ATX PULSE 9/12/24 (sponsored by No Scrubs): COA-APA Contract 'On Thin Ice' // Airport to Move Ahead with $865M Expansion // Allergies Worse Than Normal This Fall? // Armed Break in Confronted by APD // BillionToOne to Open 'Forever Lab' in Austin

In partnership with

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

** Become a paid subscriber for $5/mo, $50/yr, or $199 lifetime here — ATXpulsepremium.com.

PRESENTING SPONSOR #1: No Scrubs

NoScrubs laundry delivery is the affordable way to remove laundry from your life

Laundry is the most hated, time consuming chore. It never ends. That is until you use NoScrubs laundry delivery.

Laundry is picked up from your door, professionally washed and folded, and returned a few hours later. We guarantee the folding will be perfect and it’s almost as fast as doing it yourself.

We offer individual and family plans, as well as one-time pickups. Simply signup, select your pickup time, and a NoScrubs driver will pick up your clothes.

New users get 50% off their first month at noscrubs.io! (limited time)

Sign up now

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY: Want to sponsor ATX Pulse? We send ~132,000+ readers our daily email! Email James for rates and availability.

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE ***

» BECOME A PAID SUBSCRIBER: ATX Pulse soon will divide into paid subscribers (same email as this WITHOUT ads) and a free version (with only headlines and links).

Paid subscribers will SAVE TIME and be BETTER INFORMED.

» To ensure no interruptions to receiving your complete ATX Pulse email, please become a paid subscriber for $5/mo or $50/yr here now — ATXpulsepremium.com. A lifetime subscription is also available for a limited time for $199.

TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 94° / L: 70°. Hotter than usual. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

**YOU’RE INVITED: BIRTHDAY FOR AMY & MATT MACKOWIAK FRIDAY**

Got plans Friday? Break ‘em.

Trophy wife and speech pathologist to the stars Amy (Sowa) Mackowiak and her consistently underperforming husband Matt Mackowiak are hosting a joint birthday party at the fabulous CABANA CLUB from 5-8pm on Friday, Sept. 13.

Amy is AGELESS and Matt turns 45.

Please bring a canned good as we will make a collection for the Central Texas Food Bank. If you cannot attend or simply wish to give monetarily, we would appreciate you making a charitable contribution to CTFB here.

» Please RSVP here (so we have enough space!).

TOP NEWS

“‘On thin ice’: City of Austin, Police Association hit roadblock in contract negotiations,” KVUE’s Kelsey Sanchez — “After nearly a year and a half without a long-term contract, the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) are getting closer to finalizing a new deal. 

However, there are still hurdles in the way.

In late August, a Travis County Judge ruled to do away with the G-file, which are confidential files about alleged misconduct from police officers.

The mayor said he would not appeal the ruling, and the focus between the city and APA since has been on how to move forward.

The argument, according to APA President Michael Bullock, is over the language about the files.

The city and APA met on Tuesday to discuss those issues, but no decision was made. 

Bullock told KVUE through text message that they had hoped there was progress in reaching a tentative agreement, but negotiations are "on thin ice."

KVUE reached out to the City of Austin on where they stand with negotiations. A city spokesperson responded with the following statement:

“The City appreciates the continued good discussions that we are having with the Austin Police Association and believes we continue to make progress. However, until we have a tentative agreement, it would be premature for us to talk about the process, timing, or next steps."

In regard to the G-file, the following statement was issued:

“Staff is currently having the necessary discussions related to the court’s decision, issued late Friday, on the G-file. We are working through the decision’s impact - including immediate next steps such as consultation with Council – its effect on negotiations, and logistical and technical ramifications. We will provide more details as soon as possible.”

Bullock said APA is waiting for the city's next move.

