Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 BUDGET FORECAST Department Budget Overview FY 2022 Totals at a Glance FY 2022 Approved Budget FY 2022 Positions FY 2022 Sources $115 Million 769.25 FTEs Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22% Grants/Other: 3% FY 2022 Budget by Program FY 2022 Budget Highlights Support Services 5% Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements 11% Park Planning, Development, Operations and Maintenance 27% • • • $660K for Operations & Maintenance Support for the operation and maintenance of new, expanded, and redeveloped parkland and facilities $900K for expansion of child-care at recreation centers $615K for expansion of Park Rangers Program Community Services 57% 2 Department Overview Data and Highlights FY22 Expenditure Budget by Category PARD Full Time Employees 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Personnel $77M 65.3% Contractuals $33M 30.2% 780 760 740 720 700 680 Commodities $5M 4.5% 693.75 695.75 719.25 694.75 FTE 734.75 769.25 744.75 PARD SD23 Goals and Measures • Activate and enhance urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming Align accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests Ensure the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life Expand and improve access to parks and facilities for all • • • 3 Department Budget Overview FY 2023 Proposed Total PARD Budget Forecast FY 2023 Proposed Budget FY 2023 Proposed Positions FY 2023 Sources Tax Supported: 75% Fees/Other: 22% Grants/Other: 3% $118.7 Million* 769.25 FTEs FY 2023 General Fund Highlights Proposed General Fund Budget Increase - $3.3M** Employee Wage Adjustment Increases Fleet Maintenance and Fuel City Support Services Standard City-Wide Cost Drivers - $1.4M • • • Requested Department-Wide Cost Drivers - $1.9M Increases to accommodate items previously authorized by Council and/or Contractual Obligations Barton Springs Pool Safety and Security Support Cemetery Interment Unit Increase Operations & Maintenance Support Millennium Youth Entertainment Center (MYEC) Maintenance *Includes Enterprise Golf Fund **Estimate only. FY23 Budget is still under development, pending City Council approval. 4 Department Budget Overview FY 2023 Budget Proposal BASE COST DRIVER DEFINITION: General Fund and Support Services departments must develop a forecast with only baseline requirements. In other words, the only increases allowable are those necessary to accommodate items previously authorized by Council. Examples of acceptable forecast items that increase the Department’s budget are: • Costs of a new facility that will be opened part-way through FY …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Finance Committee Presentation Under Resourced Service Expectations February 28, 2022 FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations Definition: critical needs that are essential to meeting service expectations of our community, but lack resources Prioritization of needs developed by subject matter experts from across the department Direction re: the Board/Commission input process: Focus on efficiency and/or consider options for reallocations of funding from the existing available budget 2 Categories of Prioritized Needs (FY 2023 Estimates) Address Homelessness, Safety and Security Increase Human Resources Support $2.5M ongoing $225K one-time $286K ongoing $7K one-time Advance Equity $744K ongoing $9K one-time Meet Customer Service Expectations for Condition and Quality of Parks and Facilities $1.13M ongoing $589K one-time $2.5M vehicles 3 Address Homelessness, Safety and Security Address Homelessness, Safety and Security - $2.5M ongoing; $225K one-time • Homelessness response and support $1.5M 2 FTEs $200K ongoing • Additional temporary staffing at Barton Springs Pool for increasing safety efforts $506K ongoing • Expand security services department- wide $213K ongoing • Natural Resources Temp Staffing for Park Rangers $300K ongoing; $25K one-time 4 Increase Human Resources Support Increase Human Resources Support - $286K ongoing; $7K one-time • Human Resources support for increased effort in onboarding of staff and training coordinator to ensure appropriate base training related to safety, program delivery, general operating policy/procedures $194K ongoing 2.5 FTEs $5K one-time • Increase in Department’s Diversity Recruiting Strategy and Equity Training $93K ongoing; 1 FTE $2K on-going 5 Advance Equity Advance Equity - $744K ongoing; $9K one-time • Advance Department’s Racial Equity/Planning Focus • Increase Community Engagement $150K ongoing 2 FTEs $3K one-time Services $339K ongoing 3 FTEs $6K one-time 6 Customer Services Expectations Meet Customer Service Expectations/Condition and Quality of Parks and Facilities $1.13M ongoing; $589K one-time; $2.5M vehicles • Increase Athletic Maintenance to increase public access to ball fields • Recreation Management Software (RecTrac) Support • Parks and Facility Maintenance inclusive of general grounds maintenance, HVAC maintenance and Plumbers $255,000 ongoing 3 FTEs $325,000 ongoing 4 FTEs $24,000 one-time $800K ongoing 14 FTEs $568K one-time $2.5 mil vehicles $50,000 ongoing • Cemetery Staff to perform Interments and Reset Cemetery Headstones 7 FY22 Recommendations – Funding Approved • Park Rangers Program Increase $440K 6 FTEs $900K $615K 7.5 FTEs • Summer Camp and Afterschool Programs Capacity Increase • Additional Operations and Maintenance support …
Update on process for the Parks and Recreation Board February 22, 2022 Greg Montes, Program Manager, PARD Planning Zilker Park Vision Plan PARD Project Manager Overview • Update of the process so far • Planning efforts • Community Engagement efforts • Survey Processing of Results • Next Steps • Analysis of Community Meeting #4 feedback, corresponding follow-up survey and outreach • Small Group Discussions focusing on equity Status Update: Project Schedule Community Engagement So Far Public Participation Level: Consult Multiple methods, virtual and in-person, various locations and times: Virtual Engagement Opportunities Kick-off Community Survey 4,062 participants Small Group Discussions Community Involvement 17 meetings 3 Community Meetings 3 Follow-up Surveys 137 avg. attendees 2,698 participants SpeakupAustin Stories 13 Entries In-Person & Directed Opportunities Boards & Commissions Pop-Up Series 1 & 2 Community Involvement 7 formal bodies 23 events Additional PARD Pop-ups and in-person outreach Contacts tracked since 10/1 653+ connections 57 events Community Survey #4 Results • 955 Participants • 37,304 Responses • 1,304 Comments Demographics • 24% District 5, 19% District 9 • 19% 25-34, 20% 35-44, 19% 45-54, 19% 55-64, 17% 65-74, 6% under 25 • 75% white • 52% Female • 52% Annual income $100k+ Range of 397-453 responses to demographics questions Zilker Park Vision Plan Pop-up at ESB-MACC, Dec. 15, 2021 Community Survey #4 Results One equity tool used to account for underrepresented communities in surveying is by disaggregating data to explore differences in responses. 13% 16% What options should be explored for safer active transportation through the park? 10% 459 responses All participants 7% 54% 56% 16% 68 responses Identifying as Black, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx 12% 10% 6% Community Survey #4 Results Additional ways we are exploring the data include: By Age By Income By District Next Steps Community Survey #5 Available on the project website with Community Meeting #4 presentation www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Small Group Discussions focused on equity & inclusion March Questions Project website: www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Contact information: ZilkerVision@austintexas.gov
