REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT July 8, 2024 AT 5:30PM 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr-Event Center, 1st floor – Room 1405 C Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for email elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair)) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Marcel Gutierrez-Garza ___Yung-ju Kim ___ Bianca A Medina-Leal ___ Brian Poteet ___ Margaret Shahrestani ___ Janel Venzant ___ Michael Von Ohlen ___ Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment Regular meeting on June 10, 2024. On-Line Link: ITEM01 DRAFT MINUTES June 10, 2024 PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Reconsideration cases: 2. C15-2024-0015 David Chace for Chris and Shannon Renner 1306 Rockcliff Road On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2, PART3, PART4; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback from 40 feet (required) to 20 feet (requested) Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback (east side) from 10 feet (required) to 5 feet (requested) Section 25-2-551 (Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations) (B) (1) (b) from shoreline setback requirements to decrease from 25 feet (required) to 0 feet (requested) in order to demolish and construct a new 2 story single-family residence attached to existing legal non-complying Boat House in a …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims VACANT Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on June 10, 2024. 2. Briefing on the LGPOA Conference from Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine from the Austin 3. Briefing on Monkey Pox from Isbel Cantu, Mpox/Flu Program Coordinator from Austin Public 4. Updates from the Community and Communication working group and the chair selection for the 5. Approve a recommendation from the New Commissioner Working group for a nomination to 6. Approve a recommendation to Council to conduct a feasibility study for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural 7. Approve a working group for Austin's PRIDE Month and PRIDE-associated events and planning 8. Discussion of the commission's next area of focus and short and long-term goals and set a date for a strategic planning meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS Police Department. Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS working group. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS the commission. Center. schedule. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are …
4th World Conference for LGBTQI+ Criminal Justice Professionals August 5-8, 2025 proudtobeyourfriend.org A one-of-a-kind conference • For nearly a decade, International LGBTQI+ identified criminal justice professionals, educators, and human rights advocates have come together to learn from each other on how best to decrease homophobia, transphobia and biphobia in their communities and workplace. • The world conference is not your typical conference. It is a conference that brings together different disciplines, jurisdictions, nationalities and cultures to have an interactive experience involving honest, cross-sector dialogue, about the leading topics affecting the LGBTQI+ community. The plenary sessions, discussion panels, and break-out sessions tackle the most pressing issues the criminal justice system has in creating sustainable positive relationships between the LGBTQI+ community and criminal justice organizations. • The conference is designed to help leaders take away workable programs, policies, & practices to Bridge the Gap of social and racial inequity, while helping to end gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination. It is a professional development conference where employees can learn how to create a work environment that supports LGBTQI+ identified individuals and celebrates their diversity. • The conference will help to Bridge the Gap between the LGBTQI+ community and the Criminal Justice Profession so anyone, regardless of identify or orientation, feels safe and is treated with the dignity and the respect they deserve. proudtobeyourfriend.org Austin Pride Parade Texas State Capital An exclusive world-wide audience • We anticipate the conference will be attended by over 500 criminal justice leaders and decision makers, drawn from over 30 countries around the world and nearly every state in the United States. proudtobeyourfriend.org
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240708-06 Feasibility Study for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center WHEREAS, the 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study estimated that 5.9% of the Austin metro population identifies as LGBT, WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA+ community in Austin significantly contributes to the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the city, WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges and disparities in areas such as healthcare, housing, and employment, WHEREAS, creating dedicated spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community can enhance visibility, foster a sense of belonging, and provide essential services, WHEREAS, similar cultural centers in other cities have successfully provided safe havens, community resources, and cultural enrichment for LGBTQIA+ populations, WHEREAS, community feedback has consistently highlighted the need for a central, accessible location for LGBTQIA+ events, support services, and advocacy, WHEREAS, the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center aligns with the City of Austin’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has and continues to target members of the LGBTQIA+ community, increasing the need for a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to assemble and access resources, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council establish a task force to determine the feasibility of building an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Manager is directed to include all relevant community stakeholders in the Cultural Center task force, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, and representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the task force should consider and identify opportunities for funding, including but not limited to federal grants and public-private partnerships. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Manager shall report back to the City Council and the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission with the task force’s findings January 2024. Page 1 of 2 VOTE Date of Approval: Record of the Vote: Present: Attest: Page 2 of 2
