Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB June 2025 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Food Plan Dashboard Now LIVE City Staff Report Back to Council ● City staff will provide another Memo to Council in October 2025 ● City staff will provide a summary of the Food Plan Memo to the CWEP (Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks) Council Committee in fall 2025 Implementation Collaborative ● City and County staff developed an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation collaborative (Strategy 9.1) ● On May 8th, City Council approved an RCA to negotiate a contract with the County ● On May 13th, Travis County Commissioners Court approved the ILA with the City ● City staff are developing an RFP for support of an implementation collaborative. Will be released in mid-2025. ● Consultant should be on-board in fall of 2025. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Considering additional options for summer 2025 ● Next Convening in fall of 2025 Travis County Food Plan Updates Nothing new to report Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
AGRICULTURAL VALUATIONS IN AUSTIN/TRAVIS COUNTY Ian Dill - COA Office of Climate Action and Resilience Background Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) creates the criteria for Agricultural Valuations based on primary use and property history. The State Comptroller releases guidelines for all Texas counties based on 1966 and 1978 Constitutional Amendments. Properties must pass 3 tests to qualify: “Principal Use” Test “Degree of Intensity” Test Time Period Test TCAD Structure TCAD has a big Board of Directors which is elected and run by a Chief Appraiser The Director appoints the Agricultural Appraisal Advisory Board, at least 2 of which are recipients of an Agricultural Exemption This has no decision-making authority over Exemptions! They advise on intensity standards Any issues with specific appraisals are handled by the Appraisal Review Board Appraisal Review Board members are private citizens appointed by TCAD Defining the Problem 3 main problems with Agricultural Valuations in Travis County: Agricultural Valuations ought to help stop the loss of Travis County Farmland. 1. Farmers in Austin/Travis County have trouble getting an exemption. 2. Not well aligned with goals in the Food Systems Plan. 3. Conspicuous properties are receiving valuations for land on or around large developments. Travis County has lost 11% of its farmland acreage and 21% of its farms since 2017. Average farm size has grown by 13% since 2017. Properties receiving a 1-d-1 exemption in the City of Austin (2023) 1-d-1 --- Open Space Agricultural Use (Dry Cropland, Pasture) 1-d-1B --- Beekeeping 1-d-1E --- Ecological Lab 1-d-1W --- Wildlife Conservation Barriers to Farmer Accesss The guidelines offer no way to measure intensity for a huge share of our crop mix! As of 2022, $14 million in crop sales out of the total $63 million are vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nurseries, greenhouses, floriculture, or sod. Negotiations and challenges to appraisal process are complex and time-consuming. Food Systems Plan Alignment Stated Goals The Food Systems Plan (2024) aims for a diverse food inventory (Goal 4) and support regenerative food production (Goal 1). Assessment Process Assessors seem to take a snapshot of farms which misleads them about the intensity and farming techniques being used. Program-Wide Trends Even if only farms or conservation lands get exempted, the fact that the largest exempted properties are attached to a new factory and a racetrack indicate that the program is currently a development incentive. Recommendations - TCAD 1. Update and clarify intensity and size …
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250609-003 Date: June 9, 2025 Subject: Use of personal email addresses by City of Austin volunteer commissioners Motioned By: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair Seconded By: Commissioner Raul Alvarez Recommendation Allow for communications to and from City of Austin volunteer board and commission members to go to both official city email addresses and personal email addresses. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Electric Utility Commission respectfully requests that the Austin City Council amend the city code to allow volunteers serving on city commissions to use a combination of personal and city email accounts. Specifically, commissioners and city staff should be explicitly allowed to copy personal email addresses when emailing commissioners at city (BC) email addresses. A commissioner’s official city email address should still be included on all official communications. Rationale: The City of Austin Clerk’s Office has begun informing staff liaisons for City of Austin boards and commissions that they must only use commissioners’ official city email addresses, due to a requirement in city code. Prior to this recent guidance, some commissioners had requested that correspondence be directed to both their city email address and a personal email address that they check more frequently. This enabled volunteer commissioners to avoid missing communications from liaisons, other city staff, fellow commissioners, and the public. Making communicating with staff and fellow commissioners easier can make serving boards and commissions more accessible and allow commissioners to be more productive on behalf of the City of Austin. Many volunteer commissioners are also working at least one full-time job. Many also have other family and community responsibilities and commitments. Many already have more than one email account to keep up with and adding another can be a significant burden for some commissioners. Commissioners are informed during the mandatory trainings for commissioners that all communications about board or commission business are subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, regardless of what communication channel – city or personal – that the commissioner uses. Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Cesar Benavides; Commissioner Johnathon Blackburn; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Chris Gillett; Commissioner Chris Kirksey; Commissioner Cyrus Reed Against: None Abstentions: None Absent: Commissioner Joshua Rhodes Attest: Nici Huff Nici Huff, Staff Liaison
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250609-006 Date: June 9, 2025 Subject: Hiring New Austin Energy General Manager Motioned By: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair Seconded By: Commissioner Dave Tuttle, Chair Recommendation Establish decarbonization experience criteria for candidates and host public forum for finalists. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Electric Utility Commission recommends that the following be included in the hiring process for the next Austin Energy general manager: 1. Establishment of clear criteria for experience that align with the decarbonization goals of Austin Energy, as established by the City Council. 2. One or more hybrid format public forums for a short list (3-5) of finalists for the position that are open to the public and recorded. Attendees should have the opportunity to ask a question of the candidates. Rationale: The general manager of Austin Energy needs to be prepared for more than just operating an electric utility. Austin Energy is different from many utilities because it is publicly owned. And it is different even from many publicly owned utilities because of the priorities of the Austin community and the Austin City Council. The Austin City Council has repeatedly adopted plans that envision the phasing out of fossil fuels at the utility. Doing so will require several changes in programs, operations and policies at the utility. The next general manager must be someone who embraces this challenge and is eager to find solutions to difficult problems. The Austin Energy general manager must be comfortable with responding to the public in a productive way in times of crisis and as a regular course of business. The Austin Energy general manager at times becomes the most visible face of the city government. Engaging the public in a way that builds trust is essential. Participating in at least one public forum prior to being hired is one way to get a taste of how a candidate will approach responding to the public. Vote: 7-0-3 1 of 2 For: Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Cesar Benavides; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Cyrus Reed Against: None Abstentions: Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Chris Gillett; Commissioner Chris Kirksey Absent: Commissioner Joshua Rhodes Attest: Nici Huff Nici Huff, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
Animal Services Office Strategic Plan Update Juany Torres Strategic Plan Project Manager June 9, 2025 Background The City of Austin Animal Services Office (ASO) launched a strategic planning process in June 2024. This planning process was initiated in response to two 2023 reviews of ASO by the City of Austin Auditor’s Office and the National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations. In March 2025 City Council adopted the plan. ✓ January 2025: Finalize and Design Strategic Plan ✓ February 10, 2025: Animal Advisory Commission meeting discussion and recommendation ✓ March 5, 2025: Public Health Committee Briefing ✓ March 27, 2025: Austin City Council Meeting for consideration and adoption of Strategic Plan ✓ April 29, 2025: Travis County Commissioner’s Court presentation of Austin City Council approved Strategic Plan ✓ May 2025: ASO has launched implementation of Strategic Plan June 2025: First update on Austin City Council approved Strategic Plan to Austin Animal Advisory Commission 14 Strategic Planning Process Overview STRATEGIC PLAN PREPARATION Apr to Jun 2024 PHASE 1: ASSESSMENT Jun to Aug 2024 Purpose: To map out the strategic planning process. External consultant Dr. Larry Schooler hired • • Planning Team and Working Group members identified 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. • 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 3 Strategic Planning Process Overview Continued PHASE 2: STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT Aug 2024 to Jan 2025 PHASE 3: STRATEGIC PLAN FINALIZATION Jan 2025 to May 2025 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. • Held five initial workshops with the Working Group • • Held staff town hall to gather feedback on Shared draft focus areas and goals with stakeholders draft framework • Conducted community survey to gather feedback on • draft framework Feedback shared with the Working Group and …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item 02 DATE: Monday June 9, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0007 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___-____Niccolo A Sacco (D6) OUT ___-____Sameer S Birring (D7) OUT ___Y___Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Jeffery L