REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION November 18, 2024 ▪ 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility 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 Amy Everhart, at Amy.Everhart@AustinEnergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6087. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Ayo Akande Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Chris Kirksey Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Meeting on October 21, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987&1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 requiring relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program, requiring the acquisition of 0.3596 of one acre (15,662 square feet) of permanent electric transmission and distribution easement, being out of the Santiago Del Valle Survey, Abstract No. 24, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 1, Block A, Amended Plat of Lots 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the South Bend Subdivision, a Subdivision recorded November 13, 2001, in Document No. 200100339, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas, currently appraised at $839,319 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioners’ award. The owner of the needed property is the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. The property is located at 8515 South I-35, Austin, Texas 78744. The property is currently appraised at $839,319 and the general route of the project is along Interstate-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. Funding: Funding is …
..Body Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for the Cap Ex South, CKT987&1031 Structure Relocation 2021 Project for the public use of relocating various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 requiring relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I- 35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program, requiring the acquisition of 0.3596 of one acre (15,662 square feet) of permanent electric transmission and distribution easement, being out of the Santiago Del Valle Survey, Abstract No. 24, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 1, Block A, Amended Plat of Lots 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the South Bend Subdivision, a Subdivision recorded November 13, 2001, in Document No. 200100339, Official Public Records, Travis County, Texas, currently appraised at $839,319 subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals or a Special Commissioners’ award. The owner of the needed property is the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. The property is located at 8515 South I-35, Austin, Texas 78744. The property is currently appraised at $839,319 and the general route of the project is along Interstate-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. Funding: Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, (512) 974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, (512) 974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy (512) 322-6087; Elaine Veselka, Austin Energy, (512) 322-6667; Tina Little, Austin Energy, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: November 18, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 require relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the properties located at 6900 and 6940 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement across Lots 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the South Bend Subdivision, a Subdivision recorded November 13, 2001, in Document No. 200100339, Official Public Records, …
..Body Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of all documents and instruments necessary or desirable to acquire a permanent electric transmission and distribution easement consisting of approximately 0.1952 acres (8,505 square feet) of land and a 12-month temporary construction easement consisting of approximately 0.0280 acres (1,220 square feet) of land, out of the William Cannon League Survey No. 19, Abstract No. 6, generally located at 8300 South Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78745, and being a portion of the remainder of Lot 3A, Mrs. Sosa J. Spillmann Estate, a subdivision recorded in Book 8, Page 15 of the Plat Records of Travis County, Texas, from Hazel Rose Investments Limited Partnership, in an amount not to exceed $549,900, including closing costs. Funding: Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Lead Department Financial Services Department Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Michael Gates, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5639; Brandon Williamson, Financial Services Department, 512-974-5666; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322- 6087; Elaine Veselka, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322- 6667; Tina Little, Austin Energy, Director, Electric Systems and Shared Services, (512) 322-6396. Council Committee, Boards, and Commission Action: November 18, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Various structures along the existing circuits 926, 927, 987, and 988 require relocation to accommodate the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) expansion of Interstate Highway 35 (I-35) as part of its I-35 Capital Express program. TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express South project runs along I-35 from State Highway 71 south to State Highway 45. The relocation of the circuit adjacent to the property at 8300 South I-35 requires the City to purchase an electric easement and a temporary construction easement out of the William Cannon League Survey No.19, Abstract No.6, Travis County, Texas, being a portion of the remainder of Lot 3A, Mrs. Sosa J. Spillmann Estate, a subdivision recorded October 15, 1956, in Book 8, Page 15 of the Plat Records, Travis County, Texas. An independent, third-party appraisal was procured to establish the fair-market value of the proposed acquisition. The appraisal supports the purchase price of $545,659. The amount of the purchase price plus closing costs is not to exceed $549,900.
