It was a six-hour meeting. It was a hybrid meeting with one council member and some community members participating virtually. There were proclamations. There was community input.
Some of the agenda items are summarized here.
One topic receiving input concerned construction and improvements associated with the I-35 Cap and Stitch program; some encouraged the grant application, and some suggested that improvements should prevent community division between east and west Austin. Speakers voiced frustration on another topic, the lack of progress in developing police oversight given that Prop A passed in May.
A resolution directing the City Manager to revise and implement policies related to training, investigations, and reporting by the Office of Police Oversight, providing updates to the Public Safety Committee, and the creation of a public workgroup was approved.
Several community members spoke related to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, prescribed burns & environmental sensitivities. Despite dissenting community members, the Council approved the Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis for Austin Parks and Recreation Department natural areas.
An item related to increased access to recycling and composting was applauded by a community member and subsequently approved.
During the Consent Agenda, some behavior deemed not exhibiting decorum or tenets of civil discussion was cited and Mayor Watson plans to take appropriate action. Some Council people made comments about reducing suicide, composting support, and recycling support.
LWVAA Observer, Karsen Crow