PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December, and May 18th at 6:00 p.m.) January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 18, 2026 (Memorial Day is May 25th) June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 23, 2026
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on September 29, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Pedro Villalobos (arrived at 6:06 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kearns-Osterweil (arrived at 7:19 p.m.), Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL David Todd - Renaming Little Stacy Shelter House in honor of Jean Mather Mary Fero - NW Park Pond issues Carol Baxter - Austin Rowing Club Craig Nazor - Sierra Club and mowing at Northstar Greenbelt Linda Mendoza - East Austin Sports Teams (EAST) Robert Mendoza - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Tony Castillo - East Austin Sports Team (EAST) Israel Lopez - Montopolis Little League Kayle Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of August 25, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Kearns-Osterweil and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10-minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city. Randy Scott, Parkland Use and Acquisition Manager and Principal Planners Paul Books, Robynne Heymans, and Scott Grantham, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on AISD joint school and parkland closures and the TPL ParkScore Index. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Parkland Acquisition team for their work toward ensuring that residents of Austin live within a 5 to 10- minute walk from a park and enjoy a robust network of trails that connects all parts of the city was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Eubanks second on a …
Austin Parks & Recreation Adult Athletics Year-Round Adult Programs Austin Parks & Recreation offers inclusive recreational leagues for men, women, and co-ed teams across the city, creating opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to compete and connect. Softball 16 ballfields across Austin Basketball 8 community recreation centers Volleyball 5 outdoor courts plus Austin Recreation Center Flag Football 2 multipurpose fields 1,113 Team Registrations Total teams participating in 2024 leagues 11,553 Community Members Austin residents engaged through adult sports Annual Tournaments & Events Austin Parks & Recreation collaborates with over 40 local businesses and external organizations to coordinate tournaments and community events throughout the year, fostering partnerships that strengthen Austin's sports community. • • • • • Recovery ATX National Softball Association of the Deaf Pride Sports USA Ryan Kelly Classic Stonewall Sports Austin • • • • • Liga Venezolana de Softball Pluckers Softball Austin Austin Senior Softball Planet K City Olympics: In collaboration with HRD and GolfATX, the Athletics Division coordinates the annual City Olympics sports tournaments for City of Austin employees and retirees, with more than 900 participants competing in 2025. New & Upcoming Initiatives Austin Parks & Recreation is committed to expanding equitable access and diversifying adult sports opportunities throughout the city with strategic facility upgrades and new program launches. Facility Enhancement Upgrading Krieg multipurpose field to Program Expansion Launching outdoor soccer leagues and synthetic turf, improving playability and senior basketball programs to diversify extending usability year-round adult sports options and serve regardless of weather conditions. previously underrepresented demographics. Contracts & Agreements Strategic contracts and collaborative agreements enable Austin Parks & Recreation to extend programming reach and provide diverse, high-quality athletic facilities across the community. • Austin Tennis Center • Burnett “Blonde” Pharr Tennis Center • South Austin Tennis Center • Caswell Tennis Center • Texas Rollergirls • Huston-Tillotson University • Austin Men’s Soccer Association • Athletic Officials Contract • Softball Umpires Contract
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | October 27, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain ▪ Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property ▪ Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Austin Parks and Recreation Project Impacts Under Current Code ▪ Requires solicitation and contract negotiation ▪ Requires multiple rounds of staff review ▪ A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review ▪ Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees ▪ Overall process cost: ▪ Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) ▪ Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) ▪ Adds cost/time to the site plan review process ▪ Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code ▪ Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. ▪ Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. ▪ If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Parks and Recreation Board Members FROM: Jesús Aguirre, MBA, CPRE, Director Austin Parks and Recreation DATE: September 4, 2025 SUBJECT: Proposed Code Amendment related to Drainage Easements on Parkland This memo is to inform the Parks and Recreation Board of a proposed amendment to Section 25-7- 152(E) of the City of Austin Land Development Code (LDC), which pertains to drainage easement requirements. Background Current code requires that when a property owner submits a site development permit application, they must dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on the property. The code includes provisions allowing the Austin Watershed Protection Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. Proposed Amendment The proposed amendment would add “parkland owned by the City of Austin” to the list of exceptions eligible for an administrative variance from the drainage easement requirement. Final ordinance language will be drafted by the Austin City Attorney’s Office. Importantly, this amendment does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. It only applies to the dedication of a drainage easement and only for City parkland. If the parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process or voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. Rationale Allowing an administrative variance for City-owned parkland is expected to improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) and Austin Watershed Protection are in longstanding agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Page 1 of 2 Timeline and Next Steps Austin Watershed Protection is the lead on this code amendment. The anticipated schedule includes submittals to the Code Cabinet, Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, Planning Commission and Environmental Commission starting in September 2025 with an anticipated Planning Commission Public Hearing in October and City Council in November. Should you have any questions, please reach out to D’Anne Williams, PLA, Project Manager, Danne.Williams@austintexas.gov. cc: Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director, APR Lindsey Machamer, P.E., Project Management Supervisor, Park Development, APR D’Anne Williams PLA, Project Manager, Park …
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study Background & Policy Context • Austin Climate Equity Plan: net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 • Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA Regional Air Quality Plan: maintain compliance with federal air quality standards • Council resolutions: ◦ 20240229-058: Green purchasing ◦ 20240307-020: Rebates + exchange programs 2 Methodology • Online survey (53 responses) • Interviews (32 local, 7 national) • Site tours • Diverse representation: ◦ City of Austin and other govt. staff ◦ Minority / woman-owned businesses City of Austin Staff Participation by Department ◦ Small and large businesses ◦ Local and national businesses ◦ Early adopters 3 Electric Equipment Benefits Electric Equipment Challenges • Quieter • Cleaner • Easier to handle (for some) • Safer (no fuel handling, improved ergonomics for some) • Less maintenance • Insufficient power output • Insufficient battery life • Charging constraints • Higher upfront cost • Maintenance & disposal uncertainty • Potential for lower lifecycle costs • Heavier and less ergonomic (for some) • Cultural resistance 4 Market-Ready Electric Equipment Not Yet Viable Electric Equipment • Smaller (< 20 bar) chain saws • Larger (≥ 20 bar) chain saws • String and hedge trimmers for light- • String and hedge trimmers for duty applications heavy-duty applications • Leaf blowers for light-duty applications • Leaf blowers for heavy-duty applications and some operators • Push, walk behind, automated • Larger riding mowers and (robotic) mowers, and smaller riding mowers for smaller-acreage and/or single-site applications automated (robotic) mowers for larger-acreage and multi-site applications • Carts / utility terrain vehicles 5 Lead by Example Recommendations • Prioritize outcomes over technology type. • Implement a phased rollout. • Develop citywide charging infrastructure. • Use lifecycle analysis for decision-making. • Leverage service agreements to shift market. • Invest in workforce development. • Plan for equipment end-of-life management. 6 APR Landscaping Equipment Electrification Pilot Program 12 months 6-9 months 3+ months 1. Establish Electrification Team 2. ID Electric Equipment Options 3. Test Equipment Options 4. Assess Charging Infrastructure Readiness 5. Select & Procure Equipment 6. Set Up Equipment Charging & Storage 7. Provide Training & Implement Pilot 8. Evaluate & Scale Program 7 Thank you! Jen: jen@terraluminaconsulting.com Leonor: lvargasconsulting@gmail.com
