HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Sareta Davis, Kimberly Brienzi, Kimberly Brienzi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alicia Weigel, Vice Chair Isabel Casas, Kristen Caballero, Idona Griffith, Malenie Areche, Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge Jamarr Brown remotely joined at 6:09 p.m. Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja & Sammi Curless Start: 5:37 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsay Southard - OPO June 25, 2022 Continuation of Townhall with the Mayor's office with people with disabilities - AACRC; hybrid - registration on SpeakupAustin.com/opotownhall 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission special called meeting of March 4, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of March 28, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission special called meeting of April 11, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of April 25, 2022. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding letter of support recognizing the disparate impact of the potential loss of lgbtqia+ identified business and heritage in the Warehouse District of Austin, Texas. (Davis, G. Brown) Committee. b. Discussion and possible action on alternate appointment to the Joint Inclusion Chair Davis made a motion to appoint Commissioner Brienzi to be the alternate for the Join Inclusion Committee. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. c. Election of the Chair and Vice-Chair to the Human Rights Commission. (Davis, Casas) Recess: 6:08 p.m. Back in 6:10 p.m. Chair motion Casas, Griffith 2nd 9-0 Vice Chair Casas Chair motion G. Brown, Brienzi 2nd …
(BOARD NAME) MEETING MINUTES (Day, Month Date, Year) HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, June 27, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Gary Brown, Kimberly Brienzi, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Isabel Casas, Sareta Davis, Malenie Arche, Idona Griffith Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge , Kristian Caballero, Commissioners with approved absent waiver: Jamarr Brown Alicia Weigel remotely joined at 4:50 p.m. Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:41 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No Public Communication APPROVAL OF MINUTES Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022. Commissioner Brienzi seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Caballero, Weigel and J. Brown absent. NEW BUSINESS 1 (BOARD NAME) MEETING MINUTES (Day, Month Date, Year) a. Discussion A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system and provide a coordinating structure for all food related initiatives. Presentation by the Office of Sustainability. b. Discussion and review the letter regarding the preservation of the 4th street district. 4th street area did not receive historic zoning for protection. Move to adopt this letter for City Council to review. (Davis, Griffith) 6-0 OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion of Commission goals for 2021-2022 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity No Report ii. Environment & Land Use No Report iii. Health Access & Nutrition No Report iv. Autonomy & Human Rights No Report Special meeting: No update on the report from HR/Legal Commissioner Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm; Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, and Caballero absent. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, July 25, 2022 Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Isabel Casas, Vice Chair, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kimberly Brienzi, Idona Griffith, Gary Brown, Chair, Sareta Davis, Malenie Arche, Isaiah Smith, Kristian Caballero, Alicia Weigel Commissioners absent: Jamarr Brown Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto, Research Analyst at the Community Advancement Network (CAN) spoke about the work CAN has engaged over the past year. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes could not be approved. The agenda listed May 2022 oppose to June 2022. June 2022 Minutes will be reviewed and voted for approval in the August Regular Meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Liaison to shared announcements regarding the attendance and videoconference policies. Chair G. Brown introduced the new commissioner: Isiah Smith. Chair G. Brown to shared how to connect with each commissioner before the August Regular Meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS Douglas Ferguson with Voltage Control spoke regarding the SAFE Pledge a partnership with SFACE Alliance. August Agenda Discussion of Commission goals for 2022-2023 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity Conversation about the GRACE Act. Look into ways to protect unpaid employees such as interns from discrimination of Title VII. Commissioner of Brienzi would like an update on Homeless. J. Brown and S. Davis attended a conference at the LBJ school that had not been held in over 30 years. ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights None None None DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS Commissioner Casas made a motion to approve and add a 5th Commission Goal for 2022 - 2023. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners J. Brown absent. A. Human Rights work by Commissioners was the goal added for 2022 - 2023. August Agenda Add a 3rd person August Agenda Review the status of the Bylaws (add the bylaws from 2015/2016) August Agenda Quality Life Study Human Rights: Brienzi to follow up. August Agenda ADJOURNMENT End: 6: 40 Commissioner Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:40pm; Chair G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners J. Brown absent. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: (V) Isaiah Smith (V) Alicia Weigel arrived at 5:59 pm (V) Gabriella Zeidan Idona Griffith Jamarr Brown Attended (P) Garry Brown, Chair (V) Isabel Casas, Vice Chair (V) Sareta Davis (V) Malenie Areche Did not Attend Kimberly Brienzi Kristian Caballero (P) = In-Person (V) - Virtual Staff: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:49 pm PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of July 25, 2022 - motion by S. Davis and second by Chair G. Brown. 6-10 with the following commissioners absent: K. Brienzi, K. Caballero, I. Griffith, J. Brown, A. Weigel STAFF BRIEFINGS - Completed 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding communication tools 5. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding resources made available 6. Staff Liaison to Welcome new Commissioner: Gabriella Zeidan DISCUSSION ITEMS- Completed 7. Review and discussion about the City of Austin Budget Recommendations 8. Discussion a new time and date to vote in a future meeting for the new Fiscal Year - add to the Sept Regular Meeting DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS - Completed 9. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 10. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights Commission more proactive. - put things more in stone for Sept Meeting 11. Discuss, consider, and take possible action for a larger presence in social media- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, other 12. Discuss, consider, and take possible action to approve By-Laws - G. Brown to take the lead 13. Discuss, consider, and take possible action how HRC will have presence at events in Austin 14. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on Pamphlet for the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting - Minutes Monday, September 26, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Garry Brown, Chair P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair V Sareta Davis U Malenie Areche V - arrived virtually at 5:51 pm Isaiah Smith V - left at 6:34 pm Kimberly Brienzi P Jamarr Brown V - arrived virtually at 6:07 pm Kristian Caballero V Idona Griffith V Alicia Weigel V - left at 7:00 pm Gabriella Zeidan P V - Virtual Attendance P - In-Person Attendance U - Unexcused absence Start: 5:45 pm Late Arrival Commissioner M. Areche arrived virtually at 5:51 pm Commissioner J. Brown arrived virtually at 6:07 pm Early Departure Commissioner A. Weigel left at 7:00 pm Commissioner I. Smith left at 6:34 pm AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Cameras turned on to confirm attendance PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of June 27, 2022 • Motion by I. Griffith and second by I. Smith. 8-0 with the following commissioners absent: J. Brown, M. Areche, and S. Davis 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of August 22, 2022 • Motion by I. Griffith and second by I. Smith. 9-0 with the following commissioners absent: J. Brown, and S. Davis STAFF BRIEFINGS - COMPLETED 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 5. Staff Liaison to share update about Social Media presences and feedback from City Clerk DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS - COMPLETED 6. Chair to discuss any steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights Commission more proactive. DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS 7. Discussion with the Commission to review and possible action a new time and date for future meeting in the new Fiscal Year • Motion by Chair G. Brown and seconded by K. Brienzi to keep meeting day on the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting – Minutes Monday, October 24, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jamarr Brown – A Kristian Caballero – V Idona Griffith - A Alicia Weigel - V (6:30) Gabriella Zeidan – V Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair - V Sareta Davis – A Malenie Areche - V Isaiah Smith – P Kimberly Brienzi – P P – In person V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:50 pm AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Sept 26, 2022: Commissioner Brienzi made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Reminder of the next Commission Meetings – Reminder of the Monday after STAFF BRIEFINGS – Complete Thanksgiving DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete 3. Discussion on how the commission can support Ms. O’Dell’s comments and concerns DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 4. Discussion, update, and possible action regarding the participating in the Quality-of-Life Study – To vote on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm for item 6 5. Discussion, certation and possible action to form a budget workgroup – Chair G. Brown is on the Budget Workgroup 6. Discussion and possible action on scheduling and/or participating in the Quality of Life Study’s retreat – Motion was made by Chair G. Brown and seconded by Commission Weigel to schedule on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm; 8-0 7. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws – rolled over to November 8. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin – Commissioner Zeidan wants to welcome a topic in January 2023 9. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints 10. Opportunity for the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, November 28, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jamarr Brown – A Kristian Caballero – V (5:58 pm) Idona Griffith – V Alicia Weigel - V Gabriella Zeidan – P (5:49 pm) Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair – P Sareta Davis - V (6:53 pm) Malenie Areche – A Isaiah Smith – P (5:47 pm) Kimberly Brienzi – P P – Present V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:45 pm AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bob Kafka – spoke about an incident with a coffee franchise APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Oct 24, 2022: Commissioner Griffith made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Presentation how the commission can get involved regarding homelessness in the area: DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete moved to January DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 3. Discussion and possible take action on creating a statement regarding the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs: Chair G. Brown made the motion and Commissioner Griffith second 6 – 1 – 1 4. Discussion and possible take action to post statement on approved City social Media 5. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws: 6. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin: page: Complete Complete Complete 7. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints: Complete 8. Opportunity for the Commissioners and City staff to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda: Complete ADJOURNMENT End: 6:59 pm Chair G. Brown made the motion and seconded by Commissioner Brienzi to adjourn; 8-0 The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Seconded By: Audit of City of Austin Baseball Field and Soccer Field Contracts Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing equitable access to public recreational spaces, including baseball and soccer fields, to all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department contracts with outside organizations for the management, maintenance, or usage of certain city-owned baseball and soccer fields; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair access to these recreational facilities, and to determine whether contractual obligations are being met by contracted organizations; Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council: 1. An Audit of Contracts. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department shall conduct or commission a comprehensive audit of all existing contracts between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use city-owned baseball and soccer fields. This audit shall include: a. A detailed breakdown of the number of contracts currently in effect; b. Identification of the organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. The start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Information Regarding Community Access. The audit shall specifically assess the terms of each contract related to public and community access to the baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Whether the contract clearly specifies the level and schedule of access that the general public and community groups have to these facilities, as well as whether and how public notice regarding this access shall be made available to the public; b. Details as to how often and for how long the fields are available for community use versus reserved for the contracted organization’s activities; and c. Whether the contracted organizations are adhering to these terms regarding public access and awareness and, if not, to what extent and in what ways access has been restricted. 3. Data on Compliance and Enforcement. The audit shall examine: a. The terms and conditions in each contract related to breaches of contract, including penalties or remedies for non-compliance by the contracted organization; and b. Any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of material breach or failure to comply with the agreed-upon terms, especially those related to community access. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December; and May 19th at 6:00 p.m.) January 27, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 19, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 22, 2025 October 27, 2025 November 24, 2025
DIRECTOR’S UPDATE Angela Means, Interim Director October 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Natural Resources Updates Parkland Development Updates Parkland Development Updates: Rosewood Playground Replacement: PARD is collaborating with the Austin Parks Foundation to renovate the playground at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. The current playscape features swings and a small ship-themed play structure, but it offers limited shade and play value for visitors. The project team is dedicated to developing a replacement plan that reflects the community’s preferences, adheres to park standards, and takes into account the environmental characteristics of the site. Currently, the project is in the Community Engagement phase, with the first public survey having closed on September 6. | District 1 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2018 General Obligation Bond Program Proposition C - Parks and Recreation Update: Total Authorized Funding: $149 million Amount Spent: $93.1 million (62.5% of the authorized budget) Amount Under Contract: $10.8 million (7.3%) Funds Assigned to Ongoing Projects: $31.5 million (21.1%) Active Construction Projects: Colony Park and Givens Pools: Construction started in May 2023, with substantial completion anticipated by November 2024. | District 1 Violet Crown Trail Connection: A 1.7-mile segment linking Circle C Metro Park to the Veloway began construction in October 2023 and is scheduled to open to the public on November 9. | District 8 Parque Zaragoza Bathroom Renovation: Construction began in February and is expected to be completed in early 2025. | District 3 Oertli Neighborhood Park: Construction started in November 2023, with a soft opening expected in early November 2024 and a ribbon-cutting event tentatively scheduled for late November 2024. | District 4 Brownie Neighborhood Park: Construction started in December 2022, with completion anticipated in fall 2024. | District 4 ADA Accessibility Improvements at “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center: These improvements are currently underway, with completion expected by the end of 2024. | District 4 A U S T I N P A R K S A N D R E C R E A T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Projects In Permitting/Bid: Beverly Sheffield Northwest and Montopolis Pool Renovations: Both projects are in the permitting stage, with construction expected to begin by the …
Minutes for the second meeting of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) Baseball Field Working Group Tuesday October 22, 2024 Present: Lane Becker (PARB board member), Stephanie Bazan (PARB board member), Joel Manzo (Austin Sandlot Baseball), Christa McCarthy (Division Manager, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department) Absent: Tyler Sneed (Austin Sandlot Baseball) The meeting began at 7:03PM CDT, October 22, 2024. Summary The meeting focused on drafting a recommendation for an audit of sports fields contracts, reviewing recent work by the city to address access, equity, and maintenance issues in youth sports, and planning future discussions to refine recommendations and integrate community feedback. Discussion on Agenda and Task Delegation ● Lane Becker proposes an open agenda that can be modified by all participants. ○ Lane Becker will discuss a potential recommendation to put forth at the next ○ Christa McCarthy will talk about her relevant recent work and potential future PARB meeting. tasks. ○ The Working Group will discuss next steps. ● Lane Becker is interested in hearing Christa McCarthy's perspective on what would be most useful from this Working Group for her work as Division Manager at the City of Austin. Discussion on Putting Forth a Recommendation at the Next Parks Board Meeting ● Lane Becker discusses work he did prior to the meeting with Board Chair Villalobos on the substance of a potential recommendation for an audit of the contracts that support sports fields