BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 1 BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 23, 2014 The Board and Commission Transition Taskforce convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 301 W. Second Street, Room 1029. Chair Victor Martinez called the Taskforce Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Taskforce Members in Attendance: Bernie Bernfeld Scott Daigle Dale Gray Jeff Jack Norman Kieke Peggy Maceo Victor Martinez (Chair) Lori Cervenak-Renteria Dave Sullivan Olga Wise Staff in Attendance: Jannette Goodall, City Clerk, Myrna Rios, Assistant City Clerk 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Paul Saldana Susana Almanza Jesus Lardizabal Anita Quintanilla Gilbert Rivera Juan Oyervides 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the April 21, 2014 Boards and Commissions Transition Taskforce meeting were approved with no objection. Member’s Dave Anderson, Babette Ellis, Angela-Jo Touza-Medina, Mary Gay Maxwell, and Gabriel Rojas absent. 3. STAFF UPDATES AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION Staff distributed the Boards and Commissions Transition Ordinance for review. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON TRANSITION PLAN a. Boards and Commissions workgroup report b. Transition workgroup report c. Planning & Development Review workgroup report d. Diversity workgroup report e. Intergovernmental group report BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 2 The Boards and Commissions work group discussed the recommendations and survey results regarding mergers. No discussion from the transition workgroup, the Planning and Development Review work group, Diversity workgroup report or Intergovernmental group report. 5. FUTURE MEETING DATES No items were discussed. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No Items were discussed. ADJOURN Chair Victor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 5:54 p.m. without objection.
1 Austin Raza Round Table April 22, 2014 Boards and Commissions Transition Task Force City of Austin P.O. 1088 Austin, TX 78701 c/o Myrna Rios, Office of the City Clerk, 512-974-2504, Email: myrna.rios@austintexas.gov Dear Chair Martinez and Members of the Task Force: The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESBMACC) and Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission (HQLRAC) are two important yet distinct initiatives in the City of Austin. “Somehow combining them under one single advisory board or as one voice” would be harmful and detrimental to both. The significance, history and interests of the Mexican American Cultural Center in the eyes of the Mexican American community of Austin over the last 40 years would be diluted if “somehow merged” with any other city of Austin board. The ESBMACC mission is “...the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of Mexican American cultural arts and heritage. The Center is a resource for the community and visitors to learn and participate in classes and programs that will foster a meaningful understanding and appreciation of not only Mexican American, but also Native American, Chicano, and other Latino cultures. The programs and educational curriculum include areas of visual art, theatre, dance, literature, music, language arts, and multi-media.” The Mexican American community struggled and fought for decades and demanded that a cultural center be established. The dream finally came to fruition in 2007. The ESBMACC Board responsibility is to bring the mission of the ESBMACC to life through its support and approval of programming and activities that staff and community organizations bring forward for approval. 2 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative goal was: “…to answer the following questions for Austin: A. Is the quality of life experience of Hispanics/Latinos significantly different from the quality of life experienced by the rest of Austin and other demographic groups? B. Is the City of Austin providing programs, services, financial assistance and other opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Hispanics/Latinos?” The HQLRAC major topics to be considered and recommendations for City action by this entity are: A. Education, B. Youth Services, C. Housing and Community Development, D. Cultural Arts, E. Economic Development, F. Health, G. Civic Engagement, and H. Transportation. The HQLRAC has too broad a role and mission to give the citizens an opportunity to participate closely with their city government when it comes to the MACC. The HQLRA Commission should have a major …
