Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Ethics Review Commission Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Ethics Review Commission to be held February 10, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance no later than Tuesday, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 by noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 10, 2021 Ethics Review Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512.974.2915 and sue.palmer@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to sue.palmer@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION FECHA de la reunion February 10, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social. Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación February 9, 2021 antes del mediodía. Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512.974.2915 and sue.palmer@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el …
Versión en español a continuación. Early Childhood Council Meeting February 10, 2021 Early Childhood Council meeting to be held 2/10/2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (2/9/2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Early Childhood Council Meeting, members of the public must: •Email or call the board liaison at Rachel.Farley@austintexas.gov or 512-663-2792 no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Rachel.Farley@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live (Note, the Early Childhood Council meetings are not broadcast live.) Reunión del Early Childhood Council 10 de febrero del 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (9 de febrero antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Envíe un correo electrónico o llame al enlace de la junta en Rachel.Farley@austintexas.gov o al 512- 663-2792 a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • …
INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 10:00 a.m. DIAL IN NUMBER: 512-974-9300 Participant Code: 849237 • Public comment will be allowed via telephone using the number above; no in-person input will be allowed. • The presiding officer may require that a speaker remain on the topic of a particular agenda item with the exception of general citizen communication. • Following the Call to Order the Commission Chair will call for general citizen communication on items not posted on the agenda. Citizen communication is open-ended in subject matter as long as it does not contain profane, obscene, or threatening speech. • Speakers may sign up to speak for ANY agenda item except those listed as “Briefing” for which • no action will be taken. If you wish to speak on an agenda item during the meeting, please contact the Commission Coordinator Michael Sullivan at 512-974-3314. Speakers may sign up until the item they are speaking on is taken up by the Commission. After introducing each agenda item the Chair will ask if anyone has signed up to speak on the agenda item, and each person will be provided 3 minutes to speak. • Speakers wishing to introduce any supporting materials should email them to the Commission Coordinator michael.sullivan@austintexas.gov as far as possible prior to the agenda item being called for appropriate distribution to the Commission and for record keeping. CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 10:00 a.m. DIAL IN NUMBER: 512-974-9300 Participant Code: 849237 AGENDA EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters pursuant to Texas Government Code (LGC) Chapter 551, Section 551.071 and Section 551.074. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting of January 4, 2021. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the 2021 Captain - Field written promotional examination administered on January 27, 2021 pursuant …
City Arborist Program Heritage Tree Report October - December 2020 Issue Date Address Diameter Condition 10/1/2020 2712 SCENIC DR 10/1/2020 2725 BARTON SKWY 10/1/2020 2725 BARTON SKWY 10/1/2020 2725 BARTON SKWY 10/1/2020 1602 WETHERSFIELD RD 10/1/2020 3602 WINFIELD CV 10/1/2020 2712 SCENIC DR 10/1/2020 2712 SCENIC DR 10/2/2020 1911 ROBBINS PL 10/2/2020 10716 GALSWORTHY LANE 10/2/2020 205 ROWLAND DR 10/2/2020 405 W ELIZABETH ST 10/2/2020 706 E 43RD STREET 10/2/2020 5901 SHOALWOOD AVE 10/2/2020 405 W ELIZABETH ST 10/2/2020 405 W ELIZABETH ST 10/5/2020 7053 AUCKLAND DRIVE 10/5/2020 2902 CLEARVIEW DR 10/5/2020 2820 PRADO ST 10/5/2020 2004 PARKER LN 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/5/2020 1406 E 37TH ST 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/5/2020 1300 GUADALUPE STREET 10/5/2020 4419 DIANE DRIVE 10/5/2020 4713 CHIAPPERO TRL 10/6/2020 4501 SHOAL CREEK BLVD 10/6/2020 4501 SHOAL CREEK BLVD 10/6/2020 8529 ALOPHIA DR 10/7/2020 505 W ST JOHNS AVENUE 10/7/2020 4206 WILDWOOD RD 10/7/2020 5108 WOODVIEW AVE 10/7/2020 3102 W HIGHLAND TER 10/7/2020 5108 WOODVIEW AVE 10/7/2020 1624 W 5TH STREET 10/7/2020 2007 ROBINHOOD TRL 10/7/2020 2312 WESTOAK DR 10/7/2020 3102 W HIGHLAND TER 10/7/2020 2007 ROBINHOOD TRL 10/7/2020 2007 ROBINHOOD TRL 10/8/2020 6700 BRIDGE HILL CV 10/8/2020 13002 HUNTERS CHASE DR 10/8/2020 6700 BRIDGE HILL CV Public No Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No Species Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Pecan Live Oak American Elm Live Oak Pecan Live Oak Pecan Live Oak Pecan Pecan Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Cedar Elm American Elm Cedar Elm Live Oak Pecan Live Oak Live Oak Spanish Oak Live Oak Pecan American Elm Spanish Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Red Oak Live Oak Pecan Live Oak Cedar Elm Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Live Oak Elm Live Oak Live Oak 24 Good 24 Good 24 Good 24 Good 25.75 Fair 28 Poor 29 Good 31.5 Good 24 Fair 24 DDI 24 Good 28.5 Fair 31 DDI 32 Fair 36 Fair 46 Fair 24 Good 25 Fair 25 Poor 26 Fair 26 Fair 28 DDI 29 Fair 30 Fair 30 Fair 33 Fair 34.5 DDI 36.5 …
