Since the issue came to the forefront nearly a year ago, discussion on wind turbine construction in Austin has been the subject of nine different city meetings, according to at least one city official’s count.

Make that 10, and soon, 11.

On Monday, City Council decided to hold off on taking a vote because one council member — the Third Ward’s John Martin — was absent, as was the mayor, which thrust councilwoman Janet Anderson into that role for the night.

City attorney David Hoversten said that because the ordinance being presented to council has been changed since they last saw it in February, it would need unanimous support to pass — making a full council table preferred.

The ordinance in question would permit turbines to be built throughout the city — including in residential areas — on a case-by-case basis, given certain height, noise and distance restrictions were met.

The proposed law most recently passed the city’s planning commission by a 5-2 vote last Tuesday. Council is slated to next take up the issue on May 3.

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