WALTER E. LONG METROPOLITAN PARKMaster Plan Review –City CouncilOctober 2019 PARK MASTER PLAN3,695 ac. (overall)Develops an overall vision for the park for current and future guidance Identifies types of recommended recreation uses Prioritizes initial development phase(s) Serves as a reference for future developmentZilkerParkRoy G. Guerrero ParkWalter E. Long Park+/-350 ac. Technical Advisory Group Community Stakeholder Focus GroupsLocal/citywide individuals/entitiesMeetings with area communityPublic Events and Public InteractionIn-person intercept survey Four public meetings at Decker Middle School (March to December 2018)Online EngagementThree opinion surveysMap blogWorkshops with PARD StaffElected/Appointed Officials and BoardsBoards and CommissionsCity CouncilPUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS HISTORY OF THE PARKInitial Master Plan 1966Federally FundedInteresting SimilaritiesUses, Zones, Access POTENTIAL FUTURE SUPPLY OF RETAIL & OFFICE/COMMERCIAL USES (EPS)(1)Captures emerging development; may not represent all development within a 5-mile radius.Sources: ESRI; CoStar; Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.(# of res. units)(sq. ft.)(sq. ft.)(# of rooms) Development PotentialHigh developability –potential for extensive construction (e.g., buildings, surface parking, athletic fields, infrastructure, etc.)Moderate developability –potential for condensed construction (e.g., playgrounds, picnic areas, etc.)Low developability –potential for low impact construction (e.g., trails, boardwalks, pavilions, etc.)Very limited development –very limited construction, if any (e.g., wetlands, trails, etc.)BACKGROUND –ANALYSIS ActiveActive sports and amenities, organized events, more significant infrastructure, often greater costPassiveLess development/infrastructure, casual activities & hobbies, often less costEnvironmental/NaturalPreservation of vegetation/wildlife, nature-based activities, less development/infrastructure, often less costArts and CulturalCommunity enrichment amenities, activities, and programs, infrastructure and costs range from very little to extensiveTYPES OF RECREATION (PARK USE ZONES) PREFERRED FRAMEWORK PLAN ILLUSTRATIVE MASTER PLANAny proposed park development will comply with applicable City codes and standards or will seek necessary variances. CIRCULATION AROUND THE PARK MASTER PLAN –AREA DETAILS Any proposed park development will comply with applicable City codes and standards or will seek necessary variances. DAY USE / EXISTING LAKESIDE PARK AREAAny proposed park development will comply with applicable City codes and standards or will seek necessary variances. Any proposed park development will comply with applicable City codes and standards or will seek necessary variances. EXPO CENTER AREAAny proposed park development will comply with applicable City codes and standards or will seek necessary variances. PROJECTED OVERALL DEVELOPMENT COST RANGES(1) POTENTIAL PHASE 1 (SOUTH SHORE) DEVELOPMENTPotential Cost Ranges:(1)Initial Phase 1(A) $10 to $20 millionCould include:Gate, Parking, Restrooms, Picnicking Facilities, Initial Infrastructure for Rowing Events Phase 1(B) $15 to $25 millionCould include: Play area, boathouse, day use facilities, Additional Event/Water Activities InfrastructurePhase(s) 1(C) and beyond Cost to TBDCould include: Central recreation area, pier, Lakeside …
Austin Transportation DepartmentStreet Impact FeesDesign Commission | September 23, 2019 2Topics•Street Impact Fee Overview•SIF Study Assumptions Report•Next Steps•Questions 3What are Street Impact Fees?•One-time fee for New Development•Calculation to determine the cost of growthfor street infrastructure 4Project Purpose: Why Street Impact Fees?•Determining a method for growth to pay for growth that is:•Equitable •Predictable•Transparent•Ultimate purpose is to develop a fair and reasonable fee development should pay for auto capacity improvements 5What Impact Fees Do•Impact Fees encourage a system that:•Funds transportation improvements: Continues to fund transportation improvements through the development process•Is fair among future developments: Fee is consistent and independent of when developers build (first or last)•Encourages building infrastructure: Allows flexibility to require infrastructure to be built up front•Is equitable in that all new development can contribute: All developments can contribute relative to their impact regardless of meeting a TIA threshold 6How do we calculate the “cost of growth for street infrastructure?”•Project new growth for the next 10 years•Establish Service Areas within which a maximum impact fee is determined•Develop Land Use Assumptions and corresponding growth within each Service Area •Project corresponding roadway capacity needs (Roadway Capacity Plan) to accommodate that growth within each Service Area 7What can Street Impact Fees pay for?Non Capacity Related Projects:•Projects not included in the Roadway Capacity Plan •Repair, operation and maintenance of existing or new facilities•Upgrades to serve existing development•Administrative costs of operating the programComponents that canbe paid forComponents that cannotbe paid for Capacity Related Projects:✓Construction cost of capital improvements in the Roadway Capacity Plan •Roadways –additional lanes, bridges, sidewalks and other “appurtenances” of roadways•Intersections –Signals, turn lanes✓Corridor Planning and Preliminary Engineering✓Survey and Engineering fees✓Land acquisition costs✓Debt Service of Street Impact Fee Plan✓Study/Update Costs 8DataCollectionOct -Dec Jan -Mar Apr -JunJul -Sep Oct-Dec Jan -Mar … Jul -Sep … Jan -Mar … Jul –Sep Oct -Dec Jan –Mar →201620172018Service Areas and Land Use AssumptionsFee Calculation and Policy DevelopmentSTREET IMPACT FEECOUNCIL TOUCHPOINTSEstablish Advisory CommitteeMobility CommitteeCouncil action on PolicyStreet Impact Fee StudyCouncil comments on Service Areas, Land Use AssumptionsCouncil approval of study assumptionsPhase 1Phase 32019Phase 2Roadway Capacity Plan Development(in coordination with ASMP)Mobility CommitteeCouncil approval of ASMPWe are here 9SIF Study Assumptions Report 10Report Materials•Service Areas•Growth Projections•Roadway Capacity PlanCouncilapprovedonAugust22,2019 11Roadway Capacity PlanDeveloped with the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan▪Street segment projects▪New roads▪Expand Roadway & Substandard Street (Widening)▪Access Management▪Intersection projects▪Signals▪Turn lanes▪Special intersections▪Bond Projects▪Capacity-related 12Street designs based on:•Street Network Table →ROW•Transportation Criteria Manual →Cross-sectionsLevel 3 -116’Level 3 -92’ 13Impact Fee Advisory Committee•Meeting Dates•December 1, 2016•February …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:02 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Henao‐Robledo X Martha Gonzalez – Vice‐Chair X Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco X Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Nichole Koerth (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ) Commissioner B. Frail arrived at 6:07 p.m. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the 17th & Guadalupe Apartments project, addressed at 313 W. 17th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Brockett Davidson, Rhode Partners); Brockett Davidson presented and answered questions from Commissioners. The motion to recommend the project as it complies with the Urban Design Guidelines was made by Vice‐Chair M. Gonzalez and seconded by Commissioner J. Meiners. A friendly amendment regarding the possibility of contracting local artists for their exhibit area, and the decoupling of parking, to be included in the lease agreement, was made by Commissioner S. Franco; and accepted by Vice‐Chair M. Gonzalez and Commissioner J. Meiners. Page 2 of 3 The motion, with friendly amendments, was approved on a vote of [10‐1‐0]. Commissioner A. Coleman opposed. b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Michael Schooler, GDA Architects; Anna Hoge, Consort, Inc.); Leah Bojo presented, with assistance from Michael Schooler and Mike Fraze (Studio Outside) The motion to postpone this item until the September 23rd Design Commission meeting was made by Chair D. Carroll and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of [11‐0‐0]. c. Discussion and possible action on the Pedestrian Advisory Council recommendations for the Congress Avenue Urban seeking support from the Commission. Presenter: Vice‐Chair Adam Greenfield; Adam Greenfield presented. The motion to support the project was made by Vice‐Chair M. Gonzalez and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. …
August 20,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects are measured for substantial compliance. “Urban Design” influences the largest and most extensive part of people’s lives, it has been a tremendous challenge to approach the issue of updating the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect current needs and future conditions of our city. After numerous discussions beginning with staff and within the Commission, we have created what will be a clear process to craft the necessary changes to the Urban Design Guidelines to best serve our community. The Urban Design Guidelines have not been updated since January 29, 2009 through RESOLUTION NO. 20100819‐035 when City Council First adopted them The Urban Design Guidelines serve as recommendations for all urban development and redevelopment projects by both the public and private sector The Urban Design Guidelines recognize the significant impact of the built environment on the historic, iconic, and unique characteristics of Austin and its neighborhoods Design Commission serves as a tremendous resource to the City Council to offer expert advice on how infrastructure and urban projects can enhance the built environment to be more equitable, vibrant, inclusive, and how to successfully engage community input We request assistance rewriting the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect the rapidly evolving built environment of the City of Austin. The Design Commission requests for the Urban Design Guidelines to be incorporated into the current rewrite efforts of the Land Development Code. The document will be a relevant and complimentary fit to the Land Development Code and shape its relationship to the urban landscape without prescribing technical requirements. We request that the City Manager be directed to work with the City of Austin’s Design Commission on recommendations for design guidelines and procedures to incorporate opportunities for public notification and input. The Design Commission will continue to interface with relevant departments to ensure inclusion and understanding of The Urban Design Guidelines’ proper use. it will be very difficult complete the Guidelines in a timely manner without assistance. Thank you very much for the opportunity to explore and address such an important issue of for the City. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime. Sincerely, Martha Gonzalez Vice‐Chair City of Austin Design Commission
