LGB TQ QUA LITY OF LIFE A D VISORY COM M ISSION RECOM M END A TION 20 20 0 60 8 -2B D at e Su b jec t Ju n e 8, 20 20 In volvem en t of Cit y Board s an d Com m ission s in t h e Procu rem en t Process Rec om m en d at ion t o Cou n cil D irect t h e cit y m an ag er t o revise p olicies an d p roced u res relat ed t o t h e in volvem en t of Cit y Board s an d Com m ission s in t h e p rocu rem en t p rocess t o: 1. In crease t ran sp aren cy of t h e p rocu rem en t p rocess, esp ecially as it relat es t o t h e p rocu rem en t of services relat ed t o t h e ad visory resp on sib ilit y of Board s an d Com m ission s t o t h e Cit y Cou n cil; 2. En su re t h at Board s an d Com m ission s m em b ers are eq u ip p ed w it h all availab le in form at ion ab ou t t h e p rocu rem en t p rocess as w ell as b ack u p d ocu m en t at ion ab ou t t h e recom m en d ed ven d or p u t fort h b y select ion com m it t ees; an d 3. Fu lly u t ilize t h e su b ject m at t er exp ert ise of Board s an d Com m ission s m em b ers w h en p rocu rin g services for t h e Cit y t h at d irect ly relat e t o t h e b u sin ess of t h e resp ect ive Board or Com m ission . Rat ion ale Th e LGBTQ+ Qu alit y of Life Com m ission w as aw ard ed $20 0 ,0 0 0 t o p rocu re a st u …
LGB TQ QUA LITY OF LIFE A D VISORY COM M ISSION RECOM M END A TION 20 20 0 60 8 -2A D at e Su b jec t Ju n e 8, 20 20 Recom m en d at ion for Aw ard of RFP 4 4 0 0 JSB30 0 5 LGBTQIA+ Qu alit y of Life St u d y Rec om m en d at ion t o Cou n cil Th e com m ission [ap p roves t h e/d oes n ot ap p rove t h e/d eclin es t o m ak e a] recom m en d at ion for aw ard of RFP 4 4 0 0 JSB30 0 5 LGBTQIA+ Qu alit y of Life St u d y t o Healt h M an ag em en t Associat es, In c. Rat ion ale [To b e d et erm in ed d u rin g d iscu ssion on It em 2A] Vot e D at e of Ap p roval: Record of t h e vot e: Presen t : At t est : _____________________________________________ Kat h ryn Gon zales, Vice Ch air
Date LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISOR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200608-2B June 8, 2020 Involvement of City Boards and Commissions in the Procurement Process Subject Recommendation to Council Direct the city manager to revise policies and procedures related to the involvement of City Boards and Commissions in the procurement process to: 1. Increase transparency of the procurement process, especially as it relates to the procurement of services related to the advisory responsibility of Boards and Commissions to the City Council; 2. Ensure that Boards and Commissions members are equipped with all available information about the procurement process as well as backup documentation about the recommended vendor put forth by evaluation team; and 3. Fully utilize the subject matter expertise of Boards and Commissions members when procuring services for the City that directly relate to the business of the respective Board or Commission. Rationale The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission was awarded $200,000 to procure a study of the quality of life of the LGBTQIA+ community in Austin. Commissioner Taylor liaised between the Equity Office and the Commission to create a scope of work and statement of deliverables. These documents were used to post a request for proposal. Three proposals were submitted and reviewed by an evaluation team of five City employees who are all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Based on the scoring criteria, the evaluation team recommended Health Management Associates, Inc. be awarded the contract. When briefed about the recommended vendor, the Commission was only provided with three documents: Page 1 of 3 1. A cover letter from the Purchasing Office explaining that the evaluation team recommended that Health Management Associates, Inc. be awarded the contract. 2. A copy of the scoring matrix used by the evaluation team. 3. The City of Austin Purchasing Office Log of Offers Received. The Commission appreciates the evaluation team’s work and does not question their competency in assessing the submitted proposals and offering their recommendation for which vendor to contract with for our quality of life study. However, the inability of the Commission to review any documentation from the recommended vendor’s proposal leaves us poorly equipped to fulfill our duty to advise City Council in this matter and any future procurement matter. We understand that proposals often include proprietary and/or confidential information that cannot be made available to the public. Even still, it would be helpful for Commissions to see cover letters, executive summaries, resumes …
