Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 16 DECEMBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Austin Central Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, , Mark Smith, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Christina Masters Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the November 18, 2024, regular meeting. The minutes from the regular meeting on November 18, 2024, were approved on a motion by Commissioner Herrera Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Smith, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa and Frayjo absent. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS December 16, 2024 2. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. The presentation was made by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. The presentation was made by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 4. Discussion of the December Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The Director’s Report was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 5. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. Commissioner Herrera Moreno provided an update. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS School Partnerships Library Legislative Advocacy in February ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m. without objection.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Click here to join the meeting Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. 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. To register to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)- 825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice Chair, Conflicted Aran Belani Kristina McRae-Thompson, Secretary Zachery Garay, Conflicted Alicia Alston Ashley Garling, (on leave) Joe Anderson, Conflicted, Non-Voting Judith Hassan, Conflicted Liza Bailey Rocky Lane, Non-Voting CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 1/26/2025 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 HIV Planning Council regular meeting on October 28, 2024 2. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Office of Support Staff Briefing 4. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing 5. Part B Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Introductions/Announcements 7. Discussion of New Member Orientation Materials 8. Overview of Legislative Responsibilities DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion and approval of FFY25 Part A & MAI Allocations 10. Discussion and approval of FY 25 workplan calendar 11. Discussion and approval of FY25 social calendar 12. Discussion and approval of FY25 PC Budget 13. Discussion and approval of governing documents COMMITTEE UPDATES 14. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 15. Finance and Assessment Committee ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For More Information on …
1. 2. REGULA MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. 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, call or email Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martínez Alicia Weigel (She/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Srini Raghavan CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten 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 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on December 16, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on potential subject matter for a future presentation to the commission from Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Ryan Sperling, Office or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov the City Clerk 974-3568 (512) of at
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a special called meeting on November 25, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Srini Raghavan Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on November 25, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of November 25, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Clemmons and Weigel were off the dais. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. 1 2. Discussion of the City Council proposal to incorporate the duties of the Human Rights Commission into the scope of the Joint Inclusion Committee. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a working group to provide input on the LGBTQIA+ historical marker on 4th and Colorado streets. Discussed with no action. Chair Duhon and Vice Chair Zeidan requested a future item to select a Commission representative to provide input on the LGBTQIA+ historical marker. Approve the creation of a working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue. The motion to approve the creation of an intergroup relations working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue was approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Chair Duhon’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. A motion to select Commissioner Clemmons as Chair of the working group was approved on Chair Duhon’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. A motion to add Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, and Commissioners Clemmons, Davis, and Krueger to the working group was approved on Chair Duhon’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon requested an item to form a working group on educational initiatives. Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon requested an item to update the membership of the intergroup relations working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m. without objection. The minutes …
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201026-01A Date: October 28, 2020 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue. Aan Coleman Seconded By: Jessica Rollason Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue, as presented on October 26, 2020, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. The Commission further recommends that the applicant explores providing more permeability on the retail space façade, like operable walls or overhead doors. Additionally, the Commission recommends the applicant explores expressing the entry to the café more definitively. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue, as presented to us on October 26, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following: 1. The project proposes terraced landscaped planters 2. The project proposes integrating artwork at street level 3. The project proposes 15,180 square feet of affordable housing. 4. The project proposes $1,204,575 in fees-in-lieu to NHCD. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Beau Frail, Samuel 7 - 1 - 1 Franco Against: David Carroll Abstain: Josue Meiners Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for River Street Residences Page 1 10 Building Information Parking Table Land Use Units Sq. Ft. Parking Ratio Req'd Spaces Reduced Req't* Prov'd (Reg) Req'd ADA Prov'd ADA Req'd ADA Van Req'd Loading Prov'd Loading Req'd Bike Prov'd Bike Prov'd ADA Van 319 7 8 1 2 2 2 35.8 45 Impervious Cover Table Existing Proposed Removal Proposed Addition Building 3,962 3,962 22,213 Parking/Driveway & Others 5,803 5,803 1,366 Sidewalk Wood Decks (50% IC) Total (Area) Gross Site Area Total (Percent) - 1,165 10,930 - - 1,165 …
