We do NOT support the demoli�on of 1417 Preston Ave., which has its original window and door openings and architectural configura�on from its 1935 construc�on. Changes in its siding over the years, easily reversible, are the likely cause of its “non-contribu�ng” status in the Old West Aus�n Na�onal Register Historic District. The unique design/ floorplan of this house for Pemberton Heights indicates that it is likely an architect-designed residence. The Landmark Commission does not appear to have undertaken any research on 1417 to determine if it meets City of Aus�n Landmark status. This should be determined before the Landmark Commission makes a determina�on on the fate of this house. Because the OWANRHD is so large, contribu�ng status was based on visual assessment (approved by the Texas Historical Commission) rather than research for the 1600+ proper�es in this largest NRD in Texas. It is unfortunate to have a buyer for one of our historic proper�es who likes the historic appearance and stability of this block of Preston Ave., wants to own a residence here, and then demolishes an original house. Their view of our street doesn’t change, but everyone else’s does and not in a good way. The east block of Preston Ave. is very intact from its original construc�on; only one house has been completely demolished and rebuilt. A “modern farmhouse”, the style that the architect appears to be planning for 1417 Preston, is today’s version of a McMansion and is incompa�ble architecturally with our historic street. The scale and style of the original 1930s-50s houses on Preston Ave. works well for our small lots and low ver�cal density; adjacent homes are not crowded or overhung, and the streetscape and large trees are not overwhelmed. However, the architect plans to widen the street façade of 1417 so that the east side will be at the east setback line; this will place the new house ten feet from the neighboring house to the east. The garage will be raised to story and a half height and placed against the west setback line, overhanging neighbors on the south and west sides. We request that the Landmark Commission perform basic research on 1417 Preston Ave. to determine whether it meets the criteria to be eligible for Aus�n Landmark status if the exterior is restored. We do not want this original house to be demolished. Candace and John Volz 1406 Preston Ave.
PFAS Update Water & Wastewater Commission Meeting December 4, 2024 Kasi Clay Water Quality Manager Agenda What are PFAS? Drinking Water Testing Future Drinking Water Regulations Wastewater and Biosolids EPA Studies 2 What are PFAS? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: man-made chemicals widely used since 1940s - Persistent - Bioaccumulative - Toxic PFAS Environmental Pathways • Ground and surface water • Wastewater plant effluent, industrial waste • Soil contamination: landfill, industrial • Air: precipitation Potential health impacts from long-term exposure • Cancer • Reproductive health • Developmental effects 3 Source: US EPA Common PFAS Sources & Historical Uses Drinking Water Testing Regulatory Development Process UCMR purpose: Collect data on emerging, unregulated contaminants to assist EPA in the determination of future regulations Draft/Final CCL Proposed/ Final UCMR UCMR Monitoring Results Prelim/Final Regulatory Determination Proposed/ Final Rule Six-Year Review Drinking Water Testing 2013/2014 UCMR 3 Testing March 2024 UCMR 5 Q2 Testing July 2024 UCMR 5 Testing October 2023 UCMR 5 Q1 Testing April 2024 UCMR 5 Q3 Testing Tests treated drinking water collected from each Water Treatment Plant Quarterly testing over 12-month period 29 PFAS chemicals + lithium How much is one part per trillion? One drop in three Barton Springs Pools 1.2 square inches in the total area of Austin (305 square miles) One cent in $10 billion 6 Drinking Water Testing UCMR5 Results Parameter MCL* ppt HFPO-DA (GenX)* Not regulated individually 1.4 PFOA* PFOS* PFNA* PFHxS* PFBS* PFBA PFHxA PFPeA 7 21 Other Compounds 4.0 4.0 10 10 10 N/A N/A N/A N/A Average ppt 0 0.79 0 2.3 0 2.3 0.5 1.2 0 * Regulated beginning 2027 Future Drinking Water PFAS Regulatory Limits PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) HFPO-DA (GenX) (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid) PFNA, PFHxS, GenX, and PFBS (Mixture) 8 PFAS Compound Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) 4.0 ppt 4.0 ppt 10 ppt 10 ppt 10 ppt 1 (unitless Hazard Index) Future Drinking Water Regulations National Primary Drinking Water Regulation • Now to 2027: Initial UCMR 5 testing determines future monitoring frequency • 2027: Monitoring begins • 2029: Compliance deadline for PFAS treatment Compliance based on Running Annual Average (RAA) of quarterly testing • Exceedances beyond EPA's MCL require public notice and treatment 9 Future Drinking Water Regulations Projected PFAS Compliance PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) 4.0 ppt …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-002 Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Dredge of Channel Rd. Lagoon, SP-2023-0376D Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(C)(9)(a) to allow more than 25 cubic yards of dredging in Lake Austin; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Lake Austin Watershed Water Supply Rural Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: Seconded by: Perry Bedford 1. Protect the natural shoreline areas and larger wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) W-13 by providing a 3:1 H:V slope from the lake bottom elevation at the shoreline to the final dredge depth. 2. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (2,125 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FACW and OBL species) within 5 feet of the shoreline to a maximum depth of 1 foot. 3. Provide additional wetland mitigation plantings (1,321 plantings comprised of an equal number of 6 different species of FAC and FACW species) on the other 14 existing wetland CEFs on land. 4. Restore all areas disturbed in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) per Standard Specification 609S.) 5. Limit dredging within the 25% and 50% Critical Root Zones (CRZ) of trees along the shoreline to outside of the existing concrete retaining walls. 6. Provide measures to minimize/avoid sediment discharge including: 1) stabilized construction entrance and access road from the Channel Rd entrance to the barge access location and, 2) silt fencing and mulch logs downslope of staging, storage and dewatering areas, and 3) stabilized dewatering area for dredge bags, 4) floating turbidity curtain downstream of the dewatering operation, and 5) floating turbidity curtain surrounding active dredge area. 7. Conduct dredging via hydraulic methods using floating excavator units and bagging of material. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions; 1. Supply information about best practices in maintaining the plants and avoiding using chemicals that cause Algae blooms. Each of the property owners will receive a packet that includes the Go Green manual. 2. Find a way to reuse the sediment after it is dried and evaluated for toxins. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-003 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Loyola Flats, SP-2024-0147C.SH Motion by: Jennifer Bristol WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification in the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes this project is proposing modification of the City of Austin 100-year floodplain within the Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) to construct a biofiltration and detention pond and provide compensatory flood storage within the existing engineered drainage channel for a Smart Housing/Affordability Unlocked multifamily residential development. There are two wetland Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) on the site, located within existing drainage channels; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Elm Creek Watershed Suburban Classification, Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: 1. Provide ~44,000 square feet of additional wetland mitigation including: 1) native plantings in sedimentation and filtration basins of the biofiltration pond, 2) low-grow native seeding in the detention pond, 3) an enhanced nonerosive pond outfall, 4) planting of native trees, shrubs and bunchgrasses in CEF setbacks and mitigation areas. 2. Provide native pollinator species for wetland CEF mitigation and floodplain restoration plantings. 3. Provide an edge barrier of limestone blocks around the perimeter of the modified CEF setbacks/restoration areas to prevent mowing and/or encroachment in these areas. 4. Provide wetland CEF educational signage next to the CEF setbacks/restoration areas. 5. Provide floodplain restoration plantings of native trees and shrubs for the remaining open area (26,349 square feet/0.61 acres) maximizing restoration within the CWQZ and enhancing the floodplain from an existing condition of Fair to Excellent. 6. Pay $382,157.63 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund for the remaining required floodplain mitigation (376,326 square feet/8.63 acres) using the appropriate ratios per ECM 1.7.6. 1 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following conditions: 1. Recommend finding a space for a community garden and provide education programing and signage to community members. 2. Partner with local non-profits on community gardening. 3. Recommend planting native pecan trees. VOTE 7-0 For: Haris Qureshi, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Melinda Schiera, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Richard Brimer and Colin Nickells Approved By: Perry Bedford, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-004 Seconded by: Perry Bedford Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Motion by: Melinda Schiera WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City; and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% citywide tree canopy by 2050; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on March 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to explore a right-of-way design and management plan to promote green infrastructure including street trees in the right-of-way while ensuring the safety and reliability of utility infrastructure; and WHEREAS, Council approved, on November 21, 2024, a resolution directing the City Manager to develop an incentive program to encourage the preservation of trees that have a diameter between 8 and 18 inches on residential lots through the provision of a credit toward development fees and directing funding and elements of the program; and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022. Thereafter in February 2023, 30% of the tree canopy was impacted by winter storm Mara, highlighting the need for updated satellite imagery; and WHEREAS, the tree canopy in the Blackland prairie ecoregion of Austin is less than Edwards Uplift ecoregion of Austin; and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy in balance with understory plants and prairie ecosystems mitigates heat island effects, sequesters carbon, improves community health, and improves biodiversity; and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to Environmental Commissioners at the City of Austin Functional Green Workshop that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving; and WHEREAS, the mitigation payment rates to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund (UFRF) defined in the Environmental Criteria Manual 3.5.4, in lieu of replacement or preservation, have not been updated since 2010; and 1 of 3 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends Council adopt the following actions to expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy by: 1. Recommend reviewing the Climate Equity Plan of reaching 50% canopy by 2025 to find ways to reach that goal by 2040. 2. Augment the current inventory plans to capture satellite imagery to calculate the city- wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four years in order to evaluate the tree canopy percentage in a more cost-effective manner and gain the ability to track progress towards tree …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241204-005 Second by: David Sullivan Date: December 4, 2024 Subject: Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take a number of steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions, including from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030, which states that “Austin Energy will maintain an energy supply portfolio sufficient to offset customer demand while eliminating carbon and other pollutant emissions from its electric generation facilities as rapidly as feasible within the limitations set by the Austin City Council.” and states that “and all generation resources will be carbon-free by 2035;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 also states that “Austin Energy will no longer purchase, contract for or build long-term generation or storage resources that emit new carbon”; and WHEREAS, in 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, with about 75% reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, electrification is a key strategy for reducing and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions in many sectors and Carbon-Free electricity is needed to achieve those goals; and WHEREAS, on June 8, 2023, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a plan for “transitioning to a 100 percent clean energy economy, phase out fossil fuel production, and invest in communities on the frontlines of environmental injustice;” and WHEREAS, ground level ozone and particulate matter air pollution in the Austin region already exceed the health-based standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and CAPCOG has identified that increased NOx emissions from electric generating units, including Austin Energy's power plants, as highly correlated with high local ozone measurements; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 references an affordability goal and affordability remains important to many customers, but the workshops that Austin Energy hosted as part of this process to update the Austin Energy 1 of 4 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing …
