1 Director’s Report April 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Update __________________________________________________________________________ 5 Capital Projects Update __________________________________________________________________5 Gallery _______________________________________________________________________________ 6 Active Project Timelines _________________________________________________________________ 7 Project Highlights _______________________________________________________________________ 8 APL by the Numbers _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Programs and Outreach__________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder ___________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors _____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Circulation and Collections ____________________________________________________________ 112 Express Checkout and Holds ___________________________________________________________113 Technologyy _________________________________________________________________________ 14 Budget, Volunteers and Meeting Rooms ____________________________________________________ 15 3 HIGHLIGHTS Expansion of Eligibility for Free Austin Public Library Cards On Monday, March 11, 2024, all Austin Public Library (APL) locations were able to provide full-access library cards to residents of the city’s Limited Purpose (LTD) and Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJ). Within the first 10 days of the new expansion, 722 new accounts were renewed or created for residents living within the Austin ETJ area alone. ALW is Turning 45! Little Walnut Creek Branch Library will be celebrating its 45th Birthday on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11 AM - 2 PM. We guarantee it will be fun for ALL ages, with a petting zoo, face painter, balloon artist, and performers from local high schools. FREE food, games, and prizes as we invite all to come out and celebrate!" Marshalling Yard Outreach and APL tops 4,500 Enhanced Library Cards Austin Public Library, in collaboration with Austin Public Health – Homeless Strategy Division, organized an Art Program for the residents at the Marshalling Yard Temporary Emergency Shelter (MYES) on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. MYES, serves as a temporary shelter for approximately 200 residents. During the event, the outreach team distributed around 15 Enhanced Library Cards to the residents, marking a significant milestone as we surpassed the 4,000 mark! The provision of Enhanced Library Cards through outreach efforts, coupled with the addition of six (6) APL locations issuing cards, has enabled us to meet the high demand for these cards within the community. Presently, a total of nine locations across the city offer Enhanced Library Cards: Little Walnut, St. John, Southeast, Central, Cepeda, Menchaca, Millwood, Ruiz, and Terrazas. As of April 21, 2024, APL has issued over 4,500 Enhanced Library Cards – an achievement worth celebrating! 4 GABFEST Come celebrate literature with us at the first-ever Greater Austin Book Fest at the Central Library! GAB Fest is a fantastic chance for authors, illustrators, and readers from Hays, Williamson, and Travis Counties to connect and engage with their community. Meet over 80 talented local authors, have …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29, April, 2024 REGULAR MEETING 29, April 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Drive, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Smith called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Courtney Rosenthal, Kezia Frayjo, Sheila Mehta, Steve DeRosa, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: None Commission Members Absent: Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the March 25, 2024, regular meeting The minutes of the March 25, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Vice Chair Infante Huerta's motion and Commission Member Frayjo’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commission Member Masters absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Discussion of the April 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. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 29, April, 2024 3. Discussion and approve a recommendation to support Austin Public Library establishing a City Poet Laureate Program and Committee A motion to approve the recommendation to support Austin Public Library establishing a City Poet Laureate Program and Committee was made by Commission Member Mehta and seconded by Vice Chair Infante Huerta on a 8-0 vote with Commissioner Member. 4. Discussion and conduct elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Library Commission. A motion to nominate Vice Chair Infante Huerta as Chair was made by Chair Smith. Commissioner Mehta agreed to accept the nomination as Vice Chair. No other nominations were made. Lynda Infante Huerta was elected as Chair and Sheila Mehta was elected as Vice Chair on a 8 – 0 vote. Commission Member Masters absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Kids Block Party and Summer Reading Programming at May Meeting Cooling/Warming Centers at Library Facilities Adjournment: Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. without objection. The minutes of the April 29, 2024, regular meeting were approved on May 13, 2024, with Commission Member DeRosa's motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commission Member Frayjo and Herrea Moreno absent.
