Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Safety, Health and Environment April 10, 2020 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Capital Contract Office April 23, 2020 COA Strategic Direction: Client: Gareth Nicely, Bill Stauber, James King Agenda Item Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with CDM-Smith, Inc., for construction and post-construction phase engineering services for the North Austin Reservoir and Pump Station Improvements project in the amount of $3,618,097, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,318,097. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Amount and Source of Funding Purchasing Language: Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: Original Contract was awarded through a qualifications-based selection process. June 23, 2016 – Council approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. May 23, 2013 – Council approved a professional services agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. April 10, 2020 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 22.10% MBE and 33.22% WBE. Basic engineering services to support construction activities; Resident project representative services; Computer programming and Austin Water personnel training; Facility commissioning and startup including core Instrumentation & Control Originally constructed in 1913, the North Austin Reservoir at 5802 North Lamar Blvd. is one of the oldest water facilities in Austin’s water distribution system. Over the years, the existing 10 million-gallon (MG) reservoir, the on-site pump station, and the booster pump station located across Koenig Ln. have undergone several renovations, including construction and overhaul of the pumping facilities. However, the reservoir, pump station and booster pump station have exceeded their useful lives and require replacement. The construction contract to replace the North Austin Reservoir and Pump Station was awarded by City Council on March 12, 2020. This request is for authorization to negotiate construction phase professional services with the Consultant to support delivery of the construction contract. The requested engineering services include: • • • • system startup and testing; and • support future facility operations. There are no anticipated detours or lane closures along North Lamar Blvd. or Koenig Ln. during the project and all work will occur within the facility. However, construction vehicles will enter and exit the property regularly for the …
Recommendation for Water & Wastewater Commission Government That Works For All COA Strategic Direction: April 10, 2020 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Austin Water April 23, 2020 Client: Cole Huggins and Kevin Critendon SUBJECT Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with JCI Residential for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $450,650.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized water main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 4357 that will provide water service to a proposed multi-family development located at 12001 S. IH- 35. AMOUNT AND SOURCE OF FUNDING Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Capital Budget of the Austin Water Utility. Purchasing Language: N/A Prior Council Action: MBE/WBE: Boards and Commission Action: April 10, 2020 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. The 12001 S. IH-35 project consists of approximately 58 acres of land (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) Full-Purpose Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water, the Desired Development Zone, and the Onion Creek Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. JCI Residential (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 900 multi-family units. The Owner requested that the City provide water utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 4357. Austin Water will provide retail wastewater service to the Property. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Owner to oversize the water main in order to serve additional properties within the South water pressure zone consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized main. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of approximately 5,400 feet of 16-inch water main from the existing 36-inch water transmission main located north of the Property, south along the IH-35 frontage road to the existing 16-inch water main located south of the Property. The City will reimburse the Owner for an overall total amount not to exceed $450,650.00 for hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs include, but are not limited to, construction and materials. Soft costs include, but are not limited to, preliminary engineering reports, surveying, …
