Glasgow Food & Climate Declaration A commitment by subnational governments to tackle the climate emergency through integrated food policies and a call on national governments to act This Declaration brings together all types and sizes of local authorities – from small and medium sized towns to mega-cities, districts and regions, territories, federal states and provinces – to speak with a unified voice in renewing their commitments to develop sustainable food policies, promote mechanisms for joined-up action and call on national governments to put food and farming at the heart of the global response to the climate emergency. 1. Concerned that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the fragility of our food systems, the vulnerabilities of large parts of urban and rural populations and the critical need for preparedness and resilience in the face of shocks; 2. Acknowledging that food systems currently account for 21-37%1 of total GHGs, and are at the heart of many of the world’s major challenges today including biodiversity loss, enduring hunger and malnutrition, and an escalating public health crisis; 3. Recognizing that unsustainable dynamics are locked in along the whole food chain, primarily stemming from industrial food and farming systems; 4. Recognizing that extreme inequalities are pervasive throughout the food system, and are disproportionately affecting communities including people living in poverty, people experiencing racism, people displaced due to climate change or conflict, people with precarious legal status, and many others; and furthermore that many of these same groups are exploited for their labour globally; 5. Convinced, therefore, that only a food systems approach targeting all the Sustainable Development Goals can identify effective intervention points to accelerate climate action while delivering many co-benefits, including the promotion of biodiversity, ecosystem regeneration and resilience, circularity, equity, access to healthy and sustainable diets for all, and the creation of resilient livelihoods for farm and food workers; 6. Recognizing the need to involve all food system stakeholders in decision-making for a sustainable and just transition – including food and farm workers, civil society groups, researchers, indigenous communities, women, and especially youth whose future are the most at risk from the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss; 7. Recalling that cities and regions are leading the way in pioneering integrated food policies and strategies at the local level to reduce their environmental footprint, drive positive food system change and ensure greater resilience to shocks; 1 IPCC (2019). Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate …
Accompanying Document to the Glasgow Food & Climate Declaration The Glasgow Declaration pledges to accelerate the development of integrated food policies as a key tool in the fight against climate change, commits local authorities to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from urban and regional food systems in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, and calls on national governments and international institutions to act. Why take a food system approach to climate? Today’s food systems account for 21-37% of total GHGs, are a primary cause of environmental degradation and significantly contribute to socio-economic and health inequalities. In turn, food systems are also being affected by the climate and nature crisis, which has already begun to affect the predictability of yields and food prices and the reliability of distribution, as well as food quality, food safety and food security for all. As such, sustainable food systems worldwide must be founded in access to healthy diets and nutrition for all, agroecology and regenerative agriculture, circular economy and the provisioning of just livelihoods. Achieving these systems and meeting current challenges requires taking a food systems approach that addresses the range and complexity of interactions within food systems. A food systems approach provides a crucial framework to identify, analyze and address synergies and tradeoffs between various climate change responses. It does so by considering the range of actors and interactions involved in producing, manufacturing, supplying, consuming and disposing of food, while also recognizing their profound interconnections with public health and the underlying socio- cultural, economic, biophysical and institutional factors that shape our food systems. A food system approach, therefore, considers that different problems in food systems are deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing. In the design and implementation of integrated policy frameworks, this approach recognizes food systems for their potential to generate positive impacts, playing an integral part in embedding health, prosperity and sustainability into everyday life and practice. Unless all food systems’ impacts are considered together, climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies associated with food production and consumption are likely to be inefficient. Why policy integration across levels & sectors? The multiple policies affecting food systems must be urgently reformed to address climate change, biodiversity loss, the rise of diet-related diseases, ensure food security and access for all and guarantee sustainable livelihoods for farm- and food-workers. To do so, actions must be aligned across policy areas and between different levels of …