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200930-01A Josue Meiners Seconded By: Design Commission recommendation for the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street. Date: October 05, 2020 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented on September 30, 2020, substantially complies with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented to us on September 30, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following: Jessica Rollason 1. The project proposes no parking, which means it will reduce the amount of parking currently on site. 2. The project proposes street level public art, which complements the adjacent art museum. 3. The project proposes a designated rideshare drop off, outside the thru-lanes of traffic. 4. Proposed amenities on the second level will be open to the public with an intent to have a special discount program for local area teachers. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue 8 - 0 - 0 Meiners, Beau Frail Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for 617 Colorado Page 1
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-01C June 26, 2020 Josue Meiners Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Design Commission recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street project. Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, as presented to us on June 22, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The applicant addressed many of the concerns identified by the Working Group’s previous review. Our review found the following: 1. Project includes restaurant/retail space with overhead doors that open to the public ROW. In addition, there is an adjacent patio with built-in planters and overhead protection at the intersection of 3rd and Brazos. These all serve to activate the public ROW. 2. The proposed design utilizes brick at street level, which breaks down the scale of the large building and pays homage to the existing structure. 3. The existing public art will remain 4. The Brazos Street side includes windows in and overhead protection. Additionally, the garage entrance doors are pushed back from façade to provide pedestrians with a better experience crossing the driveway. 5. Vertical landscaping has been proposed on the façade at the utility room to soften the hard building edge. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Bart Whatley, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue Meiners, Samuel Franco, Beau 8 - 0 - 0 Frail, Ben Luckens Against: None Absent: Martha Gonzalez, Jessica Rollason, Aan Coleman Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street Page 1
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220822-4 Date: Subject: September 1, 2022 Design Commission recommendation for the project 5RR, located at 506 E 5th Street Commissioner Coleman Commissioner Whatley Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the project located at 506 E 5th Street, as presented to us on August 22, 2022, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the project located at 506 East 5th Street substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. PS1: Protect the pedestrian where the building meets the street: A large awning is indicated at the corner of 5th & Red River. 2. PS4: Reinforce pedestrian activity: ROW / sidewalk is activated with art, light and plants. 3. PS8: Install street trees: Eleven trees are indicated on East 5th Street and Red River as proposed. 4. PS9: Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting: Festoon lighting is proposed in the public plaza. 5. PS12: Provide generous street-level windows: Full-height windows are indicated at street fronts. 6. PZ11: Provide visual and spatial complexity in public spaces: Large murals, plants, and light are disbursed among the open space at the exterior ground floor. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: 8-0-0 None None Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Coleman, Commissioner Franco, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner Salinas, Commissioner Taniguchi, Commissioner Whatley Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Rollason Jen Weaver, Chair of Design Commission 1 of 1 ” 0 - ’ 0 3 T U C B R U C G N T S X E I I T S R E V R D E R I S. Stookey 05/14/2023
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin C i t y o f A u s t i n 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 3 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. Density Bonus projects (see page 4 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 3 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. Page 2 Design Commission - Project Review ApplicationPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin 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. 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. Completed Project Review Application …
Downtown Density Bonus Packet Checklist The Downtown Density Bonus packet checklist outlines all the required elements in the applicant’s request. Completed DDBP Request Form Attached completed site plan application Vicinity plan locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project Location and nature of nearby transit facilities Drawings: • Site plan • Floor plans • Exterior elevations (all sides) • Three-dimensional views • Other items that may be submitted: additional renderings, photos, narrative, or anything that further helps describe the project Design Commission Recommendation Letter Urban Design Guidelines Approval Letter Great Streets Plan and Approval Letter Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Letter of Intent Executed Restrictive Covenant Affordable Housing Certification Letter Downtown Density Bonus Program | 5 Request Form
