Item 13 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Electric Utility Commission Resolution 20240318-13 on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts and community members and met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT …
EUC Report re Council Action March 18, 2024 Item 15 Item below recommended by EUC February 12; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (2/15) Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. (2/15) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an underground feasibility and overhead distribution resilience study with Burns & McDonnel Engineering Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,725,000. (2/15) Recommend authorizing an amendment to the 2023 Chilled Water Construction in the Right-of-Way Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity construction contract with DeNucci Constructors to increase the amount by $6,250,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $31,250,000. (2/29) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a multi-term cooperative contract to provide rental of industrial equipment with United Rentals (North America) Inc, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $4,500,000. (2/29) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for Splunk cyber security software products and services, with GTS Technology Solutions, Inc., for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000. (2/29) Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services with Alpha Paving Industries, LLC to provide a New Austin Energy Pole Yard at St. Elmo Service Center in the amount of $312,470, plus a $31,247 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $343,717. (2/29) Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for ION meters with Dealers Electrical Supply d/b/a Dealers Electrical Supply Co, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,500,000. (2/29) Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services for the Brazos Street Duct Bank Civil Work project with Facilities Rehabilitation Inc., in the amount of $1,967,535 plus a $196,754 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,164,289. (2/29) Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to KMFA Station, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 41 Navasota St, Austin, TX, 78702, in an amount not to exceed $80,676. (2/29) Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to Kensington Apartments, LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 3300 Manor Rd Austin, TX, 78723, in …
Item 2 ..Title Posting Language Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for demand response program support and consulting services with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,300,000. [Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.] ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $447,222 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued Request for Proposals (RFP) 1100 DCM3023 for these services. The solicitation was issued on October 16, 2023, and closed on November 16, 2023. Of the three offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. This information can currently be found at: https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=139489 . For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 18, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utilities Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide technical services in support of Austin Energy’s demand response programs, with an emphasis on the expansion of the Commercial and Industrial Demand Response program. The contractor will work with Austin Energy and its customers to grow the program through marketing, education, participant enrollment, customer system design and installation, event functions, post-event reporting, and maintenance. The contractor will also evaluate the performance of all demand response programs and provide program enhancement recommendations through industry insight. Austin Energy’s demand response programs provide incentives to customers for curtailing energy use upon request during peak demand periods. The program contributes to Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid reliability and supports the City’s sustainability goals, which call for savings through energy efficiency and conservation efforts. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored CLEAResult Consulting …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Electric Utility Commission Resolution 20240318-13 on Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts and community members and met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas-burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the …
Electric Utility Commission RECOMMENDATION 20240318-12 Date: March 18, 2024 Subject: Budget Recommendations on the Austin Energy FY 2025 Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Chapman Seconded By: Commissioner Reed Recommendations on the FY 24-25 Budget Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Low-Income Bill Discounts: Low-income residents are struggling with the lack of affordability in Austin and Austin Energy has increased customer bills three times in the past year and a half. Utility bill discounts are one of the limited tools that the City of Austin has available to address affordability. Austin Energy customers pay a dedicated Customer Assistance Program fee for this purpose. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that: a. The default bill discount for customers eligible for the Customer Assistance Program be increased, as it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and b. All bill discounts for lower-income residents be paid from the Customer Assistance Program fund, including bill discounts for low-income Community Solar subscribers. 2. Transmission Improvements: Improvements to Austin Energy’s transmission system are essential for mitigating local congestion that increases costs to the utility and customers and for enabling the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Austin Energy commissioned a study that identified five recommended types of transmission upgrades. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that these recommended upgrades be implemented as quickly as possible and that sufficient funding be allocated to this need to ensure that that of funds is not a source of delay. 3. Fayette Coal Plant: Austin Energy and the Austin City Council have established that shutting down Austin Energy’s portion of the Fayette coal plant is a top priority. Investing in an asset that the utility is actively trying to shut down is not a prudent use of ratepayer or utility funds. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that the budget not include any capital investments in Fayette. Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba White, Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Randy Chapman; Commissioner Mick Long; Commissioner Cyrus Reed Vote: For: 7-0-1 Against: None Off Dais: None Absences: None Abstentions: Commissioner Cesar Benavides Vacancies: District 1; District 6; District 8 Attest: Robin Otto, Staff Liaison
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 18, 2024 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dave Tuttle, Chair; Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Jonathon Blackburn, Cesar Benavides, Randy Chapman, Mick Long, Cyrus Reed Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Raul Alvarez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There was 1 speaker under general communications. Scott Johnson spoke about a lawnmower rebate program. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on February 12, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of February 12, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Blackburn’s motion, Commissioner Chapman’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS The motion to approve recommendations 3, 4, 6-11 were approved on Commissioner White’s motion, Commissioner Blackburn’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendation 2 was approved on Commissioner Reed’s motion, Commissioner White’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. The motion to approve recommendation 5 was approved on Commissioner Chapman’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Alvarez off the dais and three vacancies. 2. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for demand response program support and consulting services with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,300,000. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a revenue contract for reclamation services with Austin Metal & Iron Co LP, for up to five years for a total estimated revenue amount of $5,000,000. 4. Recommend approving issuance of a capacity-based incentive to the City of Sunset Valley for installation of solar electric systems on their facilities located at 3203 and 3207 Jones Road, Sunset Valley, Texas, 78745, in an amount not to exceed $119,899. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for mobile medical surveillance and related services with Capitol Medical Services, LLC, for up to three years for a total contract amount not to exceed $500,000. 6. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an electronic visitor management system with Force …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 18th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Sari Vatske 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 Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, February 12, 2024 Austin-Travis County Food Planning, Draft Release, Timeline and Communication Updates, Edwin Marty 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Discuss advocacy plan and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning Board vacancies, appointments, and reappointments. Three vacancies from Judge Andy Brown and Commissioners Shea & Gomez. Andrea Abel’s reappointment by Judge Andy Brown. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meeting on February 28, 2024, Larry Franklin Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve the City of Austin budget recommendations from the Food in All Departments working group to fund a Full Time Employee (FTE) to help implement the food plan Discuss and approve the Travis County budget recommendations from the Food in All Departments working group to fund a Full Time Employee (FTE) to help implement the food plan Discuss and approve the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Sustainable Purchasing Discuss and approve the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Incentives and Education for Pro-Climate, Pro-Health Foods Discuss and appoint a back-up representative to the Joint Sustainability Committee WORKING GROUP UPDATES …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240318-XXX (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Support for Food Plan Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently being developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning team across both City and County offices, and public engagement; and WHEREAS, the developed Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies that can be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate changes where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final draft of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council by summer 2024 for review and approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan immediately following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, concerns about the need to prevent duplication of services are complex and implementation that will avoid redundant actions requires significant coordination leadership; WHEREAS, established funding for implementation from the City is needed to support and implement the work of thousands of community members to fully realize and begin the transformative change that is outlined in the Austin/Travis County Food plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all means to create one full-time equivalent positions within the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan once approved. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
Memo To: Travis County Commissioners Court From: Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board Date: March 18, 2024 Re: Support for Food Plan Implementation/Recommendation #: WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039 in June 2021, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan to support a more resilient, equitable food system for our community, and which directed the City Manager to engage Travis County in this effort; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved Travis County’s formal participation in and support for the Food Plan on December 13, 2022, creating the current directive to develop a comprehensive Plan that incorporates both the City of Austin and Travis County, thus expanding the scope and support for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently in development through a robust public engagement process including: Comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas of, 1) Food Access and Consumption, 2) Food Markets and Retail, 3) Food Production, 4) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, and 5) Food Processing and Distribution; a Community Advisory Committee; Community Food Ambassadors; and a planning team across both City and County offices; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies, of which meaningful progress can be accomplished within a five year time period to support the Food Plan’s vision: a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court during summer 2024 for approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, implementation of the Food Plan will be complex, and reducing duplication of efforts will require significant coordination and leadership WHEREAS, dedicated resources from the City of Austin/Travis County are needed to support the implementation of the Food Plan, which represents the work of thousands of community members to begin achieve, and sustain transformative change for our food system. NOW, THEREFORE, BE …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-014 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations 1. Climate Equity Plan Project Manager: The Austin Climate Equity Plan contains ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals and strategies to achieve those goals that touch every City department. Fully implementing the plan will reap great benefits to the City of Austin and its residents. The Office of Sustainability needs additional staff to track, report on, and coordinate this work to make the vision of the plan a reality. This position would be responsible for continually updating the Austin Climate Equity Plan Dashboard to reflect progress on each sub-strategy in the plan, including opportunities for the public to engage in the various initiatives (i.e. surveys, public meetings, working groups) and lists of NGOs engaging in various aspects of implementation. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: one (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. (est. $150,000) Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha Delgado Seconded By: Scott 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. Additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha …
Austin Travis CountyFood Policy Board Questions Regarding Winter Weather Event on Jan17-19 2024, Austin Texas March 18th 2024 The City of Austin’s response to providing support to impacted communities in the winter weather events of January 2024 was a collaboration between Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), the Homeless Strategy Division (HSD), the Office of Sustainability (OoS), Austin Public Health (APH), Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), the Office of Equity (OoE), and the Office of Resilience (OoR). HSD has contracted with The Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) to manage up to three shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) during inclement weather events (cold/ heat). These shelters can house up to a hundred people per shelter for a total of 300 people per night. If conditions require more than the three shelters for PEH provided for by the contract with AAUL, HSEM will open shelters in collaboration with PARD and APH as need is identified. HSEM handles the logistics for these ‘surge’ shelters. In addition, HSEM and APH have plans to provide shelter for the ‘general public’ if needed at PARD facilities. There are also plans for providing ‘mass food and water’ to the general public if needed. There was no need for these options during the January 2024 Winter Weather event. 1) Was the Disaster Food Access and Drinking Water Appendix to the Emergency Operations Plan (approved March 2023) implemented during this time? If so, were the Daily Feeding Site Reports completed for each shelter site? If not, how does this appendix fit into these and other mass care situations? Was there an After-Action Report? If you are willing, please share the Daily Feeding Site Reports and the After- Action Report. - HSEM: The Food and Water appendix was utilized, but as the incident was limited in scope and duration, only specific components of appendix were implemented. The components included actions like activating a Situational Assessment Team for enhanced awareness, engagement with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Community Based Organization (CBO) to share information and resources, as well as conducting assessment of community food and water needs. • Daily Feeding Site Reports: EOC Logistics collects Daily Feeding data as part of their standard processes through WebEOC Resource Request board, which is done in coordination with Shelter Managers and NGO/CBOs. This board would connect Logistics with each site, and the sites could provide data regarding population numbers, food and water or dietary …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB March 18th 2024 Developing a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan build on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and Communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan will center equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system Plan Authorization ● On June 2021 Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 ● ATCFPB assisted with the creation of the ‘plan for the plan’, including the review of the RFP for the planning consultant, development and on-boarding of the CAC, and participation in the Issue Area Group Link to full resolution Project Timeline We are here Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March 2023 - August 2023 March 2024 - July 2024 September 2023 - February 2024 ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafe’s ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events 📞 Equity Grounding Workshops 🤝 Community Circles 👐 Selecting Issue Area Groups🍽 ● ● ● Issue Area Group Meetings 🏘 Develop Goals and Strategies 🎯 Review Goals and Strategies ● ● ● ● ● Develop a draft for the Food Plan 🖊 Community Review of Plan 👀 Council and Commissioner Review ⚖ Approval 👍 Adoption 🏁 Co-creating the plan ● Planning Team: Coordinating and managing all moving parts ○ Includes: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team ● Community Advisory Committee: Advisory body overseeing the planning process ● Issue Area Groups: Developing goals and strategies for the plan ● Community Food Ambassadors: Connecting the plan to our communities ● Broader community feedback: Provide input at different stages of the plan Food Plan Structure ● Vision: Describes and articulates our shared aim - the …
Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240318-7: Recommended Support for Food Plan Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently being developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning team across both City and County offices, and public engagement; and WHEREAS, the developed Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies that can be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate changes where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final draft of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council by summer 2024 for review and approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan immediately following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, concerns about the need to prevent duplication of services are complex and implementation that will avoid redundant actions requires significant coordination leadership; WHEREAS, established funding for implementation from the City is needed to support and implement the work of thousands of community members to fully realize and begin the transformative change that is outlined in the Austin/Travis County Food plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all means to create one full-time equivalent positions within the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan once approved. Date of Approval: March 19th, 2024 Record of the vote: 7 – 0 – 2 Voting in Favor: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Kacey Hanson, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos, Attest: Voting Against: none …
Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240318-8: Recommended Support for Food Plan Implementation WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039 in June 2021, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan to support a more resilient, equitable food system for our community, and which directed the City Manager to engage Travis County in this effort; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved Travis County’s formal participation in and support for the Food Plan on December 13, 2022, creating the current directive to develop a comprehensive Plan that incorporates both the City of Austin and Travis County, thus expanding the scope and support for an Austin/Travis County Food Plan; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan is currently in development through a robust public engagement process including: Comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issues areas of, 1) Food Access and Consumption, 2) Food Markets and Retail, 3) Food Production, 4) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, and 5) Food Processing and Distribution; a Community Advisory Committee; Community Food Ambassadors; and a planning team across both City and County offices; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan will outline strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies, of which meaningful progress can be accomplished within a five year time period to support the Food Plan’s vision: a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, the final Austin/Travis County Food Plan will be presented to Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court during summer 2024 for approval; and WHEREAS, it is critical to begin implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan following the approval of the Food Plan by the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners Court to satisfy the recommendations of the 5-year plan timeline; WHEREAS, implementation of the Food Plan will be complex, and reducing duplication of efforts will require significant coordination and leadership WHEREAS, dedicated resources from the City of Austin/Travis County are needed to support the implementation of the Food Plan, which represents the work of thousands of community members to begin achieve, and sustain transformative change for our food system. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin …
Austin and Travis County Food Policy Board BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20240318-9: Recommended Support for the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Sustainable Purchasing WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee passed a budget recommendation on Sustainable Purchasing on February 28th 2024 with the following language: Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.” Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures. And the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: a. $125,000 be allocated to hire a sustainable purchasing contractor and/or purchase needed software and databases to develop a Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products, materials and services purchased by the city; and b. A full-time Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be added to the Purchasing Department. If an FTE is determined to be infeasible in this budget cycle, a temporary Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be established and funded. (est. $170,000) NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board supports the Joint Sustainability Committee’s budget recommendation on Sustainable Purchasing with an additional recommendation to ensure consideration is taken in the implementation of this Plan for smaller businesses, and especially Black and Brown owned-businesses, to prevent unintended consequences, such as limiting participating in City business by minority-owned companies. Date of Approval: March 19th, 2024 Record of the vote: 8 – 0 – 0 Voting in Favor: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Kacey Hanson, Rosamaria Murillo, Natalie Poulos, Larry Franklin Voting Against: none Abstaining: none Attest: Not on the dais: Mark Bethell, Sari Vatske Edwin Marty, City of Austin, Office of Sustainability, Food Policy Manager/ ATCFPB Staff Liaison
REGUALR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 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, Kate Csillagi, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla 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 Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on February 26, 2023. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on Staying Engaged by Chair Zisman Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the February 26, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado Discussion of actions taken at the February 28, 2024 meeting of Austin Economic Development Corporation/Cultural Trust Advisory Committee’s last meeting by Board Chair Carl Settles 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on actions taken at the February 21, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok Presentation by Brie Franco from the Intergovernmental Relations Office on the 2023 Texas Legislative Session Presentation by Matthew Hinsley on the history of Austin Classical Guitar Presentation by Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks on attending the first-ever White House Convening on Arts and Culture. Presentation by David Fuentes of Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) on their services and programing. Presentation by Amanda Johnston, Founder and Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts on the impact the Thrive Grant has made on Torch Literary Arts and the growing community of writers they serve. Staff update on the Community Navigator program by Robert Lucio, Contract Management Specialist II Staff update on …
