Bertron, Cara From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Sheila Lyon Sunday, September 27, 2020 10:25 AM Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Myers, Terri - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Featherston, Witt; Little, Kelly - BC; Bertron, Cara; Ted Barnhill FW: Item no. B.3 602 Highland Avenue (HR-2020-125268) 602 Highland SE Corner of House from Street Before Retaining Walls Added.pdf; 602 Highland Current SE Corner View.jpeg; 602 Highland Ave Street View.pdf; 602 Highland Current View.jpg *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** September 27, 2020 Dear HLC Commissioners, The OWANA Zoning Committee met with Becky Jeanes and Clarisa House 3 times to review the second story rear addition, also known as the Crow’s Nest, at 602 Highland Avenue. While the second review was an improvement, the OWANA Zoning Committee opposes the second story rear addition for the following reasons. 1. New additions should be compatible with the historic building by reflecting the scale and massing. (Smoot/Terrace Park design standard requirement) The historic homes in the Smoot/Terrace Park LHD are one or two story homes. Because the basement exemption was given at a little over 1% compliance Unit 1 at 602 Highland does not have to call the walkout basement which is largely open to the south and west the first floor. So in fairness the second story rear addition will really be a third story addition. Side Note: Since the basement exemption only complies at a little over 1%, the Zoning Committee found it important to take a close look. The walk out basement addition has been allowed 1345 SF which we are not questioning but it is 1007 SF more than the allowable FAR SF without the exemption. The second story rear Crow’s Nest addition will be another 338 SF over the allowable FAR limit and would be considered a third story addition without the basement exemption. 2. Design new additions that are subordinate to and do not overpower the historic building. (Smoot/Terrace Park design standard requirement) The two perspectives shown at the reviews attempt to indicate the addition will not overpower the original contributing home. Highland Avenue is sloping so the addition may stand out more at different perspectives. The rear addition as well as the spiral staircase will certainly be overpowering to the adjacent neighbor to the north. At …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: City of Austin <noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov> Saturday, September 26, 2020 3:28 PM Gaudette, Angela 2505 & 2507 Park View Drive This message is from Azim Hajjar. [ ] Hello Angela: I'm emailing to express my support for the 2505 and 2507 Park View Drive demolition permits. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do to record my "I am in favor" entry. Azim 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: City of Austin <noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov> Saturday, September 26, 2020 3:28 PM Gaudette, Angela 2505 & 2507 Park View Drive This message is from Azim Hajjar. [ ] Hello Angela: I'm emailing to express my support for the 2505 and 2507 Park View Drive demolition permits. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do to record my "I am in favor" entry. Azim 1
From: Sent: To: Subject: Bridges, Barbara S < Monday, September 28, 2020 11:43 AM PAZ Preservation Case number GF 20-119343 - 1113 W 22nd Half St on September 28, 2020 agenda > Gaudette, Angela Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** ATTN: Angela Gaudette I object. I would like to request a continuance until we can see the design plans. Barbara S. Bridges 1106 W. 22 ½ St. Austin, TX 78705 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 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: User Account < Monday, September 28, 2020 1:35 PM PAZ Preservation 1113 W. 22 1/2 Street, Case Number GF 20-119343 > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, Caswell Heights Neighborhood Association would like to request a continuance on the above case based upon the fact that we have only this afternoon at 1 PM received needed documentation regarding the above property. Additional time is required by the neighborhood to review the 44 plus pages to determine any impact this may have on the neighborhood. Thank you for your consideration. T. Damron, President Caswell Heights Neighborhood Association 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 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: William Hastings < Monday, September 28, 2020 1:07 PM PAZ Preservation Review Case Number GF 20 119343 GF20119343.pdf > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** See attached form. I object and am requesting a continuance as the applicant has not provided any designs for the potential redevelopment. Specifically, unknowns include the elevation, height and size of the main house or ADU, parking provisions and placement of proposed improvements. Sincerely, William D, Hastings 2303 Shoal Creek Blvd Austin, TX 78705 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 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: James Watson Monday, September 