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE December 3, 2024 --12:00pm Hybrid Regular Called Meeting Waller Creek Center, Room 104 625 East 10th Street Austin, Texas 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 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: Chase Bryan Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Zach Baumer Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Ramesh Swaminathan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the meeting minutes from the Special Called Task Force meeting on November 4, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2. Report out on Water Forward 2024 Plan, Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan Council consideration outcomes 3. Review and approve the 2025 Water Forward Task Force meeting schedule 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 route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force, please contact …
REGULAR MEETING of the MBE/WBE and Small Business Enterprise Procurement Program Advisory Committee Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 5:30 pm City of Austin Permit and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive – Room 1215 Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of this MBE/WBE Advisory Committee may be participating by videoconference. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES The public will be allowed to speak at the Advisory Committee meeting remotely by phone or in-person at the address listed above. To participate remotely, speakers must register in advance with the board liaison before the registration deadline. Public Communication: General The first 10 speakers will be allowed to speak on any topic that is not posted on the agenda. The Committee Chair will call upon speakers at the beginning of the meeting. A person may not speak at general communication more often than once out of every three regularly scheduled committee meetings. Public Comment on Agenda Items Members of the public may speak on any item posted to the agenda. Speakers will be called upon when this agenda item is taken up by the Committee Chair. How to Register to Speak Remotely All speakers are required to register for remote participation. Registered speakers will be allowed 3 minutes to speak by telephone only. The deadline to register is at 12:00pm on the day before the meeting. To register to speak, email the board liaison, Nakia James at nakia.james@austintexas.gov before the deadline. Once registration closes, the board liaison will send all speakers an email to confirm registration, provide instructions on speaking at the meeting, and the number to call in on the day of the meeting. How to Sign-Up to Speak In-Person Speakers that would like to address the committee in person will be allowed to sign up until 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. Speakers will be allowed 3 minutes to speak. 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 Nakia James at (512) 974-9108 or nakia.james@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the MBE/WBE and Small Business Procurement Program Advisory Committee, contact Nakia James at (512) 974-9108 …
REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY DECEMBER 3, 2024, at 5:00pm BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 CITY HALL – 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation 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 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 call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday December 2, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz-(District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman-(District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair-(District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) 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 Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on November 12, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on CapMetro Rapid Line Update Presenter: Leroy Alloway 3. Discussion on Corridor Projects Status Update Presenter: Eric Bailey DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2020 Regional Transportation Plan Presenter: Cole Kitten Facilitator: Susan Somers Presenter: Laura Dierenfield Facilitator: Spencer Schumacher COMMITTEE UPDATES 4. Discussion and recommendation on Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 5. Discussion and recommendation on Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative 6. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the November 20, 2024 meeting 7. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken at the November 20, 2024 meeting 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the November 19, 2024 meeting 9. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the November 19, 2024 meeting 10. Update from Chair Somers from the City Council Mobility Committee regarding actions taken at the November 14, 2024 meeting …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION December 3, 2024 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe 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 their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. AGENDA Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Martin Luecke Dino Sasaridis Chelsey Scaffidi Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approval of a recommendation on Austin Energy's Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan. 2. Discussion and recommend the Resource Management Commission bylaw change asking the Austin City Council to expand its purview to advise on issues related to natural gas utilities. 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 Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322- 6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com .