88TH STATE LEGISLATURE Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer WHERE WE STARTED: 2022 PRE-FILED LEGISLATION • Multiple Austin-specific and General City bills were pre-filed in 2022, indicating a tough session ahead for Austin and Cities in general. • Austin Specific • District of Austin – HB 714 by Patterson • DPS Takeover of Austin Police Department – HB 880 by Slawson • Guaranteed Income Preemption – HB 553 by Troxclair • Paid Sick Leave Preemption – SB 130 by Campbell; HB 121 by Vasut • City Specific • Intra-state Commerce Preemption • Municipal Permitting • Community Advocacy (i.e. taxpayer funded lobbying) • By the time the Session began, additional bills concerning significant issues impacting Cities had been filed, such as ETJ regulation, permitting, anddisannexation. 1 88TH REGULAR SESSION STATISTICS • A total 8,153 bills and joint resolutions were filed in the 88th Regular Session, with 1,020 bills and joint resolutions filed on the final day of filing alone. • For context, a total of 7,148 bills and joint resolutions were filed in the 87th Regular Session in 2021. • IGRO tracked 1,678 bills • IGRO identified 81 priority bills that would have had a highly negative impact on City. By the end of the 88th Session, 75 of the priority negative bills failed to pass and 6 finally passed. • Governor Abbott vetoed 76 bills, many of which he said could be taken up again in a special session. 2 88TH SPECIAL SESSIONS: STATISTICS 1st Called Session 2nd Called Session 3rd Called Session • May 29 – June • June 27 – July 27 Filed. 13 Filed • Oct. 9 – Nov. 7 JRs Filed • 66 Bills and JRs • 94 Bills and JRs • 287 Bills and • No bills passed • 3 bills passed • 2 bills passed 4th Called Session* • Nov. 7 – Dec. 5 • 161 Bills and JRs Filed • 2 bills passed * First time a Texas governor has called a fourth special session the same year as the regular session 3 88TH SPECIAL SESSION(S) • The Governor called a total of four Special Sessions on a range of topics, including: • Cutting property-tax rates • Increasing or enhancing the penalties for criminal conduct involving the human smuggling or the operation of a stash house • Border security infrastructure and border wall funding • Creating a criminal offense for illegal …
3/18/24, 2:53 PM Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services | The White House SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Policy. The arts, the humanities, and museum and library services are essential to the well-being, health, vitality, and democracy of our Nation. They are the soul of America, reflecting our multicultural and democratic experience. They further help us strive to be the more perfect Union to which generation after generation of Americans have aspired. They inspire us; provide livelihoods; sustain, anchor, and bring cohesion within diverse communities across our Nation; stimulate creativity and innovation; help us understand and communicate our values as a people; compel us to wrestle with our history and enable us to imagine our future; invigorate and strengthen our democracy; and point the way toward progress. It is the policy of my Administration to advance the cultural vitality of the United States by promoting the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services. To that end, my Administration will advance equity, accessibility, and opportunities for all Americans, particularly in underserved communities as defined in Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), so that they may realize their full potential through the arts, the humanities, and access to museum and library services. Additionally, we will strengthen America’s creative and cultural economy, including by enhancing and expanding opportunities for artists, humanities scholars, students, educators, and cultural heritage practitioners, as well as the museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, colleges and universities, and other institutions that support their work. Under my Administration, the arts, the humanities, and museum and library services will be integrated into strategies, policies, and programs that https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/09/30/executive-order-on-promoting-the-arts-the-humanities-and-museum-and-lib… 1/6 3/18/24, 2:53 PM Executive Order on Promoting the Arts, the Humanities, and Museum and Library Services | The White House advance the economic development, well-being, and resilience of all communities, especially those that have historically been underserved. The arts, the humanities, and museum and library services will be promoted and expanded to strengthen public, physical, and mental health; wellness; and healing, including within military and veteran communities. We will enhance access to high-quality …
Torch Literary Arts Amplifying Black Women Writers TorchLiteraryArts.org ABOUT TORCH Founded in 2006, Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers. We publish contemporary writing by emerging and experienced writers alike in our online publication, Torch Magazine. Our features have gone on to be nominated for the Emmy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and have received notable honors including the NAACP Image Award, National Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, and more. Torch has featured work by Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Ebony Stewart, Lisa B. Thompson, Crystal Wilkinson, Sapphire, Evie Shockley, Natasha Trethewey, Shay Youngblood, and many others. Our programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional development workshops, an annual retreat, and special events with community partners like the Texas Book Festival. “...if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. ” ― Toni Morrison THE ISSUE Black women writers live and create at the intersection of race, gender, and class. Representation and visibility remain scant across the literary landscape. Creating and supporting spaces for the advancement of Black women writers is vital to ensure our voices are heard and our stories are available for all readers. While Toni Morrison was an editor at Random House, their first female Black editor, the number of Black authors published increased to 3.3 percent. However, the percentage dropped quickly after her departure. Of 512 books published by Random House between 1984 and 1990, only two were by Black authors: Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Phillips by Andrea Lee. One person cannot be responsible for changing the systems that continue to marginalize and silence diverse voices. From hiring publishing executives of color to supporting emerging writers finding their way to the page, we must encourage, empower, and nurture writers of color for inclusive representation on and off the page. Torch Literary Arts works to combat these disheartening statistics and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Black women by encouraging and amplifying their work as writers and industry leaders. 11% In 2018, only 11% of books published were by people of color. New York Times 5.3% In 2023, just 5.3% of people in publishing identified as Black or being of African Decent. Diversity Baseline Survey, Lee & Low Books 8% Only eight percent of literary journals pay contributors. The Millions …
Community Navigator Program Update March 18, 2024 Community Navigator Program Overview Program Intent: The Economic Development Department’s (EDD) Community Navigator Program supports local businesses, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals impacted by the COVID- 19 pandemic. Clients can register for no-cost assistance from Community Navigators, including one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and help applying for government and philanthropic support. This program was approved by Austin City Council, and it is funded through Austin’s allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Client Eligibility: To be eligible, local entities must be located in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Austin-Round Rock MSA includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. Community Navigator Program Overview Community Navigators: EDD and partners informed the community about the program Interested clients will register for services using the Portal System EDD will refer clients to partners based on clients’ interests, or clients can select their preferred partner Partners will render services and leave “service notes” in the Portal System on service notes. Partners will invoice EDD for services; EDD will pay invoices based The Community Navigator Program has been ongoing since March 2022. Community Navigator Program Overview Austin Revitalization Authority will provide registration assistance for any help in setting up an account. Community Navigators Austin Revitalization Authority Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) Mission Capital On the Money Finance LLC The Volt Studios Visual Matters Consulting Task Category Target Client Base Vendor Name A: One-on-One Technical Assistance A: Technical Assistance Cohort Classes B: Application Assistance for Grants Small Businesses Non-Profits Creative Professionals Austin Revitalization Authority Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Mission Capital On the Money Finance LLC The Volt Studios Visual Matters Consulting No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Funding Exhausted Funding Exhausted (Federal Health Coverage) Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No No Current Program Results To Date: -327 Applications received -$326,800 expensed as of 03/18/2024 Community Navigator Program We look forward to working with you!