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE April 25, 2024 --1:00pm Hybrid Special Called Meeting Austin Permitting and Development Center Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online after the meeting at: ATXN Video Archive | AustinTexas.gov For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force 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. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing and Planning: Tymon Khamsi Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Lucia Athens Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Katie Coyne AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Task Force meeting on April 15, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates 3. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding the Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates ADJOURN 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 Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Liaison, Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Robert Goode, P.E., Assistant City Manager FROM: Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Director, Austin Water DATE: April 15, 2024 SUBJECT: Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan Updates We would like to share an overview of Austin Water’s upcoming Recommendations for Council Action, which update both the Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), along with related amendments to the City Code to enforce the plans. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City’s WCP and DCP to be updated every five years. Staff have coordinated revisions with changes being made to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) DCP. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTIONS On May 2, 2024, Austin Water is requesting consideration of the following: • • • Approve a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2019 Water Conservation Plan. Approve a resolution adopting the Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2016 Drought Contingency Plan. Approve an ordinance amending Austin City Code Chapter 2-13, Chapter 6-4, and Chapter 15-9 to codify necessary changes to enact the updated 2024 Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan. BACKGROUND The City of Austin’s 100-year Integrated Water Resources Plan, known as Water Forward, includes a number of strategies to provide for a sustainable water future for Austin, including water conservation and water use efficiency, reclaimed water use, like that of the recently adopted GoPurple Program, and strengthening the diversity of Austin’s water supply. While these plans have always served as an important element to water conservation and water supply planning, they are increasingly important tools as Austin continues to grow and as our region faces a prolonged drought. Current drought conditions have reduced the combined storage of the Highland Lakes to 43% of the available storage when full. The updated WCP and DCP describe current and additional activities to increase water efficiency and reduce water use. Page 1 of 3 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN The WCP provides a description of the activities by Austin Water to conserve water, both in times of plenty and in scarcity. Activities include customer education, incentives, and enforcement; water loss reduction activities; and water reuse, both centralized reclaimed and onsite. In addition to current and expanded conservation activities, the WCP includes goals for 5- …
2024 Updates to the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Water Forward Task Force – April 25, 2024 Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Manager Agenda Going Forward • Water Conservation • Reclaimed Water • Water Loss Control Water Conservation Plan – Program Results 2019-2023 Water Conservation Plan – Goals for 2029 and 2034 • Per-Person Use (GPCD or Gallons Per Capita Daily) • Water Loss (GPCD and Infrastructure Leakage Index) Drought Contingency Plan – Overview 2 Going Forward May 2024 - Seek Council adoption of the WCP and DCP and submit to the TCEQ Summer 2024 – implement conservation activities and review WCP in conjunction with the 2024 Water Forward Plan development November 2024 - Submit a revised WCP to Council with the 2024 Water Forward Plan 3 Water Conservation Plan Program Results 2019-2023 4 Water Conservation Residential Customer Programs Household Material Distribution Residential Irrigation Audits Go Repair! and Plumbing Program Austin Energy All-Star Conservation Kits 5 Water Conservation Residential Incentive Programs 6 Water Conservation Commercial Incentive Programs Bucks for Business • Performance-based: $1 per 1,000 gallons saved over 10 years • Examples: high-efficient fixtures, cooling systems, reusing high quality rinse water • Program resurgence: In Fiscal Year 2024, 18 applications, saving 16.4 million gallons, plus up to 10 more by end of the fiscal year 7 Reclaimed Water & Onsite Water Reuse Over 160 customers using reclaimed water Recent Go Purple program • Requirements for reclaimed connections and onsite water reuse systems • Incentives for reclaimed connections and onsite water reuse systems • Funding sources Voluntary reclaimed connection incentives 8 Water Loss Control Leak detection: line annually mains • Acoustic technology inspects > 500 miles of • Smart ball technology for large transmission “Renewing Austin” program targets aging lines for replacement My ATX Water meter replacement 9 2021 Review of production meters 2023 – External review of water loss activities, final report in June 2024 Water Conservation Plan Goals for 2029 and 2034 Total Gallons Per Capita Daily (GPCD) Residential GPCD Water Loss GPCD Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) 10 Req. Savings (MG) 2,199 5,888 2,917 6,182 123 116 121 115 119 3,900 106 10,818 Goal GPCD 2029 Goal (0.75%) 2034 Goal (1.25%) 2029 Goal (1%) 2034 Goal (1%) 2029 Goal (WCP19 2024 Goal) 2034 Goal (WCP19 2029 Goal) Recommended Goals …
4/25/2024 Subject: Water Forward Task Force Support for Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan Dear Austin City Council, As members of the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community (Water Forward) Task Force, we would like to express our support for approval of the Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan for the City of Austin, to be considered at the May 2nd City Council meeting. These plans are important documents, particularly given the current drought conditions in the Highland Lakes watersheds and the ongoing work needed to advance the City’s water conservation initiatives. The updated Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan outline programs, measures, and requirements aimed at promoting efficient water use, reducing water waste, and enhancing our ability to respond effectively to drought conditions in the short term. Furthermore, these plans align with the City's broader objectives of promoting environmental stewardship, fostering economic prosperity and affordability, and safeguarding the well-being of our residents. As members of the Water Forward Task Force, we believe that intentional effort will be required by Austin Water to achieve and preferably surpass the five- and ten-year water savings goals and drought stage water use reduction targets set in these plans. We support the City placing continued strong emphasis and focus on water conservation, water-loss mitigation, and water reuse program implementation as well as water use restriction enforcement in pursuit of these goals. By approving these plans, the Austin City Council will reaffirm its commitment to proactive water management while emphasizing the need to strengthen current and future water conservation programs. Moreover, it will demonstrate leadership in addressing the pressing challenges posed by the current drought and climate change, both of which have significant implications for our region's long-term viability. With Central Texas experiencing prolonged periods of drought, it is key that we adopt comprehensive strategies to conserve our precious water resources and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your favorable consideration. Sincerely, AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE Jennifer Walker, Chair
