PLANNING COMMISSION February 13, 2024 MINUTES The Planning Commission convened in a meeting on February 13, 2024, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas and via videoconference @ http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Chair Hempel called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Greg Anderson- Secretary Awais Azhar -Vice-Chair Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Grayson Cox Adam Haynes Claire Hempel - Chair Patrick Howard Felicity Maxwell Jennifer Mushtaler Alberta Phillips Alice Woods Jessica Cohen – Ex-Officio Candice Hunter - Ex-Officio One vacancy on the dais. 1 vacancy on the dais. Absent: Richard Mendoza – Ex-Officio Jesús Garza– Ex-Officio APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of January 23, 2024. Motion to postpone approval of the minutes of January 23, 2024 was approved on the consent agenda on the motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commission Maxwell on a vote of 12-0. One vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2023-0002.01 - Christ Church Planning; District 3 112 and 206 Medina St., 1001, 1005, 1010 E. 2nd St. and 105 San Marcos St., Waller Creek Watershed; East Cesar Chavez NP Area Location: Owner/Applicant: Christ Church of Central Austin Agent: Request: Thrower Design, LLC (Victoria Haase and Ron Thrower) Recreation and Open Space, Single Family and Civic to Mixed Use land use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Planning Department Applicant postponement request to March 26, 2024 Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request Motion to grant Applicant’s request for postponement of this item to March 26, 2024 was approved on the consent agenda on the motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commission Maxwell on a vote of 12-0. One vacancy on the dais. Location: 3. Plan Amendment: NPA-2022-0020.01 - Industrial Blvd and Terry O Ln; District 3 439-511 Industrial Blvd (odd #s only), 515 Industrial Blvd & 4208 Terry O Lane, Blunn Creek and Williamson Creek Watersheds; South Congress Combined (East Congress) NP Area Owner/Applicant: Basalt Cannon LLC, Delwau LLC, Jasdayal LLC, Lunar Y LLC, Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request Ungar Holdings LLC. Civilitude, LLC (Nhat Ho) Industry to Mixed Use land use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Planning Department Staff postponement request to March 12, 2024 Motion to grant Applicant’s request for postponement of this item to March 12, 2024 was approved on the consent agenda on the motion by Vice-Chair Azhar, seconded by Commission Maxwell on a vote of 12-0. One vacancy on the dais. …
IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023 The IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2023, at 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE in Austin, Texas, and remotely via WEBEX. COMMITTEE CHAIR TEHRANY called the IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Committee Members (CM) in Attendance: CHAIR BOBAK TEHRANY, CM LANCE PARISHER Committee Members in Attendance Remotely: CM CHI LEE, CM CHANNY SOEUR, CM SUSAN TURRIETA Committee Members Absent: NONE (2 vacancies) Staff in Attendance: Nathan Aubert (Transportation & Public Works, TPW), Lauren T. King (Austin Water, AW) Staff in Attendance Remotely: Aurora Pizano (AW), Nam Nguyen (AW), Martin Tower (AW), Teresa Lutes (AW), Dan Hennessey (TPW) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers signed up or in attendance to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SPECIAL) MEETING on FEBRUARY 9, 2023 Minutes were approved on CM TURRIETA’s motion, CM SOEUR’s second on a (5-0) vote. This committee has 2 vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on the transportation Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report for October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023, as set forth in the functions of the advisory committee, Austin City Code and Chapter 395.058 of the Texas Local Government Code. The presentation was made by Dan Hennessey, Consulting Engineer, Transportation and Public Works Department. Mr. Hennessey presented on the state of the Street Impact Fee (SIF) program, including how much has currently been collected, invoiced, etc. CHAIR TEHRANY requested that 1 TPW staff include a map with the data presented to ensure that Committee Members can see where monies have been collected and expended. CHAIR TEHRANY also asked if TPW staff has forecasted an approach for expending funds quickly as the 10 year “sunsetting” deadline gets closer. Mr. Hennessey filled the committee in that there are several approaches which will allow staff to quickly spend money, if needed. CHAIR TEHRANY asked about updated staff policy regarding SIF in the Limited Purpose jurisdiction. Mr. Hennessey informed the committee that an update to Council could be made, but that most of the update would be paperwork and an effort for staff to keep from expending any funds in the limited purpose jurisdiction. CHAIR TEHRANY asked if updating the SIF study can be funded by collected impact fees. Staff answered that the law dictates that no …
IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 The IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023, at 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE in Austin, Texas, and remotely via WEBEX. COMMITTEE CHAIR TEHRANY called the IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 4:37 p.m. Committee Members (CM) in Attendance: CHAIR BOBAK TEHRANY, CM TURRIETA Committee Members in Attendance Remotely: CM SABA HATAMI, CM HARRISON HUDSON Committee Members Absent: CM CHI LEE, CM CHANNY SOEUR Committee has 1 vacancy. Staff in Attendance: Nathan Aubert (Transportation & Public Works, TPW), Lauren T. King (AW) Staff in Attendance Remotely: Aurora Pizano (AW), Nam Nguyen (AW), Martin Tower (AW), Teresa Lutes (AW), Dan Hennessey (TPW), Jessica Davis (TPW) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers signed up or in attendance to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SPECIAL) MEETING on FEBRUARY 9, 2023 Minute approval was postponed to next meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Committee officer vote: a. Bobak nominated by CM Turrieta (4-0-2) b. Susan nominated by Chair Tehrany (4-0-2) 3. Discussion and possible action on the transportation Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report for March 21, 2023, through September 30, 2023, as set forth in the functions of the advisory committee, Austin City Code and Chapter 395.058 of the Texas Local Government Code. 1 4. 