Live Music Venue and Creative Space Regulatory Incentives Phase II March 2024 Council Actions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Establish the criteria to be a Live Music Venue Create live music venue bonus and incentive program for new and existing venues, Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20220901-089: Develop and adopt clear creative space land use definitions Create creative space bonus and incentive program for new and existing including venues Create new code elements to "Diversify, sustain, and cultivate the city's culture, music, and arts communities and industries“ Criteria for designation of Arts Districts Initiate changes to Land Development Code Section 25 Resolution No. 20230921-102: Develop LDC amendments with incentives for cultural space preservation and creation by Spring 2024 Bring an ordinance establishing a Cultural District Overlay initiated in Resolution No. 20220728-094 and Resolution No. 20220901-089 by Spring 2024 Guidance from Resolutions Resolution No. 20220728-094: Fee Waivers Modified Parking requirements Expanded facilitation of affordable commercial space... in new construction Prioritization of music venue or creative space as a community benefit for density bonuses or other overlays within the Red River Cultural District, East 6th Street Entertainment District, and Warehouse Entertainment District Resolution No. 20220901-089: Fee waivers Modified parking requirements Expedited permitting process "increase in floor to area ratio (FAR) in square footage or other appropriate development incentive related to what is provided for the dedicated creative space" "Prioritization of creative space as a city-wide community benefit as it relates to density bonus programs, Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, or within other regulatory plans Increased flexibility in development regulations and opportunities for modification of policies, rules, codes, or design standards Permit accessory use as a theater, art gallery, or art workshop in all commercial and industrial/warehousing zoning districts Goals Develop a paper district that is not mapped; no change to a property’s zoning will be made through initial district adoption After adoption, owners of eligible properties may then request a rezoning to incorporate “Creative District (CD)” code string Goals and Timeline Milestones Codes and Ordinances Backup Due: March 13 Arts Commission: March 18 Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee (COJC): March 20 Music Commission (tentative): April 1 PC Backup Due: April 16 City Council Set Date: April 18 Planning Commission …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE MARCH 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2024 o Total HOT Collections February 2024 = $10,560,588 o 50% towards FY24 Approved Budget of $152,172,894 o Cultural Arts Fund February 2024 = $1,008,583 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY24 Approved Budget for FY24: $14,525,594 FY24 HOT Cultural Arts Fund in the bank: $7,275,248 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department March 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Status Reports • Contracts and Payments • Arts Education (ARPA) • Grant Funded activities this month • • • • Elevate • Nexus Thrive • Nexus Elevate Thrive C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 2 Elevate Grant Status – 200 awardees • 199 Contracts sent (TLC holds the contract) • 198 Contracts signed/processed • 199 test payments issued • 199 test payments verified • 198 First payments issued (50% of award) - 99% of awardees • 143 Second payments issued (40% of award) - must complete Miles Partnership Marketing class (+take survey) or post to Visit Austin (+tell COA staff) to be eligible. • 5 Third payments issued (10% of award) - successful Final Report closeout • $4,999,000 Total Distribution to date ($6,250,000 total) • COA staff working with TLC re: outreach to non-responsive awardees. C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 3 Nexus Grant Status – 51 awardees • 51 Contracts sent (COA holds the contract) • 51 Contracts signed/processed • 42 test payments issued • 42 test payments verified • 50 First payments issued (90% of total award = $4,500) • 8 Second payments issued (10% of award) - successful Final Report closeout • $189,000 Total Distribution to date • TLC invoiced 11/1; takes 2-3 business days to process; Nexus funds will be distributed when it hits TLC account to those who have signed an agreement/ submitted financial information/ verified a test payment. C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 4 Thrive Grant Status – 36 awardees • 36 Contracts sent (COA holds the contract) • 36 Contracts signed/processed • 36 test payments issued; 36 test payments verified • 36 First payments issued • 36 Second payments issued • 26 Third payments issued • $3,823,000 Total Distribution to date ($3,935,000 total in year 1) • Grant Administrator has met with each organization individually to set their strategic growth goals for Year …
KB Brookins 1 Letter of support for establishing an Austin Poet Laureate program Dear Austin City Council, Since the 1600’s, poet laureate positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through programs that positively impact the general public. As of 2022, Austin is the only major city in Texas without a Poet Laureate program, and we, the undersigned, are of the belief that Austin could benefit from a socio-politically engaged Poet Laureate who uses poetry as a way to promote literacy across the city and to integrate poetry into the fabric of Austin’s history, politics, and culture. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Texas ranks 42nd among states supporting artists in the US1. As of 2003, 121,074 adults in Central Texas either cannot read or struggle with reading2. For decades, many local organizations have created and nurtured Austin’s poetry scene with little to no budget and recognition, yet, University of Texas at Austin has one of the most nationally recognized MFA programs34, and Austin markets itself as a mecca for Texas arts. Having a poet laureate program would keep Austin accountable to its promise of being the arts center of Texas, and assist with improving Austin’s literacy rate. Also, local poets deserve an opportunity to shine. An adult Poet Laureate program has the potential to inspire Austin residents to read and write; to celebrate Austin’s literary scene; to nurture and amplify Austin-based poets of all ages through performances, teaching, and public speaking; and to create new ways of understanding Austin’s policies and culture via poems written by the Poet Laureate. We, the undersigned, call on Austin City Council to please do the following: - - Pass a resolution that makes Austin Poet Laureate an official city program run by the Austin Public Library, and provides Austin Public Library the authority to choose a Poet Laureate. Set aside $27,000 biennially in the City of Austin's budget for the Austin Poet Laureate program in perpetuity. - Allow Austin Public Library to establish a City Poet Laureate Committee that includes a representative of the library, a representative of the arts commission, and members of the city’s literature community. The City Poet Laureate Committee will review applications and recommend City Poet Laureate nominees to the head of the public library. 1 https://nasaa-arts.org/research/funding/#nasaa_field_8 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=208375#:~:text=Why%20is%20literacy%20so% 20important%3F&text=121%2C074%20adults%20in%20Central%20Texas%20cannot%20read%20or%2 0struggle%20with%20reading.&text=43%25%20of%20all%20adults%20with%20lowest%20literacy%20le vels%20live%20in%20poverty. 3 https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/best-mfa-creative-writing-programs/ 4 https://designdash.com/2023/12/13/these-are-the-best-creative-writing-mfa-programs-in-the-u-s/ KB Brookins …