Date Subject LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISOR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200608-2C June 8, 2020 BLACK LIVES MATTER: Urgent Steps to Reforming the Austin Police Department, Protecting the Rights of Peaceful Protestors, and Demilitarizing Public Safety Recommendation to Council A. Commit to the Austin Justice Coalition’s Six Requests of Austin City Council 1. Demand the resignations of the failed public safety leadership: Chief Brian Manley, his Chief of Staff Troy Gay, and the civilian management lead Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano. 2. Direct the city manager to decrease the APD budget by $100 million in the fiscal year that starts on October 1, 2020. 3. Pledge to continue to significantly decrease the police department’s budget in subsequent years as Austin builds out robust and well-funded alternatives to policing. 4. Protect and expand current investments in non-police public health and safety strategies and direct assistance to those most in need due to the pandemic. 5. Pursue investments in community-led initiatives to prevent violence, instead of police. 6. Do everything in your power to compel APD and all law enforcement agencies to immediately cease enacting violence on community members and hold those that have engaged in violence accountable. B. Additional Recommendations 1. Declare police brutality and policing disparities a public health crisis in Austin. 2. Issue an unanimously co-sponsored proclamation that Black Lives Matter. 3. Direct the city manager to send 120-days notice of renegotiation of the Agreement Between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association per Article 21, Section 3. Require that the Austin Police Association appoint a negotiation team that reflects the racial, gender, and sexual orientation makeup of the Austin Police Department. Page 1 of 17 4. Direct the city manager to inventory and destroy all military equipment obtained by 5. the Austin Police Department through the 1033 Program. Immediately stop using the term “less lethal” to describe weapons and ammunition that have been proven to be lethal. Rubber bullets are still bullets. 6. Direct the city manager to create a Civil Rights Office to oversee all complaints about civil rights violations in Austin including, but not limited to, limits on free speech, free assembly, police brutality, housing discrimination, and employment discrimination. 7. Commit to the four actions of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance to introduce common- sense limits on police use of force: REVIEW your police use of force policies. ENGAGE your communities by including a diverse range …
Date Subject LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISOR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200608-2A June 8, 2020 Recommendation for Award of RFP 4400 JSB3005 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study Recommendation to Council The commission approves the recommendation for award of RFP 4400 JSB3005 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study to Health Management Associates, Inc. Rationale The Commission appreciates the evaluation team’s work and does not question their competency in assessing the submitted proposals and offering their recommendation to contract with Health Management Associates, Inc., for our LGBTQIA+ quality of life study. The Commission extends special thanks to Joshua Robinson, Quality of Life Commissions Liaison in the Equity Office, for his stewardship and counsel during this process. Page 1 of 2 Vote Date of Approval: June 8, 2020 Motioned By: Commissioner Gonzales Seconded By: Commissioner Dowling For: 1. Baeza 2. Chavez 3. Curry 4. Doughty 5. Dowling 6. Gonzalez 7. Hines 8. Kirby 9. Taylor 10. Wollerson Against: None Abstain: 1. Curette (For reasons explained in Recommendation 20200608-2B.) 2. Gonzales (For reasons explained in Recommendation 20200608-2B.) 3. Martinez (For reasons explained in Recommendation 20200608-2B.) Absent: None Attest: _____________________________________________ Kathryn Gonzales, Vice Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 8, 2020, via videoconference, in Austin, Texas. Chair Victor Martinez called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. Members in Attendance: Martinez, Baeza, Chavez, Curry, Curette, Doughty, Dowling, Gonzales, Gonzalez, Hines, Kirby, Taylor, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – No minutes were presented for approval. 2. NEW BUSINESS the a. Commissioners considered a recommendation to award the contract for a LGBTQ Quality of Life Study to Health Management Associates. Commissioner Gonzales motioned to approve recommendation and Commissioner Dowling provided a second. Commissioners Curry, Wollerson, Kirby, Doughty, Chavez, Hines, Baeza, Dowling, Gonzalez, and Taylor voted Yes. Commissioners Martinez, Gonzales, and Curette abstained. b. Commissioners considered a recommendation to improve the Boards and Commissions involvement in the procurement process. Commissioner Gonzales motioned to approve the recommendation and Commissioner Doughty provided a second. All commissioners present voted Yes. c. Commissioners considered a recommendation affirming Black Lives Matter and insisting upon reforms to the Austin Police Department. Commissioner Gonzales motioned to approve recommendation and Commissioner Doughty provided a second. Commissioners Curette, Chavez, Martinez, Kirby, Doughty, Gonzalez, Dowling, Wollerson, Curry, and Gonzales voted Yes. Commissioners Baeza and Hines abstained. the ADJOURNMENT – Chair Martinez adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m. without objection.
