ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 9, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Commissioners Absent: Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Luis Herrera, D6 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Larry Tucker, D7 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Catherine Chamblee - Exacerbation and strain caused on Austin’s own stray and shelter animal population by transportation of more out of area shelter animals into Austin Remington Johnson – Enforcement of Kennel Size Pat Valls-Trelles – Process, Policy, Progress, etc. Sandra Muller – Dog Bite Scale, Live Release Rate, Austin Pets Alive! Repairs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 12, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of July 8, 2024, failed on Commissioner Smagula’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Commissioner Smagula requested that Animal Services staff provide information on which category the animals listed in the “Lost, Stolen, or Missing” fall under. Commissioner Dulzaides requested that Animal Services staff provide information on how many animals are microchipped each month. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Animal Services strategic plan and planning process. A presentation was made by Stephanie Hayden-Howard, Assistant City Manager; Samantha Eaton Moncayo, Business Process Consultant, Senior, Financial Services; Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant. Commissioner Holt recused herself from the discussion. Discussion of City of Austin use of glue traps for pest control. Discussed. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 7-0 vote. Parliamentarian Nemer, Commissioners Bruce, Herrera, Hoke, and Tucker were absent. The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, October 14, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA 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, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Katie Coyne Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Rocío Fierro-Perez Kb Brookins VACANT Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting on September APPROVAL OF MINUTES 9, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing about Austin Public Health’s Request for Proposals for LGBTQ2S+ Services. Presentation by Helen Howell, Funding Specialist Senior, Austin Public Health. 3. Briefing regarding Resolution No. 20230914-078, which directs the City to develop a historical marker on 4th and Colorado streets. Presentation by Kim McKnight, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 4. Discussion informing the commission and community of Austin's Dyke March, to be held on Oct. 20th. 5. Discussion on the LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission hosting a Town Hall, including possible dates. 6. Update from Vice Chair Benson on progress on the LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation supporting an ACE permitting fee waiver for Sunday Sessions ATX. 8. Approve a commissioner to speak with Presley Dotson from the University of Texas regarding the claims of State discrimination against trans-Texans concerning sexual identification on state documents. 9. Approve a recommendation for the approval of the Equity-Based …
RESOLUTION FOR 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 e(cid:431)ectuate 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 Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s O(cid:431)ice 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 e(cid:431)orts to support free, public, and inclusive events; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) …
LGBTQIA+ Historical Marker Resolution No. 20230914-078 Staff Briefing for LGBTQ+ Commission October 14, 2024 Resolution No. 20230914-078 “…directs the City Manager to coordinate and initiate the installation of an LGBTQIA+ historical marker on 4th and Colorado streets as a symbol of the community's historical significance and contributions. Council directs the City Manager to gather input from LGBTQIA+ community leaders, Human Rights Commission, LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, and the Historical Landmark Commission regarding the content and queer figures to highlight on the historic marker.“ https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=415998 Photo by Mary Kahle Work accomplished to date • Toby Johnson and Dennis Paddie from The Memory Project, a subcommittee of the Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging, along with a committee of 10 other interested community members, conducted extensive research and worked together to compose and revise language for a commemoration of LGBTQIA history for an historical marker. Mr. Johnson offered to develop draft text to support the development of the historical marker. • March 13, 2024: Mr. Johnson presents draft text to the Architectural Review Committee of the Historic Landmark Commission. • April 3, 2024: Briefing to the Historic Landmark Commission, which provides informal support for the text. An HLC Commissioner offers further assistance. Existing research & resources • LGBTQ+ History in Austin (Oakwood Chapel exhibit) • The Memory Project: LGBTQ History in Austin (Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging) • Issues in Preservation: LGBTQIA Spaces and a Fight for Austin's Soul (Preservation Austin) National resources • Interpreting LGBT History at Museums and Historic Sites by Susan Ferentinos • National Park Service Series: LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History Marker options: Texas Historical Commission Subject Marker Program • The THC Historical Marker Program commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations, and businesses. • For Texas Historical Commission subject markers, the applicant works with the County Historical Commission to research the topic and develop narrative history, which is part of the marker application. Text is developed collaboratively between City, Travis County Historical Commission, and THC. • Research Cost: $3,000-5,000; Marker Cost: $1,500- 2,500 • Application deadline: March 1- May 15, 2025; If accepted, marker typically completed within 18 months after approval Photos by Austin PARD …