Bowen (M) ___Y____Corry L Archer-mcclellan (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) OUT ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OUT APPLICANT: Jay Hargrave OWNER: Hans Vaziri ADDRESS: 601 KINNEY AVE VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code 25-2-492 Site Development Regulations (Maximum Height Requirements) & Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 3.4.1 (Height) to increase the height on a flat roof from 32 feet (maximum allowed) to 42 feet (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to attach a bedroom to an existing single- family residence in an “SF-3”, Single-Family zoning district. NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 3.4.1 – Height. Height shall be measured vertically from the average of the highest and lowest grades adjacent to the building to: A. For a flat roof, the highest point of the coping; B. For a mansard roof, the deck line; C. For a pitched or hip roof, the gabled roof or dormer with the highest average height; or D. For other roof styles, the highest point of the building. BOARD’S DECISION: April 14, 2024 Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne motion to Postpone to June 9, 2025; Board member Michael Von Ohlen second on 11-0 votes; POSTPONED TO JUNE 9, 2025. June 9, 2025 Postponement request by applicant was Denied by Board member Michael Von Ohlen, Board member Maggie Shahrestani second on 9-0 vote (Board member Thomas Ates-late virtual due to technical issues). The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to Deny; Board member Jeffery Bowen second on 10-0 votes; DENIED. 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 …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item 03 DATE: Monday June 9, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0019 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___-____Niccolo A Sacco (D6) OUT ___-____Sameer S Birring (D7) OUT ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___Y____Jeffery L Bowen (M) ___Y____Corry L Archer-mcclellan (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) OUT ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) OUT OWNER/APPLICANT: Kathryn and Rafael Reyes ADDRESS: 7211 RIDGE OAK RD VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-899 (Fences as Accessory Uses) to increase the height from six (6) feet (maximum allowed) to eight feet four inches (8’4”) feet (requested), in order to erect a fence along both interior side property lines and rear property line in a “SF-2-CO-NP”, Single-Family-Conditional Overlay-Neighborhood Plan zoning district (West Oak Hill Neighborhood Plan). Note: The Land Development Code 25-2-899 Fences as Accessory Uses (A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a fence: (1) is permitted as an accessory use in any zoning district; and (2) must comply with the requirements of this section. (B) In this section: (1) an ornamental fence is a fence with an open design that has a ratio of solid material to open space of not more than one to four; and (2) a solid fence is a fence other than an ornamental fence. (C) The height restrictions of this section do not apply to an ornamental fence. (D) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a solid fence constructed along a property line may not exceed a height of six feet measured from the natural grade up. (E) If there is a change in grade of at least one foot measured along any run of a solid fence along a property line, then the portion of the fence where the grade change occurs may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet. (F) a solid fence along a property line may be constructed to a maximum height of eight feet if each owner of property that adjoins a section of the fence that exceeds a height of six feet files written consent to the construction of the fence with the building official; and (1) there is a change in grade of at least two feet within 50 feet of the boundary between adjoining properties; or (2) a …
Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 9, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Parliamentarian Norton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Erin Ferguson, D8 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Jo Anne Norton, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Myers – Heat, euthanasia notices, UPL Rochelle Vickery – Thanks to Austin Pets Alive! Max Oliver – Duties of AAC Julie Oliver – Issues at AAC Matt Oliver – Issues at AAC Caroline Clay – Foster barriers at AAC Angela Pires – Euthanasia notices for space APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025. 1 Animal Advisory Commission Minutes June 9, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on April 14, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Ferguson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Holt and Nemer were off the dais. Commissioner Clinton was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office. 3. Staff briefing regarding an update on the implementation of the Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030. Presentation by Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. The presentation was made by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Services Office and Juany Torres, Strategic Plan Project Manager, Animal Services Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review for the Animal Advisory Commission. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Cats Processing Working Group regarding the work completed since February 2025. Commissioners Holt and Huddleston provided an update. 6. Update from the Long Distance Adoption Working Group regarding the work completed since March 2025. Commissioner Holt provided an update. 7. Update from the Good Fix Marketing Working Group regarding the last three meetings and accomplishments so far. Commissioner Nilson provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Good Fix Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Nilson, Ferguson, Herrera, …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 9, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:52 PM. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Brian Poteet, Michael Von Ohlen, Corry L Archer-Mcclellan (Alternate) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Thomas Ates (at 6:38pm), Yung-ju Kim, Maggie Shahrestani Board Members absent: Sameer S Birring, Niccolo A Sacco, Suzanne Valentine 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 PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. Item02 C15-2025-0007 Postponement request by applicant APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on May 12, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for May 12, 2025 The minutes from the meeting May 12, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne, Board member Jeffery Bowen second, on 9-0 Vote (Board member Thomas Ates-late virtual due to technical issues). Previous Postponed Variance cases: 2. C15-2025-0007 Jay Hargrave for Hans Vaziri 601 Kinney Avenue On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET PART1, PART2, NO PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code 25-2- 492 Site Development Regulations (Maximum Height Requirements) & Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 3.4.1 (Height) to increase the height on a flat roof from 32 feet (maximum allowed) to 42 feet (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to attach a bedroom to an existing single- family residence in an “SF-3”, Single- Family zoning district. NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 3.4.1 – Height. Height shall be measured vertically from the average of the highest and lowest grades adjacent to the building to: A. For a flat roof, the highest point of the coping; B. For a mansard roof, the deck line; C. For a pitched or hip roof, the gabled roof or dormer with the highest average height; or D. For other roof styles, the highest point of the building. Postponement request by …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT SPECIAL CALLED MEETING – Training Session BOARDS AND COMMISSION ROOM 1101 MINUTES Monday, June 9, 2025 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Special Called Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2005, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Bianca A. Medina-Leal, Michael Von Ohlen, Corry L Archer-Mcclellan (Alternate) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Yung-ju Kim, Brian Poteet, Maggie Shahrestani Board Members absent: Thomas Ates, Sameer S Birring, Niccolo A Sacco, Suzanne Valentine Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT may be participating by videoconference. No actions or votes will be taken. 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 TRAINING SESSION Board of Adjustment Deep Dive: Key Topics & Issues 1. Overview -Brent Lloyd (BOA) General Background • The history of BOAs & their role in zoning • Creation of Austin’s BOA • What BOAs do: Variances Special Exceptions Appeals Variances: Criteria for Approval & Other Considerations • What constitutes a “hardship”? • When is a property deprived of “reasonable use”? • What does it mean to alter “area character? • Variance conditions – what are they for and when are they appropriate? • New state legislation affecting BOA variance criteria? Special Exceptions • What are they, and how are they different from variances? • Austin’s use of special exceptions? Administrative Appeals • What’s an appeal, and how is it different than a variance or exception? • Considerations unique to appeals. 2. Issues Specific to Residential Review -Mike Peralta (Residential Review) • Subchapter F (Residential Design & Compatibility) • Special Exceptions • Other issues 3. Environmental & Lake Austin Issues -John Clement (WPD) • Lake Austin Regulations • Heritage Tree Issues • Related topics 4. Compatibility- Christine Barton-Holmes (LUR) 5. Boat Docks - Clarissa Davis (LUR) ADJOURNMENT 4:00 PM The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be …
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JUNE 9, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair Mitchell Kreindler, Commissioner Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Rogue Huitron, Civil Service Coordinator Meca Thompson, Civil Service Coordinator Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator Sylvester Martin, MCS Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting on May 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on May 5, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kreindler’s motion, Chair Thomas’ second on a 2-0 vote, with Vice Chair Ahmed off the dais. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JUNE 9, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Emergency Medical Services Captain - Communications written promotional examination administered on May 2, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. The motion to approve the appeal of exam question 53 and to accept answers B and D as correct, was approved on Commissioner Kreindler’s motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. 