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, April 25, 2024 The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened in a Special Called Meeting on April 25, 2024, with Social Distancing Modifications. Chair WALKER called the meeting to order at 1:07 pm. Members in Attendance: Jennifer Walker, Chair Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Madelline Mathis Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Kevin Critendon Members in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Faust Hani Michel Bill Moriarty Perry Lorenz Vanessa Puig-Williams Austin Water Staff: Teresa Lutes Kevin Kluge Marisa Flores Gonzalez Emily Rafferty Helen Gerlach Randi Jenkins Shay Ralls Roalson Jose Emperador Charles Celauro The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force liaison Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 1 of 2 Others in Attendance: Mose Buchele, KUT Atha Phillips, MPT Pool PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the meeting minutes from the April 15, 2024, Task Force meeting. The minutes from the March 5th meeting were approved on Member DIFIORE’S motion and Member MICHEL’S second on an 9-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR REPORTS 2. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates The presentation was made by Kevin Critendon, P.E., P.M.P., Assistant Director, Environmental Planning and Development Services, Austin Water, Kevin Kluge, Division Manager, Water Conservation, Austin Water, and Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water. VOTING ITEMS 3. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding the Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates No action was taken. Chair WALKER adjourned the meeting at 3:08pm. The minutes were approved at the May 14th, 2024, meeting on Paul DiFiore’s motion, Madelline Mathis’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Task Force Member Sarah Faust absent. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Blaine Campbell Logan Schugart Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Sade Ogunbode, Chair Timothy Stostad Joseph Benigno CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Edward Selig Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo The first five 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on March 27, APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Election of Officers for the Building and Standards Commission New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Case Number: CL 2024-019744 Property address: 7310 Carver Avenue / Owner: David Hemmasi Staff presenter: Cris Pelayo Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure Case Number: CL 2024-042327 Property address: 3102 White Rock Drive / Owner: Render Development LLC Staff presenter: Henry Flores Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure Case Number: CL 2024-027597 Property address: 900 Old Koenig Lane / Owner: 5916 N Lamar Investor LLC Staff presenter: David Downing Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure …
REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Alejandra Mireles (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities CALL TO ORDER: Primary Representative: Serita Fontanesi Alternate Representative: Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Rebecca Austen Jose Caceres Leonor Vargas Amanda Afifi (Chair) Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Morgan Davis Charles Curry Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell Lira Ramirez AGENDA 1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on March 27th, 2024. Fausto Rodriguez, Lieutenant – APD, Presenting to Commission on City of Austin Procedures and Policies for Senate Bill 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. KB Brookins, Author and Poet. Proposal for a City of Austin Poet Laureate Program. Discussion to avoid quorum during May 7th Virtual City Department Follow Up FY25 Budget Recommendations event. Discussion on future recommendation regarding Senate Bill 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair. Conduct officer elections for the Vice Chair. Approve amending the bylaws to include the Commission on Veteran Affairs as a member of the Joint Inclusion Committee. Approve presenting amended bylaws with Commission on Veteran Affairs as a member of the Joint Inclusion Committee to the Office of the City Clerk and the Audit and Finance …
Board and Commission Recommendation Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number 20240322-002 Approve a point-in-time count for people with disabilities in Austin WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities is authorized by Austin City Code 2-1-108 to serve as an advisory body to the city council and city manager regarding problems affecting the persons with disabilities in the Austin area; WHEREAS, the Committee serves in an advisory and consultative capacity to the Human Resources Department and the city council to ensure effective compliance and enforcement of Chapters 5-6 (Discrimination against a person with a disability); WHEREAS, the Committee has tried to get a proper count of Austinites with disabilities and has found that no city has tracked Austinites with disabilities. WHEREAS, a point-in-time count is necessary to provide information to the mayor, city council, city manager, and heads of all city departments and agencies to achieve the purposes of Chapters 5-6 (Discrimination Against A Person With A Disability); We recommend a point- in-time count be done at the earliest time possible, and that the proper funds to achieve this be researched and set aside to achieve this goal in a most expedient manner possible. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities support of a point-in-time count the City Council review, support, and take action to approve a point-in-time count. Date of Approval: March 22, 2024 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 6-0 vote For: Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Chang, Fetonte, Powell, Ramírez and Salazar Absent: Chair Franks, Commissioners Hogan and Vassallo Attest: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair
