Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Health and Environment COA Strategic Direction: June 2, 2021 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Austin Water June 10, 2021 Client: Kevin Critendon Agenda Item Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M AgriLife Research to develop an updated Land Management Plan for the City’s Water Quality Protection Lands program. Amount and Source of Funding Funding in the amount of $25,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining years of the agreement is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: N/A December 12, 2001 — Adoption of WQPL Land Management Plan (Resolution #011212-80) December 13, 2012 — Adoption of WQPL Land Management Plan Dec 13, 2012 (Resolution # 20121213-003). June 2, 2021 — To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: N/A their management with Austin Water has managed the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) since their origin in 1998. The WQPL began with the passage of $65 million in Utility Revenue Bonds to protect 15,000 acres of land that provide source water for Barton Springs. Additional general revenue bonds have since been passed which has seen the WQPL grow to their current 30,000(+) acres of land protected. The WQPL protects land in fee simple and using conservation easements on private property. The fee simple lands are managed according to a Land Management Plan that helps direct the most effective and protective methodologies according to ecological restoration strategies. The land management practices used by the City’s WQPL Program should be updated approximately once each decade to keep these practices in line with the most current science involving land management and ecological restoration, while taking into account the essential functioning of the unique karst landscape that feeds Barton Springs. The first Land Management Plan for the WQPL was approved by Council in 2001 and the second in 2012. Both were prepared by outside experts to stay up to date with the most current thinking on these issues and to avoid issues such as confirmation bias and group think which can occur in even the most professional organizations. Since that time, additional lands have been purchased and the scientific knowledge of land management for the protection of water quality and water quantity has progressed. This action authorizes the negotiation and …
Versión en español a continuación. Commission for Women Meeting Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Commission for Women be held Wednesday, June 2, 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 (Tuesday, June 1, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 2, 2021 Commission for Women Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, on June 1, 2021. 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 jonathan.babiak@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 Reunión del Commission for Women Miércoles, Junio 2, 2021 a 9:00 a.m. 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 (Martes, Junio 1, 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) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para …
Versión en español a continuación. South Central Waterfront Board Special Called Meeting June 2, 2021 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board to be held June 2, 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 (Tuesday, June 1 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 2, 2021 South Central Waterfront Advisory Board Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison Sravya Garladenne at (512)-974-3362 or Sravya.Garladenne@austintexas.gov no later than noon, June 1st, 2021. 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 Sravya.Garladenne@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 Reunión del South Central Waterfront Board Meeting FECHA de la reunion June 2, 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 (June 1st, 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)-974-3362 or Sravya.Garladenne@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 …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD DRAFT MINUTES FOR MAY 17, 2021 AT 6:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened in a Regular Meeting on May 17, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Samuel Franco called the meeting to order at 6:11 pm. Board Members in attendance: Ex Officios: Chair Samuel Franco (Design Commission) Vice Chair Lynn Kurth (Mayor & Dist 9 Appointee) Jeff Thompson (Planning Commission) Heidi Anderson (The Trail Foundation) Linda Guerrero (Environmental Commission) Laura Cottam-Sajbel (Parks & Recreation Board) Karen Paup (Affordable Housing Rep) Jeff Seiden (Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Assoc.) Thomas Groce (S. River City NA) 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Marek Izydorcyzk (ORES) Molly Alexander (DAA) COA Housing and Planning Staff: Alan Holt, Executive Liaison Sravya Garladenne, Staff Liaison a. Board member Jeff Thompson made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Lynn Kurth, to approve the draft April 28, 2021 SCWAB meeting minutes. The motion to approve passed without amendments with 8 yes and 1 absent (includes late arrival Jeff Seiden). 