Arts Commission FY 24-25 Budget Recommendations DRAFT ● $548K for Cultural Arts Division staff and admin fees from General Fund, alleviating this expense from the limited Hotel Occupancy Tax reserved for CAD funding. $548,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Service Organizations to be issued $500,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Community Navigators in order to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support to continue the Austin Civilian Conservation Core program. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Funding* to support the Austin Economic Development Corporation to continue implementing the Cultural Trust program, especially with Common Area Maintenance and other associated costs borne by operators who would be managing spaces for community use *Economic Development Department has provided funding to the extent feasible within their Department budget but cannot continue to contribute funding (see memo attached), so any funding for AEDC would need to be identified through another City source. (Amount?) Items from the Music Budget Requests to consider including: ● Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund
REGUALR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 18, March 2024 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Heidi Schmalbach, Acia Gray, Amy Mok, Gina Houston, Felipe Garza, Nagavalli Medicharla, Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Monica Maldonado Board Members Absent: Faiza Kracheni, Michael Vernusky, Kate Csillagi CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Kate Csillagi, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bonnie from The Vortex spoke about the positive benefits they were able to achieve due to their Thrive grant. And to ask for help with support on communication to the arts community on the next round of Cultural Funding Programs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on February 26, 2023 The minutes from the meeting of February 26, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Gray’s motion, Commissioner Garza second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner’s Maldonado, Kracheni, Vernusky, and Csillagi absent. . DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on Staying Engaged by Chair Zisman An update was provided by Chair Zisman. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the February 26, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado An update was provided by Commissioner Maldonado Discussion of actions taken at the February 28, 2024 meeting of Austin Economic Development Corporation/Cultural Trust Advisory Committee’s last meeting by Board Chair Carl Settles A report was provided by Board Member Carl Settles. Update on actions taken at the February 21, 2024 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok A report was provided by Commissioner Mok. Presentation by Brie Franco from the Intergovernmental Relations Office on the 2023 Texas Legislative Session A presentation was provided by Brie Franco Presentation by Matthew Hinsley on the history of Austin Classical Guitar A presentation was provided by Matthew Hinsley Presentation by Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks on attending the first-ever White House Convening on Arts and Culture. A presentation was provided by Allison Orr Presentation by David …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240318-16 Date: 3/18/2024 Subject: Arts Commission FY 24-25 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Commissioner Monica Maldonado Recommendation The recommendations set forth by the Arts Commission each work together to address exisiting deficits within Austin's arts and cultural ecosystem. Recognizing that the funds from HOT are not enough to serve the diverse entities within the community, the Arts Commission is making a series of recommendations that maximize the limited HOT fund, as well as highlight the need to further support for programs and organizations that serve the greater arts community as a whole. Description of Recommendation to Council ● $548K for Cultural Arts Division staff and admin fees from General Fund, alleviating this expense from the limited Hotel Occupancy Tax reserved for CAD funding. Seconded By: Commissioner Amy Wong Mok $548,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for Cultural Arts Service Organizations to be issued to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. (Community Navigators* is an example of such a program that could be continued to provide equitable access to these funds in order to better serve the community. *The Community Navigators program needs to be updated based on the final reporting of its first iteration of the program.) $500,000 / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support to continue the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps that works across departments and with external partners, that creates and supports pathways into employment and connects mission-aligned networks to form a larger collective, shaping Austin’s green workforce. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Funding to support the Austin Economic Development Corporation to continue implementing the Cultural Trust program, especially with Common Area Maintenance and other associated costs borne by operators who would be managing spaces for community use. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund ● Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund Rationale: Cross-sector collaboration is necessary for healthy, equitable, and thriving communities. Our artists and the arts and cultural sector are one of our greatest assets– they are the foundation of our identity …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission March 13, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512- 972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove, Vice-Chair (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the January 17, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Approval of minutes from the February 14, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a contract for supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and software installation and support services with Control Panels USA, Inc., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000. 4. Recommend approval for Service Extension Request No. 4622R for wastewater service to a 77.78-acre tract located at 9209 Ledgestone Terrace within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, the City’s 2-mile Extra- Territorial Jurisdiction and Austin Water’s service area. 5. Recommend approval for a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a 20-year low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $25,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for the additional cost 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 …
