Bloom where you are Planted GAVA | City of Austin Budget Recommendations: FY 2026 Investment in Home-based Relative Care (FFN) Early Childcare Council Meeting January 15, 2025 Michelle Mejia, Early Childhood & Family Health Lead Organizer Monica Guzmán, Policy Director What is Friend, Family, Neighbor (FFN) Child Care? “FFN is a broad term encompassing many types of caregivers, typically those who have a previous relationship with the children for whom they care. They are the grandmothers, nanas, aunties, abuelitas, family, friends and neighbors who care for children. “ One in four children in the U.S. under the age of 5 is cared for by a grandparent some or all of the time their parent is at work (ZERO TO THREE 2017). https://homegrownchildcare.org/parents-choose-quality-when-they-use- family-friend-and-neighbor-care/ Parents with sick children Food service workers Stay-at-home parents City employees Who utilizes and Benefits from FFN childcare? First responders Expecting parents Healthcare professionals Teachers Non-traditional hour workers Caregivers of elders *These are some of the groups we have encountered Importance of Community Organizing in FRiend FAMILY Neighbor Communities Increases family child care quality, safety, and health through professional development, home improvements, technology support, and peer networks Economic stability for working class & low income families Cultural & lingusitic connection Brings people out of the shadows and most importantly our children who are in FFN spaces Increased access to services and resources Community organizing is a process through which people most affected by inequities collectively build power, develop leadership, and take direct action to address systemic issues. RAPID Early childhood SUrvey: preliminary Local Data Budget asks $350K Implementation of a direct assistance program pilot for thriving providers Integrate Home Grown Thriving Providers Project into BCN to address economic stability caused by low wages for their care work and Austin’s affordability crisis; focused on those providing FFN relative child care (aunties, grandparents, family members caring for children they are related to) Monthly payment model for relative caregivers Offer a pathway to become listed providers $75K Sustain funding for Austin Public Health to continue Building Comprehensive Networks (BCN) partnership with HomeGrown to support strategies for home-based child care GAVA supports City of Austin & Travis Co collaboration for $500K Prop A funding for essential network program costs not funded by $75K $200K Implementation Funds for Building Comprehensive Networks strategy for a Mobile Lending Library for home-based family child care providers to increase access to quality Early Childhood learning materials …
Austin/Travis County S COA Budget Discussion Success By 6 Coalition The Success By 6 Coalition is a network of child and family advocates — providers, parents, policymakers, civic leaders, and experts — working together to transform our early childhood system. 90% of brain development happens before age 5. Maintain Funding Social Service Contracts High-Quality Childcare Fee Waivers - - - - - - - - adjustment) $768,157.08) Family Connects Homegrown Implementation Grant Match ($75,000 annually through grant) Start Up Costs for Pre-K Classrooms (consider increasing funding to at least $170,666 for 8 classrooms to reduce reduction in number of classrooms addressed) Incorporating an annual cost of living adjustment for all social service contracts (5% COLA PreK Partnerships, Shared Services (previous amount awarded through ARPA funds for FY 25 is Family Stabilization Grants ($1.3 million, consider increasing to support more families) New Investments for Consideration: - Additional EDD FTE staff focused on early childhood projects/contracts - Meeting one time funding requests from partners that received smaller social contract awards for technology and staff retention requests Thinking about the future - Planning for Travis County Prop A implementation is still taking place, with resource allocation and timing being unclear - Early Childhood funding cliff that needs to be addressed THANK YOU