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT SPECIAL CALED MEETING July 8th, 2024 at 7 pm Shudde Fath Conference Room, Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Larry Franklin Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Stephanie Bazan Jon Salinas Vacant Vacant Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Vacant Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Lane Becker Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser Vacant For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 26, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommendation of investments the City should fund as part of council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. 3. Recommendation in support of a ‘Climate Fee’ as outlined in the staff response to council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Rohan Lilauwala at rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394 for …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 26, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and the Permitting and Development Center. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Alice Woods, Rodrigo Leal, Diana Wheeler, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala and Zach Baumer CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Charlotte Davis called the meeting to order at 6:16 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION • Kathy Mitchell – On behalf Community Investment Budget. Includes support for Climate Equity Plan + Food Plan. Looking for JSC endorsement before August. 1. Approval of minutes from the May 22nd meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Davis correction – on item 2, reflect that no action was taken. • Maxwell-Gaines motions to approve, Qureshi second, passes 10-0. 2. Recommendation of investments the City should fund as part of council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. • Item struck from agenda 4. Update on regional climate planning efforts as part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program – Mali Calvo, Office of Sustainability • Qureshi - will we be doing county-specific workshops? Do we have ideas on how o We’re doing outreach to different municipal/county governments. • How are we pursuing funding for four measures not applied for a grant? o We’re opportunistic, looking for funding where available. Supporting EPA Community change grant for trees + AE Solar for all. 5. Climate Fee Best Practices – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability • Qureshi – in support of progressive rather than regressive taxation • Salinas – what is the large retailer fee in Portland? o 1% surcharge on companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue and more than $500,000 in revenue in Portland • Leal - Is Legal department looking into more comprehensive fee approaches? o Unclear at the moment • Woods – are these on utility bills? o Yes • Scott – could projects with revenue/savings be compatible with a climate fee? o Yes, but there could be other revenue streams (green bank, revolving funds) that those projects could fund • Maxwell-Gaines – could hotel tax fund this? Or other tourist taxes fund this? o Potential pushback from hospitality industry • Salinas – is there revenue from micromobility? Could energy/water rates be tiered further? o Fee could be put on …
1. ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 10, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 10, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Samantha Haywood – AAC Stray Intake Rochelle Vickery – Trap-Neuter-Return Lyndsey Gauthier – Experience & Exposure Suggestion APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on May 13, 2024. 1 The minutes from the meeting of May 13, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce and Dulzaides were off the dais. Commissioner Nemer was absent. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services, and Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A discussion item related to Animal Services strategic planning was requested by Chair Clinton and Vice Chair Linder. A staff briefing on animals/pets at cooling centers was requested by Commissioner Smagula and Vice Chair Linder. A recommendation to Council on animals at cooling centers was requested by Commissioners Smagula and Linder. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. was made by Vice Chair Linder, seconded by Commissioner Nilson, and accepted without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
Information is from October 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Outcome Year (fiscal) Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2024 4075 4291 8366 2024 4012 3854 7866 2024 -63 -437 -500 2024 2422 121 890 89 54 2 370 3948 2024 2647 590 678 66 20 2 4003
June 2024 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for June was 96.65%. • A total of 1,117 animals were brought to the shelter which included 603 cats, 449 dogs, 45 wild animals, 9 guinea pigs, 3 rabbits, 2 chickens, 1 turkey, 1 snake and 1 tortoise. • A total of 740 animals were adopted (189 adult dogs, 144 puppies, 315 kittens, and 92 adult cats). • A total of 80 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On June 3, there were 1,343 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (682 onsite, 656 in foster, and 3 at a vet clinic and 1 at Austin Pets Alive!). • On July 1, there were 1,278 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (683 onsite, 592 in foster, and 1 at a vet clinic). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 51 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 37 fencing assistance applications and implanted 5 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 189 injured animals and delivered approximately 95 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 249 rabies exposure reports and submitted 42 specimens for rabies testing. We had 3 decomposed bats and 1 decomposed raccoon. • 63 total coyote related activities o 33 Wild Sick o 24 Sightings o 6 Encounters • Out of 63 coyote related reports, 30 reports fell within the reported behavior types. Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints. o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 6/6 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote being chased by a dog and then turned around and chased the dog back. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote with mange “approaching” caller and dog. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote following a caller, kids, and dog. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote growling and following caller and dog. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote following caller and dog. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote with mange interacting with dogs (no contact), growled, and showed teeth to dog. 2 o Incidents: No incidents were reported. • Out of 63 related activities, 33 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured). • There was 70% increase in reports from June 2023 to June 2024 • …
APH IMMUNIZATIONS UNIT: MPOX EPIDEMIOLOGY Our case patients are overwhelmingly male (98.1%), mostly white (63%), and the median age is 33 years old. Exposure is almost always via sexual contact. Hispanic : 39.9%, non-Hispanic : 49.4% unknown ethnicity :10.7% Most identify as Gay (MSM) 2 LOW RATES ARE GOOD BUT MAKE EDUCATION MORE CHALLENGING - many people had the sense that it was over and nothing to worry about - We try to utilize what we know from Epi data to focus education/outreach BARRIERS TO VACCINATION We rolled out our mpox survey to gauge hesitation and views on mpox vaccination. Anecdotally, we have heard the following : - many people are not educated on what mpox is even though they may be at risk. - Some are unsure whether they are at risk; PCP’s not suggesting it - hard to get through to appointment lines. - low rates are making people worry less - unsure about vaccine effectiveness, despite education 4 EDUCATION/OUTREACH - updated our APH website about mpox -I quality check the vaccine locator on CDC -Collaborated more closely with our HIV targeted testing team - outreach at Package, Sir Rat, Austin Eagle - table at Ashwell clinic peer support group - host pop up vaccination clinics at Vivent Health who no longer offer the vaccine. -mpox education is offered at all of our tabling events around Austin 5 MEDICAL PROVIDER EDUCATION - Hosted 2 TCMS provider Townhalls -Nurse-centered townhall is upcoming -Educating urgent care practices around Austin LGBTQIA+ FOCUSED ONLINE SPACES Ongoing public campaign in the following dating sites: 7 FILLING GAPS - Built rapport with Vivent Health to host pop-up vaccination clinics for mpox -Collaborate with our targeted testing team to focus vaccination and education on unhoused population at Walgreens/Little Walnut Creek Library - Hosted a pop-up vaccination clinic at RBJ Sexual Health Clinic - Upcoming: Collaborating with Medical Reserve Corps to host a larger scale vaccination event at Montopolis Rec Center. - Continue Gift Card Incentives 8 An Example of an Instagram story post FINAL TAKEAWAYS We want to maximize our limited resources • We have been meeting CDC deliverables and creating strong rapport and connection both within APH and externally. • We would love feedback on any spaces that we should work to be in. • Would love to be connected by you if possible! 9 THANK YOU Isabel Cantu, Mpox/Flu Program Coordinator 512-972-5426 isabel.cantu@austintexas.gov …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20240708-02: Supporting the Environmental Investment Plan WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee has had working groups for the past two and a half years that have gathered information from city staff, the Austin community and experts and advocates in other cities to identify funding needs to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee solicited and received public input on what needs funding through the Environmental Investment Plan to meet existing environmental goals through a written form, at a public hearing on March 27, 2024, and at the April 30, 2024 Joint Sustainability Committee meeting; and WHEREAS, the public comments received by the Joint Sustainability Committee on the Environmental Investment Plan emphasized the need for action, including more funding to meet a variety of environmental and climate goals established by the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worse each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due climate tipping points are likely already being reached; and WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; and WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis County …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20240708-03: Resolution on Climate Fee WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “on matters related to conservation and sustainability and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”, and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; and WHEREAS the Joint Sustainability Committee identified over $2.24 billion in one time costs and $96.14 million in ongoing expenses for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans; and WHEREAS increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; and WHEREAS other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; and WHEREAS the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; and WHEREAS funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council and the City Manager actively pursue establishing a new Green Fee to help fill the funding gap for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans, including: ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan ● Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Urban Forest Plan This new fee should be structured to be progressive, not regressive, should provide predictable revenue and should be paid by residents, businesses, corporations and/or visitors.
