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 …
AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATIONLONG RANGE PLANOUR PARKSOUR FUTURE2018 - 2028OUR PARKS, OUR FUTURELONG RANGE PLANPRESENTATION TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND CITY COUNCIL A REVIEW OF THELONG RANGE PLANPROJECT BACKGROUND & SCHEDULEMAJOR PHASES OF WORKDRAFT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEWAUSTIN PARKS & RECREATIONLONG RANGE PLANOUR PARKSOUR FUTURE2018 - 20282 OUR PARKS, OUR FUTURE LONG RANGE PLANPURPOSE AND GOALSVISION FOR AUSTIN'S PARK SYSTEM IN 2028PARD will reach its centennial in 2028 and the planning process should focus on engaging the community and city staff to define a new vision that is both inspirational and achievable.ASSESS STATE OF CURRENT PARK SYSTEMConduct a thorough assessment of the condition and quality of the current park system to provide a strong data-driven baseline to inform prioritization and track implementation progress over time.GUIDE FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT As Austin continues to grow and change, the Long Range Plan provide a careful analysis and guidebook for how and where to invest to ensure a stronger park system. PARK SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS & PRIORITIZATION Include both citywide strategies and planning area priorities to inform the Capital Improvement Plan and development of Park Master Plans. AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATIONLONG RANGE PLANOUR PARKSOUR FUTURE2018 - 20283 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERCITYWIDE PLANSIMAGINE AUSTIN VISIONPARD LONG RANGE PLANSTRATEGIC MOBILITY PLANSTRATEGIC HOUSING BLUEPRINTINTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLAN+ OTHER CITYWIDE & AREA PLANSAustin is: Livable / Natural and Sustainable Prosperous / Mobile and Interconnected Values and Respects its People Creative / Educated4 LONG RANGE PLANSCHEDULEAUSTIN PARKS & RECREATIONLONG RANGE PLANOUR PARKSOUR FUTURE2018 - 2028BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, & CITY COUNCIL REVIEWWE ARE HERE5 SOURCE: AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FY18 ANNUAL REPORT AND STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2021; *FROM AUSTIN AREA POPULATION HISTORIES AND FORECASTSA LOOK AT THE PARK SYSTEMTODAY 40POOLSFT EMPLOYEESACRES OF PARKLANDPROJECTED POPULATIONIN 2030*100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PARD (2028) PARKS300+227TRAIL MILES 26RECREATION/SENIOR GARDENSGOLF COURSES6147PLAYGROUNDS20REC CENTERS11OFF-LEASH DOG AREAS10STAGES/AMPHITHEATERS124TENNIS COURTS15+PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPSMUSEUMS, ARTS & CULTURAL CENTERS100JUST SOME OF THE FACILITIESHISTORIC BUILDINGSCEMETERIES MIXED-USEFIELDSVOLLEYBALLCOURTS245134778700+1.143MPARD19,000+PT & SEASONAL1,000+POPULATIONIN 2018*967KKEY METRICSAUSTIN PARKS & RECREATIONLONG RANGE PLANOUR PARKSOUR FUTURE2018 - 20286 REACHING OUT &ENGAGING THE PUBLICOPEN HOUSES400+ PARTICIPANTSPOP-UP EVENTS 21 EVENTS ATTENDED 297+ VISITORS ENGAGEDSURVEYS, WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA 925 STATISTICALLY VALID SURVEY RESPONSES 4,400+ COMMUNITY SURVEY RESPONSES 9,000+ COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMENTS VISIT AUSTINFUTUREPARKS.ORG/SURVEYTEXT “SURVEY” TO (512) 580-8850ENGAGING KIDS THROUGH ARTPop-Up Locations (Series 1 & 2)Open House Series #3Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex11Zilker Botanical Garden12Open House Series #1George Washington Carver Museum1Northwest Recreation Center2Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center3Dittmar Recreation Center4Fiesta Gardens Building5Open House Series #2South Austin Senior Activity Center6Anderson Mill Limited District Community Center7Circle …
LIBRARY COMMISSION August 26, 2019 – 6:30 PM North Village Branch 2505 Steck Ave. AUSTIN, TEXAS The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. Section 2-1-150 of the City Code. Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Aimee Finney, Catherine Hanna, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. Citizen Communication: General The first 5 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 from the July 22, 2019 Regular Meeting 3. Welcome and Introduction of North Village Branch Manager, Michael Abramov 4. Presentation: Austin Library Foundation Public/Private Partnerships: Cecily Sailer, Programs & Events Director 5. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on Recycled Reads working group recommendation b. Update, discussion and possible action on Library Youth Policies 6. New Business: none 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for August 2019 covering programming highlights, facilities, policies, and APL Priorities. 8. Discussion of commissioner visits to branch libraries 9. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Sharon Herfurth at the Library Department, at 512- 974-7420 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512- 974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 August, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 26 August, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave., in Austin, Texas. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Catherine Hanna and Vice Chair Aimee Finney, Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, Daniella Ramos, Steven Self, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: none Staff in Attendance: Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries; Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services; Dana McBee, Assistant Director for Support Services; Rachel Nguyen, Communications Manager, John Daniels, Facilities Planning Manager, Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services; Mindy Reed, Manager, Recycled Reads Bookstore; Joe Faulk, Information Systems Manager; Chip Pryor, IT Supervisor Sr.; David Faulkner, Program Specialist 1. Citizen Communication: Carlos Leon spoke about limited public forums. 2. Approval of Minutes from the July 22, 2019 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Vice Chair Finney’s motion and Commission member Williams’ second on a 9-0 vote. 3. Introductions and Welcome: Michael Abramov, North Village Branch Manager, gave an update about branch activities. 4. Presentation: Austin Library Foundation Cecily Sailer, Programs & Events Director gave an overview of Foundation fundraising activities and programs. 5. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on Recycled Reads Working Group Recommendation. The following citizens spoke: Carlos Leon, Bob Stevens, Steve Neel, Barbara McArthur, Chip Harris, and Nancy Harris. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 26 August, 2019 Library Commission Recommendation 201900826-5a: The Future of Recycled Reads was approved on Commission Member Ramos’ motion and Vice Chair Finney’s second on a 9-0 vote. b. Update, discussion and possible action on Library Youth Policies. Citizen Carlos Leon spoke. Anne Bramblett, Assistant Director for Public Services and Pam Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services gave a presentation on Positive Youth Engagement at APL. 6. New Business: none 7. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for August 2019 covering programming highlights, volunteer services, revenue, and policy updates: Director Weeks covered APL locations used as cooling centers; HVAC repairs at the Austin History Center, and Drag Queen Storytime. 8. Discussion of commissioner visits to branch libraries: Chair Hanna went with her mother …
1 of 2 Austin Public Library Commission: Recycled Reads Working Group: RECOMMENDATION 20190826-5a: The Future of Recycled Reads Date: August 26, 2019 Subject: The Future of Recycled Reads Motioned By: Commission Member Ramos Seconded By: Vice Chair Finney Recommendation Support for a collaboration between Recycled Reads and Austin Resource Recovery that would reduce overlap of functions and share space. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Public Library Commission recommends that the City work with the Austin Public library staff to develop a plan for Recycled Reads to collaborate with Austin Resource Recovery to recycle books and media efficiently and effectively. This would include sharing space with Austin Resource Recovery at ARR’s eventual new location. Rationale: For ten years, Recycled Reads at 5335 Burnet Rd. has been operating as a repository for processing and selling materials donated by the public and withdrawn from the Austin Public Library’s collection. For a number of years, sales have been stagnant and donations have increased. Total expenses to operate Recycled Reads were $397,521 in FY 16; $370,006 in FY17; $447,235 in FY18; and $288,645 as of July 31, 2019, with an average annual loss of $200,000. Recycled Reads rental lease on Burnet Rd. expires in March 2022. Recycled Reads space is more than 7000 sq. ft., yet according to APL staff it only requires 2500 sq. ft. to process and sell materials. APL staff have expressed a desire for Recycled Reads programming and sellable materials to be distributed to the various APL branches to ensure accessibility to programs and used books/media across the city which supports the City’s Culture and Lifelong Learning Strategic Outcome. From 2012-2017, Recycled Reads received a stipend per tonnage from Austin Resource Recovery (up to $60,000), which it no longer receives. 