305 S. CONGRESS PUD Proposed Bike Network 1 S T S T R E E T Lady Bird Lake BIKE / PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROPOSED TRAIL CONNECTION HIGH COMFORT ROAD MEDIUM COMFORT ROAD PROPOSED MEDIUM COMFORT ROAD PROPOSED SHARED ROAD PROPOSED SHARED PATHWAY LANEWAY B Road classifications per Austin bike network C O N G R E S S A V E N U E A Y A W E N A L 305 S. Congress C Y A W E N A L BARTON SPRINGS ROAD EXTENSION B A RT O N S P RIN G S R O A D RIVERSIDE DRIVE 305 S. CONGRESS I CASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02 I JUNE 2021 305 S. CONGRESS PUD Proposed Pedestrian Network BIKE / PEDESTRIAN TRAIL LAKEFRONT PEDESTRIAN WALKS SIDEWALK ADJACENT TO ROADWAY PATHWAY / PLAZA C O N G R E S S A V E N U E DRIVEWAY B A Y A W E V R D I C Y A W E V R D I BARTON SPRINGS ROAD EXTENSION 305 S. CONGRESS I CASE NUMBER: C814-89-0003.02 I JUNE 2021
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING LIFEGAURDS AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin City Council to pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all Page 1 of 2 aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates for all lifeguards and in particular open water certified lifeguards; 2) increasing the number of year-round full time employee open water certified lifeguards to ensure continuous open operation of Barton Springs Pool; 3) increasing …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 21, 20222 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes that the loss of Parks and Recreation Department fee revenue in Fiscal Year 2022 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic was significant yet the demand for PARD facilities and programming continues to grow moving into the 2023 fiscal year; and THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. Page 1 of 2 VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ____________________________________ Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 28, 20222 Subject: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: SECONDED BY: VOTE: RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (“PARB”) Financial Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022 and the Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and provided PARB with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to strive to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities as described in Attachment A are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community and achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals listed above, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that some staff members have not received adequate cost of living increases to wages and are not making a livable wage that is necessary to attract and retain qualified staff necessary provide the services of a functioning parks and recreation system, in particular the temporary and part-time employees; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures continues to grow significantly over the past several years and continuing into the 2023 fiscal year; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: Page 1 of 2 1) approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. 2) that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations; and 3) to provide a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2023 UNDER RESOURCED SERVICE EXPECTATIONS Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its March 21, 2022 meeting; and WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that funding of the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations is necessary to achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and THEREFORE, the Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend to the Austin City Council that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations, as described in Attachment A. VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Page 1 of 2 Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ______________________________________ Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City Charter, Article V stresses the importance of the provision of parks and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, provision of adequate parks and recreation facilities plays a major role in achieving the six key City goals established in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan: 1) Preserving Livability; 2) Expanding Transportation Choices; 3) Tackling the Ethnic Divide; 4) Protecting our Natural Resources; 5) Promoting Prosperity for All; and 6) Collaborating Regionally; and WHEREAS, parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the City’s character and natural resources, increase transportation opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful; and WHEREAS, park trails and greenbelts expand multi-modal access to transportation across the city; and WHEREAS, parkland provides relief from urban life, green space to those who do not have access to a yard, opportunities to gather and recreate, and numerous physical and mental health benefits; and WHEREAS, investing in parkland in historically underserved areas is investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of those residents; and WHEREAS, Austinites have a strong connection to nature and consider the trails, greenways and parks ‘a core part of what makes Austin special’; and WHEREAS, Austin’s parks help Austin attract high-tech industries, creative professionals, and local entrepreneurs alike; and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 1 of 6 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS, parks are key to addressing regional challenges such as transportation, water resources, growth and development, climate change, environmental protection and economic