PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR meeting on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, TX. Acting Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 12:09 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Holly Reed, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker. Board Members Absent: Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ricardo Chavana - Economic benefit of parks as a gathering place. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on September 20, 2024. The minutes from the regular meeting of September 20, 2024, were approved on Board Member Taylor’s motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second, on a 4-0 vote. Board Member Merritt absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development that requires City Council approval and/or committee and board recommendations. Denisha Cox, Contracts Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on watercraft concession at Barton Creek and whether is now under the purview of the Real Estate Office, which 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2024 concessions are being managed by PARD Partners and Phase 2 of The Trail Conservancy Parkland Operations and Maintenance Agreement. No action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist III, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on unlicensed concessioners, The Expedition School concession agreement, conditional use permits for alcohol sales, revenue from Zilker Eagle Train and revenue sharing in new contracts. Board Members discussed tabling the approval of the 2024 Annual Concessions Report to the January 2025 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board. No action was taken on this item. 4. Discussion and approval of setting the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee 2025 regular meeting schedule. The motion to approve setting the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee 2025 regular …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 21, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR meeting on FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, TX. Chair Becker called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Lane Becker. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Christ Flores - Homelessness issues and cooking concerns at Zilker Café APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 17, 2025. Chair Becker noted an error on the agenda concerning the approval of minutes. The Contracts and Concession Committee did not meet on January 17, 2025. The Contracts and Concessions Committee's meeting minutes from November 15, 2024 and March 21, 2025 will be approved at the next meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on an upcoming RFP solicitation for management and operation of the Zilker Café. Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on grease traps security, 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 21, 2025 alcohol sales, environmental precautions for salamanders, public input, the most recent concessionaire at this location and local preference. No action was taken on this item. 3. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development and on the FY25 Annual Concession Activity Report summarizes year to date concessionaire activity per Austin City Code § 8-1-73 Annual Concession Report required data. Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, and Pat Rossett, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on considerations for 'historic' concessions, revenue concessions payment schedule and TTC management of concessionaires. No action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department …
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION August 22, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisha Mac Gregor, Austin Community College Andrew Lyon, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Aidan Cournoyer, University of Texas at Austin Kritika Ramesh, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Camila Colin, St. Edward’s University Caroline Schilling, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 College Student Commission Regular Meeting from April 25, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Introduction of new commissioners. 2. 3. 4. Update on the status of recommendations 20250425-005 and 20250425-006. Discussion of current working groups and assignment of new commissioners to working groups. Discussion of housing issues across all colleges. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on their priorities. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on their priorities. 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 Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
College Student Commission Meeting Minutes 25, April, 2025 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 25, APRIL, 2025 The College Student Commission convened in a regular meeting on 4, April 2025 at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 in Austin, Texas. Chair Charlie Mossberger called the College Student Commission Meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Charlie Mossberger, Halle Kocian, Andrew Lyon, Elisha McGreggor Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Caleb Brizuela, Jacob Hamerslough, Mariama Mbacke, Mariana Ponce PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The motion to approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting on April 4th, 2025, was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Andrew Lyon’s second on an 8-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. None DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. None PUBLIC HEARINGS None 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation by NAME, TITLE, 3-1-1, presented on how to submit service requests, code violations and other non-emergency issues through 3-1-1. Andrew Lyon was elected chair on an 8-0 vote. Caleb Brizuela was elected vice chair on an 8-0 vote. 6. 7. 1 College Student Commission Meeting Minutes 25, April, 2025 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. The motion to update the College Student Commission Bylaws from a monthly meeting requirement to 4 meetings a year was approved on Andrew Lyon’s motion, Jacob Hamerslough’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to amend Recommendation 20250425-005: Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Andrew Lyon’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20250425-005: Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Aidyn Ogden’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Carson Domey, Dominic Polidor, and Prisca Dhital were absent. The motion to amend Recommendation 20250425-006: Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Aidyn Ogden’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20250425-006: Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Mariama Mbkacke’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Carson Domey, Dominic Polidor, and Prisca Dhital were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 13. Update from TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP: The Transportation Working Group had no update. Update was given by Jacob Hamerslough. 14. Update from MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP. The Mental Health Working Group is interested in having more commissioners be a part of the working group. Update was given by Charlie Hamerslough. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS …
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Contracts and Concessions Meeting August 22, 2025 Presenters: Denisha Cox, Ed.D, MBA, MPH, CTCM, Contract Management Supervisor II Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, …
Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Contracts Under Development Concessions and Contracts Committee Aug-25 Contract/Project Interlocal Agreement with AISD/ Go Project Contract Type Interlocal Phase N NCP NA S / NS NS CCC N/A PARB Feb-25 Council Apr-25 Interlocal Agreement with AISD/S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education) Swim Interlocal N NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 Interlocal ACC Welding Program Partnership Interlocal N NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Jul-25 Notes The City and AISD entered into an agreement in 2005 relating to an educational program known as the GO PROJECT that is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age and that enables students to move beyond the high school setting and finish their education in a college or work environment. The City provides facilities for AISD's use in providing such classes to the identified students and is interested in continuing to do this. As the current agreement in almost 20 years old, the City wants to revisit and refresh the agreement to better meet all needs. A draft agreement has been sent to the Legal Department for review. On February 24, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Board approved by a vote of 7-0 a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. The item was approved by City Council on April 24, 2025. It has been sent to AISD for review and approval. Project SAFE is an aquatic safety education and swim training program provided to the Austin Independent School District by the City of Austin’s Aquatic Division. Each spring, students are invited to their nearby City of Austin- operated aquatic facility for a two-week long learn-to-swim session. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curriculums approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City's hope that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. At the conclusion of the program, registration information will be provided for students to continue their learning by participating in additional City of Austin Parks and Recreation programs. On March 21, 2025, the CCC was briefed on this item and recommended the item be approved by Park's Board. On March 24, 2025, the Park's Board recommended Council authorize the the negotiation and execution of the ILA on a …
ATTACHMENT A - EXPIRING CONTRACTS Contract Category Definition Concessions: Relationship with for-profit or non-profit where the contractual partner earns money by using parkland. The contractual partner pays a portion of the revenue to PARD. PARD periodically evaluates whether this “service” continues to be a business need priority. Formal solicitations are typical for these relationships. In some cases, Council provides specific direction*. Contractual Obligation/Services: PARD enters into an agreement either for services or to provide services. May be driven by PARD business need or it may be Council directed. PARD periodically evaluates whether this “service” continues to be a business need priority. When services are provided to PARD, PARD typically allocates a portion of the general fund or other resources to pay for the services. Interlocal Agreements: PARD enters into an agreement with another governmental entity either for services or to provide services. May be driven by PARD business need or it may be Council directed. While PARD periodically evaluates the need for the “service”, there may be other considerations for maintaining the agreements Partnership: Cooperation, collaboration, working together for public benefit with non-profit organizations. These agreements are not necessarily subject to bid processes. These partners should adhere to recently developed base terms associated with partnership levels (operations and maintenance). PLD: Parkland dedication requirement for developers. Contract Name Type of Contract Contract Description Contract Term Beginning Date Contract Term Ending Date Texas Tennis Consultants Contractual Obligations/Services Management and Operation of Caswell Tennis Center 5/15/2015 9/12/2025 Fairways Cantina Concession - Morris Williams Golf Course Concession Food and Beverage concession. Amendment One, executed 10/18/24, changed the revenue payments to ten percent (10%) of all Gross Revenues and added two additional extension options, for a total of three options: Option is 1-9/30/25 to 9/29/30; Option 2 is 9/30/30 to 9/29/35; and Option 3 is 9/30/35 to 9/29/40. 9/30/2020 9/30/2025 Capital Area Council of Governments (CACOG) Interlocal Interlocal Agreement between the COA and CACOG for delivery of congregate meals to various PARD facilities. Renews automatically each year. 4/1/2011 9/30/2025 Round Rock ISD Swimming Pool Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Interlocal Parties jointly construct, maintain, use and operate a swimming pool located on Round Rock ISD property located at Round Rock ISD Canyon Vista Middle School. 12-month extensions available annually until 9/30/2031, when the pool returns to RRISD. 6/1/2010 9/30/2025 Rowing Dock Rippner Tennis Lone Star Tennis Company Concession Paddling watercraft rental concession on Lady Bird Lake 5/1/2002 …