There has not yet been a date set for another meeting to negotiate.” KVUE

“After pushback, city of Austin rolls out new termination policy for homeless shelters,” KXAN’s Grace Reader — “After feedback from people interacting with Austin’s homelessness response system, the city rolled out a new policy this month that lays out universal rules for when people will be removed from the city’s homeless shelters.

That new policy is mandatory at the city’s Marshalling Yard, Northbridge, Southbridge, ARCH and Eighth Street shelters. The city’s Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) also asked other non-city-run shelters within city limits to voluntarily comply.

“This is data that will help us better track why people are being terminated and exited from shelters, the rate at which people are being exited from shelters,” David Gray, Austin’s Homeless Strategy Officer, said.

The new policy includes the following “termination categories:”

• Multiple documented violations of program requirements, such as having drugs or alcohol, refusing mandatory searches and communicating in a verbally abusive manner

• Threat to health and safety, such as setting fires at the shelter, harming other clients or staff and sexual violence

• Bed abandonment: Shelter staff will call hospitals, jails, etc., but if a person is not located within 72 hours, their bed may be given to someone else

The policy also requires more formal documentation of a termination from a shelter and gives clients the ability to file a grievance directly with HSO.” KXAN

“Austin’s airport set to move ahead with $865 million terminal expansion,” KUT’s Nathan Bernier — “A centerpiece of the largest-ever expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is on a glide path to obtain final approval for design and construction. City Council will vote on the project this month as ABIA strains to handle far more passengers than it was designed to accommodate.

If approved, the 370,500-square-foot extension of the Barbara Jordan Terminal – an area about the size of three Costco stores – will push the terminal north through the Red Garage and establish a new front door to Austin’s airport.

The new structure, dubbed the “Arrivals and Departures Hall” (A/D Hall), will serve as the primary pickup and drop-off point for passengers. The building will house airline check-in counters, domestic baggage claim, and concessions like stores and cafes.

Construction on the $865 million project is expected to be mostly complete by December 2029, according to city solicitation documents.

One of the trickiest parts of the expansion involves rerouting Presidential Boulevard, the bustling multilane street in front of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. The new route will run by the A/D Hall and be widened to handle up to 43 million passengers per year, preparing for future growth beyond the planned capacity of 30 million.

As part of the reconfiguration of Presidential Boulevard, city staff are hoping to bring rideshare pickup back to the curb. Uber and Lyft users have for years complained about having to trek all the way to the rental car garage to catch their rides.

“People feel like it’s inconvenient to Austin, and when we’ve done an analysis of many other airports, we’re actually still quite close compared to airports our side,” airport planning officer Lyn Estabrook said. “But we understand the community is asking to resolve that situation, and so that’s why we’re looking to have a dedicated commercial area for all of that commercial traffic.”” KUT

“Expert says fall allergies in Central Texas may be worse than normal this year,” KVUE’s Jordan Darensbourg — “It's no secret that we have had elevated allergy levels this week in Central Texas.

A lot of it has to do with the heavy rain we experienced this past summer, with Camp Mabry already receiving around the average rainfall total for the year to date. The Austin airport is running more than 2.5 inches above its average at the same point.

Dr. Allen Lieberman, an allergy specialist at Austin Family Allergy & Asthma, said this could lead to heightened fall allergens, such as fall elm and ragweed.

"This year, I think the plants are looking healthier because we didn’t have that intense heat," Lieberman said. "We had a little bit more rain than last year.”

While Lieberman also said that rainfall before allergy season may play a role in allergen prevalence, he also mentioned that rainfall during the season can limit allergens as well.

“When you do get some moisture and precipitation during the season, it will give people a little bit of a reprieve for a while,” Lieberman said.

As for ways to help with heightened allergy counts, Lieberman said that you should make changes to your plans to account for them. He also mentioned being prepared if you already have outdoor plans, such as Texas football games.

“If the trends are going up and you’re very allergic, maybe do an indoor activity,” Lieberman said. "If you are going out to the UT football game ... plan ahead. Take allergy medications and maybe not stay the whole game.”