Item 3 # 24-4086 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for supervisory control and data acquisition equipment and software installation and support services with Control Panels USA, Inc., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $2,100,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $175,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of the Austin Water Department. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) 2200 DJJ3002 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on October 23, 2023, and closed on November 28, 2023. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract is for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) equipment and software installation and support services for Austin Water (AW). AW uses SCADA systems to monitor and control the various water and wastewater facilities, including treatment plants, water distribution pump stations, reservoirs, and wastewater collection lift stations. The contractor will implement small SCADA improvement projects and provide SCADA support services for AW’s mission-critical SCADA systems. The required services will be performed on a scheduled and as-needed basis and will include the installation of associated hardware and software, programming, configuration, troubleshooting, and emergency support. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Control Panels USA, Inc. as the best to provide these services based on system concepts and solution and program, demonstrated applicable experience, personnel, small business preference, local business preference, and price.
Item 4 # 24-4119 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval for Service Extension Request No. 4622R for wastewater service to a 77.78- acre tract located at 9209 Ledgestone Terrace within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, the City’s 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction and Austin Water’s service area. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning & Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note There is no anticipated fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: June 11, 2020 Council approved Service Extension Request No. 4622 for wastewater service May 18, 2023 Council approved Service Extension Request No. 5650 for water service. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 6, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Environmental Commission. March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Ledgestone (Revised) project consists of approximately 77.78 acres of land located at 9209 Ledgestone Terrace (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for wastewater, the Drinking Water Protection Zone, and the Slaughter Creek Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. Applicant: Endeavor (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 500 multi-family units, 11,620 sq. ft. retail space, and 8,000 sq. ft. restaurant space. The Owner requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property and Austin Water has determined the service requirements as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 4622R. West Travis County Public Utility Agency (PUA) will provide retail water service to the Property. City Code § 25-9-35 requires City Council approval for this SER because the Property is located within the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside the City’s full-purpose corporate limits. All costs will be paid by the Owner. City Council on June 11, 2020, approved SER-4622 for wastewater service to the Property; however, the Owner is now requesting to amend the previously approved SER due to a change in the project’s intensity, proposed land use, lot configuration, and anticipated wastewater demands (LDC 25-9- 39(C)3). The proposed development under this current request includes the subdivision of the Property for retail and restaurant use along US 290 Hwy, in addition to the previously proposed multi- Item 4 # 24-4119 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 family use on …
Item 5 # 24-4190 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval for a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for a 20-year low-interest loan in the amount not to exceed $25,000,000 as part of the TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) loan program, for the additional cost incurred from the development and implementation of Austin Water’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, aka Austin’s Smart Water Meter System (My ATX Water). Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note Funding is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Prior Council Action: April 21, 2016 - Council authorized the City Manager to apply for funding from the TWDB for a 20-year SWIFT loan, not to exceed $80,195,000, for the development and implementation of Austin Water’s AMI project. December 7, 2017 - Council approved a consulting services contract with West Monroe Partners, LLC for advanced metering infrastructure program management. February 20, 2020 - Council approved an amendment to the consulting services contract West Monroe Partners, LLC for three additional phases of consulting for the advanced metering infrastructure program. March 26, 2020 – Council authorized execution of a ten-year multi-term contract with Aclara Technologies, LLC and a five-year multi-term contract with Watersmart Software, Inc. for the advanced metering infrastructure program, for total contract amounts not to exceed $95,000,000 divided between the contractors. On March 23, 2023 – Council Authorized amendments to two contracts for Advanced Metering Infrastructure systems, including meters, meter installation, a data platform, and customer portal with Meter Reading Holding, LLC d/b/a Aclara Technologies, LLC or Aclara Smart Grid Solutions, LLC and with Vertex U.S. Holdings, Inc., d/b/a VertexOne Software LLC or Watersmart Software, Inc. to increase the amount by $7,934,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $103,000,000, divided between the contractors. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Item 5 # 24-4190 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Additional Backup Information: This action will authorize Austin Water to apply for a new low-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), not to exceed $25,000,000 to complete Austin Water’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, also known as MyATX Water. This new loan …