Regular Meeting of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Room 1401/1402 Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the African American Resource Advisory 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- 874-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Roger Davis Elaina Fowler Kyron Hayes Anthony Jackson Antonio Ross Greg Smith Dr. Chiquita Eugene Joi Harden Daryl Horton Nelson Linder Mueni Rudd CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Update on the Facility Expansion Plan Phase 1 for the George Washington Carver Museum. Presentation by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager, Museums & Cultural Programs, Parks & Recreation Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on feedback received and updates on the strategic plan formed by the Strategic Planning Working Group Discussion on updates to Carver Center funding and the work done by the A3 Art Alliance Austin to support the Carver Center’s Artist Residency Program. Presentation by Laura Esparza, Executive Director, A3 Art Alliance Austin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Conduct an emergency election for Commission officers. Approve a recommendation supporting an Austin Center for Events permitting fee waiver for Sunday Sessions ATX. Approve a recommendation supporting the approval of the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Approve the formation of a working group to plan the agenda for a commissioner retreat. 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 …
L A U R A E S P A R Z A E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R W H AT I S A 3 ? - A non-profit Local Arts Agency devoted to supporting artists, musicians, performers and arts contractors who make Austin a vibrant city. - An all-volunteer organization of business and arts professionals who believe that the arts are integral to our quality of life. - A catalyst for community change in collaboration with others who are committed to the value of the arts. WHAT IS A LOCAL ARTS AGENCY? • The nation’s 4,500 Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) promote, support, and develop the arts at the local level ensuring a vital presence for the arts throughout America’s communities. LAAs are diverse in their makeup—they have many different names and embrace a spectrum of artistic disciplines. But each LAA, in its own way, works to sustain the health and vitality of the arts and artists locally, while also striving to make the arts accessible to all members of a community. • The Cultural Arts Division is a Local Arts Agency but cities can have more than one thus diversifying the funding pool. • A Business Council for the Arts is another piece of civic infrastructure that Austin is lacking to support its arts. WHY SUPPORT THE ARTS? • Arts strengthen the economy. In Texas, $59.3 billion industry supporting 383,066 jobs. • Arts drive revenue to local businesses at an average of $38.46 per person. • Arts unify communities: 72% of Americans said it provided a shared experience • Arts are tourism drivers with 70% agreeing “the arts improve the image of my community.” • Arts strengthen mental health, wellbeing and improves healthcare in hospitals. • The arts provide a sense of connection to family, loved ones and the community leading to greater civic engagement. Museum with an Arts and Crafts Festival. • Kevin Ivester, Gallery Owner WHO IS A3? PA S T • The Texas Fine Arts Association started in 1911 at the Elisabet Ney Museum. • In 1950 it fundraised for Laguna Gloria • In 1956 they renamed their festival FIESTA, in an inappropriate act of cultural appropriation. • In 1989 the organization became Art Alliance Austin and produced Art City Austin. • It went dormant in 2020 due to COVID- 19 pandemic. P R E …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20241112-005: Support of Sunday Sessions ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the African American Resource Advisory Commission requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; and BE IT …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE EQUITY-BASED PRESERVATION PLAN Draft for commission consideration WHEREAS, Austin’s existing plan to guide historic preservation policies, programs, and activities was adopted in 1981; and WHEREAS, both Austin and the historic preservation field have changed substantially in the past 43 years; and WHEREAS, the Historic Landmark Commission initiated the development of a new preservation plan for Austin in 2021; and WHEREAS, the resulting Equity-Based Preservation Plan (the preservation plan) was developed by a community working group with members from across Austin bringing diverse lived experiences as well as professional and community expertise; and WHEREAS, broad, inclusive outreach and engagement around the draft preservation plan reached more than 2,500 people throughout the city to review and comment on the plan’s goals and recommendations; and WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission received a briefing on the draft preservation plan at its October 1, 2024 meeting; and WHEREAS, the community working group and Historic Landmark Commission revised and finalized the preservation plan based on public feedback; and WHEREAS, the preservation plan aligns with and furthers the goals of the African American Resource Advisory Commission, particularly recommendations related to equity-based preservation community engagement and planning initiatives; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION: The African American Resource Advisory Commission recommends that City Council adopt the Equity- Based Preservation Plan and support its timely implementation.