Regular Meeting of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Monday, May 11, 2020 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held May 11, 2020, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 10, 2020, by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 11, 2020, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2154 or neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov no later than noon, May 10, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov by noon, May 10, 2020. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020, 3:00 p.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette Sandra Chavez Victor Martinez (Chair) Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Terrance Hines Deirdre Doughty Saul Gonzalez District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Christina Gorczynski Tarik Daniels Charles Curry Kathryn Gonzales (Vice Chair) Melissa Taylor AGENDA 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NONE CALL TO ORDER 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Approval of a recommendation concerning the procurement of an LGBTQ Quality of Life Study. (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 11, 2020, via videoconference, in Austin, Texas. Chair Victor Martinez called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Members in Attendance: Martinez, Baeza, Curry, Daniels, Doughty, Dowling, Gonzales, Gonzalez, Gorczynski, Kirby, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – No minutes presented for approval. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Commissioners considered a recommendation related to the procurement of an LGBTQ Quality of Life Study. Joshua Robinson of the Equity Office, presented the recommendation of an evaluation committee to award the contract to Health Management Associates. Commissioners took no action on the recommendation. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Martinez adjourned the meeting at 3:59 p.m. without objection.
Special Meeting of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Wednesday, April 8, 2020 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held April 8, 2020, with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Tuesday, April 7, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 8, 2020, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2154 or neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 30 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 8, 2020, 3:00 p.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette Sandra Chavez Victor Martinez (Chair) Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Terrance Hines Deirdre Doughty Saul Gonzalez District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Christina Gorczynski Tarik Daniels Charles Curry Kathryn Gonzales (Vice Chair) Melissa Taylor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Consideration and adoption of recommendations related to the city’s 2020-2021 fiscal year budget. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200408-2A(1) Budget Recommendation to Develop LGBTQ-Focused Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized in their Strategic Direction the need to inclusively honor and preserve Austin’s unique and diverse history, culture and traditions, and WHEREAS, the adopted Strategic Direction also calls for a regular inventory and evaluation of cultural programming and facilities to identify gaps and opportunities for impacting equity and equality while implementing standardized process for collecting and analyzing demographic participation, and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ community has long advocated for the need for facilities and programs dedicated to the unique aspect of our community’s culture similar to those provided to the African American, Hispanic and Asian American communities, and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission community forum on the City’s 2020 Budget heard requests for more LGBTQ focused recreation and cultural programming, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends to the City Council that city departments develop LGBTQ focused programming using existing available resources and facilities as well as utilizing community organizations for support and volunteers, and that BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Council direct the City Manager to report back to Council on a plan for collecting and reporting on the demographic information on the implementation of such LGBTQ focused recreation and cultural programming prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year. Date of Approval: April 8, 2020 Record of the vote: Unanimous on an 11-0 vote. Present: Martinez, Gonzales, Baeza, Chavez, Curette, Curry, Dowling, Gonzalez, Hines, Taylor, Wollerson Attest: _____________________________________________ Kathryn Gonzales, Vice Chair Page 1 of 1
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200408-2A(2) Budget Recommendation to Utilize Community Organizations and Nonprofits to Achieve Strategic Direction Outcomes WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a plan for focusing resources on the most important priorities known as Austin Strategic Direction 2023, and WHEREAS, the Strategic Direction recognizes the need for a city government that works effectively and collaboratively for all of us and that is equitable, ethical and innovative, and WHEREAS, city staff has asked that City Commissions be cognizant of the limitations that recent state legislation places on the City’s financial resources and include in their recommendations opportunities for departments to increase efficiencies, improve effectiveness and attain more equitable service delivery, and WHEREAS, Austin has a wide variety of community organizations and nonprofits with objectives similar to those in the City’s Strategic Direction, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council direct staff to explore additional opportunities for utilizing community organizations and nonprofits in achieving the outcomes set forth in the Strategic