Board and Commission Recommendation Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number 20240322-003 Electronic Community Participation and Information Sharing Whereas: To be effective AMCPD requires a coordinated way to get information to people with disabilities in the Austin community. Whereas: Austin has a large but fragmented web of services for various populations within the disability community making it impossible for the AMCPD to collaborate effectively with the population we serve. Whereas: The AMCPD tried to use personal channels to disseminate an important survey about experiences of transportation and safety, but this resulted in only three responses. Whereas: Due to lack of opportunities in education, transportation, and a centralized information point, people with disabilities are not currently able to participate or self-advocate in city processes affecting them in any meaningful way. Now Therefore Be It Resolved the city will update the AMCPD web page to include the following. First a section to highlight ways people with disabilities can participate at the city level. This could include up to date important information, links to surveys, and items of interest relating to city community activities, policy changes, and opportunities to participate in various open comment periods that have an impact on the experience of citizens with disabilities in the Austin community. Second, an opportunity for Austinites with disabilities to enter their email information and the subsequent creation of an email list that can be used by the AMCPD Chair or Vice Chair to communicate important information and opportunities for participation within the Austin community. Date of Approval: March 22, 2024 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 6-0 vote For: Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Chang, Fetonte, Powell, Ramírez and Salazar Absent: Chair Franks, Commissioners Hogan and Vassallo Attest: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240415‐2 Transgender and Sexual Identity Protections WHEREAS, the City of Austin has been one of the fastest‐growing cities in the United States for over a decade, resulting in rapidly increasing demands on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and other city resources; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Texas state legislature passed legislation restricting or criminalizing access to gender‐affirming healthcare across Texas, which was subsequently signed by the governor and became law effective September 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, as a home‐rule city, the City has the authority and responsibility to prioritize the use of its limited resources and taxpayer dollars to address the most urgent needs of all residents, including focusing the use of public safety resources on substantive and broad threats to residents’ safety and livelihood; and WHEREAS the City Council recognizes that families and healthcare providers in Austin are living in uncertainty and fear, and many are considering moving away or have already moved to other states to access medical care for their children or to be able to practice medicine freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards; and WHEREAS multiple healthcare providers in Texas have scaled back healthcare services in response to legal challenges, perception of legal risk, harassment, or threats of violence; and WHEREAS gender‐affirming healthcare has been proven to be evidence‐based, medically necessary, and lifesaving by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatricians, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, amongst other institutions; and WHEREAS, studies have shown that gender transition, including access to gender‐affirming healthcare, improves the overall well‐being of transgender people and that access to gender‐affirming healthcare for youth is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower risks of suicide; and WHEREAS over 94 percent of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in late 2021 said recent politics have negatively impacted their mental health, and 93 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in 2022 said they have worried about transgender people being denied access to gender‐affirming medical care due to state or local laws; and WHEREAS, a majority of U.S. adults agree that transgender minors should have access to gender‐ affirming care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has consistently declared its commitment to furthering transgender equity and supporting its transgender and nonbinary …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Joint Inclusion Committee ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Joint Inclusion Committee. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of 10 members representing their respective board appointed by the city council from the African American Resource Advisory Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, the Commission on Seniors, the Commission for Women, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Early Childhood Council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN at the Boards and Commission Rooms #1101 in City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Charles Curry Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Co-Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon or Leonor Vargas Staff in Attendance: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office MEETING AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on February 28th, 2024. 1 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER REBECCA AUSTEN’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation for an Austin Board and Commission Budget Recommendations Tracker. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISSIONER SERITA FONTANESI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Commission for Women’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Funding Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Action. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER REBECCA AUSTEN’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Early Childhood Council’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Current Early Childhood Investments. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD CURRY’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Commission on Aging’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Funding for the GO Repair Program. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISSIONER MELISSA ORTEGA’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. REVISED AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Blaine Campbell Logan Schugart Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Sade Ogunbode, Chair Timothy Stostad Joseph Benigno CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Edward Selig Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo The first five 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on March 27, APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Election of Officers for the Building and Standards Commission New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Case Number: CL 2024-019744 Property address: 7310 Carver Avenue / Owner: David Hemmasi Staff presenter: Cris Pelayo Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure Case Number: CL 2024-042327 Property address: 3102 White Rock Drive / Owner: Render Development LLC Staff presenter: Henry Flores Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure Case Number: CL 2024-027597 Property address: 900 Old Koenig Lane / Owner: 5916 N Lamar Investor LLC Staff presenter: David Downing Staff recommendation: Demolish commercial …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 24, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams District 2 – Vacancy Amy Casto Haksoon Andrea Low Alysa Nuñez Michael Lovins Edward Espinoza CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Vice-Chair Mary Kahle District 1 – Vacancy District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 1 1. 3. 4. 5. Vote to approve the 2024 Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Finance Brochure, as updated to reflect current campaign contribution limits and revisions to City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance). Conduct Annual Election of Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Parliamentarian). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on September 27, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on December 13, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on February 28, 2024. 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 Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, …