DDBP Request Form This form should be used by a property owner or representative who wishes to request additional floor- to-area (FAR) entitlements as outlined the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) per the Land Development Code (LDC) 25-2-586. 1 COMPLE TED SITE P L A N A PPL IC ATIO N Please include the completed site plan application as part of this DDBP request. Site Plan Number: Is the Completed Site Plan Application Attached? 2 PRO JECT NAM E & ANTIC IPATE D PROJ ECT A D D RES S 3 DENSI T Y BO NUS CA LCUL ATI ON Calculate the proposed additional FAR including the site area and amount per square foot according to the Community Benefits calculations described in § 25-2-586 (E)(1-12). Project Name: Anticipated Project Address: Site Area (sf): Proposed FAR (ratio): Proposed FAR Calculation: Total Gross Building Area (sq): If providing fee in lieu payment: Current Bonus fee ($/sq): Fee in lieu payment for density bonus ($): Existing FAR (ratio): Proposed Bonus area (sf): Total Fee in Lieu Amount (% or sq): If seeking additional FAR from City Council, a public hearing will not be scheduled until all gatekeeper requirements are complete. Downtown Density Bonus Program | 1 Request FormEXAMPLE DDBP Request Form 4 COMMU NIT Y B ENEFITS An applicant may achieve bonus area by providing community benefits as outlined below. A project must achieve at least 50 percent of the desired bonus area by providing affordable housing community benefits. Please indicate the selected community benefit(s) for this project, including the percentage allotted to each benefit. For more information on each community benefit please see Ordinance No. 20140227-054. Please describe which community benefit(s) will be used and how they will be applied (on site, fee in lieu, or a combination of the two). 1 Affordable Housing Rainey Street Subdistrict Historic Preservation Day Care Services 2 3 4 Cultural Uses 5 Live Music 6 On-Site Improvements for Historic Preservation Select % or SQ FT Select % or SQ FT 7 8 9 Development Bonus Fee for Off-Site Historic Preservation Green Building Publicly Accessible On-Site Plaza 10 Off-Site Open Space Development Bonus Fee 11 Green Roof 12 Other 5 GATEKEEPER REQUIREM EN TS The following gatekeeper requirements must be completed to participate in the DDBP. The applicant shall acknowledge these requirements by checking the boxes below. 1 Urban Design Guidelines Acknowledge To receive bonus area, the …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS 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, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ITEMS 17. Presentation by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement on MOHA ~ state of the arts (process, grants, etc)
1. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION January 27, 2025 – 6 P.M. Carver Branch Library 1161 Angelina Street AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. 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, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith The first five 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 Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2024. 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of the January Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Haskell House and the story of Clarksville, Austin Parks and Recreation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzQ87mTftwU&ab_channel=AustinParksandRecreation
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Jesús Aguirre, Director January 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Mile Zero Trailhead in Zilker Park: Construction has begun in Zilker Park on the Mile Zero Trailhead of Violet Crown Trail and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The City of Austin and the Hill Country Conservancy have partnered to develop the Violet Crown Trail system. Through a Parkland Improvement Agreement, HCC has led the design, permitting, and construction of this trailhead. Funding is being provided through Hill Country Conservancy, Austin Parks Foundation, and City of Austin Parkland Dedication funds. Construction is anticipated to last through the end of 2025. District 8 austintexas.gov/department/violet-crown-trail R e n d e r i n g o f p r o p o s e d m e a d o w p a v i l i o n a t t h e Z i l k e r M i l e Z e r o T r a i l h e a d . C r e d i t H i l l C o u n t r y C o n s e r v a n c y , A u s t i n P a r k s F o u n d a t i o n , T B G P a r t n e r s R A G R A P H T E X T A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Agave Neighborhood Park: The installation of a 54ft x 50ft shade structure over the play area at Agave Neighborhood Park will begin on February 10 and is planned to be complete in early March. The play area will be closed to the public during this time, but the pavilions, drinking fountain and park areas will remain open and accessible to the public throughout. | District 1 austintexas.gov/department/agave-park-shade Metz Playground: The installation of a new playground at Metz Neighborhood Park will begin January 27 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of May 2025. The installation includes both a new playscape and nature play features. The play area, walkway, water fountain and …
Who do you think you are? What are your intentions with my daughter? ● I’m gonna meander a bit, but it all is connected ● Values ● SB689 and Nexus The Context ● Generosity of spirit ● Remember the good things and use these ● “Turn your fucking head” - Deborah Hay Why are we being weird about this? ● Staff - speak clearly ● Commission - use this ● Remember core values ● The machine is old and rigid What if? ● SB689 ● New Words and Tactics SB689 and Nexus ● Prepare testimonials, advocate to those who understand the systems ● Multiple choice grants ● Triangulation ● Greenlining / Qualified Census Tracts ● Ask for what you need Nexus Pt 2 ● Rapid change as a barrier to upward mobility ● Fiscal Sponsorship can be good! ● Lower grant amounts ● Sharing and support should be encouraged ● Using reference points like the NEA, TCA, Creative Capital Three Takeaways -Think about economics thoughtfully and consider the individual impacts of generalization, how to consider the economic and social conditions of the individual and communities. -Words are imprecise, but intentions can be clear, let’s get to what is real and what lives behind the words. Use the intent instead of the word itself. Use language as a description outside of popular or en vogue vocabulary. -Key to solving problems is to consider community as a partner throughout the process.