ECC Budget Workgroup Discussion – 1/15/25 Members: ECC – Hilda Rivas, Alice Navarro, Tom Hedrick; GAVA – Laura Olson; Sx6 – Barbara Grant Boneta; APH – Caitlin Oliver, Rachel Farley; EDD – Cynthia Gamez Process/Timing – one-month acceleration over prior efforts • ✓12/18 Initial meeting • ✓ 12/18-1/8 Lock in January ECC meeting attendees and gather input • Today Further community input at ECC • Today ECC meeting and discussion of priorities from community attendees and APH • 1/15-2/6 Finalize recommendations and consolidate into a formal recommendation for broader ECC discussion. • 2/12 ECC discussion and vote on any formal communications to Council • 2/12 Pass on information to the JIC 1 Context • City budgets are challenged/tight • ARPA dollars rolling off – significant service reductions • Travis County Prop A – want Early Care $ to be net increased (no budget shifting to County) 2 Budget Item or Program Name Recommendation - for Comments Fee Waivers for Qualifying Childcare Centers, Economic Development Grant Program These are not one time, some ambiguity on baking these into city budget Discussion Continue Fee Waiver Process One Time COLA adjustments of 5% in FY 25, several programs Make COLA adjustments annually and incorporated in contracts. 2.5% estimated for 2025 Best practice PreK classroom start-up funds Fund an additional $36,266 (added to $134,400 current) Without funding, classrooms are reduced from 8 to 6/7 EDD EC staffing Fully fund a full-time staff person for contract management Temporary employee is rolling off and needs to be replaced with full time position Seek clarification and more permanent funding APH considers this one-time funding since it comes from 1115 Waiver/DSRIP. Maternal infant outreach program. Services for African American women with low income during pregnancy and throughout the first year postpartum, including health education, resource navigation assistance, one-on- one home visits, birth education, and labor and delivery support Family Connects Homegrown and BCN, Implementation of a comprehensive support network and resource hub for home-based childcare providers Expand FFN Focus All ARPA-related funding Point out service reductions Determine what services are at risk with reduction in funding from FY ‘24 to ‘25 APH Recommendation to be discussed 1-15, also input from GAVA Need an accurate view of service reductions post ARPA reductions 3 Integration with Travis County Prop A Budget Item or Program Name Comments Recommendation - for Discussion Sustain or expand these programs Sustain or expand these programs …
Program Name Description EDD Childcare Contracts - EDD General Fund FY25 Amount FY24 Amount Agency Availability Notes Austin Public Health Early Childhood Investments Table Mainspring Magic Quality Investment Project This program expands the training and professional development opportunities offered to teachers to enable them to build skills and expertise in areas aligned with the three pillars of Mainspring's successful model - Innovative Learning, Health & Wellness, and the Whole Family Approach. Mainspring Schools Childcare for Black Mothers RISE will provide free or low-cost, short-term, culturally congruent, high-quality drop-in childcare, for Black mothers who are a part of the Black Mama’s Village in Central Texas for children 6 weeks through age 5. Drop- in care is a back-up childcare option for parents when they need temporary, short-term care. Rise Child Development Center Quality Childcare Collaborative (QC3) (includes Continuity of Childcare System Services) Programming to increase childcare quality, including Director Mentoring, CLASS Training, and the Jeannette Watson Wage Supplement Program; Temporary “bridge” funding for children in subsidized childcare who would otherwise be terminated or not enrolled due to federal funding rules. Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board $34,000 $71,400 Ongoing This contract was first funded for 6 months in FY24 under a new award from the APH Early Childhood RFP. FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $3,400. $68,064 $142,933 Ongoing This contract was first funded for 6 months in FY24 under a new award from the APH Early Childhood RFP. FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $6,806. $1,118,210 $1,174,121 Ongoing FY25 Includes a one-time 5% COLA of $55,911 KinderCare at Bergstrom Tech Early Childhood Consulting Childcare Leadership Academy Rent and operating expenses (OpEx) for childcare program on City-leased property at Bergstrom Technology Center KinderCare $307,214 $304,188 Ongoing Childcare consulting services $75,000 $75,000 Ongoing Training for facility directors, assistant directors, and staff interested in leadership roles to develop leadership pipeline for childcare sector and improve center quality and stability. Raising Austin dba Together 4 Children $351,270 $351,270 Ongoing EDD Workforce Development dollars Premium Pay Wage Stipends Wage stipends for qualified childcare staff, up to $2500/year to improve staff retention and care quality. $519,924 $480,076 One-Time FY23 funding of $1M from EDD Workforce Development dollars; rolled into WFS ARPA contract. Amounts listed are balances utilized each fiscal year $2,473,682 $2,598,988 Ginsberg Kershner & Associates Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board Total Austin Public Health Early Childhood Investments Table Program Name Description Agency …