28, 2020 2:01 PM PAZ Preservation Park View Drive Demolition Permits Park View Drive Demolition Permits.pdf > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello Angela, My name is James Watson and I live at 2508 Park View Dr, Austin, TX 78757. I've attached below signed forms declaring my approval of two demolition permit requests for homes on my street. The homes are 2505 Park View Drive and 2507 Park View Drive. The only actual things of interest about the homes in our Air Condition Village neighborhood were the experimental AC units used in each home. None of those air conditioners exist any more as they have all been replaced by now. Other than those now non‐existing ACs, there is nothing architecturally interesting about any of the homes on our street that would merit them being historically worthy of preservation. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you need anything further from me in this regard. Thanks so much!! James Watson, REALTOR® Mobile/Text: 512.964.5151 To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft Office prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Texas law requires all license holders to give the following Information About Brokerage Services to prospective clients. 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
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: James Watson Monday, September 28, 2020 2:01 PM PAZ Preservation Park View Drive Demolition Permits Park View Drive Demolition Permits.pdf > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello Angela, My name is James Watson and I live at 2508 Park View Dr, Austin, TX 78757. I've attached below signed forms declaring my approval of two demolition permit requests for homes on my street. The homes are 2505 Park View Drive and 2507 Park View Drive. The only actual things of interest about the homes in our Air Condition Village neighborhood were the experimental AC units used in each home. None of those air conditioners exist any more as they have all been replaced by now. Other than those now non‐existing ACs, there is nothing architecturally interesting about any of the homes on our street that would merit them being historically worthy of preservation. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you need anything further from me in this regard. Thanks so much!! James Watson, REALTOR® Mobile/Text: 512.964.5151 To help protect y our priv acy , Microsoft Office prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Texas law requires all license holders to give the following Information About Brokerage Services to prospective clients. 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
1ST QUARTER COMMUNITY INITIATIVES SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 Welcome Available Funds Applicant Data Recommended Applications C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S FY 21 CI Available Funds ADA Awards - $8k = 4 $500 awards/Quarter CI Awards - $186,000 = 16 $3,000 awards/Quarter C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S $200,000 1st Quarter Applicants 10 applicants Total Requested - $31,350 C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S Q1 Applicant Districts # applicants District 1 District 3 District 4 District 7 District 9 3 2 1 2 2 C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S Q1 Applicant Disciplines # applicants Media Arts Multidisciplinary Music Public Art Visual Arts Theatre/Performance Art 2 1 1 1 1 4 C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S Q1 Demographics Race/Ethinicity Code # applicants LGBTQ & Disability Communities # applicants 99 – no single group 1 Asian Hispanic/LatinX Majority Minority White 1 3 1 2 None LGBTQ Both 3 6 1 C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S 8 of 10 apps recommended for funding 2 declined apps only offered online workshops, and no final public exhibition Awards 3 recommended = 1st time applicants 7 of the 8 recommended from underrepresented communities Q1 Recommended Applicants Organization Name/ Fiscal Sponsor Austin Foundation for Architecture Sponsored Project Award Amount $3,500 Universe Way - The Beginning: an Instagram-Based Storytelling Series Co-Lab Projects ICOSA COLLECTIVE LUIS ARMANDO ORDAZ The Museum of Human Achievement BSoM Artist Residency The Museum of Human Achievement Improv | On and Off the Stage New The Museum of Human Achievement Revive & Thrive The Museum of Human Achievement Ruido/Noise $3,000 $2,850 $3,200 $3,000 $3,500 $3,000 $3,000 FY 21 Funds Remaining $174,950 Remaining ADA Awards Remaining for CI Awards $6,800 (4.5 awards/Q) $168,150 (18.7 awards/Q) C IT Y O F A US T IN C ULT URA L A RT S
