BOA Monthly Report July 2024-June 2025 December 9, 2024 Granted 4 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the interior side yard setback and 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses): (1) reduce minimum lot area and (3) (a) reduce rear setback 2. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (C) (3) (b) for Garage Placement of a parking structure not closer to the front lot line than the front most exterior wall of the first floor of the building façade 3. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (1) to decrease the minimum 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback And 25-2-515 (Rear yard of Through Lot) & 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (3) (a) to decrease the minimum rear yard setback. lot size Postponed 5 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2- 832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width 2. 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property may not exceed 60 feet and (H) Compatibility Requirements (4) (a) from compatibility buffer to decrease the from 25 feet (minimum width allowed) 3. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase 4. 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (B) to allow more freestanding signs, (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area, (B) (2) to increase overall sign height, (F) to allow for internally sign illumination, (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way and Section 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements) (E) to decrease the setback, (F) (1) to increase height, (F) (2) to reduce clearance. 5. 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area and 1. Section 25-2-779 (Small Lot Single-Family Residential Use) from setback requirements to decrease the (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height Withdrawn 0 Denied (Reconsideration) 1 minimum front yard setback. 1 Discussion Items Dec 2024 Interpretations The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items 13 16 0 2 16 0 new inquiries (Added Nov14# 2024) Board members absent: Maggie Shahrestani, …
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT January 13, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to ___ Bianca A Medina-Leal ___ Brian Poteet ___ Margaret Shahrestani ___ Janel Venzant ___ Michael Von Ohlen ___ Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Marcel Gutierrez-Garza ___Yung-ju Kim The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment Special Called meeting on December 9, 2024. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for December 9, 2024 PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Sign Variance cases: 2. C16-2024-0001 Michael Everett for Rowdy Durham 6320 Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 104.65 square feet to 314.86 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) …
January 6, 2025 Board of Adjustment City of Austin Via Electronic Delivery Re: C15-2024-0031 – 2615-1/2 Hillview Road – Rawson Saunders School Dear Chair and Board Members, On behalf of Austin Area School for Dyslexics, also known as Rawson Saunders School, we request a postponement of the public hearing for this case to the February 10th, 2025 hearing date. Please contact our office should you have questions or need additional information. Thank you for your time and attention to these applications. Kind regards, Victoria Haase www.throwerdesign.com P . O . B O X 4 1 9 5 7 , A U S T I N , T E X A S 7 8 7 0 4 1 5 0 7 I N G L E W O O D S T . , A U S T I N , T E X A S 7 8 7 4 1 ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUPITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP
ITEM05/1-LATE BACKUP-PPMT REQ Subject: RE: 1/13 BOA_C15-2024-0040_600 Cumberland Rd, 2610 & 2612 S 1st Street Virtual Registration Date: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 4:03 PM To: Leah Bojo Got it…I will change it to back up virtual registration Elaine Ramirez Planner Senior Board of Adjustment Liaison Development Services Department 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX 78752 Office: 512-974-2202 E-mail: elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov DevelopmentATX.com PER CITY ORDINANCE: All individuals scheduling or accepting a meeting invitation with a City Official are requested to provide responses to the questions at the following link: DSD Visitor Log. Please note that all information provided is subject to public disclosure via DSD’s open data portal. For more information please visit: City of Austin Ordinance 2016-0922-005 | City Clerk’s website | City Clerk’s FAQ’s DSD Customer Service Feedback Form - Formstack From: Leah Bojo Sent: Monday, January 6, 2025 2:57 PM To: Ramirez, Elaine <Elaine.Ramirez@austintexas.gov>; Katie Gengler Subject: Re: 1/13 BOA_C15-2024-0040_600 Cumberland Rd, 2610 & 2612 S 1st Street Virtual Registration External Email - Exercise Caution ITEM05/2-LATE BACKUP-PPMT REQ Hi Elaine, I’ll be in person – thank you! Leah M. Bojo, AICP, Director of Land Use & Entitlements 2705 Bee Caves Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746 Drenner Group, PC | From: Ramirez, Elaine <Elaine.Ramirez@austintexas.gov> Date: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM To: Katie Gengler < Subject: RE: 1/13 BOA_C15-2024-0040_600 Cumberland Rd, 2610 & 2612 S 1st Street Virtual Registration Hi Katie, I have Leah Bojo, registered as the Primary Speaker for case C15-2024-0040 / 600 Cumberland Rd, 2610 & 2612 S 1st St., speaking virtual. Please note: You will a total maximum of 5 minutes to speak/give presentation for the above referenced case. If you are registered to speak virtually, you will receive an e-mail from me Monday, 1/13 before 12p.m., with call in information for our virtual BOA mtg. You will be available via phone only and only the registered speakers will receive the call-in information (do not share the call-in phone number with anyone who has not registered to speak virtually). Once the Board has made the decision of Granting, Denying or Postponing the variance you all can disconnect from the call. Please keep in mind that if you are not the Primary Speaker the Board may or may not call on you. The Primary Speaker gets a total of 5 minutes to speak for each case(s). If the Board has questions, they can call …