City of Austin Design Commission Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to Downtown Density Bonus Program September XX, 2019 Esteemed City of Austin Council Members and Mayor Adler and, City of Austin Council Members Today in Austin, skyscraper projects that apply for and comply with the City’s Downtown Density Bonus Program (“Program”) are awarded sometimes triple the number of floors, building mass, and parking spaces, in exchange for arguably modest design improvements. We are advocates for downtown density, but we find the City’s Program and Urban Design Guidelines to be outdated. We don’t think the City or its residents are receiving enough in return for the millions of dollars in ‘bonus’ development entitlements awarded by this Program. We are specifically concerned that the City’s Program is not well aligned with important adopted policy goals including mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. We propose Code amendments to ensure new downtown skyscraper construction is proportionally helping the City to achieve these adopted goals. We recommend a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff5 to assist the Design Commission to draft Code amendments to address these shortcomings. Public input from developers and financiers will be important to ensure the Downtown Density Bonus Program remains functional and attractive. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight story commercial building, and if compliant with the Program, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of housing units), and 8 stories of parking garages (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements6, and a somewhat more energy efficient building design7. The Downtown Density Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not plan for: Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 6 City of Austin Great Streets Program, http://www.austintexas.gov/department/great-streets-program. 7 Two star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. Commented [DC1]: Should address to Mayor …
1 a E, j HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AGENDA Monday, September 23, 2019 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment City Hall Executive Session Conference Room (Room 1027) (This meeting is open to the public.) 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS:Sareta Davis, Chair Kristian Caballero, Vice Chair Jared Breckenridge Garry Brown Jamarr Brown Isabel Casas Idona Griffith Maram Museitif Courtney Santana Alicia Weigel Nathan White CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Citizens signed up 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. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s August 26, 2019 Regular Meeting. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Review of By-laws that address proper decorum (Chair Davis). 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by the City Attorney regarding the Human Rights Commission’s public hearing and appeal processes (Caballero/Weigel). Ann Skowronski, Assistant City Attorney b. Presentation by the City Attorney on City Code Chapter 5-2, Discrimination in Public Accommodations (Caballero/Weigel). Patricia Link, Assistant City Attorney c. Consideration, discussion, and possible appropriate action on a letter from the City of Austin Human Rights Commission to the Austin Independent School District Board of 2 Trustees in support of their work on creating a new human sexuality curriculum (Garry Brown/Casas). d. Discussion on the decriminalization of homelessness (Caballero/Weigel). e. Discussion on the prevention of homelessness (Caballero/Weigel). f. Discussion regarding the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act: the prevention and prohibition of discrimination in employment based on reproductive rights, including but not limited to the right to an abortion, the right to utilize in-vitro fertilization, and the right to pregnancy and childbirth outside of marriage (Weigel/Caballero). Amanda Beatriz Williams, Repro Power Austin; Erika Galindo, Repro Power Austin; Aimee Arrambide, Repro Power Austin; Heidi Gerbracht, Repro Power Austin; Emily Martin, Repro Power Austin 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Commissioners will report on and discuss the status of the Commission’s key priority areas of concern for 2019-2020, 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 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 …
1 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, September 23, 2019 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Staff in Attendance: Monika Arvelo, Assistant Director, Human Resources Department (HRD); Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, HRD 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of August 26, 2019 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Commissioner Museitif motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Commissioner Breckenridge and Commissioner Jamarr Brown were absent. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Davis reviewed bylaws that address proper decorum. 