DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 COMMISSION MEMBERS ✓ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) ✓ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) ✓ Samuel Franco (District 3) ✓ Josue Meiners (District 4) ✓ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) ✓ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) ✓ ✓ Beau Frail (District 6) Vacant Seat (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF ✓ Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison ✓ Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. NONE 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action for support of the Commission for The Ullrich Water Treatment Plant addressed at 1000 Forest View Drive, for the City of Austin. Owen Harrod; Robyn Haasch (City of Austin), will be presenting. The motion to support the project was made by Vice Chair M. Gonzalez; and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. • The Motion was approved on a unanimous vote [9-0-0]. Page 1 of 3 DRAFT 2. OLD BUSINESS a. NONE 3. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the January 27, 2020 meeting minutes; The motion to approve the minutes as drafted was made by Commissioner E. Taniguchi and seconded by Vice Chair M. Gonzalez. The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [9‐0‐0]. b. Discussion and possible action to reappoint a liaison to the Downtown Commission; The motion to reappoint Commissioner M. Henao-Robledo was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner S. Franco. The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [9‐0‐0]. c. Liaison Reports; Commissioner M. Henao‐Robledo – Attended the Downtown Commission. The Downtown Austin Alliance website posted, “writing on the walls” that has our Austin story. Erica Leak from the Land Development Code Team presented the Downtown Density Calibration to the Downtown Commission. Commissioner S. Franco- South Central Waterfront Meeting; staff has complied the infrastructure cost for the South Central Water Front masterplan. Resoultion by Council Member Tovo’s office to help with funding sources and regulating plan; study on future proposed uses of the One Texas Center. d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members byChair; • Working Group 2/27 – 5C Tower 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. Update from Neighborhood Housing and …
City of Austin - Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page ii for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Destiny Bonus projects (see page iv for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page ii for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission's review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Boards_and_Commissions/ Design_Commission_urban_design_guidelin es_for_austin.pdf The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Completed Project Review Application (p.1-6) Existing zoning classification, adjacent zoning & uses, future land use map classification, topography Vicinity plan, including public transportation and connectivity on-site and within quarter mile Site plan and landscape plan Ground level, basement …
MEMORANDUM Date: To: From: Re: March 4, 2020 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Density Bonus Working Group review of Tower 5C at 415 Colorado Street for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines February 27, 2020/12:00 pm Michael Whellan- Armbrust & Brown Meeting date: Applicant: The project location is 415 Colorado Street. The project includes mixed uses of retail, 2,332 sf, and office, 465,900 sf, totaling 468, 232 sf. The applicant is seeking a density bonus to raise the FAR from 8:1 to 22:1 (maximum allowance). The site area is 22,080 sf, and the total project area is 468,232 sf. The total building height is 655’-11” (41 floors). The maximum height achievable under the density bonus program in this portion of Downtown is not applicable. The additional square footage made available by the FAR & height density bonus is 291,592 sf. The current 8:1 FAR yields 176,640 sf. Per ordinance, the applicant is required to provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages consistent with the Great Streets Standards, and the applicant shall commit to a minimum of 2 star green building rating. The Mayor and Council and the Planning & Development Review Director is to determine appropriate bonus area and in light of community benefits to be provided. Positive attributes of the project include a more contemporary Great Streets design that utilizes elements that trigger a strong connection of the building to the streetscape unlike many of the more traditional designs. These elements include dynamic paving patterns and a variety of planting materials. The architecture of the building provides a unique 1 sculptural form in the skyline against a majority of rectilinear structures. Refer to checklist for additional comments. Concerns primarily center on possible traffic impact of already congested thoroughfares due to large amount of tenant parking spaces, even though substantial on-site bicycle parking is provided. The historical element of the Colorado Street side garnered a lot of discussion. And although the enhanced paving pattern and other atypical streetscape elements were well received, there is some concern that it might interrupt the uniformity of the traditional Greats Streets program which is most prevalent Downtown. Refer to checklist for additional comments. We recommend that this project, as presented, is in substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES CECKLIST AREA WIDE GUIDELINES 1. 2. Create dense development - [X] incorporated, [ ] …