89TH STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION Rick Ramirez, Deputy Intergovernmental Relations Officer Intergovernmental Relations Office Agenda • Legislative Team & Legislative Agenda • 89th Session Overview • Key City Issues & Bills • Key Bills of Interest to the Commission 2 City of Austin Legislative Team Carrie Rogers Intergovernmental Relations Officer Carrie.Rogers@austintexas.gov 512.923.7577 cell Rick Ramirez Deputy Officer – Legislative Rick.Ramirez2@austintexas.gov 737.218.3668 cell Local / Regional Administrator Deputy Officer Grants / Legislative Funding Alison Ross Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Alison.Ross@austintexas.gov 512.680.3631 cell Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Valerie Gomez Coordinator Valerie.Gomez@austintexas.gov 512.689.8256 cell Annabel Osburn Grants Strategic Program Analyst Grant Writer Grant Writer 3 Legislative Agendas: At a Glance Legislative program focuses on primary City priorities: • Preserve Local Authority: Protect Austin’s control over zoning, ordinances, and local regulations, and ensure cities have appropriate tools to meet housing affordability challenges. • Financial Responsibility: Oppose unfunded state mandates or legislation that would place undue financial burdens on the City. • Community Health & Safety: Support access to healthcare, public safety funding, improved quality of life and protections for vulnerable populations. • Environmental & Infrastructure Resilience: Protect Austin’s natural resources, encourage sustainability, and invest in critical infrastructure. 4 Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session Politically Charged, Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session • Election results: New Administration • New House Speaker • New House Rules & Committees • School Finance / School Vouchers • Power Grid 5 State Leadership in the 89th Session The “Big Three” House & Senate Chambers Republicans will control House and Senate in the 89th Session Governor Greg Abbott Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. House Speaker Dustin Burrows Elected by Texas House every two- years on 1st day of the regular session Speaker Burrows elected House Speaker for the 89th Session 89th Session • Senate 20 Republicans, 11 Democrats *3 Freshmen • House 88 Republicans, 62 Democrats *31 Freshmen 6 Changes in the House New Speaker • Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) New House Rules • No Minority Party Committee Chairs • No Majority Party Committee Vice Chairs • New Authority for Vice Chairs • 2 New Standing Committees • 6 Standing Committees Abolished • 11 New Standing Subcommittees New Members • 31 Freshman House Members – the most since 83rd Session in 2013 7 89th Bill Statistics …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE JANUARY 27, 2025 C IT Y O F A U S T IN EC O N O M IC D EV ELO P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – November 2024 o Note: Disruptions delayed updated reporting o Total HOT Collections November 2024 = $5,806,193 o 18% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 o Cultural Arts Fund November 2024 = $559,306 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $2,997,205 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $15.57M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department January 27, 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. FY 25 Nexus Update 3. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 1/24/25) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 196 (98%) 155 (78%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 44 (86%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 2 (6%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $5,811,750 (93%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $251,500 (98%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,362,000 (86%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Nexus Update FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Overview The Nexus program is designed to nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community. This program funds art and culture activities of all kinds. Nexus will prioritize applicants who are economically disadvantaged. Applicants who have never received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years $5,000 100 Awards (this is not a limit) of $5,000 C I T Y O F A U S T I N What's New? Previous Nexus Grant Application New Nexus Grant Application Two Cycles per year One Cycle Per Year Up to 6 months contract Up to 12 months contract Narrative Questions Scored by City of Austin Staff Multiple Choice Questions with some short answer responses, up to 4 work samples Auto-calculations in the Submittable platform, Cultural Funding Staff and our Third-Party administrators, The Long Center. C I T Y O F A U S T I N …