Urban Forest Program Updates for Urban Forestry Subcommittee F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 1 Highlights • Youth Forest Council • Community Tree Priority Map • Arborist Continuing Education • Awards/Recognition • Staffing Youth Forest Council • 2020 wrap up, projects online • 2021 cohort on-board Community Tree Priority Map • Resource prioritization tool • Full write up online Community Tree Education • Certified Arborist Prep - virtual • Tree Maintenance Training • Project Learning Tree Awards Urban Connections – Teacher Conservation Institute 2020 Forestry Innovation Award Texas Forestry Association From Tree to Urban Forest Health 2020 Arboricultural Project of the Year Texas ISA Austin’s Possible Planting Space Map ESRI Map Gallery Staffing • Vacant Environmental Program Coordinator (Urban Forest Health coordinator) • Co-facilitator for Youth Forest Council (part time) Links Youth Forest Council Homepage: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/youth-forest-council Blogs: https://www.austintexas.gov/blog-tags/youth-forest-council Community Tree Priority Map Article: https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/explore-austins-community-tree-priority-map Map: https://arcg.is/1fvPq0 Teacher Conservation Institute Award https://tfaannualmeeting.com/2020-tfa-awards/texas-forestry-association-announces-aimiee-aubin-and-april-rose- as-forestry-innovation-award-recipients/ Austin’s Possible Planting Space Map https://www.dropbox.com/s/vw445j5h0qfp4ny/Possible%20Planting%20Space%202014%20Map%20v4.jpg?dl=0 Emily King Urban Forester Community Tree Preservation Division Development Services Department Emily.King@austintexas.gov
EXCEPTS FROM THE YEAR END SURVEY “Seeing myself improve in certain skills gave me more confidence in speaking up.” “I feel much more equipped to eventually enter the workforce. I feel much more connected to the urban forest and feel much more equipped to discuss it.” “I 100% improved my professional skills, including project management. I have already implemented this in some areas outside of YFC.” 100% OF YFC MEMBERS AGREED OR STRONGLY AGREED WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS: Through this internship, I learned new information about careers in the outdoors, nature, and the environment. I have spoken to others in my community (family, friends, neighbors, schoolmates, etc.) about the things I'm learning. Since starting the internship, I feel more equipped to take actions to support the urban forest in my community. COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS Each YFC member was responsible for planning a Community Action Project (CAP). CAPs were grounded in equity and community engagement and offered a chance for YFC members to share learnings with their own community. Despite the limitations presented by COVID- 19, 2020 YFC members designed and implemented impressive projects that deepened the Urban Forest Program’s connection to Austinites. “[The] most impactful part was having a chance to create my own community action project. I feel proud and thankful for letting me have the opportunity to use my own ideas for this project.” READ MORE ABOUT 2020 COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS. 2020 Y E A R I N R E V I E W Youth Forest Council (YFC) is a yearlong internship for young people in Austin. 2020 was the pilot year of the program. Over the course of the year, 12 interns joined the Urban Forest Program as temporary part-time staff. Each intern worked independently and with staff and partners on projects aligned to the Urban Forest Program’s mission of “Enhancing Austin’s quality of life by fostering a healthy urban forest for all.” The program is aligned to multiple strategies within Strategic Direction 2023: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND AFFORDABILITY HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR ALL
DRAFT Tree Inspection, Accountability, and Reporting Concerns Tree inspectors now answer to Construction Dept. and lost their connection to the city arborist because direct supervision has been transferred to the Construction Division. The City Arborist develops, coordinates, and implements citywide urban forest regulatory policies, procedures, and programs and is the responsible party and the expert resource for staff. Management and oversight are crucial. The City arborist is also the connection to the community. City of Austin code 25-8-623 states, “the city arborist shall inspect trees.” Community Tree Preservation Division had a tree-oriented staff that connected them to the community. This is City of Austin policy. Experienced tree inspectors are now tasked with erosion control and sedimentation review and trees are no longer a priority. Trees are no longer the priority and focus, creating a drop in the level of service to trees and diluted the effectiveness of the city arborist program. Development is the major reason for yearly tree decline. Citizen violation reports are sent to the construction dept. Loss of faith with the community and connection to the City Arborist office. Change in established policy. Response time: adding layers Lack of understanding of tree survival issue and active violations. Loss of urgency. Safety issues. Adding layers to response time kills trees. Trees are alive and living breathing infrastructure. Rapid response to problem resolution is critical. All tree inspectors assessing trees need certification and training. Training is critical. Knowledge of code and recognizing tree impacts are critical for tree survival. UFC November 12, 2020 Recommendations: Address code 25-8-623 by restoring inspection oversight to the city arborist and prioritizing trees and sustainability. Only qualified tree inspectors should inspect trees. Re-establish the link for citizens reporting tree concerns to the city arborist office by returning oversight for tree inspections to the city arborist office. Develop an immediate response chain for urgent tree violations/safety issues/ inspections which should take top priority. Define tree safety issues by a qualified tree inspector. Restore direct supervision and allow the city arborist to speak directly to tree inspectors. Establish training guidelines for tree inspectors through the city arborist’s office including ISA tree risk assessment. Require the city arborist be involved in hiring of new tree inspectors, and have a role in writing job descriptions and performance reviews. Provide the Environmental Commission quarterly spreadsheets tracking tree violations/removals, inspections/results. Allow tree inspectors to inspect commercial sites monthly. Consider community …