Historic Landmark Commission May 18, 2020 The Historic Landmark Commission meeting will be held May 18, 2020 with social distancing modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers (applicants and others) must register in advance (no later than Sunday, May 17, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 18, 2020 Historic Landmark Commission meeting, residents must: • Call or email the board liaison at preservation@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-1264 no later than noon on Sunday, May 17. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting start in order to speak (not later than 5:45 p.m.). Late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to preservation@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Sunday, May 17, 2020. This information will be provided to commissioners in advance of the meeting. • Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Monday, May 18, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting NOTE: This meeting will be conducted remotely via teleconference. Please see the attached notes for how to participate. COMMISSION MEMBERS: _____ Emily Reed, Chair ______ Beth Valenzuela, Vice Chair ______ Witt Featherston ______ Ben Heimsath ______ Mathew Jacob ______ Kevin Koch ______ Kelly Little ______ Trey McWhorter ______ Terri Myers ______ Alex Papavasiliou ______ Blake Tollett CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 27, 2020 AGENDA 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. Oakwood Cemetery Archaeology By: Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC ZONING, DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT ZONING, AND REQUESTS TO CONSIDER THE INITIATION OF A HISTORIC ZONING CASE 1. C14-2019-0108 – Parker House – Offered for consent approval but with comments of concern by the Historic Preservation Office 2404 …
Historic Landmark Commission April 27, 2020 The Historic Landmark Commission meeting will be held April 27, 2020 with social distancing modifications. Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (no later than Sunday, April 26th by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 27, 2020 Historic Landmark Commission meeting, residents must: Call or email the board liaison at preservation@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-1264 no later than noon on Sunday, April 26th. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting start in order to speak (not later than 5:45 p.m.). Late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. Handouts or other information may be emailed to preservation@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Sunday, April 26th. This information will be provided to commissioners in advance of the meeting. Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Monday, April 27, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting NOTE: This meeting will be conducted remotely via teleconference. Please see the special notes attached for how to participate. COMMISSION MEMBERS: ___x__ Emily Reed, Chair __x____ Kelly Little ___x___ Beth Valenzuela, Vice Chair __x____ Trey McWhorter ___x___ Witt Featherston __x____ Terri Myers ___x___ Ben Heimsath __abs__ Alex Papavasiliou __abs__ Mathew Jacob __x____ Blake Tollett ___x___ Kevin Koch AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 23, 2020. B. October 22, 2018 (Correction of previously approved minutes). MOTION: Approve minutes from February 23, 2020 and October 22, 2018 by Reed, Tollett seconds. Vote: 8-0-1, Myers off the dais. 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION None. The Parks and Recreation Department briefing on Oakwood Cemetery will be scheduled for May. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS MOTION: Approve items 1A, 1B, A2, A3, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B10, B11, B12, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, …
Special Meeting of the Arts Commission May 18, 2020 – 3-4:30pm Arts Commission to be held May 18, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance, the day before the scheduled meeting, Sunday, May 17 by Noon. All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 18 Arts Commission Meeting, residents must: Call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7854 or Annemarie.Mckaskle@AustinTexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, May 17. Residents must include the following information in the email request o Resident speaker name o agenda item number(s) the resident wishes to address o whether the resident is for/against/neutral the item(s) o telephone number or email address of the resident speaker Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. Resident speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Resident speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. Handouts or other information may be emailed to LIAISON EMAIL by Noon the day before (Sunday, May 17) the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. If the meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live ARTS COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 – 3-4:30pm VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jaime Castillo – Chair, Michelle Polgar – Vice Chair, Brett Barnes, Lulu Flores, Bears Rebecca Fonte, Felipe Garza, kYmberly Keeton, Amy Mok, Celina Zisman AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. COVID-19 update The speakers signed up prior to noon on Sunday, May 17 will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items posted on the agenda. a. Approve the minutes for the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on April 20, 2020 i. Presentation on Hotel Occupancy Tax, Sylnovia Holt-Rabb ii. FY21 Cultural Funding up18, Meghan Wells b. Visit Austin marketing partnership, Peggy Ellithorpe 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and Action Items i. Approve the Final Design …