ITEM05/1-LATE BACKUP ITEM05/2-LATE BACKUP Zilker Neighborhood Association __________________________________________________________________ 2009 Arpdale, Austin, TX 78704 ● January 8, 2025 Along South Lamar over the last 20 years, VMU and other bonus projects have been building The site on South First is only half an acre. Applying the South Lamar bonus standard, one could Re: Case C15-2024-0040 600 Cumberland, Austin TX 78704 Agenda item 5, January 13, 2025 Chair and Board of Adjustment Members: The Zoning Committee of the Zilker Neighborhood Association is opposed to the variance requested at 600 Cumberland and 2612 South First Street. We agree with the Galindo and Dawson neighbors that the request does not meet the findings required for the variance. In addition, we must emphasize that the request absolutely impairs the purpose of the applicable zoning regulations. The regulations in this case are the terms of a transit-oriented overlay intended to discourage large parking garages on major transit routes and to encourage more affordable housing units. about 80 to 100 units per acre, including at least 10% of the units affordable to 60% MFI, onsite, for 40 years, with parking equivalent to about 60% of the previous requirements. To the extent that a voluntary bonus program can be considered “reasonable use,” those have become the standard dimensions for mixed use along the corridor. They represent a bonus, not a hardship. Now that parking minimums have been eliminated from the code, they likewise cannot be claimed as a hardship. reasonably expect a half-acre 5-floor multifamily project to have around 50 units (fewer if it includes a swimming pool, as this project does) and minimal parking (one and a half levels). There is no evidence that the City has ever denied that degree of reasonable use under the South First property’s GR-V zoning. Rather, in June 2023 the applicant received approval for a much larger deeply affordable project with 90 units and only 67 parking spaces. Rather than denying reasonable use, the City approved a site plan that far exceeded the capacity of the lot and the street. It was the applicant who declined the affordability terms and decided to go for an even bigger project (118 units, mostly market rate) with a very expensive underground parking garage (84 spaces) that conflicts with transit-oriented design standards. parking garage for circulation,” implying that a three-level parking garage is a reasonable use for a half- acre property fronting on a major …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet – SIGN VARIANCE ITEM02 DATE: January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0001 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael Everett OWNER: Rowdy Durham ADDRESS: 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD SB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 60 square feet to 210.36 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs. (1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (2) The sign area may not exceed: (a) on a lot with not more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, 60 square feet; or (b) on a lot with more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, the lesser of: (i) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (ii) 300 square feet. (3) The sign height may not exceed the greater of: (a) 35 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or (b) 20 feet above grade at the base of the sign. (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign). (D) Wall signs are permitted. (E) One flag for each curb cut is permitted. (F) For signs other than freestanding signs or roof signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. Source: Section 13-2-867; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817-072, Pt. 9, 8- 28-17. BOARD’S DECISION: December 9, 2024, POSPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025; POSTPONEMENT REQUEST …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment- Sign Variance Decision Sheet ITEM03 DATE: January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0002 ____Y___Thomas Ates (D1) ____Y___Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ____Y___Jessica Cohen (D3) ____Y___Yung-ju Kim (D4) ____-___Melissa Hawthorne (D5) - ABSTAINED ____Y___Jeffery Bowen (D6) ____Y___Janel Venzant (D7) ____-___Margaret Shahrestani (D8) OUT ____Y___Brian Poteet (D9) ____Y___Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ____-___Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ____-___VACANT (Alternate) (M) ____-___Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) OUT ____-___VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael J Whellan OWNER: Mark Worsham ADDRESS: 12221 MOPAC EXPY SVRD NB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Section 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District): (requesting) (existing) (maximum allowed) to 90 square feet (requesting) (requesting), to 3 feet (requesting) Section 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements) allowed) to 0 feet (requesting) (F) to allow for internally sign illumination for three (3) signs (requesting) (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way of at least 12 feet (minimum required) (B) to allow more freestanding signs from one (1) (maximum allowed) to eight (8) (B) (2) to increase overall sign height from 12 feet (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (E) to decrease the setback of 12 feet from the street right-of-way (minimum (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot from 64 square feet (F) (1) to increase height of not more than 30 inches (maximum allowed) to 17 feet (F) (2) to reduce clearance of at least nine (9) feet (minimum allowed) to zero (0) (requesting) feet (requesting). in order to remodel Free-standing sign(s) for Emergency Services/Hospital Services in a “PUD”, Scenic Roadway Sign District. Note: 25-10-124 - SCENIC ROADWAY SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section applies to a scenic roadway sign district. (B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. (1) The sign area may not exceed the lesser of: (a) 0.4 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (b) 64 square feet. (2) The sign height may not exceed 12 feet. (C) Wall signs are permitted. (D) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 10 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. (E) In a Hill Country Roadway corridor, a spotlight on a sign or exterior lighting of a sign must be concealed from view and oriented away from adjacent properties and roadways. (F) Internal lighting …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet ITEM 04 DATE: Monday, January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0031 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Victoria Haase OWNER: Austin Area School for Dyslexics, Inc. ADDRESS: 2615 ½ HILLVIEW RD VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section: o feet (requested) o (required) to 15 feet (requested) o (required) to 5 feet (requested) o (requested) o percent (requested) Impervious Coverage to increase from 45 percent (maximum allowed) to 60 Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback from 10 feet Building Coverage to increase from 40 percent (maximum allowed) to 60% 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback from 25 feet Height Requirements to increase the height from 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 50 25-2-832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width of at least 40 feet (required) to 30 feet (requested) from the site to where it connects with another street that has a paved width of at least 40 feet (required) to 30 feet (requested) in order to erect school buildings and