BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20241021-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Changes to County Membership Terms in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, according to the bylaws, board members appointed by the City Council serve four- year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Council approve a change to the Austin- Travis County Food Policy Board bylaws to increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court to 4 years beginning February 1 of their appointed year. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT July 14, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Sameer S Birring ___Bianca A Medina-Leal ___Yung-ju Kim ___Brian Poteet ___Niccolo A Sacco ___Margaret Shahrestani ___Michael Von Ohlen ___Corry L Archer-Mcclellan (Alternate) ___Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meetings on June 9, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for June 9, 2025, Regular meeting and Draft Minutes for June 9, 2025, Special called meeting-Training session PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. New Variance cases: 2. C15-2025-0022 Andrew Sulski 1102 Mason Avenue On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-899 (Fences as Accessory Uses) to increase the height from six (6) feet (maximum allowed) to eight feet seven inches (8’7”) (requested) along front property line (east) and nine feet six inches (9’ 6”) along interior side property line (south), in order to erect a fence in a “SF-3-NP”, Single-Family-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (MLK-183 Neighborhood Plan). Note: The Land Development Code 25-2-899 Fences as Accessory Uses (A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a fence: (1) is permitted as an accessory use in any zoning district; and (2) must comply with …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025, AT 9:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Ayo Akande, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER Melissa Rogers, Commissioner John Umphress, Commissioner AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Action and approval on the appeal filed by Sean Fresch regarding their Discharge from the Watershed Protection Department. 5. Discussion and approval of the 2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Annual Review and Report. 6. Discussion and action regarding the election of Vice Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. 7. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. STAFF BRIEFING 8. Briefing from Human Resources Department staff regarding the …
2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule January 13, 2025 July 14, 2025 January 27, 2025 February 10, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 10, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 14, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 12, 2025 June 9, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 11, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 8, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 13, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 17, 2025 December 8, 2025 MCS Commission Meeting Schedule approved on September 9, 2024.
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Melissa Rogers John Umphress Commissioners Absent: Vacant Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager, HRD Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator, HRD Sylvester Martin, Jr., MCS Coordinator, HRD Cyndi Gordon, CS Coordinator, HRD Meca Thompson, CS Coordinator, HRD Rogue Huitron, CS Coordinator, HRD Oscar Gonzales, IT Systems Admin., HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:10 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on October 28, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of October 28, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Umphress’ second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, March 24, 2025 MEETING MINUTES STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing from Human Resources Department Staff regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager with the Human Resources Department provided a briefing regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the nomination of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The motion to nominate Kevin Mullen as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee was approved on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Vice Chair Gupta’s second on a vote of 3-0-1, with Chair Mullen abstaining. 4. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates, times, and locations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Rogers and Commissioner Umphress requested a future agenda item to discuss future meeting dates, times, and locations. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mullen adjourned the meeting at 9:25 AM without objection. 2
Annual Review and Work Plan Municipal Civil Service Commission – Reporting Period 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 Page # 1 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Municipal Civil Service Commission The Board/Commission mission statement is: The Municipal Civil Service (MCS) Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The purpose of the Commission is to: 1. hear appeals and make final, binding decisions in the case of municipal civil service employees covered under Article IX of the City Charter who have been discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation; recommend the adoption of civil service rules after receipt of proposed rules by the Human Resources Director and perform services under the civil service rules as provided in Article IX, Section 2 of the City Charter; 2. 3. perform other duties regarding the municipal civil service, not inconsistent with Article IX of the 4. City Charter, that the City Council may require; issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to witnesses, whether at the request of interested parties or on its own motion, when reasonably necessary to obtain pertinent evidence at a hearing or investigation; 5. administer oaths to witnesses appearing at a hearing or investigation; and 6. conduct any investigations it may consider desirable or which it may be required by the City Council or the City Manager concerning the administration of municipal civil service and report its findings and recommendations to the City Council. Further information regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commission is found in § 2-1-164 of the Austin City Code, which states: (A) The Municipal Civil Service Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The Charter provisions supersede this chapter to the extent of conflict. (B) The Council Audit and Finance Committee shall review applications received by the city clerk from persons seeking appointment as a commissioner. Notwithstanding § 2-1-4(C), the Audit and Finance Committee, or any council member, may nominate a person for appointment to the commission. (C) A city employee may not serve as a member of the commission. (D) The council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. (E) Subsection (A) of Section 2-1-43 (Meeting Requirements) does not apply to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The commission may meet as necessary to carry out its duties under City Charter Article IX (Personnel). Source: …