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant October 14, 2024 Working Group Progress Third and fourth working group meetings on September 12th and 17th • Report/analysis of community + staff engagement • Development of goals and consolidation in categories • Discussion of overall vision • Recommended operational changes 2 Working Group Next Steps • Work on strategic plan framework • Focus areas • Goals • Objectives • Revisit (and offer potential revision of) ASO mission statement • Craft consensus direction on • No Kill Intake • • Spay/Neuter 3 Assessment Phase Stakeholder Engagement Reports Community Survey Report • A community survey was available from July 17 to August 14, 2024 • A detailed report on survey results can be found on the ASO Strategic Plan PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Community Survey Report 2024.pdf Staff and Volunteer Interview and Listening Session Report • Interviews and listening sessions were conducted with staff and volunteers from July 9 to August 20, 2024 • A report on the process and the results of these engagements can be found on the PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Staff & Volunteer Interview & Listening Session Report 2024.pdf Strategic Plan Updates Stay informed on ASO strategic planning and find Community Survey and Listening Session reports at www.publicinput.com/ASOplan2024
Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin prohibit the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Austin City Manager’s Office update City building management practices to prohibit the purchase and use of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the unsanitary and inhumane outcomes of using these traps. Basis for Recommendation 1. Glue traps are a public health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue may carry harmful pathogens. In addition, while trapped, these animals continue to produce urine and feces. Pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, can be transmitted from these animals and through their waste. 2. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, species of wildlife, including birds, bats, and other species of native wildlife are unintentionally caught and killed in these traps. Pets can also be caught and harmed by glue traps. 3. Glue traps are inhumane and cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Animals caught in glue traps often panic and struggle, which leads to them becoming even more entangled. This struggle can result in the glue pulling off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some animals may break their bones or even gnaw off their own limbs as they struggle to free themselves. The distressing sounds made by trapped wildlife can be unsettling for many, and workers who encounter these animals may be unsure of how to humanely handle the situation. If left alone, these frightened and injured creatures can suffer and die over several days from blood loss, shock, suffocation, or dehydration. In some instances, they perish after being crushed in the trash, as the instructions on the traps suggest disposing of them in this manner. This poses further health risks to City sanitation workers who may come into contact with dead or dying animals. 4. Better alternatives exist. Glue traps are not effective and do not provide a long-term solution for pest control. To manage rodent populations sustainably, it is essential to secure buildings and eliminate the conditions that attract them. Without addressing these underlying issues and humanely removing animals while preventing their return, infestations will continue. The …
ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/2-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/3-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/4-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/5-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION From: To: Subject: Date: Ramirez, Elaine Rawson application Monday, October 7, 2024 9:49:39 PM [You don't often get email from jdpaustin@me.