Page 1 of 3 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2-1 OF THE CITY CODE 1 REGARDING CITY BOARDS; AND PROVIDING FOR A TRANSITION FROM 2 A SEVEN-MEMBER COUNCIL TO AN 11-MEMBER COUNCIL WITH 3 REGARD TO BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENTS. 4 5 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 6 7 PART 1. Board Transition. 8 (A) In this Part “board” means: 9 (1) a board named in Chapter 2-1 of the City Code and: 10 (a) the Austin Area Comprehensive HIV Planning Council; 11 (b) the Impact Fee Advisory Committee; and 12 (c) the Urban Renewal Authority. 13 (B) Beginning on the first date that the city council elected in the November 2014 14 general election convenes: 15 (1) the size, composition, officers, committees, and bylaws of each board are 16 continued as each of these exist until June 30, 2015; 17 (2) unless otherwise required by state law or the City Charter a quorum of a 18 board, and the number of votes required for action by the board, is a 19 majority of the members, not including a member who has died, been 20 removed, or resigned unless that member is serving in a hold-over 21 capacity; and 22 (3) unless otherwise required by state law or the City Charter: 23 (a) the term of each council appointee on a board is extended to June 24 30, 2015; and 25 (b) the term of each council appointee on a board expires on June 30, 26 2015. 27 (C) If a vacancy exists on a board after the last regularly scheduled meeting of the 28 seven-member at-large city council; the vacancy shall be filled by the council 29 elected at the November 2014 general election. The Mayor shall nominate a 30 Page 2 of 3 person to fill the vacancy, subject to the council’s approval. Unless otherwise 1 required by state law or the City Charter, a term of a person appointed to fill a 2 vacancy under this subpart expires on June 30, 2015. 3 (D) A council member elected at the November 2014 election who will be entitled 4 to nominate a person for appointment to a board under Chapter 2-1 as 5 amended by Part 2 of this ordinance may nominate a person before the 6 effective date of Part 2, and the council may make appointment a person …
BOARD AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE April 23, 2014 BC CONSIDERATIONS / POSSIBILITIES Prepared by: Boards and Commissions Survey Work Group Note: • This document does not cover (1) BC being considered by the Planning and Development Review group (+) or (2) other groups with membership requirements set by various governmental entities. • City staff would determine departmental oversight, and responsibilities in the case of mergers or new commissions. • Commissions which are newly formed or merged should use work groups or permanent committees to accomplish issues or activities. A. GROUPS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REMOVAL • Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Task Force – Work is complete • Lake Austin Task Force – Final Report was in 2013 B. GROUPS TO CONSIDERED FOR CONSOLIDATION B1. Emergency Response Services - Downtown Community Court – Advises the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues. Section 2-1-130 of the City Code. - Public Safety Commission – Advisory body on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety including matters related to the Austin Police Department, the Austin fire Department and the Austin/Travis county EMS Department. Currently under the APD, AFD and EMS Departments. JUSTIFICATION: The combined groups address issues pertaining to emergency services and public safety. B2. Environmental Commission - Environmental Board – Advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. Connected to the Watershed Protection Department. - Urban Forestry Board – The care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public areas. Currently under the Parks and Recreation Department. JUSTIFICATION: -- The Urban Forestry Board should be formally connected to the Environmental Board and to the Watershed Protection Department. The WPD is focused on the green infrastructure of the city and uses a science-based approach to protecting that infrastructure. The WPD also works with other departments routinely and can facilitate activities that can result in protection of the canopy of the City of Austin. BOARD AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE April 23, 2014 B3. Municipal Contracts and Construction Commission - MBE/WBE Small Business Enterprise Procurement Program Advisory Committee – Review and recommend changes to City Code provisions 2-9A-18, 2-9B-18, 2-9C-18 and 2-9D-18. - Small and Minority Business Resources - Construction Advisory Committee – Monitor enforcement of prevailing wage scales and job classifications on municipal construction contracts. Review construction contracts. - In Public Works JUSTIFICATION: …
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014 4:00 PM 301 W. SECOND STREET CITY HALL ROOM 1029 AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Dave Anderson Bernie Bernfeld Scott Daigle Babette Ellis Dale Gray Jeff Jack Norman Kieke Peggy Maceo Victor Martinez (Chair) Angela-Jo Touza-Medina (Vice Chair) Mary Gay Maxwell Lori Cervenak-Renteria Gabriel Rojas Dave Sullivan Olga Wise AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Approve the minutes of the Boards and Commissions Transition Taskforce meeting of April 16, 2014 3. STAFF UPDATES AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON 10-1 TRANSITION PLAN FROM WORK GROUPS a. Boards and Commissions workgroup report b. Transition workgroup report c. Planning & Development Review workgroup report d. Diversity workgroup report e. Intergovernmental group report 5. FUTURE MEETING DATES 6. 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 4 days before the meeting date. Please call Myrna Rios or Mary Lamoreaux at the Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-2210 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711 For more information on the Boards and Commission Transition Taskforce, please contact Myrna Rios or Mary Lamoreaux at the Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-2210.
BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014 1 BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2014 The Board and Commission Transition Taskforce convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 301 W. Second Street, Room 1029. Chair Victor Martinez called the Taskforce Meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. Taskforce Members in Attendance: Dave Anderson Scott Daigle Babette Ellis Jeff Jack Norman Kieke Peggy Maceo Victor Martinez (Chair) Angela-Jo Touza-Medina (Vice Chair) Mary Gay Maxwell Lori Cervenak-Renteria Gabriel Rojas Olga Wise Dave Sullivan Staff in Attendance: Jannette Goodall, City Clerk, Myrna Rios, Assistant City Clerk, John Steiner, Law, Lucia Athens, Chief Sustainability Officer 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ann Kitchen Joyce Lauck Dan Pruett Cecilia Crossley Juan Oyervides 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the April 16, 2014 Boards and Commissions Transition Taskforce meeting were approved with no objection. Member’s Dale Gray and Bernie Bernfeld absent. 3. STAFF UPDATES AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION Staff did not have updates. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON TRANSITION PLAN a. Boards and Commissions workgroup presentation b. Transition workgroup presentation c. Planning & Development Review workgroup presentation d. Diversity workgroup presentation e. Intergovernmental groups discussion BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014 2 Boards and Commissions transition work group discussed Boards & Commissions possible recommendations to Council and designated Mary Gay Maxwell and Angela-Jo Touza-Medina to draft a piece on how the taskforce captured recommendations. The motion to approve the Transition Plan and direction to the law department to bring back legal language for adoption was approved on Vice Chair Angela-Jo Touza-Medina’s motion, Mary Gay Maxwell’s second on a 13-0 vote. Members Bernie Bernfeld and Dale Gray absent. No discussion from the Planning and Development Review work group, Diversity work group and Intergovernmental group evaluation. 5. FUTURE MEETING DATES No items were discussed. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Non 2-1 Boards discussion. ADJOURN Chair Victor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m. without objection.
TRANSITION PLAN In order for Boards and Commissions to continue to conduct business and to serve City Council during a transition period, the following changes to City Code and procedures are recommended. CHANGES TO CHAPTER 2-1 OF CITY CODE WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS: • DEFINITIONS (2-1-2) Board Transition Period defined as: January 6 - June 30, 2015. • BOARDS ESTABLISHED (2-1-3) All Boards, Commissions Joint Committees and Taskforces continue to operate in current form, including membership, for Transition Period. • SIZE AND APPOINTMENT (2-1-4) Mayor shall nominate members to fill any vacancies that might occur during Transition Period. • QUORUM AND ACTION (2-1-6) Majority of appointed Board members constitutes a Quorum. Board action must be adopted by affirmative vote of majority of appointed members. • MEMBERSHIP TERM AND LIMITATIONS (2-1-22) As of January 5, 2015, all Board members serving shall continue to serve through June 30, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, all Board members’ terms shall expire. • TRAINING (2-1-23), VACANCY & HOLDOVER CAPACITY (2-1 27) City Clerk can grant an administrative waiver for training requirements, except for requirements by law, for any new Board member appointed during Transition Period. • OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES (2-1-42) Board chair and any additional officers serving as of January 5, 2015, shall continue to serve through June 30, 2015; Committees in existence as of January 5, 2015, shall continue operation through June 30, 2015. RECOMMENDED IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES: • APPLICATION PROCESS - For new terms to begin July 1, 2015, application period will begin January 6, 2015. • DURING TRANSITION PERIOD, new Council will begin approval process of new members to begin serving July 1, 2015. • DURING TRANSITION PERIOD, training of new members will begin. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: • NOTIFY current Board and Commission members of the Transition Period as soon as possible through: City Clerk and City Council. • OBTAIN commitment of current members to serve through June 30, 2015. • APPOINT new members by City Council to any vacancies that might occur during Transition Period. • ENSURE that each Board will have a quorum to operate and to conduct business.
Austin Energy Consumer Advocates Working Group April 16, 2014 9:30 am – 12:30 pm 721 Barton Springs Road Town Lake Center, Assembly Room 100 Agenda Goal: To understand the current rules and to develop a sustainable set of recommended rules for: • Revising deferred payment plans and service disconnections • Developing an arrearage management plan, and, • Revising appropriate customer service practices. Meeting Objectives 1. Review subcommittee’s recommendation for an Arrearage Management Program 2. Discuss arrearage management program components 3. Develop draft of Working Committee’s Arrearage Management Program 9:15 AM Gathering and Sign-In 9:30 AM Welcome, Objectives and Agenda Ground Rules and Updates Presentation of Arrearage Management Program by subcommittee • Program design process • Program recommendations Discussion on Arrearage Management Program components 12:00 PM Discussion on Remaining Work and Meeting Schedule Wrap-up and Next Steps 12:30 PM Adjourn Thank you for your participation today.
