly more difficult. But I'm just asking for support on having a path forward to run this event again. Free public event for all ages in the central Austin area. Trying to continue to support Austin's reputation as a global arts city. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Miss Mcginnis. >> Hi, y'all. My name is Eileen Mcginnis in district nine. I'm the founder of parents clima community, a local climate families nonprofit, and I'm here today, like many others, to speak against the proposal to put a deposit on expensive gas. Peakers, I urge you to [12:17:10 PM] slow down this process, to reckon with the considerable cost of new gas infrastructure to Austin energy customers, to our city's climate goals, and to our children's health. With the holiday season upon us, I've been thinking about how hard it is to ignore the status quo frenzy of consumption. Every year, the barrage of marketing emails starts me wondering if I should get my child another toy or gizmo, even though it's against my core values the rest of the year to buy lots of new stuff. The dominant messaging that we show love to our kids at the holidays through material goods can override my better judgment that overconsumption is harming our kids future long term. Now, I don't want to stretch this metaphor, but I do think that those of you on the dais who are proposing a deposit on gas speakers are acting out of a deep sense of responsibility and care for austinites. The problem, though, is that when we when we operate out of a scarcity mindset or get caught up in fear that we're missing out, we rarely act in line with our values. And our values as a city are very clear. Austin [12:18:10 PM] energy has a clear goal of carbon free by 2035. According to the resource generation and climate protection plan adopted by council last year. We also have a clear process to guide our decision making, soliciting public input andloring clean energy alternatives before going down the path of new fossil fuel investments. In the haste toove forward with the deposit on gas speakers, we're also ignoring the very people who should be our primary stakeholders, not constituents or customers, but kids, the youth climate organizers who've already experienced extreme weather impacts and are deeply worried about their future, but who are unable to come here to city hall because it's a school day. The young kids who live or go to school near existing gas infrastructure and bear the greatest health burdens of gas operations, from respiratory illness to developmental delays. Paying top dollar for a deposit on gas speakers that would need to operate for decades to be financially viable. That's not a gift, but it's a curse. When [12:19:12 PM] we look at it from the angle of our city's climate, health and environmental justice legacy. In this season of gift giving, I hope city council will recognize the true gift we can give to Austin youth the courage to stay the course on our city's net zero goals. Thank you. >> Thank you, miss Noel. >> Hi, my name is Stephanie. I am a community artist, educator, mother and a resident of district eight. I am grateful for the chance to speak today on behalf of myself, my children and the many young people and families that I've served for the past 15 years. I've signed up to speak because I'm deeply alarmed by mayor Watson and council member vela's push for Austin energy to put down a deposit and commit to purchasing new gas Peaker plants. Rushing this decision, especially outside the process laid out in the resource generation and climate protection plan, would make it impossible for Austin to meet the commitment of 100% carbon free energy by 2035. As a [12:20:13 PM] former community ambassador for the city's equity based preservation plan, I learned how decisions like this become that either heal or deepen long standing inequities. Approving new fossil fuel infrastructure now would add yet another painful chapter to the long timeline of inequities that have disproportionately impacted low income black, indigenous and other communities of color, preserving Austin's culture means preserving Austin's people, and right now, extreme weather is destabilizing the very communities we say we want to protect. The most historical marginalized neighborhoods, like those in the in the decker creek power station in district one, are already bearing the the weight of poor air quality, higher health risks, and the constant anxiety of climate driven disasters. In a recent glass half full theater production that I went to at peace park, it featured community, storytelling, and audience members of all ages shared their fear about Austin's weather. People still carry the heavy memories of winter storm [12:21:14 PM] uri, armageddon, the great freeze, the snow snowpocalypse of 2021. They are worried about drought, flooding and the and the exhaustion of relentless heat waves. These fears are not abstract. They are lived day to day realities. As an arts educator, I work closely with youth from communities that have been historically and disproportionately impacted by climate and their proximity to gas infrastructure. Many of these children already experience higher asthma rates, chronic respiratory issues, and other health impacts tied to poor air quality. Next year, these young people will be co-creating large scale works of art that celebrate clean energy and boldly expose the harm caused by gas plants. Their artwork is not just creative expression, it's a demand for protection, justice, and a future where they can thrive. I am asking you, our city council, to stand with the people you were elected to protect. Hold Austin energy accountable for 100% carbon free by 2035. Require the full [12:22:18 PM] feasibility studies, the environmental and economic analysis, and most importantly, a genuine space for community input before a decision is made. This is how we build trust. This is how we protect lives, and this is how we ensure Austin becomes a thriving, resilient city for future generations. >> Thank you, thank you. >> We will now move to remote speakers. First we have Becky Smith. >> Hi. Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Great. Thank you. My name is Becky Smith. I am the director for the state of Texas office of clean water action. We are a membership grassroots organization whose mission is to protect our environment, health, economic well-being, and community. Quality of life. Clean water action organizes strong grassroots groups and coalitions to deliver on campaigns to solve environmental and community health problems. So I speak today representing our roughly 8000 individual members who live in and vote in Austin, and [12:23:21 PM] I appreciate the opportunity. We beseech our leaders of Austin and the cities electric utility to slow down and eventually stop the process to put down a large utility customer and taxpayer funded $15 million deposit on gas Peaker facilities as part of Austin's electric utility mix. We know that you yourselves have laid out in Austin next generation plan a path to help prove that this move would be a mistake. We all know that investing in future fossil fuel isn't just a financial choice, but a public healthhoice and therefore a moral choice. There has been new research released recently from Harvard university finding a greater number more than 8 million people. And in data year 2018 died from fossil fuel pollution, meaning that air pollution from burning fossil fuels is responsible globally for about 1 in 5 deaths. Additionally, since water is in our name, I [12:24:22 PM] can't help but mention there's myriad data available I'm happy to share along, which proves the negative effects on water resources, from generating electricity with gas versus our renewable resources. The Austin energy resource generation and climate protection plan that you adopted in 2024 recommitted to achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. A noble goal. But again, you established a process including public input and analysis of clean energy alternatives that Austin energy and Austin city council must follow before purchasing gas speakers to date that we know of, no public input has been gathered and we have not heard a stated location where the speakers would be located and that we know of clean energy alternatives have not been thoroughly analyzed. So we're asking today to please commit to following the plan that you wisely adopted to collect public input, as well as do the data analysis for clean energy alternatives to meet Austin's [12:25:23 PM] energy needs to help us remain committed to our values as a leader among cities that enact true environmental leadership and lead by example. Thank you again for this opportunity. >> Next we will have Laura. So. >> Hi. Thank you all for the opportunity to speak. My name is Laura and I live in district five. I'm here today because I'm worried about Austin moving too quickly towards investing in new fossil fuel power generation before completing the steps promised in the resource generation section. As a younger Austin resident, I take our climate and affordability goals really seriously, and so it's disappointing to see that the city could move in a direction that feels like it's giving up on the future goals that we set that were really inspiring. My generation is already dealing with rising utility bills, a really high cost of living and [12:26:23 PM] energy based rates are set to increase about 5% each year already, and a rushed decision on expensive fossil fuel projects could push those bills even higher. And as Austin energy is being pushed into a large early deposit that would affect the grid, lock us into a purchase before we even know if there's a more affordable, cleaner option existing. So from a basic economic perspective, it's really asking ratepayers to act as investors on a project without seeing the business case and paying for the option to buy an asset that arrives late. It comore, and it may not even fit with our long term goals and visions for our future. So my generation will be the ones who are paying for these decisions financially, environmental for decades to come. And I really would like Austin to choose solutions that move us forward, not lock us into outdated infrastructure. I think there are real options that are much cleaner, may reduce costs if we give them a fair chance of parent evaluation. And I do think the [12:27:24 PM] step by step process and the resource plan exists, protect residents from these expensive commitments made without facts. It involves community input, economic analysis. So I'm asking you all to honor that process and allow that rfp to proceed and require Austin energy to show its worth and fully assess some of those cleaner, more affordable options before we make any. Because young people, we want to leave that fossil climate and affordability promises are more than just words. So I would urge you all to please follow the adopted plan and just help ensure that our future is cleaner and well. Thank you for your time. >> Next, we will have Raphael Schwartz. >> Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Raphael Schwartz. I live in south Austin. Speaking on behalf of Austin Sierra club. I regret I can't be there in person today. First, I just want to briefly echo what [12:28:25 PM] others have already said with regard to. The resource plan passed just last year. Committed a, and finally conducting the predevelopment analysis. All these are reasonable steps. Those four things have not yet happened. As far as I know. Council iseieing asked to pay for speakers before the process outlined last year as followed, so it shouldn't be surprising. I think, that