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Stephanie Hayden-Howard | Assistant City Manager| July 8, 2024 The Assignment • City Auditor’s Report • Develop a Strategic Plan • Work with City Manager’s Office, Animal Services Office, Animal Advisory Commission, and key stakeholders to develop a strategic plan • Align with the City’s animal welfare priorities Strategic Planning Update 2 Planning Discussions • First planning meeting was held on June 25th • Attendees included city staff, two commissioner and Dr. Larry Schooler County capacity. • Whitney Holt will join the planning team in her Travis • The planning group will consist of city, county, two commissioners and Dr. Schooler. Strategic Planning Update 3 Assessment Phase • Dr. Schooler has begun key informant interviews • Currently he will interview several partners and stakeholders: • The planning team • City and County staff, Commissioners Clinton, Linder and Smagula • Leaders from Austin Pets Alive, Human Society and Emancipet • Community Members Pat Valls- Trelles • Former Officers Strategic Planning Update 4 Assessment Phase • Dr. Schooler will conduct external sessions • Audrey Muntz will conduct internal sessions • Online survey via SpeakUpAustin.org • Information from the Auditor’s Office • Including information shared in community engagement sessions • Recent community engagement by Animal Welfare partners Commission • Information from Sessions with the Animal Advisory Strategic Planning Update 5 Proposed Strategic Plan Working Group Participants • All Planning Members • Austin Lost and Found • Austin Pets Alive • Emancipet • Humane Society • Trappers • Individuals • Pat Valles-Trelles Strategic Planning Update 6 Strategic Plan Working Group Task • Review information from the assessment report • Produce the core components of the strategic plan • Earlier sessions will be used to build trust • Develop a shared vision for Animal Welfare • Discussion of the mission and vision including establishing goals Strategic Planning Updates 7 Strategic Plan • The plan will include all aspects from the assessment phase • Documenting the work of the working group • Input from the survey • Mission, Vision and Goals • Communicate the plan • Roles and Responsibilities for carrying out the goals • Metrics to measure progress after implementation Strategic Plan Updates 8 Next Steps • Continue with internal and external meetings key stakeholder meetings • Schedule the Working Group meetings • Community Engagement Discussions • Plan to attend commission meetings monthly for an update Strategic Planning …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Recommendation Number:20240708-005: Allowing of companion animals into designated City of Austin Cooling Centers WHEREAS, current city policy only allows service animals into City facilities, including the places used for Cooling Centers; and WHEREAS, any person with a companion animal would have to be aware to notify staff at a cooling center to contact Animal Services for a cooling truck; and WHEREAS, this would delay the person from being able to enter a cooling center while awaiting a response from Animal Services; and WHEREAS, Animal Services, only if available, will bring a cooling truck to the cooling center, where the companion animal can stay while their person is inside the cooling center; and WHEREAS, this would render that vehicle and the Animal Protection Officer unavailable to answer any calls for assistance while performing this function; and WHEREAS, if Animal Services does not have an available vehicle to send, the person and their companion animal would not be able to enter a cooling center for relief. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Animal Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to designate a number of cooling centers located throughout the City of Austin that persons with companion animals may go to for relief during times of intense heat when cooling centers are activated. Date of Approval: Record of the Vote: Attest:
