The Austin City Council convenes to a relatively small agenda today: a total of 63 items, counting the agenda addendum.
If you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, it’s no Halloween hangover: this meeting’s high profile items cover some well-tread ground. Let’s take a look.
More Taxi Trouble: Items 27 and 28 comprise the third and final reading of additional taxi permits for Lone Star Cab (20 permits) and Austin Cab (10 permits). As KUT News previously reported, the Taxi Drivers Association of Austin is opposing the new permits. They cite a city report stating the since a first round of additional permits were issued this spring, cab drivers are taking home less pay. Still, with Formula 1 on the horizon, the council feels some pressure to increase the number of cabs on Austin roads. It’s that rock-and-a-hard-place situation – balancing cab drivers’ and customer needs – that’s let the permit approval languish, the Austin Chronicle writes in its council preview.
Not So Good Cheer: Artsy Eastside nightclub Cheer Up Charlies comes before the council with not one, but two permit hearings. Previous attempts by the city to mediate a dispute between the club and a nearby property owner have failed. Now owner Tamara Hoover and neighbor John Plyler are bringing separate appeals before the council. Hoover wants longer hours for outdoor music than her 10 p.m. weekend curfew; Plyer is looking to have the permit revoked outright. City staff has recommended against either appeal.
Rounding things out this meeting is a 10:30 a.m. briefing on the East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan, which will govern future development on the region, possibly including urban rail.
The meeting begins at 10 a.m., and as always, you can watch online.