prosperity; and WHEREAS, the St. David’s Healthy Parks Plan for Travis, Bastrop and Caldwell counties confirms that parks are essential to public health for the Central Texas region and provides recommendations for expanding park service; and WHEREAS, the Parkland Dedication Ordinance helps the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provide critical park service to the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the PARD Long Range Plan, and various Council resolutions; and WHEREAS, the City passed its first Parkland Dedication Ordinance in 1985, updated it in 2007 and again in 2016; and WHEREAS, in 1984, the Texas Supreme Court ruled parkland dedication to be constitutionally legal and regulating laws stipulate that parkland dedication requirements imposed on a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: March 2022 PLANNING UPDATES: Bolm District Park Vision Plan: The Bolm District Park vision planning process is scheduled to commence in the Summer of 2022. The funding for the vision plan has been identified and the Park Planning Division will manage the process. Park Planning will proceed with developing the scope of work and negotiating/contracting consulting services with a planning/design firm. At that time (anticipated in 2023) the planning team will be reaching out to the community to start the engagement process and seek feedback. District 3 Mendez Recreation Center: Mendez Recreation Center recently completed construction of its shade fabrication for the facility splash pad. The pre-construction onsite meeting was held on February 24th, with the installer meeting on site for construction February 28th. The project installation was completed on March 3rd. The new structure will now provide shaded space for the splash pad for families and children in the community. District 3 Turner Roberts Recreation Center Facility Repairs: The City of Austin’s Turner Roberts Recreation Center resumed facility renovations and repair after a recent halt in the project. The project sub- contractors have completed the necessary inspections and reports of the facility space before moving forward with the next stage in repairs. Completion of the project is still scheduled for Late April 2022. District 1 Rosewood Neighborhood Park Tennis Court Resurface: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Planning Team continues to move forward with the tennis court resurface project at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. After community input and meeting with local pickleball advocates, the decision was proposed to remove one permanent tennis court and provide two permanent pickleball courts and striping for two temporary pickleball courts. The project was recently halted to receive final approval as the project planning team ran into some structural issues with tree roots on the south side of the court, requiring changes to the project. Once that is complete, changes will be submitted to the Contractor to determine the cost increase/decrease for this work. As a result of these changes the project will not be completed by the initial projected completion date of March 25th. District 1 Givens Recreation Center: Givens Recreation Center recently completed the demolition of flooring in the lobby and office area in anticipation of the facility renovation. In addition to the demolition, an asbestos abatement was also done in preparation of the project. Due …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B2-1 Board Member Sarah Faust Seconded By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage Motioned By: Recommendation Pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee “Financial Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin 1 of 2 City Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates to a starting livable wage of $22 an hour for staff and an additional bonus for lifeguards that …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B2-2 March 28, 2022 Summer Camp Staffing Board Member Nina Rinaldi Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming. RATIONALE: The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin City Council to pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming, including but not limited to the following measures: Seconded By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma 1) increasing pay rates for all summer camp staff; 2) allocating additional funding as needed to the Parks and Recreation Department to fulfill fully staffed summer camps during summer 2022; 3) any other measures found by the Austin City Council or the Parks and Recreation Department to be effective in training and retaining summer camp and afterschool program staff. Vote: Board Member Nina Rinaldi made a motion to recommend Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all summer camp programming; Vice- Chair Richard DePalma seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, Board Members Nina Rinaldi, Anna Di Carlo, Patrick Moore, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Kim Taylor and Laura Cottam Sajbel Against: None Abstain: None Absent: None Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B3 Seconded By: Chair Dawn Lewis Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget Motioned By: Board Member Sarah Faust RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (“PARB”) Financial Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022 and the Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and provided PARB with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to strive to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities as described in Attachment A [Austin Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division PARB Finance Committee Presentation Under Resourced Service Expectations February 28, 2022] are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community and achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals listed above, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that some staff members have not received adequate cost of living increases to wages and are not making a livable wage that is necessary to attract and retain qualified staff necessary provide the services of a functioning parks and recreation system, in particular the temporary and part-time employees; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures continues to grow significantly over the past several years and continuing into the 2023 fiscal year; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: 1) approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. 