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by the City Attorney regarding the Human Rights Commission’s public hearing and appeal processes (Caballero/Weigel). Ann Skowronski, Assistant City Attorney Ann Skowronski, Assistant City Attorney, presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Presentation by the City Attorney on City Code Chapter 5-2, Discrimination in Public Accommodations (Caballero/Weigel). Patricia Link, Assistant City Attorney Patricia Link, Assistant City Attorney presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 2 c. Consideration, discussion, and possible appropriate action on a letter from the City of Austin Human Rights Commission to the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees in support of their work on creating a new human sexuality curriculum (Garry Brown/Casas). The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. d. Discussion on the decriminalization of homelessness (Caballero/Weigel). The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. e. Discussion on the prevention of homelessness (Caballero/Weigel). The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. f. Discussion regarding the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act: the prevention and prohibition of discrimination in employment based on reproductive rights, including but not limited to the right to an abortion, the right to utilize in-vitro fertilization, and the …
AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONPublic Accommodations Appeal Hearings Code of City Ordinances Title 5, Civil RightsThe Commission investigates charges of discrimination which occur within the City, including:•Fair Housing•Public Accommodations•Employment•Discrimination against People with AIDS•Disability Discrimination Comparison of Legal AuthorityHousing•Texas Local Gov’t Code, Chapter 214 (Fair Housing Ordinances)•Texas Property Code, Chapter 301 (Fair Housing Act)•City Ordinances, Part 5, Civil Rights, Section 5-1Employment•Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21 (Local Commissions)•City Ordinances, Part 5, Civil Rights, Chapter 5-3Public Accommodations•City Ordinances, Part 5, Chapter 5-2•No other state law authority Charge Investigation •File charge within 180 days of alleged occurrence•Notice to Responding Party•Staff determines if charging party made an allegation covered under Chapter 5-2.•Reasonable Cause Determination Staffs Reasonable Cause DeterminationReasonable Cause Found •Staff makes efforts to resolve the matter through informal methods, including conference, conciliation, and persuasion.No Reasonable Cause•Dismissal of the charge and notification to the charging party and the respondent.•Charging party may file a “request for review”of the dismissal within 10 days of receiving notice. This request triggers the hearing before the Commission. Open Meetings Act, City Ordinancesand ResolutionsHearing Process and Procedures Open Meetings Act: Rights of the Public•A meeting that is “open to the public” under the Act is one that the public is permitted to attend.•The Act does not entitle the public to choose the items to be discussed or to speak about items on the agenda. A governmental body may, however, give members of the public an opportunity to speak at a public meeting. If it does so, it may set reasonable limits on the number, frequency, and the time allotted to each speaker. Austin City Ordinance: 5-2 Civil Rights•City Ordinance requires the Commission to hear from the charging party. •The Commission, “shall conduct a hearing and provide the charging party an opportunity to appear to present evidence.”•Open Meetings Act permits limits on the time and scope of the statements made at an open meeting. Resolution 20170518-015•Procedures for Austin City Council Meetings, Public Hearings, and Appeals.•Members of the public are required to register before being permitted to speak, EXCEPT:•City Ordinance 5-2 requires the Commission to permit the charging party to speak.•Resolution 20170518-015, Division 2. Appeals also requires the Commission to permit the charging partyto speak. •Other speakers must register to speak for or against the charging party’s appeal. Order of Proceedings1.Report from City Staff2.Presentation from charging party, limited to 5 minutes. In the 5 minutes, the charging party may call witnesses for examination. 3.Comments …
DISCRIMINATIONS IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONSAUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2CITY OF AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONSEPTEMBER 23, 2019 POLICYIt is the policy of the City to bring about through fair, orderly and lawful procedures, the opportunity of each person to obtain goods and services in a public accommodation without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability.DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS -AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2 -AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -9/23/20192 POLICYThis policy recognizes that individuals possess the right to obtain goods and services in a public accommodation without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability. This policy also recognizes that denying such rights because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability: is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the City and constitutes an unjust denial or deprivation of these inalienable rights within the power and the proper responsibility of government to prevent. DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS -AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2 -AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -9/23/20193 DISCRIMINATION The direct or indirect exclusion, distinction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial or any other differentiation in the treatment of a person because of the individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability in a public accommodation. DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS -AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2 -AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -9/23/20194 PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONan inn, hotel, motel or other lodging establishment for transient guests, excluding an establishment: located in a building with five or less rooms for rent or hire and occupied by the owner or operation as a primary residence;a restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain, or other facility principally engaged in selling food for consumption on the premises, including a facility located on the premises of a retail establishment or a gasoline station;a movie theatre, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS -AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2 -AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -9/23/20195 PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONa bar, tavern, pub, drinking establishment, or facility where alcoholic beverages are served for consumption on the premises;a retail establishment that sells goods or services; andan establishment within an establishment and an establishment which holds itself out as serving patrons of a covered establishment. DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS -AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 5-2 -AUSTIN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -9/23/20196 REQUIRESA person, including …
September 23, 2019 To the Trustees of the Austin independent School District: We, the Undersigned, are members of the City of Austin Human Rights Commission. Some of the Commission’s duties include the following: 1. Advise and consult the Austin City Council on all matters involving racial, religious or ethnic discrimination and devise practices to promote equal opportunity. 2. Advisory body on non-discrimination policies, investigate complaints of prejudice and discrimination and conduct educational programs. 3. Secure for all individuals in the City freedom from discrimination because of race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. In light of #3 above, and after hearing some of the discussions by a few members of the public in response to the new AISD Human Sexuality curriculum, we write to add our voice in support of your work. Not only are we pleased to see that these studies cover the usual discussions of anatomy, physiology, puberty, reproduction, and HIV and STDs, but it also includes conversations about healthy relationships, the need for personal safety, and gender identity and expression and sexual orientation. In a state where anyone can be fired for any reason, including for just loving someone of their choice, these conversations are vital. In response to some of the hateful things said at the AISD Board of Trustees meeting on August 26, 2019, the Austin HRC felt the need to especially mention our strong support in making sure that transgender lives are a part of this curriculum. At last count, 18 transgender individuals have been killed so far this year in this country; 24 were killed in the United States last year. In fact, the American Medical Association has said that the violence facing the transgender community is an “epidemic” and is especially amplified for transgender people of color. Let’s be very clear here. Every person, be they straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, intersex, non-binary, transgender, or whatever anyone wants to identify as, regardless of color, is a human being. The Austin HRC applauds what you are trying to do here. Thank you so much for your very important work. Sincerely, Sareta Davis, Chair Kristian Caballero, Vice Chair Jared Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Isabel Casas, Commissioner Idona Griffith, Commissioner Maram Museitif, Commissioner Courtney Santana, Commissioner Alicia Weigel, Commissioner Nathan White, Commissioner
Background The Austin City Council has a long history of boldly supporting reproductive rights. With their passage of “Rosie’s Resolution” (2018) and the “Abortion is Healthcare” resolution (2017), the Mayor and Council Members affirmed abortion as a critical form of reproductive health care and uplifted the importance of comprehensive coverage of abortion care—denouncing racist and classist coverage bans. Most recently, Council unanimously passed a resolution to study the impact of a possible boycott of the state of Alabama in response to the state’s passage of an abortion ban. Furthermore, Austin has been at the forefront of protecting against employment discrimination. In this moment of crisis, the time is now for the Austin City Council to take the next steps in strong support of reproductive health and abortion care in our city. Austin-based grassroots organizations Lilith Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, with support from the National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the Equity Agenda, are suggesting the Austin Human Rights Commission address the problem of employment discrimination against individuals for their reproductive health decisions by expanding the current employment NDO to include protections related to reproductive health decisions. The recommendations are also informed by NIRH’s Local Reproductive Freedom Index, a 2017 report that evaluated 40 cities based on their policies related to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Austin received a score of 3 stars, out of a possible 5 stars. Alignment with City priorities ●City of Austin Strategic Direction 2023 ○Economic opportunity and affordability ○Health and environment ○Government that works for all Austin already has a robust NDO ordinance in place; we are asking that the language be amended where