to present at the PARB meeting happening the following week. ○ The recommendation draft focuses on auditing areas of concern. ○ Christa McCarthy inquires if the audit relates to baseball or soccer. Lane Becker confirms it involves both, focusing on similar issues with their fields. ○ The audit aims to gather additional information that can be used by the Working Group to draft its final recommendation in the coming months. ○ Stephanie Bazan suggests aligning audit questions with previous Council discussions to strengthen the case. ○ The Working Group agrees such a recommendation would be beneficial to put forward. Presentation on Youth Sports Roundtables ● Christa McCarthy highlights the role of Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs) in utilizing parkland for community programs. ○ Christa McCarthy explains disparity in field maintenance due to different resource levels despite similar contractual obligations. ○ Christa highlights the difference between equality and equity in maintaining ○ Lane Becker acknowledges that organizations charge varying fees, affecting their …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-3 October 28, 2024 Springfield Liftstation Abandonment Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Drive, total mitigation fee is $297,992. Vote Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve the permanent use and temporary use, not to exceed 420 days of parkland located at Salt Springs Neighborhood Park, 6401 E. William Cannon Drive, total mitigation fee is $297,992 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Shelby Orme, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For: None. None. Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-4 October 28, 2024 Equity Based Preservation Plan Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan as an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. Vote Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan as an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Merritt, Orme and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Holly Reed. Shelby Orme, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For: None. None. Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20241028-5 October 28, 2024 Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan Audit of City of Austin Baseball Field and Soccer Field Contracts Date: Subject: Motioned By: Lane Becker Recommendation WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to providing equitable access to public recreational spaces, including baseball and soccer fields, to all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department contracts with outside organizations for the management, maintenance, or usage of certain city-owned baseball and soccer fields; and WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair access to these recreational facilities, and to determine whether contractual obligations are being met by contracted organizations; Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council: 1. An Audit of Contracts. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department shall conduct or commission a comprehensive audit of all existing contracts between the City and external organizations that manage, maintain, or use city-owned baseball and soccer fields. This audit shall include: a. A detailed breakdown of the number of contracts currently in effect; b. Identification of the organizations or entities with which the City is contracting; and c. The start and end dates of each contract and any options for renewal or extension. 2. Information Regarding Community Access. The audit shall specifically assess the terms of each contract related to public and community access to the baseball and soccer fields, including: a. Whether the contract clearly specifies the level and schedule of access that the general public and community groups have to these facilities, as well as whether and how public notice regarding this access shall be made available to the public; b. Details as to how often and for how long the fields are available for community use versus reserved for the contracted organization’s activities; and c. Whether the contracted organizations are adhering to these terms regarding public access and awareness and, if not, to what extent and in what ways access has been restricted. 3. Data on Compliance and Enforcement. The audit shall examine: a. The terms and conditions in each contract related to breaches of contract, including penalties or remedies for non-compliance by the contracted organization; and b. Any procedures for terminating contracts in the event of material breach or failure to comply with the agreed-upon terms, especially those related to community access. 1 of 2 Vote The …
PARK RANGERS CITY OF AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Amanda Ross Natural Resources Division Manager October 28, 2024 Park Rangers are ambassadors for Austin's park system that promote responsible recreation, cultivate stewardship, and conserve parks' cultural and natural resources for the benefit of our entire community. 24 Full Time Park Rangers 10 hours a day/7 days a week Seasonal Park Ranger Program Park Ranger Cadet Program A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PARK RANGER • Providing friendly uniformed presence-hiking, biking in the parks • Helping park visitors enjoy parks by providing information about the park • Respond to needs in the parks • Bringing leave no trace education to areas of high impact and visitor concerns Park Rangers In The Field Infrastructure Recommendations- signage, security cameras, guidance on entry and exit points Voluntary Compliance Through Contact with Park Rangers Focused Programming In Concern Areas-Bark Rangers, Leave No Trace Programing Parking Tickets & Warnings Park Ranger Joint Efforts With Partners Including APD Educational Programs • Leave No Trace Programming • Park Ranger Cadets-Partnership with AISD • Bark Ranger • Junior Ranger Program • Monthly Public Hikes • Coffee with a Park Ranger • Career Days at Schools • Social media-FOLLOW US! Highlights of FY24 • Seasonal Park Ranger Program • Barton Springs Pool Support • Security Camera Pilot • Park Ranger Cadets Thank you Join a Park Ranger at Its My Park Day Saturday, November 2 Virginia Brown Rec Ctr/ Buttermilk Branch Greenbelt Kendra Page Neighborhood Park Stephenson Nature Preserve Pastor Edward Clarence Craig Jr. Neighborhood Park Blunn Creek Nature Preserve