structured sub-grade parking facilities in a “SF-3- NP”, Single-Family-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (West Austin Neighborhood Group). BOARD’S DECISION: POSTPONED TO November 14, 2024, BY APPLICANT; November 14, 2024 Postponed to December 9, 2024 due to the absence of a sufficient number of Board Members required for a formal vote on each case; December 9, 2024 POSPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025; January 13, 2025 POSTPONEMENT REQUEST TO FEBRUARY 10, 2025 FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet ITEM05 DATE: Monday January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0040 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Leah Bojo OWNER: Chris Affinito ADDRESS: 600 CUMBERLAND RD VARIANCE REQUESTED The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code: Article 3, Additional Requirements for Certain Districts, Division 5 –Combining and Overlay Districts, Section 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property may not exceed 60 feet (maximum allowed) to 2 feet -4 27/32 inches – 5 feet 6 inches (requesting) from 25 feet (minimum width allowed) to 2 feet -4 27/32 inches – 5 feet -6 inches (requesting), in order to erect a Condominium Residential Building in a “GR-V-ETOD, DBETOD and GR-ETOD-DBETOD”, Community Commercial-Vertical Mixed-Use Building-Equitable Transit-Oriented Development and Community Commercial-Equitable Transit-Oriented Development-Density Bonus ETOD. (H) Compatibility Requirements (4) (a) from compatibility buffer to decrease the Compatibility Buffers). Note: The Land Development Code Section 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations (A) (B) (H) This section applies to a property with density bonus ETOD (DBETOD) combining district zoning. This section governs over a conflicting provision of this title or other ordinance. Compatibility Requirements. (1) A building is not required to comply with Article 10 (Compatibility Standards) in Subchapter C. (2) In this subsection, (a) TRIGGERING PROPERTY means a site: (i) with at least one dwelling unit but less than four dwelling units; and (ii) is zoned urban family residence (SF-5) district or more restrictive; and (b) STRUCTURE includes a portion of a structure. (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property may not exceed 60 feet. a triggering property. (4) Compatibility Buffer. A compatibility buffer is required along a site's property line that is shared with (a) The minimum width of a compatibility buffer is 25 feet. (b) A compatibility buffer must comply with Section 25-8-700 (Minimum Requirements for BOARD’S DECISION: November 14, 2024 Postponed to December 9, 2024 due to the absence of a sufficient number of Board Members required for …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet ITEM06 DATE: Monday January 13, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0041 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___-____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OWNER/APPLICANT: Thomas M Schiefer and Meghann Elena Rosales ADDRESS: 1607 10TH ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from impervious coverage requirements to increase from 45 percent (maximum allowed) to 65 percent (requested) in order to attach a Single-Family Residence in a “SF-3-NP”, Single- Family - Neighborhood Plan zoning district (Old West Austin Neighborhood Plan) BOARD’S DECISION: November 14, 2024 Postponed to December 9, 2024 due to the absence of a sufficient number of Board Members required for a formal vote on each case; Dec 9, 2024 The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Madam Chair Jessica Cohen’s motion to Postpone to January 13, 2025; Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne seconds on 10-0 votes; POSTPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025; January 13, 2025 The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne’s motion to Approve; Board member Michael Von Ohlen second on 9-0 votes; GRANTED. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: Home 1 and Home 2 were written independently and then collaborated together, maybe had some unintended consequences for a small lot amnesty, it could be covered in the neighborhood plan, in keeping this house and making the addition to the back with the neighbor’s encroachment is very reasonable, the new Home 2 remove the small lot amnesty for just a single family as opposed to the preservation portion of it. 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: it is a legal lot, it has the existing encroachment, it has a historic house, all these complications make it incredibly unique to this piece of property. (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: the road expansion makes it even more interesting; your neighbor’s living room is usually not on your property. 3. The variance will not alter the character of …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 13, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:42 PM. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Brian Poteet, Janel Venzant, Michael Von Ohlen Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Thomas Ates (at 6pm), Yung-ju Kim Board Members/Commissioners Absent Maggie Shahrestani, Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) 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. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment Special Called meeting on December 9, 2024. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for December 9, 2024 The minutes from the meeting December 9, 2024, were approved on Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne’s motion, Board member Jeffery Bowen second, on 9-0 Vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Postponement request, by applicants/neighborhood group: Item 2 postponement request to March 10, 2025 and Item 4, and Item 5 postponement request to February 10, 2025. Item 2 and Item 8 – Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne motions to approve postponement request Item 2 to March 10, 2025, and Item 4 to February 10, 2025, Board member Yung- ju Kim seconds on 9-0 vote. Item 5 open for discussion on the postponement request to February 10, 2025. Item 5– Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne motions to approve postponement request to February 10, 2025, Board member Michael Von Ohlen seconds on 9-0 vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Previous Postponed Sign Variance cases: 2. C16-2024-0001 Michael Everett for Rowdy Durham 6320 Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 104.65 square feet to 314.86 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025, 6:00 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: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. 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, December 12, 2024. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFING Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Presentation from Drew De Los Santos, Executive Director at Austin Cooperative Business Association on the Del Valle Food Co-op. Discuss the draft recommendation to support Goal 1, Strategy 1.12 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Fully fund City and County park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture (such as the Vision Plan at John Trevino Jr. Metropolitan Park) and include support for staff to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities. Board Member Andrea Abel and Board Member Lisa Barden. Discuss draft recommendation(s) to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Board Member Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). Discuss draft recommendation(s) to support Goal 4 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Establish and …
