Extra Security, Extra Stress, New Rules at Council Meeting in Austin

The recent council meeting held in Austin was marked by more than just usual administrative and legislative discussions. Extra police presence, more security measures, and stress marked this gathering of the local municipality after new rulings were implemented.

Three Minute Orator Duration

Every speaker at the city council meeting is now allowed three minutes, compared to the earlier rule of two minutes, to present their viewpoints on every item they wish to discuss. This measure is a result of the temporary restraining order sanctioned on Wednesday by Travis County District Judge, Madeleine Connor. The three-minute rule had its bearings on the timing of the meeting, but overall, the session ran according to schedule.

Increased Police Presence

Attendees witnessed an unusual increase in the number of police officials, not just for security, but actively enforcing the rules of the meeting. No longer were they standing quietly in the background, but they played active roles in keeping the meeting’s patient flow, from managing water bottles to questioning photographers, and making sure no unruly behavior disrupted the council.

A city spokesperson issued a statement saying, “We do want to accommodate and you and those who express the desire to take photos of speakers or the dais, but we have to ensure that photographers aren’t causing disruptions to council proceedings…we also saw more officers at meetings due to an increase in number of protesters at City Hall.“

Matters of Court Order

Judge Madeleine Connor issued the ruling in the lawsuit filed by Save Our Springs Alliance and its executive director, Bill Bunch, against the city of Austin and council members. Bunch filed the lawsuit when Mayor Kirk Watson declined his request to speak for more than the allotted two minutes on multiple items during an earlier meeting on April 11.

Bunch accused Mayor Watson of violating the Austin City Charter and the Texas Open Meetings Act. Consequently, a hearing has been set on April 25, regarding the application of the plaintiffs for a temporary injunction. The city believes that they have adhered to the Texas Open Meetings Act and expressed its respect for the court’s ruling.

New Zoning District

Bunch lodged objections against the proposal of a contract with HDR Engineering Inc. for a feasibility study about the location of a new pump station and reservoir. Alongside this, he also opposed the consideration of an ordinance amendment to the Land Development Code to create a new zoning district near South Central Waterfront. As per the judge’s order, the city cannot proceed with the contract unless the item is reposted on an agenda, voted on after public input.

Bunch expressed the importance of the three-minute rule, reminiscing back to 1990 when protesters had gathered to speak against a building plan that threatened Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. According to him, the right to speak up changed the course of their city and launched the Save Our Springs movement.