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A MEETING TAKE NOTICE OF A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN TO BE HELD AT 1124 S IH 35, TX Austin, Join Zoom Meeting https://bit.ly/45euiXM Meeting ID: 878 3154 2007 Passcode: 456973 (512.477.4488) CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL Thursday, 12:00 PM August 21, 2025 CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION LIMITATION) TIME (NOTE: THERE WILL BE A THREE-MINUTE CITYWIDE ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent considered at another not limit the possibility does the Consent circumstances Act. Government Code, Texas Open Meetings appropriate Agenda may be removed time on this agenda. of any presentation, at the request Placement or action discussion, Agenda alter any requirements of any Commissioner and on the Consent Agenda does Under no of the Texas under Chapter 551 at this meeting. CONSENT ITEMS 1.Presentation, Discussion, Summary for the Board Meeting held on July 10, 2025 and Possible Action regarding the Approval of the Board Minutes ACTION ITEMS 2. Update on Communities In Schools (CIS) programs and partnerships 3. Update on Boys and Girls Clubs programs and partnerships 4.Update on the HACA-Austin Pathways scholarship program 5.Update on Austin Affordable Housing Corporation activities EXECUTIVE SESSION Session ( close its meeting to the public) Pursuant with Attorney regarding legal advice, to: or pending Texas Gov't Code, consultations offer; or a settlement litigation; The Board may go into Executive a.551.071, contemplated b.551.072, c.551.074, reassignment, complaint d.551.087, duties, or charge against Texas Gov't Code, discuss an officer or employee. certain Texas Gov't Code, discussion about the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; Texas Gov't Code, discuss the appointment, employment, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; evaluation, or to hear a economic development negotiations.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING ELECTRIC BOARD Wednesday August 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM- In Person/Web Ex PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER/ 1st FLOOR, CONF RM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gabe Flores-Chair (Fuentes); Delwin Goss (Velasquez); David Johnson- V Chair (Madison), Victoria Shope (R.Alter), Joseph Hernandez (Laine), Deschaine, David (Siegel); VACANT(Duchen); Michael Grant (Qadri); Joel Cochren(Page); Rogelio Wallace (Vela) Kenny King(Watson) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 1. Approve the minutes of the Electrical Board Regular Called Meeting from March 19, 2025 DISCUSSION 2. Discussion with Austin Energy on any Austin Energy Criteria manual update or changes. 3. Discussion with Austin Energy on adding inspection process to the Electrical permit for customer inspection request. 4. Discussion on Commercial Plan Review update; Submittals, on time ratio and staffing. 5. Discussion on Building and Trade Contractor Service update; permit application process, turnaround times and staffing. 6. Discussion on Commercial and Residential Inspection update on staff vacancies and timely inspections. 7. Approve the creation of a working group for 2026 National Electrical Code technical code amendments DISCUSSION on ACTION 8.. Conduct officer elections for the chair and vice chair of the Electrical Board. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are 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 Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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 comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Bryce Laake-Stanfield Anita Carmichael Roberts Jose Reyes VACANT – D6 VACANT – D4 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Jul 16, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Johanna Wynne and Brian Cook from Leading to Win and Texas Veteran Chamber of Commerce. 3. Review and discussion on the current budget proposal and how it affects veterans. 4. Discussion on the 2025 Veterans Day Parade. 5. Discussion of upcoming “Get to know your commissions” events. 6. Continued discussion to address how to disseminate veteran’s information through social media now that the veterans commission is part of the Joint Inclusion Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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 Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission August 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 6th, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Watershed Protection Department Flood Response – John Beachy, Division Manager, Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Watershed Protection Department 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Elizabeth Funk, (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday August 20, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday July 16, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday July 16, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nancy Pollak Nelly Paulina Ramírez Sania Shifferd CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on May 21, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 21, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Shifferd was off the dais. Commissioner Pollak abstained. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Shanisha Johnson, Planner Principal, District Planning, Planning Department regarding the Downtown Austin Plan Update. The presentation was made by Shanisha Johnson, Planner Principal, District Planning, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update regarding the Design Commission’s recent work as it relates to the Downtown Commission. Commissioner Gelles provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the Downtown Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review. The motion to submit the Downtown Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review without the commission’s approval was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Shoal Creek Conservancy Austin Texas Musicians ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. 2
DOWNTOWN CREATIVE HUB PROPOSAL BACKGROUND While Austin has long branded itself as the “Live Music Capital Of The World”, Austin Texas Musicians has learned from its base of 6000+ working Central Texas musicians that they, by and large, are less and less interested in playing downtown due to a variety of challenges, including: • Safety • Parking • Performance Pay Rates • Green Room Space BACKGROUND With less and less musicians performing in the downtown core, Austin’s vital tourism economy is in danger of collapse. Rather that keeping pace with rapid downtown growth, our cultural economy stands to disappear, leaving a downtown core that serves only new residents and businesses, while losing the vital tourism dollars that drive sustainability and future growth. Additionally, 2023 news reports show that downtown offices spaces are becoming increasingly vacant, underlining need for services that bring new revenue sources to downtown Austin. Musicians must be able to work downtown in a way that is safe and