Programs Update June 24, 2024 Jennifer Peters, Div Mgr, Programs & Partnerships Office of Programs & Partnerships (AOPP) • Develops and manages a programming plan that aligns with the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Austin Public Library • Creates system-wide processes that enable programming staff to develop, execute, and evaluate high-quality programs • Sets standards and measures effectiveness so that Library and COA leadership recognize the value of library programming to the Austin community. FY23 Changes and Updates • Developed New Program Priorities • Created Programming Manual • AOPP Team Responsibilities • Defined Program, Priorities, & AOPP Scope • Program Planning and Purchasing Processes • Revised Program Plan Submission Form • Replace “how” with “why” • Evaluation • Updated AOPP Sharepoint Landing Page • Developed Online Program Plan and PRF Submission Process • Created Trackers for Program Plans and PRFs • Providing Trainings Impact Percentage Change Oct 2022-Mar 2023 to Oct 2023-May 2024 Total Programs 2212 3860 Oct 22- Mar 23 Oct 23- May 24 % Change 75% Total Attendance 52555 102305 95% Number of Programs 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M Program Attendance 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - …
1 Director’s Report June 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Active Projects Timelines ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Project Highlights………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 Programs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 Circulation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..14 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 HIGHLIGHTS 1 Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month Austin Public Library proudly celebrated Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AHPI community in our nation’s history. As part of the up to 30+ programs across the library system to celebrate AANHPI, the Central Library hosted a community celebration with programs and activities including: · Storytime, "Celebrating Asian Dragons", featuring dragon folklore and myths, shadow puppet show, flannel stories and songs and rhymes and dragon art activities. · Carnatic music (a form of Indian classical) with Nischal Ananda, South Asia Institute of Austin, performing on the Carnatic Violin. · Bollywood Improv Show, an improvised Bollywood-style "rom-com", led by Director, Sid Desai, a veteran Hideout improvisor and director. · Paper Lei Making with Austin History Center · Gift shop items featuring AANHPI brands Terrazas Reopens! Terrazas branch library reopened on May 18, 2024, revealing a fresh new appearance following a two-month revitalization project led by the APL Facilities and Information System teams. We are excited to offer an updated facility to the community as we head into our summer programming. Inaugural GABFest a Success Austin Public Library hosted the first-annual Greater Austin Book Festival on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Central Library. The intention behind the Greater Austin Book Fest was to provide a valuable opportunity for authors, illustrators, and readers from Hays, Williamson, and Travis Counties to establish meaningful connections and engage with their community. The day-long event featured over 80 local authors hosting panel discussions and book signings, Storytimes from over a dozen local children’s authors, as well as interactive writing, bookbinding, and storytelling sessions for all ages. 2 Bike to Work Day 2024 The Bike to Work Day Team welcomed 138 bikers who stopped by the Library’s fueling station on their bike route. Participants engaged with a selection of books displayed, played with a “bike journey” spinner, and contributed to the APL bike zine. There was also APL-branded swag and a bike …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 13, May, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 13, May 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Central Library, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair, Steve DeRosa, Mark Smith Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Chistina Masters, Magen Davis, Commission Members Absent: Kezia Frayjo, Andrea Herrera Moreno, PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the April 29, 2024, regular meeting. The minutes of the April 29, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commission Member DeRosa's motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Frayjo and Herrea Moreno absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Librarian III. 2. Staff briefing on Kids Block Party and Summer at Austin Public Library, by Alanna Graves, The presentation was made by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 13, May, 2024 3. Staff briefing regarding Cooling and Warming Center Activation, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The presentation was made by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 4. Discussion of the May Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commisison Retreat Programs Update Budget Update in July App Update once available Adjournment: Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m. without objection.