Austin Energy Low Income Consumer Advocates-Payment Arrangement Design Policy Worksheet DRAFTTarget PopulationEligibilityLength of TermNumber of PA's AllowedDown Payment$ Amount ThresholdDeposit on PAPA DisqualificationAll ResidentialAll ResidentialUp to 8 months (CSR)Up to 12 months (Supervisors)Up to 36 months (Customer Assistance Team)Unlimited-as long as the account is brought to 0 balance before the account becomes eligible againYes - 50% down exceptions approved by SupervisorsNoneNOMeter TamperingPrevious PA BrokenDisconnection for Non-PaymentField Activity Scheduled for Non-PaymentReturned Payment on AccountLow IncomeRegular ResidentialCritically IllElderlyHouseholds w/ young childrenLow IncomeRegular ResidentialCritically IllElderlyHouseholds w/ young children24 months regular residential$48 maximum for discount participants (any length of term possible)3 Payment Arrangements4th Payment Arrangement for any customer identifying a "Bona Fide" Reason *NONoneNot DeterminedNot DeterminedGeneralAll ResidentialUp to 24 months, if needed (CSR)Up to 36 months (Supervisors)TBD (Customer Assistance TeamUnlimited-as long as the account is brought to 0 balance before the account becomes eligible again. Those with broken arrangements can have 3 Payment Arrangements/4th with "Bona Fide" Reason*Yes -Down payment equal to first month installmentNoneNo application of deposit to PAMeter TamperingDisconnection for Non-Payment (after PA allotment)Field Activity Scheduled for Non-Payment ((after PA allotment)Returned Payment on Account (NSF)Low IncomeCritically IllElderlyHouseholds w/ young childrenCAP CustomersAs defined by a monthly payment not to exceed 5% of U.S. Dept of HHS monthly poverty guideline for single person householdUnlimited-as long as the account is brought to 0 balance before the account becomes eligible again. Those with broken arrangements can have 3 Payment Arrangements/4th with "Bona Fide" Reason*NONoneNo application of deposit to PAMeter TamperingDisconnection for Non-Payment (after PA allotment)Field Activity Scheduled for Non-Payment ((after PA allotment)Returned Payment on Account (NSF)*Bona Fide Reasons= serious illness or injury by account holder or household member; loss of employment; economic loss due to natural disaster; domestic violence against the customer; a commitment by an independent program to assist customer with paymentThe PURPOSE of a Payment Arrangement (PA) is a short term payment option for households that are having a temporary crisis; PAs provide several months to pay off overdue utility bills in equal installments. Austin Energy Regular PolicyCouncil Mandated Current PolicyAdvocacy Group RecommendsAdvocacy Group Recommends
Arrearage ProgramsMassachusettsConnecticut - United IlluminatingArizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire and Texas - Liberty UtilitiesPortland General Electric Company (New Start Pilot)AmerenUE-Clean Slate (Missouri)Be a residential utility customerBe a residential utility customerCustomer of record for the accountBe a residential utility customerUE customerBe eligible for Fuel Assistance or low-income discount rateBe eligible for Winter Moratorium (a.k.a. hardship) programBe eligible for LIHEAP programPriority to low-income elderly and low-income disabled customersOwe at least $100 in overdue billsOwe at least $500 with minimum 90 days delinquent$300+ in arrearsOwe at least $100 in overdue bills$3 million budgetAgree to a payment plan and to make payments on timeCustomer must make a minimum payment of 20% of the past due balanceAgree to take part in budget counseling and energy efficiency programs12 month program 60+ days overdueAgree to a payment plan and make payments on timeAgree to participate in the Discount RateMake minimum or initial paymentNot a landlord account (where tenants pay utilities to landlord)CEAP eligibleNot be shut off for nonpaymentSet up an affordable payment planEnter into monthly payment plan that includes: 1) current bill amount and 2) future projected bills for the term of payment planPlaced on 24-month levelized payment agreementActive UE customers pay 10% of the delinquent amount and the remaining amount will be covered by a Clean Slate pledgeAgree not to shut off services for non-payment if you follow the payment plan Attends one Energy Awareness ClassInactive UE customers pay 20% of their arrearage, Clean Slate pledge will cover the remaining balance.Give you credits against your overdue balance when you make payments on time or meet other program requirementsPay the monthly amount agreed to - if so, receive a $100 monthly "credit" towards past due balance - cap of $1,200/yr/per participantParticipant makes 12 consecutive monthly payments on time and in full, company waives 50% of the arrearage Forgive part of your debt when you enroll in the programFailure to pay the monthly amount agreed to will result in termination of the PA. Any remaining AMP benefit will be forfeited. The AMP payment plan may be reinstated if all missed payments along with the current payments are made.Offer you budget counseling so you will not get behind in payments againDo a home energy audit and recommend energy efficiency programs to help you save money on home energy expensesApplyMust apply to take partMust apply to take partMust apply through Contact Center at 800-544-4944.Must apply …
