The Austin City Council Public Health Committee on Wednesday recommended India Gardner to the full City Council for appointment to the Sobering Center Board of Directors after interviewing applicants in executive session.

Chair Vanessa Fuentes said the committee went into closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters related to the selection of a member to the Sobering Center Board of Directors. After returning to open session, Council Member Alter moved to recommend India Gardner; the motion was seconded by Vice Chair Duchin. Fuentes asked if anyone opposed; no members voiced opposition and the recommendation was approved to be forwarded to the full council for consideration.

The committee’s vote follows a period of executive‑session interviews; the committee’s recommendation does not itself effect a final appointment, which requires action by the full City Council. The committee did not provide additional public details about other applicants or interview deliberations during the open session.

Separately, earlier in the meeting the committee approved its Sept. 3, 2025 meeting minutes by motion of Council Member Velasquez, seconded by Vice Chair Duchin, with no objections recorded.