SHINGLE ROOF SHINGLE ROOF EXISTING FRONT VIEW (WEST) STUCCO STUCCO CONCRETE PORCH SLAB STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO 02 EXISTING FRONT ELEVATION (WEST) CONCRETE STEPS 1/4" = 1'-0" NEW ROOF PEAK STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF SHINGLE ROOF REUSE ATTIC GABLE WINDOW FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF HOUSE NEW SHED DORMER IN ATTIC STUCCO STUCCO THIN BRICK VENEER ON WOOD-FRAMED CHIMNEY SHINGLE ROOF SHINGLE ROOF SHINGLE ROOF STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO STUCCO COMPOSITE PORCH FLOORING (WOOD LOOK-ALIKE) PAINTED WOOD RAILING WOOD STEPS 01 PROPOSED FRONT ELEVATION (WEST) 1/4" = 1'-0" PAINTED BEVEL SIDING PAINTED CEDAR SHINGLES PRELIM. FOR REVIEW 1/10/2025 PRELIM. FOR REVIEW 1/13/2025 not for regulatory Preliminary - review, permit or construction n o i t i d d A & l e d o m e R g n z r e t S i 1 5 7 8 7 X T , n i t s u A , G e u n e v A 5 0 1 4 8 2 2 2 5 4 3 2 1 5 1 3 7 8 7 X T , n i t s u A t c e t i h c r A , t o o r G e D l u a P e v i r D s l l i l H d n a h g H 2 0 2 6 i SHEET 1 OF 1 7 PRELIM. FOR REVIEW 1/10/2025 PRELIM. FOR REVIEW 1/13/2025 not for regulatory Preliminary - review, permit or construction n o i t i d d A & l e d o m e R g n z r e t S i 1 5 7 8 7 X T , n i t s u A , G e u n e v A 5 0 1 4 8 2 2 2 5 4 3 2 1 5 1 3 7 8 7 X T , n i t s u A t c e t i h c r A , t o o r G e D l u a P e v i r D s l l i l H d n a h g H 2 0 2 6 i SHEET 2 OF 2 7 EXISTING SIDE VIEW (NORTH) 02 EXISTING SIDE ELEVATION (NORTH) 1/4" = 1'-0" FOR REFERENCE: OLD GABLE ROOF REMOVED NEW SHED DORMER IN ATTIC SCREEN SCREEN DOOR …
Austin-Travis County Family Child Care Educator Network WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL CAITLIN OLIVER, AUSTIN PUBLIC HEALTH Planning grant $25,000 grant from Home Grown, called the “Building Comprehensive Networks (BCN)” grant In 2024, we planned a comprehensive support network for home-based/family child care providers in Austin-Travis County. The Austin-Travis County Family Child Care Educator Network will include supports for all types of home-based providers: Licensed • Registered Listed • • • Family, Friend, & Neighbor (FFN) • All home-based providers (Licensed, registered, listed, FFN) • Geographic Region: City of Austin and Travis County Target Population Outputs • Year 1: 50 home-based providers are network members • Year 2: 70 home-based providers are network members Long-term Outcomes/Impacts • Improved provider well-being • Improved economic well-being and sustainability • Improved home-based child care (HBCC) quality • Improved child health and development and family well-being Funding: • City of Austin program funds • Home Grown implementation grant • Affordable Child Care Now initiative Staffing: • City of Austin staff (including in-kind staffing) • Staff person with FCC experience Materials: • Business tools (e.g., Texas Child Care Tools) Physical space: • Space for network meetings Existing infrastructure: • Collaboration with United Way, GAVA, AVANCE Provider Voice: • Provider advisory committee • Other opportunities as they arise (e.g., feedback at trainings) Main activities in Year 1 Strengthening systems of support Peer mentor program Monthly meetings Trainings Resource sharing Financial relief grant program for eligible registered and licensed providers National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) membership Connecting providers and families to resources 2025 (Year 1) Budget $75,000 implementation grant from Home Grown $75,000 from the City of Austin in matching funds, approved in fiscal year 2025 budget City of Austin in-kind staffing to support implementation of the network Majority of Year 1 funding will be used to hire a person to run the network and for the financial relief grant program. Additional funds are needed to fully fund the network in 2025 and expand the network in future years. Next steps ▪ Execute contract with Home Grown for the $75K implementation grant ▪ Economic Development Depart to hire a network staff person ▪ Roll out financial relief grants for eligible home-based providers ▪ Form the Provider Advisory Committee ▪ Recruit network members Questions Cindy Gamez Program Manager, Economic Development Department Cynthia.Gamez@austintexas.gov Caitlin Oliver Early Childhood Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov
2025 Approved Meeting Schedule for Electric Board The board shall meet monthly at 10:00 am or when the board is legally required to meet to comply with a legal deadline. MEETING DATES CANCELLED DATES Notes (The 3rd Wednesday) January 15, 2025 February 19, 2025 March 19, 2025 April 16, 2025 May 21, 2025 June 18, 2025 July 16, 2025 August 20, 2025 September 17, 2025 October 15, 2025 November 19, 2025 December 17, 2025 Spring Break Week Election of Officers Annual Report Due Annual Meeting schedule Due Remember to note change in regular meeting date if it conflicts with a holiday.
Palm Park COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW Context: Waterloo Greenway Engagement Report PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT REPORT Available Online waterloogreenway.org/future Engagement Phases 1 2 3 GROUNDING June 2023–August Complete ENVISIONING September–November Complete CO-CREATING December–April 2024 Complete Project Launches Planning & Outreach Begins Outreach Continues Small Group Conversations (5) Review & Analyze Data Design Scenarios Gallery Walk Open Houses (2) Pop-Up Activity: Creek Show Virtual Survey Planning Phase III Phase III Outreach Public Meeting (1) Project Report Engagement Timeline JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2024 Project Launch Phase I Outreach Begins Virtual Survey Launches Small Group Conversations (Mtg #2) Creek Show Pop-Up Phase III Planning Gallery Walk Open Houses (Mtg #1) Public Meeting (Mtg #3) Summary Report Phase II Outreach Begins Engagement Strategies Tabling Events Flyering Block Walking Email Campaigns Partner Promotion Community Leader Outreach Marketing (social media, e-newsletters, press) Engagement - Overview SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS DESIGN CONVOS 93 93 30 9 Spanish Speakers + 84 English Speakers 54 Virtual + 39 Paper Surveys Completed 109 Comments 11 Palm School Alum 9 Palm School Alum 2 Palm School Alum TABLING POP-UP EVENT TOTAL ENGAGEMENT 939 1,055 2,024 Phase II Data - Local Representation SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78744 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78701 (Central South Austin–City Council District #3) Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How the redesign of Palm Park will transform surrounding areas? Cultural anchor to surroundings Place of gathering and play in East Austin Improve connectivity Honoring place/history of what once was Accessibility for East Austin residents Noise reduction from I-35 Business, neighborhood & Palm School connection Feel of what Palm Park should provide? Welcoming to all Peaceful & tranquil Oasis Family friendly Safe Natural Historic Informative/Educational space Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How to reflect history & culture in Palm Park? Murals/monuments/artwork History of East Austin families Honor the pool history Stories from past, present & future Celebrate Mexican American heritage Educational experiences for families Recognition of Palm School Alumni How to use the space in Palm Park? Bridge to Downtown Community gatherings Water Feature Family-friendly space Walking, games, meditation, gardens Rest space from urban areas Connection of East …
Bloom where you are Planted GAVA | City of Austin Budget Recommendations: FY 2026 Investment in Home-based Relative Care (FFN) Early Childcare Council Meeting January 15, 2025 Michelle Mejia, Early Childhood & Family Health Lead Organizer Monica Guzmán, Policy Director What is Friend, Family, Neighbor (FFN) Child Care? “FFN is a broad term encompassing many types of caregivers, typically those who have a previous relationship with the children for whom they care. They are the grandmothers, nanas, aunties, abuelitas, family, friends and neighbors who care for children. “ One in four children in the U.S. under the age of 5 is cared for by a grandparent some or all of the time their parent is at work (ZERO TO THREE 2017). https://homegrownchildcare.org/parents-choose-quality-when-they-use- family-friend-and-neighbor-care/ Parents with sick children Food service workers Stay-at-home parents City employees Who utilizes and Benefits from FFN childcare? First responders Expecting parents Healthcare professionals Teachers Non-traditional hour workers Caregivers of elders *These are some of the groups we have encountered Importance of Community Organizing in FRiend FAMILY Neighbor Communities Increases family child care quality, safety, and health through professional development, home improvements, technology support, and peer networks Economic stability for working class & low income families Cultural & lingusitic connection Brings people out of the shadows and most importantly our children who are in FFN spaces Increases access to services and resources Community organizing is a process through which people most