2) that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B5 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Code Amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance Motioned By: Chair Dawn Lewis Seconded By: Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel Recommendation Support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. 1 of 2 Vote: Chair Dawn Lewis made a motion to recommend that Council support Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget; Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B6 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Austin Rowing Center Agreement Motioned By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Seconded By: Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel RATIONALE: WHEREAS, Austin Rowing Club (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in Austin; and WHEREAS, ARC offers a variety of low-cost and no-cost rowing programs for eligible youth and adult rowers; and WHEREAS, ARC has a contract, No. NR120000004, with the City for the management and operation of the Waller Creek Boathouse; and WHEREAS, the contract along with all available contract extensions expire on March 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Waller Creek Boathouse may be demolished in the near future to implement the Blue Line light rail identified in Austin Transit Partnership’s Project Connect program; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board values, when possible, the continuity of services and programs to the public; and WHEREAS, the uncertainty of the timing of a future demolition and the current contract may impact rowing concessions available to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council. 1 of 2 Vote: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma motioned to recommend to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council; Board Member Laura Cottam-Sajbel seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 10-0 with one vacancy. For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, …
BOARD RECOMMENDATION PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Recommendation Number: 20220328-B6: Austin Rowing Center Agreement WHEREAS, Austin Rowing Club (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of rowing in Austin; and WHEREAS, ARC offers a variety of low-cost and no-cost rowing programs for eligible youth and adult rowers; and WHEREAS, ARC has a contract, No. NR120000004, with the City for the management and operation of the Waller Creek Boathouse; and WHEREAS, the contract along with all available contract extensions expire on March 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, the Waller Creek Boathouse may be demolished in the near future to implement the Blue Line light rail identified in Austin Transit Partnership’s Project Connect program; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board values, when possible, the continuity of services and programs to the public; and WHEREAS, the uncertainty of the timing of a future demolition and the current contract may impact rowing concessions available to the public. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Parks and Recreation Department Director to either 1) Extend Contract No. NR120000004 until a Demolition Permit application is submitted on the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street or a decision is made that the Waller Creek Boathouse located at 74 Trinity Street will not be demolished; and/or 2) enter into a Park Operations, Maintenance and Programming Agreement for the current and future boathouse and related facilities with ARC once an approved Operations & Maintenance Plan is approved by the Parks and Recreation Board and the Austin City Council. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B1 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Permanent and Temporary Use of Parkland at Govalle Neighborhood Park Motioned By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that the City Council approve the permanent use and temporary use (not to exceed 60 days) of parkland located at Govalle Neighborhood Park and Southern Walnut Creek Trail (5200 Bolm Road.) Total mitigation fee is $67,818. Vote: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma made a motion to recommend City Council approve Seconded By: Board Member Lisa Hugman the permanent use and temporary use (not to exceed 60 days) of parkland located at Govalle Neighborhood Park and Southern Walnut Creek Trail (5200 Bolm Road.) Total mitigation fee is $67,818; Board Member Lisa Hugman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Board Member Patrick Moore abstaining, Board Member Anna Di Carlo absent and one vacancy. For: Chair Dawn Lewis, Vice-Chair Richard DePalma, Board Members Nina Rinaldi, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Kim Taylor and Laura Cottam-Sajbel Against: Abstain: Board Member Patrick Moore. Absent: Board Member Anna Di Carlo Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD March 28, 2022 MINUTES The Parks and Recreation Board Convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 301 W. Second Street, Austin Texas. Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM Board Members in Attendance: Dawn Lewis, Richard DePalma, Nina Rinaldi, Patrick Moore, Sarah Faust, Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Lisa Hugman and Laura Cottam Sajbel Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Kim Taylor, Anna Di Carlo (joined at 8:13 PM) Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley, Liana Kallikova, Suzanne Piper, Lucas Massie, Laura Esparza, Vanorda Richardson, Nicholas Johnson, Ed Morris. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alison Alter – Mayor Pro Tem, Austin City Council Kevin Reinis – Austin Rowing Club Sharon Blythe – Friends of Austin Memorial Park Mark Gentle Bill Bunch – Save Our Springs Alliance Angela Richter – Austin Parks Foundation Scott Cobb – Barton Springs Lifeguard Joy Casnovsky – Austin Parks Foundation Mayor Pro Tem Alison Alter presented a Distinguished Service Award to Dawn Lewis in recognition of her years of service as Member and Chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice-Chair DePalma made a motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Regular meeting of February 22, 2022. Board Member Moore seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 9-0 with Board Member Di Carlo absent and one vacancy. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS Page 1 of 4 1. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to City Council for approval of Permanent Use and Temporary Use (not to exceed 60 days) of parkland located at Govalle Neighborhood Park and Southern Walnut Creek Trail (5200 Bolm Road). Total mitigation fee is $67,818. Vice-Chair Richard DePalma made a motion to recommend City Council approve the permanent use and temporary use (not to exceed 60 days) of parkland located at Govalle Neighborhood Park and Southern Walnut Creek Trail (5200 Bolm Road.) Total mitigation fee is $67,818; Board Member Lisa Hugman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Board Member Patrick Moore abstaining, Board Member Anna Di Carlo absent and one vacancy. 2. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding preparations for Parks and Recreation Department’s summer activities including staff recruitment, registration and resiliency strategies. Board Member Sarah Faust made a motion to recommend Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing …
LIBRARY COMMISSION March 28, 2022 – 6 p.m. Old Quarry Branch 7051 Village Center Dr. AUSTIN, TEXAS The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. Section 2-1-150 of the City Code. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. In-person General Communication & Communication on Agenda Items: The first 5 speakers signed up for public communication prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda during the time set aside for general public communication. Those who wish to speak on agenda items must be signed up prior to the meeting being called to order and will be allowed three minutes to speak when the agenda item comes up. Remote Public Communication will be allowed by telephone at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, members of the public must call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, March 27. 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. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert, Chair; JC Dwyer; Eric Frierson; Lynda Infante; Ryan Marquess; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Mark Smith and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the February 24, 2022 Special Called Meeting 3. Briefing: Library Facility Bond Projects Update, John Daniels, Division Manager, Facility Services 4. Old Business FY 2022-23 Budget a. Discussion and possible action for Library Commission’s Recommendations for b. Report from the Freedom to Read working group a. Discussion and possible action on Freedom to Read resolution and council 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for March covering programming highlights, 5. New Business recommendation facilities, and APL Priorities 7. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sharon Herfurth at the Library Department, at 512- 974-7420 …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 24 February, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Hybrid Meeting on Thursday, February, 2022 at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101, 301 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: In-person - Chair Pat Dabbert, Commission Members Courtney Rosenthal and Mark Smith Virtually - Vice Chair Steven Self, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Eric Frierson Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore was given by Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies was given by Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Presentation and discussion: Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager, gave the presentation. b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 The creation of a Freedom to Read working group was approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. The group will report back to the commission with recommendations for action to support public access to diverse library materials and to resist library censorship efforts. c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March Chair Dabbert will share two (2) possible dates for a 2-hour planning retreat in March with Commission Members. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for December covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update – March 2022 Enhanced Library Cards – March 2022 Civic Engagement – April 2022 Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. without objection
Circulation & User Counts by Library & Desk Chapter 1 - Page 1 - Circulation by Library & Desk s l a w e n e R r o , s t u o k c e h C f o r e b m u N 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 Transaction Location Desk Checkouts Express Checkouts ACB ACP ALW AMR AOK APH ASE ASR ATO AWK AYB ACE AHO AMI ANV AOQ ARZ ASJ ATB AUH AWP OUTR Branch 1 / 1
Draft "Freedom to Read" Recommendation to Council Recommendation Protect "Freedom to Read" at Austin Public Library. Description of Recommendation Requesting that the Austin City Council adopt a resolution that supports "Freedom to Read" and opposes book banning or undue book challenges at the Austin Public Library. The Library Commission has adopted such a resolution and we offer that as an example. Rationale Background Across the country and in the state of Texas, libraries are confronting aggressive challenges to materials in their collections. School libraries have been the primary target of these incidents.1 While public libraries are a lesser target, these challenges are occurring there too.2 A list of 850 books, released by Texas State Representative Matt Krause, has fueled much of the book challenge activity in Texas.3 Although public complaints often cite pornography as the 1 "Schools nationwide are quietly removing books from their libraries", Washington Post, published Mar 22, 2022, accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/03/22/school-librarian-book-bans-challenges/ 2 “How the library wars have played out in one Texas county,” AXIOS Austin, published and accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/03/24/library-books-wars-texas-llano-county-censorship 3 "All 850 Books Texas Lawmaker Matt Krause Wants to Ban: An Analysis", Book Riot, published Nov 5, 2021, accessed Mar 24, 2022, https://bookriot.com/texas-book-ban-list/ justification for challenge4, most of the challenges revolve around issues of race and racism, sex education, and LGBTQ topics.5 We believe it is a core mission of the public library to provide quality information from a diversity of viewpoints, especially on these kinds of topics. We also believe book bans and these undue challenges are attacks on the open access and free inquiry that are essential to our democracy6. The "Freedom to Read" is a constitutional right7 that we should act to protect in the event that such challenges do occur at the Austin Public Library. Library Commission Action Although the Austin Public Library (APL) has not received any such challenges at this time, it is a potential concern. The Austin Library Commission wants to take steps to ensure public access to library materials is not hampered by such challenges, should one arise. At the Jan 24, 2022 regular commission meeting of the Austin Library Commission, APL Director Roosevelt Weeks presented a Statement on Book Banning and Library Censorship. It states the public has a "right to read" at the APL, and highlights the APL Materials Selection Policy to develop "responsive collections."8 4 "Texas governor decries school library books …