2. ITEMS FOR PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION a. Housing & Planning Department (HPD) Staff Updates - SCW Project Manager, Alan Holt, announced his retirement from the City at the end of the month. The Board Members thanked him for his service and wished him a happy retirement. 3. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION a. Recommendation to Council regarding the creation of the AEDC SCW Committee – Chair Samuel Franco presented the proposed membership of the proposed AEDC SCW Committee. The Board discussed this and decided to hold a Special Called Meeting to vote on this matter at the earliest. 4. WORKING GROUP UPDATES & ASSIGNMENTS FROM CHAIR a. Community Benefits, Infrastructure, and Regulating Plan - Laura Cottam-Sajbel will take Francoise Luca’s place in this working group. b. Finance and Governance – No updates. c. Active Projects – No update. Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation at a FUTURE meeting. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. ADJOURNMENT – 7:05 pm. 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 contact Jodi Lane at the Housing and Planning Department, at …
Versión en español a continuación. Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission Meeting 06/02/2021 Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to be held 06/02/2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (06/01/2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7665 and matthew.dugan@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 matthew.dugan@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 Reunión del Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission la FECHA de la reunion (06/02/2021) 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 (06/01/2021 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 junta en 512-974-7665 and matthew.dugan@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). • Una vez que se haya realizado una solicitud para hablar con el enlace …
Versión en español a continuación. Regular Meeting of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board June 2, 2021 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board meeting to be held June 2, 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 June 1, 2021 by noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 2, 2021 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Michelle Rojas at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Wednesday, June 1, 2021. 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 Michelle Rojas michelle.rojas@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 Junta Especial del Grupo Asesor del Centro México-Americano Emma S. Barrientos FECHA de la reunión 2 de junio, 2021 de 6:00 pm a 8:00 pm 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 el 1 de junio, 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, Michelle Rojas (512) 974-3771 o al correo electrónico Michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía del miércoles 1 de junio. Se requiere …
Whereas: The City Council of Austin (“the Council”) resolved to initiate a comprehensive small- area plan for the South-Central Waterfront. The August 2013 Council resolution cites that this area faces unique challenges as development pressures rise, and that the current land development codes and the waterfront overlay ordinance are not adequate to guide development in a way that will fully achieve the goals of the Town Lake Corridor Study. In August 2013, the Austin City Council resolved to initiate a comprehensive small-area plan for an area designated, for this planning initiative, as the South-Central Waterfront. Whereas: The South-Central Waterfront Plan was adopted by Council as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan on June 16th, 2016. Whereas: In adopting the South-Central Waterfront resolution, the City Council cited key findings from preliminary studies which advised that zoning ordinances alone were not adequate to guide development in a way to achieve community values that date back to the Town Lake Corridor Study of 1985. These values include enhanced public access to the shore, expanded open space, and ensuring quality design and the maximization of water quality. More recent public engagement, and the adoption of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, expanded the list of community desires to include more affordable housing and sustainable technologies. Whereas: In 2016 Council created the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (“Board”) to provide continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South-Central Waterfront Plan moves toward implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation. Whereas: The Board is made up of not only experts in their field but community members who live near the project area whose input has been and will continue to be imperative to this process. More importantly, community input is critical to the success of the project to ensure the City continue to foster meaningful community engagement through a process that is transparent and in the best interest of not just the residents of the immediate surrounding area, but the city as a whole. Whereas: Included in the South-Central Waterfront Plan approved by Council in 2016 was the recommendation to form a development corporation, specific to the South-Central Waterfront area, which could provide the district with a suite of predevelopment and development services to assist the execution of both public and private projects within the district. This development corporation could facilitate and advocate for necessary public approvals, partner with …
Zilker Neighborhood Association Re: Opposition to 1725 Toomey rezoning in Waterfront Overlay (C14-2021-0009) May 27, 2021 The Zilker Neighborhood Association strongly opposes the proposed rezoning of the property at 1725 Toomey Road from CS to a zoning category that would allow for a building up to 90 feet in height, since the rezoning would conflict with the environmentally sensitive area, exacerbate existing traffic issues, and create new problems. Below is a "before and after" photo approximation of how an MF-6 zoned building would appear if it were built to the limits of the entitlements, which would likely happen in order to accommodate 215 units. The view in the photo is looking southeast across Barton Creek from the Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Lou Neff Point. The horizontal white line across the building's face is the current zoning height of 60 feet. Building in excess of current height limits, which are 60 feet tall, would be out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood and would be incompatible with the purpose of the Waterfront Overlay, since it would not promote the harmonious interaction and transition between urban development and the park land and shoreline of Lady Bird Lake (as is required by the City Code). It would block sunlight and views, impair access, and accelerate efforts to create a canyon-like effect of tall buildings in close proximity to–and especially on the east shoreline of-- Barton Creek. A building greater than 60 feet in height would also be especially inappropriate for this particular property because: 1. The property is not just on the edge of the Waterfront Overlay. Rather, the overlay extends south of the property across Barton Springs Road. 2. There is an Overlay Setback running through the front of the property. 3. The property is only approximately 325' from Barton Creek. 4. Increased zoning entitlements at the intersection of Toomey Road and Sterzing Road would exacerbate congestion on Barton Springs Road very near the intersection of Azie Morton Road, and also exacerbate congestion at Toomey Road and South Lamar, which is very near the entrances of the proposed Dougherty Arts Center parking garage and the area-wide parking garage of the Schlotzsky's PUD project at 218 S Lamar. A building taller than 60 feet is also incompatible with the proposed new Dougherty Arts Center, which is planned to be constructed on the other side of Toomey Road. The center will serve …
Palm District Planning Initiative Small Area Planning Joint Committee June 2, 2021 Content Project Background Study Area Project Scope Project Team How to Get Involved Project Background Engage stakeholders and the public to develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin that includes: Palm School Palm Park Convention Center Waller Creek Red River Cultural District ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center Proposed Mexican American Heritage Corridor And more…. 4 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 5 Recent Planning History Waller Creek Master Plan (2010) Downtown Austin Plan (2011) Imagine Austin (2012) Waller Creek Design Plan (2012) Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life ESB-MACC Master Plan (2018) Project Connect Vision (2019) Brush Square Master Plan (2019) UT Analysis of Convention Center Expansion (2019) Convention Center Master Plan (2013) (2015) Downtown Austin Wayfinding Update (2020) Master Plan (2013) Urban Land Institute Study of IH 35 Convention Center Master Plan (2020) …and more 6 Study Area 8 History of Study Area Long, layered history Palm School dates back to the 1890s Palm District originally part of East Austin Mexican-Americans, African- Americans and German Immigrants called Palm district home 9 PICA 21043 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Historic Connection To East Austin 10 CO3746 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Sir Swante Palm School 11 Sir Swante