PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250519-004 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: 500 South Congress PUD Application Motioned By: Jennifer Franklin Seconded By: Luai Abou-Emara Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Abou-Emara’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Talor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. 1 of 1
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy • Resolution No. 20240926-014 • Purpose: Provides community and policy makers guidance to identify, organize, and resource Economic and Cultural Districts in the context of the City of Austin, while continuing their commitment to recognizing and cultivating unique cultural and economic value for the public benefit of our communities. • Focuses on cultural preservation, local economy, and community identity C I T Y O F A U S T I N Existing Economic and Cultural Districts Existing Districts African American Cultural Heritage District 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Red River Cultural District East 12th Street District East Cesar Chavez District North Lamar International District South Congress District Aldrich Street at Mueller South First Street District 2nd Street District Seaholm District Southshore Cultural District* C I T Y O F A U S T I N Role of Boards and Commissions • Review new Cultural District proposals • Evaluate alignment with City goals and cultural asset presence • Make recommendations to Council via B&C process • Support ongoing district performance and equity monitoring C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic and Cultural District Considerations • Cultural Identity: Does the district reflect a meaningful cultural or historical story? • Organizational Capacity: Is there a managing entity in place? • Community Support: Do residents, artists, and businesses support this? • Cultural Asset Map: Are key spaces and traditions clearly documented? • Alignment with Citywide Plans: Imagine Austin, Cultural Tourism Plan, Thriving in Place • Resiliency: Does the district demonstrate long-term strategies for cultural preservation, economic adaptability, and climate responsiveness? C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Presentation to the Austin Arts Commission Presented by: The Museum of Human Achievement / Zac Traeger Date: 5/19/25 Additional Attachments: Full Proposal, Letter of Endorsement from Govalle Principal Welcome to Govalle East Austin neighborhood with deep creative history Anchored by MoHA, Bike Texas, Canopy, 979 Springdale, Govalle Elementary Major hub for EAST and First Saturdays Vision: A thriving, inclusive district where art, education, green space, and community converge. Five-Year Headline: In 2029, the Govalle Cultural District will continue to be known as a neighborhood where creativity and community thrive—preserving the past, shaping the future, and making space for all to belong. Stakeholder Engagement 3 public meetings, 35 participants 12 in-person interviews, 9 calls Live editing via Google Docs Petition with 87 signatures and volunteer offers SWOT analysis 60 | Individual Artist, Organizer, or Community Member 22 | Small Business 21 | Creative Business 15 | Property Owner 11 | Non-profit Cultural Organization Core Values Grouped into key themes: Youth and intergenerational programming Public art, walkability, and cultural storytelling Affordable space and artist retention Artist economic stability and event activation Community-led planning and green infrastructure Organizational Capacity Fiscal sponsor: The Museum of Human Achievement 13 years of service to East Austin Supports 22 artists + 22 organizations No-fee fiscal sponsorship model via Open Collective $2.2M in grants secured for local creatives (2023–24) Programs, Tools, & Partners City and external support we’re engaging: Identity District Agreement, CAMP updates, planning assistance Creative District Overlay + TCA designation Future advocacy and state/federal grant alignment Collaborations with AISD, private foundations, and local orgs Timeline Overview 2025–26: Pilot youth programs, affordability work, walkability 2027–28: Infrastructure improvements, storytelling, events 2029–30: District legacy, tenure tools, cultural preservation Summary Ready with a plan and community support Aligns with City affordability, and arts goals Unlocks additional public/private funding Builds a replicable model for neighborhood-based district Next Steps Share with City staff and other departments contacts Stay involved as implementation begins Thanks! Questions?