Draft "Freedom to Read" Resolution WHEREAS, open access and free inquiry are key components of a democratic society; and WHEREAS, libraries are a trusted source to which the public turns for authoritative, timely, and accurate information; and WHEREAS, the role of libraries is to collect and make available information from a wide diversity of perspectives; and WHEREAS, including materials on a particular topic or expressing a particular opinion does not connote approval or advocacy of that topic or opinion; and WHEREAS, the American Library Association (ALA) has found that the "Freedom to Read" is essential to our democracy and has issued a statement of such [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library follows generally accepted professional practices when selecting materials for inclusion in its collection; and WHEREAS, book challenges have been used to attack the Freedom to Read [https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/aboutbannedbooks]; and WHEREAS, the Austin Public Library has a materials reconsideration process that is fair, deliberative, equitable, and accessible to the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AUSTIN LIBRARY COMMISSION: The Austin Library Commission supports the ALA Freedom to Read statement and opposes book banning. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library policy for materials selection. The Austin Library Commission supports the Austin Public Library process for reconsideration, and endorses its use for public concern of library materials. Submitted by the Freedom to Read Working Group of the Austin Library Commission.
28-Mar-2022 Status Report Report to the Austin Public Library Commission by the Freedom to Read Working Group WG participants include: ● Commissioner Courtney Rosenthal, chair ● Commissioner Eric Frierson ● Commissioner Lynda Infante ● Commissioner Steven Self ● Commissioner Mark Smith ● Frank Giammarino, APL Collections Department Manager The WG met via video conference on March 9, and via online collaboration. We have identified four goals for the working group: ● Draft a resolution of commission support for Freedom to Read and oppose book bannings incidents ● Draft a recommendation of City Council action for same ● Remain on stand-by to offer rapid response support in the event of local book banning ● Monitor status of local schools and other possible organizations, seeking ways to provide city support in the event of book banning incidents We plan to present the two draft documents listed above for discussion and possible action at the March 28 commission meeting. Next, the working group will continue, to: ● address any further direction from the Commission ● work to advance the Council recommendation, if approved ● monitor events in support of the final two goals listed above
Director’s Report March 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 12 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 13 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 13 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 14 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 14 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 14 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 14 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 15 Collections Circulation February ___________________________________________________________ 15 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Announces Expanded Hours Starting March 28 Austin Public Library will be expanding the open hours for all library locations, starting March 28, 2022. The change comes after two years of reduced hours and capacity at library locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know that the community has missed being able to more easily visit their neighborhood libraries over the past two years,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “Your libraries have missed you as well. We are excited to be able to expand access to our locations to ensure that more people in our community are able to safely access information and resources.” Central Library Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Closed Branch libraries Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm* Sunday Closed *St. John Branch closes 4:00 pm on Saturdays Also effective March 28, Austin Public Library’s used bookstore Recycled Reads will be adding Wednesday to its current list of open days, operating 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursdays. Austin History Center will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. April 4. The expansion of hours also marks the return of in-person programming and events at Austin Public Library locations. Library customers will be able to begin reserving space in the Central Library’s Shared Learning Rooms starting March 28. Customers will also be able to reserve space in community meeting rooms starting Additionally, the four library locations currently offering Curbside Hold Pickup …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 28, 2022 7:00 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some commissioners may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register email or call staff liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov District Commissioner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Kannou (Kimberly) Curette VACANT Victor Martinez Holly Kirby Katie Jones Rebecca Dreke VACANT VACANT District 9 10 Mayor At-Large At-Large At-Large At-Large Commissioner Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier VACANT Charles Curry Ryn Gonzales (Chair) Melissa Taylor (Vice Chair) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak. 1. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- March 7, 2022 3. REGULAR BUSINESS – The commission may act or make recommendations on the following topics: a. Discussion and possible action on FY 2022-23 budget recommendations. (Sponsor: Gonzales, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) b. Discussion and possible action to appoint an alternate representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC). (Sponsor: Curry, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) c. Discussion of vacant commission seats. (Sponsor: Gonzales, Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Staff Liaison Alyssa Parra at 512-974-2834 or email Alyssa.parra@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, please contact Alyssa Parra at (512) 974-2834.
