The Austin City Council is getting ready to review ordinances.

Council members outlined several ordinances they wanted to review over the next few months to city staff during their work session Monday night. Among the issues discussed were a pool ordinance, a sign ordinance for signs not facing the right-of-way and free standing billboards such as sandwich signs, weed and grass mowing ordinances, garbage pick-up policies for alleyways, and a rental property ordinance.

The council has discussed a rental property ordinance for the past several months in response to a growing outcry by Austin residents over dilapidated housing and poor landlord maintenance. The council previously looked into a landlord registration ordinance in 2011, but council members ultimately voted against enacting the new policy. Community Development Director Craig Hoium said he still had much of the same materials from the last rental ordinance discussion.

In other news, the council:

—Approved increasing its social media output. Council members heard from and approved ideas by City Clerk Ann Dunlap to increase the city’s communications with residents.

In addition, the council met with three residents during its informal Conversation with the Council meeting Monday. The residents discussed housing, flooding, and road construction issues with council members.

—Approved an amendment to city ordinance allowing a business to hold an off-sale as well as on-sale liquor license, as well as liquor caterer registration and event permits. The council changed policy in response to Hy-Vee of Austin’s upcoming $7- to $10-million expansion, which is set to begin early next year. Hy-Vee plans to build a new restaurant as well as expand its catering events.

The council also established a licensing fee for a catering license. There will be a $200 annual fee to cover city staff and police department costs.

—Approved an off-street parking appeal by the Austin Daily Herald. Herald representatives sought the appeal so Mower County can lease part of the Herald parking lot for Health and Human Services employee parking.

—Allowed the Planning and Zoning Department to remove junk and/or illegally stored vehicles at 1007 11th St. NW and 1003 21st Ave. SW.