Austin City Council to discuss rec center plans on Monday

After months of talks around Vision 2020’s proposed Community Recreation Center, the Austin City Council will finally have its chance to discuss the issue during its work session after the regularly scheduled council meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

The council will examine the proposed lease and conditional purchase agreements, which it would need to approve for the project to move forward.

The preferred site for the proposed $35 million rec center is the Austin Utilities plant site, but citizens raised concerns at two public forums last week. Some opposed to building the rec center at the plant site, while others voiced concerns about a contract between the YMCA and the city of Austin for operating costs at the facility.

Other business:

—The City Council will hold four public hearings for street improvement assessments and people should send in written objections.

—The council will discuss the purchase of a K-9 for the police department for Officer Derek Ellis because Lt. Matt Holten and his K-9 partner Sonic plan to retire soon.

—The City Council will discuss approving architectural services for a City Hall remodel project after Austin Utilities moves to its new facility near Todd Park.

The council is discussing parking restrictions on the south side of Third Avenue Southwest from Main Street to Fourth Street and on the west side of South Main Street from Second Avenue to Third Avenue.

—The council will discuss a wage adjustment for City Administrator Craig Clark.

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