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study October 2025 Prepared by City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study ii Acknowledgements This report was prepared by Jen Cregar (Terra Lumina Consulting) and Leonor Vargas (Wisdom En Familias) for the City of Austin Climate Action and Resilience. We are grateful to the 53 individuals who completed an online survey and the following individuals who shared their time and insights via interviews and written feedback. Their collective knowledge and experience greatly informed the recommendations offered in this study. • Anthony Humphrey, Austin Aviation • William Bedford, Austin Aviation • Amanda Mortl, Austin Climate Action & Resilience • Josiah Wooten, Austin Watershed Protection • Juliet Morgan, Austin Watershed Protection • Rick Harland, Austin Fleet Mobility • Sarah Campbell, Austin Watershed Services Protection • Alex Castillo, Austin Parks & Recreation • Amanda Ross, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brandon Brown, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brian Piper, Austin Parks & Recreation • Desiree Garcia, Austin Parks & Recreation • Erick Roegner, Austin Parks & Recreation • Hayden Doskocil, Austin Parks & • Victor Nelms, Austin Watershed Protection • Aaron Hyman, Austin Yard Barber • John Hart Asher, Blackland Collaborative • Toby Russell, Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) • Greg Fox, CleanScapes Landscaping • Christopher Morris, Dallas Park and Recreation Recreation • Jason Walker, Austin Parks & Recreation • Joshua Erickson, Austin Parks & • Freddie Ortiz, Dallas Park and Recreation • Jonathan (Brett) Johnson, Dallas Park and Recreation • Kraig Harris, Austin Parks & Recreation • Lucas Massie, Austin Parks & Recreation • Malcolm (Larry) Houseton, Austin Parks & Recreation • Matt McCaw, Austin Parks & Recreation • Merredith Giles, Austin Parks & Recreation • Nate Thayer, Austin Parks & Recreation • Steve Hammond, Austin Parks & Recreation • Sarah Talkington, Austin Parks & Recreation • Andy Dawson, Austin Resource Recovery • Esther Houari, Austin Resource Recovery • Fred Freeman, Austin Watershed Protection Recreation • Aaron Bollier, Horizon • Jesse Sunley, Horizon • Nicholas (Nik) McKay, New York Department of Environmental Conservation • Jacob LaBure, Regional Air Quality Council • Emily Waddington, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District • Roy Johnson, St. Edward's University • Savanna Taylor Thornton, Texas Landscape & Nursery Association Region VIII • Sam Berg, Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources Department • Adriane Horne, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study …
Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study October 2025 Prepared by City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study ii Acknowledgements This report was prepared by Jen Cregar (Terra Lumina Consulting) and Leonor Vargas (Wisdom En Familias) for the City of Austin Climate Action and Resilience. We are grateful to the 53 individuals who completed an online survey and the following individuals who shared their time and insights via interviews and written feedback. Their collective knowledge and experience greatly informed the recommendations offered in this study. • Anthony Humphrey, Austin Aviation • William Bedford, Austin Aviation • Amanda Mortl, Austin Climate Action & Resilience • Josiah Wooten, Austin Watershed Protection • Juliet Morgan, Austin Watershed Protection • Rick Harland, Austin Fleet Mobility • Sarah Campbell, Austin Watershed Services Protection • Alex Castillo, Austin Parks & Recreation • Amanda Ross, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brandon Brown, Austin Parks & Recreation • Brian Piper, Austin Parks & Recreation • Desiree Garcia, Austin Parks & Recreation • Erick Roegner, Austin Parks & Recreation • Hayden Doskocil, Austin Parks & • Victor Nelms, Austin Watershed Protection • Aaron Hyman, Austin Yard Barber • John Hart Asher, Blackland Collaborative • Toby Russell, Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) • Greg Fox, CleanScapes Landscaping • Christopher Morris, Dallas Park and Recreation Recreation • Jason Walker, Austin Parks & Recreation • Joshua Erickson, Austin Parks & • Freddie Ortiz, Dallas Park and Recreation • Jonathan (Brett) Johnson, Dallas Park and Recreation • Kraig Harris, Austin Parks & Recreation • Lucas Massie, Austin Parks & Recreation • Malcolm (Larry) Houseton, Austin Parks & Recreation • Matt McCaw, Austin Parks & Recreation • Merredith Giles, Austin Parks & Recreation • Nate Thayer, Austin Parks & Recreation • Steve Hammond, Austin Parks & Recreation • Sarah Talkington, Austin Parks & Recreation • Andy Dawson, Austin Resource Recovery • Esther Houari, Austin Resource Recovery • Fred Freeman, Austin Watershed Protection Recreation • Aaron Bollier, Horizon • Jesse Sunley, Horizon • Nicholas (Nik) McKay, New York Department of Environmental Conservation • Jacob LaBure, Regional Air Quality Council • Emily Waddington, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District • Roy Johnson, St. Edward's University • Savanna Taylor Thornton, Texas Landscape & Nursery Association Region VIII • Sam Berg, Travis County Transportation & Natural Resources Department • Adriane Horne, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy City of Austin Commercial Landscaping Equipment Electrification Market Study …
Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide This guide provides a structured approach for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) to transition landscaping operations to electric and low-emission equipment. It is designed to be consistent, flexible, and inclusive of staff perspectives to ensure equitable adoption and long-term success as equipment is transitioned across 383 parks and cemeteries and 20,000+ acres. Equipment electrification complements APR’s existing Sustainable SITES Initiative. While presented linearly, steps may overlap depending on team capacity and property needs. October 2025 Step 1. Establish a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team Step 1a: Designate a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Manager (“Program Manager”) to oversee program planning and implementation in support of the larger Sustainable SITES Initiative to increase environmental and human health across APR’s properties. This role aligns with APR’s commitment to providing green career pathways and is recommended as an Environmental Program Coordinator or equivalent position. Step 1b. Create a diverse, multifunctional Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team (“Electrification Team”) to provide recommendations and ongoing feedback to the Program Manager on program design and delivery. The team should include a diverse mix of employees representing at least the following functions: • Architectural Development • Grounds Management • Cemeteries • Construction Management • Horticulture • Mowing • Equipment & Services Procurement • Parks Safety • Equipment Maintenance • Urban Forestry • Golf • Wildlands Management Step 1c. Enhance shared knowledge of electric landscaping equipment. The Program Manager will create opportunities for the Electrification Team to: • Learn about the functionality and benefits of electric landscaping equipment • Discuss reservations about and support for electric equipment • Learn from and with staff and external partners experienced in using electric landscaping equipment and other sustainable landscaping practices 1 Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide Step 1d. Establish department-wide measurable goals aligned with City initiatives. In consultation with the Electrification Team, the Program Manager will select program goals to which each team can contribute in their own way and on a timeline that works for them. Example goals and metrics include: Goal: Deploy electric landscaping equipment at 20% of APR properties by 2027, 50% of APR properties by 2030, and 100% of APR properties by 2040. - Alignment: supports implementation of City Council Resolution No. 20240229-058 - Evaluation metrics: • % of properties maintained with electric landscaping equipment • No. of acres maintained with electric landscaping equipment Goal: Reduce emissions from …
Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide This guide provides a structured approach for Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) to transition landscaping operations to electric and low-emission equipment. It is designed to be consistent, flexible, and inclusive of staff perspectives to ensure equitable adoption and long-term success as equipment is transitioned across 383 parks and cemeteries and 20,000+ acres. Equipment electrification complements APR’s existing Sustainable SITES Initiative. While presented linearly, steps may overlap depending on team capacity and property needs. October 2025 Step 1. Establish a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team Step 1a: Designate a Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Manager (“Program Manager”) to oversee program planning and implementation in support of the larger Sustainable SITES Initiative to increase environmental and human health across APR’s properties. This role aligns with APR’s commitment to providing green career pathways and is recommended as an Environmental Program Coordinator or equivalent position. Step 1b. Create a diverse, multifunctional Landscaping Equipment Electrification Team (“Electrification Team”) to provide recommendations and ongoing feedback to the Program Manager on program design and delivery. The team should include a diverse mix of employees representing at least the following functions: • Architectural Development • Grounds Management • Cemeteries • Construction Management • Horticulture • Mowing • Equipment & Services