Palm School 12 waterloogreenway.org Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 13 Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park 14 PICA 04088 Austin History Center, Austin Public Library Waller Creek 15 Waller Creek Tunnel 16 waterloogreenway.org Waterloo Greenway/Waterloo Park 17 texasfreeways.com I-35 18 texasfreeways.com I-35 19 texasfreeways.com I-35 20 I-35 21 statesman.com: Photo Credit, Jay Jannier Project Connect and Downtown Transit Station 22 Neil Kocurek Memorial Austin Convention Center 23 Brush Square/O. Henry Museum 24 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) 25 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 26 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 27 Rainey Street Neighborhood & Historic District 28 Sixth Street Historic and Entertainment District 29 lostinaustin.org: Photo Credit, Will Taylor Red River Cultural District 30 Innovation District 31 KXAN.com m o c . N A X …
Plaza Volente Residential – N FM 620 & Anderson Mill SER #4652 Full Purpose Aspen Heights 215 Unit MF Project SER #4629 approved in 2020 Limited Purpose Subject Property 2-Mile ETJ Zoning and Annexation • The 9.4 Acre tract was rezoned to MF-2 and voluntarily annexed into full purpose COA on June 4, 2020. • Neighborhood Support was given based on 200’ building setback along eastern property line and Hill Country Roadway landscaping compliance on the 25 acre tract in the ETJ. • Developer committed to future voluntary annexation of the 25 acre tract currently in the ETJ (Resolution No. 20200611-097). Copy of Resolution attached in the next two slides. • Water Supply Suburban will control allowable impervious cover. Environmental Protection • WPD Staff, including Hydrogeologist and Wetlands Biologist, visited the property on multiple occasions since August 2020. • At the request of Staff, the project is maintaining existing storm water drainage patterns to the CEF features (wetlands). • On-site and off-site storm water flows are collected using a series of water quality controls including rain gardens and biofiltration ponds that recharge the wetland CEFs to promote & sustain healthy wetland ecology within the CEF buffer areas. • This enhanced recharging of the wetland features goes beyond current conditions that exist today and should benefit downstream, off-site habitat of the Jollyville salamander in Bull Creek. • The 25 acre tract is already in the BCCP and the 9.4 acre tract will be submitted in the future. Site Plan Review (SP-2020-0427C) • No environmental variances requested. • Standard CEF setbacks maintained. • New karst CEF accounted for in plan that was not previously shown on historical site plans. • Hill Country Roadway landscaping requirements imposed along ETJ frontage. • Tree Care Plan will be implemented with the Certified Arborist. • City of Austin Watershed Protection and Environmental Staff performed multiple site visits to the property for field inspection of ERI report findings. • Site plan heavily coordinated with Watershed Protection and COA Drainage to ensure wetland CEF features are adequately recharged. Site Plan Review 246 units on 25 Acres and 126 units on 9.4 Acres Wastewater SER #4652 • Requires $2.5 - $3MM in off-site WW upgrades within the full purpose COA • Proposed wastewater connection located within 9.4 acre full purpose COA contiguous to Plaza Volente lift station • ERI & Geologic Assessment completed along the SER proposed WW alignment …
PROBLEMS WITH AUSTIN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Water and Wastewater Commission Paul Robbins June 2, 2021 What Is CAP? • Low-income discount program for Austin utilities. • Begun in 1985 with much smaller participation; Austin Water joined 2009; program greatly expanded in 2013. • About $11 million/year for water bill discounts. • Almost $600 annually for SF water-bill discount; 50% saving for a SF bill. • About $200 annually for new MF discount. • About 14,000 CAP SF Water participants (6% of total); about 22,000 MF Water participants will be added this year. How Do Customers Participate in CAP? • 5 out of 6 participants are automatically enrolled if someone in the home is on one of 7 social service programs (e.g., SSI, CHIP, Food Stamps). • 1 out of 6 participants income qualify if their household makes no more than 200% of the poverty level. • SPECIAL: Homes with over $250,000 in improvement values or whose owner own more than one property must (supposedly) income qualify. What Are the Problems with CAP? • Discounts still going to customers with high real-estate assets almost 7 years after problem is discovered. • No income qualifications for customers without high real- estate assets (Auto-enrollment does not always work). • Lack of transparency. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • Austin Energy Informed in September 2014 • Front Page of Statesman December 1, 2014 By Lilly Rockwell, Dec 1, 2014 As a luxury home builder, Majd Hinedi lives in pretty nice digs himself. His 6,315-square- foot West Lake Hills home is valued at $1.2 million and sits in a cul-de-sac. According to online real estate database Zillow, it has five bedrooms, a pool and a guest house. But unbeknownst to him, Hinedi has also scored an unusual perk that will help ease his housing costs. He is getting a discounted rate on his water, wastewater and drainage fees by being part of Austin Energy’s “Customer Assistance Program,” which is designed to give reduced rates and fees to low-income customers. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • In 2014, over 1,100 customers were discovered with real- estate assets more than the average cost of homes. • In Summer 2018, customers with high real-estate assets were asked to income qualify. • In late 2020, 124 customers with high real-estate assets still receiving CAP. 11303 Musket Rim 7,100 SF mansion • Tennis Court • Swimming …
My ATX Water PROGRAM UPDATE Water and Wastewater Commission June 2, 2021 My ATX Water Project Network Configuration • Network Overview • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Progress • Meter & MTU Install Progress • Next Steps Data Collection Unit Secure Wireless Network 2 My ATX Water Customer Portal Billing and Data Analytics Data Collection Unit (DCU) Network Deployment Plan/Process (1 of 2) Report Period DCU Pilot Workstream Status 4.28.21 - 5.5.21 DCUs Constructed DCUs Commissioned DCUs Online Completed On Track 18 of 159 18 of 159 18 of 159 • Breakdown by installation type: • Communication Towers: 29 • Includes COA Lattice, Cell, City-owned towers & AW comm towers • AW Elevated Water Towers: 10 • AW Ground Storage Tanks: 13 • Roof Mounts: 5 • New Wood Poles: 44 • Co-Location Wood Poles: 7 • Permit/Approval required • Co-Location Metal Light Poles: 51 • Permit/Approval required Current DCU RF Coverage (Propagation) Model 3 DCU Deployment Coordination Database Data Collection Unit (DCU) 4 DCU Network Deployment Plan/Process (2 of 2) 5 Service Area Deployment • Proposed • Confirmed • Designed • Engineered • Submitted • Permitted • Staked • Installed • Commissioned (@5/5/21 – 18 DCU) 6 Meter Survey & Install Progress (1 of 2) • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Progress • Pre-Install Survey • Communication to Customers • Power BI Dashboard Tracking Pre-Install Survey Completions Meter Survey & Install Progress (2 of 2) 7 • Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Progress • Pre-Install Survey • Communication to Customers • Power BI Dashboard Tracking • Meter Installation Progress AMI Meter Install Completions Meter Exchange Process & Progress (Next Steps) 8 Example Batch Deployment Process: DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 1) DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 2) DCU NETWORK DEPLOYMENT (Area 3) DCU Deployment Area ‘n’ Install Survey (Area 1) Meter Installation (Area1) MyATXWater Portal - Preinstall Notification Post Install Door Hangers Initiated Install Survey (Area 2) Meter Installation (Area 2) Per-customer MyATXWater pre-install messages initiated Install Survey (Area 3) Neighborhood Install Signage Posted Customer Mailer (Area 1) Pre-Survey Community Outreach (area 1) Meter Installation (Area 3) Survey/Install (Area ‘n’) NOTE: Deployment Activities Repeat in same order Meter Deployment Forecast Meter Install Monitoring Dashboard Snapshots Area Pilot (~4860 meters) Post-Pilot (Area 1) Post-Pilot (Area 2) 3-May 10-May 17-May May 24- June 25 Jun 28-July 30 4569 70 110 ~170 940 1300 Prior Completed Week/month Installs (complete or forecast) My ATX Water COMMUNICATIONS …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements June 2021 Updates Heidi Tse, PWD - Capital Delivery Project Manager o Request to increase PSA Authority for City Council’s approval on 6/3/21 Increase from $2.5M to $3.9M to cover CD - Post Construction Phase Services o Virtual (1.5 day) Charrette was held on May 13th & 17th utilizing Miro Board o In-Person on site (2 half days) Charrette will be held on June 7th & 8th. o Geotechnical Engineering on site boring will be targeted for June 9-19th pending weather conditions o Pink Consulting Kick-Off Meeting on May 27 for Community Outreach planning for Schematic Design o Three Community Meetings targeting August (Day, Night, & Saturday) o Combining Small Groups o Methods