Aust in Climat e Equit y Plan - St at us Updat e - January 28, 2020 Recent Act ivit ies ● Took in 53 pages of detailed comments ● Created a November internal draft ● More Revisions ● Finalizing a new draft final document in February ● Will transmit a summary of comments and the Draft Final Plan to Council in March ● Will be drafting a Request for Council Action to adopt the Plan Upcoming Schedule February 23 – Planning and Housing Council Committee March 11 – Mobility Council Committee March 23 – City Council Work Session March 25 – City Council Meeting Implement at ion – Long View (1) Account abilit y: ● Ongoing City Council feedback, attention, and engagement ● Continued activity and energy to center equity in implementation ● City Departments Accountable to the City Manager ● City Council Accountability to the Community Sust ained Communit y Engagement : ● Community engagement and inclusive participation ● Boards and Commissions engaged, supportive, and listened to ● Ongoing support and engagement from the Equity office ● Support and action from residents and individuals ● Leadership and participation by businesses Funding: ● Non-city funding and spending on implementation ● City Budget allocations for spending on implementation Implement at ion – Long View (2) ● Create a new Council Committee on Environmental Justice to provide leadership on these topics and to oversee implementation of and future updates to the Austin Climate Equity Plan ● Add the topic of environmental justice to an existing council committee ● Adopt an ordinance to update the bylaws for the Joint Sustainability Committee to add five additional members to the committee from the Austin community, appointed by City Council. ● Create a day-long convening of all the steering committee, advisory group members, and climate ambassadors and community for a celebration of plan adoption, and kickoff of implementation. Sponsored by Ofc Sustainability and Equity Office. Repeat this convening annually to report on progress and keep everyone engaged. ● An existing non-profit or coalition of non-profit partners with the City to raise money for implementation and / or keep up the pressure on City Council to implement the plan Implement at ion – Now ● Focus on the Strategies and Policy Changes that are already underway or connected with ongoing efforts ● Talk with Departments about what is proposed to be funded in the FY21-22 Budget …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES The Building and Standards Commission (BSC) convened remotely via video conference for a special called meeting on Thursday, January 28, 2021. The meeting was available for viewing live at http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Andrea Freiburger; Vice Chair Pablo Avila; Commissioners: John Green, Timothy Stostad, James Briceno, Sade Ogunbode, Elizabeth Mueller, Wordy Thompson, Edgar Farrera, Natalya Sheddan and Ex Officio Commissioner Chief Thomas Vocke. Date: January 28, 2021 Staff in Attendance: Melanie Alley, Code Review Analyst/BSC Coordinator; Robert Moore, Division Manager; Marlayna Wright, Supervisor; James Candelas, Program Specialist; Farah Presley, Inspector; Willis Adams, Code Inspector; Alicia Tovar, Acting Supervisor; Brandon Carr, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Chair Freiburger called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Aime Polivka of the 305 Flats tenant association and Gabby Garcia of BASTA appeared before the Commission to speak about conditions at 305 Flats, located at 305 W. 35th Street. Ms. Garcia read a written statement from tenant Sam Kirsch about the conditions at 305 Flats and provided her own testimony regarding the conditions at the property and the Repeat Offender Program. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Green moved to approve the minutes from the December 9, 2020 regular meeting, seconded by Commissioner Mueller. The December meeting minutes were approved on an 8-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Farrera abstaining. PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Case(s) Pending Commission Action: 2. CL 2020-017823 This case was continued from the December 9, 2020 meeting. The property was represented at the hearing by Henry Gilmore, attorney for the current owner, i.e., DRK 2411 Longview Austin LLC, and Kwan Sun, Manager of current owner group, as well as Jacob Frumkin, previous owner. Vice Chair Avila admitted Exhibits 7 and 8A-8E. 2411 Longview Street Hosebark, LLLP 1 Vice Chair Avila moved to close the public hearing. The recommended order was for repair within 45 days, with a penalty of $2,000 per week to begin to accrue on the 91st day if not in compliance. Commissioner Mueller made an alternative motion for demolition within 90 days, and on the 91st day, if compliance has not been met, to authorize the code official to proceed with demolition, and file a lien for all expenses incurred. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Green. The motion passed on an 8-0-1 vote. Commissioner Green was off dais and Chair Freiburger recused herself. Returning Case(s): Stanley G. …
Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING January 28, 2021 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a special meeting on January 28, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 9:07 am. Board Members in Attendance: Kaiba White Chair, Katie Coyne Vice-Chair, Melissa Rothrock, Karen Magid, Alberta Phillips, Nhat Ho, Rob Schneider, Kelly Davis, Holt Lackey, Karen Hadden Board Members Absent: Fisayo Fadelu, David Carroll City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Phoebe Romero CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. • None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) November 19, 2020 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Motion to approve (Commissioner Hadden), second (Commissioner Coyne),10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Approval of 2021 JSC Meeting Schedule (Discussion and/or possible action) • Commissioners voted to approve the schedule as proposed. • Motion to approve (Commissioner Ho) second (Commissioner Coyne) with no changes. 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. meeting. b) Resolution for consideration in support of COA State Legislative Agenda (Discussion and/or possible action) • Commissioners voted to approve based on presentation on this topic from a previous • Motion to approve (Commissioner Phillips), second (Commissioner Coyne) with no changes. 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. c) Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration Overview (Discussion and/or possible action) • Recommendation for cities to sign on to this food and climate declaration that is well- aligned with Austin Climate Equity Plan, and will also be going to the Austin-Travis County Food and Policy Board • Motion to approve (Commissioner White), second (Commissioner Phillips) with no changes. 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. d) Update from the Climate Program Manager – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or possible action) • Update on process and schedule including finalizing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and getting it on the council agenda • Key issues to think about are accountability, sustained community engagement, funding, and building a baseline for actions • Commissioners discuss the importance of funding, the current budget process and ensuring implementation • Commissioner Coyne makes motion to approve processes outlined by Zach Baumer in his presentation. Commissioner White proposes to have an assessment to hire additional staff to conduct community outreach in a manner to help advance and continue Community Climate Ambassadors …
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5:30pm Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission to be held January 26 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (January 25 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 26th Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at Amanda.Jasso@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9107 no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). • Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •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 Amanda.Jasso@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. Reunión del Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission FECHA de la reunion (Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5:30pm) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (January 25 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Amanda Jasso, 512-974-9107, Amanda.Jasso@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar). • …
Versión en español a continuación. Parks and Recreation Board Meeting January 26, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board to be held January 26, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (January 25, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 26, 2021 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). 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 made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time 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 sammi.curless@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. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live • Reunión del Parks and Recreation Board January 26, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (January 25, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-974-6716 or sammi.curless@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • Una vez que se haya realizado una solicitud para …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Friday, December 4, 2020 – 1:00pm MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board convened in a special meeting on Friday, December 4, 2020 via videoconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 1:04pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Dawn Lewis; Laura Cottam Sajbel; Richard DePalma; Anna DiCarlo; Sarah Faust; Francoise Luca; Kate Mason-Murphy; Fred Morgan; and Kimberly Taylor. Board Members Absent: Vice Chair Romteen Farasat and Nina Rinaldi. Board Member Mason-Murphy joined the meeting at approximately 1:09pm and Board Member Taylor jointed the meeting at approximately 2:24pm. Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley; Liana Kallivoka; Lucas Massie; Suzanne Piper; Anthony Segura; Davin Bjornass; Kevin Gomillion; Greg Montes; Patricia Rossett; Ricardo Soliz; Margaret Stenz; Glen Taffinder; John Wepryk and Sammi Curless. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No general citizen communication. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of October 27, 2020 were approved as corrected on Board Member DePalma motion, Board Member Cottam Sajbel second on an 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members Rinaldi and Taylor absent. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS Board Member Cottam Sajbel made a motion to recommend Items B2-B5; Board Member Morgan seconded the motion. The motion passed on an 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members Rinaldi and Taylor absent. Following discussion, Board Member DePalma made a motion to recommend Item B1; Board Member Morgan seconded the motion. The motion passed on an 8-0 with Vice Chair Farasat and Board Members Rinaldi and Taylor absent. CONSENT 1. Make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Director regarding support for a Parkland Improvement and Maintenance Agreement with Austin Travis County Vietnam Page 1 of 3 Memorial Association and others for the placement of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial adjacent to the Nash Hernandez Building at Holly Shores/Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach to recognize the men and women who honorably served from all of Travis County and in particular from East Austin. Public comment from Paul Ancira and Julio Trevino in support of item. 2. Make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Director to approve the Temporary Staging Area (9,920 sq. ft.), not to exceed 240 Calendar Days on parkland located at 2407 Canterbury Street (Metz Neighborhood Park). Total mitigation value is $54,441. 3. Make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Parks and Recreation Board Recommendation Number 20210126-B1: Support for City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its Residents; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, each year, the Texas Legislature increasingly attempts to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; and WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy equates to censorship of Residents’ voices and is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT: • The Parks and Recreation Board endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. • The Parks and Recreation Board believes the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. • The Parks and Recreation Board urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to …
87TH STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer TEXAS LEGISLATURE INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON CITIES Total Bills Introduced Total Bills Passed City-Related bills introduced City-Related bills passed Year 76th-1999 77th-2001 78th-2003 79th-2005 80th-2007 81st-2009 82nd-2011 83rd-2013 84th-2015 85th – 2017 5,813 5,612 5,633 5,512 6,241 7,464 5,938 5,950 6,476 6,800 1,622 1,601 1,384 1,389 1,481 1,459 1,379 1,437 1,329 1,208 1,230+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,500+ 1,500+ 1,900+ 1,900+ 2,500+ 86th – 2019 7,324 1,429 2,300+ 130+ 150+ 110+ 105+ 120+ 120+ 160+ 220+ 220+ 294 338 • 54 % more City- related bills were passed between 2015 and 2019 • 182 % more City – related bills were passed between 2009 and 2019 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: IGRO ROLE In the 86th session • 3,970 Bills/JR’s were filed in last 10 business days before filing deadline, March 8th. (54%). • 7,324 bills read and analyzed by IGRO. • Over 2,500 bills were determined by IGRO to affect cities. • 1,296 Bills/JR’s required analysis/action by departments and IGRO. 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 3 TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: GOVERNOR ABBOTT "As opposed to the state having to take multiple rifle- shot approaches at overriding local regulations, I think a broad-based law by the state of Texas that says across the board, the state is going to pre-empt local regulations, is a superior approach“ * – Governor Greg Abbott, March 21, 2017 *Source: “Abbott wants "broad-based law" that pre-empts local regulations” Texas Tribune, March 21, 2017 Governor Greg Abbott in 2017 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 4 TREND: ANTI-CITY LEGISLATION: POST 85TH SPECIAL SESSION "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats…And where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans, but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women. That's where you see liberal policies. That's where you see high taxes. That's where you see street crime." * -Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, 2017 *Source: “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames city governments for "all our problems in America" Texas Tribune, AUG. 4, 2017 10/22/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 5 Lt Governor Dan Patrick in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore. TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: POST 86TH SESSION “Any mayor, county judge that was dumb ass enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the …
RESOLUTION NO. 20200917-017 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: Council adopts the City's Legislative Program for the 87 th Texas Legislative Session as set forth in the attached Exhibit A. ADOPTED: September 17,2020 ATTEST:?1/ / J U Jannette S. Goodall City Clerk Page 1 of 1 Placeholder: City of Austin skyline CITY OF AUSTIN 2021 STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 87TH LEGISLATURE MAYOR & COUNCIL Message fronn the Mayor: The City of Austin looks forward to working with the 87th Legislature to best meet the needs and concerns of Austin residents. In this program you will find the City of Austin's 2021 State Legislative Agenda approved by our City Council. The result of an inclusive process, we believe that this agenda best represents the needs and concerns of Austin residents. It is our intent that this agenda guide our city staff, in coordination with our strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents. We look forward to working together on policies that make Texas, and Texas cities, greater. Mayor Steve