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget April w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $34,223,840 $109,665,04 $169,901,585 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $2,858,334 $10,029,439 $16,217,879 • Total HOT Collections April 2025 = $34,223,840 • 64% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund April 2025 = $2,858,334 C I TY O F A U S T I N Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • NASCAR Cup Series – March 1 - 2 • SXSW – March 7 – 15 • Rodeo Austin – March 14 – 29 • Spring Break – March 17 – 21 • University of Texas/Intercollegiate Athletic Events • NCAA Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds – March 22 - 24 • Texas Relays - March 26 - 29 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,851,308 C I TY O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I TY O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $10,029,439 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? C I TY O F A U S T I N
•Project: Ross Road Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $330,000 •Council District: District 2 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 •Project: Johnny Morris Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 1 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 Substandard Streets AIPP projects • Project Background Substandard streets are publicly owned • roadways within the City of Austin’s jurisdiction that do not meet current City of Austin requirements because they have pavement widths that are less than 24 feet and typically lack some curb and gutter, drainage, bicycle accommodations, and sidewalk infrastructure. This project includes a review of existing • conditions, such as traffic counts, crash data, and pinch points, as well as a review of constraints, such as right-of-way and utilities, and coordination with the City’s adopted transportation plans and policies. AIPP in the area Johnny Morris Rd. Ross Rd. Substandard Streets Budget: Ross Road $330,000 - Sponsor Department – Capital Delivery Services Johnny Morris Road $190,000 Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places • Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding built and natural environments Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • Substandard Streets Application Results 27 applications were received AIPP Staff determined 18 applications were eligible Selection Panel Voting Panelists Courtney Arte Jimenez – Austin Artist and Ross area Resident https://latino.si.edu/exhibitions/healing-uvalde/ Lesley Chantal – Austin Artist https://www.chantallesley.com/ Liza Fishbone – Austin Artist https://www.lizafishbone.com/ Selection Panel Non-voting Advisors Jaime Castillo– AIPP Program Manager Rebecca Rende – AIPP Sr Project Coordinator Micheal Singleton – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Shivani Kesar – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Selection Results …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250519-010 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: Recommendation for emergency response funding for arts and culture organizations impacted by federal grant terminations Motioned By: Commissioner Houston Seconded By: Commissioner Schmalbach Recommendation Austin arts and cultural organizations have been deeply and negatively impacted by the recent terminations of previously awarded federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Arts Commission recommends the City Council direct staff to determine the extent of the impact on local organizations and to establish an emergency fund to provide budget gap funding to impacted organizations within the next 90 days. Rationale In past two months, federal agencies including the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have terminated or rescinded previously awarded grants to organizations, artists, and scholars across the country. Austin’s organizations have been impacted, though the total extent of the impact has not been fully quantified. The Texas Commission on the Arts has been collecting data from impacted entities across the state and will be an important source of information for assessing the total immediate impact, as well as the potential ripple effects within the arts ecosystem and broader economy. Estimates from Austin Chronicle reporting specifically focused on NEA cuts, and information drawn from publicly accessible NEA databases suggest that more than 20 organizations, including the City of Austin itself, may have had NEA grants terminated. In some cases, terminated grants may have already been fully paid, while in others the termination leaves a large hole in an organization’s budget. In the worst cases, organizations may have incurred unreimbursed expenses on awards, as these grants operate on reimbursement or a maximum 30-day advance request. It will be important for City staff, with information from partners like Texas Commission on the Arts, to help determine the full extent of the damage of these terminations to design an appropriate response. The Arts Commission recommends the establishment of an emergency fund, similar to what was created to support organizations and artists during the Covid19 pandemic. The fund would be open by application to organizations that have been materially impacted by the federal terminations, who could then apply for some relief to mitigate the damage to their operations and, in the worst cases, their sustainability. We also ask the City Council and Mayor to leverage their significant influence to call …