This template is a guide for liaisons. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Farmland Acquisition and Preservation NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritize expanding community food production and preserving farmland for regenerative agriculture through strategies such as conservation easements, land purchases, and land banking; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also recommends pursuing funding sources, including general obligation bonds, to conserve agricultural land; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and This template is a guide for liaisons. WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means in order to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated …
This template is a guide for liaisons. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Farmland Acquisition and Preservation NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in the Capital Region is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in October 2024, includes strategies to address local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritize expanding community food production and preserving farmland for regenerative agriculture through strategies such as conservation easements, land purchases, and land-banking; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also recommends pursuing funding sources, including general obligation bonds, to conserve agricultural land; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-8 urged Travis County to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, Travis County has a history of successfully managing agricultural leases through the Land stewardship program; and This template is a guide for liaisons. WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program that allows landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters in 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Preparing Culturally and Medically Appropriate Supply Side Nutrition, Provision and Distribution Access During Disasters, Disruptions, and Emergencies WHEREAS, food insecurity already disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources and most acutely during emergencies, significant weather events, or disasters; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County Food Plan, adopted by City Council in October 2024, includes the goal of establishing and funding a resilient, inclusive, and accessible emergency food provision system that ensure all community members, regardless of cultural background or medical needs, have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally relevant food during disasters and emergencies (Goal 4); and WHEREAS, it is essential to develop and fund a coordinated emergency food access response plan that ensures that City and County community centers and resilience networks have access to water, culturally and medically appropriate food, proper storage, and inventory management practices (Strategy 4.3); and WHEREAS, having preparedness teams and partners be able to meet dietary needs during emergencies, including culturally relevant and medically appropriate food preparation, and for emergency staff and volunteers to have training in such (Strategy 4.4); and WHEREAS, it will be necessary, as part of the preparedness ecosystem, to work with community partners to have a real-time inventory management system to track emergency food availability, expiration dates, and replenishment needs to ensure a steady supply during emergencies while minimizing food waste (Strategy 4.5) and WHEREAS, it is essential and critical to create a diverse and reliable food supply by establishing partnerships with a wide range of local suppliers and develop contingency plans for food supply chain disruptions, including alternative sourcing strategies (Strategy 4.6); and Commented [1]: See above comment for "Whereas." Need to add "Resolved" pertaining to 6.1 Food Retail and 6.6 school meal and summer food service programs. WHEREAS, there is a significant need to create mechanism that improves emergency response and preparedness for major power outages that impact the food supply at all stages of the food system (Strategy 4.7). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the following actions: 1. Establish Pre-Existing, Prepared Trusted Community Partners o Build upon Mass Care’s ecosystem survey, identify key partners to establish preexisting procurement relationships through Austin Finance Online o Prioritize …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for new and existing central aggregation, processing, and distribution facilities (Food Hubs) WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need to support regional food systems; WHERAS, schools in the Austin-Travis County region currently source a significant portion of their food from mainline distributors, who, in turn, source their products from large-scale farms located outside of Texas, contributing to long supply chains and increasing the carbon footprint of food procurement; WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan calls for the development and support of central aggregation, processing, and distribution facilities (food hubs) to supply regional institutional purchasers with local agricultural goods, ensuring the stability and resilience of the food system in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan emphasizes the importance of building a community-driven food system that prioritizes regenerative agriculture to achieve climate and equity goals by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for supporting institutions and developing supply-chain infrastructure and regional food networks to facilitate large-scale pro-climate, pro-health food procurement, supporting regenerative agricultural producers and increasing access to sustainable, healthy food options; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and other disruptive events have exposed vulnerabilities in long, centralized food supply chains, emphasizing the importance of resilient local food systems that prioritize local procurement, climate adaptation, and equity-driven food access; and WHEREAS, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), such as the Farm to School Program and the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program, provide