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, June 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 Human Rights Commission Special Called Meeting on May 20, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Discussion of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ban (Senate Bill 17). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts. Approve a recommendation to Council on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events. 3. 4. 5. COMMITTEE UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee on the Commission on Veterans Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee and the City of Austin Poet Laureate Program. 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. (512) 974-2562 or Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY MAY 20, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a special called meeting on May 20, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission meeting on April 22, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of April 22, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ Motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Raghavan, Stevenson, and Weigel were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 3. 2. Approve a recommendation to condemn the enactment of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ban (Senate Bill 17) and its effect on the University of Texas. The recommendation was approved with the following friendly amendments on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Raghavan, Stevenson, and Weigel were absent. The friendly amendment from Chair Duhon was to add a section six to the Be It Resolved Section to read as follows. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Vice Chair Zeidan. “6. The Commission calls on Council to support budget recommendation 20240325-06 titled Addressing the Ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives passed by this body at the March 25th, 2024 meeting.” The friendly amendment from Commissioner Clemmons was to revise section five of the Be It Resolved section to read as follows. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Vice Chair Zeidan. “5. The Commission recommends the City Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor of Texas, the Lieutenant Governor, Chair of the Texas Legislature Higher Education Committee, members of the Texas Legislature, the President of the University of Texas at Austin, and other relevant stakeholders.” Approve a recommendation to call on City Council to engage with the University of Texas to cease the use of police force to suppress student protests, work with student activists to find peaceful and constructive solutions, protect free speech and peaceful protest, protect student rights, and call on City Council to investigate the use of force and arrests of …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommenda2on Number: (20240624): Resolu2on on Addressing the Rise in Drug Overdoses in the City of Aus2n and Promo2ng the Legaliza2on of Fentanyl Tes2ng Strips and Harm Reduc2on Efforts WHEREAS the War on Drugs describes the con<nued prohibi<on and criminaliza<on of a broad set of substances under the Controlled Substances Act; and WHEREAS harm reduc<on, in the context of substance use, is a community-oriented public health and safety approach aimed at reducing the nega<ve consequences associated with the use of substances; and WHEREAS harm reduc<on is one of the four core strategies being implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services to address the ongoing opioid crisis; and WHEREAS Travis County has experienced a significant increase in drug overdoses, exacerbated by the prevalence of fentanyl and other synthe<c opioids; and WHEREAS the opioid crisis con<nues to devastate families and communi<es, with fentanyl being a leading cause of overdose deaths, killing five Texans daily in the previous year; and WHEREAS the Texas Legislature passed several bills into law in 2023 to combat the fentanyl crisis, including measures to distribute naloxone on college campuses and to increase public awareness of the dangers of fentanyl; and WHEREAS fentanyl test strips, proven to be highly effec<ve in detec<ng the presence of fentanyl in drugs, are a cri<cal harm reduc<on tool that can save lives by allowing individuals to test substances before use; and WHEREAS research shows that fentanyl test strips are between 96 percent and 100 percent accurate, providing a cost-efficient method to prevent overdoses; and WHEREAS despite bipar<san support in the Texas House of Representa<ves, the bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips did not pass in the Senate, leaving Texas as one of the few states where these lifesaving tools remain illegal; and WHEREAS public health experts, families affected by fentanyl-related tragedies, and medical professionals advocate for the decriminaliza<on and widespread availability of fentanyl test strips to reduce overdose deaths; and WHEREAS other states have successfully implemented the distribu<on of test strips through community health centers, convenience stores, and vending machines, some<mes for free, demonstra<ng their feasibility and efficacy in harm reduc<on efforts; and WHEREAS legal barriers to accessing fentanyl test strips hinder harm reduc<on organiza<ons from receiving funding and distribu<ng these essen<al tools to those in need; and WHEREAS the availability of fentanyl test strips allows individuals to make more informed decisions, poten<ally preven<ng drug use or …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Recommendation on Public Safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events WHEREAS the City of Austin has formally recognized Pride month with an official proclamation “reaffirming the City’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and allyship”; and WHEREAS Pride month and surrounding celebrations have been prominent to Austin’s culture since its first Pride week in 1982; and WHEREAS members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to be targets of hate incidents, violent threats, and extremist legislation; and WHEREAS Pride events in Austin have been canceled this year due to bomb and death threats; and WHEREAS Pride events in Austin have been canceled this year due to bomb and death threats, such as the cancellation of the "Legendary Drag Brunch and Market" due to a bomb threat; and WHEREAS Texas has seen a significant increase in reported anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes, with Austin experiencing a rise from 12 incidents in 2019 to 51 in 2023; and WHEREAS these threats limit Austin’s ability to be the most livable city in the country; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Austin’s Human Rights Commission that the Austin City Council calls upon relevant public safety departments to implement additional safety measures for the August 2024 Pride Parade and subsequent events. These measures should include, but not be limited to: ● Adequate street closures for the Austin Pride Parade to eliminate vehicle traffic in the immediate area; ● Deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes officers in surrounding areas; ● Briefing local FBI authorities on recent bomb threats and other hate crimes related to the LGBTQIA+ community to monitor and address any active threats. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin City Council utilizes the resources of the We All Belong campaign to increase public awareness of the purpose and significance of Pride and all related events, including the August Pride Parade. