City Council Regular Meeting Transcript – 1/22/2026 Title: ATXN-1 (24hr) Channel: 1 - ATXN-1 Recorded On: 1/22/2026 6:00:00AM Original Air Date: 1/22/2026 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. [10:00:32 AM] Council members good morning everybody. It's 10:00 in the morning on January 22nd, 2026, and I will call to order the first regular meeting of the Austin city council for the year 2026. Welcome, everybody. Here 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 Austin city council present before we get started, as you just saw when you were, if you were paying attention to that video, we have a new mayor pro tem. The way the council has done this over the past few years is we elect a mayor pro tem. In some cases, we elect a mayor pro tem for a year, and then we also designate who's going to be the mayor pro tem for the following year. So I want to say a big thank you to former mayor pro tem Vanessa Fuentes, who served us very well last year, and we greatly appreciate that. And welcome our new mayor. Pro tem [10:01:33 AM] mayor pro tem chito vela. And I would as part of that, I want to make a special presentation to mayor pro tem vela of a gavel, a ceremonial gavel, and it reads, Jose chito vela, 2026, Austin mayor pro tem, presented by mayor Kirk Watson. And we're looking forward to your service. >> Thank you. Thank you very much, mayor. I'm I'm I'm honestly I'm touched. And Vanessa set a very high bar for for communication and for, you know, performing the duties of mayor pro tem. I'm looking forward to it. Although, wow, I've been in court many times and I think folks have been never give him the gavel. So. But thank you very, very much. >> Sure, sure. Councilmember Velasquez, did you want to say something? >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Mayor. First, I want to say that I heard Jose at the beginning of [10:02:33 AM] that, and I thought I'd gotten the names mixed up in the in the election, and I thought I was coming up next, so I got a little excited there, but I just wanted to make a few comments. First, it is a historic day in Austin, Texas. Austin held its first council election in 1840, and it took 138 years for us to elect our first Latino mayor pro tem. May he rest in peace another 20 years for us to elect our second one, and another ten after that to elect a third. Never in the history of this city have we elected back to back Latino mayor pro tem. In the 172 years before we passed this district representation in 2012, we only elected three Latinos. Mayor pro tem since ten one, we have elected three Latinos mayor pro tem in just 14 years. That is not coincidence. That is progress. And that will be the legacy of ten one, a system that widened [10:03:34 AM] the circle of leadership that made representation real and that pushed this city to work harder, to acknowledge its shortcomings and live up to its promise of progressivism, not as a slogan, but as a practice. Chito and Vanessa, you are our ancestors wildest dreams, whispered in prayers that cross borders, generations and hardships. And for a boy that is born and raised in east Austin, who has seen up close how this city's liberalism doesn't always reach the Shaw of people of color, you are my wildest dreams come true. You are proof that was once denied can still be claimed and that was once imagined, can still be realized. I am blessed and honored to serve alongside and to witness history not as a chapter lost, but as something that we are writing together. And it is my dream that in my life I will see the seventh, eighth and 20th Latinos mayor pro tem, and that I will get to see the fourth, fifth and sixth, 50th African Americans, mayors pro tem, the first Muslim mayor [10:04:36 AM] pro tem, the first trans mayor pro tem. I want us to get a get a get I want us to get to a place in Austin where these moments are no longer called historic, where they are commonplace, where the presence of a person of color as mayor pro tem does not challenge our sense of what normal is because it is the norm. A city where leadership looks like its people were representation is not remarkable, but reflective, where we stop marveling at progress and instead live. Live it so completely that it simply becomes who we are. My mentor, big sister, and our all around chingona county attorney de la Garza says it best. Our charge is not to ensure that we are the first, but to ensure that we are not the last. To our Latino mayor, pro tem mayor pro tem John Trevino, 1978. Mayor Gus Garcia, 1999. Mayor pro tem Mike Martinez, 2009 Travis county attorney Delia Garza, 2019. Mayor pro tem Vanessa Fuentes, 2025. And to our [10:05:39 AM] newest addition, Mike compa and big brother mayor pro tem Jose chito vela for 2026. I stand on your shoulders. Thank you for your service. Adelante. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you very much, councilmember. All right. So with that, we will I'll tell you how we're going to go through the rest of this day. In just a few minutes. I'll read changes and corrections into the record for the January 22nd meeting. We will then go to our consent agenda. Members, I don't have any items that have been pulled. One item that had been pulled has now. That's item number 52 has now been withdrawn. So we have no items pulled from the consent agenda. We will have speakers on the consent agenda and then we will also after that we will go to our non consent items members. As you know those are items from council committees. We have two items items 57 and item 85. We [10:06:40 AM] will also have our public hearings items 58, 59, 60, 61, 62. I'm sorry, 61, 62, 63. Item 64 is with been been withdrawn 65, 66, 67, and item 86 has been withdrawn. When we're around, when we're at 12:00, we will have our time, certain public communication. We will recess at the end of that. I anticipate that will be about 1230 or 1235, and we will have live music. We will recess until probably around 110. When we do that recess. We have some time certains at 2:00 that are public hearings. Those are I'm sorry, those items that were set for 2:00 time certain have been withdrawn. The the two item 68 and 69. So if anybody's listening or here because they wanted to be part of the public hearings on item 68 and 69, [10:07:43 AM] those two public hearings have been withdrawn at 2:00. We will also have our time certain on zoning. Those are items 70 through 84. Unless there's questions, I will now read changes and corrections into the record. Item number 15 has been withdrawn. Item number 16 has been withdrawn. Item number 32 withdrawn. Item 41 withdrawn. Item 52 withdrawn. Item number 61 should read. Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance adjusting the city's boundary limits by annexing approximately delete 0.06, delete 0.06 and replace it with .05.05 acres of land located in the city's full. What'd I say? [10:08:45 AM] I'm sorry. Point. It's the first meeting of the new year. Let me see if I can get these numbers right. It should read .045.045. And I don't know what I said, but I said it wrong. .045 acres of land located in the city's full purpose jurisdiction. And at 30 101 Fritz Hughes park road, etc. Item 64. When public hearings are taken up, this item will be withdrawn. Item 68 when the 2:00 pm public hearings are taken up, this item will be withdrawn. Item number 69. When the 2:00 pm public hearings are taken up, this item will be withdrawn. Item number 86. When public hearings are taken up, this item will be withdrawn. That those are the changes and corrections to be read into the record members. We will now go to the consent unless there's [10:09:46 AM] objection or questions. We will now go to the consent agenda as we go into the consent agenda. Let me point out on item number 48. Item number 48 relates to appointments on item number 48. There's a potential appointment. There was a potential appointment to the board of adjustment for district one. The name Patrick Howard is being withdrawn. So at the time we take up the consent agenda, the motion on the consent agenda will be to withdraw the name. It will not include the name Patrick Howard because the name Patrick Howard is being withdrawn from the appointment to the board of adjustment. With that, we will now go to the consent agenda, and I will turn to the clerk and ask you to help us navigate through that. >> Starting with item one, we have Zenobia Joseph. [10:10:51 AM] >> Welcome, miss Joseph. Happy new year. >> Thank you mayor. Happy new year. I just wanted to make some comments specifically as it relates to the minutes from December 11th, 2025. I just want you to annotate in the record that I was on the the line I called in remotely. So it's a bit problematic because I could hear the meeting through its entirety, but then you close the public comments and then I was disconnected. So I'm not real sure what I need to do to ensure that if I register for remote testimony that I'm able to speak. The other thing I would call to your attention as a technicality is that if you register to speak remotely, it only allows one position, unlike the kiosk. So the person has to be far on or against or do multiple registrations. So I just don't know if you're able to fix that so that it mirrors the kiosk. The kiosk allows us to register for multiple items at once, but then it actually [10:11:52 AM] delineates each of the items. And you can register that you want to speak yes or no. And then it also allows you to put your position on for or against. Those are my comments. Just wanted to make you aware that I was on the line. I heard Mr. Bunch's testimony and other people as well, but there's got to be a way for the person on the line to actually contact the clerk or the person that's the vendor. It does give us a message that says, if you want to ask a question, press zero, but that doesn't work. So if they can enable that function, I would appreciate it and others may do so as well. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Item number three is a members. Item number three is a potential settlement. And so we have a presentation from legal. And I'll ask legal to make that presentation for us. >> Good morning Mr. Mayor. New mayor pro tem members of the council. My name is Jeremy Thompson and I'm here today to recommend that you approve settlement payments in two [10:12:53 AM] personal injury suits that show up as items number three and number five in your agenda today. I will take those in turn. Item number three, a mayor versus city of Austin. We recommend that you approve a payment totaling $155,000 to settle the lawsuit, titled mayor versus city of Austin. This lawsuit relates to a November 2024 car accident involving an Austin police department vehicle, where plaintiffs seek payment for injuries allegedly sustained in the accident. In exchange for the payment, plaintiff will release any and all claims against the city from the accident and will also dismiss the lawsuit filed on the district court of Travis county. The Austin city attorney's office recommends that you approve payment based upon these terms. Item number. >> Five, before we go to item number five, just for clarity purposes, the name of the plaintiff is mayor M a Y E R. Yes, we we ought to have some clarity to that. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Item number five. [10:13:54 AM] >> Item number five. We recommend that you approve a settlement payment totaling $172,000 to settle the lawsuit, titled Timothy Jones individually and as next friend of Bradley Jones, a minor versus city of Austin, dba Austin energy. This lawsuit relates to a July 2024 car accident involving an Austin energy vehicle, where the plaintiffs seek payment for injuries. Allegedly excuse me, allegedly sustained in the accident. In exchange for the payment, the plaintiffs will release any and all claims against the city and will 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, and I'm here to answer any questions if you have any. >> Appreciate the presentation. Members. Does anybody have any questions of our legal counsel on items 3 or 5? All right. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you. We'll return to the clerk for calling people's names. >> Moving on to item seven. We have Zenobia, Joseph and bill [10:14:54 AM] bunch. >> Mr. Bunch, are you here? >> Oh, I apologize, Mr. Bunch is not on seven. Okay. He is on deck for item 22. >> All right, Mr. Bunch, are you here? Okay, miss Joseph, the floor is yours. >> Thank you. Mayor, council. I'm Zenobia Joseph. Item number seven is actually the contract for $29.3 million for bright Verde way. I just want to call to your attention specifically. And I'll have the staff bring up my one presentation later. But that corridor is parallel with north Lamar boulevard. I would call to your attention the fatalities that occur on north Lamar, and want you to recognize that you've gone out of your way to privilege the people who are white choice riders going to the Austin fc soccer games. And so this contract specifically is going to utilize funding that could [10:15:57 AM] potentially be used for north Lamar. Instead, I would just call to your attention one of the things that is important. All of this ties into project connect, and I want you to recognize this is specifically the broadmoor station area. I want you to realize that the consolidated appropriations act prohibits use of taxpayer dollars for propaganda and influencing legislation. And I want you to recognize that on December 21st or so, December 17th, 2021, capital metro actually paid $1,000,087 to blank Rome. Those are lobbyists. They've had lobbyists influencing legislation before congress since 2008, which essentially should disqualify you for the federal funding for the light rail system. I want you to recognize my comments, as they always are, are in the context of title six of the civil rights act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national [10:16:57 AM] origin. And I do want to state my opposition to having chito vela on that board. And I will say it's germane, mayor, because that's a three year appointment, not a one year appointment. But I can speak to that in more detail when you get to the item on boards and commissions. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them at this time. >> Thank you, miss Joseph. >> You're welcome. Okay, Mr. >> Mr. Joseph, you might you can feel free to stay there. You'll be called shortly. We have Mr. Bill bunch on items 22. And then also. >> He doesn't appear to be here. >> Okay. He also signed up for 23. So we'll move on to item 37. Zenobia. Joseph. >> It's a lot to keep up with. So thank you mayor, council I'm Zenobia Joseph. Item 37 is specifically $99,359 for camp cap cog. And I just want to call to your attention specifically, there's language as it relates to regional [10:17:58 AM] transportation. In that resolution. I want you to be aware, in 2021, campo actually designated fm 734 Parmer Laine, Samsung to apple as a regionally significant corridor. In addition to fm 969, there were other major corridors listed as well. I want you to recognize it was July 27th, 2020, when council actually eliminated the metro rapid that would have served minorities and also all the way, probably to Leander to the white choice riders on fm 734. To this day we do not have transportation. I want to remind you that there's a 425 acre development across from Samsung. I want to remind you as well that there is no transportation, and even the desktop pickup zone doesn't go east west. On June 3rd, 2018, capital metro eliminated east west connectivity and they actually double and triple count minorities. So they gamed the system and then purport to [10:18:59 AM] believe that there's increased ridership systemwide. So I'm not real sure it would be helpful if the staff would actually present to us what capcom has done for regional transportation. Anecdotally, I don't see it, and I don't think you do as well, mayor, and I will lastly, just say it was December 17th, 2018 when you were before capital metro's board when they actually approved the long range plan for project connect. But in 2014, you had a project connect north corridor locally preferred alternative study that told you 58% of the jobs would be in the north corridor by 2035. And with that in mind, I would ask that this not just be a fee that you're paying, but that you actually do regional mobility. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them at this time. >> Thank you, miss Joseph. >> Next we have item 42. Zenobia. Joseph. [10:20:00 AM] >> Thank you, mayor. Council item 42 and I don't have the sheet. In front of me is a campo project call. It's actually for the items that are going to be on the call for 2028 to 2031. It's due at the end of this month to campo. I just want to remind you that it mentions vulnerable populations in that document. It also mentions safety numerous times. One of the things that's problematic, however, and chito vela can pull up the document and look at it. There is a language in there specifically for north Lamar, from Braker to us 183. That's approximately $4.9 million. But I want you to recognize that 75 people were hit in a three mile stretch on north Lamar between north Lamar transit center and about Braker Laine. This was in the dangerous by design document that was done by KVUE defenders. And what I want you to recognize, mayor, that in 2009 [10:21:00 AM] txdot the city of Austin, Texas transportation institute and the city's department of housing and the police, as well as transportation studied north Lamar for 20 months. And so this is the same area, essentially, that they are actually seeking funding for. I would submit to you that you could table the bright Verde way item, and you could actually use some funding to improve north Lamar. And respectfully, mayor, it was about 30 years that it took for there to be a sidewalk from north Lamar transit center over to the affordable housing in district 14 when you were mayor. 1985 is when north Lamar transit center was actually constructed. And then in 2019, I testified before Texas transportation commission may 29th and 30th, and there was still no sidewalk. And this was after David John Medrano was killed mid-block. And so I would ask you to recognize that more needs to be done in the north Lamar corridor. If you have any questions, I'll gladly [10:22:01 AM] answer them at this time. >> Thank you, miss Joseph. >> You're welcome. >> Next we have item 43. Zenobia. Joseph. >> So, did I misspeak? This is actually the item I. They're all pretty much germane. I don't know what item I just spoke to mayor, but specifically, this is the Campbell call. It's actually going to be on capital metro's agenda on Monday as well. So it's 2028 to 2031. I just want you to recognize, as I mentioned before, it was 2009 that the 20 month study was done, and this is a call for projects that will essentially make the people in north Lamar wait for about 20 years. It's ridiculous. You've had the funding, you had $47.5 million for safe routes to school, and one of the points that you can get in the campo item is about 75% for active transportation. And so they do value [10:23:03 AM] pedestrians and cyclists. But if you go to north Lamar today, rundberg north Lamar area, you will see plain pavement. As you're aware, the assistant city manager, Mike Rogers, I did a recon with him and he actually looked at that area. But unfortunately that area is still not being included for shared use paths. If you look in the backup materials, you will actually see shared use paths for south Austin, but you will not see it specifically for the northeast corridor. I will also call to your attention the report that was done by Anna martin. And basically, as you're aware, mayor, on the finance committee on the 14th of this month, you actually got a presentation that said that the transportation office is really not transparent, and they're not using criteria specifically so that the public knows how these bond dollars are being utilized. I get it, it was November 8th, 2016, when the $720 million bond package passed. But still, no matter the amount of money, even [10:24:04 AM] though north Lamar rises to the top, it's not funded. And that is actually in your Austin strategic mobility plan. Update on page 23, page 78 I stand corrected in 2023. If you have any questions, I'll answer them. >> Thank you, Mr. Joseph. >> You're welcome. >> Moving on to item 48. We have Zenobia Joseph on deck for items 49. We'll have brydan Summers, Tony Macias, and David Cruz. >> If your name has been called, please come forward and go ahead and take a seat so that you'll be ready when we call your name for your testimony. Miss Joseph. Floor is yours. >> Yes, mayor. So item 48 is your standing boards and commission item. I actually went to kinko's, so I feel a little cheated because I went and paid to get that printed. You mentioned on Tuesday at the work session that nobody signed up to speak before you. But I just want to remind you that you're changes to the sign up policy is silent on holidays, and while the staff wasn't working, the public was [10:25:04 AM] expected to register by noon. And then the only other time we could have registered was in person, 45 minutes before the meeting started. But at 9:00, for example, you started with Austin energy oversight. Had you posted the meeting for the actual time that you were going to convene, then maybe we would have signed up. But my point in bringing this up to you, mayor, is because the item is blank. It has posting language, but it does not have the list of appointments for council members. And even after the discussion, it does not have the final document that you actually submitted to the clerk. And so there's a provision in the open meetings act. And I would submit to you that when the public has no idea what you're voting on, that whatever actions you took should be voidable. I would just call to your attention. Obviously, the attorney general doesn't enforce the open meetings act. It's the district attorney or the county attorney. And so there are loops, you know, a bunch of loops that we have to jump through in order to get [10:26:04 AM] you to be held accountable for actions such as this. But I do want you to recognize as it relates to capital metro, that is a three year appointment. And you keep circumventing the law by annually appointing someone to that board. It happens to be chito vela. And I would ask you to recognize specifically that in the last quadrennial report from capital metro, it says that there's someone on the board representing the disadvantaged. But he has never done anything to look at coverage. And I would ask you to recognize that Texas transportation code 451 actually permits you to appoint an individual, and not just the elected officials. If you have any questions, I'll answer them. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. I'm. Good morning, mayor and council. I'm Brian Summers, president of local 1624, the union that represents city of Austin and Travis county employees. On behalf of the union, we're really excited to talk to you about item 49 today. I want to thank council members Velasquez, Laine, qadri, and Fuentes for co-sponsoring. I especially want to thank council member Siegel and his [10:27:05 AM] office for for sponsoring this, for the work that you guys have done, researching it and bringing it forward today. I also want to thank the city manager's office and the law department for providing feedback and suggestions so it could get to a point where we're at today where we can all consider it. You know, we are so pleased that this is on consent, because it shows that Austin is a labor town. It shows that our council cares about its workers, the people that make this city run. Why is consultation important? It's because it's a practice that's very common in labor agreements throughout the country. But we're not able to have it here as civilian employees. When I've talked to people about this idea, the common refrain has been, that makes a lot of sense. And we agree because it establishes a structured, consistent communication line between us and city management. I think most importantly, it's going to create a partnership that's going to be good for the city. And there's really three beneficiaries here. One, of course, the workers being able to take our issues directly to city management and also to advocate for workers that have [10:28:06 AM] less visibility, particularly folks out in the field for the city manager's office. We think they're going to have benefits because we'll be sharing information. The union can help contextualize and spread information from the city manager's office to help make sure employees are informed. But most importantly, I think the biggest beneficiary here is going to be the public, because if we are working together in a partnership, we're going to have better outcomes. We know that there's serious issues that the city is facing, particularly related to the budget. And this work together is going to help us create those efficiencies and move this city forward and really give the voters and our citizens what they're asking for. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Yes, ma'am. >> One second please. Sorry. I just lost it. I'm going to get my phone because I just. >> Okay. Why don't you go ahead? >> Good morning, mayor and council, I my name is David Cruz. I'm on the board of afscme local 1624, and I work for the city of Austin. I'm [10:29:07 AM] here on my own time. I just want to offer a heartfelt thank you from the board, from our members to this entire council to this entire dais, especially to council members. Qadri, Laine, Velasquez and Fuentes, and most importantly, to council member Siegel and your staff who have worked very hard on this. And also thank you to the city manager for for coming to the table on this and giving important input. We see the commitment to the labor movement here and that means the world to us. But I'm going to put on my bureaucrat hat a little bit and just say that when we look around and we see our peer cities, cities that we often compare ourselves to the Denvers, Portland's Minneapolis, Houston, we see that they have collective bargaining. And this this item moves us closer to those types of agreements we see with municipal workers and management and councils. And the reason this is best practice is that when we see [10:30:08 AM] large organizations, we see that efficiency is tied to expertise. And the experts of how this city run are the people who work every day to make sure that we're picking up trash, that we're building affordable housing, that we are planning our city, that we're doing all the most important work. They're the closest to the problems and solutions. And that's why this item is so important. It puts those worker voices in consultation with city management. It opens a clear line of communication, and it's going to make sure that it will increase productivity and guarantee transparency and accountability, to make sure that we as a city, are delivering on our promises to the public. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good morning. >> City council members, city manager and the mayor. My name is Tony Macias and I am a union representative with afscme local 1624 representing city of Austin employees. I am here today to speak in support of item 49, the consultation [10:31:11 AM] process. I have firsthand experience with consultation through my previous role as president of the San Antonio aft, representing paraprofessionals and classified employees. In that role, we worked collaboratively with Sade to address workplace issues, share feedback, strengthen trust and improved outcomes for both employees and management. Consultation gives employees a voice and a seat at the table. No one understands the daily challenges of public service better than employees working in the trenches every day. Their experience and insight are invaluable when it comes to improving efficiency, productivity and service to the public. I commend the city of Austin for recognizing the importance of a structured and positive process that allows employees to contribute meaningfully for most municipal employees outside of police, and fire consultation is the [10:32:11 AM] closest available pathway to collective problem solving and shared decision making. The city often refers to itself as a team in consultation truly reflects that value. It is a team effort that benefits employees, management and ultimately the community that we serve. We respectfully ask that you vote yes. Vote in favor of consultation. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you. >> Continuing item 49. We have Nathan Fernandez, Ben zohaib, Andrew Hairston on deck. For item 51. We'll have Zenobia Joseph. >> Hey y'all. My name is Nathan Fernandez. I'm a resident of district two, proud member of afscme local 1624 and an [10:33:11 AM] employee of the county here on my own time. I just want to thank, first of all, council members, councilor, council member, Siegel, Velasquez, Laine, qadri and cosponsoring this item. When I go out and about the labor movement with our brothers and the electrical workers, teachers unions and everything, I tell them about afscme, we're the biggest union in town, and they're shocked to hear that we don't actually operate off of a contract, because in Texas, civil public workers are not allowed to have one. We're not allowed to collectively bargain. So this item really brings us a first time opportunity to signal to the rest of the labor community and residents of Austin that we care about city workers and municipal workers, that y'all care about public workers, and that this resolution and this agreement is standard practice in many labor contracts and is a is a is a meaningful practice to bring in and have an open line to rank and file workers like myself and thousands of others [10:34:12 AM] like me at the city to collaborate and share information and be in the know when there are any sweeping changes to personnel or workforce capacity. And we're keenly aware that those might be on the horizon this year. So this is the first step in us being at the table, being close to all of y'all and the decisions you make. And we hope that this will be a really effective agreement going forward to ensure that any changes to the personnel or workforce of the city are brought in in force, with the workers in mind, first and foremost at the table. So thank you so much again, council member Siegel and the rest of you all. >> Good morning, mayor and city council. My name is Andrew Hairston. I'm a civil rights lawyer and democratic socialist based in district one of Austin. I echo Nathan's gratitude to the city council members who sponsored this item on the council agenda. Today. 2026 marks a decade as a civil rights lawyer for me. I focused my career on dismantling the school to prison pipeline, but [10:35:13 AM] within that, we see the disenfranchisement that comes with parents who are seeking to engage with the systems that impact their children. We could see where city and county workers who are trying to fight for the rights of their children are curtailed in their ability to fully vocalize what their children need. This consultation policy, I believe, strengthens the civic engagement, the participation of working class people in Austin and, as David said previously, brings us closer to our peer cities like Denver, and I think is an important piece to convey to the world in this time of growing privatization and fascism. It's certainly been a difficult year for city hall. We recognize that various policy reforms have gone into place with regard to spending that occurs at city hall, and it's very important to have the people of aacme local 1624 who truly make this city run, be at the table [10:36:14 AM] with city management to ensure that fair policies are being enacted for the workers of the city and the county. I thank you for your time today and your consideration of this item. >> Hello council, my name is Ben sutterby. I'm a proud member of the American federation of state, county and municipal employees local 1624 here in Austin that represents the county workers and city workers. I think this item is wonderful, especially when you think about the time, the the time and effort that you as council, us public servants spend thinking about if the use of of public dollars. This can be a great mechanism when you're looking for efficiencies, when you're looking for opportunities to do lots of good with little spend, your workforce is the closest to the work they can be your eyes and ears. And opening up this Laine of communication can only be a good thing. This allows [10:37:15 AM] consultation in matters of great impact to them, but also us as constituents. I'm a resident of district four, mayor pro tem, very, very interested in my city delivering and serving the needs of my community as as someone who works in public service, you talking to your workforce will aid you in hearing from people who are close to your constituencies. So I'm so glad to see you take this up. Thank you. Council member Siegel and all the co-sponsors. This is exactly the type of thing that we need. The labor movement. Our unions are one of the the strongest bastions of democracy in our society. It is where the working class get together and talk to each other about the challenges they're facing and the opportunities that exist for improving the day to day life of ourselves, our coworkers, and our community members. This knowledge exists very close to you, but sometimes structures keep it at [10:38:15 AM] arm's length. This opens up a channel for you to hear directly from your workers, and when you have challenges that you're facing, hey, bring it up to them. They may have ideas that have not been brought to the table yet that can overcome some of these challenges. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next we have item 51, Zenobia Joseph on deck. After Zenobia Joseph, we will have item 55 with speakers Zenobia, Joseph, Muna Hussaini, shamaya. I'm sorry. Shaymaa. Zion. Emad Ahmed. >> If your name has been called, please come forward. Miss Joseph, the floor is yours. >> Thank you mayor, council. I'm Zenobia Joseph. Item 51 actually is for waiver $1,134 for the Muslim heritage month. I just want to call to your attention. It references specifically the Asian American facility. And so I would just ask the sponsors, those who [10:39:16 AM] actually are paying the the fees, Siegel Laine to actually go over qadri as well. And Fuentes 384 is what qadri paid and the others paid $250. I would just ask them to actually get on the ground and go and see that area for yourself. There's not even a bench for people to sit down and across from that area. Cameron cross park near mount sinai doesn't really serve the church. It's actually a bus stop that was erected next to where it used to be a homeless encampment. Why is this germane? August 6th, 2025. You'll recall there was a press conference after Imam Islam mossad was killed on north Lamar, July 27th, 2025. And one of the things that was said by the leaders is that many of the people in the area walk, and so if they walk down north Lamar, then they probably ride the bus and walk to the events that they have as well. On Cameron road. It would be [10:40:16 AM] nice to move that stop actually closer to mount sinai so they could actually get to the Asian center a little bit easier. But I will just lastly tell you that according to the finding too, that you heard about transportation, the decision makers ultimately select projects to implement through an informal process, and the effectiveness of the projects are an informal process as well. So there's no transparency as to why that particular bus stop in the shelter was put there. There are service guidelines and standards, but apparently putting it by the homeless encampment that has been closed was just a unilateral decision. I would ask you to do better and not just put the mobility bond signs in those areas. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them. >> Thank you, miss Joseph. >> You're welcome. >> Please. The floor is yours. >> Hi, my name is Muna Husseini. I live in district ten. I'm. I've been in Austin for 25 years. I am speaking in support of the resolution proclamation [10:41:17 AM] for Muslim heritage month in 2001. I was a bright eyed, bushy tailed graduate from UT ready to take on the world. I moved out of town and two weeks after I started working, nine over 11 happened. That week at work, I was threatened. I've been spit on. I've been yelled at. I've been run off the road. I've been. I was almost stabbed in public. And that happened within weeks of nine over 11. And I was young. I didn't have any friends or family where I was living. I dealt with all of that alone. In this moment in time, when we are seeing discrimination come out, our constitutional rights are being eroded across the nation. Minneapolis my community is under attack, not just nationally, but in Texas by our leaders who continue to demonize our community. I am proud to live in a city that [10:42:19 AM] considers me, my family, and my community part of America. I look forward to this proclamation being passed so that I can feel proud about Austin being a place where equity is valued. I know my friend sitting next to me is doing work to to provide comment about building that equity, and I love that we can have the conversation and continue to push things forward, because we don't always get everything exactly right. But in this proclamation, we are moving in the right direction. I want to say thank you in advance and say that this is our opportunity to build America in the direction it was meant to be. >> Thank you very much. >> Just. Excuse me. >> Good morning. Members of the council. My name is Ahmed Ahmed and I'm speaking in favor of the Muslim heritage month resolution. Muslims have a [10:43:19 AM] storied history in Austin dating back hundreds of years. In fact, scholars estimate that as many as 30% of African enslaved people brought to the U.S. Were muslims. Unfortunately, the last few years have been challenging for Austin's 60,000 muslims. The number of islamophobic incidents locally have gone up drastically. There have been two physical attacks since last year against muslims in Austin, and on may 22nd of this year, three Austin mosques were vandalized in one day. These incidents can be attributed to recent surge of hateful rhetoric and actions by state leaders, targeting the Muslim community for cheap political points. For example, we've seen state officials launch baseless investigations into Texas mosques declare the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization a terrorist organization, and attempt to exclude Muslim private schools from Texas's school voucher program. This dangerous narrative that muslims are somehow un-american and a [10:44:19 AM] threat to their neighbors couldn't be farther from the truth. I came up with the idea of Austin recognizing Muslim heritage month to counter this narrative. I wanted austinites to see who their Muslim neighbors really are the entrepreneurs who build Austin's unicorns, the artists who make Austin culturally rich, the volunteers who give back to Austin's downtrodden, and the doctors who keep us healthy. This inaugural Muslim heritage month, we've put on a great slate of programing to amplify these voices and others. Thanks to all of you on the dais for supporting this resolution to ensure that Austin continues this great Muslim heritage month tradition in future years. This is a chance to make a bold statement against those who fanned the flames of islamophobia and in support of Austin's tradition of celebrating cultural and religious diversity and inclusion. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have a presentation. Mayor. [10:45:20 AM] >> Not on this item. Wright. >> Yes, on this item. >> Well, you've already spoken on this item? >> No. 55 Mr. Kahn 51. >> She can speak on 55. >> I'm sorry. It's hard for me to keep up to miss Joseph. >> I got you, mayor. Fair enough. Thank you. Mayor. Council. I'm Zenobia Joseph. Item 55. As you previously heard, the other two speakers is about the Muslim heritage month recognition. And while I certainly appreciate that you are recognizing the month, I want you to recognize that simply the cultural symbolism is not enough. You promised the community after the July 27th, 2025 fatality of Imam. Mossad was killed on north Lamar is deeply disturbing. I want you to recognize that we were told to wait until the end of the of the year. That's what council [10:46:22 AM] member Siegel said. If you go to north Lamar next slide, you will see that Joel Meyer told you that vision zero, basically the north Lamar area, it's poor people. So the 75 people that were hit in a three mile stretch, it's understandable is what he said. Next slide. If you look in the far upper right hand corner, that is what north Lamar looked like on mlk day a few days ago, the Monday that just passed. You have not improved the area. As you heard me say before, the assistant city manager did a recon with me. You see, there's the walnut creek park and mossad was killed just north of that area. If you look to the right, that's where the property is. Housing authority of the city of Austin and not your ordinary school is north of that area. Next slide. This is the area. If you look far down to the bottom, you actually have to be in the ditch in order to push [10:47:24 AM] the button to cross the street. It is no wonder that Donald Norton was killed in his motor scooter. It was January 30th, 2016 that he was hit. His service animal lived. You've heard me tell this story before and then he died from his injuries. Do better. And not just symbolic gestures. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them. >> Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. >> Is shaima Zion here for item 55? Okay, we'll move on to item 56, bill bunch. >> Mr. Bunch. Bill bunch, I don't think he's. >> All consent. Speaker's names have been called at this time. >> Thank you very much, members. As you just heard, that concludes all the consent speakers on the consent agenda. Are there any items anyone wishes to pull from the consent agenda after the consent is [10:48:25 AM] consent speakers? All right. In that case, please remember that on item number 48, as I've already read into the record on item number 48, there will be a withdrawal of the name of Patrick Howard from the district one appointment to the board of adjustment. That will be the motion that I will now accept, which is to approve the consent agenda as read motion is made by councilmember harper-madison, seconded by councilmember Siegel members, that will take us to discussion on the consent agenda. If you would like to be heard, please let me know and I'll make. I'll call on you. Councilmember harper- madison will lead off with you, followed by councilmember Velasquez. Councilmember Siegel. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate the recognition. I wanted to start out by saying the item that we just discussed, Patrick Howard's name, because he has done such great work over the decades for the housing authority and in service of the city on the planning commission and other capacities. I wanted to make certain that when we hear names like that, you know, being removed, people will speculate. The court of public opinion is [10:49:25 AM] not slow to judge. There was a simple clerical error, and that's why Mr. Howard's name is being removed from appointment to the board of adjustments. And it no conspiracy, very simple clerical error. And then in addition to that, I'd like to speak to a few items on the consent agenda, including item number 43. This one puts Austin in a position to win when we really need it. Over $380 million in federal transportation, dollars for sidewalks, for bike lanes, transit, street safety, and carbon reduction. And if we don't apply, we don't compete. So we're applying for these federal dollars. The item has no cost, and if we win the funds, we get to vote again. And staff will identify a legal local match before any monies are accepted. So I am super excited that district one gets real on the ground. Safety and access. We get sidewalks, bike lanes on Johnny Morris, safe routes on pierce, traffic signal at montopolis and grove [10:50:27 AM] direct rail link to metro center and faster access to I-35. I think it's important to recognize that projects like these come straight from our adopted plans, our urban trail plans, sidewalks and crossing bicycle infrastructure plans. So this is equity and climate infrastructure, and I'm excited to see items like this come before us for consideration for safer streets, for better access in general, for lower emissions in our communities. And I'd like to make sure we take the opportunity to recognize that a lot of communities have waited far too long in our city for infrastructure investments like these, so in theory, it's retrofitting. But all news that leads to improved quality of life is good news as far as I'm concerned. Item number 52. This item directs the city manager to develop a green social housing policy. Very excited to see mixed income, perpetually affordable housing that is sustainable, energy efficient and community driven. This really matters in large part [10:51:28 AM] over half of austinites. A lot of folks really don't recognize this. Over half of austinites are renters and don't own their homes. Over half of Austin renters are cost burdened. That means an inequitable amount of their monthly income goes to covering the cost of rent. So perpetually affordable housing with cost burden families that are disproportionately impacted by Austin's housing instability, displacement and lack of affordability. Any policy that addresses that issue that's so complex and nuanced and has the kind of layers that, in a time like we're in right now with a real financial deficits for our city, this is another win, and I'm excited to see it go on consent. Today, I would like to be added as a co-sponsor. Mr. Mayor, on the item. >> Item 52 was withdrawn. So [10:52:29 AM] before we do that. >> Oh we did. You're right. Thank you. Appreciate it. Last item is a zoning case. It's we're rezoning 3811 airport boulevard to allow a density bonus for mixed use projects. This part of main road, if you're familiar with it, it's close to airport and before Burkman. And it's you know it's one of that. It's one of those places, you know, where the old airport was. And some structures that were there before really made sense. But now it really doesn't. So I'm excited to see structures that are for the greater community benefit be erected. And district one. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, councilmember, councilmember Velasquez, councilmember Siegel. Councilmember Ellis. >> Thank you. Mayor. I just wanted to say on item 49, thank you to councilmember Siegel for bringing this forward. I'm proud to co-sponsor this and ensuring that our employees union has a seat at the table when matters that may affect their employment and quality of employment are up for [10:53:30 AM] discussion. I also know that I'm making my mother, Yolanda Velasquez, a 50 year plus union member, very proud today on item number 55. Councilmember qadri, thank you so much for bringing this forward. I would like to be added as a co-sponsor. >> Without objection, councilmember Velasquez will be shown as a co-sponsor of the item. Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember Siegel. Councilmember. Councilmember qadri. Thank you. Mayor. >> I just want to speak to item 49, which is the creation of a consultation policy with afscme local 1624. Really want to thank my colleagues and staff for all the collaboration that led up to today, including co- sponsors Fuentes, Velasquez, Laine and qadri, as well as the office of the city manager and hr director since. And really thank you to all the workers who came to speak up today. This item will initiate a consultation process with city workers who are represented by FEMA local 1624. It was asked me that suggested this policy to make sure that workers are at the table when our city makes decisions impacting our workforce. And I think we all [10:54:30 AM] know this is a very challenging time to be in government, especially municipal government here in Texas. In our city, we'll have to make some very challenging decisions in the months and years ahead. And ask me represents thousands of our civilian workers who not only serve our community in a wide variety of roles and functions for the city, but they also live here, and they're an integral part of Austin. And so this consultation policy will create a new opportunity for city workers to bring their knowledge to the table and help lead the city to the best possible outcomes, even during tough times, because we know our city's well-being is tied to the well-being of our workers. Finally, on a philosophical note, just that taking care of our workers isn't just the just and moral thing to do. It's not just something we do because it leads to excellent programs and services. We also do it for democracy because working people deserve to shape the world they live in, and they do every day. I'd like to acknowledge that in Minnesota right now, community groups are standing up to ice repression in a really courageous way to demand justice for Rainey good, [10:55:32 AM] to demand justice for victims of ice brutality, to stand up for our first amendment rights, to assemble and speak out. And it's actually Minnesota unions today that have called day of action tomorrow, Friday, a general strike to demand that ice leave the state of Minnesota and its unions, like the local teachers union, the local bus drivers union, and, yes, their local chapter of afscme, the American federation of state, county and municipal employees who are making this happen. So thank you to my co-sponsors on this item for supporting good policy, for supporting good governance, for supporting our workers and supporting our democracy. Thank you mayor. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember. Councilmember qadri. Councilmember Laine. >> Thank you. Mayor. I had a couple items I wanted to highlight as we take this vote. Item number 42 is a new school zone for cedar creek elementary in hill country middle school. When I first came into office, I just thought every school got a school zone. And it wasn't until parents started reaching out and talking about traffic patterns and trying to make sure their kids could get to and from school safely, that we [10:56:33 AM] realized there was a lot of work to build upon here. So I'm appreciative that transportation and public works is moving this item forward, and that families in this area, which happen to be near where I live, but it is also in another school district, and it shows the collaboration between transportation and public works and not only aid, but other school districts across the city. Item number 43 is the amazing list of projects that are going to be submitted through the project call. There's some really good items in southwest Austin, like the industrial oaks connection to southwest parkway. This is direct access for our fire and ems new facility to be able to get more directly to the Travis country neighborhood. This is something that they're currently utilizing a private easement and hoping in the future to be able to create a more publicly accessible space for our first responders to get where they need to be quickly. It also includes a list of other safe routes to school across the city, pedestrian improvements for convict hill, and improvements at Davis, Laine and mopac. So it's a [10:57:33 AM] great list of projects, some of which are just in the planning phase and some of which are a little further along and going into engineering. But it's always good to work with our regional partners to make sure that we're delivering projects for our community. Item number 54 is our first resolution of the year, and it is showing that council is supportive of great springs projects work in southern Travis county, hays county and city of Buda. So this is just saying that we agree these are great projects to move forward. Some of the footprint that these projects will be on is city owned land. And so it shows our support for great springs project work, which is connecting a bunch of amazing springs over the Edwards aquifer for folks in the region, all the way down from the missions in San Antonio, not the baseball team, the actual missions all the way up to the Texas state capitol. So I'm excited about that work, too. And last one is item number 49, the afscme consultation policy. I want to thank the sponsor and co-sponsors for bringing that. [10:58:34 AM] I would like to be added as a co-sponsor and appreciate our union siblings coming and speaking to us today. We want to make sure that you are looked out for as we move through difficult financial decisions moving forward. >> Without objection, council member Ellis will be shown as a co-sponsor of the item. Thank you. Councilmember Ellis. Councilmember qadri. Councilmember Laine, the mayor pro tem. >> Great. Thank you. Mayor. I want to first start off by thanking councilmember Siegel and his staff on item 49 and once again giving flowers to to aacme 1624 for all their hard work making sure this city works and runs, you know as nicely as it does. And then just want to talk about item 55. I want to thank my my colleagues, city staff, advocates and community partners for coming together and putting together a full month of Muslim heritage month events, especially right now. These events matter because they create real belonging. In recent years, we've seen deep, deep pain in our city hate [10:59:34 AM] crimes, islamophobia, people targeted for who they are. The goal was always to isolate and intimidate. But it failed because Austin keeps choosing community over fear. To muslims in Austin, you are seen, you are loved, and you belong here fully. And I'm looking forward to the city manager's recommendations on how we can strengthen heritage months moving forward, all heritage months moving forward and I hope we can build on this model for other heritage months in the future. At a time like this, city supported heritage months can't be performative. They should build real belonging. Austin is stronger when we protect one another. Austin is better when we refuse to let hate have the final word. And I am so grateful to everyone who helped make this month happen. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member. Council. Mayor pro tem. I'm sorry. Councilmember Laine. Mayor pro tem. Council member duchen. >> Thank you. Mayor, I just want to make a couple of comments relating to item 43, which is the campaign call for [11:00:35 AM] projects. I. I really want to thank the transportation and public works staff that has done a lot of work to compile the most effective submission for projects with this call that that could be done at this time. I really appreciate all of the collaboration that has gone into that, and this list has a good mix of geographic diversity, which you all know that I care significantly about, and also active transportation, which I we need more of in our outlying areas. So I'm very happy to see these projects. I hope that they'll be looked upon favorably by the campo board and staff, and I am committed to doing everything I can to advocate, together with my colleagues and other partners for these projects. I'd also like to comment on item 49, which is the afscme consultation policy. I want to thank my colleague, councilmember Mike Siegel, for bringing forward this item. And I also just want to say that I firmly believe in the value of two way communication between management and staff, between [11:01:36 AM] policy makers and workers, and also the value of skip level communication. I am very proud of the collaborative work that we have all done in order to bring this policy forward and pass it today is very important, and I appreciate the public comment on this as well. And finally, I would like to comment to item 65. We have a special guest in the audience, state representative Bucy. He has a busy schedule and I want to go ahead and recognize his work while he is here. Thank you to the mayor and rep Bucy for your advocacy and tireless efforts to bring investment directly back to our community. Thank you for bringing this to the area that both you and I represent. Spring woods park is a recipient of funding from the state. It's a beloved park in district six. Very high traffic, has a variety of types of playscapes and fields and and is really one of the hearts of the community in that area for all ages. It's welcoming, well [11:02:36 AM] shaded, has a pavilion that's covered for our community members, which is in short supply in district six. At the same time, we have long looked for opportunities to also bring an all abilities playground to that park and so and other improvements that will continue to enhance it. So I just very much thank you for bringing this forward for the work that you have done at the state with the city of Austin. And I also absolutely would like to thank our governmental relations director, Carrie Rogers. She's been invaluable in this process, in part for working together with all of us. Look forward to continuing and thank you for coming today. Thank you. >> Thank you, councilmember, mayor, mayor pro tem, councilmember duchen, and councilmember alter. >> Thank you. Mayor. I just wanted to thank councilmember qadri for the item, 55 and it's been a pleasure participating in the multiple Muslim heritage [11:03:36 AM] month events that have happened. The kickoff at the atrium was beautiful. The words spoken today were excellent, and I'm proud of our community. I'm proud of the council for, for for making this effort for for lifting up the community, the diversity and inclusion has been a part of Austin since, I mean, as long as I've been here and well before, and it's important, it's what makes our community special. It's what attracts people here to. So I just want to say thank you and ask to be added as a co-sponsor to item 55. >> Without objection, the mayor pro tem will be shown as a co-sponsor of that item. Councilmember followed by councilmember alter. >> Thank you mayor. Like others, I just want to thank councilmember qadri for bringing forward item 55. I'd ask to be listed as a co-sponsor to that item along with the others, and just want to say, look forward to bringing forward other similar items this year that acknowledge the history and diversity of this community. Thanks. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Without objection, [11:04:37 AM] councilmember duchen will also be shown as a co-sponsor of that item. Councilmember alter. >> Looking to be added as co-sponsor items 49 and 55. >> Please. Without objection, councilmember alter will be shown as co-sponsors of items 49 and 55 members. Is there any further discussion? Yes. Councilmember Ellis. >> I would also like to co-sponsor 55. >> All right. Without objection, councilmember, how about we do this? How about everybody be a co- sponsor of 55? Without objection, all members of the council will be shown as co-sponsors of item 55. And I want to echo what the mayor pro tem said. Councilmember qadri, we appreciate your leadership on not just the item itself, but on helping with the kickoff of of the what. We will now be an annual event. And I want to say to the folks that are here that have provided testimony today about how important this is, thank you for that. Thank you for being here today. But in addition, thank you for that night. I thought that was a really wonderful, deeply felt [11:05:38 AM] evening. And so thank you for that as well. And I think it sets a a wonderful standard for where we go in the future. So without objection, all members of the council will be shown as co-sponsors of item number 55. So thank you very much. Councilmember qadri. Yes. Councilmember Laine. >> I appreciate your comments very much. And I just want to flag that we also have an event that will help us conclude the celebration of the month. Which of the Muslim heritage month, which will be on January 30th, here in the atrium of city hall. Thank you so much for everyone's support of this. >> Great. Thank you very much. All right, members, there being no further discussion with regard to the consent agenda, is there anyone wishing to be shown abstaining from a vote on any items on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown recusing themselves from a vote on any item on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to be shown voting no on an item on the consent agenda? Hearing none and there being no further discussion without objection, the consent agenda as read is adopted. Thank you and thank you all for [11:06:39 AM] being here today. Members. What I'm going to do is I'm going to go in the order of the number, numerical order, so that I'm trying to manage the, the, the meeting in terms of time, but also in terms of our speakers. The next item will be item number 57. That is an item from council committee, the public health committee. I will recognize the chair of the public health committee, councilmember Fuentes, for a motion on item number 57. >> I move approval of resolution appointing Alisa may to the central health board of managers members. >> You've heard the motion and seconded by councilmember duchen. Is there any discussion? Hearing none. Without objection. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was wondering where you were. Without objection, the item number 57 is adopted members. That will take us to item number 58. Item number 58 is a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 58. The public hearing is now open. I'll recognize the city clerk. >> There are no speakers on 58 [11:07:40 AM] members. >> There are no speakers on item number 58. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 58. And I'll entertain a motion to approve item number 58. Motion is made by the mayor pro tem. It is seconded by. Is there a second? Yes. Okay. Seconded by councilmember Fuentes. Is there any discussion? Without objection. Item number 58 is adopted. Item number 59 is a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 59. The public hearing is now open. I'll turn to the city clerk. >> There are no speakers on 59 members. >> There are no speakers on item number 59. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 59. The public hearing is now closed. I will entertain a motion. Councilmember qadri moves. Approval of item number 59 is second by councilmember harper-madison. Is there any discussion? Without objection, item number 59 is adopted. That [11:08:41 AM] will take us to item number 60 members. Item number 60 is brought forth because there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of dedicated parkland, and all reasonable planning has been and will be taken to minimize harm to such lands. Date of public notification on this item in the Austin american- statesman. There were two dates December 28th, 2025 and January 3rd. Dates January 4th and 11th of 2026. This is a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 60. The public hearing is now open and I will turn to the city clerk. >> We do not have any speakers on item 60 members. >> There are no speakers on item number 60. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 60 and the chair will entertain a motion on item number 60 that recognizes that the item is brought forth. Because there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of dedicated park land, and all reasonable planning has been and will be taken to minimize harm to such lands. The motion [11:09:42 AM] also recognizes that the dates of public notification in the Austin American statesman were December 28th, 2025 and January 4th and 11th, 2026. Is there such a motion? The mayor pro tem makes that motion? Is there a second second by councilmember Siegel? Is there discussion? Without objection, item number 60 is now adopted. That will take us to item number 61, which is also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing. The public hearing is now open and I'll turn to the city clerk. >> We have one speaker, Courtney Mcwhorter. >> Please come forward. >> Hi. Courtney Mcwhorter. I'm actually the representative for the petitioner, so I got signed up incorrectly, and I'm here to answer any questions once it's closed. >> All right, members, that will conclude all of the speakers that are signed up on item number 61. But before we do that, let me ask, is anybody that has questions of miss Mcwhorter before we close the [11:10:42 AM] public hearing, and we'll just do that as part of the public hearing. Doesn't look like anybody has any questions. So with that, we will without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number %- p61. The public hearing is now closed. And I'll entertain a motion with regard to item number 61. Councilmember harper-madison moves adoption of item number 61 and seconded by councilmember Ellis. Is there discussion without objection? Item number 61 is adopted. That will take us to item number 62, which is also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 62. The public hearing is now open and I'll turn to the city clerk. >> We also have Courtney Mcwhorter on item 62. >> Mcwhorter, do you want to state for the record what you're doing here? Please come forward. I need you to come forward and state your name and and do that as part of the public hearing. >> Hi. Courtney Mcwhorter. Actually, that was an incorrect sign up, so. But I am for it. >> Thank you. Very good. With there are no other people that have signed up to speak on item number 62. So without objection, [11:11:43 AM] we will close the public hearing on item number 62. Is there a motion on item number 62? Councilmember Laine moves approval of item number 62. Is there a second second by the mayor pro tem? Is there any discussion? Without objection, item number 62 is adopted. We will now go to item number 63, which is also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 63. The public hearing is now open and I'll turn to the city clerk. >> There are no speakers on 63 members. >> There are no speakers on item number 63. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 63. The public hearing is now closed and I will entertain a motion on item number 63. Is there such a motion? The mayor pro tem moves approval. It is seconded by council member Siegel. Is there a discussion? Without objection. Item number 63 is adopted. Item number 64 members was withdrawn. Item number 65. Item number 65 is [11:12:46 AM] also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 65. The public hearing is now open and I will recognize the city clerk. >> We have John Bussey signed up for item 65, and he has time donated by Allison Heinrich. Are both of those people present? >> Yes they are. >> Okay. Then we will have Mr. Bussey will have four minutes. >> Representative bessy, welcome you and thank you for being here and your patience. >> Good morning, mayor Watson. Mayor pro tem vela, members of the city council, thank you for inviting me to be here today. I want to especially thank you, mayor. I want to thank councilwoman Krista Laine, and I want to thank Gary Rogers in your office for all the work in this initiative. I've always believed that parks are essential to our communities. I'm an avid hiker and love exploring the natural wonder of our state parks whenever I can. Being outdoors reminds me how important these spaces are, not just for recreation, but for our quality of life. Because access to the outdoors isn't just about getting a little fresh air, it's about what [11:13:47 AM] these places mean to the people who use them. And when it comes to our local parks, they are where the kids play, learn and make friends there, where families can slow down and spend time together. There, where neighbors can gather for birthday parties, cookouts and games of pickup. Great public parks, support mental health, strengthen families, and help build the kind of close knit communities we all want to live in. That's why I'm incredibly proud that we are able to secure $1 million of funding through the Texas parks and wildlife local parks grants program to upgrade springwood park in northwest Austin. When chairman Wiley asked house members for ideas for discretionary parks funding, my team and I got to work right away. We went straight to the city of Austin and asked, what does our community need? We have many possibilities to make a real, tangible difference for Austin kids and families. That's when we landed on springwood park in district six. The city had already envisioned [11:14:47 AM] updating springwood into a play for all abilities play site, a space designed so kids of all physical, sensory, cognitive and developmental abilities can play together side by side. The idea was there. What it needed was the support to make it happen. This grant will help make that vision a reality by investing in playground upgrades that prioritize accessibility, improve safety, and create a more engaging and welcoming environment for austinites of all ages and all abilities. Investments like this show what's possible. When we work together, they demonstrate what good governance looks like listening to our communities, seizing opportunity, and thinking big. I'm proud to be a part of this work and proud to help invest in a park that will serve Austin families for years to come. Thank you so much, mayor. Thank you council for all the hard work you're doing for our community. >> Well, thank you for it's no small feat to have a special item like this in the budget and do do this. So and we're always welcoming money but [11:15:49 AM] particularly now we welcome money. And I tease about that. But it's not something to joke about. This is a this is very a very good thing for the city of Austin. We appreciate your service. Appreciate you bringing this. >> Thank you. >> Sir I will not repeat, but I have one more thing to say. >> But how? How about we get a motion and then I'll go to discussion? Yes, I thought you might. Councilmember. We don't have anybody signed to speak up again. >> No more speakers. >> Let's do this. Without objection, we will close the public hearing. The public hearing is now closed. Council member Laine moves approval of the resolution on item number 65. It is seconded by council member Velasquez. Councilmember Laine, you're recognized. >> Thank you. Just thank you again. I appreciate your comments as well. And I just want to highlight that springwood park is in Williamson county, which includes 60% of my district, and I am so pleased to have our representation, our representative from Williamson county, bringing this significant funding to a collaborative project for the city of Austin, I will highlight that. I believe this [11:16:50 AM] is the beginning of great relationships in and throughout this Williamson county part of district six. We have also in this meeting had. Had approval of the first interlocal agreement with Round Rock ISD, which relates to the permitting process and the development services process, and we'll expediting of their $1 billion bond, which will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, at least without any additional expense to us. And I believe that between these connections with Williamson county and Round Rock ISD, this is the beginning of more collaborative funding projects in these areas, which will be ever so welcome. Thank you once again. >> Thank you. Thank you, councilmember Laine. Any further discussion, members, the motion has been made and seconded to approve the resolution in item number 65. There being no further discussion. Without objection, item number 65 is approved. Representative Bussey, thank you again. We appreciate you taking the time and being here and the work you did in the [11:17:52 AM] legislative session and your patience this morning. Thank you very much. Members that will now take us to item number 66, which is also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 66. The public hearing is now open and I will turn to the city clerk. >> There are no speakers on 66 members. >> We have no speakers on item number 66. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 66. The public hearing is now closed. Councilmember Siegel moves approval. It is second by councilmember qadri. Is there discussion? Seeing none. Without objection, item number 66 is adopted with councilmember Laine being temporarily off the dais. That will take us to item number 67, which is also a public hearing. Without objection, we will open the public hearing on item number 67. The public hearing is now open. I'll turn to the city clerk. >> We do not have any speakers on 67 members. >> There are no speakers on item number 67. So without objection, we will close the public hearing on item number 67. Is there a motion to approve item number 67? Motion made by councilmember Ellis. Is [11:18:53 AM] there a second? Second by councilmember duchen? Is there discussion without objection. Item number 67 is approved with councilmember Laine temporarily off the dais. Members. That takes us. To item number 85. But what I would ask is the indulgence of the council, and we will. What I would suggest we do is that we recess until our 12:00 time certain, which is the public communication that will take to about 1230 or 1235. And what we will then do is recess until 110, at which time we will take up item number 85, and that we either will take us to our 2:00 time certain, or we'll take another small break during that period of time. Without objection, the Austin city council is in recess until 12:00 noon. It is now 11:19 A.M. [12:00:25 PM] Holt-rabb. Yeah, yeah. I like, I like. I. [12:01:38 PM] >> One on January 22nd, 2026 and I will call the Austin city council back to order after a brief recess. And I will turn to the city clerk, because we are now at our 12:00 time certain, which is public communication, and I will ask the clerk to begin calling the names. If you've signed up to speak on public communication, you have a pretty good idea of where you are on the list, so be sure you make your way down to the front. And when she calls your name, please just grab any chair that has a microphone and identify yourself and begin telling us what you want us to hear. So I'll turn to the clerk. >> Okay. We'll start with Camille cook, and on deck we have Caroline rose Kennedy and Angela Garza. >> Please come forward. If your name has been called, please come forward. >> Good afternoon, council and mayor. My name is Camille cook. I live in district three and am and am a commissioner on the [12:02:38 PM] resource management commission. Although today I'm representing public citizen. This past Tuesday, the resource management commission unanimously passed a resolution recommending several things to y'all about the upcoming Texas gas service franchise agreement. And so I just wanted to go into some of those things today. As you all know, Texas gas service provides gas to the people of Austin through a franchise agreement. This agreement is currently renewed every 20 years, and the next renewal renewal is set for this October. This is a once in a generation decision y'all will be making. So today I want to reiterate some of the recommendations that the rmbc made to help you all through y'all's decision. As it comes up, one of the recommendations that was made was to shorten the this contract renewal period to ten years, to allow for greater regulatory accountability of Texas gas. And this will also include a biannual report to the city to make sure Texas gas is on track to follow through with all of their contractual obligations. The city we recommended, or the RNC, recommended, that the city [12:03:39 PM] should also hire a consultant to look through proposed capital improvements and actual expenditures from the previous fiscal year to keep a closer eye on the constantly increasing rates that tgs has been pushing over the last few years, residential gas rates have gone up 108% between 2019 and 2025, which is 75% above inflation. The RNC also recommended including a Progressive tiered rate structure, so that working class austinites aren't paying more per unit of gas than the than the rich in Austin. Austin energy and Austin water already do this as a way to encourage energy and water conservation. The rmbc also recommended that tgs adopt an income qualified monthly customer assistance program, which currently does not have, and that the city should take over planning and management of tgs conservation programs. Since tgs has demonstrated a conflict of interest in running these programs, and they are not necessarily conserving gas, many of their programs actually increase the use of natural gas, and this doesn't align with city policy on conserving our resources. In contrast, the [12:04:39 PM] city of Austin has demonstrated its ability to run effective conservation programs, which is why. It was recommended that the city should take over planning and management of their conservation programs. There are more details in the recommendation, and I really encourage you all to push for as many of these recommendations as possible. I understand that the franchise agreement with tgs is an agreement, and that tgs may not be fans of much of these recommendations, but I still encourage you all nonetheless to push for these as much as y'all can in order to ensure that our natural resources are conserved, that the working class and everyone in Austin has an equal ability to, you know, conserve energy and align with city policy. And yeah, really, really appreciate it. Thanks, y'all. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Hi, I'm Angela Benavides, Garza, interim president for sauna co-chair, east mlk combined contact team. Thank you. Mayor and mayor pro tem [12:05:40 PM] new mayor pro tem chito vela. Former mayor pro tem Vanessa Fuentes. First thing I want to start with is what we know is happening with ice out there. We've all worked so hard to focus on peace and education opportunities for our kids and our families. I know Vanessa Fuentes mentioned that she's giving out cards to let people know their rights. I like to get something from you so we can help you get those passed out. It is unfortunate that my dad was almost taken because he forgot his identification, didn't know what to do from his job at one point. So it just does happen to citizens as well. Also, I do want to congratulate everyone on the work for project connect. Wow, it's finally moving. But however, there's going to be a lot of land acquired. What we don't understand as citizens is what are our rights when there's eminent domain and acquisition of land. And we'd like to know what the rules are at the local level, state level and county level and what all our rights and options are as well. We love to be involved, as you [12:06:41 PM] know, because I'm involved with a lot of you on election stuff and politics as well. What we don't like from politicians and we like to address this behavior is retaliation, conflict of interest and abusive behaviors. When things don't go their way, we need to know who to contact. When we experience this in our community. We do not want to experience this from anybody because we do not want to. We don't want people to be scared to vote simply because they're voting for somebody or voting for something that somebody does not agree on. We want people to be actually engaged and be safe and feel safe to do that as well. Coexistence measures. As we move forward, we really do need to work on this. We have better ideas as we have been speaking to people, being on the mlk contact team that Natasha has given us the opportunity to do has allowed us to listen to a lot of people out there, and we feel that we can bring better ideas that can help us as we progress forward. We know we're growing and we're growing fast. Also, ai, we do [12:07:42 PM] need more protection for our most vulnerable people. We need policy protection for that as well. Please. And if we can get that, we can help you get that information out to our neighbors as well. We're willing to help you with that as well. Prosperity opportunities. We are booming and prosperity is here. However, those opportunities are not coming to our families that have helped build this this city as well. We need a better way. Webinars, whatever you can get because I work two jobs who help. That actually helps build companies with generational wealth and real estate through real estate solutions as well. However, because I'm so busy with my family, faith and et cetera, we need an easier way to be able to look up this information and understand where it is, and so we can pass this information to other people and help them feel part of this prosperity as they as we progress together as well. Other than that, thank you so much for everything. Thank you. >> Miss Kennedy. Your name was called. Did you want to make your way to the podium? And on deck we have David Cavin, a [12:08:43 PM] eulalio Hernandez, Brendan Mcgrath. >> Good afternoon, mayor Watson. Members of city council. I'm colonel eulalio Hernandez, junior. I'm the owner of 13209 desert road, a commercial property just before Howard Laine. I have 32 tenants there. My situation is that I lost electricity on July the 28th of last year. The service line to my property caught on fire and I lost power. I called Austin energy. They showed up the following day, removed the meter, stated I needed an upgrade and had to be designed. It would take 12 weeks work order 669627. I hired an electrician, Mr. John Justin Wilson, to get the necessary permit and work needed. I had to rent a 100 kw generator to provide electricity for my tenants. The rental of the generator is 5000 a month plus diesel. A person to maintain in service unit daily. It cost me 13,000 a month to run the [12:09:44 PM] generator for nine hours a day. The average cost of electricity for the wire caught on fire was 2550 a month. Due to the problem of no electricity, I lost four tenants. The rent was 2500 a month and may lose more. This is also my homestead and I had to move out because I could not afford to run 24 hours a day. So no electricity after hours, no ac, no refrigeration. Three weeks later, without notice. Mr. Ryan Kinney, designer, Austin energy showed up and stated it would take 12 weeks. About six weeks later, I was told it was the wrong department and had to be transferred to another department. Would take another 12 weeks. Austin energy showed up without notice, stated he did not know we did not have power and asked for the meter. He stated he would expedite the work and I needed an SP. Wrong information to the wrong people at Austin energy. Another two week delay, it would take seven weeks to design after the final design. This stated it would take another 12 weeks for [12:10:45 PM] construction. The construction personnel showed up on October and stated that the pole was not safe to climb. They would have to install a new pole and transformer, and I ended up paying 29,500 in November for that. I was informed at that time that I needed an easement to install the pole, and had to be seven feet from the property line. I have two buildings at the six foot line. I had to cut those buildings to provide nine feet of clearance for the easement at additional cost. I was told the construction department would install the pole in March of 26. Finally, I received a call on December 30th saying by one of my tenants at Austin energy was there to install the pole and I was asked why was not a rack installed. News to me, I'm getting information piecemeal. All requirements should have been stated at the beginning. Design rack construction final stamp. The work has at this point stopped and have no idea when Austin energy will finish. I was expanding on this property which came to a halt. In all, in six months I have [12:11:46 PM] spent $120,000 with no end in sight. Normally it would have cost me 13 15,300 for the same period. >> Thank you. >> Speaker I'm sorry you've been through that. We'll have somebody, somebody already standing up to visit with you about this. Thank you. Miss Kennedy, would you like to speak? >> Yes, please. >> Okay. Please just identify yourself for the record. Just identify yourself for the record. >> Carolyn rose Kennedy. Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you all for serving. And thanks for having me. Take me out to the old take me out to the sea, tip me over and slide me out. [12:12:48 PM] Please. Make sure that I don't. Pleased. Oh, lord. Please make sure that you don't float about. And it's root toot toot for my future. Won't it be great if they're free? Because it's one, two, three slides. I'm out in the deep blue sea. Take us out to the old. Take us out to the sea. The sharks will mutate their chromosomes. Now we don't need a house. Cause we just found a home. And it's root toot, toot for my our feet funerals. Won't it be great if they're free? Because it's one, [12:13:52 PM] two, three slides were out in the deep blue sea. Play balls. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> How y'all doing today? I great to be in front of the city and the mayor and the council. I've done something like this in Houston as well. And I brought up an idea. >> Can you state your name for the record? >> Sorry. My bad. I'm sorry for that. My name is David cavern. >> Great. >> You know, I feel worn out just like anybody else does, but mine might be more psychological these days, but I brought up the idea of using sms cards for people that don't have maybe a pocket change for the public transportation, and let's say they have a dollar or two or something left on their card for travel sake. They can tap their card on there and [12:14:53 PM] somehow would make some sense in the mechanism. I'd hope that it would act as a day pass for those who travel from other states, city states, especially for life capital or the music capital of the world. That is, you know, people travel, they don't really have a local bus fare card. You know, they want to transfer and travel all over town. We'll get them sms cards. They'll 4 or 5 more dollars extra for everybody. And people get a raise, a promotion. You have funding for all the city potholes and such. Excuse my French on that one. But you know, like that would be a helpful idea, I would assume. And and in the landfills go through them like a hazmat group and get the recycling out of the out of landfills and recycle it for the city so they can fix the pothole issues as well. Excuse my French on that again. But, you know, I think that would bring some constitutional. Funding to the [12:15:58 PM] city. But the money you already have, just for those people that are concerned about the money, it didn't I didn't realize they were asking about that issue, but I think that could bring up a lot of funding, relaxation or, you know, a lot of headache removed from the stress of that kind of thinking. I brought that up with the Houston city mayors twice, Sylvester turner, as well as the newest one. I forgot his name off the top of my head right now, but. >> Whitmire. >> Whitmire. Yeah, I studied him in college. He's he's sharp as a whip, but. Yeah, Mr. Whitmire and Mr. Turner, I talked to them. I Franck I frequently had had emailed Mr. Turner, so I guess I kind of helped maybe promote him into his newer federal office, but it I've always been an advocate for the public, you know, use the funding we got. Just just like Joseph always just made sense of all the money and the bible. I feel the same way. Like you have what you have. Let's make sense of what we got. You know, I say that's a lot of [12:16:58 PM] money. People just throw around, like loose change on their cards, recycling all the landfills. You have so much money going in and and also another bus line that could help out with just local routes. Those carts going to go all the way to temple, Texas. >> Thank you, Mr. Kevin. >> You're welcome. >> Mr. Mcgrath. >> Mayor Watson, council members, neighbors of Austin. My name is Brendan Mcgrath and I'm a resident of district eight. I'm here to talk about due process because in this country and in this city, due process is not a favor. It is not a privilege. It's the law. And it's the right thing to do. The constitution does not say citizens only. It says people. And when due process is ignored, for some people it becomes weaker for all people. Austin is a city shaped by immigration, not just historically, but right now. Our economy, our neighborhoods and our institutions rely on people who came here seeking safety, [12:17:59 PM] opportunity and stability. They're not abstractions. They are residents, their families and their part of the city. Recent ice activity in central Texas has been profoundly disturbing. Operations in Austin, Lockhart, Kyle and Buda have occurred without clear public information or transparency. These actions highlight the urgent need to ensure due process and transparency for everyone. Austin cannot stop ice. We can't override federal law. But Austin is not powerless. The city can stand up for due process and protect access to it locally. We can use our voice clearly and consistently to affirm that no one should be detained, transferred, or deported without access to legal counsel and a fair hearing. There are concrete steps we can take now. First, expand legal defense and rapid response funding for detention and removal proceedings. Second, coordinate and support trained legal observers in partnership [12:19:00 PM] with community organizations to document enforcement activity and promote transparency. Third, adopt a resolution affirming due process and directing departments to protect access to counsel where legally allowed. Leadership is not about what is easiest, it's about what's doing what is right. I humbly ask that you fund legal counsel, protect transparency, and affirm due process for all people. Thank you. >> Thank you sir. >> All names have been called for noon. Public communication members. >> That concludes our time. Certain noon public communication. So without objection, we will be in recess until 110. It is 1219. Without objection, we are now in recess at 1219. Thanks, everybody. [12:28:04 PM] >> Velasquez. Well, that is really loud. Good afternoon. I am councilmember Jose Velasquez, and I just wanted to welcome you all to city hall for our music. This is a blessing for me and an honor for me because Laura is one of my dear friends, but also one of the things that we talked about when when we first got in office is ensuring that we healthify this building and this this is one of our shots of doing that. Laura Laura Olvera, known as la Vida, the atx, is a passionate advocate of cumbia and a dynamic presence in Austin's music and community scenes. For the past seven years, she has performed as a guitar Krista captain. Excuse me? Captivating audiences through energetic crowd engagement and collaborations with bands in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Austin. Laura is a current member of the Selena tribute band las Chicas in 512, and the founder of cumbia bajo la Luna, [12:29:07 PM] a community centered event that brings people together through music and dance. Beyond her artistic work, Laura has dedicated over 12 years to public service and public education. A little side note she used to help my niece at eastside elementary or eastside high school, connecting low income students and families across the greater Austin area to critical resources while uplifting students of color through college and career access. Through both music and education, she continues to build motivating, inclusive events that empower the next generation. Let's give it up for. Thank you so much, councilman Velazquez. >> All right, y'all, give it up one more time. Now, I have the privilege of reading this proclamation. Be it known that [12:36:44 PM] whereas the city of Austin, Texas, is blessed with many creative musicians whose talents extend to virtually every musical genre, and whereas our music scenes, our music scene thrives because Austin audiences support good music produced by legends, our local favorites and newcomers alike. And whereas we are pleased to showcase and support our local artiss. Now, therefore, I council member Jose Velasquez, along with council member Natasha harper-madison and Paige Ellis on behalf of the entire Dyess and the mayor of the city of Austin, Kirk Watson, mayor of the live music capital of the world and the city of Austin, do hereby proclaim January 2020. January 22nd, 2026 as la Guerra de atx in Austin, Texas. This. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, thank. [12:37:45 PM] >> You, thank you. >> Wu. This is exciting. I'm so thankful and honored to be a part of Austin, part of the community for the last 14 years. And thank you so much to everyone who's heard my music, come out to my gigs, supported any of my events, but huge shout out to councilman Velasquez for bringing this day forward and to my family that came. Thank you so much. Viva la cumbia! >> And took some photos. Yeah. [1:10:42 PM] It's 1:10 P.M. On January 22nd, 2026, and I will call back to order the Austin city council, which was in a brief recess. Members before our. We have one item to take up before our 2:00 time certain on zoning and that is item number 85. Item number 85 is an item from a council committee from the audit and finance committee. And so the way I think we'll proceed on this is get a motion on the floor. Have a little discussion. And then I know that there or I think I know that they're going to be some proposed amendments to the main motion, but I think it would be best if we have a little bit of discussion before we get to those amendments, because it may help us navigate our way through the amendments. As the chair of the audit and finance committee, which is the and we also have one person signed up to speak as my understanding as as the chair of the audit and finance committee, I will move adoption of item number 85 so that we'll [1:11:42 PM] get a main motion is seconded by councilmember qadri. Let's go to the speaker first and then we'll open it up for discussion. >> Okay. Speaker on 85 is Susan Spataro. >> Good afternoon and thank you for being here. >> Thank you. I signed up neutral on this because I think it's a really good idea to have these rules. >> Your microphone still off. >> How's that? That's better. Okay, I signed up neutral on this for a couple of reasons. First, I think it's a really good idea. And I know you've put a lot of work into it just reading, reading through it, but I do think there are some things that are missing that you might want to consider adding or looking at. There is no question that prop Q should have been a wake up call, and I know it is for some of you in my district, district eight, 78% of the people voted no. That is a very, very strong [1:12:42 PM] message. And a lot of times when I come here, I say and I'm saying again, I want to speak for those who pay taxes, obey the law, work. Money doesn't grow on trees. They're the ones that have to pay for everything that you're doing, and they deserve better. All of you took an oath of office to follow the law, and I think governments in general are straying from following the rule of law. I think it's a mistake in terms of spending money or other things. So I encourage you to really pay attention to the law regarding city financing. The council, speaking, is inconsistent with the spending, and I think that's one of the things that really irritated voters. And, you know, the message was we don't have enough money. But in fact, you know, I don't want to pick on anyone, but in a in a town where theoretically 1 in 5 people are food has food [1:13:42 PM] insufficiency, buying things with taxpayer money like artwork is not it's not appropriate. It doesn't go with that message. And I think that's the kind of thing that really irritated people. I think that in terms of the specifics, it feels like these this is these are, you know, I'm an auditor type that this is like a slush fund with few internal controls. You need to get internal controls, not only get your rules, but who enforces them. And how do you know that they're being enforced? >> Thank you, miss pitaro. We appreciate you being here and your comments. All right, members, that will lead us to what we'll do, I think, is have some brief discussion. And then when that seems to be concluded, I'll recognize people on potential amendments. Let me start off as I guess, kind of the author of the resolution. And and I want to start by saying thank you to the council. [1:14:42 PM] I want to say thank you to our staff, who I've thank them a couple of times, but they deserve it each time I speak for the amount of energy and work they went into on this, the goals of the proposal was to one have a single policy that the public and council and staff would be able to use and understand. A second goal was to provide and is to provide more precise definitions and greater clarity on what uses of funds are permissible. This will help safeguard public confidence and offer greater clarity on permissible and impermissible use of funds. A third was to assure that Austin is more in line with what other jurisdictions do. Peer jurisdictions and peer cities and other jurisdictions that have office holders that have funds appropriated to them on an annual basis? And let me [1:15:46 PM] just say that when we reviewed and I should have said this a second ago, when we reviewed the council spending policies, we found a bunch, a lot, a whole lot of decentralized administrative bulletins and governing policies. And so this has this kind of corresponds those together and brings them together. So I want to having said, those are the three goals. I think we all really share those goals. And it's been I'm thankful to the members and individual members of the council who have provided the input through the the audit and finance committee meetings and those kinds of things to get us where we are. It seems that the one area, based upon what I'm seeing with the proposed amendments, that that while there are some tweaks in certain instances, like the $50 thing that we'll talk about in a minute, things of that nature, the biggest area of disagreement that we currently [1:16:46 PM] might be facing, it relates to the rollover of funds. And I want to remind everybody that something I've said in the past, and that is that out of the peer cities that we reviewed before, we provided even the first draft of this policy to council out of the peer cities that we reviewed, peer cities and peer jurisdictions, only one entity, and that was the Texas senate, allowed for a rollover of funds. And by the way, in the city of Austin, we don't have a rollover of funds because we have annual budgeting. And each year we budget. And if, if if for some reason a department didn't spend and let's just use a number, you know, $100,000 during the appropriation process, they can say, well, we still need $100,000. But the reason we didn't spend it this year is this happened or that [1:17:48 PM] happened. And so that becomes part of the appropriation process. Currently, the city council, the mayor and council as I know it, are the only ones that have the ability to roll over funds. And as I've pointed out, we didn't find that in other peer cities and peer jurisdictions, except for the Texas senate and in the Texas senate, it's capped at $20,000. As I've said before. And I'm going to say it again, if an office is appropriated money and it has money left over at the end of the year, that is either a sign of an appropriation. We appropriated too much money, or it's a sign that something happened that year that. May mean you're going to need some of that money again, but it certainly is. It builds up and builds up and builds up. It seems to be [1:18:48 PM] at least pretty good evidence that there's an appropriation. And in a time where we are in a tight budget and in a time when we're looking at how much money is actually in the general fund, that money in other departments would go back to the general fund, it would be appropriated through a process that that meets the overall city needs, and it would take into account overall city needs. So we crafted this policy, I think, thoughtfully and and sought input on it, that what would happen is that the mayor and council offices would still have flexibility to address that second possibility. I just talked about by by what we did is we set the rollover. We set a rollover cap at $50,000, which is significantly more even than the one rollover that we found, which was the Texas senate. And the additional [1:19:49 PM] rollover funds would then go back to the general fund to be utilized in the overall appropriation process, so that we would go through a process where we would consider meeting specific needs, and we would consider taking into account citywide needs. I heard somebody use the phrase that they believed we should work to incentivize spending your money in the appropriated year, and I think that's probably true. But by the same token, we saw it with that $50,000 cap, a means of maybe moderating it a little bit so that some an office wouldn't feel compelled or disincentivized, if you will, to just spend money. Right? Because if I don't spend it, I'm going to lose it, so I'm going to spend it. So that's why we put a cap of $50,000 with the additional rollover going back into the general fund. Now, as I understand it, [1:20:49 PM] we're going to have some discussion about whether or not we ought to do away completely with the rollover, with the the prohibition on rollover, so that there's we do it like we're continuing. We're doing it right now. It's my understanding we've got proposed amendments that would take the $50,000 cap, but put money into a the district service funds that we have talked about by way of a resolution. And we have a memo that was done by the manager's office saying how that pilot would work. So, in essence, some of the amendments I think have have said, okay, well, let's just let's just let's just create that district services fund and, and I'll talk a little bit more about that in a second, but utilize a policy about council spending to do the district service funds. I think that ought to be [1:21:50 PM] done as the district service funds. We ought to have a conversation about the district service funds. We ought to have a conversation about how much money we have about that and not let that confuse what we're trying to do in building confidence with the public when it comes to our policy. Because, folks, if it's partly going to stay in the council's budget, partly going, and what's left over goes to the district service funds, that is still a rollover of all of the money. So I think if we're going to do the district service funds, what we need to do is we need to follow the memo that the manager put out. Don't do it as an add on to this, this council spending policy. And keep in mind that what the the the resolution that led to the manager's memo said the memo was very clear that it would require, as part of the budget process, for a determination to be made about how the money [1:22:50 PM] would be utilized. This this amendment won't allow for that. This amendment just says it's going to go into this district service fund. It took into account equity. You know, we shouldn't have a situation where because one council office is in a position that it needs to spend its money in order to serve its constituents, doesn't have enough money to roll it over to a system benefit fund. And then another district does, and it creates continued inequities in how we're spending our money. It allowed. The manager's memo also speaks in terms or allows for greater transparency. We lose that in my view, if we just if we just conflate it as part of a spending policy. So I wanted to lay that out that way, because if one of our goals is to increase public confidence, which I know everybody shares, [1:23:52 PM] I think we ought to be very clean in how we go about doing this policy. And that's what we've attempted to do in what we've laid out. And that is the basis of my motion to adopt this policy. So with that, I'll defer. I'll make further comments later if need be. But I wanted to lay that out and I will now recognize council member Fuentes. >> Thank you. Thank you, mayor, for laying that out. And just wanted to speak a little bit to the district service fund as the author of the original resolution that council adopted in November of 2024, I was really heartened to have the topic of the district service fund come up during the audit committee a few weeks ago as part of the committee's recommendation on office spending, and really, the reason why I believe it came up as a as a reference point was because we saw that for offices that had a significant amount of carryover dollars, and they were able to appropriate those dollars back into their district via an appropriation to the parks department or what have you, was that council [1:24:53 PM] offices were using their office dollars to serve their districts. So it would make sense for us to consider the previously adopted policy that council has provided as direction to the city manager as one way of us having a program specific to serving the needs of our district and allowing us that flexibility in how we serve our district, as well as ensuring there's a public participation in the determination of those projects. I certainly welcome this conversation because this part of us moving forward on a district service fund pilot program is that we need the funding first. The memo that the manager laid out suggested a couple different funding pathways, but it was very clear in that we have to identify the funding first and then we can build out the program guidelines, parameters and talk about the dashboard and how we would ensure the public accountability. So there's still a lot of tbd in carrying out that policy. But the first part that was identified was we need to identify the funding source. So that's how we came [1:25:55 PM] to this connection of using any surplus and office revenues or office dollars that have were unused within that fiscal year as a way to seed the district service fund. I do not see it as the only financial tool to fully implement the district service fund. In fact, in my research of other cities that have similar types of programs and structures, they have a variety of funding sources. So I really see the office spending policy as one way, one pathway and us funding the district service program. But ultimately, what came out of the conversation was that there are there is a majority of us who want to see that policy move forward. It is, again, a previously adopted policy of council. We would I would like to continue the conversation with colleagues here and with the manager and moving forward in developing the program and guidelines, because there does seem to be a majority who want to see the program move forward. So just wanted to add that context to that, to the program. [1:26:56 PM] >> Good. Thank you. Councilmember Laine, followed by councilmember Velasquez. >> Thank you so much. I first do really want to thank every single person who put this level of effort into developing much more clear guidance, and particularly for the mayor in leading this process and also for the many council members with whom I have had very robust discussions about the pros and cons and and I. And that has moved us to the opportunity for a stronger policy. I will not touch on the points that you all have already made. However, I will reference the wake up call, the very clear wake up call. The the vote on prop Q was from our voters. And in addition, some of the media coverage that has been occurring around the city of Austin. And, you know, I didn't come from government, I came from private industry. So when I set up my office a little over a year ago, I simply followed the practices that I had encountered at every other entity that I had been connected with, whether as an employee or on a board or [1:27:56 PM] actively running a nonprofit. I have not ever encountered. I've been connected with an entity that allows substantial rollover. So this is a first for me. And I in listening to the to the mayor's comments, I it