3. Discussion regarding whether the Commission questions the fitness for duty determination made of a City of Austin Emergency Medical Services Medic-Field, Michael Ozuna, by the Medic’s personal physician under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.081 and Rule 15.04 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Personnel Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. Items 3 and 4 were addressed concurrently. EXECUTIVE SESSION 6. Discussion and deliberation regarding whether there is reason to question the fitness for duty determination made of a City of Austin Emergency Medical Service’s Medic, Michael Ozuna, by the Medic’s personal physician pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.081 and Rule 15.04 of …
ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 9, 2025 ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 9, 2025 The Electric Utility Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Dave Tuttle called the Electric Utility Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Dave Tuttle, Chair; Commissioner Cesar Benavides; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Chris Gillett; Commissioner Chris Kirksey; Commissioner Cyrus Reed. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Kaiba White, Vice Chair; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Dale Bulla – Solar and battery storage • David Hogan – Solar activation issues at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church • Stan Pipkin – Solar installation obstacles • Jorge Vieiro – Solar Standard Offer, battery storage, gas peakers, and Fayette APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on May 12, 2025. The motion approving the minutes of the Regular Electric Utility Commission meeting of June 9, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kirksey’s motion, Commissioner Reed’s second on an 10-0 vote, with Commissioner Rhodes absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the Green Building Program by Heidi Kasper, Director Energy Efficiency Services. The Staff briefing was presented by Heidi Kasper, Director Energy Efficiency Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 9, 2025 3. Discuss and approve a recommendation on changing city code that relates to allowable methods for board and commission communications. The commission discussed the city code relating to email policies for commissioners and staff. The motion to recommend changes to the city code allowing for communications to and from City of Austin volunteer board and commission members to go to both official city email addresses and personal email addresses with an amendment was approved on Vice Chair White’s motion, Commissioner Alvarez’s second on a 10-0 vote with Commissioner Rhodes absent. 4. Discussion of electric landscaping equipment distribution event. The commission discussed the memo relating to the landscaping equipment distribution event in April 2025. 5. Discussion and approval of changes to the 2025 EUC meeting schedule. The commission discussed moving the July 2025 EUC meeting. 6. Discussion and approval of recommendations on hiring process for new Austin Energy general manager. The commission discussed the hiring process for the new Austin Energy general manager. The motion to …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES June 9, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, June 9, 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, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Nitza Cuevas, Kacey Hanson, Hilda Gutierrez, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett 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 Vice-Chair Lisa Barden called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Adrianne Lusk, Texas Veg Fest – interested to hear more about the progress of plan implementation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andy Smith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 12, 2025, with Board Member Andrea Abel, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 9-0 vote pending minor edits. STAFF BRIEFING 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). Joi Chevalier joined the dais at 6:21 pm DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss Agriculture Valuations, Ian Dill, Graduate Student at UT LBJ School of Public Affairs (see back-up materials for presentations) 4. Discuss Board Member advocacy efforts 5. Annual Internal Review reminder – due end of July 6. Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year 7. Review Board Member assignments a. Edwin Marty to send Ian Dill’s report on agriculture valuations b. Amanda Rohlich to update board member matrix and advocacy plan so Board Members can review and send Amanda relevant updates c. Amanda Rohlich to send reminders to Board Members to submit any relevant meetings for getting those added to the meeting d. Amanda Rohlich to send out for with rank choice of recommendations for Board Members to determine priority e. Joi Chevalier and Andy Smith to coordinate on talking points f. Amanda Rohlich to send sample Annual Internal Review to Board Members for inspiration and then Board Members to send items to include in report g. Amanda Rohlich to send Board Members rank choice survey for future agenda items prioritization h. Send email out to all Board Members to see who is available for the July meeting i. …