As for when to take medications, Lieberman suggested that they be taken consistently, not just when allergy symptoms are present. This is especially true for people with asthma.

"Medications work best when you use them day in and day out," Lieberman said. "If they're not on their asthma medication and the pollen count goes way up, they could have a significant asthma exacerbation."“ KVUE

“TV show ‘1923’ shuts down roadways in Austin for filming,” KXAN’s Julianna Russ — “Travelers in the West Campus area near the University of Texas may have noticed an influx of heavy traffic.

The traffic disruptions, which have occurred for the past two weeks, were caused in part by street closures near San Gabriel Street for the filming of “1923,” which was renewed for a second season in February 2023.

The Golden Globe-nominated show stars Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford and Brandon Sklenar, among others.

The popular “Yellowstone” prequel has been filming near the University of Texas campus, but drivers will soon get a reprieve.

According to a permit, the series will wrap filming in the area Saturday evening.”

The central Austin location is just one of many filming sites for “1923.”

While Austin was chosen as a base for the series’ filming as it traveled throughout Texas, in July, the series was also filmed on the streets of downtown Lockhart.

It was estimated the series would put nearly $52 million into the local economy, as well as create more than 350 jobs, according to the City of Austin.” KXAN

THE BLOTTER

“5 Austin police officers fire on armed suspect reportedly breaking into nail salon,” CBS Austin’s Betty Cross — “Austin police are investigating an officer-involved shooting at a North Austin nail salon.

Five police officers fired on a suspect who was reportedly armed and trying to break into Yadis Nails in the 1700 block of West Anderson Lane late Tuesday.

“It appeared he had a rock and a weapon in his waistband,” said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Multiple officers arrived at the North Austin strip mall around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

“Officers for 14 minutes attempted to de-escalate the situation, repeating and pleading with the subject to drop the weapon, which he did not do,” said Davis.

Austin’s new police chief said the suspect then pulled the revolver out of his waistband and was holding it when five officers opened fire.

“When you're looking at a scene like that, a gun is raised, all of those officers have different perspectives of what that threat is and so all officers fired,” said Davis.

Business owners along West Anderson Lane say the area is plagued with thefts and vandalism, but not shootings. The owner of a business near Yadis Nails talked to CBS Austin but she did not want us to use her last name or the name of her business. She said crime in the area has already scared off too many employees and customers.

“Break-ins are escalating and the police response is not very helpful when they do come,” said Kimberly.” CBS Austin

“Three injured in North Austin apartment fire,” CBS Austin’s Stephanie Becerra — “Three people are injured following a fire at a North Austin apartment complex.

The Austin Fire Department responded at around 9:14 p.m. to the Avalon Palm Apartment located at 9300 Northgate Boulevard near the intersection of Rundberg Lane.

Officials say an apartment was heavily involved and the fire was spreading to the roof and attic area.

Three residents were treated on scene for unknown injuries by Austin-Travis County EMS personnel.” CBS Austin

“Williamson County grand jury indicts suspects in deadly Juneteenth festival shooting,” CBS Austin’s Betty Cross — “A Williamson County grand jury indicted two suspects in the deadly Round Rock Juneteenth shooting that killed two people and injured 14 others on June 15th.

Ricky Thompson III was indicted for first-degree felony aggravated assault mass shooting. Thompson's case was reset to November 5.

Keshawn Dixon was indicted for two murder charges and 13 aggravated assault mass shooting charges and is set for court in early October.” CBS Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin considers replacing firefighter turnouts following nationwide movement,” KXAN’s Dylan McKim — “It is responsible for making your pots and pans non-stick. It’s used to make stain resistant fabrics and carpets, and can make clothes water repellent. That’s why PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in the turnouts that firefighters wear while on the job.

Bob Nicks, the president of the Austin Fire Association, explained it simply. “It repels chemicals, it repels water, it’s very heat resistant.”