economically feasible. A THREE-TIERED SOLUTION Austin Texas Musicians nonprofit proposes the following three-tiered solution that will serve to bring music back to downtown austin: 1. Redevelop existing downtown spaces to serve as a “Green Room” Creative Hub 2. Create parking solutions in partnership with Travis County D.A. Garza and Judge Brown 3. Bolster existing “Gig Buddy” program with Council action and budget for Block-by-Block liability insurance and increased overnight staff BACKGROUND Austin’s former City Hall municipal building, located at 8th & Colorado, is currently being reviewed by Rally Austin as a potential Creative Hub. With 60,000 sq. ft. of space across three floors and a basement, Austin is now presented with a rare opportunity to support our Cultural Arts ecosystem. CREATIVE HUB • At 60,000 sq. ft., three stories and a full basement with garage and hydraulic load-in, the old City Hall building at 8th & Colorado holds immense potential as a Creative Hub for music, theater and dance. • ATXM toured the space in the summer of 2023 upon the invitation of Rally Austin. • We then polled group members to determine best uses of such a space for our music community: CREATIVE HUB: POTENTIAL USES • Overwhelmingly, group members pointed to need for a “Green Room” space of sorts… a safe place where they can go before and after downtown gigs to prep for performance, send booking emails, or work on marketing. • Arts nonprofit offices to …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE 24-HOUR OASIS ACCESS WHEREAS nearly one-in-three people experiencing homelessness in Austin-Travis County are chronically homeless; and WHEREAS the City has identified alleviating homelessness as a key priority; and WHEREAS the City of Austin adopted the State Homelessness Response System report and modeling (the “Report”) as a guideline to inform investment in the homelessness response system; and WHEREAS the Report states that the number of people seeking homelessness services for the first time has increased dramatically; and WHEREAS that number is expected to continue to rise; and WHEREAS Austin’s Homelessness Response System (“HRS”) serves a diverse population with needs ranging from short-term assistance to permanent housing programs; and WHEREAS short-term services are crucial and effective for meeting the urgent needs of the unhoused; and WHEREAS the Oasis is a safe, welcoming outdoor space on the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (“ARCH”) campus providing a rare place downtown for unhoused individuals to simply be off the streets, away from businesses, and outside without disruption; and WHEREAS the Oasis provides a dignified place for people to meet their basic needs—like showering and resting—away from storefronts, parks, or sidewalks—helping to reduce the visible effects of unsheltered homelessness while also improving hygiene, health outcomes, and access to services; and WHEREAS by offering a consistent, supportive space, the Oasis contributes to a more orderly and compassionate downtown, while fostering long-term solutions to chronic homelessness; and WHEREAS, due to its proximity to the ARCH and other homeless services, the Oasis provides dignity, relief, and connection to the support needed for stability and well-being; and WHEREAS currently the Oasis is only open to the unhoused during the day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM seven days a week, turning out onto the streets at night after 7:00PM those accessing the Oasis during the day; and WHEREAS the ARCH’s proximity to Austin’s entertainment district means weekend evenings see an influx of people accessing the bars and restaurants along 6th Street and Red River Street; and Draft WHEREAS with adequate funding, the Oasis could remain a 24-hour refuge for the unhoused on Friday and Saturday nights, giving them an alternative to being on the streets; and WHEREAS the cost of providing 24-hour access to the Oasis on Fridays and Saturdays with associated services would be $75,000.00 per year; and WHEREAS it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Michael Nahas Jake Randall Ofelia Zapata Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi Zain Pleuthner Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on June 18, 2025. The minutes of the June 18, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez and Commissioners Ponder were absent. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding how commissioners would like to prioritize future speakers and presentations to the commission. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner engagement with the Economic Opportunity Committee. Discussed. Follow-up discussion regarding engagement with Council members on commission recommendations and activities. Item 4 was taken up before Item 3 without objection. Discussed. Discussion regarding the use of economic reports to support the commission’s working group recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion regarding membership and possible dissolution of the Childcare Working Group. Discussed. No action was taken. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and Report. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update on from the Small Business Working Group on small business accelerators and conversations with Economic Development Department staff. Update by Chair Gonzales. Update from the Long-Term Economic Planning on research, studies, peer city evaluations, and proposed potential solutions on long-term economic planning as it relates to City of Austin employee retirement benefits, specifically looking at pensions, defined contributions, and other benefit plans. Update by Commissioner Nahas. Update from the Workforce Development and Job Creation Working Group regarding its research on policies related to vendor selection, bidding, and approval in the City, and potential speakers at working group meetings. Update by Commissioner Pleuthner FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. without objection. 2
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission August 20, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Charles Curry, Vice Chair Zachary Bird Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Russell Korte Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on June 18, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Development Services Department on permitting process. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on Commission process and future presentations. 4. Discussion on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force recent meeting items. 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 Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