Procurement • Parks Safety • Equipment Maintenance • Urban Forestry • Golf • Wildlands Management Step 1c. Enhance shared knowledge of electric landscaping equipment. The Program Manager will create opportunities for the Electrification Team to: • Learn about the functionality and benefits of electric landscaping equipment • Discuss reservations about and support for electric equipment • Learn from and with staff and external partners experienced in using electric landscaping equipment and other sustainable landscaping practices 1 Austin Parks and Recreation Landscaping Equipment Electrification Program Guide Step 1d. Establish department-wide measurable goals aligned with City initiatives. In consultation with the Electrification Team, the Program Manager will select program goals to which each team can contribute in their own way and on a timeline that works for them. Example goals and metrics include: Goal: Deploy electric landscaping equipment at 20% of APR properties by 2027, 50% of APR properties by 2030, and 100% of APR properties by 2040. - Alignment: supports implementation of City Council Resolution No. 20240229-058 - Evaluation metrics: • % of properties maintained with electric landscaping equipment • No. of acres maintained with electric landscaping equipment Goal: Reduce emissions from …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE October 2025 Operations & Maintenance TRAPS Maintenance Rodeo Our Operations and Maintenance Crew participated in the regional Texas Recreation and Parks Society Maintenance Rodeo on October 15. Truck and Trailer • Virgil Saldivar/Tyreese Brown • David Medellin Sr./David Medellin Jr. • Manuel Gonzalez/Trezon Chapman Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • Julian Salazar/Victor Medel • Israel Valdez/Dennis Govea II • Plant ID • Ben Turrubiarte • Hayden Doskocil • Richard Kendziorski Zero Turn Mower Jordan Herrera • • Timothy Espinoza • Ernest Garcia • Virgil Saldivar • Stanley Dickey • Matthew Berron Backpack Blow • Ernest Garcia • Alberto Rodriguez • Mitchell Soliz • Chris Pesina • Virgil Saldivar • Daniel Hernandez Nail Drive • Mike Villea • Teodora Cruz Julian Salazar • • David Medellin • Rufino Rodriguez • Edward Bautista Backhoe • Mike Hernandez Jose Martinez • • Austin Jones • Eric Maldonado Irrigation Joe Gonzales/David Serna • • Alberto Rodriguez/Daniel Hernandez Jordan Herrera/James Rodriguez • • Alex Shultz/Jesse Armonta Jr. • Joel Hernandez/Sebastian Rico Park Planning Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt New playground open to the public! • Community-driven plan for the park was approved in 2019 • Pecan Springs–Springdale Neighborhood Association applied for a grant with Austin Parks Foundation to implement their vision • Scope included play equipment, nature play features, adult fitness equipment, an off-leash dog area, and trails. • Second phase of trail improvements, funded by a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, will begin this fall. • A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 1. Drone footage of improvements at Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Park Development Celebration of the Biofiltration Pond at Waterloo Greenway • Completed in 2024. • Largest biofiltration pond in the City of Austin. • Holds 50,000 cubic feet of water and supports 1,300 aquatic and wetland plants. • The project prioritized the preservation of existing large shade trees and their critical root zones. • Made possible through significant support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, marking the first instance of federal funding for the Waterloo Greenway. • The celebration was held on October 24. Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Mayor Watson were in attendance. Photo credit: dwg. Park Development Pop-up Event for Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park Improvements • A pop-up event to share proposed improvements to Bull Creek Bluff Neighborhood Park is scheduled during It’s My Park Day on November 1, at 9 a.m. • …
Austin Public Library Strategic and Administrative Services Division (ASAS) Austin Public Library - ASAS Division Data and Strategic Planning Data and Strategic Planning Sales and Event Services Sales and Event Services Mentor/Tutor Program Mentor/Tutor Program Passport Services Passport Services I.D.E.A.L. I.D.E.A.L. Austin Public Library | October 27, 2025 Data & Strategic Planning Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer Austin Public Library | October 27 Data Management & System Improvement Reports State Accreditation Annual state and national surveys Training Track & Display Strategic Plan data City of Austin KPIs City of Austin Strategic Plan 3 APL Strategic Plan 01 02 03 04 05 Goal 1 Provide Community-Centric Programs and Services Goal 2 Design and Develop Spaces for Community Connections Goal 3 Foster Stakeholder Relationships Goal 4 Expand Library Access Goal 5 