Although it is an effective chemical in fighting fires, the substance, known as a “forever chemical” — because it never breaks down in your body or the environment — may actually be doing more harm than good.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said there is evidence that an increase in exposure to specific PFAS can lead to certain health effects. Those health effects include increases in cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, kidney and testicular cancers, and lower antibody response to some vaccines.

The International Association of Fire Fighters is demanding that all turnout gear be replaced with PFAS-free alternatives. Some states, like Massachusetts and Connecticut, and cities around the country have taken it upon themselves to ban the use of PFAS in their firefighters’ gear.

Austin could be added to the growing list on Thursday as the city council will vote on phasing out the use of PFAS in firefighting gear and foams. The current resolution up for a vote requires the city manager to replace all “PFAS-containing equipment” out of service in three years.

“We do everything we can to limit our exposure because we’re in a very hazardous job. PFAS is just another one of those chemicals. It’s one that we know we can do something about by removing it from our turnouts,” Nicks explained.” KXAN

2024

~ “Manor mayoral candidate arrested for harassment,” via Fox 7 Austin – “The talk of the town was this year's Manor mayoral candidate race due to candidate controversy. 

In a video recorded from August 19, 2024, you can hear the Manor mayoral candidate yelling expletives and shouting at the city manager, "You're a fake f***ing n*****." 

It happened in the Manor City Hall lobby, and it was one of Robert Battaile's many outbursts that have been caught on camera. In the surveillance video, mayoral candidate Battaile was speaking to the City Manager, Scott Moore.

"There's a certain line that shouldn't be crossed, and the line on that day was crossed and has been crossed," said Moore.

FOX 7 Austin News got an exclusive interview between both men in the video. 

"They kept and suppressed a person from being on the ballot," said Battaile. "Bobby Reece is a 22-year Army vet. He applied to be on a place on the ballot for Place Three. They denied him that election coercion. That's a felony." 

FOX 7 was told this sparked the confrontation between the mayoral candidate and the city manager shown in a video. 

"He brought in a candidate that wasn't really registered to run for council," said Moore. "We explained to him about 20 minutes, ‘Sir, you're not a registered Manor voter, so technically you can't really be on the on this year's ballot.’ So she gave him the voter's packet, and that's when it just went off."“ Fox 7 Austin

BUSINESS NEWS

~ “Life sciences unicorn set to open ‘forever' lab’ in Austin,” Austin Business Journal’s Sean Hemmersmeier – “A six-building campus to house life sciences companies is planned for Northeast Austin, a project that's expected to provide a major boost to the burgeoning business sector — and it's already filling up.

A groundbreaking for the campus at 3600 Breakthrough Loop near Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s facility in North Austin took place Sept. 11 with city and regional officials in attendance as well as representatives of California-based Tarlton Properties, which is building it.

BillionToOne, a molecular diagnostics company that develops DNA-based tests to detect health problems, will occupy the first building, which will total 220,000 square feet. That's roughly the size of two Walmarts. BillionToOne is expected to be able to occupy the building by the end of 2026, Tarlton Properties CEO John Tarlton said.

BillionToOne achieved "unicorn" status in June when it raised $130 million in a series D round and clocked a valuation above $1 billion. The milestone came roughly eight years after it was founded in 2016. Both Tarlton Properties and BillionToOne are based in Menlo Park, California.

In total, the six-building campus should bring around 1 million square feet of life sciences space to the Austin market, Tarlton said.

It’s not clear when construction of the other five buildings will start. Tarlton said information won't be released until the buildings are approved for construction. Overall, however, he said Tarlton Properties — which has developed a variety of life science facilities in California's Bay Area — is bullish on the Austin market because of its quality of life and large number of universities in Central Texas.

“We expect that with the expansion of Dell Medical School that (the University of Texas) is going to be on a trajectory to also be one of the premier generators of life science intellectual property in the world,” Tarlton said. “And so we want to be there.” …

Ed Latson, CEO of Opportunity Austin, said the planned life science campus will help the region grow its economy in a cutting-edge sector.