Recommendation for Continued Funding for Youth LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services Whereas, the recently completed LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study reported that survey responses indicated a high risk of serious mental health issues, including depression (42%) and suicidal ideation (12%), and Whereas, 52% of survey respondents also rated their overall mental health since the COVID pandemic as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns, and Whereas, an additional community survey reported that more than half (53.5%) of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair with youth and transgender/gender-expansive individuals indicating a higher percentage of very poor and poor mental health since the pandemic, and Whereas, a 2018 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers, transgender teens were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian youth were 3.71 times more likely, and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual, Now therefore be it resolved: that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that the FY22-23 Budget continue funding of existing youth LGBTQIA+ focused mental health services at the current level of $100,000 through Austin Public Health’s Health Equity contracting portfolio.
Whereas, the City of Austin has used tax supported bond proceeds to incentivize the development of affordable housing and has entered into contracts with selected developers to achieve this purpose, and Whereas, the developer contracts create additional obligations on developers regarding tenant selection and rental rates, and Whereas, there is a public interest in ensuring that the resulting affordable housing be equally available to all those qualified on an income basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and Whereas, access to affordable housing also means that residents must be able to live there free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and Whereas, public comments at town hall meetings have indicated a perception that the City’s affordable housing efforts have not adequately addressed diversity, inclusion and respect for all, Now therefore be it resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that, Tax supported affordable housing development contracts include language that requires tenant application and selection processes to convey that affordable housing is supportive to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income, and That annual reporting of complete demographic information regarding the tenant application and selection process be required of developers and made available by the City to the community to support the perception of diversity, inclusion and respect with regard to the City’s affordable housing efforts.
Whereas, the responsibilities of Quality of Life Commissions includes annual budget recommendations to City Council, and Whereas, informed recommendations require a knowledge of the current Adopted Budget, as well as departmental plans and performance and input from the communities we serve, and Whereas, this process is best served by an established and consistent process from year to year, Now therefore be is resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that their adopted budget schedule each fiscal year include provisions for Commissions including: • Budget Office briefing on the Adopted Budget for Quality of Life Commissions not later than October 31 of each fiscal year, • Budget Office briefing on the Proposed Budget process and outlook not later than November 31 of each fiscal year, • Commission recommendations to City departments and City Council not later than March 31 of each fiscal year • Budget Office briefing on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget within two weeks of the presentation to City Council outlining the status of Commission budget recommendations.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220307-3E COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL Accurate data collection of marginalized communities provides the City of Austin with the information needed to adequately support and serve each community. Because there is no national collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data, it is important that the City of Austin begin collecting that data. The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council approve the following resolution and direct the City Manager to begin collecting this data from City employees and community members accessing City services. DRAFT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Austin conducted an LGBTQ+ Quality of Life survey, with a report given on October 11, 2021 providing a number of recommendations on how to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Austin, TX; and, WHEREAS, a key recommendation from the Quality of Life survey is to “enhance sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection efforts”; and, WHEREAS, even prior to the QOL survey, on February 11, 2019, the LGBTQ QOL Commission passed a recommendation that supported the full inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection within the City of Austin; and, WHEREAS, on October 21, 2021, Austin City Council formally condemned non-consensual and medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children and directed the City Manager to explore methods to implement a public education campaign to provide accurate, affirming information to the doctors and parents of intersex children about these children’s health, to counter misinformation that can be presented as medical advice, therefore providing an important reason to collect data regarding the intersex population in the city as well (SOGI+); and, WHEREAS, in March 2016, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) added SO/GI data as required elements to be reported yearly in the Uniform Data System (UDS), beginning in Calendar Year 2016. The Program Assistance Letter (PAL 2016-2) states that “sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) can play a significant role in determining health outcomes,” and that “gaining a better understanding of populations served by health centers, including sexual orientation and gender identity, promotes culturally competent care delivery, and contributes to reducing health disparities overall.”; and, WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Central Health Equity Policy Council adopted a policy initiative to move to expand SOGI data gathering as part of a push to adopt HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-4 EXECUTIVE-LEVEL LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY LIAISON WHEREAS, among the key themes and requests resulting from the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study are to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s essential needs including access to housing, education and culturally appropriate healthcare as well as the desire to achieve economic stability; and WHEREAS, another key topic requiring immediate consideration concerns our transgender and gender-expansive community members. Threats and attacks to basic human rights of transgender youth and their families by State representatives