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number 20200928‐4.d: Recommendation to support the legislative agenda for the City of Austin 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 influence the policies of the City; 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, the Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Arts Commission OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT: The Arts Commission fully supports the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda. The Arts Commission urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively and competitively advocate on behalf of the City and the Austin residents it is proud to serve. The Arts Commission _ strongly supports the City of Austin’s engagement of and funding for a lobby team to assist the City in advocating for and protecting Austin’s vision and plan at the Texas Legislature. The Arts Commission endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17, 2020. Date of Approval: September 28, 2020 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9‐0 vote Commissioner kYmberly Keeton absent Attest: Anne‐Marie McKaskle‐Davis, Arts Commission Staff Liaison
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION BRIEFING ON HOUSING AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 DEPARTMENT RETAINS DIVISIONS AND PROGRAM AREAS Planning and Zoning Department Neighborhood Housing and Community Development • Urban Design • Long Range Planning • Small Area Plans • Imagine Austin • Demographics • Current Planning • Zoning Case Management • Annexation • Historic Preservation • Support Services • Real Estate & Development Services • Housing Development Assistance Services • Client Services • Federal Regulatory Administration • Policy Planning & Research • Communications Services Division • Support Services 2 BUDGET & FTE OVERVIEW FY 20‐21 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS FY 20‐21 FTE OVERVIEW $108.1M* Total HPD Budget Affordable Housing Bond Homelessness Services Tenant Stabilization Local / Federal Funds 120 Total HPD FTEs 16 Current Planning 25 Housing 56 Support Services 11 Urban Design Housing Trust Fund Transfer 12 Long Range Planning *Includes All Funds: General Fund University Neighborhood Overlay; Housing Trust Fund; Homestead Preservation District; Grants; GO Bonds 3 Housing and Planning Department October 1, 2020 Office of the Director • • • • • • • • • Human Resources Communications RCAs / RBAs / CAFs / CIURs / PIRs COVID 19 Response/Planning Boards / Commissions / Council Committee Support Business Process / IT Support & Data Consultation / Demography Records Management Facilities Management Timekeeping Zoning & Urban Design Inclusive Planning Displacement Prevention Finance & Administration Zoning Case Management Historic Preservation Urban Design Great Streets Annexations Inclusive Planning Imagine Austin Policy, Planning & Research Small Area Plans Land Development Code Displacement Prevention Programs & Outreach Community Preservation Tenant Stabilization Gentrification Mitigation Grant Administration Auditing Monitoring Accounting Budget Procurement & Contracting Services Federal Regulatory Administration The Operational Effective Date of the Housing and Planning Department is 10/1/2020 Program Delivery & Real Estate Services Program Design & Implementation Client Services & Construction Homelessness Services AHFC Partnership Management Real Estate Services AHFC Asset Management Housing Development Assistance QUESTIONS 5
ARTS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 – 3-4:30pm VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT ARTS COMMISSION BOARD MEMBERS: Jaime Castillo – Chair, Michelle Polgar – Vice Chair, Brett Barnes, Lulu Flores, Bears Rebecca Fonte, Felipe Garza, kYmberly Keeton, Amy Mok, Celina Zisman, Rick Van Dyke MINUTES Called to order at 3:02pm Commissioners Castillo, Barnes, Zisman, Flores, Fonte, Mok, Polgar, Garza, Van Dyke Present Commissioner Keeton Absent CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The speakers signed up prior to noon on Sunday, September 27 will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items posted on the agenda. Sally Jacques – Artistic Director, Blue Lapis Light – addressing people of color definitions, there should be an expansion of these categories. Commissioners Garza, Mok and Fonte arrived on the dais 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approve the minutes for the regular Arts Commission meeting on August 26, 2020 Motion to approve the minutes for the regular Arts Commission meeting on August 26, 2020 Moved: Polgar Seconded: Garza Passed on consent b. Approve the minutes for the Joint Arts and Music Commission meeting on September 11, 2020 Motion to approve the minutes for the Joint Arts and Music Commission meeting on September 11, 2020, with the addition of Commissioner Garza as present. Moved: Polgar Seconded: Garza Passed on consent 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Cultural Funding Review Process update – Jesus Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor b. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Update – Sylnovia Holt-Rabb c. Economic Development Organization d. Creative Space Bond e. Creative Space Assistance Program (CSAP) Update 4. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Action Items) a. Art In Public Places Motion to approve items 4.a.i, 4.a.ii, 4.a.iii, and 4.a.iv on consent Motioned: Polgar Seconded: Barnes Passed on consent i. Approve the Artwork Loan of “Blue Trees” art installation by Konstantin Dimopoulos, loaned by Pease Park Conservancy and located at Pease District Park Passed on consent ii. Approve the Final Design by artist Olaniyi Akindiyi for East 51st Streetscape Art in Public Places Project Passed on consent Art in Public Places Project Passed on consent iii. Approve the Final Design by artist Gigi Miller for the Ricky Guerrero Park iv. Approve the re-appointment of Sarah Carr to the Art in Public Places Panel Passed on consent v. Approve the revisions to the Art in Public Places Ordinance Guidelines Motion to postpone to the October meeting Motioned: Flores Seconded Barnes Vote: 9-0 …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Gaudette, Angela Friday, October 23, 2020 12:33 PM Gaudette, Angela FW: another backup doc for D1: 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Avenue THPCTax815RutherfordPl.pdf; THZC7PointsOnePageCommitteeFinal.docx From: Paula Kothmann Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 5:06 PM To: Gaudette, Angela <Angela.Gaudette@austintexas.gov> Cc: PAZ Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Paula Kothmann PaulaKothmann Properties Subject: Fwd: another backup doc for D1: 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Avenue *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ From: Paula Kothmann Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2020 at 11:59 AM Subject: another backup doc for D1: 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Avenue Attached please find the appraised value and the tax bill for 815 Rutherford Pl and 1204 Alta Vista. As you can see, the value for the big lot, almost 10,000 sf is the same as others that are much smaller. On Sun, Sep 27, 2020 at 9:44 AM Paula Kothmann wrote: I don't believe that my letter made it to the backup last time, so I've updated it for tomorrow's hearing: it's now item D1 for Sep 28, 2020 Dear Commissioners: I write in opposition to a proposed demolition of 815 Rutherford Place and 1204 Alta Vista Ave. I am a resident of Travis Heights and a new member of the Preservation Committee. I also serve on the Zoning Committee and I chair the Land Development Code Revision ad hoc Committee. In these roles I've researched many historical properties and discussed with residents their efforts to restore their vintage homes so that they may provide shelter for many decades to come. This Tudor revival-house multiple certainly captures the historic charm of the area. But I also think of it as a small footprint that is likely much more affordable than the many $1- 2M+ homes recently built in our neighborhood that only a handful of people can afford, thus diminishing the ecomonmic diversity that Travis Heights now enjoys. The tax credits associated with the preservation of vintage homes also helps homeowners afford to stay here. My neighbors were able to enlarge their own 1925 home substantially yet gain historic designation through thoughtful design (and enjoy a tax 1 exemption to boot, possibly keeping it affordable for them in retirement). This tax abatement would render the home much more affordable and the developer would benefit from a larger market of people who could qualify for …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Monday, September 28, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting—Held remotely COMMISSION MEMBERS: __x___ Terri Myers, Chair __x___ Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair __x___ Witt Featherston __x___ Mathew Jacob __x___ Kevin Koch __x___ Kelly Little __x___ Trey McWhorter ______ Alex Papavasiliou __x___ Emily Reed __x___ Blake Tollett ______ Beth Valenzuela CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 24, 2020 AGENDA MOTION: Approve item 1.A on the consent agenda by Heimsath, Koch seconds. Vote: 9-0 (Papavasiliiou and Valenzuela absent). 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. Update on city department merger of Housing and Planning Speaker: Rosie Truelove B. Update on achieving greater equity and access to HOT funding Speaker: Margie Reese, MJR Partners Consulting Group 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC ZONING, DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT ZONING, AND REQUESTS TO CONSIDER THE INITIATION OF A HISTORIC ZONING CASE 1. HDP-2020-0214 – 2502 Park View Drive – Discussion Proposal: Zone the property historic. Applicant: Historic Landmark Commission; owner: Barry Williamson City Staff: Steve Sadowsky, Historic Preservation Office, 974-6454 1 Staff Recommendation: Do not recommend historic zoning in light of the applicant’s sensitive plan to rehabilitate this house. Speaker in favor: Barry Williamson No speakers opposed. MOTION: Deny the application for demolition, approve the partial demolition request pending staff review, and withdraw the initiation of historic zoning on the property by Heimsath, McWhorter seconds. Heimsath withdraws his motion. MOTION: Postpone item A.1 to October 26, 2020 to give applicant opportunity to withdraw the demolition application by Tollett, McWhorter. Tollett withdraws his motion. MOTION: Accept applicant’s plan to rehabilitate the house, and reserve the right in the future to reconsider historic zoning by Myers, Tollett, Vote: 9-0. 