Photo: Samuel Huston College Summer Convocation, 1947 Source: College History Garden via Pinterest TRANSLATING COMMUNITY HISTORY JUNE 2, 2021 NPS UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES GRANT Increase listings associated with communities underrepresented in the National Register DESIGNATED HISTORIC RESOURCES (2017) PROJECT GOALS 1) Develop a model for proactive community engagement 2) Build community partnerships 3) Creatively link history to people’s lives 4) Begin to address shortage of historically designated properties with racially and culturally diverse associations PROJECT PARTS 1) Community engagement 2) Heritage projects 3) National Register nominations 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER GROUP African American Resource Advisory Commission Austin History Center Blackshear Bridge Carver Center Huston-Tillotson University Preservation Austin Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District (initial participant) Neighborhood residents District 1 Council office representative MEXICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER GROUP Austin History Center Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Mexic-Arte Museum Mexican American Cultural Center Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin Tejano Trails/National Park Service Neighborhood residents 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Outreach materials Engagement strategies Meeting recap Additional outreach Project introduction Select focus areas Heritage project brainstorm Heritage project overview w/ team Nov 2018 2019 May July Aug Sept Oct March 2020 Community stakeholder group meetings (2 each) Neighborhood meetings 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Spread from College Heights/African American Heritage catalog 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Spread from South East Austin/Mexican American Heritage catalog 2 HERITAGE PROJECTS www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Screenshot from South East Austin/Mexican American Heritage video 3 FOCUS AREAS College Heights South East Austin 3 NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS KEY PARTNERS Huston-Tillotson University City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Huston- Tillotson University Parque Zaragoza 3 PARQUE ZARAGOZA Austin History Center, 1950 Parks and Recreation Dept., n.d. 3 HUSTON-TILLOTSON UNIVERSITY The Ramshorn Journal, Apr. 1963, courtesy Huston-Tillotson University Archives The Ramshead Yearbook, ca. 1959, courtesy Huston-Tillotson University Archives www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Navasota and Holly, ca. 1950s, Austin History Center
PROBLEMS WITH AUSTIN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Water and Wastewater Commission Paul Robbins June 2, 2021 What Is CAP? • Low-income discount program for Austin utilities. • Begun in 1985 with much smaller participation; Austin Water joined 2009; program greatly expanded in 2013. • About $11 million/year for water bill discounts. • Over $500 annually for SF water-bill discount; 50% saving for a SF bill. • About $200 annually for new MF discount. • About 14,000 CAP SF Water participants (6% of total); about 22,000 MF Water participants will be added this year. How Do Customers Participate in CAP? • 5 out of 6 participants are automatically enrolled if someone in the home is on one of 7 social service programs (e.g., SSI, CHIP, Food Stamps). • 1 out of 6 participants income qualify if their household makes no more than 200% of the poverty level. • SPECIAL: Homes with over $250,000 in improvement values or whose owner own more than one property must (supposedly) income qualify. What Are the Problems with CAP? • Discounts still going to customers with high real-estate assets almost 7 years after problem is discovered. • No income qualifications for customers without high real- estate assets (Auto-enrollment does not always work). • Lack of transparency. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • Austin Energy Informed in September 2014 • Front Page of Statesman December 1, 2014 By Lilly Rockwell, Dec 1, 2014 As a luxury home builder, Majd Hinedi lives in pretty nice digs himself. His 6,315-square- foot West Lake Hills home is valued at $1.2 million and sits in a cul-de-sac. According to online real estate database Zillow, it has five bedrooms, a pool and a guest house. But unbeknownst to him, Hinedi has also scored an unusual perk that will help ease his housing costs. He is getting a discounted rate on his water, wastewater and drainage fees by being part of Austin Energy’s “Customer Assistance Program,” which is designed to give reduced rates and fees to low-income customers. Discounts to People With High Real-Estate Assets • In 2014, over 1,100 customers were discovered with real- estate assets more than the average cost of homes. • In Summer 2018, customers with high real-estate assets were asked to income qualify. • In late 2020, 123 customers with high real-estate assets still receiving CAP. 11303 Musket Rim 7,100 SF mansion • Tennis Court • Swimming …
