City Council Notebook

A few random musings:

– They really are sticking to their own 45-minute limit: On Item 81, the Big Box ordinance, 15 are signed in to speak, 123 signed in but not speaking; on Item 82, the Northcross discussion, 23 signed in to speak, 115 signed in but not speaking.

– Aside from its size and intensity, the noon protest was interesting for exposing some of the fault lines between the anti-Wal-Mart crowd and the Big Box ordinance's true believers. In passing the bullhorn around, some speakers had to be reminded that Big Box was up for passage tonight, and you could tell some Responsible Growth for Northcross members were a little confused to the whole thing. Council too, apparently – word was a late welter of amendments, some which would have gutted the ordinance's effectiveness, were being considered, but smart money has council just passing it on first and saving the rest for later.

– The Austin City Store is open for business today, a day early. No word on if Richard Suttle's infamous Austin Monopoly board game is up for sale. (Passed around City Hall as presents from his law firm, city legal said council had to return them.) Any readers with access to one, give it here. You can buy us off cheap!