The City of Austin will develop a plan to construct and operate more affordable housing units for people in need.

City council approved a resolution Thursday aimed at bridging the gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing.

"We need to do more to help move this population to self-sufficiency," city council member Sheryl Cole said. "So what we're actually doing today is making a commitment to create the housing for this population to live in, and actually provide to them the supportive services that will enable them to be more self-sufficient."

The city already has programs for affordable home ownership and rental. The new plan would allow the city to build more units.

Transportation bond proposal

Austin voters will likely see a $100 million bond package on this November's ballot.

A nine-member committee will develop a transportation bond proposal. The plan is expected to include roads, sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure and trails.

“What it would allow us to do is make progress on some of the needs we have in the community for our transportation infrastructure,” city council member Chris Riley said. “And that means dealing with our road network, our trails, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. A whole variety of transportation needs.”

There will be a public input period before the committee sends the plan back to council.

New bike racks

Bike racks and park trails were also on the consent agenda at Austin City Council Thursday.

Council accepted funding to place three artistic bike racks around town. The action is part of an Art in Public Places project.

Money from the Downtown Austin Alliance will pay for building, installing and maintaining the racks.

A panel of art experts chose three designs from 37 proposals.

Northern Walnut Creek Trail project

Council authorized a contract for the design, construction and inspection of the Northern Walnut Creek Trail project.

The trail's routes will connect pedestrians and cyclists with schools, neighborhoods and businesses.

The trail is expected to be completed by April of next year.

New Austin energy substation

City council also approved the use of six acres of the Morris Williams golf course for an Austin energy substation.

The course will get $1.5 million for improvements, as well as a new cart barn and club house.

Council approved another $1.5 million for the substation.

It will be built in the middle of what's currently the 14th hole on the course. The hole will be moved before construction starts. It is set to begin in early 2011.

Greenstar

Council members decided not to renegotiate Austin's contract with Greenstar. The company has been processing the city's recycling in San Antonio.

The current contract expires in September.

The city will still have the option under the current contract to initiate two six-month extensions.

City council hopes Austin will have its own single stream recycling center before the Greenstar contract expires.