there is pushback from folks that are paying attention. That all said, I want to bring up the community health impact. Austin energy is the utility, rightly looking at megawatts and dollars. Council has a different role, I think, and should be looking at community health impact alongside climate impacts. We know that pollution from burning fossil fuels is responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths worldwide, one five deaths. With regard to what's in front of us today, speakers in particular speakers emit significantly more nox emissions. Nitrogen dioxide [12:29:25 PM] miss per unit energy. EPA estimated it's roughly 60% more than baseload gas plants. This increases ground level ozone. Unfortunately, Austin energy anticipates running all the old peakers and new peakers together on the hottest days of the year. In the summer, the ozone smog will increase in the summer. The city is already on the verge of ozone non-attainment exceeding the federal federal standards. I know Travis county received an F score this fall from the American lung association for ozone pollution and levels of particulate matter, Wright, smog and soot in the air. High ground level ozone. So we're on the same page. It aggravates asthma, irritates the airways, increases sensitivity to allergens. It leads to more severe asthma issues. I'm youngish and really fortunate I and healthy. I did grow up with asthma. Many in our communities struggle way more air quality in Austin and Travis county is getting worse by the year. The east side where these plants [12:30:26 PM] will go is already worse off. This stuff is very real, but fortunately it's also very preventable. Respectfully, I want to ask council to follow the process agreed to just last year and to abandon climate goals set only a few years ago, since there's really nothing pressing at the moment forcing us to build gas plants. Besides the financial decision for the utility to invest in fossil fuel generation. Thank you for taking the time to liste. >> That concludes all speakers. Mayor. >> Thank you very much, members. As you just heard, that concludes all of our speakers at our 12:00 time, certain general public communication, we thank everybody for taking the time to speak to us today. Members, the next items that we have on our agenda are set for our time. Certain of 2:00 pm, and I'll remind the folks that what we'll do is, the first thing we will take up at 2:00 will be our zoning items. Those items 92 through 115. When we conclude those, we will then call to order public hearings [12:31:26 PM] on items 86 and 87. Those were posted. So they need to be taken up at sometime after 2:00 pm. Everybody hang around if you want. We're going to go when we recess here in just a second. We're going to go to our music. And so without objection, we will be in recess until 2:00 pm. There being no objection, we're the Austin city council is in recess until 2:00 pm. It's 1231. Thanks, everybody. [1:59:55 PM] Good afternoon everybody. It's 2:00 on December 11th, 2025, and I will call the Austin city council back to order. The first item that we will take up will be the 2:00 time certain zoning items. Those are items 92 through 115. And once those are completed, we will take up items 86 and 87, which are public hearings. With that, I will recognize our professional staff. >> Thank you. Mayor, mayor and council I'm joy harden with Austin. Planning your zoning and neighborhood plan amendment agenda begins with item number 92 c1484022 rca. This item is offered as an applicant. Postponement to your January January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. Item 93 is c1 four 2025 0056. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 94 is c1 four 2025 0095. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item number 95 is in [2:00:57 PM] pa 2025 0024.01. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. The rezoning item is 96 c1 four 2025 0052. Again, this item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 97 is npa 2025 0019.04. This item is offered for consent on all three ratings. The related rezoning is item 98 c1 four 2025 0046. Again, this is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 99 is npa 2025 0019.03. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. The rezoning is item 100 c1 for 2025 0082. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 101 is c1 four 2025 0074. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 102 is c1 four 2025 0085. This item is [2:01:57 PM] offered as a staff postponement to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. Item 103 is c1 four 2025 0098 rct. This item is offered as an applicant. Postponement to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeng. Item 104 c1 four 2025 0039. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 105 is c1 four 2024 0160. This item is being offered as a postponement by council member qadri to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. I Ann 161 491 4992052.04. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 107 is 2025 0016.01. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. The rezoning is. Item 108 c1 four 2025 0073. This item is offered for consent on all three readings [2:02:57 PM] with the following motion which reads approved limited office mixed use neighborhood plan. Lomu np combining district zoning on all three readings. This will remove the conditional overlay and that was for item 108. Item 109 is npa 2023 000005.01. This item is offered as an applicant. Postponement to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. The rezoning is item 110. Again, this is offered as an applicant postponement to your January 22nd 2026 council meeting. I don't want 11. Is c1 four 2025 0029. This item is offered as an applicant postponement to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. Item 112 is c1 four 2025 0078. This item is offered as a postponement to your January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. I don't want 13 is c1 4930047 rca. This item is [2:03:59 PM] offered as an applicant. Postponement to January 22nd, 2026 council meeting. Item 114 is c1 four 2025 0053. This item is offered for consent on all three readings with the following motion, which reads amend the caption a part one of the draft ordinance to include a conditional overlay co combining district, adding new part two and part three as follows and renumbered the remaining sections accordingly. Part two. The property within the boundaries of the conditional overlay combining district established by this ordinance is subject to the following condition. Development of this property is limited to six dwelling units. Part three. Except as specifically restricted under this ordinance, the property may be developed and used in accordance with the regulations established for the multifamily residence medium density, mf three base district and other applicable requirements of the city code. So with that, again, [2:05:01 PM] this is being offered for consent on all three readings. Additionally, there is a request from the neighborhood that a council member support an indefinite postponement, but the applicant does not agree. Also to note for this item that there is a valid petition, so a minimum of nine votes is required for passage for all three readings. So in summary, this item is offered for consent and all three readings for mf three co and the conditional overlay limits the development to six dwelling units. And lastly, item 115 a c1 four 2025 0070. This item is offered for consent. Second and third readings. This concludes the reading of the zoning and neighborhood plan amendment portion of your agenda. And as always, this is at your discretion. Thank you. >> Thank you, miss Hardin. Members, do you have any questions of miss Hardin members? I will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as read, but let me read through it so we'll be clear on what the motion will be. Item number 92, postponement to [2:06:03 PM] January 2nd, 26, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101. All three readings 102. A postponement to January 22nd, 2026 103. Postponement to January 22nd, 2026 104. All three readings 105. Postponement to January 22nd, 2026, 106 and 107. All three readings 108. Also on all three readings, but miss Hardin is read into the record. A motion that is part of that motion. 109 110 111 112 113. Postponement to January 22nd, 2026. Item number 114 would be on all three readings, but she's also read a motion sheet with, among other things, has a co with a unit cap of six, and [2:07:04 PM] there is a valid petition requiring nine votes in order to pass that on all three readings, item number or to pass it on item 115, it would be on second and third reading. Okay. The chair will entertain a motion. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda as read motion is made by the mayor pro tem, seconded by council member alter. I will now turn to the city clerk to call on speakers for the items. >> Thank you mayor. Our first speaker will be Miriam Connor on item 94. >> Good afternoon, mayor Watson, mayor pro tem Fuentes and council members. My name is Miriam Connor proud, board president of preservation Austin. When only 16% of the historic landmarks reflect contributions from black and brown communities. We're not preserving history. We're erasing history for the people, from from the people who built the cultural fabric that make [2:08:05 PM] Austin the city we love. Today, you have the chance to correct that preservation is an environmental issue and is a form of climate and anti-displacement action. Restoring historic buildings saves thousands of gallons of water, preserving a 1500 square foot house saves approximately 40 tons of embodied energy. The greenest building is the generic new build that takes 10 to 80 years to recover from demolition and construction. Carbon debt. It's the one that already exists. Today. We ask you. We ask you to support the Calhoun house, to reize Theodore and Thelma Calhoun, educators and civic leaders who built community during segregation when the city was designed to exclude them to honor their daughter. Miss Calhoun, who has spent years fighting to preserve the Rogers, Washington, holy cross neighborhood and who deserves to see her parents and her legacy officially recognized to [2:09:05 PM] to acknowledge that this family and hundreds of families like theirs shaped Austin's greatness. This designation isn't charity. It's correction. It's telling the truth about who built Austin. We urge you to vote yes. Thank you so much for your time. >> We will now move to in-person speakers on item 94. Mary Cagle, Patricia Calhoun, Catalina berry, and Michelle Ramos. >> Great. Hi, everybody. I'm Mary kale. I'm on the board of you. >> Can you can feel free to make yourself comfortable and sit down. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Sure. >> All right. I'm on the board of preservation Austin and I chair the advocacy committee. Thanks so much for your service to the city of Austin. I really appreciate it. Calhoun house is an incredibly interesting, charming, one story, ranch style house at 2401 givens avenue, and it's contributing within the Rogers, Washington holy cross historic district. This is one of the most intact concentrations of post- world [2:10:06 PM] war two housing for African Americans in Austin. And I know all of y'all know the history of segregation in Austin. Prior to this, east Austin's development was defined, defined by racial covenants, the 1928 city plan, and redlining. After W war two, hard won opportunities created an emergent black middle class, which the Calhoun family is has been a member. Yet the postwar building boom was largely out of their reach because of various things. The fha prohibited black families from obtaining low cost mortgages, and there were other barriers. These barriers make the existence of this neighborhood and this particular house all the more remarkable. The Calhoun house is significant in with its historical associations with pat's family and with its community value. It's its community value stems from its role as the site of numerous community service meetings in the early years of the Calhoun's residence through [2:11:07 PM] the present, and pat, the current owner, continues her neighborhood advocacy and her work with the children's haven association, the nonprofit established in 46 to serve area underprivileged children and where parents also have a history of service. It's just right around the corner. So while architecture is a category, is not considered in this application, it is worth noting that the Calhoun house is a remarkable, high integrity example of the California ranch style. For all of these reasons, I hope you'll give it historic landmark designation. >> Thank you. >> Good afternoon, mayor Adler and council members. I am Patricia Calhoun, daughter of tc and Thelma Calhoun, who built the home in which I currently reside. I'm here to advocate for the digignation of my home, located at 2401 givens avenue in Austin, Texas, as an official landmark. This property holds significant [2:12:07 PM] value because of its community uniqueness. Our neighborhood has been called suburbia within the city that speaks to the heritage of a people of great resiliency. Built in 1959 60, it exemplifies a modest mid- century modern style, but beyond that, it represents the determination of a group of people to thrive against the odds. As you've heard about the 1928 plan, just for Mary, many black colonies existed on the west side, as did my grand great grandparents. Our ancestors created and maintained their own city within the city, developing churches, schools, theaters, restaurants, pharmacies, clinics, mortuaries, gas stations, tailor shops, entertainment establishments. All these accomplishments, while being separate but unequal, our educators traveled [2:13:07 PM] out of state to the best universities in the country because they were not accepted in the university of Texas. My parents traveled to Michigan and I frequently. Well, I did go along in the Summers and attended nursery school at the university of Michigan. Hence pursuing my education in Michigan as well. Not the university of Michigan, but the cow college, Michigan state I was the traitor. But every summer my parents packed me up to travel to school. >> Ma'am, I'm sorry your time has expired. >> I thank you for your time. >> Thank you, and thank you for being here and for giving us that history. I will also point out for the record that if I vote against you, I'm mayor Adler. If I vote for you, I'm mayor Watson. >> Did I say Watson? >> You said mayor Adler. So but that and that and that. And that's only if I'm against you. [2:14:09 PM] If I'm for you. Remember me as Kirk Watson. >> Oh, I'll never. >> Oh, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it at all. That's great. Please, whoever wants to go next. >> Buenas tardes. My name is Catalina and I am with east Austin conservancy, where our mission is to preserve the people, history, and culture of east Austin by providing property tax assistance and other necessary resources to fortify the community. I am also a member of the advocacy mmittee of preservation Austin, an organization committed to protecting the places that hold our shared stories together. Both organizations understand that preservation is not just about buildings, it is about people, legacy and belonging. That that is exactly why the Calhoun house deserves to be honored as a historic landmark. The Calhoun house is not only a beautifully preserved mid-century home, it is a living testament to black excellence, resilience, and leadership. During a time when segregation imposed profound barriers. Built in 1959 by tc and Thelma Calhoun, the home sits within one of Austin's first suburban neighborhoods, developed by and for black families who were denied access to housing elsewhere, their [2:15:10 PM] ability to create stability, community, and a sense of place under these conditions is precisely what organizations like eac and preservation Austin work to uplift and protect. Today, tc Calhoun Calhoun served as principal of kealing middle school, the only middle school available to black students during segregation. His wife, Thelma, dedicated her life to improving education. Both were leaders in civic and cultural institutions, shaping a foundation that allowed families in east Austin to thrive. Their daughter still lives there today. The amazing pat Calhoun, who is herself a steward of community memory and a leader in preserving the history of the Rogers rossington holy cross neighborhood. People like the Calhoun family and places like Calhoun house show us how community survived and excelled despite systems designed to push them out and honoring. Calhoun house affirms that these stories matter. It protects a home that represents not just architecture, but dignity, perseverance, and the legacy of black austinites whose impact continues to guide us. For these reasons, I respectfully ask that the Calhoun house receive historic landmark designation so its story can continue to inspire [2:16:13 PM] and uplift future generations. >> Thank you. Thank you. Yes, sir. >> Hey, how's it going? My name is Maggio Ramos, and I am the proud chair of the Rogers Washington holy cross neighborhood association. Let me repeat that. The historic Rogers, Washington, holy cross neighborhood association and the historic. We add that because miss Calhoun was instrumental in helping us get a historic district for our neighborhood association, we worked tirelessly for five years on our application. Miss Calhoun, we had a lot of strategy meetings in her kitchen and still have strategy meetings for the neighborhood today as well. And so we just want to say that we are in full support for this application. And given the legacy that pat's mom and dad trailblazed in the [2:17:14 PM] past, they would definitely be proud of her today and proud of all the things that she brings to our community. So we definitely shout her out today and say thank you for all your work and hope that y'all go ahead and approve this one for us. Thank you. >> Thank you, thank you, miss Calhoun. >> On items 95 and 96, Zenobia, Joseph. >> Miss Joseph. >> We'll move to item 99, griff Whalen. >> Are you. Hi. Are you waiving your right to speak? All right. He's waving his right to speak. >> Also for item 100, griff Whalen. Okay. >> Still waving. >> We will now go to item 102. Bill bunch. >> Mr. Bunch. He's not here. >> On item 112. Zenobia. Joseph. [2:18:16 PM] We will switch back to remote speakers on item 114 Barbara Epstein. >> Hello? Can you hear me? >> Yes we can. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes we can. >> Thank you, thank you. My name is Barbara Epstein. This case, this case concerns the corner of Duval street and Harris avenue, the gateway to our neighborhood. The site of this farm Sam Houston sold to a survivor of the Alamo. Directly across the street from a state historic house. So architecture matters. The new owner couldn't get permits because two units were illegal, but got a demolition permit for the entire site from the landmark commission, even though it qualified for historic designation. Then he applied for mf1 zoning and as soon as it was granted, he applied for mf3. He said he isn't interested in creating affordable housing and won't agree in writing to what he intends to build or whether it will be compatible or architecturally compatible. [2:19:17 PM] Why should any neighbor support this application? But this isn't just about architecture. Increased density will add significant traffic. Increased traffic, pedestrian safety, and public transit problems. I was struck by a car at this very corner years ago by an inattentive driver turning on the Duval street from Harris avenue, and had to go to the E.R. Now drivers are even more distracted and inattentive. We have living streets designations on nearby streets to slow traffic and keep drivers from using the area as a cut through, but the city has not responded to requests to repair and complete sidewalks on Harris avenue and other streets. And since the Duval street crosswalk was moved, pedestrians must cross Harris avenue directly across from this property's driveway to walk to Lee elementary. Just one example shows why public transit from this site is so inadequate. Trip planner says it takes three separate bus [2:20:17 PM] routes and 42 minutes to go to the H-E-B at 41st street, half an hour to walk, but five minutes to drive any increased density will bring more cars, more impatient drivers and inadequate parking. Please deny this request and require the owner to meet with the neighbors. >> Thank you ma'am. >> Switching back to in-person on item 114, Ronald Thomas Luke and Helen gabler. >> Are you those people here? >> I don't see them. And that concludes all the speakers >> Thank you very much, members, as you just heard, that concludes all the speakers on the consent agenda. We have a motion and a second with regard to the consent agenda, I'll ask first if there's any discussion. Yes. Councilmember vela. >> Thank you. I just wanted to thank staff for the staff report on the Calhoun house item. It's a really excellent [2:21:17 PM] backup and reviews the history of the house really well and looking forward to supporting that item. And I just wanted to give staff props for their thorough work. >> Thank you. Any further discussion? With that being said, is there anyone that wishes to abstain from voting on an item on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to recuse themselves from a vote on any specific item on the agenda? Anyone wishing to be shown voting no on any item on the consent agenda? That being the case, without objection, the consent agenda is adopted. Mayor Adler, temporarily off the Dyess. Miss Calhoun, congratulations and thank you very much for being here. We appreciate you a great deal. We appreciate you. We appreciate your family and we appreciate the history. So thank you, members. That concludes the items related to zoning. And now we will go to public hearings on two items, items 86 [2:22:18 PM] and 87. Item 86, as I indicated is a public hearing. So without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 86. Without objection, that public hearing is now open. I'm going to go ahead and open the public hearing on item number 87 as well. At the same time, without objection, the public hearing item number 87 will be open. There's no objection. So the public hearing is now open. Miss Harding, I'll start with you. >> Thank you. Item number 86 on your agenda is the 13th amendment to the east 11th and 12th street urban renewal plan. And the request is to make cocktail lounge use a conditional use at 1201 east lemon street. Item number 87 on your agenda is case number c14 2025 0030 is a proposed amendment to the east 11th street nc neighborhood conservation, combining district Ed, ccd and ordinance number 910620c. The request is [2:23:19 PM] to change a condition of zoning to make cocktail lounge a conditional use at the same site. 1201 east 11th street. Staff does not recommend granting the change to the urban renewal plan or the neighborhood conservation combining district, which we call ccd. Additionally, these items are moving forward without recommendations