2 of 2 Recycled Reads performs a similar service for the Austin community as Austin Resource Recovery by recycling books and media and has diverted more than 3000 tons ($200 per ton) of materials from the landfill which supports the City’s Zero Waste initiative. Recycled Reads sends 40 percent of public donations and 70 percent of APL’s withdrawals to Goodwill for recycling because Recycled Reads is unable to sell the material due to multiple copies or condition of the material. Recycled Reads staff spends a considerable amount of time receiving and sorting items that Austin Resource Recovery could receive and process more efficiently. Vote For: Chair Hanna; Vice Chair …
HighlightsCity of Austin Budget Calendar Upcoming Dates• August 20, 29 & September 4 - Council Budget Work Sessions• August 22 & 28 - Budget and tax public hearings• September 10 - Budget readingsFrontburner Issues• Drag Queen Storytime• Austin History Center air conditioningPrograms• Come Tell It Like It Is is a National Issues Forum discussion series taking place at various APL locations. Coming up: A Discussion on the Opioid Epidemic, Thursday, September 12, 6:30-8:30 PM, Central Library; Immigration, Monday, September 23, 6-8 PM, Old Quarry Branch.• Library Live with Ricardo Parra. Ricardo Parra is a Chilean singer-songwriter and guitarist. His repertoire ranges from folk, bossa nova, classical guitar and blues. Wednesday, September 18, 6-8:30 PM, Carver Branch.• Luis Guerra is a painter, sculptor and writer who divides this time between Austin and the mountains of San Luis Potosí. He will tell stories about village and country life in Mexico that bring the transcendence of everyday events into relief. Stories de la Sierra and the City. Saturday, September 21, 2-3 PM, St. John Branch.• Check Out the Vote. Saturday, September 28, is voter registration day here at the Austin Public Library. From 10 AM to 2 PM, volunteers from the Travis County Voter Registrar Outreach Program will be available at all Library locations to assist interested citizens in registering to vote. So come check out some books and check out the vote!Exhibits• Entre Líneas, curated by Coka Treviño features the work of artists María Fernanda Barrero, Luisa Duarte, and Jenelle Esparza, celebrating women in Latin American and Hispanic communities. Historically, much of this group’s contributions have fallen in between the lines. This exhibition explores displacement, labor, boundaries, and fragility, in hopes to evoke pride and empower Latinas to claim their space and realize their important role in our society. plant life and vivid colors, revealing how water – Central Library Gallery, August 29 - September 28. Opening Reception, Thursday, August 29, 7-9 PM.To see the complete up to date listing of events visithttp://library.austintexas.gov/eventsFacilities ServicesCity of Austin 2012 Bond ProgramProposition 18: Library, Museums and Cultural Facilities $13.4 millionCepeda BranchScope of Work • Site Drainage Remediation and Interior Renovation of 8,110sf FacilityStatus• Bid / Award Phase 50% Complete. • Facilities Services anticipates a fully executed construction contract by mid-August and can move as swiftly as Launch Team procedures allow.• It is further anticipated that the Construction Period will take 90 Calendar DaysBudget / Cost …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 July, 2019 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 22 July, 2019 The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Dr., in Austin, Texas. Chair Hanna called the Board Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Commission Members JC Dwyer, Aimee Finney, Catherine Hanna, Daniella Ramos, Beth Smyer, and Chad Williams Board Members Absent: Commission Members Patricia Dabbert, Deborah Pardo-Kaplan, and Steven Self. Staff in Attendance: Rachel Nguyen, Communications Manager, John Daniels, Facilities Planning Manager, Sharon Herfurth, Division Manager, Office of Programs & Partnerships, Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant, Patti Fowler, Division Manager, Central Library; Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager; and Pamela Bowles, Division Manager, Branch Services. 1. Citizen Communication: Karen Sironi, Chip Harris, and Steve Neel spoke about Recycled Reads Bookstore. Carlos Leon spoke about the North Village Branch Library. 