appropriate to explicitly include reproductive health decisions in the list of protections. Austin deserves a non-discrimination ordinance that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of reproductive health decisions: ●The Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act (RHNDA) protects individuals from being fired or facing other repercussions in the workplace because of decisions around their reproductive health. There have been a number of disturbing examples across the country of employers discriminating against employees because of their reproductive health decisions, such as having an abortion, using in vitro fertilization or birth control. ●In this current climate of attacks on abortion, this protection is needed more than ever. People need to know that accessing the abortion care they need – especially if it requires taking time off to travel long-distances to reach a provider – won’t …
11 DUPONT CIRCLE, NW, #800, WASHINGTON, DC 20036 P: (202) 588 5180 WWW.NWLC.ORG HEALTH | PAGE 1 REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & HEALTH STATES TAKE ACTION TO STOP DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN FOR THEIR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS Across the country, employers are discriminating against their employees because they disagree with their employees’ personal reproductive health care decisions. Women are being punished, threatened, or fired for having an abortion, using birth control, for undergoing in vitro fertilization in order to get pregnant, or for having sex without being married. It is unfair that a person would be fired or discriminated against because of a decision about whether to prevent pregnancy or start a family. Fortunately, states have begun to step forward to protect employees, introducing legislation to make it clear that bosses cannot take adverse action against or harass an employee because of their personal reproductive health care decision. EMPLOYERS ARE DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR PERSONAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH DECISIONS. Women remain at serious risk of workplace discrimination based on their reproductive health decisions. Employers are discriminating against women for seeking to prevent pregnancy and threatening to fire workers for using birth control. • In 2012, politicians in Arizona revised a long-standing law requiring insurance coverage of birth control to make it easier for a boss to penalize an employee for using it.1 • After Wisconsin passed a law in 2009 requiring insurance plans to cover birth control, the Madison Catholic Diocese warned employees that if they took advantage of the benefit, they could face termination.2 Employers are firing women for pursuing pregnancy through the use of assisted reproductive technology. • Christa Dias, an unmarried teacher for two schools with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio, was fired after she became pregnant through artificial insemination.3 • Kelly Romenesko was fired from her seven-year job teaching French because she and her husband used in vitro fertilization to become pregnant.4 • Emily Herx was fired from her teaching job in Indiana for using in vitro fertilization. According to a local paper, Herx wrote a letter to school officials after being informed of her firing in which she lamented being forced to choose between keeping her job and starting a family.5 Employers are firing women for having sex outside of marriage. • Christine John, a kindergarten teacher in Michigan, was called into a meeting with school officials. They asked why she was four months pregnant when …
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 Dionte McClendon at (512) 972-6864 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Dionte McClendon at (512) 972-6864. COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MEETING Regular Meeting- Friday, September 13th, 2019 2:00 PM One Texas Center, Room 325 505 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78701 COMMISSION MEMBERS: Antanese Kinard, Huston-Tillotson University Jared Breckenridge, Huston-Tillotson University Vanessa Cavanaugh, Austin Community College Jose Garibay, St. Edward’s University MEETING CALL TO ORDER- 2:00PM 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. CITIZEN’S COMMUNICATIONS 3. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION a. Bylaws revisions/updates b. Election of chair and co-chair c. Focus for the school year 5. OLD BUSINESS & REPORTS 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. ADJOURNMENT Denise Basore, Austin Community College Krista Gehlhausen, Concordia University Pablo A. Pratt, University of Texas Madison Goodrich, University of Texas Brandon Barrows, Concordia University
Human Rights Commission Community Interest Announcement Addressing Homelessness in Austin: a Forum with Elected Leaders Tuesday, September 3, 2019 7:00 p.m. Jones Auditorium Ragsdale Center St. Edwards University 3001 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704 A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Jonathan Babiak, at (512) 974-3276 or by email at Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov.
Human Rights Commission Community Interest Announcement Texas LBJ School: A Forum on Homelessness in Austin Thursday, August 29, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. LBJ Auditorium 2313 Red River Street Austin, TX 78712 A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Jonathan Babiak, at (512) 974-3276 or by email at Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov.
Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee August 29, 2019 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 2152 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Planning Commission Zoning and Platting Commission Carmen Llanes Pulido Ana Aguirre Fayez Kazi Bruce Evans Todd Shaw Hank Smith Yvette Flores CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Introduce members of the Committee and Staff. 2. Inform audience of procedure. 3. The first three speakers signed up 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. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation on draft 2019 Imagine Austin Annual Report (Discussion and/or possible action). b. What members would like the committee to accomplish; this will inform drafting a one year work plan (Discussion and/or possible action). 4. OLD BUSINESS a. None. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. 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 before the meeting date. Please call Matt Dugan at Planning and Zoning Department, at 512-974-7665, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee, please contact Matt Dugan at (512) 512-974-7665 or matthew.dugan@austintexas.gov
CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 1:00 p.m. 5202 East Ben White Blvd. Room 249 Austin, Texas 78741 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 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 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting of June 21st, 2019. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the 2019 Police Lieutenant written promotional examination administered on August 8, 2019 pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143.034, Article 13 of the Agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association and Rule 7 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. b. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the 2019 Fire Battalion Chief written promotional examination administered on August 13, 2019 pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143.034, Article 16 of the Agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Firefighters Association Local 975, and Rule 7 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Report from the Civil Service Office regarding exam processes, disciplinary hearings and fit for duty actions. b. Future Meetings Schedule. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 Barry Cook at the Human Resources Department, at 512-974-3312, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission, please contact Barry Cook at …
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 1 | Page REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 6:30pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center 600 River Street Austin, Texas 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Erazo, Vice-Chair Diana Salas Amanda Afifi Zaira R. Garcia Maria C. Solis Jovita J. Flay Cristina M. Adams Melissa Ayala Felicia Pena Ricardo Garay AGENDA Citizens wishing to speak on agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Citizens may speak on non-agenda items under the Citizens Communications section of the agenda. Citizens may speak on an agenda related item after a presentation on the item has been made. Citizens may not speak after City staff presentations. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns. Boards and Commissions follow the same rules as City Council meetings. CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZENS COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 2. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider Approval of June 25 meeting minutes 4. COMMUNITY BRIEFING a. Lourdes Rodriguez - Central Health Equity Policy Council, Dell Medical School 5. STAFF BRIEFING a. Kim McKnight – Our Parks, Our Future Long Range Plan, Parks and Recreation Department Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 2 | Page 6. OLD BUSINESS Report and discussion regarding working groups and commissioners’ assignments: a. Economic Development and Access to Affordable Housing in Latino Communities work group b. Health work group c. Representatives to Joint Inclusion Committee d. Representatives to Commission on Seniors e. Budget and Policy Priorities work group f. Representatives to the Equity Office g. Representatives to MACC board and business 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Update, discussion, and possible action on budget status and process b. Update, discussion, and possible action regarding executive sponsorship 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 two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Jasso at (512) 974-9107 or via email at Amanda.Jasso@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. …
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 1 | Page REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 6:30pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center 600 River Street Austin, Texas 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Carmen Llanes Pulido, Chair Angelica Erazo, Vice-Chair Diana Salas Amanda Afifi Zaira R. Garcia Maria C. Solis Jovita J. Flay Cristina M. Adams DRAFT MINUTES Citizens wishing to speak on agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Citizens may speak on non-agenda items under the Citizens Communications section of the agenda. Citizens may speak on an agenda related item after a presentation on the item has been made. Citizens may not speak after City staff presentations. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns. Boards and Commissions follow the same rules as City Council meetings. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Chair Llanes Pulido at 6:39pm. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Llanes Pulido, Vice-Chair Angelica Erazo, Amanda Afifi, Maria Solis, Diana Salas, Jovita Flay, Zaira Garcia, Cristina Adams. 1. CITIZENS COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Sylvia Orozco – Mexic-Arte 2. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER a. Commissioner Flay moves to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order. Commissioner Solis seconds. Motion passes unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Commissioner Solis moves to approve March 26 minutes. Commissioner Flay seconds. Motion passes. Commissioner Garcia abstains. b. Commissioner Solis moves to approve April 23 minutes. Commissioner Flay seconds. Motion passes. Commissioner Garcia abstains. Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 2 | Page 4. COMMUNITY BRIEFING a. None 5. STAFF BRIEFING a. None 6. OLD BUSINESS Report and discussion regarding working groups and commissioners’ assignments: a. Public participation, transparency, and awareness work group – Commission requests to remove this work group due to inactivity b. Economic Development and Access to Affordable Housing in Latino Communities work group – No update c. Health work group – No update d. Representatives to Joint Inclusion Committee – Representatives are Commissioner Solis and Commissioner Flay. e. Representatives to Commission on Seniors – Commissioner Solis attends these meetings. f. Budget and Policy Priorities work group – Vice Chair Erazo to be added to work group g. Education work group – Commission requests to remove …