Municipal Civil Service Contingent Hiring Pilot July 14, 2025 1 Purpose The Municipal Civil Service Commission recommended that the City Council approve a 12-month pilot to waive the posting requirement for specific positions for Citywide hiring. The City Council approved the waiver on November 21, 2024. The pilot focuses on positions that require no experience or where substitution for minimum experience is allowed. The MCS Commission requested a 6-month check-in after the pilot started on January 1, 2025. 2 Pilot Guidelines were developed stating that all departments are eligible to participate in the pilot if they have titles on the approved list. The process eliminated the posting requirement for those titles. Eligible events included in the pilot: City-sponsored job fairs University job events Reentry-initiative programs Community job events City-sponsored, community, or public events where contingent offers are provided are advertised to allow current employees and temporary employees the ability to participate. 3 Pilot All candidates for vacant positions must complete an interview process where they are: Evaluated for Merit and Fitness Merit: Demonstrated education, training, experience, performance, knowledge, skills, ability, licenses, or certifications. Fitness: Physical and/or mental ability to do a job with or without accommodation. Screened to meet minimum & preferred qualifications Contingent offer is made Complete any assessments required for the position. Successfully pass any required background checks. Submit an application 4 Pilot Successes Austin’s 14th Annual Career Expo Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Palmer Events Center 41 vacant positions were available 108 interviews conducted 40 contingent offers made Other Various Events 26 interviews conducted 9 contingent offers made 5 Questions? 6
Human Resources Department – Citywide Guideline – Contingent Offer at Hiring Events Effective: January 1, 2025 Approved by: ___________________________ Date: _____________ 12/26/2024 Susan Sinz, HR Director PURPOSE This pilot program will last twelve months and waive the posting requirement for hiring certain Citywide positions. It focuses on roles that require no experience or those where substitutions for minimum experience are allowed. The list of positions included in this pilot is in Attachment A. The program will be implemented at various qualifying events, including City, Community, and University Job Fairs, commercial driver license school graduations, reentry-initiative programs, and other talent acquisition efforts aimed at attracting new talent. Events, where contingent offers can be extended, will be advertised through City newsletters to ensure internal job seekers are aware and able to participate. All job seekers for open positions will participate in a modified interview process, during which they will be assessed on merit and fitness, as well as screened to verify they meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications. After a contingent offer is issued, successful individuals will then complete an application for the position. Job seekers will be required to complete any necessary assessments and, where appropriate, successfully pass background checks. GUIDELINES All departments are eligible to participate in this pilot program if they have titles included on the approved list. This process eliminates the posting requirement, as approved by the City Council on November 21, 2024, Item 60. However, the procedures below must still be adhered to in accordance with the Municipal Civil Service rules. Eligible Events Only events designed to recruit new talent may be used for this process. Examples include: City-sponsored job fairs University job events Reentry-initiative programs Community job events Once an event has been identified, it must be submitted to HRDCommunications@austintexas.gov to advertise in the Human Resources Department (HRD) and Citywide weekly newsletters. The same information should be shared in any department focused newsletters. All City-sponsored, community, or public events where contingent offers will be provided must be advertised to allow current employees and temporary employees the ability to participate. Departments participating in an event where they are recruiting new talent must pre-identify positions Event Preparation on Attachment A in their department that are vacant. Prior to the event, the Hiring Manager should work with their department's Human Resources (HR) staff to discuss the following: Identify target Job Title(s) and PCNs to be filled. 1. Pre-Event …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION July 14, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Ferguson, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Koby Ahmed, Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s hot weather protocol by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 5. Staff briefing regarding the Animal Services Office’s Three Year Public Relations Plan by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Presentation by Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. 7. Discussion of the Bond Election priorities as it relates to the delivery of animal services. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding their meetings and work completed so far. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. Community Cats Processing Working Group recommendation regarding animal welfare policies and budget priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding animal welfare policies and budget priorities. 11. Conduct officer election for Chair. 12. Approve the Animal Advisory Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review. 13. Approve the dissolution …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 14, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Erin Ferguson, D8 Luis Herrera, D6 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julie Oliver – Dog water and cleaning process at AAC Rochelle Vickery – Dog and cat rescue Pat Valls-Trelles – Speaker rules and working group updates APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes April 14, 2025 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on March 10, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on March 10, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Clinton abstained. Commissioner Hoke was off the dais. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. Commissioner Herrera and Chair Clinton asked for the distribution of the data and final report regarding Good Fix. 3. Staff briefing regarding the implementation of new shelter software at the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreement reports. The presentation was made by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. 5. Discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget including a review of budget requests made by the Animal Services Office and the process for Fiscal Year 2026 budget development. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. The motion to approve Commissioner Nilson as Chair failed on Commissioner Norton’s motion, Commissioner Nilson’s second, on a 5-5 vote. Those voting aye were: Commissioners Ferguson, Holt, Herrera, Nilson, and Norton. Those voting nay were: Chair Clinton, Vice Chair Linder, Commissioners Dulzaides, Hoke, and Nemer. Commissioner Huddleston was absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Clinton as Chair failed on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Chair …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250714-XXX [XXX is the agenda item number] Date: July 14, 2025 Subject: Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin incorporate safety and efficiency protocols with the Austin Animal Center’s Community Cats Program. Rationale: Basis for Recommendation: After extensive feedback regarding the issues to safety for volunteers and animals, the Austin Animal Advisory Commission formed the Community Cats Program Working Group to determine solutions that would improve outcomes for animals, the Austin Animal Center and its volunteers, and the community at large. Per the municipal code, the goals of this recommendation are to “promote collaboration between the City and private citizens [...] interested in or conducting activities relating to animal welfare in the City;” “identify proactive, creative approaches to engage and facilitate communication within the animal welfare community;” and “foster and assist the development of animal welfare programs in the community.” Description of Recommendations to Council: The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Animal Center make the following changes to the Community Cats Program. The following recommendations represent long-standing gaps in operations, safety, and sustainability that should be addressed to ensure program success and volunteer retention. 1. Recommend the development of a standardized communications protocol for Shelter Neuter Return (SNR) / PRC / Community Cats Program (CCP). To ensure consistent care and to reduce confusion, we recommend that Animal Services develop a unified protocol – across PRC, 311, AAC public facing staff, and the Community Cats Program – for handling SNR cases including an intake “fast lane” for CCP volunteers. A shared SOP will improve outcomes, reduce stress on all parties, and promote transparency and trust for the public. 2. Recommend that the Medical Voucher Program undergoes a financial reassessment to ensure sustainability. We recommend that Animal Services evaluate the current $250 cap on medical vouchers to determine whether it remains adequate given rising veterinary costs. An updated analysis would ensure that the program continues to support Good Samaritans and provides equitable access to urgent veterinary care for community cats. 3. Recommend refining volunteer identification materials to improve visibility and safety in the field. While volunteer shirts and badges have been developed, we recommend ongoing collaboration with field trappers to ensure gear meets operational needs—specifically visibility, credibility, and safety when working in public spaces. Identifiable gear improves interactions with the public and reflects the City’s commitment to volunteer …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 9, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Norton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Erin Ferguson, D8 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Myers – Heat, euthanasia notices, UPL Rochelle Vickery – Thanks to Austin Pets Alive! Max Oliver – Duties of AAC Julie Oliver – Issues at AAC Matt Oliver – Issues at AAC Caroline Clay – Foster barriers at AAC Angela Pires – Euthanasia notices for space APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on April 14, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holt and Nemer were off the dais. Commissioner Clinton was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the implementation of the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030. Presentation by Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office and Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review for the Animal Advisory Commission. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Cats Processing Working Group regarding the work completed since February 2025. Commissioners Holt and Huddleston provided an update. 6. Update from the Long Distance Adoption Working Group regarding the work completed since March 2025. Commissioner Holt provided an update. 7. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding the last three meetings and accomplishments so far. Commissioner Nilson provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Good Fix Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Nilson, Ferguson, Herrera, …
Information is from October 1, 2024– June 30, 2025 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2025 3869 4649 8518 2025 3657 4239 7896 2025 -212 -410 -622 2025 2542 158 882 192 120 7 338 4239 2025 2324 540 649 112 30 2 3657
June 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 On May 5, 2025, Animal Services transitioned to a new database for shelter management. This transition is ongoing and has potentially impacted data reporting. Austin Animal Center Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • The live outcome rate for July was 89.24%. • A total of 1,293 animals were brought to the shelter which included 857 cats, 419 dogs, 70 non-dog/cat mammals, 8 rabbits, 7 guinea pigs, and 5 birds. • A total of 530 animals were adopted (169 adult dogs, 68 puppies, 196 kittens, 93 adult cats, and 4 rabbits). • A total of 71 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On June 1, there were 1289 animals within the ASO inventory. • On July 1, there were 1530 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 3 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 3 fencing assistance applications and implanted 3 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 55 injured animals and 131 regular or sick animals and delivered approximately 62 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers submitted 51 specimens for rabies testing. We had 5 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 destroyed bat. Wildlife Data is partially incomplete and does not include non-coyote wildlife. • There were 18 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 11 sightings, 2 incidents, 4 encounter, and 1 observation • Out of 18 coyote related activities, 18 (100%) reports fell within the reported behavior types (sighting, encounter, incident, and observation) o 3/4 encounters (75%) involved a coyote following caller and dogs o 1/4 encounters (25%) involved a coyote not responding to hazing efforts Volunteer Data is partially incomplete due to systems transfer. • 541 volunteers contributed 7,226 hours in June. • • The Volunteer Program held 4 orientations, introducing 141 potential volunteers to shelter operations. The Volunteer Program scheduled 23 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 221 hours of laundry, dishes and other duties as assigned. • 156 volunteers dedicated their time to volunteer development and onboarding training. 2 • 41 individuals donated 82 hours toward group volunteer service, through dog-walking and general cat care. Foster & Rescue Data is partially incomplete …