2. HDP-2020-0231 – 2609 San Pedro Street – Discussion Proposal: Zone the property historic. Applicant: Historic Landmark Commission; owner: Cater Joseph City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Consider recommending historic zoning based on the building’s architecture and association with medical journalist Josephine Draper Daniel. Otherwise, encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, then relocation over demolition, then release the permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package, consisting of photographs of all elevations, a dimensioned sketch plan, and a narrative history, for archiving at the Austin History Center. No speakers in favor. Speaker opposed: Cater Joseph MOTION: Recommend historic zoning by Myers, Reed seconds. Vote: 0-9. 2 MOTION: Release …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee September 25, 2020 Joint Sustainability Committee to be held September 25, 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 (September 24, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 25, 2020 Joint Sustainability Committee Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at 415-694-3111 and zach.baumer@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (September 24, 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 zach.baumer@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 Comité Conjunto de Sostenibilidad septiembre 25, 2020 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 (septiembre 24, 2020 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: junta al 415-694-3111 o • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de zach.baumer@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión - septiembre la 24, 2020). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán un …
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission September 25, 2020 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission to be held September 25, 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 by Noon September 24. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 25, 2020 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Meeting, residents must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7676 or jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov no later than noon September 24. 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 jesse.rodriguez@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 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission FECHA de la reunion September 25, 2020 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 (September 24 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 512-974-7676 or jesse.rodriguez@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission John Speirs, Program Manager Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs September 25, 2020 DATE: SUBJECT: Recommendations for 2021 Grant for Technology Opportunities Program Background The City of Austin’s Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan, as adopted by Resolution No. 20141120- 074, includes every Austin resident having an opportunity to be fully engaged in digital society, accessing and using digital and communications technology. The Office of Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs (TARA) is the lead office for implementation of this plan. The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) is a grant administered by the Community Technology (CT) Division of TARA directed at improving the community's ability to fully participate in the digital society to achieve the goals of the Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan. Purpose and Process The purpose of this report is to review the significant changes coming to the 2021 cycle of the GTOPs. Each year, CT staff performs a review of the prior grant cycle in preparation for the next year of grants. For this year’s annual strategic planning and review process, feedback surveys were deployed to all GTOPs applicants and reviewers. In addition, staff observations and multiple touchpoints with the chair of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission (CTTC) were taken into account. From these data sources, recommendations were drafted. Subsequently, the draft recommendations were reviewed by a focus group and other key stakeholders, including non-profits involved in the GTOPs space, the City’s Equity Office, and the chair of the CTTC. The feedback from the focus group were incorporated into the final version of the recommendations, presented below. Analysis There are three categories of changes being proposed for the GTOPs 2021 cycle: 1) Adjustments to the application process to ensure a clearer and more direct relationship between the scoring criteria and the application and to better weight Focus Areas; 2) changes to the overall GTOPs structure to provide for efficiency, enhanced support for grantees, and to adjust the GTOPs schedule to accommodate the holiday months; and 3) eases the administrative burden of 1 reporting on contractors. Together, these three changes could greatly improve service delivery and core program capacity to local Austin nonprofit groups. Adjustments to the Application and Scoring Process Recommendation: Replace the current “Focus Area” system that guarantees funding based on category with a new system that gives bonus points to organizations that meet …