concerns me deeply to be so far out of line with typical practice of governmental entities and private industry and non-profits. Even ptas don't allow rollover to the next year. And you know, that isn't the kind of operation that has this level of money at play. And so I feel most comfortable if we have more specific, clear guidance. I believe that that serves us as council members by having specific, clear guidance, laid out guardrails. It gives us something to rely upon, rather than each office and each council member deciding differently what they want to do. And then the public information requests just continue and continue. I am after sound policy and clear [1:28:58 PM] guidance and. I, I really think that no matter what passes today, we will be way ahead of where we were before. But I personally have a problem with council adopting a policy for itself that none of the rest of the city has that opportunity. And I don't think it's sound policy. And so I was very gratified to learn about the district service funds, which were passed before I was on council, which lays out a framework, a several page single spaced framework for a way to handle these balances that have increased in value. Not in my account. But, you know, I hear that they have gone up, and this provides a clear, transparent process to shift to a more typical approach to accounting and financial policies while preserving the very real need [1:29:59 PM] that I certainly have spoken about at length on this dais, the need to have access to timely, flexible funding for district specific projects. And I really believe that we as a council, each of us individually and as a body corporate, will be better served by more clear guidance and laying out policies that conform with what is common practice. So I look forward to the continued discussion here, and thank you for allowing me to kick this off. Now. >> Councilmember Velasquez followed by council member duchen. >> Thank you. Mayor, I have a question and I'm not sure who can answer it. When a council member is termed out and there are funds still left in their rollover or what was previously or what is rollover, where do those funds go now? [1:31:00 PM] >> Yes, sir. Ed Benigno chief financial officer when council member turns out those funds do revert to the gentleman. >> Thank you. >> Councilmember duchen. >> Thank you, mayor, and thank you for my appreciation for bringing forward this policy and for giving us an opportunity to give speed and clarity to it. I really just want to reinforce some comments that have already been made and put this in context, because, you know, on the one hand, I can appreciate that the amount of money we're talking about here is, in the grand scheme of the city budget, fairly minuscule. So in my the way I'm seeing this is that this is really about values and leadership and how the council behaves and how we're perceived more than anything else. And so my observation of the last couple of weeks dealing with this is that we're incentivized in a very ad hoc way to squirrel away dollars for district priorities that otherwise are struggle. We [1:32:01 PM] struggle to fund for whatever reasons. And I'm not sure what those are. And I understand, you know, my seniors here, some of y'all have been doing this, and I don't know what the circumstances are, but I want to acknowledge that that's obviously going on. If this is the practice and this may, may, for all I understand, be going on for years for folks that have been here for some time. And per councilmember Fuentes and others, my sense is that the some sort of council district service fund, and I want to thank her for the work that she did before I ever showed up here, and that many peer cities are already using this. In fact, from my conversation yesterday with acm Rogers, it sounded like we're fairly atypical in that we lack this kind of program, whether it's at a nominal amount or significant. And so in place of this program, we're having to squirrel away these dollars and and these other cities. The one thing I really like about it is that the program exists in the [1:33:03 PM] budget. So it's transparently voted on during the budget process. And if I'm responding to the current public sentiment, that seems like a major step forward in making sure that people know what projects are funded, that that we can submit projects to be voted on for approval, that there's guidelines around it, that we have controls on it, that it's equitable and accountable. And I'm just going to read it. So Houston, in their 2026 budget, said that their project, I think, $5.8 million across the single member districts repair, maintain and improve city assets, including streets, sidewalks, sewer systems, buildings, parks, trails that better serve the community and anticipate future needs and prevent further degradation to existing facilities and assets, and to facilitate a conversation with constituents that captures all the considerations involved in their communities and assure all interests are addressed and [1:34:05 PM] reflected with the funds provided via the program. And I'm hoping that we can all agree those are all worthwhile goals and that alongside, I think robust controls could be a much more structured approach to dealing with this challenge. And that's been around for ten years and from what I can tell, been fairly successful. In fact, I think they voted a couple times to increase those dollars and add additional controls to make sure it's not being used for self-serving reasons. So the challenge, as again, councilmember Fuentes pointed out in the memo last summer, is the lack of funding. And the memo points to two options that seem somewhat unrealistic at this point one, a taxpayer collection, the other the budget stabilization fund. And I don't think either of those are appropriate. And I've spoken with a couple of senior city staff about some options, and my hope is that just in the next months, we can be creative about how to fund this, even in a very nominal way, but substantial enough that it finds a way to disincentivize us from turning to this other [1:35:07 PM] solution of squirreling money away and rolling it over and figuring out how to address district priorities in that way. So. So again, I'm grateful for the resolution. I'm grateful for the prior work on this, and I just want to endorse that solution as a way that for whatever conversations happened a year and a half ago about that, that I think it can also address this problem that we're dealing with right now in a single policy stroke. Thanks. >> Thank you. Councilmember. And I might just piggyback on that just a second to talk about. If we if we want to fund the district service fund. And I want to reiterate what I said a minute ago, there's a process for us to do that. And that is the budget process. And we can make sure that that's done in a as the memo of the manager's office put out when when the director of the office of budget and organizational excellence put it out. Back some months ago, it pointed out [1:36:08 PM] that it could be done in such a way where there would be approved capital projects as part of what was going on. Equity would be taken into account. And if, in fact, what happens is if we pass this resolution as it's currently written and what it says is you're capped at a rollover of 50,000 and there's extra money, the argument can very easily be made at that point in time. That ought to go into the district we're talking about. That is a source of funding. And and I think that would be an appropriate discussion at the time of the budget. It's interesting to me that the resolution that the manager's office provided us in response, not the resolution, the memo that the manager's office provided us in response to councilmember Fuentes's resolution, it even expressed that unexpended or unallocated funds would not be carried over to future years in recognition [1:37:12 PM] that that is just not a common fiscal practice. So I really urge us to separate this discussion about district service funds. I'm glad we're having the discussion because it once again highlights. As councilmember Fuentes has said, it highlights the desire, but we're a long way, folks, from knowing how those funds ought to look and how you're going to put money in them and where the money is going to come from and how you're going to assure equity, how citywide, how you're going to assure transparency, how you're going to do those kinds of things. It's great that this spawned that discussion. But this isn't about that. This is about what our council spending policies, not how we want to fund the district services funds. So I would really encourage us to step away from that. And I [1:38:13 PM] would encourage us to not add to the $50,000 cap on rollover and put us outside the mainstream that on, on, on what that ought to be. I don't have anybody else signed up for in the queue. So with that, I'm going to go to potential amendments and the order. I'm going to go on the potential amendments is council member Ellis, council member Laine and councilmember Velazquez. And I would ask you, when those that follow council and what I'm doing there is in the order I received them. So if anybody's asking, how did he come up with that, that that's the order in which I received them. What I'm going to do is ask you, as you lay it out to be very clear, if you think there's any conflict between your amendment and a previous amendment, and so that [1:39:16 PM] we can have a discussion about that as councilmember Ellis, you have the floor. >> Thank you for the recognition, mayor. And bear with me, because I want to make sure it's really transparent and clear, since this is a version two of a version one. So that is the sheet that I'm reading off of. And so it begins with on items on line item 46 and 47 of the draft resolution, that we would change that language to read, develop and provide training for new elected officials and new city council office employees on laws, policies and procedures relating to city council office budgets and expenses. And then we added, and also make this training available at least annually for elected officials and city council office employees who would like to refresh their knowledge. So this is quite similar to how we do orientation. We usually get it when we're fresh and new in our positions, but as new members are sworn in, we are more than more than welcome to jump in on those orientations and make sure that we have refreshers on any questions that we may have [1:40:17 PM] come across. And then jumping into the exhibit a, I move to amend exhibit a on page four in the general category sub a under permissible. Add the following bullet transfer of funds to a city department contingent upon council approval of a resolution that clearly documents the maximum amount, purpose and recipient. Departments in parentheses of the proposed transfer. And so that helps make sure there's a transparent way in or outside of the budget cycle, to make sure that we are being very open and transparent with what dollars we are allocating from our office budget to a department and specific projects, and then under subheading B under prohibited, amend the third bullet as follows. And it says transfers of funds to other city council office budgets and strikes the language or departments. So this frees up the ability for those dollars to go to departments for specific projects. And then number two on page five in the software [1:41:18 PM] and it services category, subheading a under permissible amend the first bullet as follows. Software and minor computer hardware may include the purchase of information technology items like laptops, monitors, or minor software licenses, such as software that the city owns and strikes the language, and not a subscription service for software, just to provide flexibility for our offices to be able to utilize software subscriptions, if it's something that we see is is helping our constituents in specific ways. And then my version two that I'm reading off of strikes, any amendments I was making to subsection three, I know there's other amendments that have been proposed that will address the language there, but for my my version two of the motion, I'm just taking that out of version one's amendment. >> So so. >> I got through that. >> Yeah. If I can start with that I want and I'm, I'm asking questions for clarity purposes. Sure is all. When you say you've you've struck through [1:42:18 PM] item three. That is not striking in the original resolution that striking your first proposed amendment. >> Our version one made edits to subsection three. And so we're just going to be silent on the issue. And in this amendment, leave it as is in the original. >> That's what I just want to make sure that there's clarity on that. So and the second thing I want to ask you about is you your motion has what I read as three parts to it. The first part is, is the amendment of lines 46 and 47 of the draft resolution. Then you have in exhibit a you have a part one and a part two. And my question is would you like to offer that as because you haven't offered really an amendment yet. You've described the amendment. So I'm going to ask, would you like to offer three separate amendments as opposed to tying all three of those items together with the idea that there might be [1:43:18 PM] some of us that might be okay with parts of what you've done here and not other parts. >> Well, without knowing the of other council members, I was intending for them to be moved as one item together. But if folks say they're uncomfortable with parts of it, I'm happy to divide the question then. >> Then I would like to ask a question on the exhibit a expenses by category on page four. In the general category, what that amendment would do is it would say that if there are funds in a city office account, city council, mayor or city council's account, that that person could send that money to another department, it would not be using the district service fund concept that we've been talking about, but instead it would allow for a just a [1:44:20 PM] transfer from the council to another department. >> Yes. And that is the way we have used it in the district eight office, is to be able to give it to the parks and recreation department. I also know the late and great bill Spellman. I heard he had bought library books at some point. And so I think there are some specific uses where sending it to a department, as long as it's a specifically named project and limited dollar amount is how we have used it. And I would like to continue doing that. >> All right, members, now that we've got clarity, what I what I will recognize council member Ellis, councilmember Ellis has moved adoption of Ellis amendment to item number 85. It is version two as she is described. Is there a second councilmember Velasquez seconds the motion. Councilmember Siegel, you know, you noticed that my head immediately went that direction. It's going to take me a while to get used. I [1:45:20 PM] told I told councilmember Siegel that his chastisement of me for the past six months when he was sitting over there, and he claimed that I never looked over there to call on anybody. I said, it's going to work against him now because I'm now I'm now trained to only look this direction. >> So I just wanted to thank you for putting me over. >> Yeah, that's right, councilmember Siegel. >> I feel like it's going to be easy to remember. Mike is because he's on the far left. >> Yeah. There you go. >> Your left. My left. >> Thank you. Mayor. >> Just getting personal. >> So yeah, I had a I guess a question for the manager or his designee. Our other city departments allowed to transfer department funds to another department under the current approach. >> I believe it's going to answer the question, but I believe only through council action can we send funds to other departments. >> And just to clarify, I mean, [1:46:20 PM] this proposal would require a resolution. So it would be kind of in line with practices for other departments. >> Yeah. Oh, sorry. >> By charter or any transfer of funds from one department to another would require council action. >> Thank you. Mayor. >> Further discussion. Council. I'll say, as the maker of the main motion that well, I would be for the first part and the third part. I'm not for the transfer of funds to a city department. Even in this way, so long as we are in the process of trying to figure out how to live up to the resolution that we passed with regard to district service funds, what I would prefer to see us do is deal with district service funds in a in a broader, more substantive approach. While it is. And I agree that [1:47:22 PM] that what other departments departments can do those kinds of things. And I also agree with council member Ellis that this creates greater transparency than what we've been we've actually been doing. I would prefer, because we have now surfaced, the need for going forward with the district service funds. I think that deserves a full consideration. And so I just I mentioned that determine how just as part of how we deal with the main motion, the motion on the floor is Ellis amendment number one to item number 85 as described by her. And the motion has been seconded. Yes, councilmember Fuentes. >> It might be helpful then if we divide the question on this. That way we could see specifically where everyone is at on that ability to be able to transfer it to other departments. And then a question for councilmember Ellis is this because and we'll a question overall on the resolution itself, this would [1:48:22 PM] should council move forward in adopting overall the resolution. This would take effect immediately or at the end of the fiscal year. >> I guess that would be whatever the effective date is of the entire proposal. >> This would be an immediate there's nothing that that delays the implementation of that. >> Okay. And councilmember Ellis is because I'm trying to recognize that for some offices, we know that there is a significant carryover balance and that there might be a need to do that transfer to kind of, you know, honor whatever vision that councilmember had for for their office budget. Is there any context like that that we should be aware of in regards to this section? If we do divide the question on this amendment. >> I'm not sure I understand what the question is. >> If I understand the question. This amendment doesn't do away with the cap on the $50,000. That's that's what she has [1:49:22 PM] taken out. Right? So if the if this amendment passes and nothing else passes that just this amendment and then the main motion as then amended passes, there would be a cap of $50,000. So again, that's one of the reasons I think, first of all, I obviously believe strongly in the cap, but that's another reason, I think it would be better to have this kind of discussion about how we do this as part of a district service fund, complete discussion, so that we'd be talking about the ability to fund as fully as possible, the district service funds. >> Okay, if that's the case. And I agree with that line of thinking, I do think the district service fund needs its own separate discussion and consideration. Are we able to split this amendment out? >> Because I would recognize that. I would recognize what you. I didn't mean to interrupt you. I apologize, but. >> That's where I was heading. >> Yep. I'm going to head you [1:50:22 PM] to it straight to that amendment, not an amendment, but the motion is made by council member Fuentes to divide the question so that and the division, as I understand it, would be that at parts one, which is the top part of this motion sheet and item number two down below, where it begins on page five in the software and it services category. That is one proposed amendment. That's right. And another proposed amendment is the item one on page four in the general category colon. And then parts a and B, councilmember Fuentes moves to divide the question is there a second second by councilmember Laine discussion. And the vote will be the first vote we will have will be on the motion to divide the question. The second vote will be then back to the the motions to amend depending upon the [1:51:23 PM] outcome of this vote. Councilmember Laine you wish to be recognized. >> I do thank you. I seconded the motion to divide the question, because my concern is that if this amendment is the only one that passes, we would then be in a situation in which it is not possible to honor or to honor what the intent has been thus far. And as I have previously advocated, for, enable, facilitate, use the structures that our city already has in place and has proposed in order for there to be a gradual transition between the two systems. So my concern would be that if this is the only amendment that passes and it's not divided, then everybody's down to 50,000, which, you know, I don't doesn't impact me the way it impacts the rest of you. But I value the what I've heard from other members about that being an important consideration. And it's one of the reasons why I do have it built into mine. So I think dividing the question [1:52:23 PM] would allow for an appropriate level of discussion. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember Velasquez. >> Yes, mayor. Just for clarity, I wanted to make sure that the if it's approved, the 50 the 50 K cap takes effect immediately. >> That's the way it's%-pcurrently written. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. So the the the vote. Yes. Councilmember vela. Sure. >> Just just wanted to add on to that because I appreciate the input of my colleagues. I also will be supporting district service funds as we approach that conversation. I appreciate the mayor kind of daylighting that. We don't necessarily have all those ducks in a row yet. And so there will be a gray area between if we end up not rolling over dollars and we're not putting them in district service funds, they are just getting absorbed into the larger general fund. I think it would be prudent to know what the district service fund conversation looks like, and potentially revisit these conversations around giving those dollars to departments for projects through the ifc [1:53:25 PM] process, or otherwise figuring out how council wants to make sure that we're working through the discussion of of rolling over dollars. But without that, I feel like there's a big gap in the middle of where capping rollover. But we don't have a district service fund program set up yet, and that is going to leave a lot of projects potentially on the table in a bunch of different districts. If folks don't allocate those dollars prior to getting the district service fund language formalized. >> And that's and that's a really good point. What I would say, not so much in response, but in terms of potential clarity, is that the immediate effect of putting a cap into place doesn't mean that you're going to get a call from the manager's office tomorrow to send funds. Yes. Yeah. See, I knew that. Get him. Get his attention. No, we we are early in the budget cycle, right. We're we're in January. So one of the values that I wasn't anticipating would be a value [1:54:27 PM] of doing a better job of our spending policy has been that it has highlighted this desire to keep moving forward. Now, granted, last year during the budget process, which would have been a time to do that, we had we we had issues. Right. Well, to councilmember Ellis's point, it's time to maybe get on our horses and get moving on the district service fund, and nobody's going to be taken. Nobody's taking any money away from anybody right now. It will be, it will be. We will have the opportunity. We will set the cap. If we don't get our work done on the district services funds. And if the work that gets done on the district services funds doesn't include council money that might otherwise roll over. Then, well, then that money would go away. But we've got time to do what it is that council member Ellis is talking about. It's January [1:55:28 PM] and we're a ways off on the budget process, and the manager, I think here's the desire for there to be greater discussion on that. So I just mentioned that. So here's the vote. The vote will be whether to divide the question. The vote is whether to divide the question as I have described it. So yeah sure. Yeah. Here's here's the way the question will be divided. Councilmember Ellis's motion to amend will be in two parts. The first part we will take up will be the provision at the top of her yellow motion sheet that's labeled v2 and deals with the addition of the language that you see there, including making training available at least annually for elected officials that that part. In addition, that motion will include the part labeled item two down below, which is [1:56:30 PM] an amendment to exhibit a expenses by category table. And it will it's the one that says two on page five in the software and it services category, and it deletes the phrase and not a subscription service for software. That will be one motion to amend if the motion to divide is approved. The second motion to amend that because of the division will be the item labeled one. Again, it's an amendment to exhibit a expenses by category table, and it's labeled one on page four in the general category. And it deals with the transfer of funds to a city department. Everybody clear? All right. Part the part. She's just taking that out of her previous motion. That's out of her previous motion. That's not that's not anything we're voting on. >> I amended my own amendment [1:57:31 PM] before distributing it. >> And we appreciate the diligence. Good. So that's the the first vote will be on the division and then we will go back to the what if it passes? We will go back to the two essentially motions. If it doesn't pass, we will go back to the motion to amend all those in favor of dividing the question. Raise your hand. Okay. Well, let me call roll. All those in favor, raise your of dividing the motion. Raise your hand. All those opposed, raise your hand. [1:58:44 PM] There being five votes in favor of dividing the question. Six votes in opposition. The motion to divide the question fails. That will now take us back to the motion to amend by councilmember Ellis. The vote will be on the motion to amend all those in favor of the motion to amend. Please raise your hand. All those O opposed, raise your hand. Councilmember Siegel, have you voted? >> I voted. >> Okay, so you voted in favor. I'm sorry I missed that. Councilmember Velasquez, are you a no vote? >> No. >> You did. I didn't see you raise your hand. All those. >> In favor? Yes. On my amendment. >> I'm sorry. Those in favor of the motion to amend, please [1:59:44 PM] raise your hand again. All right. There being ten votes in favor of the motion, one opposed. The motion to amend is adopted. That will now take us to the proposed motion to amend by councilmember Laine. >> Thank you. And yes, I'll walk through differences. >> By the way, for the record, I voted no. The mayor voted no on the motion to amend councilmember Laine, I apologize, I just didn't make my record. >> No problem. And then I'll just lay out the differences and that I'm proposing. So starting on page four in the general category under permissible, I am proposing to add a bullet point. I will correct the first two words that are on your version two of my amendment instead of gifts, for it should read expenditures two. And so I'm proposing to add a bullet of guidance that says expenditures to [2:00:45 PM] contractors, constituents or nonprofits valued at less than $50, that provide a direct service to the community. Those are permissible. Again, this aligns with what I've experienced across a range of institutions. We frequently do receive as part of being on council. Decorative gifts, the ability to enter an event so that we can become more familiar with this. And so this is designed to simply provide for that, but to provide clear guidance with a number. So it's easy to interpret and it protects us as I've seen it, protect others in other organizations. So that was page four. Moving on to page five software and it services under permissible, I would propose first to amend the first bullet as follows. This is almost the same as what council has already passed as an amendment with council member Ellis I. Just, for the sake of clarity, [2:01:47 PM] also struck through such as software that the city owns because I don't it it just didn't. For the sake of clarity, it doesn't make sense that we are permitted to buy software licenses that the city owns. So it's a small difference, but I just think it's a little bit more clear. And then under B, I'm sorry, under the second bullet point. Amend it to all software purchases should be communicated to Austin technology services to ensure they comply with all cybersecurity requirements and avoid duplicate resources. As I mentioned in the discussion in the audit and finance committee, I really, really value the work that has already been done by our city manager and staff to it is groundwork for efficiencies that I know are going to come, but we haven't completed that task already. And my understanding is that the purchasing process can be quite lengthy currently, and I find it valuable to be able to [2:02:48 PM] test a software and keep them in the loop. Make sure that we aren't duplicating services and that they know what we are finding is valuable. But I would like to be able to purchase it with the flexibility that a council member budget allows, rather than restricting to going through that process in order to test something. And I do believe this also could I'll stop there on that one. So and then on page pages seven through eight, this is where I did really appreciate the opportunity to read early in this process. Council member Ellis's proposed page three and and very much took it to heart. But also it's not part of what's passed so far, so I will this is all new. Okay. So on pages seven through eight in the unexpended balance category under permissible, I proposed replacing bullets one and two with a single bullet as follows. Any surplus above $50,000 [2:03:48 PM] remaining in a city funded council office account at the end of a fiscal year, shall be allocated to a corresponding district service fund, as described in the July 3rd, 2025 memo. Responding to resolution number 20241107034, unless expressly authorized otherwise during the annual budget process. And I'll draw your attention to a couple of things here. One, this bullet point, as proposed, does squarely place the rollover into the budget process. So as I, you know, listened to the discussion, this amendment still accomplishes that. I lived through two budget processes in my short time on council. They are fast moving, complex. There were many times during both of the last two where there was some question about specifics. And so the primary difference that that that this proposal gives to us is that, yes, it's still going to be discussed in the budget process. Yes, that budget [2:04:48 PM] process will be the final arbiter of what happens. However, we arrive with a framework in place so that this issue doesn't slip through the cracks. As the mayor pointed out, this resolution was passed before both the budget processes that I was a part of. The pilot program was laid out. I would say that our city manager got on his horse a year ago and laid out a pilot program. We're the ones who aren't getting on to fund it. And as someone who is new to this body and who cares very much about efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, financial controls, all of these things, I believe that it is an inefficient use of our resources to ask our staff to develop pilot programs that we then do not fund and don't make it into the process. And I do think there's there is value in further discussion and guidance. But I think we need to also acknowledge that this pilot, this resolution passed unanimously. A pilot program has been laid out. It is not [2:05:48 PM] funded. If we seed the program with funds, which honestly will remain. That's a decision that remains with every council office, because we have eight months before we reach the end of the year to even see what the rollover is. At that point, if we don't seed our our pilot programs with money, they won't happen. And what I heard again and again through both budget processes and and is that well, is that this isn't the time to fund new pilot programs. So if we in fact, do want to fund this pilot program that was laid out a year ago, and we have a funding source available that was overlooked in the prior two budget processes of this council in this year. This is our opportunity to one, ensure that this money doesn't just get missed as we're in the budget process, that if it is not expressly defined by, then certainly I hope not. I hope that we get more definition on [2:06:49 PM] the pilot program, but let's just say that it doesn't happen. There is guidance to our city manager about what to do in that case that is directly responsive to everything that our voters have been communicating to us, and we have eight months to further flesh it out. I, you know, I as I as I've mentioned, the rollover is not a big concern to me. District six hasn't had an incumbent win and doesn't have significant rollover. I am literally laying this out because of the concerns that this body has raised. Trying to find a compromise position that preserves what so many have said they value. And so I personally, I do not favor a hard stop. I prefer a gradual transition. And I will also note that our city manager looks to our votes for guidance on where his effort should be. He's already put effort in to to describe a pilot program. We have now gone through two budget processes that aren't [2:07:50 PM] funding it, and we now have a discretionary possibility of seeding that program, which is what causes there to be merit in working more on it. If what we do is we request for plans for pilot programs that we can't fund, we won't fund, we don't ever choose to fund that. It's wasted work, and it's an inefficient use of our resources. And I personally think that it's a very important question, and I think it's important that we provide clear guidance. And so that's why I've included this amendment here. Thank you. >> Councilmember Laine moves adoption of Laine amendment number one, which she's walked through, is labeled motion sheet version two, yellow copy. Is there a second second by council member Fuentes? Further discussion on the item hearing none. Without objection, the motion to amend is adopted. You want to vote no. Councilmember [2:08:53 PM] Velasquez, do you want to talk? >> Or if we had a motion to amend her amendment and her amendment doesn't make it on, what is the process there? >> Well, is your motion. I say I apologize to you. I apologize. I was reading that when I first saw it as a motion to amend. So we have a motion to amend. And before I call a vote, call the results of any vote. You do have a motion to amend. So I don't want to thwart you of that opportunity. So council member right now, councilmember, what's on the table is council member Laine's motion to amend councilmember Velasquez. Councilmember Siegel, were you wish to speak on her motion or do you want to wait? >> Councilmember Laine it was a question. I'm sorry, I was a little slow. >> Please go ahead. I apologize, I didn't see you see your. >> No. I was late pressing the button regarding to the first item on councilmember Laine's motion sheet, version two. I [2:09:54 PM] believe the language was updated to say expenses or payments to contractors, constituents, or nonprofits valued at less than $50. And I'm just kind of wondering that, does this allow payments to individuals, organizations without receiving a corresponding benefit to the city? Like we're not paying for something in particular? And then if that's the case, I wouldn't mind if the city attorney would chime in on if there's any risk to that allowance. >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. Councilmember. The idea was that the council member was looking for a way to streamline. For instance, if we have a heat wave and a particular nonprofit is giving out water, she wanted to be able to purchase up to $50 worth of water, give it to the nonprofit so that they could give it out. So the purpose, the intent was that they always had to be a direct service to [2:10:56 PM] the community. So we translated that to be a public benefit, a public purpose. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. So come on, council. I'm sorry. Council member Ellis. >> Sorry. Thanks for keeping us on track. I had a question about the $50 limit. Does that include tickets to events like something that you're going to a luncheon to learn more about a cause. But the tickets $60. Is that intended with this language? >> Well. >> It is intended to ensure that there isn't an issue as long as it's less than 50. Yes, there would be an issue if it's more than 50, but currently there's no de minimis definition in there. So at least it gets us to 50 of okay. >> Councilmember Velasquez has a motion to amend this amendment and I will recognize him on that. >> Thank you, mayor, mayor and colleagues, I'm thankful for [2:11:57 PM] this discussion, which aims to provide more transparency, more guidance to our office around budgets and an overall better policy. My item looks to amend councilmember Laine amendment, part three. The main thing my amendment does is it strikes the district service fund and allows officers to use their rollover dollars beyond the proposed cap. Councilmember Ellis, I appreciated the language you provided in version one, so I'm leaning on that here a little bit. My motion allows our our individual offices to maintain their rollover. This allows our offices much needed flexibility to deliver services and projects that serve our unique communities. While we all receive the same amount of funding, our communities have very different needs. Some examples of those are interpretation and translation services, and meeting with organizations and community leaders that serve monolingual Spanish speakers and immigrants. With regard to equity, I believe each council office better understands their community's individual needs rather than the body as a whole. This amendment gives us time and resources to hear out our communities and respond [2:12:58 PM] accordingly with our funds. And personally, as a as stated somewhere over earlier, as a fiscally prudent office, district three is grateful to have the funds that that we've saved to serve our neighbors. >> The motion has been made by councilmember Velasquez for Velasquez amendment to the Laine amendment. Is there a second second by councilmember vela discussion on the amendment? Councilmember Fuentes. >> Just want to clarify. So with this proposed amendment to the amendment, it would undo the audit committee's recommendation of having a $50,000 cap for our office budget. >> That's right. >> Okay. And with that, then I guess this still with the previously adopted Ellis amendment council offices wouldn't have a need to offer pass a resolution to appropriate to a city department, or this allows the dollars to stay within the [2:13:59 PM] office budget for those interpretation services that you mentioned. Councilmember Velasquez. >> The way I would interpret this, but I'll ask the legal if they disagree with this interpretation. But the way I interpret this is that it would do away by doing away with the amendment and it carrying it forward to the next year. If you wanted to transfer that to some other city department, and only if you were transferring it to a city department, would you then have to follow the Ellis amendment. That would be the one caveat to the rollover. Anything else would be wouldn't go through I don't believe would go through the budget process. >> Would be at the discretion of the councilmember. >> And I think that's what he argued for in laying out the motion. >> To to be able to fund those special projects. >> Yes. >> So it only would be if it [2:15:00 PM] goes to to fund a project in your district that's parks related, then it would be necessary to bring forward a resolution. >> That's parks being one example of that. Yes. The language of councilmember Ellis's amendment is very specific. It's transfer of funds to a city department contingent, is contingent upon council approval of a resolution that clearly documents the maximum amount, purpose and recipient departments of the proposed transfer. And you can also. And that deals with the department's reading the second part to make sure I was right about that. What council member Velasquez just laid out was if he has special projects in his district, he wants the money to roll over, which, as you point out, is contrary to what the recommendation was of the $50,000. And if it's not going [2:16:02 PM] to a city department, it would not have to meet the requirements of councilmember Ellis's amendment that has has passed. >> Okay. Thank you, councilmember Velasquez, for bringing this forward. Unfortunately, I will not be supporting this item. I do believe that, you know, in the research that was done in bringing forward the resolution and looking at how other cities handled their office budgets and understanding that we would be an outlier and not having a cap on our carryover. I'm uncomfortable with us having that type of financial policy associated with our own office budgets, especially since it's different than our city departments. So with that, I will not be supporting this amendment. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember Laine, followed by councilmember Siegel. Councilmember alter. >> I also cannot comfortably support an amendment that that allows for an unlimited rollover. I hear some of the concern around we don't have [2:17:02 PM] these funds fully defined already. We have more definition in the way that my amendment lays it out than we do for this. And we also have protections to help us transition from a blank check practically, to working in collaboration with our city manager. And that, in the end, will be the most effective path. I believe we all have different districts and different needs, and I really believe in the value of the of being able to impact and seed programs. But the most effective use of money is when it's following the same strategic goals. And so that process of working with our city manager, and we're talking about by the end of two years, we would have had two years to work with our city manager to define how these funds would be spent, still targeted towards our district. I believe that is a more sound path. I am not [2:18:04 PM] comfortable being an outlier. I am not comfortable taking this level of additional privileges in terms of how money is spent versus the rest of the city and the rest of public government in Texas. And so I also I cannot support this amendment, but I really appreciate the the discussion that we've all had, and I think that we will end up better than we were by the end of this, no matter which version passes. So thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember. Siegel. Councilmember. Alter. Councilmember duchen. >> Thank you, mayor. And I'm just catching up to the definitions of the district service fund, at least as laid out in the resolution and memo. So I want to direct this question, I guess, to the manager. But is the conception of this fund that there would be segregated funds per district? Because I'm trying to understand kind of in the situation of councilmember Velazquez, if the Ellis amendment takes effect and a specific office has more than 50,000 and then it gets transferred to the district service fund, is that [2:19:05 PM] segregated by district? >> Thank you, councilman. And so should such a fund be created, it would, based on my recommendation, be segregated by district specifically? Yes. >> Thank you sir. >> Councilmember alter followed by councilmember duchen. >> I've just a couple questions for our chief financial officer, who has presciently sat at the microphone here. I just want to understand, as you read councilmember Velasquez's amendment, and I may be restating what the mayor said, but I just want to make sure I'm understanding it. If if this passed and what counts? The amendment that has already passed with councilmember Ellis. So during the year, you could have the transfer funds to a city department with a resolution that was under councilmember Ellis's amendment, right? >> Yes. >> That was under hers. I think it would technically require an [2:20:06 PM] ordinance. >> But yeah, under councilmember Velasquez's language, under subpart a, it says that the unexpended appropriation will carry forward to the next fiscal year, unless expressly appropriated otherwise during the annual budget process. So you wouldn't necessarily need to have a resolution. But councilmember Velasquez, for instance, could have an amendment in the budget that says, I move. You know, our the move $25,000 from district three office to pard or two whatever, because that is an appropriation during the budget process. Is that correct? >> Yeah. Correct. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that we're not requiring a resolution on top of a budget amendment or something of that. >> The way I read it was the default is it rolls over if, if there's but if somebody wants to appropriate during the budget process. >> Yeah. >> And I just want to touch on this notion about the rollover [2:21:09 PM] and what other departments can do and not do that. Let's just look at like the housing trust fund, for instance, the balance in that fund. Does it roll over to the next year. >> It does through the process of council appropriating the funds back to that fund. >> Right. So the starting point in the budget is and as you look at the budget, you had last year's budget, it finished with $9 million. And that's the starting point in the next. So it's and that's for our other funds, the code fund and whatever that fund some of our departments, those do roll over and we approve that in the budget. >> It does. And it's a charter requirement that operating funds that aren't expended in the fiscal year revert back to the funding source from which they came. So the difference between the code compliant fund is that is the fund that that accounts for the code compliance fee. The housing trust fund is a transfer from the general fund to the housing [2:22:09 PM] trust fund. And so it would without the council action, it would revert back to the general fund. But every year through the budget process, council is reappropriating that ending balance to the housing trust fund. >> Okay, okay. And when we would be under councilmember Velazquez amendment if we were. In the budget process, similar to the what you laid out with any of these other funds, you know, it would have whatever district office the starting point would be with the rollover subject to an otherwise appropriation during the budget process. >> Yes. And we currently, as part of our annual budget process, there's always a line item in there that rolls over the council funds. At a departmental level. We account for district by district. But every budget cycle recently there is a amendment from staff that rolls over those funds based upon prior council [2:23:09 PM] direction. >> Okay. >> I really think this we obviously this is cracked open a much larger conversation with our district service funds, what our budgets are, I think at the budget time is when we should be looking at these questions and asking ourselves, you know, if every office is carrying over $20,000, that should really raise the question of, are we overfunding our budgets $20,000? I don't know if that's true or not, but I think this process has highlighted the need that during the budget process. And there are so many things going on. As you mentioned, it's hard to remember all the things we need to do, but that that's the moment where we need to really ask ourselves what is the appropriate office budget and how do we want to fund that? Just like we decide how we want to fund every single department. So just just want to highlight that. >> Thank you. Councilmember. Councilmember duchen. >> Thank you. I was just looking for clarity at kind of a higher level between [2:24:12 PM] councilmember Velasquez motion sheet and the motion that it's replacing by councilmember Laine. My current understanding is councilmember Velasquez is essentially returning to what sounds to me like the status quo, where we've got no limit and we run into that problem that I felt like I tried to highlight in the comment earlier that we're kind of incentivizing a practice of holding over money for, for projects. But my my understanding is that the motion that it's replacing does this, but in a different way, which is that where if we do hold over more than $50,000, it's just going in a different fund that happens to be segregated for a district, per the mayor, for the manager's comment. But and also that that fund doesn't exist right now. So is that is that. >> My reading? Unless some one of the professional staff wants to disagree, that's the way I read it. I. The way I think you've got two two buckets, if [2:25:12 PM] you will. You've got the Velasquez bucket, which is status quo. And I think he even said that in the layout is he is pretty much the way it is, not pretty much the way it is right now. And you would allow an unlimited rollover unless at the time of appropriation, the council member. Offered up something that then the whole council appropriated in a different fashion, which which happened during the last budget cycle. The Laine bucket. It says we would cap at $50,000. What's in your council budget? But anything above the $50,000 would go into a a fund that corresponds to your district. >> Right? >> So in essence, it is a full rollover. It just rolls it over [2:26:12 PM] into a different account in the council budget. >> Okay. That's what I was trying to clarify. Thank you mayor. And just underscoring my challenge that my sense was the goal was to try and get away from getting over $50,000, regardless of where the source of that. And either way, it seems like a challenge to me. So I'll that's why I'm voting no on both. Thank you. >> Councilmember Laine. >> Thank you. I just wanted to clarify a little bit that. It is rolling over to a different count, but it's a completely different budget, and it puts it into the zone that has already been defined by memo. That aligns with previous guidance given by this council, and that facilitates a transition towards spending that meets the needs that we see as council members to hear from constituents. And the city manager sees from his broader view of the entire city. And it [2:27:13 PM] encourages us to start working in a more effective manner towards the strategic goals and allows our staff to work more efficiently by following through on prior guidance, gradually adding additional guardrails as we transition to a more effective and efficient system. So again, I obviously will follow the will of this body. But just wanted to make that clarification. Thank you. >> All right. So the vote is on the Velasquez motion to amend the Laine proposed amendment. So I want to get back to where the vote is. It's the Velasquez motion to amend the Laine motion. All those that are in favor of the. Unless you want to wrap up, I'm okay. All those in favor, do you want to say something. >> I did? I just wanted to say thanks to the amender. I know this is not an easy conversation, and a lot of us are utilizing our office dollars in different ways, simply because we have all [2:28:14 PM] different constituents and needs for our districts. And so I think this has been a really healthy conversation. I think folks are really working toward trying to find a workable medium somewhere in here between current current practice and the district service fund conversation. >> Thank you, mayor pro tem. >> Thank you. Mayor. I just wanted to to echo councilmember Ellis's, that and especially folks that have been on the dais for some time, have managed their office budget in a certain way to achieve a certain goal. Again, everybody has their own approach and what they want to do. But but I appreciate that. I respect that I've seen these rollover funds go to very good uses, whether it be, you know, again, library books or swing sets or whatever the case may be. And I think we're kind of we kind of have a backwards way to kind of do the, the district funds right now. And I'm open to changing discussion. But but I do support councilmember Velasquez amendment. >> Thank you, councilmember [2:29:14 PM] vela. All right. For those those that are in favor. Those that are in favor of the Velasquez motion to amend the Laine amendment, please raise your hand. >> Favor. >> Favor of Velasquez motion. Yes. Those opposed raise your hand. Those abstaining. There being six votes in favor, four votes opposed and one abstention. The four in opposition are the mayor Fuentes, councilmember Fuentes duchen, and Laine. And councilmember Siegel is in abstention. The motion to amend [2:30:15 PM] carries. So that will now take us back to the Laine motion to amend, as amended, any discussion on that? Yes. Councilmember. Mayor pro tem. >> I'm sorry, I. Just the the that category the the first amendment one on the on page four in the general category. I just want to understand that a little bit more. The language kind of pops out to me as a little problematic. And is this the language? The gifts for contractors constituents are non-profits valued less than $50? Am I looking at the. >> Wright expenditures for the way it reads? Is expenditures to contractors, constituents, or non-profits valued at less than $50 that provide a direct service to the community? >> No would be a. >> That would be permissible. >> All right. Thank you, ma'am. [2:31:16 PM] >> This is the work. Mayor. >> All right. The there being no councilmember Laine. All right. There being no further discussion on the Laine motion to amend, as amended. All those in favor, please raise your hand. >> Mr. >> Yes. Councilmember harper-madison. >> Amanda, as amended, with the language not saying gifts, saying expenditures contract. >> Well, that's just yeah, it's expenditures too. But the amendment was the Velasquez amendment that got put on top of it is when I say amended, it is the Velasquez amendment. Yes, yes. All right. Raise your hand again if you're voting for the the Laine motion to amend as it [2:32:17 PM] was amended. Please rai se your hand if you're voting no. Raise your hand if you're abstaining. Raise your hand if you're abstaining. Okay. Well, councilmember harper-madison, how are you voting? >> Yes, I. Yes. >> There being eight votes in favor of the Laine motion to amend, as amended, two in opposition, that being the mayor and council member duchen [2:33:18 PM] and one abstention. The mayor pro tem. The motion to amend is adopted members that will take us back to the main motion. The main motion is the motion I made sometime a week ago. That's just a joke. Just a joke. The main motion was my motion as that motion was amended now by councilmember Ellis's motion to amend, and council member Laine's motion to amend, as amended by councilmember Velasquez. Is there any discussion with regard to what we're voting on? Yes. Councilmember Fuentes. >> Thank you. Colleagues, just really appreciate the conversation that we had today. And thank you to our chair of our audit and finance committee for bringing this forward. And certainly, this is a priority for council to adopt guidelines and criteria for how we manage and spend our office budget dollars. I just wanted to talk about specifically the district service fund, since it has been [2:34:18 PM] incorporated at this time with the amendments and establishing and providing initial funding for that fund that, you know, I want to continue working with the city manager to develop guidelines and and a parameter of how we administer the district service fund. And I think that work needs to continue, and it's appropriate for us to have it at a later time, but just want to elevate that, that that piece of implementation of that policy will need to be discussed at a later date. >> Thank you. Any further discussion, members? Let me just say, as the maker of the main motion and and. I want to say thanks again to all of you for your participation and those of you that came to the audit and finance committee, we have significantly improved the policy related to council spending and their office budgets. I do believe that, and as you can tell by my votes and [2:35:19 PM] I, I do believe that it's a mistake for us to not put a cap on the rollover. And I think that is a that is a I'm not I'm not going to be able to really explain why Austin is different from the rest of the world on this, why we are exceptions to the rule. And I'm going to have some difficulty describing what goal that achieves, particularly in terms of transparency and accountability and equity and good fiscal discipline. I think that is a mistake at a time when we're working very hard to restore confidence. It wasn't very long ago that in part because of questions about council spending, the voters gave us a clear signal. So I'm disappointed in that. I think we had better ways to achieve the goals that you, that we you all and we all want to achieve. [2:36:21 PM] But that being said, I want to say congratulations. If the vote goes the way I think it's getting ready to go. On the fact that we have a much improved policy and and I think going forward, it is one that we can point to with confidence. So without with that and without further discussion, all those in favor of the motion as amended. Let me just ask, is there anyone wishing to vote in opposition or to abstain? Without objection, the motion to the the main motion, as amended, is adopted. Congratulations everybody, and thank you, members that will take us to our zoning items. And I will ask that miss harden come forward and help us with that. [2:37:36 PM] >> Okay. Go for it. >> All right. Thank you. Mayor. >> I know you've been waiting there with bated breath. Don't don't care a bit about how that last vote went. You just ready to go. >> I'm joy harden with Austin. Planning your zoning agenda begins with item number 70 c1484022 rca. This item is offered for consent. Item 71 is c14 2025 0085. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 72 is c14 2024 0160. This item is offered as a postponement to your February 5th council meeting by councilmember qadri. Item 73 is N pa 2023 0005.01. This item is offered as a staff postponement to your February 26th council meeting. The related rezoning is item 74 c14 2024 0015. Again, this item is offered as a staff postponement to February 26th. Council meeting. Item 75 is c14 [2:38:37 PM] 2025 0029. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 76 is c14 2025 0078. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 77 is c14930047 rca. This item is offered for consent. Item 78 c14 2025 0098 ct. This item is offered for consent. Item 79 is c14 2025 0105. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 80 is c14 2025 0091. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 81 is c14 2025 0100. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 82 is c14 2025 0102. This item is offered for consent on all three readings. Item 83 is c14 2025 0097. This item is offered for consent on [2:39:38 PM] all three readings. And lastly we have item 84 c14 2024 0179. This item is offered as a staff postponement to your February 5th council meeting, and this concludes the readings of the zoning and neighborhood plan amendment portion of your agenda. And as always, it is at your discretion. Thank you. >> Thank you, miss haydn. Does anybody have any questions, miss harden, at this time? What I'm going to do is read the proposed consent agenda. >> Hang on. >> Proposed consent agenda. And miss harden cry out if you think I make a mistake here. Item number 70. It is a covenant termination. So it will it will that that will be [2:40:41 PM] on consent 71. Consent on all three readings 72 a postponement to February 5th, 73 and 74. Postponement to February 26th, 75 and 76 on all three readings, 77 on consent is a covenant amendment 78 again a covenant termination on consent 79, 80, 81, 82, and 83 on all three readings and 84 a postponement to February 5th. Members. I'll entertain a motion on the consent agenda. It's made by council member harper-madison. Second by council member Laine. Thank you very much. Now we'll turn to the clerk to see if people have signed up to speak on the items on the consent agenda. >> An item 72 we have Nicole. And on item 84 we speak on the merits of the postponement. We have Zenobia. Joseph. >> Miss Joseph, are you still here? Yes she is. [2:41:57 PM] >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Mayor, council. I'm Zenobia Joseph, speaking on the merits of the postponement. Item 84. I just wanted to say I appreciate the postponement and just more broadly, would like to ask that when the item comes back to you, that staff actually provides you with an overlay of where the affordable housing units are in the downtown area. It's something that I've asked for in the past, and I just wanted to be specific to the extent that any of those affordable housing units relate to project connect, I just want to call to your attention H.R. 2471. That's the consolidated appropriations act, 2022. I mentioned it earlier, and I'll just read the language. None of the funds appropriated by this act may be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence congressional action [2:42:58 PM] on any legislation or appropriation matters pending before congress. And so I just wanted to be clear that section seven, three, five and that capital metro, since 2008 have paid lobbyists. And so it's germane to the items in general, not going to be specific to the case. I just want you to recognize that it may be helpful for your legal counsel to actually delve into whether or not that would disqualify you for the federal funding for the light rail. And to the extent that you are looking at private restrictive covenants and half mile radius between the affordable housing and actually the rail line, I think it's germane. I will just say that as it relates to blank Rome, it was the infrastructure investment and jobs act and also the build better act that they actually influenced. You could find that information through propublica. It was once posted online. The contract is still relevant. It goes through 2026. And so I would just ask [2:43:59 PM] you to take a look at the those documentations and see if they're germane to this case in particular and more broadly to your affordable housing downtown. And Terri Gruca actually had a report February 17th, 2020 kaiba before she retired developers paying a fee in lieu of affordable housing downtown. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> That concludes our zoning speakers. >> Members that, as you just heard, that concludes all the speakers. We have signed up on the consent agenda. Let me. Yes, councilmember qadri. >> Is now the time for comments. >> Sure. >> Great. I just want to quickly touch on item 72, which we postponed to the February 5th meeting. I'm really looking forward to February 5th, because I want to see the process for collaboration and movement, especially in our eastern crescent of the downtown. The eastern crescent downtown is evolving. It's important to engage all stakeholders in the area to bridge the innovation district with the red river cultural district and minimize losing [2:45:00 PM] any businesses, venues and people that make the district and the city, you know, so special. The site has the potential to serve as an impactful area where culture and innovation meet. So I'm looking forward to engagement in the next few weeks. Between the red river cultural district, the da, the applicant and any other relevant stakeholders stakeholders in the area moving forward. So thank you. >> Thank you. Councilmember, is there any further discussion? Members, is there anyone wishing to abstain from a vote on any item on the consent agenda? Is there anyone wishing to recuse themselves from a vote on any item on the consent agenda? Anyone wishing to be shown voting no on any item on the consent agenda, there being no further discussion without objection, the consent agenda is adopted. Thank you, miss Arden. >> And I'll just I know you stated it earlier, but I just want to note that 2 P.M. Public hearing items 68 and 69 are withdrawn. >> Yes. >> All right. [2:46:00 PM] >> Thank you. And I read those as changes and corrections into the record before. So there's no there's no lack of clarity now. Thank you very much. With that being said, we have no other items on the agenda for the Austin city council at this regular meeting of the Austin city council. So without objection, mayor pro tem. Yeah, we are adjourned. It's 2:46 P.M. Thank you everybody.