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Monday, June 24, 2024 – 5:30 P.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1215 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate 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 the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Raymond Castillo, Chair Roxanne Evans Ben Heimsath AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 Preservation Plan Committee’s regular meeting on May 15, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS Review schedule for Equity-Based Preservation Plan revisions and adoption Review revised criteria for success Review outreach and engagement activities around the draft plan Review community feedback on the draft plan Identify plan recommendations for further discussion 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 the board liaison at the Historic Preservation Office at (512) 974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Preservation Plan Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – 10:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate 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 the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: X _ X Raymond Castillo, Chair Roxanne Evans Ben Heimsath DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 17, 2024 MOTION: Approve the minutes from April 17, 2024 by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Preview outreach and activities for Block Party (5/18) and Community Open House (5/23) Block Party: • Black Austin Tours will be doing guided tours. • The preservation plan area will have boards for feedback and activity tables • Other activities for kids include chalk, hula hoops, and bubbles Community Open House: • Will be held at the Broken Spoke • Boards for feedback and review tables where people can read the plan. • City social media is promoting both events and doing general outreach through paid ads 3. Review analysis of engagement to date around the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan • Commissioners reviewed the website dashboard 4. Review upcoming outreach about the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan (board and commission briefings, tabling at community events) • Technical Advisory Group meeting on Thursday • KUT and KAZI radio interviews will run on Friday morning • AIA Advocacy Roundtable earlier this week • USGBC Texas webinar later today 5. Discuss revising Equity-Based Preservation Plan this summer • Committee will meet jointly with Preservation Plan Working Group over six weeks, mid- June through July • Form smaller Drafting Committee to meet between meetings and hammer out language • Brief HLC on community engagement in July FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Adjourn on a motion by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0 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. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240624-003: Addressing the Rise in Drug Overdoses in the City of Austin and Promoting the Legalization of Fentanyl Testing Strips and Harm Reduction Efforts WHEREAS the War on Drugs describes the continued prohibition and criminalization of a broad set of substances under the Controlled Substances Act; and WHEREAS harm reduction, in the context of substance use, is a community-oriented public health and safety approach aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with the use of substances; and WHEREAS harm reduction is one of the four core strategies being implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services to address the ongoing opioid crisis; and WHEREAS Travis County has experienced a significant increase in drug overdoses, exacerbated by the prevalence of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids; and WHEREAS the opioid crisis continues to devastate families and communities, with fentanyl being a leading cause of overdose deaths, killing five Texans daily in the previous year; and WHEREAS the Texas Legislature passed several bills into law in 2023 to combat the fentanyl crisis, including measures to distribute naloxone on college campuses and to increase public awareness of the dangers of fentanyl; and WHEREAS fentanyl test strips, proven to be highly effective in detecting the presence of fentanyl in drugs, are a critical harm reduction tool that can save lives by allowing individuals to test substances before use; and WHEREAS research shows that fentanyl test strips are between 96 percent and 100 percent accurate, providing a cost-efficient method to prevent overdoses; and WHEREAS despite bipartisan support in the Texas House of Representatives, the bill to decriminalize fentanyl test strips did not pass in the Senate, leaving Texas as one of the few states where these lifesaving tools remain illegal; and WHEREAS public health experts, families affected by fentanyl-related tragedies, and medical professionals advocate for the decriminalization and widespread availability of fentanyl test strips to reduce overdose deaths; and WHEREAS other states have successfully implemented the distribution of test strips through community health centers, convenience stores, and vending machines, sometimes for free, demonstrating their feasibility and efficacy in harm reduction efforts; and WHEREAS legal barriers to accessing fentanyl test strips hinder harm reduction organizations from receiving funding and distributing these essential tools to those in need; and WHEREAS the availability of fentanyl test strips allows individuals to make more informed decisions, potentially preventing drug use or modifying usage …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Recommendation Number 20240624-004: Public Safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events WHEREAS the City of Austin has formally recognized Pride month with an official proclamation “reaffirming the City’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and allyship”; and WHEREAS Pride month and surrounding celebrations have been prominent to Austin’s culture since its first Pride week in 1982; and WHEREAS members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to be targets of hate incidents, violent threats, and extremist legislation; and WHEREAS Pride events in Austin have been canceled this year due to bomb and death threats, such as the cancellation of the "Legendary Drag Brunch and Market" due to a bomb threat; and WHEREAS Texas has seen a significant increase in reported anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes, with Austin experiencing a rise from 12 incidents in 2019 to 51 in 2023; and WHEREAS these threats limit Austin’s ability to be the most livable city in the country. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Austin’s Human Rights Commission that the Austin City Council calls upon relevant public safety departments to implement additional safety measures for the August 2024 Pride Parade and subsequent events. These measures should include, but not be limited to: ● Adequate street closures for the Austin Pride Parade to eliminate vehicle traffic in the immediate area; ● Deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes officers in surrounding areas; ● Briefing local FBI authorities on recent bomb threats and other hate crimes related to the LGBTQIA+ community to monitor and address any active threats. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin City Council utilizes the resources of the We All Belong campaign to increase public awareness of the purpose and significance of Pride and all related events, including the August Pride Parade. Date of Approval: June 24, 2024 Record of the vote: The recommendation was approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was absent. Attest: _____________________________________________ Eric Anderson, Staff Liaison, Office of the City Clerk