TARA Office Briefing John Speirs, Program Manager Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Office February 10, 2021 Increasing Broadband Access ATX Digital Access Forum - Stories from Austin community members about their experiences with digital access such as home internet and computer devices. - https://www.speakupaustin.org/digital-access-tara ConnectionTest ATX - This platform on Speed Up America’s platform surveys respondents via wireless and wireline connections to test their speed, both upload and download, and advertised speed they are paying for internet service. - Pitch for technical buildout to OpenAustin scheduled for mid-February 2021 Residential Technology Study Update A. Update our understanding of technology access (connections, devices, digital skills) citywide in 2021. B. Understand challenges and barriers facing the least digitally included, and what resources or programs might help. 1. How residents access and use the internet 2. Challenges and barriers residents face Evaluate awareness and access to services 1. 2. Connect communities to existing (particularly during COVID-19) 3. How internet access and use varies by 3. demographics resources, if appropriate Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing resources or services >> Mostly quantitative >> Mostly qualitative Qualitative is useful for #2. Need to leverage insights from past/ongoing qualitative efforts (e.g., Mission Capital/United Way focus groups). Surveys and data on existing services can tell us about current usage, but not about non-usership and needs beyond existing services. 2021 Residential Technology Study Update A. Update our understanding of technology access (connections, devices, digital skills) citywide in 2021. B. Understand challenges and barriers facing the least digitally included, and what resources or programs might help. 1. How residents access and use the internet 2. Challenges and barriers residents face Evaluate awareness and access to services 1. 2. Connect communities to existing (particularly during COVID-19) 3. How internet access and use varies by 3. demographics resources, if appropriate Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing resources or services >> Mostly quantitative >> Mostly qualitative Qualitative is useful for #2. Need to leverage insights from past/ongoing qualitative efforts (e.g., Mission Capital/United Way focus groups). Surveys and data on existing services can tell us about current usage, but not about non-usership and needs beyond existing services. Methods to consider for stipend to GTOPs Reviewers Research goals: Evaluate the City’s precedent for payment. Understand what is reasonable to consider . Identify challenges and needs that are not served by existing structure. Potential methods, based on the …
1 RECOMMENDATION Commission on Seniors Recommendation Number: (20210210-03B) Support for Austin’s Legislative Agenda and Advocacy WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its residents; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, each year, the Texas Legislature increasingly attempts to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; and WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy equates to censorship of Residents’ voices and is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Commission on Seniors: Endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. Believes the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. Urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively represent the taxpayers and continue to amplify their collective voices through advocacy at the Texas Legislature. Supports the City of Austin’s engagement of …
REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 10, 2021 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse; Vice Chair Worthington; Members Hosking Pulido, Gordon, Alvarez, Wren, Huston, Paver, Bliss Lima, Cortés-Castillo, and Conlin Staff in attendance: Rachel Farley, Leila Lawson CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Choquette Hamilton provided citizen communication, saying that she is a member of Equity in Childcare and Education, a local grassroots coalition whose mission is to lift community voices and advocate for policies and actions that drive anti-racist child care and education in Central Texas. She asked the ECC to request that City Council members prioritize proposals for the St. John’s Redevelopment project and other redevelopment projects that include a high-quality child care center. She highlighted the lack of high-quality care options available for families in St. John’s in District 4, noting that there are 5 or less TRS child care seats per 100 children of working parents living 200% below the poverty line. She said Equity in Childcare and Education sees the St. John’s redevelopment as the optimal opportunity to increase child care access. Proposals are due February 18, 2021. ECC members noted that they could raise this topic could be individually with their appointing Council offices and also revisit it in the next meeting. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from - Member Paver moved to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2020, and January 13, 2021 meetings, member Huston seconded the motion. The minutes for both meetings were approved unanimously by a vote of 11-0-0. 2. NEW BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS a. ECC 2021 Goal setting discussion Achieve- What do we want to do that we are not doing? • Consistent 2-way communication between Council offices and ECC • Have families and organizations participate and use ECC as a conduit to influence City Council • Working with Equity at the Center o Operationalize equity when considering policies- is data/impact broken down by race/ethnicity o Examine City plans to analyze to see the impact on racial equity in early childhood o Create avenues for community voices- Identify people active in the community on issues of equity and early childhood and invite them to ECC so we can hear from them; help people understand what role we have as a bridge between community …
City of Austin Early Childhood Council 2021 Context for Goal Setting ECC 2021 Foundations Document ECC Members shall be knowledgeable about and focused on our purpose: Purpose (ECC Bylaws) The Early Childhood Council shall, as stated in City Code § 2‐1‐123 (B): (l) Make recommendations to the city council for the creation, development, and implementation of programs that promote optimal development for young children; (2) Develop, for recommendation to city council, programs and activities that contribute to the continued development of a system of high‐quality early care and education and afterschool programs for Austin's children; (3) Explore and develop, for recommendation to city council, cooperative arrangements with area governments in the metropolitan region to support a system of quality early care and education; (4) Encourage volunteerism and philanthropic efforts in order to generate broad‐based community involvement and support for quality early care and education and promote the well‐being of families of young children; and (5) Develop, for recommendation to city council, strategies encouraging individuals and agencies to continually improve the quality of their services for young children; and (6) Support innovative approaches to quality early care and education and leadership development in fields relating to the optimal development of young children. ECC Council will articulate how actions /recommendations align with City of Austin Strategic Direction 2023 (SD23) City of Austin Strategic Outcomes: Economic Opportunity and Affordability: Having economic opportunities and resources that enable us to thrive in our community. Mobility: Getting us where we want to go, when we want to get there, safely and cost‐effectively. Safety: Being safe in our home, at work, and in our community. Health and Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and Culture and Lifelong Learning: Being enriched by Austin's unique civic, cultural, ethnic, and learning mentally. opportunities. Government That Works for All: Believing that city government works effectively and collaboratively for all of us ‐ that it is equitable, ethical and innovative. City of Austin Early Childhood Council 2021 Context for Goal Setting ECC will articulate how actions/recommendations align with Community Strategic Plans Success By 6 Strategic Plan Pillars and Goals: Healthy Beginnings ‐ All children receive early and regular developmental screenings and immunizations, and are linked to accessible, coordinated, integrated, and responsive basic needs, physical, dental, and mental health services, including services for children with developmental delays. Supported Families ‐ Families …
Early Childhood Commission | Planning Achieve: What do we want to do that we are not doing? Preserve: What are we doing well that we want to continue Examples: • Consistent 2-way communication between Council offices and ECC • Have families and organizations participate, use ECC as a conduit to influence City Council Examples: • • Advocate for policy related to child care Influence City investments in ECE via APH Avoid: What do we want to prevent? Examples: • Conflicting with Community Strategic Plans Eliminate: What are we doing that is not effective? Examples: • Reacting to opportunities rather than being proactive
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING February 10, 2021 COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MINUTES The Commission on Veteran Affairs convened in a Special Called Meeting on February 10, 2021 via WebEx Remote meeting. Chair Doris Williams called the Board Meeting to order at 10:31AM. Board Members in Attendance: Doris Williams - Chair Manuel Jimenez - Vice Chair Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Staff in Attendance: Tina Lee 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Jason Denny Josephine Hinds Pete Salazar Chair Williams asked the Commission members to review the minutes from the special called meeting on November 19, 2020. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to approve the meeting minutes and Commissioner Bingham seconded the motion. Motion passed with no objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Texas Folklife presented to the commission about their mission and how one of their programs “Creative Forces” for veterans and family members has assisted with connecting with other veterans to express their stories and folklore through audio production training. Texas Folklife offers their workshops and programs to veterans in Texas primarily in the central Texas region. For more information about the program: https://texasfolklife.org/ b) The City of Austin Intergovernmental Relations Office briefed the Commission on the City of Austin State legislative Resolution that S.B 29 would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to have the Commission on Veteran Affairs sign and support the resolution made by Intergovernmental Relations Office. Commissioner Bingham seconded the motion and the resolution was approved on a 6-0-1 vote. Vice Chair Jimenez abstained himself. c) Vice Chair Jimenez discussed the faulty comparison to the military made by the equity assessment SWOT analysis and report on racial inequity within the Austin Police Department. Commissioner Salazar made a motion to provide a recommendation to COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES address the comparison explained on officers within APD being affiliated with he Military. Vice Chair Jimenez seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. ADJOURN: Chair Williams adjourned the meeting at 11:15AM without objection