..Body Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the professional services agreement for engineering services for the Austin Energy Staff Augmentation Engineering and Related Engineering Services for Electric System Engineering and Technical Services Rotation List with the following two firms (or other qualified responders): HDR Engineering, Inc. and Allegis Group Holdings, Inc. in the amount of $22,500,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $70,875,000. Funding: -Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Energy. Amount and Source of Funding Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: Two contracts were awarded through a qualifications-based selection process. MBE / WBE: This amendment will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 3.85% MBE and 2.98% WBE. Prior Council Action: September 1, 2022 - Council approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. and Allegis Group Holdings, Inc. for the AE Staff Augmentation, Engineering and Related Engineering Services for Electric System Engineering and Technical Services Rotation List. June 10, 2021 - Council approved a professional services agreement with Allegis Group Holdings, Inc., for the AE Staff Augmentation, Engineering and Related Engineering Services for Electric System Engineering and Technical Services Rotation List. March 4, 2021 - Council approved a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc., and POWER Engineers, Inc. for the AE Staff Augmentation, Engineering and Related Engineering Services for Electric System Engineering and Technical Services Rotation List. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: November 18, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The firms serve as professional consultants, providing technical consultation and advice for the Electric System Engineering and Technical Services group of Austin Energy. Services generally include producing turnkey project and construction drawing packages, as well as providing engineering, technical and drafting personnel to augment Austin Energy workspaces. The work products produced by this contract directly help Austin Energy safely deliver clean, affordable, and reliable energy to customers. These services include, but are not limited to, the following: • Transmission Design • Substation Design • Switchyard Design for Clean Energy Interconnects • Relay …
Electric Utility Commission Resolution 20241118-XXX on Austin Energy Resource Plan 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 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan revealed that a large majority of participants are supportive of allowing rate increases beyond the current goal of two percent per year, so long as low-income customers are shielded …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION November 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS 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 Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla 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 Arts Commission Regular Meeting on October 21, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Chair’s Report on Growth and Future Planning by Chair Zisman 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the November 4th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado 4. Update on actions taken at the October 16th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok 5. Presentation by Laura Esparza from Friends of the Dougherty on the Dougherty Arts 6. Presentation by Allison Steger from Austin Public Library on the Austin Poet Laurate 7. Presentation by Laura Esparza on the Introduction to A3 (Art Alliance Austin) 8. Presentation by Sara Vanderbeek, art consultant for Zilker Point (218 South Lamar Blvd Planned Unit Development [PUD]) Center Plan Program STAFF BRIEFINGS 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Laura Odegaard, Acting 10. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Cultural Arts Division Manager Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and possible action on recommendation to Council to Complete the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project by Laura Esparza from Friends of Dougherty 12. Action: Approve the Final Design for the AFD1/EMS6 Station AIPP Project – 13. Action: Approve 10 Recommended artists & 5 …
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION November 18 , 2024 – 6P.M. University Hills Branch Library 4721 Loyola Lane Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the 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 Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Steve DeRosa Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Library Commission's regular meeting on October 28, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library 1. 2. Staff briefing on the November Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation in support of Austin Public Library’s hotspot circulation program. 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 Laura Polio at the Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov. 3.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD November 18, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. 