Dear Neighbors,
As an environmentalist, I have worked to advance the City’s zero waste goals. In my first term, I piloted recycling in District 10 parks and then collaborated to expand recycling in parks across the City. I also am proud that Austin has now extended curbside compost services throughout the Austin Resource Recovery service area. More recently, I have worked with Austin Resource Recovery to make it easier for those living North of the river to safely dispose of hazardous waste.
Today, I am pleased to announce that, starting this month, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is piloting home pickup of household hazardous waste in District 10 and District 4. Household hazardous waste items can be flammable, corrosive, or toxic. Keeping them out of landfills keeps everyone safer and helps meet our zero waste goals. Beginning September 12th, you can schedule pickups for the following items:
Aerosol cans Automotive fluids and oil filters Batteries (car and household) Cleaning products Cooking oil and grease Fluorescent light bulbs Mercury (thermometers, etc.) Paint and paint thinners Pesticides and herbicides Pool chemicals Propane cylinders
This service is available to every District 10 household in the Austin Resource Recovery service area, including multifamily units who do not normally use ARR but pay the clean community fee (visible on your Austin Energy bill). You can schedule up to three pickups per household per calendar year.
Starting next week, you can schedule a pickup here or via the Austin Recycles App (free on Apple or Google Play). You will receive a confirmation email with instructions for curbside placement. When possible, use a cardboard box or recyclable container, which will be collected and not returned.
Those outside of Districts 10 and 4 who want to dispose of household hazardous waste can schedule a drop off at the Austin Recycle and Reuse Center. For more information about the program, contact Austin 3-1-1 or email arr.customerservice@austinrecycles.com. If you have other items you’re not sure how to recycle, Austin Resource Recovery’s “What do I do with…” web page is a useful tool. I also recommend using Austin Resource Recovery’s my schedule tool for pickup alerts.
In the remainder of this letter, you will find an update on City EMS contracts, information related to voter registration, details on upcoming community events, and more.
I wish you and your families a successful school year!
Regards, | | Mayor Pro Tem Council Member, District 10 | |
Mayor Pro Tem Alter in the Community Announcements Reminder: Register to Vote or Update Your Registration Workforce Training Scholarships Now Available September 18th is Austin Museum Day Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 20th Senior Community Job Fair on Sept. 22nd Register Your Block Party for this Year’s National Night Out Download the My ATX Water App
Service and Public Input Opportunities | | | EMS Contracts Update On September 1st, the Council approved a one-year labor contract with Austin-Travis County EMS. When contract negotiations work well, they help us to uplift our employees and help the City to solve challenges that state law alone can’t. Importantly, this agreement addresses key staffing and recruitment issues. This agreement raises pay 4-11% for current medics and increases starting pay. It also allows the City to hire experienced paramedics directly into the rank of paramedic, where we currently have many vacancies. I believe this contract is an important next step as we work with the EMS Association to define a longer term contract that recognizes the critical contributions of our medics to the health and safety of our community and that invests in the world-class EMS service Austin deserves. For more details, you can review a summary and the actual agreement here. | | | | | | Grand Opening of Modernized Casis Elementary School It was my honor to celebrate the grand opening of the modernized Casis Elementary School! With funding from the 2017 voter-approved AISD bond and support from the Campus Architectural Team of Casis administrators, staff, and parents, Casis is now a state-of-the-art educational facility that reflects its connection to its neighborhood and surrounding natural environment. I was pleased to facilitate coordination with the City to keep this project moving forward and to integrate the City’s Safe Routes To Schools’ planning and investments together with the campus construction. | | | Texas Gun Sense Rally This week, 19 students and 2 teachers did not return for the first day of school in Uvalde CISD. Last month, I joined Texas Gun Sense and families from Uvalde, Santa Fe, and Sutherland Springs for a rally at the Texas Capitol to demand a statewide age increase for assault rifle sales. No child should be afraid to go to school. We need responsible gun legislation now. | | | | | | Reminder: Register to Vote or Update Your Registration Travis County residents who will be 18 by Election Day (Nov. 8th, 2022) can register to vote once they reach 17 years and 10 months of age. If your family has moved since the last election, or if anyone in your household is turning 18, register to vote or update your address at tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/voters. | | | Workforce Training Scholarships Now Available The City of Austin and Travis County are funding 1,000 scholarships through Workforce Solutions for training in health care, manufacturing, information technology and skilled trades. People who are older and want to switch jobs, or people right out of high school, are able to apply. | | | September 18th is Austin Museum Day! Dozens of Austin-area museums are offering free admission on the 18th, as well as hosting activities and contests. Learn more here. | | | Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 20th The City of Austin is hosting a pilot Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair on Tuesday, September 20th from 3-7 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center (8401 Cameron Road). At this free, family-friendly event, attendees will learn how government, non-governmental organizations, neighborhoods, and individual families can work together during a disaster. Participants will receive guidance to create a family emergency plan and supplies to help build an emergency supply kit. Learn more at readycentraltexas.org. | | | Senior Community Job Fair on Sept. 22nd The City of Austin is holding a Senior Job Fair to promote multi-generational workplaces and connect employers to experienced job seekers. Attend the fair from 11-2 on Thursday, September 22nd at Workforce Solutions Capital Area, 9001 N. IH 35, Ste 110A. Register at austintexas.gov/jobfairs. Make sure to bring your resume and dress for success! | | | Register Your Block Party for this Year’s National Night Out National Night Out is an annual event for neighbors to get to know each other and learn about local emergency service agencies. Texas celebrates National Night Out (NNO) on the 1st Tuesday in October. As this year’s NNO coincides with the beginning of the Jewish High Holy day of Yom Kippur on October 4th, neighbors can celebrate and request visits from participating City agencies on either Monday, October 3rd or Tuesday, October 4th. Learn more about NNO or register your event to request visits from Austin Police, Austin/Travis EMS, Code Enforcement, and Austin Fire Department here. Make sure to note in the comment box whether your event will be held on October 3rd or 4th.
Please also let our office know if you and your neighbors are hosting events by emailing us at District10@austintexas.gov. The District 10 team will be out and about visiting as well! | | | Download the My ATX Water App Austin Water is currently rolling out a city-wide smart water meter program, replacing analog water meters with digital meters connected to a wireless network. Installations are ongoing throughout the city, and you can check your installation status and schedule using this map. With the digital meters, residents can view up-to-date water usage metrics, leak alerts, emergency alerts, and water conservation tips in the customer portal. Before your meter installation date, the My ATX Water portal will include monthly water use data. After your meter is installed, you will have access to near-real-time water use data. To access the new My ATX Water portal, grab your Austin Water account number now and sign up for free here. | | | | | | Help Select New Playground Equipment for Tarrytown Neighborhood Park Help Austin Parks and Recreation Department select equipment for the Tarrytown Neighborhood Park Playscape Replacement Project! Fill out this survey before September 12th to share your feedback on playscape improvements. Learn more about the project here. | | | Join Your Child’s PTA Not only do PTAs provide opportunities for engagement through programs and volunteering, they also serve as liaisons with the district, community and at the state level advocating on behalf of students and families. The larger your school’s PTA membership, the larger its voice. Check out your school’s website for all PTA information, and also make sure you’re signed up to receive your children’s school newsletters. | | | Share Your Feedback on the Rain to River Plan Where do you want to see projects & improvements to Austin’s natural spaces, creeks, lakes, & drainage infrastructure? Show Austin Watershed Protection Department in this survey and interactive map. Your input will help prioritize their work & guide decision-making to tackle urgent challenges. (The map has a translation button in the right corner for those who need to use it in another language.) |
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