from the urban renewal board or planning commission. The subject tract is roughly two acres and is currently developed with a car wash. The existing surrounding land uses include two single family homes, a duplex, a four story condominium, nickel city bar, and paper boy restaurant. The staff recommendation is to deny the request when the east 11th street ccd was first adopted in 1991 with the ordinance number 910620c, cocktail lounge use was a conditional use and subdistrict one, which is where the subject property is located. However, city council adopted [2:24:21 PM] ordinance number 2022 0728163 on July 28th, 2022, which modified subdistrict land use and development regulations for the east 11th street ccd, including to prohibit cocktail lounge use at this site. With the changes made in 2022, cocktail lounge remains a conditional use on the 911 hundred blocks of east 11th street, which includes block 16 and 18, but it is a prohibited use elsewhere in subdistrict one. City council also adopted ordinance number 2022 0915065 on September 15th, 2022, which amended the urban renewal plan and prohibited cocktail lounge use at this site. Staff does not recommend reversing council's decision from roughly three years ago, given that there have been no there have not been substantial changes in this area since then. Thank you. And I know we have speakers for [2:25:23 PM] this item and then I can. >> Answer yes. Thank you. I'm going to we'll take the speakers on the public hearing. And then we will go after the conclusion of the speakers, I will call for a motion. >> Beginning with item 86. Scott Menzies and Roger Borgelt. Is Paul stables and Ann Marie torres. Here, Roger Borgelt will have four, six minutes. >> Good afternoon, mayor and council, Roger Borgelt. And I'm here speaking on behalf of Mr. Stables, who is the actual property owner of the property where this from which this request was made? We have an interesting situation here in that Mr. Stables is not the applicant. The applicant, of course, came up through the city's committee process. And as you've heard, there's been essentially no recommendation made from these committees. I think part of the reason for that is some confusion over the [2:26:25 PM] history of this. No one ever actually requested that the conditional use be removed. There's no record anywhere in the city's records that it, as far as we can tell, ever actually was removed. And let me just point you to some of the things in the record that that support that position. If we look at the motion sheet, which I believe was in your your backup or at least the materials that that Mr. Stables sent to you, this is the motion sheet from council member harper-madison from, from the last amendment to this plan. And we look at the east 11th street ccd. There's two separate provisions. One is in subdistrict one to make the following uses conditional uses and that includes business or trade schools, cocktail lounges and transportation terminals. That's under section one. And then down in section three it's cocktail lounges a permitted use on the 911 hundred block of 11th street. So as we read that and as we think council member harper-madison intended, when [2:27:26 PM] the permitted use was created in the 911 hundred blocks, the conditional use was not taken away in the rest of the subdistrict. It's simply a different use, permitted rather than conditional. If you look and I won't read it to you because you have it. But from the urban renewal board recommendation from September 15th of this year, bottom of the second page, going to the top of the third page, that reflects the argument that I just made, as well as the next to last paragraph, which I will read a little bit of the position of the irb through the modification process consistently was the intent was not to significantly modify existing uses, and was to streamline and update the plan and make conforming recommendations to make documents easier to understand. The irb's understanding had been that the language ultimately adopted in the Erp did not change cocktail lounge use within subdistrict one. It [2:28:26 PM] previously had been a conditional use and appears to have remained so. So again, that was in the summary from urban renewal. If you look at the actual ordinance language from the ordinance that was adopted, and again, this is in the materials that Mr. Stables sent to you, the actual table for subdistrict one for cocktail lounge uses. And this is on the the second page of his attachment titled December 4th. Subject says where the the table for this ordinance, which unfortunately was not provide to you under usage says cocktail lounges. It has a large C which under that ordinance is designated as a conditional use and subdistrict one. And then, under conditions of exceptions, it says, allowed on a property located in 911 hundred blocks. Now, to us, the only interpretation of this that's reasonable is that it should be still a conditional use in subdistrict one and allowed where the council [2:29:27 PM] adopted ordinance that made it allowed on those two blocks. There's been there's simply been nothing in the record. Although the staff says there was further council discussion, we find no record of any paperwork, no recordings, nothing that support that. There was any council discussion about removing this conditional use in subdistrict one. So the fact that it wasn't requested, nobody can figure out wh was removed. We would simply ask that you put it back respectively, because we don't believe it ever should have been taken away. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Mcgill. >> And then on moving to item 87, we have Roger Mcgill as well, and Scott Menzies. And on item 87. >> I've said what I need to say. >> Great. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. >> And that concludes all speakers on item 86 and 87. >> Thank you, members. As you just heard, that concludes all the speakers that signed up for the public hearings on items 86 and 87. So without objection, we will close the public [2:30:28 PM] hearing on item 86 and we will close the public hearing on item 87. Without objection, the public hearings are now closed. The chair will recognize council member harper-madison for a motion with regard to item 86 and 87. >> Mr. Mayor, I'm in a strange position currently. I might need to hear from city staff, so. >> Fair enough. >> As I was listening to the testimony that was presented just now. Well, that's. >> That's fine. That's that's actually a good use of time. So miss harden is now at the microphone. So feel free to ask what you need to ask. >> Yes I'm here. >> Thank you. So miss harden where I find myself having a challenge here is that the implication is that somehow staff's recommendation, the planning commission's recommendation, are not in alignment with what's legal. And that makes me uncomfortable. And so it was my original intention to make a motion that we deny this zoning case, this [2:31:29 PM] zoning application, and go with staff and planning commission's recommendation. But now I find myself in a position where, because of that implication, it makes me concerned. And so I don't know if I need to hear from city legal as to whether or not we're moving forward. And I mean, it was clear there was a motion from a couple years ago with my name on it. So I'm going to make certain that as we move forward, that we're doing so in a way that's in compliance with what's legal. So I have that question. And then I would also be willing to say I would be willing to offer the applicant the opportunity to postpone this case so that I can get to the bottom of those questions around those implications. >> You want to answer her legal question? >> Thank you. >> Council member harper-madison. The actions that the council took when you [2:32:30 PM] redid the ncc and the urban renewal plan are reflected in the ordinances, and the ordinances only made cocktail lounge conditional on effectively block 16 and 18. Right. And so if you want to change it now that is properly titiced. We've taken all the steps needed to do that if you want to change that now. But the ordinance that was passed and the way that we understood the motions and the way that the council action played out would be that conditional cocktail lounge would be a conditional use on block 16 and 18 only. >> Thank you. I appreciate that clarification, Mr. Mayor. I still find myself in a position where I feel squeezed currently, and so I'd also so I'd like to again rather offer the applicant the opportunity to postpone this case until our January 22eeting so that I [2:33:30 PM] have more time to wrap my head around it and feel less squeezed. >> Okay, before I recognize that as a motion, I'm going to just see if there's any reaction from the the applicants not here, but. >> The city. >> I know that that's why that's. >> But we would agree to it. We're not the applicant would agree to it. >> Yeah I hear you. And so second. Okay. One second, councilmember Harper. Yeah. What you what you second man. >> The correct. Is this on so correct. Mayor. The city is the applicant. Since this was initiated by the planning commission. >> And that's I appreciate that clarification. So councilmember harper-madison, the city is the applicant. What we've heard from today are is the actual owner as opposed to the applicant. >> You mean I misspoke I'm so. >> I'm, I just I just want the [2:34:31 PM] record to be clear. So I will recognize you for a motion to postpone items 86 and 87 to January 22nd, 2026. You've had a second for a minute and a half. Now if that. If that's what you want to do, what you want to. >> I'd like to make the motion that we postpone items 86 and 87 to our January 22nd, 2026 meeting and look forward to the opportunity to get more clarity. >> Very good. So, members, you've heard the motion. Councilmember vela seconds that motion with enthusiasm. And there's a third and a fourth up here. So, councilmember Siegel, thank. >> You, mayor. I just had a kind of point of information for staff. Would this require re noticing and would that incur new cost? >> This would not require a re notice as it is postponed to a date. Certain. >> Thank you ma'am. >> Thank you. Good question. Councilmember. Councilmember vela. >> And just out of curious. So block 16 and 18 are across the street from the. I'm just [2:35:34 PM] trying to see who's got the default conditional use permit for a cocktail lounge and who doesn't. Is that what we're talking about? >> Yes. So block 16 and 18 cocktail lounge use is conditional. Currently today, cocktail lounge use is conditional on that site and the other properties within the subdistrict one have cocktail lounge use prohibited. >> Okay and block 16 or 18 and 18. Those are the undeveloped tracts right across from that location. Yes. Okay. Thank you for the clarification. >> Thank you. Any further questions or discussion? Members. The motion has been made and seconded to postpone this item to a date certain of January 22nd, 2026. There being no further discussion. Without objection, the motion is adopted. Thank you. Thanks. The staff members, that concludes all of the business that is posted at this regular scheduled meeting of the Austin [2:36:34 PM] city council. So without objection, we will adjourn this meeting. Let's we will, as I've posted, that we will probably have we will have a special meeting. But this is the last regular meeting of the year. And I know everybody joins me in saying to the public, thank you for a great year, and we appreciate everybody who comes down as part of this. And we wish everybody a happy holidays. Without objection, we are adjourned at 2:37 P.M.