Item 6 # 24-4121 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander for the reimbursement of costs related to the expansion of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System and authorizing the City's share of funding for capital improvements to the East Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in an amount not to exceed $12,600,000. Lead Department Austin Water. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Customer Experience, Randi Jenkins Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $12,600,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of the Austin Water Department. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Prior Council Action: July 23, 2009- Council approved an interlocal agreement to purchase the City’s share of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System from the Lower Colorado River Authority. September 22, 2011- Council approved an agreement with the Brazos River Authority for the operation and maintenance of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System. March 6, 2014- Council approved an interlocal agreement with the Cities of Round Rock, Leander, and Cedar Park concerning the capacity, operation, maintenance, and improvements to the Southwest Interceptor of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System. May 18, 2017- Council approved negotiation and execution of interlocal agreements with the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander for the reimbursement of costs related to the expansion of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System. May 7, 2020 – Council approved negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander to increase Austin’s reimbursement share related to the expansion of the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System (“Brushy Creek System”) is a wastewater system located in southern Williamson County. The cities of Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park jointly purchased the Brushy Creek System from the Lower Colorado River Authority in 2009, and each City is a partial owner of the Brushy Creek System. The City of Leander joined the other cities in 2011. Two wastewater treatment plants of the Brushy Creek System are located in the City of Round Rock’s Item 6 # 24-4121 …
Item 7 # 24-4153 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: April 4, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for professional services for the Southwest Pressure Zones Pump Station/Reservoir Study project with HDR Engineering, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (District 5) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority- Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 8.00% MBE and 3.00% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning & Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQS 6100) CLMP363 for these services. The solicitation was issued on November 8, 2023 and closed on December 11, 2023. Of the three offers received the recommended contractor submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: On a maximum demand day, the Davis Lane Pump Station operates at 75% effective capacity - the highest of any other distribution pump station. To improve redundancy and relieve the utility’s reliance on the Davis Lane Pump Station, this study is necessary to identify, analyze, and recommend a feasible secondary facility and transmission. This preliminary engineering report will provide a recommendation for an additional reservoir/pump station facility and related transmission that will provide full redundancy to the existing Davis Lane Pump Station. The report will include a feasibility assessment with the possibility of multiple options, an environmental impact analysis, and potential land acquisition for a future facility site. Recommended improvements shall address the hydraulic, mechanical, civil, structural, electrical power distribution, instrumentation & controls, and environmental aspects of the distribution system. Item 7 # 24-4153 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: April 4, 2024 There is no anticipated impact to the traveling public as this is a modeling study only and the Davis Lane Pump Station is closed to the public. This request allows for the development of an agreement with the firm. If the City is …
Item 8 # 24-4164 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: April 4, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for hydro-blast cleaning services with Meylan Enterprises, Inc., for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $775,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Acting Assistant Director of Operations, Mercedes Garcia-Lopez Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $77,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 AMA1095 for these services. The solicitation was issued on November 20, 2023, and closed on December 19, 2023. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide hydro-blast cleaning services for rapid mix basins and filter plates at Austin Water’s Davis Water Treatment Plant. Davis Water Treatment Plant has three rapid mix basins and 27 filter plates that require hydro-blast cleaning. The rapid mix basins are used in the process of water softening, which causes a thick layer of scale to build up on all submerged surfaces of the rapid mix basins. The filter plates are located at the bottom of concrete filter boxes that are used as part of the filtration process to treat drinking water. Settled water runs through the filter boxes to remove smaller particles, which remain in the water following coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation. The contract will allow for the hydro-blasting and cleaning of three rapid mix basins and six (of 27 total) filter plates annually. If a contract is not secured, the City would be forced to procure these services on an as-needed basis which could potentially result in higher prices and lead to equipment failures due to corrosion buildup. …
Item 9 # 24-4220 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval for an ordinance amending Exhibit A to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 City Fee and Fine Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20230816-007) to add an Austin Water Reclaimed Water Utility fee in lieu of providing an onsite water reuse system. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note Fiscal note is attached. Prior Council Action: August 16, 2023 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20230816-007 authorizing fees, fines, and other charges to be set or charged by the City for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on September 30, 2024. March 7, 2024 – Council approved, as amended, Ordinance No. 20240307-037 amending Chapter 25- 9 (Water and Wastewater) that included the establishment of a fee in lieu for certain onsite water reuse requirements. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Water continues to expand its centralized reclaimed water infrastructure (known as “purple pipe”) throughout Austin. This system delivers non-drinking water for irrigation, cooling towers, toilet/urinal flushing, and virtually any use not requiring higher-quality drinking water. Expanding the use of reclaimed water builds the City’s resilience against drought and climate change by diversifying our water supply. Reclaimed water is a renewable resource that is less expensive to treat, and users are charged lower rates. All customers benefit from the expansion of the reclaimed water system, which is a key strategy in Austin’s Water Forward 100-year water supply plan. City Code Chapter 25-9 specifies the types of properties that are required to connect to Austin Water’s centralized reclaimed water system or, if they are located beyond the required connection distance, to construct an onsite water reuse system. Onsite water reuse systems collect alternative water from sources such as rainwater and condensate from heating and air conditioning systems for non-drinking water uses. Qualifying projects required to install an onsite water reuse system as of April 1, 2024, will be eligible to apply for this fee, to be approved by the Austin Water Director. Item 9 # 24-4220 Water & Wastewater Commission: March 13, 2024 Council: March 21, 2024 This action proposes the amount for the fee in lieu to be equivalent to the cost to install 500 feet of …
