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Community Corner

🌱 City Manager's Job At Stake + Super Bowl Hangs + UT Leaving Big 12

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! Happy Super Bowl Sunday. If you're like me, you're not in it for the football – you're in it for the food! So cheers to great food, great football, and camaraderie with your community this evening. I'm back in your inbox with a fresh copy of the Austin Patch newsletter.

Settle in while we cover:

  • City Manager Spencer Cronk's job is on the line.
  • North Austin is getting a new park that will specialize in childhood development.
  • Do512 has compiled a list of the best Super Bowl parties in town – keep scrolling for the scoop.
  • Tips for how to manage oak wilt on your trees after Winter Storm Mara's wreckage.

But first, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 64 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) Three Austin city council members have confirmed that City Manager Spencer Cronk will be fired or asked to resign. An anonymous source shared this update with CBS Austin following a closed-door city council meeting on Thursday night. The meeting was held to discuss the future of Cronk's employment following what many viewed as a lackluster response to Winter Storm Mara. CBS Austin has more on this story here.

2) Winter Storm Mara damaged more of the city's threes than any other weather event in recent memory. Now, some trees face another threat that's potentially even more destructive: oak wilt. KUT reports that "oak wilt is a fungus that can weaken and kill all types of oak trees. It is often spread by sap-eating beetles, which are attracted to very fresh cuts on trees". Arborists are urging Austinites to postpone unnecessary tree trimming until July when the risk of oak wilt spread decreases. Head to KUT to learn more about managing the spread of this disease.

3) The University of Texas (UT) will leave the Big 12 following the 2023-24 school year. The Longhorns were contractually obligated to remain in the Big 12 until the end of the 2024-25 school year, but in exchange for the early exit, UT will be on the hook with the Big 12 for a large sum to offset the loss of future revenue. Check out the full scoop at The Austin American-Statesman.

4) I previously reported that the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association reached an agreement on a new four-year contract that required Austin City Council approval. During Thursday's meeting, Austin City Council voted to delay this vote and encouraged the city manager and city staff to pursue a one-year extension of the current contract while simultaneously considering the four-year option. Council Member Chito Vela accused City Manager Spencer Cronk of "sowing confusion" since members were scheduled to consider Vela's resolution regarding the contract extension just hours after Cronk's press conference announcing the new four-year agreement. KUT has more on what's at stake with this decision and Thursday's tense City Council meeting here.

Today in Austin:

  • (Kid-Friendly) Second Sundays at the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller. (10 a.m.)
  • (Kid-Friendly) Sunday Funday: Collaborative Canvas with Rejina Thomas at The Neill-Cochran House Museum. (11 a.m.)
  • Drag Brunch: Love is Love with The Beckies at TRACE Austin. (11 a.m.)
  • ZACH Theatre & Deaf Austin Theatre Present: Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella at ZACH Theatre. (2:30 p.m.)
  • Ballet Austin Presents: Sarah's Songs at Ballet Austin. (3 p.m.)
  • Love & Laugh: Comedy and Live Band Showcase at Speakeasy. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Filigree Theatre Presents: Fire In Dreamland at Factory On 5th. (8 p.m.)
  • Soul Sundays with Soul Man Sam & The SMS Band at The Skylark Lounge. (8 p.m.)

PS: Do512 has also put together a list of "The Best Superbowl Parties in Austin" – check it out!

Community Chatter:

  • 🍺 Donn's Depot lives on: "After more than 45 years, this West Austin saloon remains on track with a cast of colorful regulars and great live music." Check out this profile on one of my favorite local watering holes, Donn's Depot. (Austin Monthly via Facebook)
  • 🌮 On the hunt for the best birria tacos? "Adobo-stewed beef, fat-dipped tortillas, and steamy consomme for dippin' and sippin'" – mmm!! Eater Austin has curated a list of the best spots to get a plate of mouthwatering birria tacos. (Eater Austin)
  • 🛝 New park headed to North Austin: "The City of Austin Parks Department has chosen the Springwood Neighborhood Park as the site for a new play-for-all-abilities park—an inclusive space to play and develop skills for children of all abilities." (KXAN)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Patch newsletter? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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