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Library Commission Mission Statement: The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. City Code Section 2-1-150 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. a. Commissioners were briefed about the library operations so as to be able to answer questions from the City Council members and their constituents. i. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Library’s Community Service Coordinators. ii. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Public Library’s Proposed FY24 Budget iii. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Library marketing iv. Staff briefing regarding an update on Austin Public Library’s current facilities projects and new construction/expansion v. Staff briefing regarding People Experiencing Homelessness and the Austin Public Library vi. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Library Programming Annual Review and Work Plan 2023/2024 vii. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Library Digital Services viii. Staff briefing on updated reconsideration procedures for Austin Public Library team staff and upcoming reconsideration committee ix. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services x. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services xi. Presentation by Nehemiah Pitts, Chair, Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, regarding Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Engagement xii. Staff briefing regarding Immigration Services xiii. Staff briefing regarding APL Facilities Project Updates, Feasibility Studies & Future Bonds xiv. Staff briefing on Kids Block Party and Summer at Austin Public Library Report. xv. Staff briefing regarding Cooling and Warming Center Activation xvi. Staff briefing on Programs Update, by Jennifer Peters xvii. Monthly briefings regarding the Austin Public Library Director’s b. Commissioners voted to create the following working groups: i. Unmet Needs Working Group c. Commissioners informed their respective City Council members about major issues facing the library. d. Commissioners served as liaisons to branches within their respective council districts. joining remotely. e. All meetings were held in-person with some commissioners occasionally f. Commissioners acted to appoint a member of the library commission to the Austin Public Library reconsideration committee. 2 Annual Review and Work Plan 2023/2024 g. Commissioners reviewed and passed the below recommendations: i. LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20231127-05 - Expand library …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 24, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Michael Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales (9), Amy Noel (7), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Christina Ponder (1), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor) • Vacancy: District 2, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Tom Hedrick, Member of Early Matters Greater Austin: Affordable Childcare Now coalition efforts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 15, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and vote on goals for the next year and the creation of working groups to achieve those goals. Each working group will have a temporary project or assignment, a list of members, and an expected deadline for its proposed recommendation. The motion to approve the goal of focusing on the City of Austin Economic Development Department (EDD), specifically the Global Business Expansion, Redevelopment, and Small Business divisions within EDD, was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Cantu’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. 1 The motion to table the creation of working groups until the next meeting was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • None Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 12:59 p.m. without objection. ********** These minutes were approved at the July 17, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 2
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY JUNE 24, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on June 24, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Mariana Krueger PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called Meeting on May 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Davis and Weigel were off the dais. Commissioner Krueger was absent. 1. 1 DISCUSSION ITEM Discussion of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ban (Senate Bill 17). Discussed. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a recommendation to Council to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts. The motion to approve the recommendation to address the rise in drug overdoses in the City of Austin, promote the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, and promote harm reduction efforts was approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was absent. Approve a recommendation to Council on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events. The motion to approve the recommendation on public safety at Austin Pride Parade and Pride Events with the following friendly amendment was approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger was absent. The friendly amendment from Chair Duhon was to remove the fourth Whereas clause. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner Davis. COMMITTEE UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee on the Commission on Veterans Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee and the City of Austin Poet Laureate Program. Commissioner Davis provided an update. Commissioners Aslam and Clemmons requested a staff briefing on the status of the homeless services audit. Chair Duhon and Commission Davis requested an item to approve and discuss the Human Rights Commission Annual Internal Review and Report. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m. without objection. 3. 4. …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Brita Wallace Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ben Luckens PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on May 13, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 05/13/2024 were approved on Chair Salinas’ motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Ladner, Lee, McKinney, Wittstruck were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve the Design Commission Annual Internal Review The motion to approve the Design Commission Annual Internal Review was approved on Chair Salinas’ motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on a 7-0 vote. 1 3. 4. 5. Select a representative to serve on the Downtown Commission in accordance City Code § 2- 1-140. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding the meeting on May 31, 2024. Update was given by Commissioner Carroll. Update from the representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding the meeting on May 22, 2024. Update was given by Chair Salinas. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 6:43 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 08/26/2024 meeting on Commissioner Wallace’s motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Salinas and Commissioners Carroll and Luckens were absent. 2