SITE Asian American Resource Center SURVEYS Total Number of Surveys Received PM #8196 (Learned Something) Number of participants who increased their knowledge and understanding of culture, history and art PM #8469 (Enjoyed the Program) Number of art and cultural program participants reporting an improved quality of life 501 497 478 99% 95% PM #8313 Visits to educational and cultural facilities 17671 TOTAL ATTENDANCE Total Daily Drop‐In Visitors PM #8315 Attendance at Free cultural special events sponsored by Museums and Cultural Centers (Taken from total Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) Total Number of Out of Town Visitors (Taken from total Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) Total Number of Out of Town Visitors (Taken from total Daily Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) 41 0% TOTAL NUMBER OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS Total number of programs and events held at Museums and Cultural Centers PM #8314 Total number of Free cultural special events sponsored by Museums and Cultural Centers Total number of Tourism Programs & Events sponsored by Museums and Cultural PM #8316 Hours of arts and cultural programming provided TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS PM #8465 Number of patron (participant) Injuries at museums and cultural centers Number of facility incidents at museums and cultural centers (Reported in TOTAL INCIDENTS & INJURIES Number of Creatives (Artists) Employeed (Free or Paid) Number of Volunteers TOTAL ARTISTS SERVED & VOLUNTEERS TOTAL PROGRAMS & ATTENDANCE BY CATEGORIES Total Programs 17250 421 1340 41 0 668 8 5 595.5 0 7 1093 751 Activity/Class Resource Center/ Computer Lab Use Performance Special Event Tour Senior Meals Exhibit Reception Rehearsal Rental Event City Business Community Use Collaborations CoSponsorships Total Attendance 3343 290 125 1258 4 3330 66 15 127 6610 672 1410 1272 2003 196 107 1 8 1 82 1 1 9 120 19 123 25 65 17250 19% 2% 1% 7% 0% 19% 0% 0% 1% 38% 4% 8%
Date: April 10, 2020 Subject: Support contract amendment with Meals on Wheels and More Motioned By: < >. Seconded By: < > Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission supports the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals for the Senior Program at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Description of Recommendation WHEREAS, the City Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides meals as part of their Senior Programs at many City Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Centers and Cultural Centers, and WHEREAS, PARD has contracted with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals to most Senior Programs, but not the Asian American Resource Center which provided culturally appropriate meals for Asian seniors through other vendors, and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels and More has agreed to provide vegetarian meals and other meals specifically designed to meet the needs of Asian Americans, and WHEREAS, the AARC Oversight Working Group reviewed and supported the planned changes, and WHEREAS, PARD and AARC staff briefed the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) in December 2019 about the plan to modify the food service portion of the AARC Senior Program; WHEREAS, the contract with Meals on Wheels and More must be amended to reflect the additional services at the Asian American Resource Center. NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION: Recreation Department to include services at the Asian American Resource Center. Vote Supports the amendment to the Meals on Wheels and More contract with the Parks and . . Attest
April 10, 2020 Date: Subject: Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission supports the CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project (“the project”). Description of Recommendation to Council The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Vote: Attest:
African American Resources Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 3, 2020 The African American Resources Advisory Commission convened in a meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in the Executive Session Room in City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:46 pm by President Horton African American Resources Advisory Commissioners: Present: Chair Daryl Horton, Clifford Gillard, Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Miriam Conner, Cherelle Vanbrakle, Rashida Wright, Volma Overton, III, and Elton Randel Absent: Aaliyah Noble, Greg Smith, Nelson Linder, Elaina Fowler, Tam Hawkins, Ellen Sweet, and AAUL Vacant City Staff in Attendance: Assistant City Manager Christopher Shorter, Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Deputy Director, Economic Development Department (EDD), Vicky Valdez Division Manager of Small Business, Joshua Robinson, Quality of Life Commission Liaison, Equity Office, Dusty McCormick, Economic and Business Development Liaison, and (EDD) Staff and Liaison Linda Hayes Citizen Communication: Michael Ward – discussion on AUTM which means The Austin Urban Technology Movement. It’s a non- profit organization that bridges the gap between the Black, Brown, and Latinx communities and the technology industry through job placement, career development, and networking opportunities. That is the mission statement for AUTM. He would like to put out a training that will assist people the tech system and connect with ages starting with K-12 and adults. With this information Chair Horton requested for Mr. Ward to present at the April Commission meeting so if Commissioners have questions about his organization. 1. Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes The minutes of the February 4, 2020 regular meeting were approved unanimously following a motion by Commissioner Gillard, seconded by Commissioner Vanbrakle. 2. Presentations: Chair Horton asked the Commissioners to adjust the agenda to move 2.d up first because Council Member Casar had another meeting to attend the Chair Horton made the motion Commissioner Gillard and Commissioner 2nd Chair call for the vote and it was amanous. Motion carried. d. Council Member Greg Casar District 4 – St. Johns Property Disposition Overview- Council Member Casar discuss with the commission about the plan bring back the minorities to St. John to fix the problem with the empty buildings of Home Depot and the Car Lot. The community want a market, a park and better bus service. Council Members provide a plan, a lay out what he sees that might work, his request was Commissioner to attend April 23rd council meeting and attend the March 9th community meeting. a. Jackie Nirenberg Project …