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director May 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Greater Austin Book (GAB) Fest 2025 Brings Authors and Community Together The second annual Greater Austin Book (GAB) Fest was held at the Central Library on April 26, bringing together more than 85 authors for a two-day celebration of literature, creativity, and community. The event kicked off on Friday evening with a welcome reception, offering authors a relaxed space to connect, network, and settle in after setting up their tables. Saturday was lively and energetic, with hundreds of attendees exploring every floor of the library, visiting author tables, participating in panel discussions, purchasing books, and engaging in a wide range of literary activities. The event underscored APL’s ongoing commitment to supporting writers and fostering a love of reading across the community. John Gillum Branch Renaming Ceremony The John Gillum Branch renaming ceremony was held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Formerly known as the North Village Branch, the event honored Mr. John Gillum, former Facilities Manager of Austin Public Library. Gillum Branch staff organized an afternoon of activities and festivities to commemorate the occasion. Mr. Gillum was joined by family, friends, former and current council members, Library Administration, and staff in a formal celebration recognizing his lasting contributions to the library system. June 7th: Kids Block Party Austin Public Library will host its annual Kids Block Party on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Central Library. This free, family-friendly event is geared toward children ages 0–12 and their caregivers and will serve as the official launch of the 2025 Summer at Austin Public Library. The event will feature six themed activity blocks, including storytimes, puppet-making, a laser light show, hands-on science, nature-based fun, and a family resource fair. APL Strategic Plan We are continuing the implementation phase of our strategic plan. Currently, we are customizing the tool provided by UT to ensure it aligns with our departmental needs and priorities. As part of this process, we are beginning to populate the tool with feasible, relevant data points. In parallel, we are also collecting qualitative stories from across the department to highlight progress and successes that may not be fully reflected through quantitative metrics alone. These efforts aim to create a more comprehensive and meaningful picture of our advancement toward strategic goals. Special Events Updates In April 2025, …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 19, May 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Faiza Kracheni Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla Board Members Absent: Celina Zisman, Muna Hussaini CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Calder Kamin spoke on their canceled AIPP corridor project • Amanda Johnston from Torch Literary Arts spoke on the positive impact the Thrive grant has had on their organization, and voiced their concerns around the arts working group recommendations that create additional barriers • Stephanie Patrick from Early Era Collective spoke on their history with cultural funding grants and wanted to tell the impact that the Elevate and Thrive grants have had on their organization including increased pay to artists and increased programming. They voiced their concerns around the funding caps and matching requirements in the arts working group recommendations • Margo Sawyer from spoke on their convention center works that was being decommissioned and wanted to request that the ACME pay for half of the cost ($15,000 of the total $30,000) of deinstalling their work • Zac Zulch from Almost Real Things spoke on the positive impact that the Elevate grant has had on their organization and voiced their concern around ACME’s Creative Reset. • Marisa Rivera from SIMS foundation spoke on the positive impact the Elevat grant has had on their organization and voiced their concerns around proposed changes to the existing funding programs. They voiced their for clear transparent process that ____ • Bonnie Cullum from The Vortex voiced their concerns around prioritizing “legacy” organizations when that term hasn’t been defined. They stressed that the organizational growth that was made capable by • Piper Lamoine Ranche Allegre spoke on the need to extend the reservation policy for the Doris Miller from no more than 6 months in advanced to …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on May 19, 2025 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker (Joined at 6:10 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Malcom Yeatts - East Riverside Oltorf Combined Contact Team Scott Johnson – Parks and Libraries Fund Scott Cobb – Lifeguard issues Ed Miller - East riverside park needs Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Kearns- Osterweil second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program. Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Coordinator and Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on whether this PUD has been controversial, and trail surface material. The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 19, 2025 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 19, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Gabriella Zeidan (Vice Chair) Harriett Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. The minutes were amended to strike “$125,000” in Item 6 and insert “$120,000” on Chair Duhon’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was off the dais. Commissioners Khawar, Krueger, and Oliva Martínez were absent. The minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025 were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was off the dais. Commissioners Khawar, Krueger, and Oliva Martínez were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve proposed language for a historical marker on 4th street. 1 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 19, 2025 The proposed language was presented by Kim McKnight, Division Manager, Development Services Department. The motion to approve proposed language for a historical marker on 4th street was approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Khawar, Krueger, and Oliva Martínez were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Duhon – Discussion and possible action to approve the Annual Internal Review at the July meeting. Second by Commissioner Clemmons. Commissioner Aslam – Recommendation regarding severe climate emergencies and cooling shelters at the June meeting. Second by Chair Duhon Commissioner Aslam – Recommendation regarding grant funding for nonprofits working on basic needs such as the Texas Central Food Bank. Second by Chair Duhon. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:14 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the June 23, 2025 meeting without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Clemmons and Krueger were off the dais. 2 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISISON MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 19, 2025 3