Discount Steering Committee Meeting Minutes February 24, 2014 In attendance: Michelle Akers (HACA) Kathleen Hopkins (Any Baby Can) Pat Macy (St. Austin Catholic Church) Tondalier Owens (Travis County HHS & VS) Linda Perez (Meals on Wheels & More) Angel Ramirez (Texas VFW Foundation) Ronnie Mendoza (AE) Sandra Castillo (AE) Melissa Davis (AE) Jessica Twining (AE) Irene Nemitsas (AE) Review of meeting minutes – February 15th, 2014 Approved as is. Discount Program Qualifier Numbers/Percentages • Mass Mailing o Austin Energy recently conducted mass letter mailing to 120,000 MAP recipients in targeted zipcodes, promoting open spots in Discount Program for MAP beneficiaries o Mailed about 2 weeks ago o Solix has noticed increase in volume of calls for applications – hopefully will help fill some of those open MAP spots o Linda from MoW requested a copy of the letter to be distributed to DSC so they can give to their clients • Community Benefit Charge Fund Forecasting o Current 33,000 spots will still not utilize funding overage from FY2013 o As such, spots have increased to 45,000 o Initiated Friday, 2/21 o Pending 11,000 enrollment into program o Even though understood that this number will have to be reduced back to 25,000 (though there will be some carryover into FY15) o Will just not re-enroll customers when their enrollment expires o But hoping City Council will see the need for the program and provide additional funding to keep at/close to 45,000 • Re-Evaluation of Current Formula o Currently 4,000-5,000 MAP openings – how do we equitably use these? o Is it ok to absorb into other programs? Committee agreed yes. o Using formula already created, if a program is not utilizing all allocated spots, after a period of 4 months (after beginning of fiscal year), use formula to disperse between top-three demanded programs. Then with new fiscal year, go back to original allocation o Right now top three programs are Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP Weatherization • Reporting o Ronnie reviewed current numbers of CAP weatherization program o Goal is to weatherize 200 homes during FY14 (this includes carryover funds from FY2013 plus FY14 funding) o Numbers include: Eligible customers (includes two priority 1 lists and one priority 2 list pulled since October 2013) = 967 Completed home visits = 123 Customers completing education class = 73 Customers pending education class = 20 Completed audits = 60 …
Discount Steering Committee Working Session Minutes March 5, 2014 In attendance: Michelle Akers (HACA) Gloria Cueva (Caritas of Austin) Kathleen Hopkins (Any Baby Can) Pat Macy (St. Austin Catholic Church) Tondalier Owens (Travis County HHS & VS) Linda Perez (Meals on Wheels & More) Angel Ramirez (Texas VFW Foundation) Ronnie Mendoza (AE) Sandra Castillo (AE) Irene Nemitsas (AE) Sample Section of AE Customers - Chart o AE pulled a representative sample of its customer base – approximately 100,000 accounts, split out between CAP and non-CAP o Included active and inactive accounts o Provided so DSC can get an idea of the number of customers in debt and the amount/level of debt, starting from $250 up to $3,000+ o Also pulled so AE can estimate the possible budget needed to fund the arrearage program o Showed a large gap between those in debt who are CAP (smaller percentage) versus non-CAP (much larger percentage) Debt over $3,000 – Reference Chart o Smaller sample size presented above didn’t fully represent those with $3,000+ in debt o Second chart provided (for reference only) that showed customers $3,000+ in debt Stratified by dates – starting when collections process was re-instated (July 2013) to present Non-disconnect period (July 2011-July 2013) definitely contributed towards these larger debts Collections was enacted in phases – starting with the larger outstanding balances ($10,000+) and working down from there o Payment arrangements don’t work for these large amounts Research shows that 78% of these arrangements are broken Only after utilities disconnect for non-pay do customers begin to pay towards their debts AE Executive Expectations o What are collection expectations of AE executives for the arrearage management program? (AMP) o 100% debt collection because AE cannot forgive debt o What this program will offer though, is pledge “matches” or “credits” applied towards account, an incentive program that works with the customer to pay down their debt Case Studies Showing Success? o AE will be one of the first for a public utility o Difficult to find similar scenarios- most utilities are de-regulated and can write off the debt as an expense Then they recoup expense the following year by raising rates AE cannot do that 2015 AMP Budgeting o Already proposed by AE - Ronnie had to forecast as he needed to ensure once the program is created that there is sufficient funding for it …