funding to support local food systems and school meal programs, benefiting farmers and communities; WHEREAS, local purchasing incentives for schools, such as the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program, remain underutilized due to insufficient local food production and regional distribution capacity to meet the demand for school markets, and small, Central Texas farmers need technical assistance to scale …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Goal 6.1, 6.5, 6.6: • Actively establish culturally relevant, affordable, community-backed or -driven retail options in areas experiencing food insecurity or facing barriers to food access, including replication and expansion of existing food retail initiatives in the City and County • Expand benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC Increase utilization of publicly administered programs that improve food access, such as SNAP, WIC, the national school breakfast/lunch program, and summer food service program. • WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, existing successful local programs like Double Up Food Bucks and The Happy Kitchen provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education; new programs can and need to be created; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the following actions: 1. Expand and Enhance Nutrition Incentive Programs: o Build upon the successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program o Develop more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs o Provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products o Create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households 2. Strengthen Nutrition Education and Skill-Building: o Expand programs that provide culturally relevant food and cooking/nutrition education Multilingual cooking classes Nutrition education workshops Skill-building for affordable, healthy meal preparation o Develop technology-integrated education modules …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for community agriculture on City park land WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was approved by City Council in October 2024; and WHEREAS, Goal 1 of the Food Plan is to expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park Vision Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council on October 15, 2020 with one of the defined values to adapt the heritage of the site by carrying the site’s productive agricultural heritage into the present and future by exploring possibilities for food production and agricultural education, and includes “The Farm” in the design of the park to to connect local food production and education with opportunities for multi-generational participation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin already has a Community Gardens Program (started in 2009 when the Austin City Council passed the Urban Farm Ordinance) to establish a single point of contact and streamline the process for establishing community gardens on city land; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five- county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, community agriculture on City park land provides vital opportunities for community-based food access, culturally-relevant food production, community-led food access solutions, emergency preparedness, climate resilience. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to fully fund City park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture and include financial support for staff or an external entity to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities, including full funding for the implementation of the Vision Plan at John Treviño Jr Metropolitan Park Commented [1]: Was 2009 the first time that Parks dedicated staff/time to community gardens? BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means in order to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB January 2024 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Response to Council IFC ● City Staff lead by Office of Sustainability ○ developing asset map of physical infrastructure in the food system ○ collaborating with the Central Texas Food Bank to develop social network analysis of stakeholder groups ○ identifying strategies within the Plan that can be led by City Departments ○ Identifying strategies that can be led by external organizations ○ Identifying funding needs to move Strategies forward, both internal City Department need and external organization needs ○ developing an on-line dashboard to track progress on all 61 Food Plan Strategies Implementation Coalition ● City and County staff are exploring a funding opportunity to support a Food Plan implementation coalition (Strategy 9.1) ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have an Inter Local Agrement complete in spring 2025 ● RFP for support of an implementation coalition will be released in mid-2025 Report back to Council in Spring 2025 ● City staff will provide a Memo to Council in spring 2025 ○ Updates on Strategy progress including defined leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan ○ Funding needs in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
1 Austin Community Owned Food Retail Initiative Del Valle Food Co-op Update Drew De Los Santos Executive Director drew@acba.coop 512-222-7032 ACBA ● Co-op Economic Development ● Technical Assistance/Coaching ● Advocacy ● Community Building ● Solidarity Economy Work ● Sister Organization: Austin Cooperative Business Foundation ● Non-Extractive Financing for Worker-owned, democratically managed businesses Initiative History 3 Katie Novak: Cooperative Coaching Outreach Steering Committee Formed steering committee ● ● GAVA conducted door knocking and house meetings across eastern crescent Surveys were distributed ● ● Represented across eastern crescent ● 3 languages ● Met monthly ● ● ● Created business plan Reviewed Market Study Created Membership Benefits plan Developed pilot plan ● Capital Campaign Committee ● Meets monthly ● ● Identifies grants Develops partnerships with Foundations, Institutions Reports to Steering committee/Board ● 4 4 What is a co-op? ● ● ● ● People centered business Owned by the people that need the business Democratically controlled : 1 member, 1 vote Need profit to fulfill mission Co-op values: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity What is a Food Co-op? 5 ● A business focused on accessing food and other groceries, household goods; ● All profits go back into services or making co-op more affordable, or can be given to owners; ● Anyone can shop at the co-op. Ownership means: ● Investing in the business by buying a share ● Voting on your representative for the board of directors ● Access to owner-deals ● Access to financials of the business ● ● Open to all regardless of immigration Profit sharing status Membership Membership Role: Membership Benefits: ● Invest in the business through buying a 1 time share for $50 (required to vote but not to shop) ● Shop regularly at the co-op ● Vote for the Board of Directors ● Attend membership meetings ● Vote on who represents you on the Board of Directors ● Run for the Board of Directors ● Attend Members-only Meetings ● Special discounts/coupons ● Ownership in a local food retail ● co-op that meets and ensures food access to the local community Unique to our co-op: Product Development & Skill building classes and access to selling your product at the co-op 2025 Timeline 1. 