At Your Doorstep, August 2004

At Your Doorstep Departments

Neighbor to Neighbor

City Manager presents Fiscal 2005 Proposed Budget

The City Manager predicted this would be the last of four consecutive years where the growth in obligated expenditures or cost drivers outpace predicted revenues. Those cost drivers include pay increases for public safety Civil Service employees, health insurance for all employees and additional operations costs as new facilities are opened.

The proposed $2 billion budget includes approximately $449 million for General Fund departments that manage services such as health, libraries, parks and public safety. The General Fund budget has been cut 25 percent since 2001.

The City Council will have public hearings on the budget at 6 p.m. August 5, 12, 26 and Sept. 2. Budget adoption will begin on Sept. 13.

The City Manager's proposal balances the budget at the effective tax rate - the rate that brings in the same amount of money in property taxes as it did last year. The rate is 50.65 cents per $100 property valuation, but will be reduced by the amount set by the newly- created Travis County Hospital District (estimated at 6.18 cents).

At the $50.65-cent effective tax rate, the owner of an average-priced Austin home (valued at $182,111) would find a slight increase of approximately $25 per year or about $2 per month. Only $21.95 will go to the City of Austin; the rest will go to the Hospital District.

The budget document entitled "Responsible People, Responsive Government" notes that City service levels are still reduced from what they were pre-Sept. 11, 2001, but does not propose closing any facilities. Approximately 37 positions (15 filled) are eliminated and all employees impacted were placed within the City.

"The Fiscal Year 2005 budget continued the approach of strategic cost reductions, implementation of operational efficiencies and changes in service delivery where it made sense," the City Manager said in her transmittal letter to the City Council.

"While you will find very lean operations throughout the organization, you will also note that we are well positioned to rebuild our programs and service levels as the economy rebounds," Futrell said.

Efficiency initiatives include establishing a One-Stop Shop for development review and permitting; consolidating City Code enforcement; and implementing a 24/7 Call Center.

Budget recommendations include:
• Continuation of a staffing ratio of two officers per 1,000 residents.
• Replacement of critical equipment for all public safety operations.
• An additional $300,000 for books and library materials. The book material budget was reduced by 32 percent last year. This funding partially restores these library resources.
• Maintaining funding levels for social services.
• "One-time funding" for repairs and improvements for parks facilities.
• Continuation of present hours of operation for Austin Public Library.
• Money for investment in roadway maintenance, transportation infrastructure and curb ramps/sidewalk construction.
• A 3.5 percent increase for non-Civil Service City employees ? the first pay increase since 2002.

The proposed budget includes some fee increases but none in electric or garbage rates. An 11.8 percent increase to fund water/wastewater improvements means approximately $5.16 more per month for the average residential customer.

A proposed 6.98 percent hike in the drainage fee for residential customers translates to 44 cents per month on average. The drainage fee funds flood and erosion control and water quality projects.

A copy of the proposed budget and other budget information is available at www.cityofaustin.org/budget.

For more information, contact Kristen Vassallo, Director of Communications and Public Information, (512) 974-2220.

City encourages participation in National Night Out

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
• Generate support and participation in anti-crime efforts.
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations.
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Get involved

• Get all of your neighbors to turn on their porch lights.
• Meet your neighbors by attending a block party or hosting a barbecue.

To learn more about National Night Out 2004, visit the Austin Police Department Web site, www.cityofaustin.org/police.

Solid Waste oversees many services

• Tall weeds or grass (over 12 inches).
• Accumulations of junk, brush, trash and debris.
• Stagnant water, including improperly stored tires, neglected swimming pools or poorly graded areas.
• Illegal dumping (but report illegal dumping "in progress" to the Austin Police Department's non-emergency number, 3-1-1).
• Improper storage of garbage carts.

To report a code violation, call (512) 494-9400 or send an email to www.cityofaustin.org/connect/email_swspio.htm with the address of the property you'd like to report.

Labor Day collection schedule

City street sweeping weekly operation

Street cleaners operate between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday in residential areas. They follow preset routes and avoid cleaning in an area on its regular garbage collection day. Leaves, other debris and inclement weather slow the cleaning process.

The street sweeping system is designed to clean the gutters and prevent automotive fluids and other contaminants from polluting Austin's creeks and drainage ways. Property owners are responsible for keeping their property free from litter as well as the street, sidewalk and alley adjacent to their property.

For the purposes of street cleaning, Austin is divided into four zones.

For more information, contact the Solid Waste Services customer service at (512) 494- 9400.

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Safe & Sane

APD unveils new traffic enforcement tools

The stealth car utilizes subdued markings and incorporates all enforcement equipment in the interior of the vehicle. This allows the unit to blend in with traffic and apprehend violators who are unaware of law enforcement presence. Officers working regular traffic enforcement duty and officers conducting traffic enforcement under overtime enforcement grants will utilize the stealth cars.

In addition, officers conducting DWI enforcement will use the stealth cars at night. Since the stealth car identifying markings are subdued, all officers will be in full APD uniform when a traffic violator is stopped. The new stealth cars will allow the department to increase enforcement efficiency. It is also believed that compliance with established traffic laws will increase as citizens are made aware of the program and realize that there may be a stealth vehicle on local roadways in their area.

The BAT mobile (breath, alcohol testing) intoxilyzer bus was acquired from Capital Metro and converted to contain a breath testing area and a report writing area to process impaired driving arrests.

The BAT mobile will provide officers the ability to administer the state certified intoxilyzer and write reports. This unit will be used in conjunction with large-scale DWI initiatives that will focus on specific areas of town.

The department will have additional personnel on-duty to conduct DWI enforcement during these initiatives. Additional officers on-duty and faster processing time will allow more officers to be on the streets - fighting crime and making arrests. The intoxilyzer bus will also serve as a reminder to Austin residents of the dangers of drinking and driving.

In 2002, APD Traffic Division personnel visited San Antonio to assess the stealth car program. APD personnel also traveled to Dallas and Atlanta to evaluate their intoxilyzer unit and look at design specifications in February 2003. The partnership was created with Capital Metro to acquire one of their buses to convert into an intoxilyzer bus. Capital Metro was supportive of this idea and allowed APD to fund not only the intoxilyzer bus, but also the stealth cars, using money from the inter-local agreement for traffic incident management between Capital Metro and the Austin Police Department.

For more information, contact the APD Public Information Office, (512)974-5017.

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Big Ideas

City seeks artwork for airport walkway enhancement

The artwork will be installed on the pedestrian bridge connecting the parking garage to the terminal's upper level. Interested artists should submit their qualifications by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004.

Those interested should review the City's Request for Qualifications (RFQ) regarding the project before making submissions. The RFQ includes details on project including the budget, artist eligibility and submission requirements. Visit the Art in the Airport Web site at www.cityofaustin.org/austinairport/abiaart.htm for more information. The RFQ also may be picked up at the AIPP Offices, 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 850, Austin TX.

The project goal is to make the bridge more aesthetically pleasing and enhance the experience of airport visitors. The bridge is outdoors, uncovered and exposed to elements year-round. Artwork media must be durable such as ceramic, stone, mosaic or metal. The work will be on the bridges' vertical wall. Artists must design, produce and install their work.

For more information contact Matt Coldwell, Aviation Department Art Coordinator, at (512) 530-7531.

City offers tips for leaking air ducts

Duct Diagnostic and Sealing

Diagnostic Testing

For $50 per air conditioning system, you will receive a diagnostic test of your home and a complete report that will tell you:

• If your ducts have significant leaks.
• If each room is receiving sufficient air flow and properly cooled air.
• If unsafe carbon monoxide is being drawn into your home.
• If your return air vents are taking in sufficient air.
• If your return air vents are drawing in unconditioned air, introducing allergens into your home.

Program Eligibility

• You must be an Austin Energy electric customer.
• The property owner must apply for the program.
• You must have an existing central air conditioner or heat pump.

If you have questions about Duct Diagnostic and Sealing, call (512) 974-7827 or e-mail: ductprogram@austinenergy.com.

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Environs

Tired of High Gas Prices?

The City of Austin Water Conservation has partnered with First Texas Honda to give away a new 2005 Honda Civic to one lucky water-saver!

Entering the drawing is easy! Participate in one of the following Water Conservation programs before Dec. 31, 2004. Once you've completed participation, the City of Austin will give you a registration form. Complete the form and drop it off at First Texas Honda, 1301 W. Koenig Lane, and you've got a chance to win!

You can only enter once for each program you complete ? participate in more programs to increase your chances of winning!

Visit www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/ for details and eligibility requirements for each program. Free WaterWise Seminars are open to the public. Dates will be posted on the Web site as they are scheduled.

Landscape 101 Class: Aug. 21

From analyzing your site to choosing great plants, you'll get the information you need to start creating the yard of your dreams. Visit www.cityofaustin.org/greengarden/ to learn more about green gardening.

Quick tips for a healthier lawn

Mow properly, taking no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade off with each mowing.

Test your soil periodically to determine which nutrients are lacking before you decide whether to fertilize.

Choose natural or certified organic fertilizers. Build a healthy turf to avoid the need for herbicides.

Visit www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/waterwaste.htm for more information.

Austin Energy makes monthly utility bill hassle-free

The Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment program allows for the automatic debit of your monthly utility bill from your bank account. There is no cost for participating in the program. You continue to receive a monthly bill for review. And most importantly, you save time and money.

Program Eligibility

Enroll in the Electronic Funds Transfer Program

City of Austin
Customer Care Contact Center - EFT Payment Program
P.O. Box 2267
Austin, TX 78783-2267
Fax: (512) 505-4027
Call (512) 494-9400 to request a form by mail.

Watch Out for Water Waste!

If you notice a water waste violation including excessive runoff or ponding, or commercial properties watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., call the anonymous Water Waste hotline at (512) 974-2199.

Please be ready to describe what you saw in detail. We are better able to respond to your call if you can provide the time, address, and exact location on the property where you saw the waste occuring.

What constitutes water waste? Visit www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/waterwaste.htm to read more about the City's water waste ordinance.

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Kid Stuff

Back-to-school tips help pedestrian safety

Children's behavior often reflects that of adults. Parents should set a positive example for their children and explain the reasons for their actions.

• Don't cross in the middle of the street. Go to the nearest intersection or crosswalk to cross the street. Motorists expect pedestrians at intersections.
• Stop. Look. Listen. Drivers don't always stop for you at a crosswalk or light. Look for cars and make sure it's safe before you cross the street.
• Explain in detail how to look in all directions when crossing the street. Children should look in every direction, left again and continue looking while crossing the street.
• Never cross the street quickly. See if any cars are coming and then walk across the street.
• See and be seen. Make sure the driver sees you.
• Cross with the crossing guards when possible at school crosswalks.
• Stay at least three feet away from the edge of the street.
• Walk your bike across the street in a crosswalk.
• Roller blades and skateboards are not allowed in crosswalks. Walk across the intersection and carry your skateboard or skates.
• Never walk along or play on railroad tracks. A train can not stop quickly.
• Parents also should take time to remind children not to talk to strangers or be lured by a driver that is asking questions. Children should report suspicious activities or strangers to a school authority or a crossing guard.

It takes just a few minutes to go over life-saving precautions that will help provide safe routes to and from school.

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Zone In

The following zoning cases are tentatively scheduled for the Sept. 2, 2004, Austin City Council Agenda.

C14-04-0102 - Eskew Place, Itd. (Marcus Whitfield), by Eskew Place, Itd. (Marcus Whitfield), 3512 S. Lamar Blvd. From SF-2 to CS. (West Bouldin Creek). City Staff Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

C14-04-0105 - Pennington Limited Partnership, by (Kay Baton), 8708 S. Congress Ave. From DR to CS. (Onion Creek). City Staff: Wendy Walsh, (512) 974-7719.

C14-04-0106 - City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (Sarah Campbell), by City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (Sarah Campbell), 12100 block of Metric Boulevard. From MF-2-CO, MF-2 to P. (Walnut Creek). City Staff: Glenn Rhoades, (512) 974- 2775.

C14-04-0107 - City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (Sarah Campbell), by City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (Sarah Campbell), 12100 block of N. MoPac Expressway Service Road, northbound. From RR, MF-2-CO, MF-2 to RR, MF-2. (Walnut Creek). City Staff: Glenn Rhoades, (512) 974-2775.