Library Commission Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Southeast Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Mehta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025 The April 28, 2025, minutes were approved at the May 19, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioner Gore. The motion passed on an 8–0 vote. Chair Infante Huerta and Commissioner Davis were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, presented information on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on Summer at Austin Public Library and Kids Block Party, by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Language Access, by Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. 5. Staff briefing on the May APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Mehta adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. without objection. Library Commission Meeting Minutes May 19, 2025 The May 19, 2025, minutes were approved at the June 30, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Gore and Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Frayjo, Gururaj …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive 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 Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula Saira Khan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 04/28/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll, Howard, and Wittstruck. 1 Presentation was made by Commissioner Wittstruck. 3. Discussion on conducting an analysis of the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. The item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project Marriott at Cesar Chavez to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Vice Chair Meiners' motion, Commissioner Murkes’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project 17th and Guadalupe Apartments the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Commissioner Gelles’ motion, Vice Chair Meniers’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. to conduct analysis on 5. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2- 1-172. No action was taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 06/23/2025 meeting on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Howard and Murkes were off the dais. Commissioners Khan, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD MAY 16, 2025 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/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, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kergin Bedell Karla Jo Dixon Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice-Chair Faye Mills KatyJo Muncie Josh Robinson Roy Woody 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 including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 17, 2025. Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on MARCH 28, 2025. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT the minutes of ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Work Study Program overview and future efforts. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – So Yong Kim, Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, DACC Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager and Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager, DACC 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please …
Federal Work-Study Program at DACC DACC partnered with UT-Austin to implement the Federal Work-Study program. Two under grad students were hired in October 2024 after receiving over 70 applications. So Yong Kim, LCSW-S Clinical Case Manager Supervisor Program Development Timeline November 2023 Initial discovery of FWS program through UT-Austin School of Social Work DACC approved as Federal Work-Study site July 2024 October 2024 Two candidates selected and began work 1 2 3 4 5 Early 2024 Paperwork initiated with UT-Austin August 2024 Recruitment began through Handshake and job fair participation Homeless Services Position Position Details Fall 2024 Khue Nguyen Works in Homeless 144 total hours Spring 2025 255 total hours Services from 10/8/24-12/5/24 and 1/14/25-05/01/25 $3,114.72 total cost with $2,428.16 $5,515.65 total cost with $3,482.34 billed to FWS billed to FWS Court Operations Position Position Details Francesca Abundo works 10/21/24-12/13/24 and 1/14/25-05/30/25 Fall 2024 Spring 2025 112 total hours 362 total hours $2,422.56 total cost with $7,829.97 total cost with $1,773.66 billed to FWS $3,482.34 billed to FWS Training Requirements General Onboarding HR and FWS orientation Ongoing Time keeping, weekly check-ins (30mins/week) System Training HR+UKG (2hrs), eCourt (2hrs), HMIS Client Service TIC training (2hrs) Organization City required training (1-2hrs), DACC NEO (2hrs) Key Administrative Tasks Mail Management Sorting clients' mail (300+ on Tuesdays, 100+ on Thursdays) Document Processing Scanning vital documents, creating PDF-fillable forms, uploading clients' vital documents onto HMIS (A–D, about 2,500 client folders) Inventory Organizing closing closet, refilling hygiene items and snacks, ordering office supplies File Management Organizing old client files, returning correspondence (20 files/hour) Data Input / Organizing CDP spreadsheet Program Impact Staff Satisfaction Positive feedback from staff The administrative assistance has fulfilled a long-standing request Burnout Prevention Reduced stress from administrative burden Time Savings Hours redirected to critical case management tasks Total of 843 hours completed by 2 work-study students Cost Savings 360 hours completed at $21.63/hour with FWS stipend, saving about $10,000 compared to higher employee rates Next Steps Continuity Planning Both assistants will return in August for the next year. Plan coverage for summer and winter breaks is needed. Feedback Collection Gather staff input on additional tasks for administrative support. Retention Strategy Aim to retain assistants to minimize training and other administrative costs.