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] External Email - Exercise Caution I am a member of the Hillview Green Lane HOA. I object to the application and its change from the current school use, which actually is a non conforming use under their current zoning. We don’t want more commercial traffic in our neighborhood. The dense commercial zoning in such close proximity to Casis Elementary School would present more traffic problems and dangers to the young children and the drivers on an already congested 2 lane Exposition Boulevard as well as nearby residential streets. My regards, John D. Pieratt John D. Pieratt, Attorney P O Box 50390 Austin, Texas 78703 John D. Pieratt, Attorney P O Box 50390 Austin, Texas 78703 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov". ITEM04/6-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/7-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/8-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/9-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/10-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/11-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/12-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/13-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/14-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/15-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/16-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/17-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/18-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/19-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/20-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/21-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/22-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/23-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/24-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION
ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP-IN SUPPORT Organized 1973 OFFICERS Holly Reed President Cathy Kyle Past President Secretary George Edwards Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Mary Arnold Joyce Basciano Joseph Bennett David Bolduc Sarah Cain Michael Cannatti Heidi Gibbons Craig Lill Blake Tollett WEST AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP October 7, 2024 Board of Adjustment, City of Austin Elaine Ramirez, Liaison RE: C15-2024-0031 Members of the Board: West Austin Neighborhood Group (WANG) conditionally supports the above referenced variance request filed by the Austin Area School for Dyslexics, Inc (Rawson Saunders) (R/S) with the following understandings and stipulations. In the spring of this year R/S and their contiguous neighbor Tarrytown Christian Church filed to rezone their entire tract of land from the SF-3-NP zoning district to the GO-MU-NP zoning district. WANG, recognizing overwhelming close by neighbor opposition to the rezoning request, asked R/S to explore the variance process in order to achieve their vision for the school. Over the decades, WANG has worked with several churches along Exposition Boulevard to allow for expansions of their campuses, all within the SF-3 zoning district: • C-15-2003-065 the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, a variance was granted to allow maximum impervious coverage requirements to go from 45% to 70%, maximum building coverage requirements to go from 40% to 50%, and a decrease of setback requirements for a through street. • C15-2006-059 the Westminster Presbyterian Church, a variance was granted to allow maximum impervious coverage requirements to go from 45% to 64% (existing) in order for the church to either replace or renovate buildings on the campus. • Tarrytown United Methodist Church- In 2010-2011, the close by neighbors, WANG and TUMC all worked in harmony to allow the church to reasonably expand their campus through the purchase of a residential home fronting on Exposition Boulevard and placing that property under their Religious Use umbrella without changing either the property’s underlying zoning district of SF-3- NP or changing the expanded campus’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation, Central West Austin Neighborhood Plan (CWANP). In addition, in 2009 WANG worked closely with the Girls School of Austin to achieve a harmonious Conditional Use Permit in order for them to expand their campus. As for the application for variance under discussion, WANG recognizes the relevant hardships cited and can support the majority of, as amended, requests as follows: • On the request to increase the site development regulation maximum height requirement of 35 feet to …
ITEM06/1-LTR FROM OWNER the existing duplex as a third unit on the site. We are not real estate developers, nor builders, nor home designers. We are a family trying to build an accessible home for our multigenerational blended family. My son Peter has multiple disabilities, uses a wheelchair at all times, and requires round the clock medical supervision. Maintaining the existing duplex as separate residences for caregivers for Peter and other family members provides an affordable option to these important members of Team Peter to live on site in an increasingly expensive city. Providing affordable housing options for caregivers is the best way that we have to continue to have the high quality care for Peter that he deserves, especially as he has aged out of the public school system. Keeping the family in Central Austin, close to transit and other services is also an important part of keeping him engaged and integrated in our community. We met with that committee three times from July to the following January in an attempt to determine HOW to build our addition and fell into a gaping hole in the Austin Land Development Code - that is, there was no way to have a third unit on a site that was zoned as SF. The committee and neighbors opposed upzoning to MF and wished for us to find a way to build using SF zoning but ultimately, after a LONG discussion at the January Planning Commission meeting in 2023, the property was rezoned to allow for the third unit. Members of the Planning commission, staff and even the ex-officio member of the Board of Adjustment considered other SF codes and variance, but in the end, the ONLY way to accomplish this and even though it makes building much more difficult, was to upzone the property to MF. Since that time, Austin’s land development code has caught up to fill in that gap with the passage of the HOME ordinances. Once the amendments were ratified, we researched their provisions and it seems once again that our project is a perfect fit. Even though it is a more restrictive code, it is much more in keeping with our project, and they are simpler for our family. Webber Studios has designed a beautiful renovation to the property that allows Peter to access the entire property and respects our neighbors wishes to not have a multifamily commercial …
