| | Dear Neighbors,
The budget is an outline of our priorities as a city and a community. I would like to remind you of several upcoming opportunities for you to weigh in and share your funding preferences with my colleagues and me.
Last week, City Manager Spencer Cronk presented his budget proposal for the FY21 fiscal year to Council. The budget is 924 pages long, and as I review the proposal and its related documents, I encourage you to do the same. Public input sessions are scheduled for July 23 and 30th. If you would like to express your budget priorities or what you want to see in the budget going forward, you can register to speak at the July 23 Council meeting here. Speakers provide City Council with crucial input from residents about their priorities and ensure that the budget best reflects the priorities of our community. To speak on Thursday, you must register by noon, July 22.
Final budget deliberations are scheduled to begin on August 12, 2020.
Budget Survey
As your representative, I want to hear your perspective on the proposed budget and your ideas for amendments. Please fill out this form if you want to share your budget priorities with me and the D10 team.
Office Hours
The District 10 team will be holding scheduled office hours over the coming weeks:
Sign up to reserve a spot by clicking your preferred date and registering via Eventbrite. Each session is limited to 20 participants to allow time for discussion between all parties.
In this newsletter, you will find information about the July 20th Public Safety Committee meeting, two grant opportunities from CARES Act funding, public advisories regarding the West Nile Virus and toxic algae, and details about the Redbud Trail Bridge Project.
Take care,
Alison Alter Council Member, District 10 |
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| | Table of Contents - Public Safety Committee Recap
- West Nile Virus Found in West Austin Mosquito Pool
- Toxic Algae in Lady Bird Lake
- Childcare Center Grant Applications Now Open
- Small Business and Non-Profit Relief Grant Applications
- Redbud Trail Bridge Project Update
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| | | | | | West Nile Virus Found in West Austin Mosquito Pool
The year’s first positive pool of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus has been identified in the 78756 ZIP code.
While there have been no incidences of human infection of West Nile Virus in Travis County this year, symptoms of infection may include fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe illness, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, and paralysis.
Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, Austin Public Health's Rodent and Vector Control Program monitors the mosquito population and tests for mosquito-borne viruses.
The most important way to prevent West Nile Virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people work and play. Mosquitoes can only breed in standing water, but only need as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
Please follow the "Four D's" to protect yourself from bites. Read more here.
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| | | Toxic Algae in Lady Bird Lake
Toxins from a harmful algae bloom have been detected in algae at Festival Beach and Red Bud Isle. Lady Bird Lake experienced a harmful algae bloom in 2019, which sickened and killed several dogs. The City of Austin is again recommending that pet owners do not allow dogs to swim in or drink from Lady Bird Lake. At this time, the risk for humans currently low, though humans are advised to avoid stagnant areas of the lake and refrain from handling algae.
The City is monitoring data related to the algae bloom on a public dashboard which can be found here. Please spread the word to neighbors and friends, and visit austintexas.gov/algae to learn more about warning signs and types of algae. |
| | | Childcare Center Grant Applications Now Open
I was proud to lead on the creation of childcare center grants in May, and I am happy to share that the applications opened today. Thank you to United Way for Greater Austin for partnering with us to help with administration and applicant assistance.
Applicants may apply for grants up to $50,000 toward payroll, rent relief, operational costs, and other eligible COVID-19 related expenses.
Visit this web page for more information on how to apply, as well as to find information about a webinar occurring tomorrow morning (July 22) for applicants. |
| | | Small Business and Non-Profit Relief Grant Applications
This spring I worked with my council colleagues to provide dedicated financial support to local small businesses and non-profit organizations. I’m pleased to announce that City is now taking applications for these funds. Applications for these grants will be accepted until July 24, 2020 at 5 p.m.
The City of Austin Economic Development Department has implemented two grants to support and sustain local, small businesses as well as local non-profit organizations that are facing extreme hardships due to economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Austin Small Business Relief Grant is a $16.5 million fund that will provide grants up to $40,000 to local, small businesses in Austin city limits, including sole proprietors.
The Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant is a $6.35 million fund that will provide grants up to $20,000 to Austin non-profit organizations serving in specific areas of need.
The Better Business Bureau of Austin will collect, review, and score applications on behalf of the Economic Development Department. BBB will also provide consultation and case management services to grant applicants.
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| | | Redbud Trail Bridge Project
Preliminary work continues on the Redbud Trail Bridge project:
- All public comments were reviewed and addressed.
- The proposal for Final Design phase has been finalized and will be presented to the Water/Wastewater Commission on July 15, 2020.
- The Final Design phase proposal will be presented to City Council for authorization on July 30, 2020.
- An in-depth inspection of the bridge will be conducted by hired consultants in late July.
- Final Design phase for the new bridge is expected to begin in late Fall 2020.
The City will be conducting bridge maintenance repairs July 20 - Aug. 20. The repairs will be on one of the bridge abutments underneath the road on the north side of the bridge. All of the work will be conducted below the bridge on boats and by divers.
There will be a lane closure on the bridge 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in order to stage repair equipment. Learn more about the project on its website. |
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