“This move not only strengthens our position as a burgeoning life sciences hub but also showcases Austin’s unique technology foundation that continues to attract world-class companies,” Latson said in a statement.” ABJ ($)

OTHER NEWS

~ “Austin firefighters participate in annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb,” Fox 7 Austin’s Rudy Koski – “The ceremonies held on Wednesday were not just about remembering who was lost, but to honor three other things: dedication, courage and sacrifice.

A steady line of Austin firefighters worked their way up and down the Pleasant Valley Training Tower. Each step added up to 1,368 feet, which is the height of the World Trade Center. 

The annual climb in Austin was organized the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. 

AFD Lt. Jerry Cohen said it is considered the longest running memorial of its kind in the nation.

"We have firefighters that are participating in this that weren't even born on 9/11. We have a lot of them that were schoolchildren during 9/11. And then we have some guys like myself that were there as a firefighter during 9/11. So, now I think that's the biggest thing is to see we have a generational change, but in a good way that they're participating. And hopefully once I'm gone, they'll continue, and this memorial to never forget 9/11," said Lt. Cohen.” Fox 7 Austin

SPORTS

~ TEXAS VOLLEYBALL: “Setter Ella Swindle leads Texas volleyball to sweep of Houston,” Austin American-Statesman’s Thomas Davis — “The Texas volleyball team wasn’t about to let another two-set lead slip away.

Four days after Miami rallied to win three straight sets to steal a win on the Longhorns’ home court, No. 6 Texas took care of business, 3-0, Wednesday against Houston at Gregory Gymnasium.

A return to the starting lineup by setter Ella Swindle coincided with one of the Longhorns’ most efficient attacks of the young season. Texas (3-2) fired 48 kills with just 11 hitting errors for a hitting percentage of .370, which was just a few points short of the .385 hitting percentage last week against Indiana. Swindle had a season-high 37 assists in the 25-19, 25-18, 25-20 win, which matched her career-high for a three-set match set last season in an NCAA Tournament match against SMU.” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ Central Market officially declared to have ‘largest charcuterie board in the world’ - KXAN Austin
~ Fraudulent texts are targeting TxTag customers, TxDOT say - KXAN Austin
~ College survey ranks UT Austin among worst for free speech - KXAN Austin
~ First look: Jet engine manufacturer's divisional HQ opens in Austin with more to come - ABJ
~ 7th positive West Nile Virus mosquito trap pool discovered in Hays County - Community Impact
~ Audit raises transparency questions for Central Health’s annual funding to Dell Medical School - Community Impact | News
~ City of Leander keeps property tax rate the same for FY 2025 budget - Community Impact
~ Council could decide ‘agent of change’ noise dispute issue, after nearly a decade of debate - Austin Monitor
~ College Station-based chicken restaurant to open San Marcos location - Community Impact
~ Bee Cave joins regional suit to lower gas rate changes - Community Impact | News
~ Georgetown ISD celebrates opening of Future Ready Learning Complex - Community Impact | News

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ ACL FEST: ”ACL Music Festival 2024’s Food Lineup Includes So Many Great Austin Tacos” Austin Eater

~ HOTELS: ”8 Austin Hotels Get Michelin Keys Awards“ Austin Eater

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Keane (20 Years of Hopes and Fears tour). ACL Live. Show 8pm. Tix $59.50 and up here.

** Amy and I will be at the show tonight. Say hello if you see me. Strongly encourage going to see Keane. Their live show is INCREDIBLE.

~ LIVE MUSIC: Crash Test Dummies with Carleton Stone. The 04 Center (2701 S. Lamar Blvd). Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tix $55 here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Executive Director: Alzheimer’s Association (Capital of Texas chapter). Salary: $135k-$145k. Info / apply here.