Discount Steering Committee Meeting Monday, March 24, 2014 Meeting Notes Attendees: Pat Macy St Austin Catholic Church Michelle Akers HACA Linda Perez Meals on Wheels and More Kathleen Hopkins Any Baby Can Tonda Owens Travis County Gloria Cuevas Caritas Ronnie Mendoza AE Sandra Castillo AE Lori Kirchgatter AE Jessica Twining AE Melissa Davis AE Irene Nemitsas AE I. Welcome II. Minutes Review Reviewed minutes from 3-5-14 meeting Focus of last meeting was designing arrearage program (matrix) and decision points Clarification was given regarding referral for regular residential customers – regular residential customers will be referred to arrearage program via an agency they are working with, not referred to an agency (by AE) in order to get a referral to arrearage program Ronnie explained that he has to send a monthly DSC report to Council Minutes approved III. DSC Decision Points Handout outlines everything the DSC has decided on over the last two years A suggestion was made to add “why” statements to the decision points and their relation to which AE program o For example: How the DSC came up with $8,700 balance maximum for weatherization program participants – and then reduced the maximum to $5,700 IV. Weatherization Program Structure Narrative Outlines CAP Weatherization process from start to finish Can we specify a timeframe for each piece of the process? o Ronnie suggested adding the CAP Weatherization Program timeline (already created) to accompany the narrative V. Weatherization Follow-Up Updated numbers for customers participating in CAP + Education program (excludes CAP control group numbers) For future updates on numbers, AE will provide DSC members with info on why and at what point customers are falling out of the program o Customer didn’t complete education class within allotted timeframe; landlord didn’t sign agreement form, etc. CAP team met with CES - Customer Energy Solutions (formerly Energy Efficiency Services) and contractors two weeks ago o CAP homes need to be #1 priority o Budgeting error by CES caused delay in CAP work orders going out for bidding process – increased spending authority needed – hoping to be remedied next week Impact to CAP Weatherization customers reflected in updated numbers handout: “Audit Completed & Not Out for Bid” Lori discussed incentives for CAP Weatherization customers to encourage response to follow-up surveys (18-month period) – asked for DSC feedback o CAP team suggested items such as CFL’s, air filters, and possibly $25 pledge, want …
City of Austin UtilitiesArrearage Program DesignDiscount Participants60% Median Family Income (MFI)EligibilityEnrolled or waitlisted on the discount programIncome at or below 60% of the area median income verified by an agency with support services structureBenefitsImmediate incentive towards debt (match/credits begin month 1 of program) will be able to tap into AE resources (education class, weatherization, etc.)Immediate incentive towards debt (match/credits begin month 1 of program) will be able to tap into agency resources (case management)How to ApplyAlready in placeReferred by partner agency with support services structueAuto vs. Self EnrollmentSelf-enrollment with heavy promotion/marketing Auto-enrollment through partner agency with support services structueLength of ProgramDetermined by amount of debt; $1,750-$3,000 = 12 months $3,001-$6,000 = 24 months $6,001+ = 36 monthsDetermined by amount of debt; $1,750-$3,000 = 12 months $3,001-$6,000 = 24 months $6,001+ = 36 monthsDown payment RequirementNot requiredNot requiredMatch vs. Graduated PaymentsGraduated payments, with AE always paying more than customer Graduated payments, with AE always paying more than customer Payment Amount %20%/80%, 30%/70%, 40%/60%20%/80%, 30%/70%, 40%/60%Removal from Program2 strikes rule 30 day no contact = strike Default payment = strike NSF = strike2 strikes rule 30 day no contact = strike Default payment = strike NSF = strikeAdministrationAustin EnergyAgency with support services structure City of Austin UtilitiesArrearage Program DesignEligibilityBenefitsHow to ApplyAuto vs. Self EnrollmentLength of ProgramDown payment RequirementMatch vs. Graduated PaymentsPayment Amount %Removal from ProgramAdministrationRegular ResidentialReferred to AE by agency that does not have support services structureImmediate incentive towards debt, will be able to tap into AE resources (education class, weatherization, etc.)Referred by partner agency that does not have a support services structureAuto-enrollment through partner agency that does not have a support services structureDetermined by amount of debt; $1,750-$3,000 = 12 months $3,001-$6,000 = 24 months $6,001+ = 36 monthsNot requiredMatched payments50%/50%2 strikes rule 30 day no contact = strike Default payment = strike NSF = strikeAgency without support services structure
Income Limit1 Person 2 Persons3 Persons4 Persons5 Persons6 Persons7 Persons8 Persons20%10,25011,70013,20014,64015,80017,00018,15019,350* 30%15,40017,60019,80021,95023,75025,50027,25029,00040%20,50023,40026,35029,28031,60033,95036,30038,650* 50%25,65029,30032,95036,60039,55042,50045,40048,35060%30,78035,16039,54043,92047,46051,00054,48058,02070%35,85041,00046,10051,24055,35059,45063,55067,650* 80%41,00046,85052,70058,55063,25067,95072,65077,300100%51,25058,55065,90073,20079,05084,90090,75096,600120%61,50070,25079,05087,84094,900101,900108,900115,950140%71,75082,00092,250102,480110,700118,900127,100135,250* Income provided by HUD.** Income calculated by NHCD based on the formula used by HUD.HUD rounds to the nearest $50 dollarsMFI Chart was expanded to include other percentages used by NHCD.Effective June 1,2013Efficiency1 BR2 BR3 BR4 BR5 BR$398$426$512$591$660$728$532$570$684$789$881$972$643$712$855$986$1,101$1,215$643$788$992$1,249$1,374$1,497$643 $788 $992 $1,343 $1,627 $1,871 $665$712$855$986$1,101$1,215$844$906$1,089$1,249$1,374$1,497* FAIR MARKET RENT* 50% Rent Limit* 65% Rent Limit2013 HUD Income and Rent Limits Austin-Round Rock -San Marcos, TX MSAIncome Limits - Effective date 3/15/13HOME Program Income LimitsHOME Program Rent Limits* LOW HOME Rent Limit30% Rent Limit40% Rent LimitFor Information Only (Below)* Provided by HUD* HIGH HOME Rent LimitRent Limits - Effective date 6/1/13