affected by inequities collectively build power, develop leadership, and take direct action to address systemic issues. RAPID Early childhood SUrvey: preliminary Local Data Budget asks $350K Implementation of a direct assistance program pilot for thriving providers Integrate HomeGrown Thriving Providers Project into BCN to address economic stability caused by low wages for their care work and Austin’s affordability crisis; focus on those providing FFN relative care (aunties, grandparents, family members caring for children they are related to) Monthly payment model Offer a pathway to become listed providers $75K Sustain funding for Austin Public Health to continue Building Comprehensive Networks (BCN) partnership with HomeGrown to support strategies for home-based child care GAVA supports City of Austin & Travis Co collaboration for $500K Prop A funding for essential network program costs not funded by $75K $200K Implementation Funds for Building Comprehensive Networks strategy for a Mobile Lending Library for home-based relative care providers to increase access to quality Early Childhood learning materials & resources Provides funds not currently …
Downtown Area Command Updates Downtown Commission January 15, 2025 Lieutenant Christopher Juusola Christopher.Juusola@AustinTexas.gov Topics • Staffing Update • DTAC Crime Stats • Updates • E 6th Street • Meridian Barricades • Questions APD Staffing (1/6/2025) APD Staffing APD Staffing DTAC Property Crime DTAC Violent Crime DTAC Violent Crime DTAC Crimes Against Society E 6th St Project Overview • West Bound Traffic Only • No North/South Traffic • Widened “Sidewalks” • Devices to Keep Pedestrians Out of Roadway • Regular Stakeholder Meetings • Violent Crime • Advocate for Economic • Property Crime Development • Advocate for Safer Environment • Response to Resistance Incidents • Collisions • Sales Data (Alcohol) • Devices to Keep Vehicles Out • Advocate for Better Business of Pedestrian Areas Practices • Increased Traffic Enforcement “Devices” • Fences- Keeps Pedestrians Out of Roadway • Engineered Curbs- Keeps Vehicles Out of Pedestrian Areas Traffic Plan -South Side= Blocked, 1 lane + Parking Lane -North Side= Blocked, Parking Lane Only Upcoming Projects (Stay Tuned) • Spring Festival Season • Increased DTAC Police Staffing • Changes to DTAC Patrol Area Questions? • Mark Clemens, DTAC Commander • Mark.Clemens@AustinTexas.gov • Christopher Juusola, DTAC Operations Lieutenant • Christopher.Juusola@AustinTexas.gov
EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 15, 2025 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 The Early Childhood Council convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at City Hall, Board & Commission Room #1101, 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas. Chair McHorse called the Early Childhood Council Meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse and Members Hedrick, McIllwain, and Rivas Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Hamilton and Members Gordon, McCollum, Navarro, and Schennum Staff in Attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Rachel Farley, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, and Alejandra Mireles PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register 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. Areana Gonzalez spoke about her experience as a family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care provider. Michael Nahas spoke about the Economic Prosperity Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on November 13, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 11/13/2024 were approved unanimously on Member Hedrick’s motion and Member McIlwain’s second, on a 9-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 2. Appoint Andrea McIllwain and Eliza Gordon to the Early Childhood Council Quality-of-Life (QoL) Study Workgroup Members McIlwain and Navarro were unanimously appointed to the ECC QOL Study Workgroup on Member McCollum’s motion, Vice Chair Hamilton’s second, on a 9-0 vote. JANUARY 15, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation from UpTogether regarding their recent work in Austin and the organization’s fiscal year 2026 budget recommendation to City Council Presenter: • Meng Qi, UpTogether Southwest Partnership Manager Meng Qi presented information about the City of Austin partnership with UpTogether in 2022 on the guaranteed income pilot and information about the City of Austin’s $1.3 million investment in Family Stabilization Grants in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Presentation from Austin Public Health and the Economic Development Department regarding the implementation of a network hub for home-based child care providers in Austin-Travis County Caitlin Oliver, ECC staff liaison, presented information about the City of Austin’s plans to launch a network for home-based child care providers in 2025. Presentation from Go Austin Vamos Austin (GAVA) regarding City of Austin investment in home-based relative (or FFN- Family, Friend, or Neighbor) child care for FY …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 15, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Nelly Paulina Ramírez Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Anne-Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Whiley – Downtown residential density Item 3 was taken up first without objection. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation regarding the East 6th Street Pilot Closure and an update on street closure security measures and pedestrian safety equipment, Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 15, 2025 The presentation was made by Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department, Lisa Davis, Chief of Police, Austin Police Department, and Michael Bochsler, Meridian Rapid Defense Group. 2. Presentation on the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy by Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. The presentation was made by Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and John Rigdon, Chief Planning & Design Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to immediately appropriate funds for the purchase of safety barricades, associated equipment and training and prioritize future funding for additional barricades if needed. The motion to postpone indefinitely was approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on December 18, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on December 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Election of chair ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:44 pm without any objection. The minutes were approved at the February 19, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Jan 15, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2025, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair Michael Mcinerney called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:00pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Michael Mcinerney Armando Gonzales Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Patrick Bissett Christopher Wilson Amber Schleuning William Dahlstrom Curtis Wyman Commissioners Absent: Maria Brown-Spence Philip Reichert Mark Balch Gustavo Ramirez Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL 1. Kim DeLorenzo, Manager for State and Local Government Affairs-Texas with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation introduced herself and mentioned that she will be back in February with a formal presentation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. The minutes from the meeting of 12/18/2024 were approved on Chair Michael Mcinerney’s motion, second by Armando Gonzales on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence, Mark Balch, Philip Reichert and Gustavo Ramirez were absent. 3. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, discussed requirements for establishment of a social media webpage as well as updated the commission on the status of the City of Austin Veteran Resource Group. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation was conducted by Jason Denny on proposal for a new veterans resource center and creation of a veterans and military affairs office. 5. Chair Michael Mcinerney discussed getting the workgroup together composed of himself, Amber Schleuning, Christopher Wilson, Patrick Bissett, and William Dahlstrom to discuss strategic planning for the year and set goals including budget proposals, special topics, and guest speakers. The group will meet at the Austin City Library on Cesar Chavez St on 29 Jan at 6pm. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. A vote was taken to accept the proposal with amendments for a veteran resource center and creation of a veterans and military affairs office. Chair Mcinerney made a motion, second by Commissioner Armando Gonzales on a 7-0 vote, Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence, Mark Balch, Philip Reichert and Gustavo Ramirez were absent. 7. Discussed asking the Homeless Strategy Office to make a presentation along with Tunnel to Towers Foundation on the services offered to veterans. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT END: 7:56 PM 8. Chair Mcinerney made the motion to adjourn, A. Gonzales second the motion. Pass unanimously 7-0. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence, Mark Balch, Philip Reichert and Gustavo …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 15, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on January 15, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:06 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Susan Turrieta, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Judy Musgrove, Shwetha Pandurangi, Mike Reyes, Marcela Tunon Sion (Remote), Amanda Marzullo, Alex Navarro, William Moriarty, Jesse Penn PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered public speakers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the December 4, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell- Gaines’ second on a 10-0 vote DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize negotiation and execution of a collection agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, for the purpose of re- evaluating fuels in closed canopy Ashe Juniper-oak woodlands, for a term of three years, in an amount not to exceed $198,467. Funding is available in the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Fund and the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Marzullo’s motion and Commissioner Penn’s second on a 10-0 vote 3. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for cold-water meters for Austin Water with Thirkettle Corporation d/b/a Aqua-Metric Sales Company, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options for a total contract amount not to exceed $6,000,000. Funding: $900,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Marzullo’s motion and Commissioner Penn’s second on a 10-0 vote 4. Recommend approval to authorize execution of a contract for liquid polymer for thickening and dewatering sludge for Austin Water with Polydyne Inc., for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options, for a total contract amount not to exceed $6,000,000. Funding: $900,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Marzullo’s motion and Commissioner Penn’s second on a 10-0 vote 5. Recommend approval …
January 15, 2025 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Electric Board DRAFT MINUTES The Electric Board convened in a Special Called Board Meeting on January 15, 2025, at the Permitting Development Center at 10:04 am. Board Members in Attendance: Victoria Shope, David Johnson, Delwin Goss, Michael Grant, David Deshaine, Ben Brenneman, Kenny King, Members Not in Attendance: Joel Cochren, Gabe Flores, Rogelio Wallace and Christian Spies. Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD), Maria Jaramillo (DSD) James Epperson (DSD), Marty Starrett (DSD), Hyatt Dunn (DSD), Brydan Summers (DSD) and Josh Contreras (AE) PUBLIC CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: No one registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes were approved for the August 21,2024 , regular called meeting on board member Grant motion, board member Deshaine second the motion. Motion passed on a 7-0 vote. DISCUSSION 2. Technical Advisory Panel, its functions, responsibilities in the Austin Criteria Manual- Land development rules administrator (LDRA) Brydan Summers reported to the board that the Technical Advisory Review panel, know as TARP was established in March 2023 when council passed a resolution to have a review panel to discuss existing and proposed rules in the administrative criterial manuals. To consider ways to better align criteria manuals with existing city council policies, city housing goals and industry best practices as well as needs of individual departments and the protection of public health and safety. TARP review staff consist of city staff and housing and development industry professionals, which include architects, landscape architects, engineers, traffic engineers and arborists to assist with the city’s 8 criteria manuals. Each department with the city has 1 person to administer these manuals to the LDRA. 3. Austin Energy Technical Advisory panel- Josh Contreras with Austin Energy, summarized the process for AE version of the TARP process with Austin Energy Criteria Manual. In that, AE meets internally for discussion of any updates and or changes to the Criteria manual with external input. AE’s internal review team will then review and write the proposed changes, AE will then review those changes and look for inconsistencies before submitting it to Austin Energy’s management team for review. Forward it to community stakeholders for input and comment, after feedback from community stakeholder, AE review team will then adjust as necessary before sending it back to Austin Energy management team for final review before submitting to the LDRA and TARP panel for review and posting. 4. Discussion on Electrical Registration enforcement 80.38- …
