Item 58, Fence Code Safety Improvements

[Louisa Brinsmade]

On behalf of CM Pool:


Colleagues,

Item 50 on our agenda proposes to update our fence code requirements to prohibit spiked and barbed fencing, a change that will help prevent needless harm to children and wildlife that such fence design can provoke.

After a presentation at our Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals in mid-2021 by Julie Damian about her son’s tragic death, District 7 Commissioner AJ Juraska helped pass a resolution that recommended City Council work towards better, safer fence design.

Soon after, I brought this code amendment with my co-sponsors Council Members Alison Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, Natasha Harper-Madison, and Pio Renteria and it was approved on November 4, 2021: https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/ ... ?id=372252

I want to bring your attention to Julie’s cause, where you can learn more about her son Kade, and her efforts to keep all children safe: https://www.kadeskrusaders.org/

I thank her for her advocacy and for carrying these important changes to our Central Texas communities, and beyond.

For tomorrow, I am grateful to MPT Ellis for offering her motion to approve Staff Recommendation Version 2 with a few amendments that cover historic fences and ones of a certain height. This motion will be seconded by CM Alison Alter.

I ask that my colleagues support the motion and approve these safety improvements to our fence code.

My thanks to MPT Ellis and CM Alison Alter for your assistance on this important item in my absence.


Leslie

[Paige Ellis]

CM Pool-

Thank you for providing this background. This is the amendment I plan to bring tomorrow on this item: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 225138.pdf

I look forward to the discussion tomorrow.

Paige Ellis