Temperature Management KEEPING TEAM MEMBERS AND ANIMALS SAFE AT THE MUNICIPAL SHELTER Robert Golembeski, Operations Manager Pat D’Angelo, Building Services Manager 1 MOVING FORWARD AGENDA 2 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL Team Member Safety Informing ASO Staff Current Protocol Water And Pools Kennels And Play-yards 3 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL TEAM MEMBER SAFETY • Canopies recently installed for team members to limit exposure during play-groups • • Water coolers are filled every morning for team members and the public • AAC has over 15 portable fans and air movers for temperature management • Team members are required to take breaks throughout the day • Spreading awareness of heatstroke in people 4 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL INFORMING ASO STAFF Daily forecast updates sent out in the morning by Animal Care Leads Any possible protocol changes for the day are included 5 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL CURRENT PROTOCOL • Minimize time walking on pavement and stay in the shade • Close sliding “guillotine” doors on empty kennels • This helps keep the interior cooler • Check for low water in kennels • Report HVAC outages to a lead/supervisor immediately • Monitor for any signs of extreme heat distress and report animals as needed • Extra attention to senior dogs and puppies • Check that dogs are not in exterior kennel • Dogs can be let back out when Leads determine the temperature has cooled enough • Usually after 5:30 PM or when the ground has cooled enough to touch for ten seconds without burning HOTDOG - delicious! - great dog treats! - pill pockets for vets! HOT DOG - dangerous! - radio/report for help! - prevention is key! 6 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL WATER AND POOLS • Pools are located around campus for medium-large dogs • Volunteers empty and refill pools outside of fenced play-yards • Animal Care empties and refills play-yard pools and drinking water buckets in the morning • Use of pools might be limited if there is a possible outbreak of contagious illness • Other ways to cool down dogs • Gentle stream from water hose • Wet towel or cloth to wipe coat • Wet only the paws 7 HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL KENNELS AND PLAY-YARDS • Interior kennels are cleaned early in the day when temperature is lowest • Limits heat exposure for dogs • Play-yards are covered or have trees to provide shade • Turf in play-yards is sprayed with water from sprinklers …
Community Cats Working Group – Priority Recommendations The following recommendations represent long-standing gaps in operations, safety, and sustainability that should be addressed to ensure program success and volunteer retention. 1. Recommend the development of a standardized communications protocol for SNR / PRC / CCP. To ensure consistent care and to reduce confusion, we recommend that Animal Services develop a unified protocol – across PRC, 311, AAC staff, and the Community Cats Program – for handling SNR cases including an intake “fast lane” for CCP volunteers. A shared SOP will improve outcomes, reduce stress on all parties, and promote transparency and trust for the public. 2. Recommend that the Medical Voucher Program undergoes a financial reassessment to ensure sustainability. We recommend that Animal Services evaluate the current $250 cap on medical vouchers to determine whether it remains adequate given rising veterinary costs. An updated analysis would ensure that the program continues to support Good Samaritans and provides equitable access to urgent veterinary care for community cats. 3. Recommend exploring options for a designated trapper role within the Community Cats Program. We recommend that Animal Services assess the feasibility of creating a support role, either staff-based or contracted, to assist with high-conflict, high-urgency trapping cases. This role would support volunteers in difficult field situations and improve the City’s responsiveness in cases that are emotionally charged such as hoarding, sick, or injured cats. 4. Recommend refining volunteer identification materials to improve visibility and safety in the field. While volunteer shirts and badges have been developed, we recommend ongoing collaboration with field trappers to ensure gear meets operational needs—specifically visibility, credibility, and safety when working in public spaces. Identifiable gear improves interactions with the public and reflects the City’s commitment to volunteer support. 5. Recommend evaluating options for a mobile-friendly volunteer coordination and request tracking system. We recommend exploring tools that allow volunteers to access trapping requests and log activity through a secure, mobile-accessible platform. The current system depends on static spreadsheets and informal coordination, which creates risk and reduces program resilience. A mobile-accessible system would improve response times and create transparency for both staff and volunteers in the field.
TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE – TRAVIS COUNTY MAGGIE JOHNSON COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR WIZZIE BROWN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT MORGAN NEWTON 4-H & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OSCAR ZAMORA EXPANDED FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM (EFNEP) SONIA COYLE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH KAYLI HIGERD AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES DAPHNE RICHARDS HORTICULTURE ENEREYDA GARZA BETTER LIVING FOR TEXANS PETER AGBOOLA (PVA&M) AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES NATHAN TUCKER (PVA&M) 4-H 4-H CAPITAL AmeriCorps Project Manager Animal Science and Natural Resources Project Manager AmeriCorps Project Coordinator Natural Resources Specialist Administration and Finance Coordinator Office Specialist