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 Hunter Maples, (512) 974-3120 or hunter.maples@austintexas.gov. The Urban Renewal Board reserves the right to go into closed session to discuss any of the items on this agenda as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, 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 Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on October 16, 2024 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion related to resident concerns regarding the 1500 block of East 12th Street Discussion regarding the request to amend the Urban Renewal Plan to allow additional uses at 1201 E 11th St Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin, including project status and anticipated timeline (Anne Gatling Haynes, Rally Austin) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval of the 2025 regular Urban Renewal Board meeting schedule EXECUTIVE SESSION Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located …
Draft Minutes URBAN RENEWAL BOARD October 21, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Vice Chair Darell W. Pierce, and Commissioners Byron Davis, Jacqueline Watson, Amit Motwani. Commissioner Kobla Tetey arrived at 6:19 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce attended remotely. Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Tam Hawkins was absent. CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar, called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm with five members present. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There were no members of the public to address the board. 1 of 3 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on September 16, 2024 On Commissioner Motwani’s motion, Commissioner Watson’s second, the September 16, 2024, minutes were approved on a 4-0-0 vote, Vice Chair Darell W. Pierce was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin (formerly Austin Economic Development Corporation), including project status and anticipated timeline (Anne Gatling Haynes, Rally Austin) Anne Gatling Hayes, Rally Austin provided updates. Discussion related to resident concerns regarding the 1500 block of East 12th Street Anne Gatling Hayes led the discussion and the URB requested Liaison contact developer to speak on updates on development plans on following URB meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair On Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Motwani’s second, Chair Escobar was nominated to continue as Chair and Vice Chair Pierce was nominated to continue as Vice Chair. The motion passed on a 6-0-0 vote. Discussion and approval of the 2025 regular Urban Renewal Board meeting schedule The Urban Renewal Board requested the proposed meeting schedule be provided by Liaison at the following meeting. Authorize delegated representative to sign and execute the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, and …
Friends of Dougherty.org SAVE THE DAC CAMPAIGN WHO ARE WE? All volunteer organization Organized 15 years ago to support the DAC. In touch with DAC supporters; over 500 signatures on petition. ADVOCATES FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE DAC HISTORY OF DAC REPLACEMENT PROJECT SEVERE MAINTENANCE ISSUES ON 80 YR OLD TEMPORARY BUILDING FREQUENT FLOODING-25 YR FLOOD PLAIN 4 HVAC, 16 WINDOW UNITS DISINTEGRATING PLUMBING, FAILING ROOFS, STRUCTURAL & ADA ISSUES ETC. ACTION STEPS TAKEN BY PARD 2010: MWM Design Group completed conditions assessment 2012: Bond Program yielded $3.9 million for DAC. 2015: Architecture Plus completed feasibility study; reviewed alternative locations/bldgs 2017: Studio 8 Architects completed architectural program for new facility 2018: Bond program yielded $25 million for original budget of $28.5million 2019: Community Engagement began and continued for 3 yrs 2019: Council approved redevelopment of DAC at Butler Shores 2021: Council adopted redevelopment scenario but added underground parking garage 2022: Design refined, completed & presented to stakeholders, Parks Board, Design Comm. at a cost of $4.6million 2023: Construction Documents completed 2024: Acting City Manager Juan Garza requested that the project be shelved in favor of a new design that could be completed with remaining $20million eliminating theater and galleries. DAC PROJECT CHALLENGES Council direction expanded project scope COVID 19 resulted in doubling of construction costs Alternative funding did not materialize because funders did not see the project as feasible without a clear City commitment Supply chain challenges December 2022 Council Resolution directing City Mgr to complete the project “as designed” was ignored by a new City Council and acting City Manager. Inflation: $28.5 million project is now a $60 million project in today’s dollars. Project loses $8700/day in escalating construction costs. DAC is at risk of imminent closure as project is stalled. WHAT WE ARE REQUESTING CLEAR COMMITMENT BY COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT AS DESIGNED BY STUDIO 8 SUPPORT AN ALTERNATIVE PARKING SOLUTION INCLUSION ON 2026 BOND HOW YOU CAN HELP 1. Pass our resolution. 2. Sign our petition at FriendsofDougherty.com. 3. Write your Councilmember. THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?