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin, Texas is seeking an Administrative Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Commission. The Administrative Manager will ensure the Commission operates smoothly and efficiently by supporting and enabling relationship-building, managing communications, convenings, and scheduling across a spectrum of complex calendars. The Administrative Manager will schedule and oversee the Commission’s weekly meetings and assist the Chair and Vice Chair with agenda creation and minutes. The Administrative Manager will also work alongside subcommittees to: schedule and secure venue space for required public hearings throughout Austin, monitor Commission budget and expenses, field media inquiries and assist the commission with social media and website management. The Administrative Manager will serve at the pleasure of the Commission until a redistricting plan has been fully adopted and any challenges to it resolved, estimated to be five months starting July 2021. This full-time position is located in Austin with a salary of $50,000. Administrative Manager Responsibilities: ● Supervising the day-to-day operations of the Commission. ● Ensuring the Commission is prepared for weekly meetings with necessary materials and information. Working on agenda creation and taking minutes. ● Working with various subcommittees to track budget, monitor spending, manage a city credit card, receive receipts, and process expenses and reimbursements. ● Planning, scheduling, and promoting Commission events, including but not limited to meetings, public hearings, interviews, orientations, and training sessions. ● Collecting, organizing, and storing information using computers and filing systems. ● Overseeing special projects and tracking progress towards Commission goals. Administrative Manager Required Qualifications: ● Five years of related experience. ● Exceptional leadership and time, task, and resource management skills. ● Strong problem solving, critical thinking, coaching, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills. ● Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office. ● Ability to plan for and keep track of multiple projects and deadlines. Administrative Manager Preferred Qualifications: ● Familiarity with budget planning and enforcement, human resources, and customer service procedures. ● Experience with website management. ● Experience with public and media relations, and social media management. ● Prior public service experience. ● Bilingual (Spanish). To apply, first make sure you meet eligibility requirements above. Then submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, by 5 pm on June 18, 2021 to Matt Dugan at matthew.dugan@austintexas.gov
Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission of Austin Job Announcement Legal Counsel Number of Vacancies: 1 The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC) of Austin, Texas is seeking Legal Counsel to manage all operational (such as state law and city policies affecting meetings and records) and Redistricting and Compliance matters. Counsel shall serve as the liaison between the Commission and the City of Austin Staff with respect to legal items on redistricting matters and maps and shall provide advice on strategies and implementation of maps for redistricting purposes. Counsel will report to the Commission. This is a 6-month temporary position to extend on an as needed basis. Legal Counsel will work closely with the Commission to defend any action regarding redistricting matters and/or a certified map. Legal Counsel will need to attend all commission meetings and be available to answer commission’s questions outside of scheduled meetings as they arise. Key Areas of Responsibility: ∙ Analyzing legislation and court rulings relative to the Commission. ∙ Ensuring that the Commission complies with Federal, State, and City codes, ordinances, and all applicable laws and regulations. ∙ Prepare operational and administrative reports summarizing activities. ∙ Advise Commission on the Open Meetings Act. ∙ Advise Commission on the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and potential impacts. ∙ Serve as primary counsel for the implementation and legal coordination of the redrawing of the 10 single member districts for the City of Austin. ∙ Provide expert legal advice on the administration and implementation of all redistricting matters. ∙ Graduation from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. ∙ Licensed to practice law in Texas. Education Experience: ∙ 5 + years of progressively responsible legal experience with redistricting matters or relevant experience. ∙ Extensive experience in the application of the Open Meetings Act and the public records related thereto. ∙ Demonstrated experience & expertise in implementation and enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. ∙ No significant ties to City of Austin Council members. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: ∙ Superior negotiation, critical and analytical thinking, contract drafting, research, writing, editing, client counseling and organizational skills. ∙ The ability to work well with others; strong relationship-building skills ∙ Good presentation and speaking skills, a willingness to speak to the media on behalf of the Commission. Eligibility Requirements: Within the five years immediately preceding the date of application, neither the applicant nor their spouse have: ∙ Been appointed to, elected to, or …