2. October - November : November - December: 3. 4. 5. January - March: March - April: April - December: 7 ACBA and GAVA conducted a board election. 7 Board members elected! ● ● ● …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our community are related to the food supply chain; and WHEREAS, implementing Regenerative Agriculture also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 100% of Austinites, especially those who are food insecure, can access a pro-climate, pro-health food systems that prioritize regenerative agriculture; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to regenerative agriculture and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, Regenerative Agriculture is defined in the food plan as an approach to farming that works to restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and improve land, water, and climate for the future; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also states that a more specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be developed to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use; and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and aligns with national standard parameters for climate smart, conservation focused, regenerative practices; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process utilizes COMET-farm modeling technology to quantify greenhouse gas sequestration potential from practice implementation, creating an avenue for measuring implementation predictions vs. results; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of Sustainability has previously allocated funds for Texas’ First Resilient Farm plan at the Refugee Collective Farm, establishing a precedent of city support for plan implementation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to assist with the writing and implementation …
This template is a guide for liaisons. TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2020 Travis County Climate Action Plan prioritizes a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 2005 levels by 2030; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, passed through a Resolution of Support by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to regenerative agriculture and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, Regenerative Agriculture is defined in the food plan as an approach to farming that works to restore soil and ecosystem health, address inequity, and improve land, water, and climate for the future; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan also states that a more specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be developed to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use; and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and aligns with national standard parameters for climate smart, conservation focused, regenerative practices; and This template is a guide for liaisons. WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process utilizes COMET-farm modeling technology to quantify greenhouse gas sequestration potential from practice implementation, creating an avenue for measuring implementation predictions vs. results; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, The Marin Carbon Project provides an example of County Government collaborating with Resource Conservation Districts, the equivalent of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Texas, to implement regenerative agricultural practices; and WHEREAS, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board offers funding for Regenerative Agriculture through its Texas Climate-Smart Initiative; and WHEREAS, Travis County has previously allocated funds for cheaper and longer leases on county owned agricultural lands if producers …
MEETING MINUTES January 13, 2025 Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, January 13, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Larry Franklin, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Mark Bethell Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Kacey Hanson motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024, with Board Member Hilda Gutierrez, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 11-0 vote. 2. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County (see back-up materials for presentation). STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Drew De Los Santos, Executive Director at Austin Cooperative Business Association on the Del Valle Food Co-op (see back-up materials for presentation). Natalie Poulos stepped off the dias at 6:57 pm 4. Discuss the draft recommendation to support Goal 1, Strategy 1.12 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Fully fund City and County park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture (such as the Vision Plan at John Trevino Jr. Metropolitan Park) and include support for staff to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities. Board Member Andrea Abel and Board Member Lisa Barden. a. Suggestion to add in the Austin-Travis County Food Plan strategy number, reference the specific strategy from the Austin Climate Equity Plan, and change language to a more specific dollar amount request or remove the language of “fully” funding. b. Suggestion to also include “medically relevant”. c. Suggestion to reference state code that makes this recommendation relevant. 5. Discuss draft recommendation(s) to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Board Member Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). a. Farmland Acquisition and …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, January 13th, 2025, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on December 2nd, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from December 19th, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado Discussion of Mid / Concept Design for Family Violence Shelter & Protection Center Art in Public Places Project – Felipe Gomez Discussion of Update on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase II Art in Public Places Projects 3. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. ACTION: Approve Request for Qualification for the St. John Site Redevelopment Art in Public Places Project 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ACTION: Approve Final Design for Longhorn Dam Bridge Art in Public Places Project – Reginald Adams ACTION: Approve Final Design for Beverly Sheffield Pool Art in Public Places Project – Sun McColgin ACTION: Approve Final Design for Highland Park Art in Public Places Project – Samara Barks ACTION: Approve Final Design for South Lamar Corridor Art in Public Places Project – Wanda Montemayor ACTION: Approve the Selection Process Recommendations for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase I Art in Public Places Projects Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones STAFF BRIEFINGS 11. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, January 13th, 2025, virtual meeting. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:07 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Andrew Danziger, Bernardo Diaz, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Taylor Davis, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison. Staff in Attendance: Program Manager: Jaime Castillo. Project Coordinators: Frederico Salles Geib, Lindsay Hutchens, Bryana Iglesias, Ryan Runcie, Alex Irrera. Guests in Attendance: Constance Y. White - Austin Airport Arts and Music Manager PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, December 2, 2024, were approved on the motion of Bernardo Diaz; Kristi-Anne Shaer seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from December 16, 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Liaison Maldonado who reported the Arts approval of the artist selection recommendations for Elisabet Ney Museum Grounds AIPP project as well as the approval of the De-accession process of artworks at the Austin Convention Center. Discussion of Mid-Concept Design for Family Violence Shelter & Protection Center AIPP Project – Artist Felipe Gomez presented, followed by feedback from the AIPP Panel members. Discussion of Update on the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP) Phase II AIPP Projects. Staff Alex Irrera presented followed by comments and questions from the AIPP Panel members. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. ACTION: Approve Request for Qualification for the St. John Site Redevelopment AIPP project. Staff Ryan Runcie presented and the RFQ was approved on the motion of J Muzacz; Kristi-Anne Shaer seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ACTION: Approve Final Design for Longhorn Dam Bridge AIPP project – Artist Reginald Adams presented and the final design was approved on the motion of Liaison Maldonado; J Muzacz seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0. ACTION: Approve Final Design for Beverly Sheffield Pool AIPP project– Artist Sun McColgin presented and the final design was approved on the motion of Andrew Danziger; Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0. ACTION: Approve Final Design for Highland Park Art in Public Places Project – Artist Samara Barks presented and the final design was approved on the motion of Kristi-Anne Shaer; Taylor Davis seconded. Motion passed 7-0-0. ACTION: Approve Final Design for South …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. 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 Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on December 9, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Luis Herrera, D6 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Sarah Huddleston, D9 Commissioners Absent: Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Deborah Ro – TNR in the community Laura Nesmith – TNR in the community Wendy Weiss - TNR in the community Jacobi Alvarez – TNR in the community Rochelle Vickery – TNR in the community 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 14, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of October 14, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Tucker’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager, Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department, and Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Dulzaides’ motion, Commissioner Tucker’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bruce, Nemer, and Nilson were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
HUMANE CARE Measures: Strategies: CITY OF AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICE STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 DRAFT 01.08.2025 Vision: The vision of the Animal Services Office (ASO) is to provide services and resources that allow people and animals to thrive in the city of Austin. Description: Meet animals’ physical and emotional needs and ensure a high quality of life for animals in shelter and foster care by providing enrichment, behavioral support, and well- maintained facilities. Goal: Increase enrichment, socialization, and behavioral services • # of times out of kennel per day per dogs (2 times for large dogs, 3 times for small dogs) • % of animals with daily in-kennel enrichment • # of staff training hours in animal behavior • Expand capacity to provide enrichment and socialization services for all animals through adequate staff, volunteers, funding, and partnerships • Offer staff training and educational opportunities in animal behavior • Enhance support for fosters through training and resources Goal: Improve campus facilities and physical spaces Measures: • Average amount of time between issue identification and entry of work order into Building Services system • Additional location analysis completed within 12 months of strategic plan implementation Strategies: • • In partnership with the Building Services Department, identify opportunities to enhance proactive maintenance and optimize facility operations Identify priority facility upgrades and develop a timeline to enhance animal and staff spaces for optimal care and safety • Research, analyze, and explore additional locations to offer ASO services throughout the community (i.e., new satellite locations, secondary locations) ASO Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Final Draft, 01.08.2025 Subject to further review and revision by the Animal Advisory Commission, City Management, and Austin City Council page 1 Goal: Enhance shelter cleanliness and sanitation • Pass yearly state health inspection • Quarterly kennel cleanliness audit Measures: Strategies: Measures: Strategies: • Establish and implement a sanitation protocol for facilities and kennels aligned with best practices, including routine checks to maintain a high standard of cleanliness Goal: Develop responsible pathways for all eligible animals emphasizing those with behavioral needs • % of at-risk animals who have a behavioral training plan • % of behavioral animals placed with partners and rescues • % of adult animals in ASO care beyond 30 days who are plead for foster or rescue placement • % of behavioral animals in ASO who are plead for foster placement • Total number of cats and dogs over 30 days • …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION January 13, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL STAFF BRIEFING 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. 