Austin Poet Laureate Program Position Background • Austin Public Library (APL) launched the Austin Poet Laureate program in October 2024 and will name the first Austin Poet Laureate in April 2025. The appointed Austin Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, 2025 – 2027. • The inaugural Austin Poet Laureate will be an official ambassador of the City’s literary arts, connecting our community through the art of poetry. Poet Laureate Committee Members Poet Laureate committee has combined knowledge of creative writing, public programs and City of Austin: • Sarah Renee Beach, Program Director of Writers’ League of Texas and poet • KB Brookins, Austin author and poet • Maria-Elena Cigarroa, APL Adult Services Librarian • Marianne DeLeon, CEO of Texas Book Festival • Patti Fowler, Chair (former) and APL Interim Assistant Director • Kezia Frayjo, Library Commission • Mike Henry, Austin poet and consultant • Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of City of Austin Economic Development Department • Bret Johnston, Director of the Michener Center for Writers and author • Katherine Lamb, Programs Manager at The Library Foundation • Becka Oliver, Executive Director of Writers’ League of Texas • Leah Oswald, APL Adult Services Librarian • Jacqueline Rangel, The Library Foundation board and creator of Read Write Austin • Allison Steger, Chair (current) and Interim APL Division Manager • Celina Zisman, Austin Arts Commission The goal of the Poet Laureate program is to: Promote poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community; Program Goals to the wider community; Build awareness and appreciation of poetry and make it accessible Celebrate poetry and the power of the written and spoken word while honoring the cultural diversity of our community; Advance poetry as a means of understanding and communicating Austin history and culture; Program Goals The goal of the Poet Laureate program is to: Establish an ambassador to advance APL’s mission to discover, learn, and create through poetry; Enable the Poet Laureate to serve as a mentor to poets in the community; and Create a vibrant platform for local poets to engage diverse voices and inspire literacy engagement through creative expression. Review Process A newly appointed Poet Laureate committee will select the Poet Laureate through an open-call process after reviewing all applications. A public call for applications will be launched on October 1, 2024. Applications will be received through November 30, 2024. The …
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 sustaining Austin’s arts ecosystem. - Raising funds for artists, musicians, performers and arts contractors who make art accessible to the people of Austin for free - A catalyst for community change in collaboration with partners who are committed to the value of the arts and work to sustain its arts ecosystem. 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. 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. 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 Museum with an Arts and Crafts Festival. • In 1956 they renamed their festival FIESTA. • In 1989 the organization became Art Alliance Austin and produced Art City Austin until 2019. • Dormant in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. P R E S E N T • Board Chair Eric Hiduke, Attorney-at-Law • David Goujon, Architect • Jade Walker, Curator • …
ARTS COMMISSION Zilker Point Presentation November 18, 2024 SCULPTURE LOCATION Selection Panel Alexandria Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Raaisin in the Sun Tim Horan, Zilker Point Owner, LLC Joe Llamas, Zilker Point Owner, LLC Paloma Mayorga, artist, independent curator Sara Vanderbeek, artist, consultant; Founder, Executive Director and Curator, DORF Aaron Vollmer, Architect, Runa Workshop China Whitby, Art Program Manager, University Health Jessica Bell’s proposal for W.A.B.O. W.A.B.O. fabrication photos W.A.B.O. installation photos Title: W.A.B.O. Artist: Jessica Bell Year: 2024 Medium: Powder-coated steel & acrylic Dims: 15 x 8 x 8 feet Title: W.A.B.O. Artist: Jessica Bell Year: 2024 Medium: Powder-coated steel & acrylic Dims: 15 x 8 x 8 feet @saravanderbeek www.saravanderbeek.com @dorfworld www.dorfworld.org
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE NOVEMBER 18, 2024 C I TY O F A U S T I N E C O N OM I C D E VE L O P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – October 2024 o Total HOT Collections October 2024 = $25,578,156 o 15% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 o Cultural Arts Fund October 2024 = $2,437,899 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $2,437,899 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $15.57M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department November 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 11/18/24) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Arts Ed Relief Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 190 (95%) 106 (53%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 47 (92%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) 4 (8%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 1 (3%) n/a 19 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 18 (95%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $5,811,750 (93%) $6,250,000 $253,000 (99%) $255,000 $227,000 (89%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,353,500 (86%) $470,000 (99%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 $475,000 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Funded Activities FY23-FY24 Thrive Grantee Activities Las Calaveras de Republic Square • November 2 – 24 • Mexic-Arte Museum – Republic Square (Dist 9) The Austin