Direction for the benefit of the community as a whole such as, • Coordinating with community nonprofits who can expand existing efforts while offsetting costs through donations and volunteers such as the job fairs provided by AustinUp; • Utilizing city staff to organize volunteers to provide new or expanded services such as peer mentoring in practical skills suggested by participants at the Commission on Seniors community forum; • Working with community organizations to achieve the mental health outcomes identified by participants in the African American Quality of Life community forum; • Working with community organization grant recipients to identify process changes that can maximize resources on service delivery while minimizing overhead as identified by participants in the Asian American Quality of Life community forum; • Assisting community organizations to fill identified gaps in service delivery such as the number of taxpayers who may not be taking advantage of the property tax exemptions authorized by City Council as identified in previous studies such as “Uprooted” and the “Right to Remain” report on the Montopolis Neighborhood; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the outcomes achieved through the efforts of these organizations and volunteers as well as by organizations with whom the City contracts for services to the community be included in reporting on the City’s progress toward reaching our Strategic Direction. Page 1 of 2 Date of …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200408-2A(3) Budget Recommendation to Implement a COVID-19 Cash Transfers Assistance Program WHEREAS, on March 6, 2020, Mayor Steve Adler declared a local state of disaster for the City due to concerns related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19); and WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, Mayor Steve Adler ordered the closure of restaurants and bars in the city, and limiting gatherings to 10 people; and WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020, Austin-Travis County announced a “shelter-in place” order to help slow the spread of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, the pandemic and subsequent enforceable safety measures have disproportionately affected hourly wage workers in the service, retail, hospitality, construction, and food and beverage industries, leading to lost jobs and lack of access to benefits; and WHEREAS, according to the US Census 2018 ACS 5-year Survey, over 153,000 Austinites live in poverty, and the number is expected to grow exponentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn; and WHEREAS, economists note that a large percentage of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, which means that not only do residents have to protect their families from a pandemic, they also have to worry about how they are going to pay rent/mortgage, feed their children and keep the lights on for the foreseeable future; and WHEREAS, a stimulus package given by the federal government will only benefit individuals with social security, which means that these proposals would exclude undocumented families, which are some of our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, unemployment benefits do not cover undocumented families, contractors or informal/formal small businesses that may not have unemployment insurance, which further marginalizes low income families that work in the construction industry, service industry, restaurants, hospitality, ride-sharing, housekeeping, and contract their services formally and informally; and WHEREAS, direct cash transfers can help fill in the gap, in addition to Austin Energy not disconnecting utility services, the no evictions order, food distribution, business resources, workforce services and healthcare services offered as a response to COVID-19; and WHEREAS, academics across the country and world have conducted countless studies that draw the same conclusion: cash transfers are cost-effective and have the strongest track record to reduce vulnerability, as well as demonstrating that people judiciously use the cash they receive to meet their needs, rather than spending it on non-essential items; and Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, research demonstrates that cash transfers protect people’s standards of living during …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Wednesday April 8, 2020, via videoconference, in Austin, Texas. Chair Victor Martinez called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Members in Attendance: Martinez, Baeza, Chavez, Curry, Currette, Dowling, Gonzales, Gonzalez, Hines, Taylor, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – There were no minutes presented for approval 2. NEW BUSINESS a. The commission considered a budget recommendation concerning the development of LGBTQ-focused programs. Commissioner Curry motioned for approval, and Commissioner Dowling offered a second. The commission approved the recommendation with all 11 present voting Yes. b. The commission considered a budget recommendation concerning the utilization of community organizations and non-profits to achieve strategic direction outcomes. Commissioner Curry motioned for approval, and Commissioner Chavez offered a second. The commission approved the recommendation with all 11 present voting Yes. c. The commission considered a budget recommendation concerning the implementation of a COVID-19 cash transfer assistance program. Commissioner Gonzales motioned for approval, and Commissioner Baeza offered a second. The commission approved the recommendation with all 11 present voting Yes. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Martinez adjourned the meeting at 3:36 p.m. without objection.