Council approves fee changes, contract extension, theater funding and temporary Main Street traffic changes

The Austin City Council voted unanimously to adopt a package of routine administrative changes, contract extensions and project funding at its April meeting.

The council approved a resolution adding miscellaneous administration license fees tied to the city’s fats, oils and grease ordinance and to recently adopted sewer service-line inspection requirements. City staff said the addition updates the standard fee schedule to reflect those new regulatory requirements. Council member Helle, Pashusta, Fisher, Waller, Baskin, Postma and Council member at large Austin each voted “Aye.”

Council members also authorized a two-year extension of the city’s contract with Oyer Trucking to haul liquid sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. City staff said the contract extension is intended to cover hauling until the plant changes processes in 2026; staff estimated a maximum hauling amount of 9,000,000 gallons over the term and said Oyer agreed to continue at existing rates. The council approved the extension 7-0.

The council approved a $46,500 city cost share toward an ADA-required “bump out” at the Paramount Theater. Tom Robbins, executive director of Austin Area Arts, and members of the theater project team attended the meeting and thanked the council. Robbins said, “We appreciate your consideration of this request.” The motion passed 7-0.

On downtown pedestrian safety, the council approved temporary curb “bump outs” and stop-control changes on Main Street pending permanent pedestrian improvements. Staff described installing a four-way stop at Main Street and Fourth Avenue and a two-way stop at Main Street and Second Avenue while longer-term signal and crossing work proceed. The council voted to adopt the temporary traffic changes 7-0.

Council members also approved several smaller consent items: acceptance of a $50 donation to the 2025 flower program, and three separate planning-and-zoning motions authorizing the city to contract removal of junk or legally stored vehicles at 506 Sixth Avenue SW (Tuscano property), 408 Second Street SE (Neary property) and 406 Second Street SE (Raguar property). Each item passed by voice vote.

All roll-call votes on the listed resolutions recorded 7 “Aye” votes and no “No” votes. The council chair closed the regular meeting and announced the council would reconvene for a work session.

Votes at a glance - Resolution: Establish miscellaneous administration license fees (adds fees tied to fats/oils/grease ordinance and sewer service-line inspection requirements). Outcome: approved, vote 7-0. - Resolution: Extend contract with Oyer Trucking for liquid sludge hauling (two-year maximum; up to 9,000,000 gallons). Outcome: approved, vote 7-0. - Resolution: Employee recognition policy. Outcome: approved, vote 7-0. - Resolution: Paramount Theater ADA bump-out cost share (city portion $46,500). Outcome: approved, vote 7-0. - Motion: Install temporary bump-outs and stop controls on Main Street (four-way stop at Main & Fourth; two-way stop at Main & Second). Outcome: approved, voice vote. - Resolution: Accept $50 donation to 2025 flower program. Outcome: approved, vote 7-0. - Motions: Authorize contracting for junk/vehicle removal at three addresses (506 Sixth Ave SW; 408 Second St SE; 406 Second St SE). Outcome: approved, voice votes.

These votes were routine approvals and project-level decisions; the council did not adopt new ordinances or change existing tax rates at the meeting. Staff will implement the approved contract extension and coordinate the temporary downtown traffic changes while longer-term street and crossing work is scheduled.