The Austin City Council will be voting for the adoption and publication of a special vehicle ordinance at its next regular meeting.

The council originally planned to vote on the ordinance during the Sept. 17 meeting; however, the vote was delayed due to the addition of new language regarding equipment on the vehicles, as suggested by Austin Police Capt. David McKichan. Administrative Services Director Tom Dankert said that the proposed ordinance is required to be published 10 days prior to the hearing and therefore could not be passed at that meeting since the council was adding new language.

The council will also make a motion to appoint George Bass as an honorary council member during the meeting.

The honorary council position was created at the recommendation of the Austin Human Rights Commission as a means to “empower multicultural leadership.” Bass will be appointed to a three-month term, during which he will receive all correspondence directed to the council (except that which is deemed “privileged”) and will participate in discussions at council meetings.

The council will discuss the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan during the work session following the regular meeting. The Plan is for future public improvements from 2019-2023 and consists of requests analyzed by Dankert and City Administrator Craig Clark.

Requested expenditures for the 2019-2023 period total $122,974,300 and represent a variety of items, such as street construction and vehicle repair. The Capital Improvement Plan is submitted to the council for review and approval every year.

The council will also continue its discussion of the 2019 budget during the work session. The council voted to approve a 15.7 percent tax levy increase at its last meeting. Under Minnesota law, a tax levy has to be approved and submitted to the county and state no later than Sept. 30. The council may lower the tax levy, but may not increase it.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 1, in the Council Chambers, located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held immediately following the regular meeting in the conference room located across the hall.

To see the complete agenda, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/Council/City%20Council%20Agenda.pdf.