First Day of Council

Any first day jitters from new City Council members Laura Morrison and Randi Shade have been well concealed through this jam-packed, yet not terribly momentous day at council. Throughout the day's items – a presentation on rail that largely reiterated what we've heard already, and Austin Energy's plans to to reduce and cap carbon dioxide, the two council members have remained steadfast and certain – albeit with different styles so far.

Morrison has asked questions on public improvements to Barton Springs, and during the rail presentation. She even notably abstained from a vote approving the minutes of the previous council meeting, as she wasn't on the dais then. Shade, however, has been taking it all in – outside of a discussion on a potential lime slurry quarry in Cedar Park, she hasn't really spoken so far – yet that may potentially change with the just started discussion on how to proceed with the 23rd Street Renaissance Market.