2. Approval of Minutes from the June 24, 2019 Regular Meeting: The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on Commission Member Williams’ motion and Vice Chair Finney’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission members Dabbert, Pardo-Kaplan, and Self absent. 3. Introductions and Welcome: Ann Minner, Old Quarry Branch Manager, gave an update about branch activities. 4. Old Business: a. Discussion and possible action on FY20 budget recommendations. Library Commission Recommendation 20190722-4a1: Support for Austin Library FY20 Budget was approved on Commission Member Williams’ motion and Vice Chair Finney’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission members Dabbert, Pardo-Kaplan, and Self absent. Library Commission Recommendation 20190722-4a2: Support for Addition of 6 FTEs Security and Custodial Staff to the Austin Public Library FY20 Budget was approved on Vice Chair Finney’s motion and Commission Member Williams’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commission members Dabbert, Pardo-Kaplan, and Self absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 22 July, 2019 5. New Business: a. Discussion of Annual Internal Review and Report Chair Hanna presented the Library Commission Annual Internal Review and Report. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for July 2019 covering programming highlights, volunteer services, revenue, and policy updates: Questions were asked about the status of the Hampton and Little Walnut Creek Branch renovation projects. Commission Members Smyer and Dwyer are doing research on what other libraries are doing re civic engagement. They plan to do a presentation for the commission. 7. Discussion of commissioner visits to branch libraries: Commission Member Ramos went to Fix It Clinics …
1 of 2 Austin Public Library Commission: Recycled Reads Working Group: RECOMMENDATION 20190826-5a: The Future of Recycled Reads Date: August 26, 2019 Subject: The Future of Recycled Reads Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Support for a collaboration between Recycled Reads and Austin Resource Recovery that would reduce overlap of functions and share space. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Public Library Commission recommends that the city work with the Austin Public library staff to develop a plan for Recycled Reads to collaborate with Austin Resource Recovery in order to efficiently and effectively recycle books and media. This would include sharing space with Austin Resource Recovery at ARR’s eventual new location. Rationale: For ten years, Recycled Reads at 5335 Burnet Rd. has been operating as a repository for processing and selling materials donated by the public and withdrawn from the Austin Public Library’s collection. For a number of years, sales have been stagnant, donations have increased, and Recycled Reads has been operating at a significant loss ($200,000 annually). Recycled Reads rental lease on Burnet Rd. expires in March 2022. Recycled Reads space is more than 7000 sq. ft., yet it only requires 2500 sq. ft. to process and sell materials. APL staff have expressed a desire for Recycled Reads programming and sellable materials to be distributed to the various APL branches to ensure accessibility to programs and used books/media across the city. From 2012-2017, Recycled Reads received a stipend per tonnage from Austin Resource Recovery (up to $60,000), which it no longer receives. Recycled Reads performs a similar service for the Austin community as Austin Resource Recovery by recycling books and media and has diverted more than 3000 tons of materials from the landfill. Recycled Reads sends 40 percent of public donations and 70 percent of APL’s withdrawals to Goodwill for recycling because Recycled Reads is unable to sell the material due to multiple copies or condition of the material. 2 of 2 Recycled Reads staff spends a considerable amount of time receiving and sorting items that Austin Resource Recovery could receive and process more efficiently. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign]
Youth Policy Task ForceAugust 15, 2019 A Team ApproachTrainingLibrary Policy & Procedures A Team Approach •Positive youth engagement team•Partnerships•Paid Internships•Youth council•Library commission Training •Mandatory training•Optional training Library Policy & Procedures Policy & ProceduresPolicyProcedureFor the customerFor staffStatements of what (rule)Statements of how (process)Change infrequentlyContinuousimprovement •Positive behavior expectations•Policy recommendations