AARC Workgroup meeting for the AAQoL Tuesday, March 10, 12:00pm -1:00 pm In attendance: Vince Cobalis, Sona Shah, Laura Esparza, Kirk Yoshida, Debasree DasGupta. Discussion on the AARC Phase 11 Master plan with special emphasis on Bridge funding: Since the AAQoL commission as well as the Network of Asian American Organisation was reluctant to use bond money to fund the bridge, the commission is considering other options, The Watershed Protection Department has been approached and are willing to consider it, but needs a budget and also cannot work on the bridge as an independent project. The commission is considering making a budget request of 450 K to the council for this project. Kirk Yoshida to provide a resolution to be submitted to the Council. Budget: Requests to be considered for AARC needs so far: $450K for the Bridge connecting the center to the Rutherford Campus. $200K for partitions for main hall so it could be divided into smaller rooms $20K for lighting for the stage area $? for an Administrative staff Schiller Liao expressed the need to consult with an expert regarding the quality of the partitions and cost as well as rentability with the partitions in use. The Center also needs a new projector. The department to figure out the cost for hiring an administrative assistant. be cancelled. Senior Programs/ Events: There were some cancellations due to worry about COVID-19, Some events could be also The Meals on Wheels contract needed amendments. A letter of support to be created by the commission for the City Council. The Celebrasia event in May would not be inviting community booths but AAQoL could participate as an entity of the AARC. Transportation: The Center has made arrangements to use the PARD Senior transportation group instead of doing a separate transportation program and the approved position has been transferred. There have also been cancellations by some seniors due to COVID-19 concerns. Performance reports: (please see attached) 5. HR Report: (please see attached) Meeting was adjourned at 1: 25pm.
April 10, 2020 Date: Subject: Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission supports the CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project (“the project”). Description of Recommendation to Council The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Vote: Attest:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20191217‐007d: Disparate Impact Analysis of the Land Development Code Revision and Community Engagement Plan WHEREAS, City Manager Cronk directed staff to produce a draft land code revision and accompanying maps within a 3 month process without intentional community engagement nor community planning efforts; and WHEREAS, City Council held only one public hearing on December 7, 2019 before voting to approve the first reading of the new land development code; and WHEREAS, City staff, consultants and experts have not presented any evidence that the additional housing capacity proposed would support true affordability for those below 60% MFI – and especially for those below 30% MFI ‐ including low‐income families and seniors attempting to age in place; and WHEREAS, concerns about affordability and displacement impact communities of color and low‐income communities the most, considering the historically inequitable investments by public and private sectors, as well as a history of systemic racism; and WHEREAS, Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza has proposed an equity overlay that, if adopted, would limit developers’ ability to tear down existing multifamily housing to build bigger, more expensive units ‐ which could help mitigate displacement; and WHEREAS, although Council directed on May 2nd that staff should avoid upzoning areas "currently or susceptible to gentrification," the consultant‐generated "Envision Capacity" data shows some of the largest numbers of increased zoning capacity in the Eastern crescent, in areas with predominantly Latinx populations; and WHEREAS, bonuses and high‐capacity zoning categories have been proposed in undeveloped parcels in or immediately adjacent to low‐income communities of color, but the new capacity for those units— including the income‐restricted units—would be far more expensive than what the median family income in those areas could afford, therefore having a gentrifying effect; and WHEREAS, no preservation, protection or conservation program initiative has been proposed by City staff for areas where gentrification of Latinxs, African‐Americans and low‐income residents in general has been widely documented or noted as a threat in the Uprooted Study; and WHEREAS, a lawsuit has been filed against the City of Austin, City Council members, and City Manager Cronk claiming the City has not followed the Texas Local Government Code during the process of revising the land code by not providing notice or protest rights to landowners; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office has adopted a framework for addressing equity within policy planning that …
A Musical Evening Celebrating Love A civic fundraiser initiative for COVID-19 Pandemic Virtual Event / April 28, 9PM CST HOST: Reshmi Chowdhury PERFORMERS: Babna Karim, Raka Bhaduri, Shubhro Banerjee, Pooja Paulchoudhury, Argha Guha, Chandan Jaman Ali, Reshmi Chowdhury Charities to Donate: Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (aachi.org) SpaandanB USA (spaandanb.org)