From: Hi Donna, Subject: Date: Re: Feedback from some of your neighbors. (705 Brownlee - BoA hearing 10/14) Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:23:30 PM Thank you for reaching out while David is out of pocket. I’m going to go ahead and copy Elaine Ramirez, the Board of Adjustment’s staff liaison on this message so that she has it and can add it to the backup information about the request that the Board gets on Monday. Thank you, Elaine, for adding it to our packet. I’ll copy the neighborhood concerns here so they are easy to follow: 1) Guarantee there would only be three units. Yes, this is the addition made possible by HOME, our renovation/addition adds one more unit to the existing duplex for a total of 3 separate units. 1) Cap total height under 35 including mechanical space Yes, this is the limit for single-family use, our renovation/addition does not exceed 35 feet. 2) Dust Screen for neighbors -- 8 Ft - as they are lower in elevation to the south. I’m not sure if you mean a dust screen during construction which I would assume is normal, or a fence, but yes, we are happy to build an 8 ft fence on the shared property lines. 3) Two code legal parking spaces located in the front yard (where you show them on the site plan) with sufficient landscape screening in the front yard to screen the view of the parking spots from the street. Yes, we absolutely will include landscape screening at the street. I am a plant/tree lady and I am looking forward to getting to the landscaping part of this project. Bring on the native and drought tolerant trees and shrubs! Our intent in seeking these variances to the more restrictive single-family use for our renovation/addition has always been to minimize the impact to the neighborhood that a commercial process would require. We are happy that the HOME ordinances now make that possible if we are granted these two variances. I am sure that the Board of Adjustment will be receptive to the neighborhood’s support so that our family can move forward with permitting. As always, feel free to contact me with questions about the project. Best, Melissa Skidmore and Brad Hoskins ITEM06/1-LTR to OWANA fr owner On Oct 10, 2024, at 12:02 PM, donna osborn <dkonelm1@gmail.com> wrote: Good Morning Melissa, I sent this request to …
Request for Proposals (RFP) SSAU 2024-003 LGBTQIA2S+ Services LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Helen Howell, Social Services Funding Specialist, Senior Austin Public Health October 14, 2024 AGENDA Agenda Scope of Work: • Services • Funding and Contract Term • Priority Populations • Principles of Service Delivery • Racial Equity • Applicant Qualifications Important Dates, Application Steps, and Resources Question and Answer 2 RFP Scope of Work 3 Scope of Work: Services Solicited The City of Austin (City) seeks proposals in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified nonprofit organizations or quasi-governmental entities (Offerors) with demonstrated experience in providing the following services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, gender non- conforming, gender fluid, gender queer, two-spirit communities (LGBTQIA2S+ population) residing in Austin/Travis County: • Priority will be given to programs that provide: o mental health care o Peer support: peer counselors providing support groups • The City encourages Offerors to propose comprehensive solutions to meet community needs effectively, so offerors are welcome to propose additional programming. The list below is a non-exhaustive summary of possible programs: 4 Services Solicited, continued • Education on and referrals to culturally sensitive healthcare, including, but not limited to services listed below. Please note that this funding cannot be used for direct medical care. o Primary care o Gender affirming care, which are services that support a person's gender identity o Dental health o Strategies for prevention and management of chronic diseases in adults such as diabetes and hypertension o Care for survivors of trauma and/or violence o Substance misuse treatment • Community building and engagement • Food access, including but not limited to neighborhood pantries, mobile markets, and delivery 5 Services Solicited, continued • Social service support such as: o Access to resources for people affected by economic instability. Example services include but are not limited to enrollment in and navigation of public benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veterans benefits, Supplemental Security Income Program (SSIP), Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Housing Choice Voucher, health insurance o Obtaining and updating identification such as passports and social security cards Language access services, including interpretation and translation to promote access to social services Legal services Financial education and stability services such as tax preparation and filing, exploring tax credits Transportation related to health care visits or social services • • • • …
