Councilman’s absences raise questions; will return for March 7 meeting

Austin City Council member David Hagen promised he will return for the March 7 meeting after his absence from a few recent meetings drew questions.

Council member David Hagen has missed the last two council meetings due to health issues, but his absences prompted questions from some constituents and fellow City Council members.

“It’s not fair to his constituents and not fair to the rest of us on the council,” Austin City Council member Michael Jordal said during last week’s work session.

Hagen says he’s missed the last two meetings due to health and personal reasons.

“I’m still in tune with Austin,” Hagen said. “I’m always aware of the community and I love our community.”

Currently in Florida to take care of the health issues, Hagen plans to attend the March 7 meeting, which is also the public hearing for the Fourth Drive Southwest project in Hagen’s district. Hagen is the 2nd Ward council member, and his district is where the primary construction project may take place this summer.

At the Feb. 16 meeting, the City Council fielded many concerns about a proposed $1.3 million project to widen Fourth Drive Southwest from 24 to 38 feet with 8-foot parking lanes and 11-foot driving lanes.

The City Council continued the public hearing on that project to March 7 after citizens voiced concerns about how the proposed road will affect their yards, trees and rural area with a widened road, curb and gutters and a bike trail.

Hagen’s original plans were to return on March 16, but he will make a special trip for the discussion of the project on March 7.

“I’ve lived in Austin for 65 years and been actively involved for 40 years,” Hagen said.