Sample Cross-SectionNon-CAPCAPTotal$250 or less83,2052,30785,512$250.01 to $500.008,8423739,215$500.01 to $1000.005,7052966,001$1000.01 to $2000.003,0102353,245$2000.01 to $3000.001,6681351,803$3000.01 or more**000Total102,4303,346105,776Account DebtNon-CAP*CAPTotalCAP% of Total By Debt Range$250 or less923,32520,098943,4232.1%$250.01 to $500.0096,2313,10299,3333.1%$500.01 to $1000.0055,4232,47257,8954.3%$1000.01 to $2000.0023,3431,76525,1087.0%$2000.01 to $3000.0015,6361,16316,7996.9%$3000.01 or more**0000.0%Total1,113,95828,6001,142,5582.5%Actual Total1,079,17228,6001,107,7722.6%Sample Cross-SectionTotal Accounts*Numbers are estimated based upon "Sample Cross-Section" Data Table and "Total Accounts" - **Total number of accounts w/ $3000.01+ Debt is less than 0.5% of Total Accounts. No CAP Account meets this criteria.
Arrearage Program Eligibility Requirements The arrearage program will offer support to three separate groups of recipients. Group 1 will contain all those customers currently enrolled or on the waitlist for the Customer Assistance Discount Program. Group 2 will contain those customers, who are not enrolled or on the waitlist for the Customer Assistance Discount Program and who are at sixty percent of the Median Family Income ($47,460 for a family of 4). The customer base for this group includes low to fixed income populations who need greater financial support and are working with an agency with a support service structure. Group 3 will include all other customers who are not currently enrolled or on the waitlist for the Customer Assistance Discount Program and customer’s exceeding 60% of the MFI (Median Family Income). These customers must be referred to the arrearage program by a local agency that does not have a support service structure. This group of customers is likely employed/bringing in an income, and we would be able to provide additional support by contributing to their payment arrangement installment. In addition, regular residential customers’ balances are likely not as high as customers in group 1. Benefits All customers will immediately receive incentives towards their debt where a payment match or credit will apply to the customer’s account after the first month of the program: this is to ensure that customers’ debt/balances begin to decrease as soon as possible and maintains customer engagement. Customers from group 1, customers enrolled or waitlisted on the Discount Program, will be able to access Austin Energy resources to leverage other current programs to provide more comprehensive help. The 60% MFI group (Group 2) will be able to tap into agency resources, such as case management. Customers from group 3 will be able to access Austin Energy resources as they are being referred by an agency that does not have a support service structure. How to apply and Auto v. Self Enrollment Customers currently enrolled or waitlisted in the Discount program will automatically be enrolled into the arrearage program. This population of customers owns a greater portion of the current debt which requires immediate attention: auto-enrollment will streamline the process. Customers within the 60 percent MFI group will apply through a partnering agency with support service structures to provide case management services. Customers within the regular residential group will apply through an agency without support service …
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 4:00 PM 301 W. SECOND STREET CITY HALL ROOM 1027 AUSTIN, TEXAS CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Dave Anderson Bernie Bernfeld Scott Daigle Babette Ellis Dale Gray Jeff Jack Norman Kieke Peggy Maceo Victor Martinez (Chair) Angela-Jo Touza-Medina (Vice Chair) Mary Gay Maxwell Lori Cervenak-Renteria Gabriel Rojas Dave Sullivan Olga Wise AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Approve the minutes of the Boards and Commissions Transition Taskforce meeting of April 14, 2014 3. STAFF UPDATES AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION a. Board definitions 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON 10-1 TRANSITION PLAN FROM WORK GROUPS a. Discuss mid-term report to City Council b. Boards and Commissions workgroup presentation c. Transition workgroup presentation d. Planning & Development Review workgroup presentation e. Diversity workgroup presentation f. Intergovernmental groups discussion g. Imagine Austin presentation discussion 5. FUTURE MEETING DATES 6. 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 4 days before the meeting date. Please call Myrna Rios or Mary Lamoreaux at the Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-2210 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711 For more information on the Boards and Commission Transition Taskforce, please contact Myrna Rios or Mary Lamoreaux at the Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-2210.
BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 1 BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 16, 2014 The Board and Commission Transition Taskforce convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 301 W. Second Street, Room 1029. Chair Victor Martinez called the Taskforce Meeting to order at 4:16 p.m. Taskforce Members in Attendance: Bernie Bernfeld Scott Daigle Babette Ellis Jeff Jack Norman Kieke Victor Martinez (Chair) Mary Gay Maxwell Lori Cervenak-Renteria Gabriel Rojas Dave Sullivan Olga Wise Staff in Attendance: Jannette Goodall, City Clerk, Myrna Rios, Assistant City Clerk, Mary Lamoreaux, Boards Coordinator. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Zenobia Joseph 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the April 14, 2014 Boards and Commissions Transition Taskforce meeting were approved with no objection. Member’s Dave Anderson, Dale Gray, Peggy Maceio and Angela-Jo Touza-Medina absent. 3. STAFF UPDATES AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION Staff did not have updates. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON TRANSITION PLAN a. Discuss mid-term report to City Council b. Boards and Commissions workgroup presentation c. Transition workgroup presentation d. Planning & Development Review workgroup presentation e. Diversity workgroup presentation f. Intergovernmental groups discussion g. Imagine Austin presentation discussion BOARD AND COMMISSION TRANSITION TASKFORCE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 2 No discussion on mid-term report from the City Council Work Session. Boards and Commissions work group discussed Boards & Commissions possible recommendations to Council. Transition work group distributed and discussed the BC Considerations/Possibilities handout. The Planning and Development Review work group requested to invite Chief Sustainability Officer, Lucia Athens to a future meeting and discussed Council follow up questions from the mid-term report. No discussion on the Diversity work group. Discussion on Intergovernmental group evaluation. No discussion on the Imagine Austin presentation. 5. FUTURE MEETING DATES No items were discussed. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Members requested John Steiner to be present for questions at the April 21, 2014 taskforce meeting. ADJOURN Chair Victor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m. without objection.
BOARD AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE April 16, 2014 BC CONSIDERATIONS / POSSIBILITIES Prepared by: Boards and Commissions Survey Work Group Note: • This document does not cover (1) BC being considered by the Planning and Development Review group (+) or (2) other groups with membership requirements set by various governmental entities. • City staff would determine departmental oversight, and responsibilities in the case of mergers or new commissions, A. GROUPS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REMOVAL • Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Task Force – Work is complete • Lake Austin Task Force – Final Report was in 2013 • Commission on Women – Activities would be continued through the new Joint Inclusion Commission. • Resource Management Commission – Responsibilities go to new Joint Sustainability Commission, (see Section C below) B. GROUPS TO CONSIDERED FOR CONSOLIDATION B1. Emergency Services - Austin Travis County EMS – Consider and make recommendations to the City Council about the delivery of emergency medical services. Currently under the EMS Department. - Public Safety Commission – Advisory body on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety including matters related to the Austin Police Department, the Austin fire Department and the Austin/Travis county EMS Department. Currently under the APD, AFD and EMS Departments. JUSTIFICATION: Both address issues pertaining to emergency services and public safety. ISSUES: The Austin Travis County EMS is interlocal and this would require adjustments in the contract and in the number of appointed members to reflect Travis County's responsibilities. B2. Environmental Commission - Environmental Board – Advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin. Connected to the Watershed Protection Department. - Urban Forestry Board – The care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public areas. Currently under the Parks and Recreation Department. JUSTIFICATION: -- Pending language from Mary Gay and Peggy Maceo ISSUES: Distribution of workload B3. Municipal Contracts and Construction Commission BOARD AND COMMISSIONS TRANSITION TASKFORCE April 16, 2014 - MBE/WBE Small Business Enterprise Procurement Program Advisory Committee – Review and recommend changes to City Code provisions 2-9A-18, 2-9B-18, 2-9C-18 and 2-9D-18. - Small and Minority Business Resources - Construction Advisory Committee – Monitor enforcement of prevailing wage scales and job classifications on municipal construction contracts. Review construction contracts. - In Public Works JUSTIFICATION: Both address common issues related to municipal construction and contracts B4. …