Powwow • November 23 • Great Promise for American Indians – Travis County Expo Center (Dist 9) Imagine Art Studio • Through December 31 • Imagine Art – Imagine Art Studio (Dist 3) Café, Cultura, y Amistad • Every Saturday • Puerto Rican Cultural Center – Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Dist 3) C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY23 Elevate Grantee Activities I Scream Social • November 22 • Host Publications – Alienated Majesty Books (Dist 10) Hecha de Oro • November 22 – 24 • Oro Dance Company – Trinity Street Playhouse (Dist 1) Root Beerthoven Featuring Invoke • November 22 – 24 • Beerthoven – Westview on Lake Austin Neighborhood backyard concert (MSA) Latinfest From Flores Market • December 14 – 15 • Flores Market – Canopy (Dist 1) Lux! – A Celebration of Light • December 14 – 15 • SoCo Women’s Chorus – First Austin(Dist 3) C I T Y O F A U S T …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT Draft for commission consideration WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center has been a cornerstone of Austin’s cultural landscape for over 45 years as well as an economic driver for Austin’s creative economy, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center advertises programs to tourists and provides evergreen programming to all who enter during the Dougherty’s open hours, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center provides invaluable programs through its arts school, theater and gallery spaces, enhancing Austin’s image as an attractive destination for local families, out of town visitors and relocating workers, WHEREAS, the existing building is undeniably unsafe due to the presence of asbestos and other infrastructure issues making the need for a new building both urgent and non-negotiable, WHEREAS, the replacement project was initiated with a two-year community engagement process which enjoyed enthusiastic participation from artists, PARD staff, non-profit organizations and neighbors at a cost of $1million, WHEREAS, City Council passed Resolution 20221208-068 directed the City Manager to complete the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size or scope WHEREAS, Austin Parks and Recreation Director provided a presentation to a work session of City Council on March 19, 2024 suggesting that the project begin again with a new community engagement and a new design after $4.6 million was spent on the design of the new building which fully addressed the concerns and needs of the Dougherty’s constituents, WHEREAS, Studio 8 completed construction documents after 10 years of planning, design and engagement and is ready to amend the design to eliminate the costly underground parking garage, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN ARTS COMMISSION: that City Council formally commit to completing the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size and scope as stated in Council Resolution 20221208-068 with a complete arts center made up of theaters, galleries and art schools as designed by Studio 8, and that the necessary funds required to complete the Dougherty be included in the 2026 bond.
Artist: Rehab El Sadek Title of Artwork: 1938+ AIPP Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens 1 Artist Narrative My goal for 1938+ is to create a durable, low-maintenance work of art that honors the history of the site and the mission of the first responders that serve Downtown Austin past, present, and future. The building that currently houses AFD Station #1 and ATC-EMS Station #6 was constructed in 1938 at 501 E. 5th Street. It was built to replace the original Central Fire Station #1 built in 1885 at 114 W. Colorado Street. Throughout the years, the station’s architecture has drawn national attention in fire department trade magazines for its modern, art deco style—one of the few examples of the Moderne/Streamline Moderne style in Austin. Until recently, it also served as the Austin Fire Museum with relics dating back to the mid-1800’s. The building structure is currently being renovated and modernized. I have asked for several interior elements to be salvaged from the construction for the purpose of creating art. Given the important history of the site, my design proposes a wall-mounted sculpture in the lobby of the station fabricated primarily from the salvaged items, many of which date back to the original construction. An artwork in conversation with its surroundings and the echoes of the past. In my personal practice, I frequently create site-specific installations and sculptures using everyday objects. I see 1938+ as an extension of this practice and a tribute to our shared history. Project goals The goal of this AFD/ATC-EMS project is to design artwork that: Integrates with the site; or the interior or exterior architecture of the station. Reflects the mission "to create safer communities through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response." Relevance to AFD/ATC-EMS's role in how the station serves the community. To be physically and conceptually accessible to nearby residents, visitors, and station staff. Is easily maintained and vandal resistant; and contributes to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin's public art collection. 2 Ride-alongs and Engagement I began my engagement by learning about the AFD and ATC-EMS first responders who work at the station—their practice, routines, and relationship to the community. I accomplished this through 12 hours of ride-alongs and spending additional time at the station. Through this experience, I gained insight into the downtown community the station serve —many of whom are homeless. In observing how EMS staff in particular interact with at-risk …