Adler Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza, District 2 Natasha Harper-Madison, District 1 Sabino "Pio" Renteria, District 3 Greg Casar, District 4 Ann Kitchen, District 5 Jimmy Flannigan, District 6 Leslie Pool, District 7 Paige Ellis, District 8 Kathie Tovo, District 9 Alison Alter, District 10 City Manager Spencer Cronk PLACEHOLDER: COUNCIL PICTURE 11Page PLACEHOLDER: GRAPHIC ABOUT AUSTIN AUSTIN AT A GLANCE 21Pa<re2-1 PLACEHOLDER: TEXAS CAPITOL GENERAL LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES The City of Austin's 87th State Legislative Agenda reflects the City's priorities for efficient and cost-effective government services that foster Austin's prosperity, sustainability, and safety. The City of Austin supports legislation that enhances City services, reduces the cost of providing services, prioritizes a prosperous business climate, and improves the quality of life for its residents. The City of Austin opposes legislation that strips Austin residents of their right to self-governance, increases taxpayer costs for City services that residents rely on, undermines the principle of home rule, negatively affects the City's financial ability to act in the best interest of its residents, or imposes on Austin taxpayers the burden of paying for State mandates or collecting revenues for the State. To that end, the City has adopted certain legislative priorities and authorizes the City Manager and the City's professional Intergovernmental Relations team to protect interests critical to preserving the principle …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Appeal of the Parkland Dedication Requirements for 4802 S. Congress (SP-2019-0600C) Parks and Recreation Board January 2021 Scott Grantham Principal Planner Parks and Recreation Department 1 Overview • Consider an Appeal by an Applicant of Director’s Denial of Request to Pay Fee in Lieu • PARD is requiring land dedication. The developer prefers to pay fee in lieu. • PARD Recommendation to Parks and Recreation Board and Planning Commission: Support PARD's request for land dedication and deny the applicant’s request, to pay fee in lieu (of land dedication) for this site plan. • Code Context • Site Plan Context • Application of Code Criteria • Other Factors • Recommendation to Planning Commission 2 Code Context • City Code 25-1-605 (B) lists criteria for PARD’s requirement to dedicate parkland vs. pay fee in lieu. • City Code 25-1-605 (F) indicates that PARD’s decision may be appealed to the Land Use Commission, and that PARD shall first present the case to the Parks and Recreation Board for a recommendation. • Applicant has appealed the decision. 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 • Green outline roughly shows PARD’s requirement for Parkland, as a Fee Simple Dedication. • Blue outline roughly shows PARD’s requirement for a Public Access Easement 7 7 Application of Code Criteria City Code 25-1-605 (B) 1. 2. 3. has sufficient acreage to meet the standards for dedicated parkland is located within the Deficient Park Area Map; is adjacent to existing parkland; 4. under the Parkland Dedication Operating Procedures; is needed to address a critical need for parkland or to remedy a deficiency identified by the Deficient Park Area Map; or 5. would provide increased connectivity with existing or planned parks or recreational amenities. Based on these criteria, PARD must require land, and does not have the authority to accept fee in lieu. 8 8 Application of Code Criteria City Code 25-1-603 (A) Standards for Dedicated Parkland “…land to be dedicated must meet the requirements of this subsection.” (1) Parkland must be easily accessible to the public and open to public view so as to benefit area residents, enhance the visual character of the City, protect public safety, and minimize conflicts with adjacent land uses. (2) On-street and off-street connections between residential neighborhoods shall be provided, wherever possible, to provide reasonable access to parks and open space areas. 9 9 Application of Code Criteria …
Grantham, Scott From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Mike McHone <mchone1234@sbcglobal.net> Thursday, December 3, 2020 10:47 AM Grantham, Scott Scott, Randy; 'Mike McHone' 4802 S Congress; SP 2019-0600 C Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Mr. Grantham, This email shall serve as the required notification of the above project’s request for the payment of a “Fee-in-Lieu” payment as compliance with the Parkland Dedication requirement. This site is very irregular with most of the property located behind existing lots on Congress Ave. and adjacent to the existing Williamson Creek Greenbelt. This project’s frontage on Congress is limited and this is the only buildable area. LDC 25-1-603 (A) (1) & (2) requires public accessibility and public view; and on and off street connections between residential neighborhoods to be provided whenever possible to provide reasonable access. This project cannot meet these requirements and is therefore requesting the fee-in-lieu option as provided by the LDC. Best regards, Mike McHone, authorized agent CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Parks and Recreation Department 200 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 January 8, 2021 Michael McHone Authorized Agent mchone1234@sbcglobal.net Dear Mr. McHone: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is in receipt of your December 3, 2020 request to pay a fee in lieu of dedicating parkland in connection with the pending site plan for the property located at 4802 S. Congress Avenue (Wilder SP-2019-0600C) (the “Site Plan”) This letter serves as a denial of your request. City Code § 25-1-605 governs the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) determination of whether to allow payment in fee in lieu of the dedication of parkland. Specifically, (A) The director [of PARD] may require or allow a subdivision or site plan applicant to deposit with the City a fee in-lieu of parkland dedication under Section 25-1-605 (Dedication of Parkland) if: (1) the director determines that payment of a fee in-lieu of dedication is justified under the criteria in Subsection (B) of this section; and (2) the following additional requirements are met: (a) less than six acres is required to be dedicated under Section 25-1-602 (Dedication of Parkland); or (b) the land available for dedication does not comply with the standards for dedication under Section 25-1-603 (Standards for Dedicated Parkland). Because the land to be dedicated is less than six acres, the Site Plan satisfies the requirements of § 25-1-605(A). Therefore, the question is whether it also satisfies the requirements of § 25-1- 605(B): (B) In determining whether to require dedication of land under Section 25-1- 602 (Dedication of Parkland) or allow payment of a fee in-lieu of dedication under this section, the director shall consider whether the subdivision or site plan: (1) is located within the Deficient Park Area Map; The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Parks and Recreation Department 200 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (2) is adjacent to existing parkland; (3) has sufficient acreage to meet the standards for dedicated parkland under the Parkland Dedication Operating Procedures; (4) is needed to address a critical need for parkland or to remedy a deficiency identified by the Deficient Park Area Map; or (5) would provide increased connectivity with existing or planned parks or recreational amenities. With regard to the Site Plan, the answer to each of these criteria is “yes”: the Site Plan …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 ARTICLE 4. - APPROVAL OF A NAME FOR A PUBLIC FACILITY OR PROPERTY. § 14-1-31 - DEFINITIONS. In this article: (1) FACILITY includes a City building, structure, or other facility directly used by the public, excluding a police facility under Section 14-1-35 (Procedure for Naming a Police Facility ) and a park facility under Section 14-1-36 (Requirement for Naming or Renaming a Park Facility ). (2) DIRECTOR means the director of the Public Works Department. Source: 1992 Code Section 15-7-18; Ord. 031204-12; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20160324-021, Pt. 1, 4-4- 16 . § 14-1-32 - NAMING POLICY. (A) A feature in a facility may be dedicated to a person to recognize a valuable contribution to the community without naming or renaming the facility in which the feature is located. A plaque recognizing a deserving person may be placed in a facility without naming or renaming the facility in which the plaque is placed. (B) A facility may be named for an individual, living, or dead, or something other than an individual. A facility may be named for an individual only if the individual has provided creditable service to the community and to the City. (C) A facility named for an individual may not be renamed. (D) Naming or renaming a facility must follow the procedure set forth in this article. The renaming of a facility must be initiated by the council or the city manager. (E) If the city has financed the facility with the proceeds of obligations, the interest on which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, the city may reject a name to preserve the exemption from federal income taxation of the interest on the proceeds of the obligations. Source: 1992 Code Section 15-7-19; Ord. 031204-12; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20160324-021, Pt. 1, 4-4- 16 . § 14-1-33 - PROCEDURE FOR NAMING A FACILITY. (A) A person may submit a suggestion for naming a facility or endorse a previously submitted suggestion. A suggestion or endorsement must be submitted to the director as provided by this section. The director may promulgate forms for this purpose. (B) A suggestion for naming a facility must include: 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 …
Naming Timeline Step 1: PARD receives naming application, or construction on a new building begins. Step 2: PARD acknowledges application receipt and confirms whether the application package is complete or not (PARD must include fee and estimated cost of renaming with confirmation ). If application packet is complete, then… If application packet is incomplete, then… Step 3: Within five days, PARD informs PARB of the application and proposed name. Step 3: Applicant has 90 additional days to complete application or it expires. It can be resubmitted anytime and the timeline starts over at Step 1. Step 4: 90-day clock begins for PARD to complete community engagement and prepare presentation for Board approval. Step 5: Within 30 days of Step 4, PARD informs applicant of naming/renaming cost and establishes commitment for the payment from the applicant. Step 6: After the completed 90-day community engagement, PARD director receives naming nominations, endorsements, and comments. The PARD director has 30 days to review the application and make a recommendation to the PARB chair. Step 7: The Public Hearing is set within the next 90 days. Step 8: PARB hosts the Public Hearing. Step 9: Within 60 days from the Public Hearing PARB submits recommendation to approve or deny the application to Council.