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 Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager January 13, 2025 Strategic Planning Team & Working Group PLANNING TEAM • Responsible for coordination of the strategic planning process, including managing timelines, selecting Working Group members, and plan refinement. Included representatives from ASO staff, Animal Advisory Commission, City Manager’s Office, and Travis County WORKING GROUP • Responsible for using feedback and information gathered from stakeholders, along with their expertise in animal welfare, to collaboratively develop the strategic plan during a series of workshops facilitated by the external consultant • Included Planning Team, a community advocate and representatives from: 2 o ASO staff o ASO volunteers o Animal Advisory Commission o Austin Humane Society o Austin Lost and Found o Austin Pets Alive o City Manager’s Office o Classic Canines o Emancipet o TRAPRS Trapping, Rescue and Pet Recovery Service o Travis County 2 Strategic Planning Process Overview Purpose: To map out the strategic planning process. External consultant Dr. Larry Schooler hired Planning Team and Working Group members identified STRATEGIC PLAN PREPARATION Apr to Jun 2024 PHASE 1: ASSESSMENT Jun to Aug 2024 PHASE 2: STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT Aug 2024 to Jan 2025 PHASE 3: STRATEGIC PLAN FINALIZATION Jan to Mar 2025 Purpose: To understand ASO's current state and gather feedback from stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, partners, and the community to ensure the strategic plan is responsive to the needs, priorities, and aspirations of stakeholders. Purpose: To create a strategic plan that addresses audit findings, fulfills ASO’s mission, and effectively balances stakeholder needs and aspirations while building trust among Working Group members. Purpose: To share, finalize, and adopt the strategic plan. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Conducted a community survey with 2,041 participants Held four listening sessions with 40 ASO volunteers Held nine listening sessions with 94 ASO staff members Interviewed 10 ASO leadership team members Interviewed 11 community partners Reviewed prior audits, reports, and surveys Benchmarked similar animal welfare organizations Compiled two comprehensive reports of survey and listening session findings Held five initial workshops with the Working Group Shared draft focus areas and goals with stakeholders Held staff town hall to gather feedback on draft framework Conducted community survey to gather feedback on draft framework Feedback shared with …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on January 13, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nancy Nemer, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners Absent: Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Lotta Smagula, D1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kayla Murray – Adoption difficulties Pat Valls-Trelles – Animal Services Budget Laura Ransan Nesmith - TNR Wendy Weiss – TNR Deborah Ro – TNR Rochelle Vickery – Abandoned Dogs 1 Robert Corbin – Off leash dogs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of December 9, 2024, was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. The motion to take up Item 3 before Item 2 was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. The presentation was made by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Service Office, and Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department. Vice Chair Linder requested that staff provide the introduction and background for the Strategic Plan and any additional language that precedes the Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Community cat processing Working Group (Clinton, Huddleston) A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. 2 The minutes were approved at the February 10, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Hoke was absent. 3
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, January 10, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Conor Kelly Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar Kristen Vassallo CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on December 13, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin emergency language access plan from the Communications and Public Information Office and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on the feasibility of attendance of and accessibility considerations for the Equity Office’s Undoing Institutional Racism Training. Update from Chair Meyer regarding attendance of the CapMetro Community Advisory Committee and CapMetro fare payment system changes. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion of ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department and formation of a Working Group to develop a training on City Code Chapter 5-6. Discussion of the City of Austin Budget process and formation of a Working Group to write budget recommendations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792 or …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, December 13, 2024 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, December 13, 2024 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, December 13, 2024, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Mickey Fetonte Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on November 8, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on November 8, 2024 were approved on Vice Chair Frank’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Chang and Kelly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, December 13, 2024 Update from Chair Meyer regarding the recent work of the CapMetro Community Advisory Committee. Chair Meyer provided an update. Discussion on the feasibility of attendance of and accessibility considerations for the Equity Office’s Undoing Institutional Racism Training. The motion to postpone to the next meeting was approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion, Vice Chair Franks’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Chang and Kelly were absent. 4. Discussion on ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department. The motion to postpone to the next meeting was approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Chang and Kelly were absent. 5. Update on attendance of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Budget Input Sessions. Commissioner Fetonte provided an update. Discussion on commissioner appointments in 2025, including Joint Inclusion Committee representatives, holdover capacity and quorum for the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Select a Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities member liaison to participate in the interview panel and relay Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities authorized feedback on the interview process for the Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Discussed. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS CapMetro – Redline Trail (Meyer, Vassallo) Budget Discussion and Working Group (Meyer, Vassallo) Update CAC Committee (Meyer) A motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 pm was approved on Vice Chair Frank’s motion Commissioner Salazar’s …