May 18 Arts Commission Meeting Regarding Item under NEW BUSINESS 4.a.iii Approve Artwork Donation from Ryan Companies of sculpture “Aurorae” by artist FYOOG for the City of Austin Planning and Development Center Building Background information for Arts Commission In December 2019, the Planning and Development Center Building (PDC) project was introduced to both the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel and the Arts Commission. At that time, both the AIPP Panel and the Arts Commission expressed concern that there was no AIPP ordinance-required 2% percent-for-art funding included for this city building under construction. Andrew Moore explained why the AIPP Ordinance does not apply to the new city purchasing process by which the PDC is being delivered, the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program. The P3 Program solicits competitive bids from the commercial real estate market for Class A office space purchasing process (P3). The selected developer then constructs a fixed price facility by a specific and delivery date and, at the successful completion of the project, the City purchases the building. The P3 purchasing process for city facilities is handled by the Finance Services Department. Find more information on this delivery system here: http://austintexas.gov/department/public-private-partnerships-p3-program-office The donation of the sculpture by FYOOG is intended to support the purpose of the AIPP Ordinance, even though the P3 system does not require it. Meghan and Sue have been working with Lucia Athens, who leads the Sustainability Office on a memo to Mayor and Council regarding this new delivery system, specifically to reinforce the City of Austin’s commitment to green building and sustainability, and also shining a light on other Council commitments and ordinances that are not currently reflected in the delivery process. We have crafted the paragraph below to be included in the memo (emphasis added): The Art in Public Places requirement for eligible projects to allocate 2% of capital improvement budget to commission or purchase art for the site does not currently have a corollary for P3 projects. Commissioning or acquiring works of art is currently problematic for P3 projects due to challenges with the artist selection process, funding availability, and project delivery model whereby the City purchases a building from a developer. The Art in Public Places Panel discussed this topic at their December 2nd 2019 meeting and expressed concern that the Art in Public Places ordinance was not being applied consistently to City construction projects created through this new capital delivery model. …
Art in Public Places Program 5202 E. Ben White Blvd. Suite 400 Austin, Texas 78741 512.974.7700 www.austincreates.com PROCESS SUMMARY Rosewood Neighborhood Park ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROJECT PROJECT SUMMARY On Thursday, December 20, 2018, The City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department, released a request for qualifications (RFQ) to visual artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, install and de-install a durable, permanent exterior public artwork that reflects the character of the Rosewood neighborhood and thoughtfully considers the history and everyday use of the Rosewood Neighborhood Park. Artists and designers who live and work in Williamson, Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Burnet, and Blanco counties were eligible to apply. Special consideration was given to artists with a lived experience in the Rosewood neighborhood. The total budget for the project is $44,000 with a planned installation date of spring 2020. The deadline to apply was Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 5PM CST. ARTWORK GOALS The Art in Public Places program seeks to commission works of art of redeeming quality that advance public understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places through the selection of a qualified artist or artist team who can innovatively and thoughtfully design within the context of this project. The goal of the Rosewood Neighborhood Park AIPP Project is to select an artist/artist team who will design artwork that: reflects the nature and character of the Rosewood Neighborhood Park and Pool; conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that Integrates with the site and the required signage for the project; is consistent with and mindful of the historic values of the Rosewood community and Rosewood Neighborhood Park site; is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment; and contributes to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin’s public art collection. • • • • • BUDGET The AIPP 2% funding for this project comes from the 2012 Bond. The total award for an artist contract is $44,000, inclusive of design, fabrication and installation, including engineering and permitting fees, travel and shipping expenses, insurance and other project-related costs. SELECTION PANEL The Selection Panel was comprised of three local arts professionals: • Miriam Conner, Community Engagement Coordinator, ForkLift Danceworks • Carre Adams, Culture and Arts Education Coordinator, George Washington Carver Museum • John Fisher, Visual Artist, Carver Library mural AIPP Project Advisor: • TBD Advisors: • …