Parks and Recreation Board Recommendation Recommendation Number: 20210126 B3: Recommended Changes to the Naming and Renaming Ordinance 20160324-021 WHEREAS, the current process and timeline for naming or renaming of a park or park facility has caused confusion among applicants and community members interested in providing feedback on a proposed name or name change; and WHEREAS, the current naming/renaming ordinance could greatly benefit in clarity of language, transparency, and process for both Parks and Recreation Department staff and Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the current naming and renaming process has not previously considered equal representation across the city by considering racial, ethnic, gender, and economic disparities in the naming or renaming of a park, park facility, or park feature; and WHEREAS, naming and renaming parks and park facilities after individuals has been a cost and staffing burden to the Parks and Recreation Department; and WHEREAS, parks and park facilities named after geographical or historical areas are long-term and can aid in directional knowledge of the city; and WHEREAS, the cost associated with renaming a park, park facility, or park feature should be recovered from the applicants to relieve that cost from the Parks and Recreation Department; and WHEREAS, community engagement during a proposed naming or renaming should be conducted to accommodate wide public participation and be easy for staff to facilitate. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board encourages the Austin City Council to incorporate the recommended changes to the Ordinance 20160324-021 in order to make the naming and renaming process more transparent, more efficient, more equitable, and less costly for the Parks and Recreation Department. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020 (Please note that this is to be completed by the Chair of the board, commission or committee.) Land, Facilities and Programs Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board The Land, Facilities and Programs Committee mission statement (per the City Code) is: to serve in an advisory capacity to the full board on issues of development and programs of the public parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities and the general welfare of the parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. 2020 Overview The Land, Facilities, and Program Committee of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board met a total of two times in 2020. The committee met in June, and November. January 2020 LFPC was cancelled due to lack of quorum. February 2020 LFPC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items March 2020 LFPC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. April 2020 LFCP was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. May 2020 LFPC was cancelled due to lack of quorum. June 2020 LFPC made a recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board for approval to recommend to the City Council for adoption of the Master Plan for John Trevino Jr. Metropolitan Park at Morrison Ranch. Action Taken: A motion to approve this item on the non-consent agenda and move it to full Board for review carried 4 members to approve with Committee Member Farasat absent. LFPC made a recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board for approval to recommend to the City Council regarding an amendment to the Goodnight Rach Planned Unit Development as it pertains to parkland Action Taken: A motion to approve this item on the non-consent agenda and move it to the full Board for review carried 4 members to approve with Committee Member Farasat absent. July 2020 No LFPC meeting traditionally scheduled during the month of July. August 2020 LFCP was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. September 2020 LFCP was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. October 2020 LFPC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. November 2020 LFPC made a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to support a Parkland Improvement and Maintenance Agreement with …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020 (Please note that this is to be completed by the Chair of the board, commission or committee.) Contracts and Concessions Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board The Contracts and Concessions Committee mission statement (per the City Code) is: to serve in an advisory capacity to the full board on issues related to contracts managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, not contracts managed by other departments that would ordinarily go to the City Council for approval because they exceed the dollar amount of the City Manager's authority, or are interlocal agreements. The Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the full board with respect to agreements covered by §8-1-62 of the City Code. The Committee may serve in an advisory capacity to the board's representative under §8-1-74 of the City Code with respect to boating concessions. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. 2020 Overview The Contracts and Concessions Committee (CCC) of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board met a total of five times in 2020. The committee met in January, June, August, September and November. January 2020 Discussion on Draft Scope of Work for Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Boating Concession on Lady Bird Lake. Committee members provided feedback on the draft scope of work as it relates to RFP response. Make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board to recommend to the City Council the execution of Amendment No 1. to the Parkland Improvement, Management and Operations Agreement for Republic Square Park between the City, Austin Parks Foundation, and the Downtown Austin Parks, LLC. Action Taken: A motion to approve moving this item forward to the full Parks and Recreation Board for action as a non-consent agenda item was passed on a Page 1 of 4 vote of 3-0 with Committee Members DePalma and DiCarlo absent. February 2020 CCC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. March 2020 CCC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. April 2020 CCC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. May 2020 CCC was cancelled due to lack of agenda items. June 2020 Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation …