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 6, 2020 7:00 p.m. City Hall, 301 West 2nd Street Council Chamber Austin, Texas 78701 District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette Sandra Chavez Victor Martinez (Chair) Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Terrance Hines Deirdre Doughty Saul Gonzalez District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large AGENDA Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Christina Gorczynski Tarik Daniels Charles Curry Kathryn Gonzales (Vice Chair) Melissa Taylor CALL TO ORDER following topics: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may take action or make recommendations on the a. Consideration and adoption of recommendations related to the city’s 2020-2021 fiscal year budget. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust at 512-974-2154 or email neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Neal Falgoust at (512) 974-2154.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 9, 2020 7:00 p.m. City Hall, 301 West 2nd Street Room 1027 (Executive Session Conference Room) Austin, Texas 78701 District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette Sandra Chavez Victor Martinez (Chair) Holly Kirby Ruben Baeza Terrance Hines Deirdre Doughty Saul Gonzalez CALL TO ORDER District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large AGENDA Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Christina Gorczynski Tarik Daniels Charles Curry Kathryn Gonzales (Vice Chair) Melissa Taylor PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10 AND JANUARY 11, 2020 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may take action or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Presentation by Austin Parks and Recreation Department concerning its FY2020-2021 budget. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Health & Environment) b. Consideration of budget recommendations for the 2020-2021 fiscal year budget. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: All) c. Update concerning an LGBTQ quality of life study (Sponsor: Taylor; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) d. Review status of previous commission-approved recommendations and determine whether any future actions are required. (Sponsor: Gonzales; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust at 512-974-2154 or email neal.falgoust@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Neal Falgoust at (512) 974-2154.
Whereas, the City of Austin has recognized in their Strategic Direction the need to inclusively honor and preserve Austin’s unique and diverse history, culture and traditions, and Whereas, the adopted Strategic Direction also calls for a regular inventory and evaluation of cultural programming and facilities to identify gaps and opportunities for impacting equity and equality while implementing standardized process for collecting and analyzing demographic participation, and Whereas, the LGBTQ community has long advocated for the need for facilities and programs dedicated to the unique aspect of our community’s culture similar to those provided to the African-American, Hispanic and Asian-America communities, and Whereas, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission community forum on the City’s 2020 Budget heard requests for more LGBTQ focused recreation and cultural programming, Now therefore, be it resolved that, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the City Council that city departments develop LGBTQ focused programming using existing available resources and facilities as well as utilizing community organizations for support and volunteers, and that Be it further resolved that the City Council direct the City Manager to report back to Council on a plan for collecting and reporting on the demographic information on the implementation of such LGBTQ focused recreation and cultural programming prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Whereas, the City Council has adopted a plan for focusing resources on the most important priorities known as Austin Strategic Direction 2023, and Whereas, the Strategic Direction recognizes the need for a city government that works effectively and collaboratively for all of us and that is equitable, ethical and innovative, and Whereas, city staff has asked that City Commissions be cognizant of the limitations that recent state legislation places on the City’s financial resources and include in their recommendations opportunities for departments to increase efficiencies, improve effectiveness and attain more equitable service delivery, and Whereas, Austin has a wide variety of community organizations and nonprofits with objectives similar to those in the City’s Strategic Direction, Now therefore be it resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the City Council direct staff to explore additional opportunities for utilizing community organizations and nonprofits in achieving the outcomes set forth in the Strategic Direction for the benefit of the community as a whole such as, • • • • • Coordinating with community nonprofits who can expand existing efforts while offsetting costs through donations and volunteers such as the job fairs provided by AustinUp; Utilizing city staff to organize volunteers to provide new or expanded services such as peer mentoring in practical skills suggested by participants at the Commission on Seniors community forum; Working with community organizations to achieve the mental health outcomes identified by participants in the African-American Quality of Life community forum; Working with community organization grant recipients to identify process changes that can maximize resources on service delivery while minimizing overhead as identified by participants in the Asian-American Quality of Life community forum, Assisting community organizations to fill identified gaps in service delivery such as the number of taxpayers who may not be taking advantage of the property tax exemptions authorized by City Council as identified in previous studies such as “Uprooted” and the “Right to Remain” report on the Montopolis Neighborhood, and, Be it further resolved that the outcomes achieved through the efforts of these organizations and volunteers as well as by organizations with whom the City contracts for services to the community be included in reporting on the City’s progress toward reaching our Strategic Direction.