require City officials and staff to make critical decisions and take immediate action to ensure their safety. It is encouraging that gains in social understanding and approval for LGBTQIA+ people over the past several decades have improved, yet as a result of the State’s recent hostile political climate, LGBTQIA+ community members continue to face extreme levels of intolerance. Adding an executive level LGBTQIA+ liaison to provide public support might reassure vulnerable members experiencing discrimination that their city will serve and protect them. An LGBTQIA+ liaison located in the City Manager’s office will review city policies and services through an LGBTQIA+ lens to determine if a policy or service might exclude or harm LGBTQIA+ people. This position would also be known as a receptive ear to constituents who want to bring LGBTQIA+ related issues directly to city government but may be fearful they might be dismissed or misunderstood; and WHEREAS, limitations have been placed on the City’s financial resources and LGBTQIA+ services are provided by an array of City departments and contracted providers, services are not monitored collectively for the community as a whole. Therefore the effectiveness, necessity or possible redundancies of services currently being funded cannot be determined. The liaison will actively coordinate and perform an analysis of current City and contracted services assuring all needs of the community are successfully addressed and may result in reassignment of resources to better use; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has the nation’s third largest LGBTQIA+ population per capita. The internationally recognized organization, Human Right Campaign (HRC), sets industry standards for ranking cities for LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life. In its annual report, Municipal Equality Index 2021, one measure for municipalities to achieve status as a “highest scoring city” states there must be present an individual residing in the City Manager’s or Mayor’s office working as a liaison on LGBTQIA+ issues as well as a separate liaison stationed under …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-1 BUDGET PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee includes annual budget recommendations to City Council; and WHEREAS, informed recommendations require a knowledge of the current Adopted Budget, as well as departmental plans and performance and input from the communities we serve; and WHEREAS, this process is best served by an established and consistent process from year to year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that their adopted budget schedule each fiscal year include provisions for Commissions including: • Budget Office briefing on the Adopted Budget for member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee not later than October 31 of each fiscal year, • Budget Office briefing on the Proposed Budget process and outlook not later than • Commission recommendations to City departments and City Council not later than November 30 of each fiscal year, March 31 of each fiscal year • Budget Office briefing on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget within two weeks of the presentation to City Council outlining the status of Commission budget recommendations. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-2 SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHEREAS, the City of Austin has used tax supported bond proceeds to incentivize the development of affordable housing and has entered into contracts with selected developers to achieve this purpose; and WHEREAS, the developer contracts create additional obligations on developers regarding tenant selection and rental rates; and WHEREAS, there is a public interest in ensuring that the resulting affordable housing be equally available to all those qualified on an income basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, access to affordable housing also means that residents must be able to live there free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, public comments at town hall meetings have indicated a perception that the City’s affordable housing efforts have not adequately addressed diversity, inclusion and respect for all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that, Tax supported affordable housing development contracts include language that requires tenant application and selection processes to convey that affordable housing is supportive to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and That annual reporting of complete demographic information regarding the tenant application and selection process be required of developers and made available by the City to the community to support the perception of diversity, inclusion and respect with regard to the City’s affordable housing efforts. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-3 CONTINUED FUNDING FOR YOUTH LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WHEREAS, the recently completed LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study reported that survey responses indicated a high risk of serious mental health issues, including depression (42%) and suicidal ideation (12%); and WHEREAS, 52% of survey respondents also rated their overall mental health since the COVID pandemic as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS, an additional community survey reported that more than half (53.5%) of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair with youth and transgender/gender- expansive individuals indicating a higher percentage of very poor and poor mental health since the pandemic; and WHEREAS, a 2018 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers, transgender teens were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian youth were 3.71 times more likely, and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that the FY22-23 Budget continue funding of existing youth LGBTQIA+ focused mental health services at the current level of $100,000 through Austin Public Health’s Health Equity contracting portfolio. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, March 28, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3250 or andrea.jordan@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sareta Davis, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Alicia Weigel CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Members of the public signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s February 28, b. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s Special Called 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2022, Regular Meeting. Meeting on March 4, 2022. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of briefing on legislation that passed that affects the city – presented by the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) sponsored by (Davis/Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2021-2022, including plans and strategies for meeting those key priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Andrea Jordan, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3250 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Andrea Jordan at (512) 974-3250 or visit http://www.austintexas.gov/hrc.
