San Antonio adjusts city code to curb pet abandonment
In an effort to lessen the amount of loose animals on city streets, the San Antonio City Council voted to institute fines for residents who abandon their pets during its Sept. 11 meeting.
The big picture: According to city documents, the ordinance amends Chapter 5 of the City Code, titled “Animals,” and creates a new section—Section 5-23—which adds penalties for individuals who are convicted of intentionally abandoning any animal within city limits that is under a person’s control or possession. The ordinance expands upon existing state law to cover all animals, instead of just specific types.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones argued that the process was rushed and needed more time.
District 7 council member Marina Alderete Gavito argued against Jones’ claim that the process was rushed, stating that the process began during Mayor Julian Castro’s term.
Also of note: Additionally, in an effort to better formalize the handling of the wild peafowl population in San Antonio, the ordinance also names San Antonio as a bird sanctuary.
Fatburger, Buffalo's Express open new joint location in North San Antonio
A fast food chain is continuing its expansion in San Antonio with a new location on the north side of the city.
What you need to know: Fatburger and its sister brand, Buffalo’s Express, have opened a new joint restaurant at 13480 San Pedro Ave., at the Country Side Plaza.
The new location opened on Sept. 4 and is the fourth in the San Antonio area, Sophia Smith, communications manager for FAT Brands, told Community Impact.
Zooming in: Los Angeles-based Fatburger is known for its California-style specialty burgers like the Kingburger and the 1000 Island Burger, according to the menu.
Buffalo’s Express has a selection of wing baskets with a variety of seasonings and sauces, along with rice bowls filled with customizable toppings.
While both eateries have standalone restaurants, there are several co-branded locations throughout the United States and three in the San Antonio metro, according to their store locator map.
Dog day care, adventure parks: new businesses coming soon to San Antonio
Discover the latest news on businesses expected to open soon across North San Antonio.
Alphabetz Montessori Focusing on Montessori-based education methods, the new learning and daycare center will teach using hands-on, mainly interactive activities
19336 Bulverde Road, San Antonio
Hounds Town This new dog boarding service will have overnight dog daycare, a pet taxi service, cat boarding and pet spa services, such as nail trimming, teeth brushing and bathing.
14415 Blanco Road, Ste. 103, San Antonio
Swish Dental The Austin-based dental practice will have services like restorative dentistry, crowns, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, veneers, dental implants and full mouth reconstruction.
20135 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio
NRG Adventure Park A new kids' indoor gymnasium with activities like an indoor playground, climbing walls, trampolines, a toddler area, a foam pit, a ropes course and an arcade is coming soon.
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