Art in Public Places City of Austin Cultural Arts Division 5202 E Ben White Blvd, Suite 400 Austin, Texas 78741 512.974.7700 / aipp@austintexas.gov Prospectus Project: Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Artwork Budget: $104,000 Deadline to Submit Request for Qualifications: July 30, 2020, 5:00 pm (CST) Project Summary The City of Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department seeks to commission a durable, permanent public artwork that honors the importance of Barton Springs, including the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse, and fosters stewardship of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. Budget The AIPP 2% for this project is generated from the 2012 Bond; Proposition 14; Parks and Recreation (Facility Renovations and Improvements). The total award for an artist contract is $104,000, inclusive of design, fabrication and installation, including engineering and permitting fees, travel and shipping expenses, insurance and other project-related costs. Public Art Goals & Priorities The Barton Springs Pool and the bathhouse have historic desig- nation and so are subject to constraints for type and location of the artwork. In addition, it is important that the AIPP artwork be accessible to citizens without paying the fee to enter the pool area. After discussions with the Barton Springs Conservancy, the Austin Parks Department, and the project design team, it was de- termined that the site could benefit from artwork that enhances the experience of the exhibit areas or the lobby of the Rotunda; or it could be an exterior artwork within or near the site work included in the sponsor project. See Appendices A, B and C for more information. The Art in Public Places program seeks to commission works of art of redeeming quality that advance public understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places through the selection of a qualified artist or artist team who can innovatively and thoughtfully design within the context of this project. The goals of the project were developed through discussions with community members by PARD and AIPP staff. Barton Springs Bathhouse AIPP Project Prospectus Page 1 of 17 May 2020 Draft goals for the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation AIPP Project are to select an artist/artist team who will design artwork that: • honors the importance of Barton Springs, including the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse; • • • • • fosters stewardship of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer; is consistent with the historic context …
Special Meeting of the Human Rights Commission Monday, May 18, 2020 Human Rights Commission to be held Monday, May 18, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance Sunday, May 17, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the Monday, May 18, 2020 Human Rights Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3276 or Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, May 17, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 1 a E, j HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, May 18, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING 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 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Regular Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Human Rights Commission’s April 27, 2020 a. Discussion on the process and logistics for NDO hearings, specifically related to the Human Rights Commission special called meeting on November 13th, 2019 to “hear and rule on the appeal of No Reasonable Cause determination of the Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office in Case No. HRC-CF-18-003 under City Code Chapter 5-2 Discrimination in Public Accommodations.” (Caballero/White) b. Presentation by Ann Baddour, Texas Appleseed, and discussion and possible action in regards to changes in Ordinance No. 20190910-002 with the intent to establish fair lending …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, April 27, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2020 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the regular meeting of February 24, 2020 were approved on a vote of 7-0: Commissioner Garry Brown motion, Chair Davis second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2020-2021 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Caballero) i. Evictions in Travis County The Commission discussed this item and worked informally to finalize the recommendation. After the draft was finalized, Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Jamarr Brown second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a vote of 7-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. ii. Financial assistance for families in Travis County The Commission discussed this item and worked informally to finalize the recommendation. After the draft was finalized, Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Museitif second. The Commission adopted the recommendation on a 1 vote of 8-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White were absent. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding new commissioner assignments to the Joint Inclusion Committee (Davis/Caballero) Chair Davis moved to send to Mayor and Council the nomination of Commissioner Jamarr Brown to serve on the Joint Inclusion Committee as the primary representative of the Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Breckenridge second. Commissioner Jamarr Brown accepted the nomination. The motion was adopted on a vote of 8-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Caballero, Commissioner Breckenridge, …
ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4-12 (REGISTRATION OF CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESSES) OF THE CITY CODE RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF BOTH CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS AND CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESSES; CREATING AN OFFENSE AND PENALTY; AND AMENDING THE 2019-2020 FEE SCHEDULE IN ORDINANCE NO. 20190910-002 TO ADD A REGISTRATION APPLICATION FEE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. City Code Chapter 4-12 (Registration of Credit Access Businesses) is amended to amend the title of the chapter to read as follows: CHAPTER 4-12 REGISTRATION OF CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS AND CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESSES. PART 2. City Code Chapter 4-12 (Registration of Credit Services Organizations and Access Businesses) is amended to replace “Director” with “director” in each place that the word appears within Chapter 4-12. PART 3. City Code Section 4-12-1 (Definitions) is amended to add new definitions for “Credit Access Fees”, “Credit Services Organization”, “Extension of Consumer Credit Transaction”, and “Valuable Consideration”; to amend the existing definitions for “Certificate of Registration”, “Consumer”, and “Owner”; to delete the definition of “Registrant”; to delete and replace the definition of “Credit Access Business”; and to re-letter the remaining definitions as set forth below: (A) CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION means a certificate of registration issued by the director [Director] under this chapter to the owner or operator of a credit services organization or a credit access business. (B) CONSUMER means an individual who is solicited to purchase or who purchases the services of a credit services organization or a credit access business. (C) CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESS means a credit services organization that obtains for a consumer or assists a consumer in obtaining an extension of consumer credit in the form of a deferred presentment transaction or a motor vehicle title loan. Page 1 of 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 (D) CREDIT ACCESS BUSINESS FEES mean the fees charged by a credit access business pursuant to Section 393.602, Texas Finance Code. (E) CREDIT SERVICES ORGANIZATION means a person who obtains an extension of consumer credit for a consumer as described in Section 393.001(3)(B), Texas Finance Code, or a …
City of Austin 301 W. Second Street Austin, TX Recommendation for Action File #: 20-1942, Agenda Item #: 28. 5/21/2020(cid:4) Posting Language Approve an ordinance amending Chapter 4-12 (Registration of Credit Access Businesses), creating an offense and penalty, and amending the 2019-2020 Fee Schedule in Ordinance No. 20190910-002 to add an application fee. Lead Department Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact Prior Council Action: April 9, 2020- Council passed a resolution directing staff to return with this ordinance. For More Information: Rondella M. Hawkins, TARA Officer; 512-974-2422. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 20110818-075 in August 2011. Amended Ordinance No. 20151217-073 in December of 2015. Additional Backup Information: City Council passed Resolution No. 20200409-033 on April 9, 2020 directing staff to assess and update the City’s consumer protection ordinances and rules to ensure continued efficacy in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-0277. If approved, the proposed ordinance will require credit service organizations to comply with Chapter 4-12. This change will address Attorney General Opinion KP-0277. The ordinance also makes clarifying changes to Chapter 4-12 and amends the 2019-2020 Fee Schedule in Ordinance No. 20190910-002 to add an application fee. Staff recommends that Council approve the proposed ordinance amendments. Strategic Outcome(s): Economic Opportunity and Affordability. City of Austin Page 1 of 1 Printed on 5/8/2020 powered by Legistar™ (cid:5) (cid:6)
ORDINANCE NO. 20190910-002 AN ORDINANCE AUTEOR ZING FEES, FINES, AND OTHER CHARGES TO BE SET OR CHARGED BY THE CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 1, 2019, AND ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30,2020. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. The City Council authorizes the fees, fines, and other charges listed in the attached Exhibits "A" and "B" to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2019- 2020 beginning on October 1, 2019, and ending on September 30,2020. PART 2. To the extent that a previous ordinance conflicts with this ordinance, the earlier ordinance is repealed. PART 3. Except as otherwise specifically provided in Exhibits "A" and "B," this ordinance takes effect on October 1,2019. A fee, fine, or other charge for which a specific effective date has been established in Exhibits "A" and "B" takes effect on the specified effective dates. PART 4. Council waives fees and reimburses costs for City co-sponsored events listed in Exhibit "C" and identified in the following Council actions: Resolution No. 20021003-040 Resolution No. 20040226-040 Resolution No. 20050324-040B Resolution No. 20070308-033 Resolution No. 20100408-034 Resolution No. 2010624-080 Resolution No. 20111208-077 Resolution No. 20120927-081 Ordinance No. 20130808-057 Ordinance No. 20131212-140 Ordinance No.20141106-057 Page 1 of 2 These events are Council-approved co-sponsored events, which serve documented public purposes as set forth in the actions of Council noted above. Each event must annually provide reasonable documentation to the City Manager that the event brings a value to the City that is at least roughly equivalent to the fees waived or reimbursed by this action. PASSED AND APPROVED § § ff- *feve dler Mayor § ATTESET)C j€h uue=• A J:te-eaw Jannette S. Goodall City Clerk September 10 ,2019 APPROVED: Anne L. Morgan City Attorney Page 2 of 2
TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION THREATENS BASIC BORROWER PROTECTIONS FOR HIGH-COST LOANS HISTORY OF REFORM MOVEMENT In 2011, community and faith leaders organized a strong movement to encourage Texas leaders to address predatory payday and auto title lending practices. In response, the Texas Legislature updated the Credit Service Organization Act, a law loan operators were using to get around state consumer protections, including rate and fee caps. The new changes required licensing by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) and disclosures, but did not address problems with the cost or structure of the loans. LOCAL ORDINANCES PROVIDE RELIEF With families still hurting from the cycle of debt and ongoing economic harms from these high-cost loans, 46 Texas cities adopted additional, commonsense local protections to address harmful lending practices. City-based protections have maintained access to credit and created better outcomes for borrowers, including lower fees and fewer vehicle repossessions. $250,000 $250,000 $200,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $200,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 THREATS TO STATE LICENSING, ORDINANCES, & FIN ANCIAL WELLBEING In November 2019, the Texas Attorney General issued an opinion interpreting state law that opens a new loophole to skirt the few state and local protections that apply to high-cost loans arranged under the Credit Services Organization Act, once again leaving vulnerable Texans at the mercy of predatory market practices. $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $300,000 $250,000 2012 2012 2012 2018 2018 2018 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 UNCAPPED PAYDAY AND AUTO TITLE LOANS Average APRs, often over 500% interest, drain wealth from Texas communities $50,000 From 2012-2018, payday and auto title loan operations collected $11.2 billion in fees from struggling Texas families. This money could have gone towards basic family needs and local businesses instead of being drained away for 500% plus APR loans. 2012 2018 High Fees and Refinances Make Up 70% of the Texans Lost 256,701 Cars, Repossessed by Auto Title Payday and Auto Title Loan Market Lenders (Total 2012-2018) Fees & Refinances $4 bil Fees & Refinances $4.1 bil Fees & Refinances $3.7 bil Fees & Refinances $3.5 bil 2012 2012 New Loans $1.9 bil New Loans $1.7 bil New Loans $1.5 bil New Loans $1.6 bil 2012 2012 2014 2016 2018 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 2014 2014 100,000 50,000 2014 2016 2016 2018 2018 2016 2018 2012 2018 AUTO TITLELENDERPAYDAY LOANSAUTO TITLELENDERAUTO TITLELENDERPAYDAY LOANSAUTO TITLELENDERAUTO TITLELENDERPAYDAY LOANSAUTO TITLELENDERAUTO TITLELENDERPAYDAY LOANSAUTO TITLELENDERAUTO TITLELENDERPAYDAY LOANSAUTO TITLELENDER IMPACTS OF …
DRAFT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20200518-002c: Recommendation to Address Under-banking by Allowing City Libraries to Perform Limited Financial Services WHEREAS, Under-banking is a serious detriment to working people’s ability to build and grow wealth; and, WHEREAS, Online banking services and digital commerce are becoming increasingly ubiquitous; and, WHEREAS, The inability to participate in digital commerce can directly impact one’s quality of life, financial and employment prospects; thus negatively impacting one’s access to human rights; and, WHEREAS, Public institutions, such as the United States Postal Service, have previously provided limited banking services to the public; and, WHEREAS, The entrance of a public enterprise with more affordable rates stimulates competition in the private sector; and, WHEREAS, The definition of what public libraries are able to lend to the public has previously been expanded (i.e. DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, etc.); and, WHEREAS, Libraries are currently, in effect, depositories of a kind; and, WHEREAS, Exclusion from banking services has been a studied and documented symptom of institutional racism and sexism; and, WHEREAS, The right to Social Security is guaranteed by the 22nd Article of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights; and, WHEREAS, We are now facing unprecedented financial consequences due to COVID-19; and, WHEREAS, It is in the public interest to create a department within a publicly trusted institution dedicated to the financial success and prosperity of all Austin residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission recommends the Austin City Council to investigate ways to charter the Austin Library System as a state bank to provide basic, free-to-access, financial services to include but not limited to: fee-free ATM services, checking and savings accounts with online access, debit card services, fee-free overdraft protection, etc.