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: (20210210-C002) Faulty Comparison to the Military from the SWOT Analysis WHEREAS, many veterans face several challenges when making the transition from military to civilian life. There has been a growing military to civilian division over the years as military veterans and civilians compete in the job market. There is also the trend of fewer and fewer of the population serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. This division and competition have led to typecasting and stereotypes of our modern-day military veterans. WHEREAS, there are some in the civilian sector who have no idea of or have ever served in the military. These individuals have stereotypes of military service that inhibit servicemembers from transitioning smoothly back into civilian life. WHEREAS, some stereotypes indicating military training is inferior and "warrior-like" is toxic. This type of stereotype is not based on a factual basis but rather unfounded typecasting. Language such as military "warrior" is misleading as present-day servicemembers' training is based on physical fitness and stamina than on a so-called "warrior" mindset. There is a belief that the military culture is a ‘us versus them mindset.” The military veteran is one who took an oath to serve this country negating this kind of thinking. WHEREAS, the Equity Office assessment, and SWOT analyses and report on racial inequities, within the Austin Police Department make faulty claims of comparisons to military service and further promotes dangerous stereotypes. These stereotypes interfere with returning military veterans gaining employment. They contribute to a number of issues military veterans face while transitioning from a sometimes-unappreciated military career to civilian life. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Veteran Affairs rejects the stereotypes used by the Equity Office assessment and SWOT analyses and report on racial inequities within the Austin Police Department because they are not congruent with the military and encourages the Austin City Council to do the same. Date of Approval: February 10, 2021 Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, with the names of those voting yes listed) Doris Williams Manuel Jimenez Alfred Bingham Jose Carrasco Jason Denny Josephine Hinds Pete Salazar Attest: _____________________________________________ Manuel Jimenez Jr., Vice Chair Commission on Veteran Affairs
I. COMMISSION ON SENIORS REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH, 2021 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting via Videoconferencing. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Adam Hauser, Amy Temperley, Billy Jackson, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia-Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Karen Grampp, Martin Kareithi, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Board Members not in Attendance: Natalie Cagle Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Educator II, Austin Public Health Presenters: Jackie Nirenberg, Serita Lacasse, Kami Griffiths, Suzanne Anderson Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 1:02pm. The Commission introduced themselves. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION Jodi Allen from Drive-a-Senior introduced themselves to the Commission on Seniors. Drive-a-Senior is currently offering transportation to vaccination appointments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS DECEMBER 9TH, 2020 MEETNG A. The minutes for the January 13th, 2021 Meeting were approved on Vice-Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Van Sickle second on a 13-0 vote. Commissioners Cagle and Spain were absent. B. Commissioner Spain entered the dais. II. ANNOUNCEMENTS term. III. OLD BUSINESS A. Commissioner Grampp will be leaving the Commission on Seniors and not renewing her i. Commissioners expressed gratitude for Commissioner Grampp’s time on the Commission on Seniors. B. Commissioners Angel, Spain, and Garcia-Pittman’s reappointments have been confirmed by City Council. i. Commissioner Jackson is still reviewing applying for reappointment. A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item i. No discussion currently. B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group • No discussion currently. • No discussion currently. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group • No discussion currently. iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group • No discussion currently. C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Janee D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Janee Briesmeister) E. Discussion and possible action on the Equity Action Team – Standing Item (Emily De Maria Briesmeister) i. No discussion currently. i. No discussion currently. Nicola) i. No discussion currently. IV. NEW BUSINESS A. Briefing: Project Connect and Austin Transit Partnership, Jackie Nirenberg, Capital Metro. i. Jackie Nirenberg provided an update to the Commissioners on Project Connect and …
