People whose pets are picked up and taken to Town Lake Animal Center will now have three business days to retrieve their animal before it is either put out for adoption or euthanized. The Austin City Council today clarifying the rule.

The council also adopted a ban on the retail sale of dogs and cats who were bred in puppy or kitten mills. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez says it is not a complete ban on the sale of animals.


Petland in South Austin closed last week in anticipation of the Austin Council passing the ordinance, which will now go into effect in 90 days.



The city of Austin has released the following on the Council's action as part of its consent agenda:

· Approved pre-construction phase services with Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Austin for the new Central Library on West Cesar Chavez Street along Shoal Creek near the Seaholm Power Plant. During the pre-construction phase, Hensel Phelps will work with the design team and City staff to ensure quality and cost containment controls are in place for future construction. The new facility will eventually house the collections currently in the John Henry Faulk Central Library. The new library will also host the programs and events currently at Faulk Central Library.

· Authorized the acquisition of structural rescue equipment for the Austin Fire Department. In the event of a fire or other emergency, this equipment will be used by AFD to structurally secure any building in danger of collapse. The gear is reusable and can be assembled on scene to ensure safe rescue operations.

· Authorized a contract to continue providing business development technical assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Services include technical assistance and one-on-one coaching about starting, developing and expanding a business. Since 2006, these services have allowed 5,700 hours of assistance to more than 3,800 customers, resulting in 53 business startups, 235 new jobs and almost $7 million in business loans awarded to customers.

· Authorized an agreement between the University of Texas School of Nursing and the Parks and Recreation Department for free health information presentations. Under the supervision of faculty, UT student nurses will provide health education classes to the public at the City’s Senior Activity Center. The free classes will cover topics such diabetes education, healthy eating habits, heart disease and fall prevention.

This list represents a selected portion of the Council’s consent agenda for July 29, 2010. The complete City Council agenda can be accessed on the City of Austin Web site at: http://www.cityofaustin.org/cityclerk/edims/council_meeting_info_center.htm