2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? <The Austin Fire Department (AFD) does not reflect the diversity of the Austin community, relative to Asian Americans Problem: What is the problem you identify? <From 2017 – 2019 there was limited increase of Asian American in the AFD applicant pool and academy participants. However, Asian Americans are still vastly underrepresented. In 2019, the department only received 179 Community Interest Cards from Asian Americans and had 83 Asian American applicants and six individuals registered in the academy. Source: Data provided by AFD. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? <Asian Americans represent 7.5% of the total City population but only .4% of AFD uniformed officers. When the community isn’t representated in Public Safety, there is less trust and poor communication. This can hinder prevention efforts and response effectiveness. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? 1. Provide recruitment funding specifically targeted to the Asian American community 2. Assure that Asian Americans are represented in the panel that reviews and scores applications 3. Encourage Asian American representation on the City Civil Service Commission After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? __Is there funding? Available within existing funding (assumed) __Which department holds the funding? Austin Fire Department ___How much funding is there? ___Which orgs receive it? __How is success measured? __What are the impacts, and gaps? __Check All
2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? <There is an increasing need for culturally and linguistically sensitive physical and mental health services to immigrants and Asian Americans. Funding from the City can help patients gain access to safety net services to augment the medical services they receive. Problem: What is the problem you identify? <Limited funding was provided in FY 2019 and FY 2020, but the data shows that it doesn’t meet the growing demand. The currently funded clinic is serving 917 patients and has had to drastically limit new patients because they are at capacity. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? <Most of the Asian Americans, immigrants and refugees served in the free health clinics have incomes below 200% of FPL. They face cultural and language barriers and, when given a choice between paying for housing, food or basic medical care, many will skip medical care. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? <We have seen how the limited funding currently available has impacted the lives of Asian Americans, immigrants and refugees. We know that individuals from these communities are more successful if they can access services that are sensitive to their culture and language needs. We propose additional funding for this program in the amount of $100,000 to increase the capacity to serve the Asian American and immigrant population. After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? __Is there funding? Yes, the reallocation of funds from the Community Health Worker Training program __Which department holds the funding? Austin Public Health ___How much funding is there? $175,000 currently available. $75,000 will remain after reallocation. ___Which orgs receive it? __How is success measured? __What are the impacts, and gaps? __Check All
2020-2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? This request is related to the RISE relief approved by Austin City Council on April 09, 2020 of 15 million dollars allocated to the Austin community to fill the gaps in the Austin community to either lower income communities, communities that are unemployed or underemployed. Furthermore, it is the mission of the resolution that, “RISE relief can be achieved by expanding the capacity and reach of community-based organizations that may already be in partnership with the City of Austin, but may also require new partnerships with specialized providers with existing models to reach particular populations in new ways that meet impacted families where they are. Services and direct assistance should target populations who are traditionally marginalized or typically face additional barriers to enrolling in assistance programs, such as, but not limited to, language barriers. Services and assistance should be distributed by providers that have a history of trust and success in reaching communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant communities, and other historically marginalized communities.” Problem: What is the problem you identify? There are few Asian organizations that are directly in place in Austin to direct this funding towards eligible members of the Asian community in Austin. Furthermore, there is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for the stimulus payments under the CARES Act signed into law by the federal government. This affects many Asian families here in Austin. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? There is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for the stimulus payments under the CARES Act signed into law by the federal government. This especially applies to employees of small businesses, restaurant employees, Asian immigrants, and other Asians in the community that are low income or unemployed. Furthermore, barriers to language access affects the Austin Asian population, resulting in difficulties in applying for the RISE relief payments or even knowledge that the RISE payments are available. Such payments will help the Austin Asian population with remedies such as: Improve food access; Provide rental or mortgage assistance; Provide assistance with necessary bills, such as utility bills to enable children to attend school remotely; Assist with medical expenses; Assist with the purchase of diapers and baby formula …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-04a): Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project. Description of Recommendation to Council • The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. • Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. • The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Date of Approval: April 10, 2020 Record of the vote: Moved by Commissioner Cobalis, Seconded by Commissioner Chen. Unanimous on a 11-0 vote (Commissioner Yoshida, DasGupta, Saxena, Sethi, Yang, Patil, Huang, Stanton, and Radhakrishnan) Absent: Commissioners Chao, Wang, Conte, and Patel Attest:
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-04b): The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission supports the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals for the Senior Program at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Description of Recommendation WHEREAS, the City Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides meals as part of their Senior Programs at many City Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Centers and Cultural Centers, and WHEREAS, PARD has contracted with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals to most Senior Programs, but not the Asian American Resource Center which provided culturally appropriate meals for Asian seniors through other vendors, and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels and More has agreed to provide vegetarian meals and other meals specifically designed to meet the needs of Asian Americans, and WHEREAS, the AARC Oversight Working Group reviewed and supported the planned changes, and WHEREAS, PARD and AARC staff briefed the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) in December 2019 about the plan to modify the food service portion of the AARC Senior Program; WHEREAS, the contract with Meals on Wheels and More must be amended to reflect the additional services at the Asian American Resource Center. Supports an increase in the City budget for up to $50,000 for canvassing, media, and the need to NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISION: recognize ethnic subgroups among the AAPI population; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the City of Austin to pursue the efforts of the 2020 Census that produces data representative of the AAPI Community and other minority communities. Date of Approval: April 10, 2020 The Asian American Quality of Life Commission strongly encourages and endorses the efforts by Record of the vote: Moved by Commissioner Cobalis, Seconded by Commissioner Yoshida. Unanimous on a 11-0 vote (Commissioner Chen, DasGupta, Saxena, Sethi, Yang, Patil, Huang, Stanton, and Radhakrishnan) Absent: Commissioners Chao, Wang, Conte, and Patel Attest:
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (2020410-04d): FY2021 Budget Recommendations. WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission was created to advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and will provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American quality of life initiatives, and WHEREAS, the AAQoL Advisory Commission, as part of its duties, annually submits budget recommendations each spring in support of programs of that promote equity and the quality of life of Asian Americans in Austin, and WHEREAS, the AAQOL Advisory Commission was in the process of finalizing its budget recommendations for submission to the Equity Office for consideration in the City’s Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget when the COVID-19 crisis hit the Austin area, and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis has and will continue to strain city resources during the response and recovery effort, and WHEREAS, City revenues from sales taxes are anticipated to be greatly reduced by the crisis, and WHEREAS, the complete picture of lost revenue and its effect on the FY 2020-21 budget is difficult to project at this time but it is expected to be severe, and WHEREAS, the City will need to direct additional resources in the current budget and the FY 2020-21 budget to provide relief in the form of health aid, housing, food aid, and other forms of assistance to those facing financial peril due to the spread of COVID-19, and WHEREAS, the City is planning to use a portion of its budget reserves to assist residents, and WHEREAS, City Council and staff are developing guidelines for the Relief in a State of Emergency (RISE) Fund for direct aid programs and health care services and related equipment, and WHEREAS, based on the City’s financial situation and the current and anticipated future resources required to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, AAQoL Advisory Commission made the decision not to submit any budget recommendations to the Equity Office that involve either funding for new programs/projects or additional funding for existing programs/projects, unless offset by reductions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the AAQoL Advisory Commission request that the City Council accept and review the attached list of unmet needs of the Asian American community in Austin, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AAQoL Advisory Commission requests that the City Council prioritize equity, including the cultural and language …