Engage Staff Sales & Events Services Josh Wilkinson, Special Events Manager Austin Public Library | October 27 Events Services Overview • Manage external rentals and co-sponsored events to generate revenue. • Support Library priorities: community programs, space development, and stakeholder engagement. • Generate $350,000+ annually in revenue to fund Library initiatives. • Ensure accessibility with a 50% discount for non-profits, educational institutions, and government agencies. Spaces SPECIAL EVENT CENTER (UP TO 450 GUESTS) ROOF GARDEN & INDOOR LIVING ROOM (UP TO 250 GUESTS) ART GALLERY (UP TO 175 GUESTS) DEMONSTRATION AREA (UP TO 80 GUESTS) OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER (UP TO 25 GUESTS OR ADD ON SPACE) Operations Customer Service: • Event planning • Contracting & invoicing Vendor & Facilities Management • A/V • Catering • Security • Custodial Co-Sponsored Events Fee waivers for events aligning with Library & City priorities 7 Results & Alignment Economic & Community Contributions 200+ events annually, generating $350,000+ in revenue 15,000 - 22,000 visitors per year, many discovering Library services for the first time Aligning with Library’s Mission & Vision Equity & Inclusion: Providing accessible spaces for all community members. Education & Engagement: Hosting diverse events that introduce attendees to Library resources. Sustainability: Revenue reinvested to enhance Library programs and spaces. 8 Mentor/Tutor Program Odera Anyasinti, Administrator Austin Public Library | October 27 CITY OF AUSTIN MENTOR/TUTOR CITY OF AUSTIN MENTOR/TUTOR PROGRAM PROGRAM The City of Austin Mentor and Tutor Program allows City employees to volunteer in mentoring and tutoring roles with any of seven programs approved by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), for up to two hours per week during the workday with supervisor …
Library Commission 2026 Meeting Schedule MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION DISTRICT Monday, January 26 6 PM Milwood Branch, 125 Amherst Dr Monday, February 23 6 PM Little Walnut Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln Monday, March 30 6 PM Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd 7 4 5 Monday, April 27 6 PM Pleasant Hill Branch, 211 E. William Cannon Dr 2 Monday, May 18* 6 PM Old Quarry Branch,7051 Village Circle Dr 10 Monday, June 29 6 PM Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd Saturday, July 25* 10 AM Central, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St 8 9 Monday, August 24 6 PM Spicewood Springs, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd 6 Monday, September 28 6 PM Austin History Center Campus, 800 Guadalupe St 9 Monday, October 26 6 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr Monday, November 16* 6 PM University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln 3 1 Monday, December 14* 6 PM Central, 710 W Cesar Chavez St 9 *Date Change Due to Holiday or Retreat The purpose of the board is to make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
Library Commission Meeting Minutes September 29, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Howson Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Magen Davis Sara Gore Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Pamela Carlile Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sara Black (remotely) Carlos León APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on August 25, 2025. The August 25, 2025, minutes were approved with the following amendment at the September 29, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Commissioner Gore. The motion passed on a 6–0 vote. Commissioners Carlile, Gururaj Library Commission Meeting Minutes September 29, 2025 and Herrera Moreno were absent. The amendment was to correct a typographical error in Item 1, Approval of the Minutes, by changing “Commissioners” to “Commissioner” on line two. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on the Outcomes and Highlights of the Summer at Austin Public Library Program by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. The briefing was presented by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. 3. Staff briefing on the September APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on the 2026 Library Commission Meeting Schedule. The Commission discussed the 2026 Library Commission Meeting Schedule. 5. Discussion regarding the Community Meeting held on September 11, 2025, by District 7 and Austin Public Library concerning the Recycled Reads program. The Commission discussed the Community Meeting held on September 11, 2025, by District 7 and Austin Public Library concerning the Recycled Reads program. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Passport Services I.D.E.A.L - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access in Libraries ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. without objection.
APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director October 2025 Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Highlights “Unboxing the Archives” Welcomes Visitors Back to AHC On Sunday, October 7, AHC hosted Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories, offering the public a “sneak peek” of the transformed History Center. The event’s new exhibit explored how archives preserve diverse narratives that shape our collective understanding of the past. Guests enjoyed a vibrant afternoon featuring music from DJ Chorizo Funk and DJ Hunt, catering from local vendors, and a special appearance by U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. The event underscored the History Center’s role in connecting community through storytelling, creativity, and shared history. Austin Lima Sister Cities: “Peru Unveiled” On Saturday, September 27, Austin Public Library and the Austin Lima Sister Cities Committee presented Peru Unveiled at the Central Library. The weekend celebration honored Peruvian art, heritage, and culture through music, dance, and storytelling. Performances included traditional dances by Tusuy Sonqo Perú, Wayra Perú, and Agrupación Folclórica Orgullo y Tradición. Guests also enjoyed a theatre performance by Miki Vargas and a lively cooking demonstration by Chef Majo con Sabor, hosted by Adolfo Aguilar. Film screenings and a panel discussion on Peruvian identity and cultural storytelling rounded out the event. Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit Dancers and guests celebrate Peruvian culture at Peru Unveiled. Austin Public Library is partnering with the LBJ Library and Foundation to promote Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit, on loan from the GRAMMY Museum. The exhibit runs from October 4, 2025 through January 4, 2026. To celebrate, Carver Branch Library will host a Vinyl Night on November 7 with music, games, and a guest speaker. 3 The exhibit immerses visitors in hip-hop’s historythrough a 200-song playlist and rare artifacts thatshowcase the culture’s evolution. Highlights includeChuck D’s handwritten “Fight the Power” lyrics, LL CoolJ’s Kangol hat and TROOP jacket, DMC’s Adidas andfedora, Egyptian Lover’s gold Roland 808, Questlove’sdrumsticks, and signature pieces from MC Lyte, DozeGreen, and The Notorious B.I.G. AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Special Events Updates In September 2025, Central Library Special Events hosted 16 programs, including 9 rentals, 7 co- sponsorships, and 2 photography sessions, with an estimated total attendance of 2,366. Co-sponsorship highlights included the CATRAC Educational Symposium, the Texas Book Festival Lineup Reveal, and the 75th Anniversary of UT Press. City departments …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin Directs staff to: Update on Light’s Out Austin Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 Austin within North America’s Central Flyway Over 400 species of birds Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: Reducing the use of glass Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Design Strategies Incorporate physical barriers and architectural design that improve glass visibility Options include: Exterior screens Shutters Awnings Facades Structural shading systems Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah 8 Lighting Exterior Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors Use window treatments to reduce light spillage Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 9 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA …
in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20251027-3 Date: October 27, 2025 Subject: Title 25 Land Development Code Amendment for Drainage Easements Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Seconded By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to City Council to approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to City Council to approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 Land Development Code to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on an 8-1 vote. Those voting aye we Chair Bazan, Vice Chair Flowers, Board Member Becker, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Merritt, Orme and Villalobos. Those voting nay were Board Member Eubanks. Those abstaining were Board Member Abou-Emara. Board Member Taylor Absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme, Pedro Villalobos. Against: Ted Eubanks. Abstain: Luai Abou-Emara. Absent: Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
Play audio