5. The presentation was made by Dan Hennessey, Consulting Engineer, Transportation and Public Works Department. Mr. Hennessey presented on the state of the Street Impact Fee (SIF) program, including how much has currently been collected, invoiced, etc. Discussed cancellations of fees. $5.4M in fees collected, $10.6M in outstanding fees invoiced. Chair T. asked for clarification on fees collected vs. outstanding. Mr. Hennessey discussed the cancellations of fees. Chair T. asked for clarification on the report to provide a map of the service areas with the amount collected in each area. Mr. Hennessey discussed the future for spending of Street Impact Fees. TPW to continue to get a better understanding of projection of revenue. Questions: 1. Chair T. – Is it TPW’s position that it is more important to build projects than to pay down debt? Yes, at this point it is. Focus is watching the revenue and figuring out which projects are going to be first ones. 2. Chair T. – How did AWU first come about making the decision to …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Monday, February 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974- 2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Blaine Campbell Logan Schugart Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Sade Ogunbode, Chair Timothy Stostad Joseph Benigno CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Edward Selig Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meetings on January APPROVAL OF MINUTES 24, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: 2. Case Number: CL 2023-128201 Property address: 5508 Ponciana Drive/ Owner: Jerel Malmstrom Staff presenter: Johnny Serna Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure Page 1 3. Case Number: CL 2023-155868 Property address: 6104 Conti Court / Owner: John P. & Noel K. De Best Staff presenter: Sandy Van Cleave Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure 4. Case Number: CL 2023-162363 Property address: 9614 Middle Fiskville Road / Owner: Imperia Holdings, LLC Staff presenter: Eddie Holland Staff recommendation: Demolish residential structure 5. Case Number: CL 2023-130602 Property address: 4405 Merle Drive/ Owners: Claire & Frederick Subtle Staff presenter: …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Sari Vatske 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 Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, January 8, 2024 STAFF PRESENTATION Presentation from April Geruso, Planning Department, about updating the 2012 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 12. 13. Presentation from Melissa Zone on Travis County's Land, Water, Transportation Plan progress update DISCUSSION ITEMS Provide updates from board members’ meetings with County Commissioners Shea and Travillion on February 5, 2024 Discussion on board vacancies, appointments, and reappointments. Three vacancies from Judge Andy Brown and Commissioners Shea & Gomez Discussion of upcoming budget recommendation cycle and discussion of a working group to lead the process for proposing possible recommendations Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee January 24, 2024 meeting, Larry Franklin Review Board Member Assignments (take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Updates from Food Planning, Community Advisory Committee member Nitza Cuevas Updates from the Emergency Preparedness Working Group, Including Resilience Hubs, Joi Chevalier Updates from the Food in All Policies Working Group, Kacey Hanson 11. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS Discuss and take possible action on appointing a back-up representative to the Joint Sustainability Committee Discuss and take possible action to appoint a representative to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process FUTURE AGENDA …
January 2024 January 2024 Animal Services Report AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News at a vet clinic). at a vet clinic). Animal Protection • The live outcome rate for January was 97.42%. • A total of 933 animals were brought to the shelter which included 556 cats, 353 dogs, 25 wild animals, 7 guinea pigs, 2 rabbits, a hamster, and a rat. • A total of 625 animals were adopted (360 dogs, 262 cats, and 3 small pets). • A total of 81 dogs, cats, guinea pig, and hamster were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On January 1, there were 986 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (694 onsite, 288 in foster, 1 at APA, and 1 • On February 1, there were 823 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (554 onsite, 264 in foster, 3 at APA, and 2 • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 13 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 21 fencing assistance applications and implanted 0 microchips. • Officers impounded 102 injured animals and delivered 40 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 201 rabies exposure reports and submitted 27 specimens for rabies testing. 2 bats and 1 raccoon were nonnegative (decomposed or destroyed). • 86 total coyote related activities o 55 wild sick o 22 sightings o 5 encounters o 2 wild speak o 1 incident o 1 wild injured observation] • Out of 86 coyote related activities, 61 fell within the reported behavior types [sighting, encounter, incident, and o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 5/5 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ Two encounters involved a coyote entering a fenced backyard with pets present, but no ▪ An encounter was reported involving a pet, but nothing was stated in the memo and unable ▪ An encounter involved a coyote going after an owned outside cat, but caller was able to incident occurred to contact the caller chase off coyote off ▪ An encounter involved a coyote following a resident and dog o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 1/1 (100%) of incidents reported. ▪ An incident involved a coyote injuring a dog • Out of 86 related activities, 25 fell within the reported behavior types [wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured] Volunteer • A total of 490 volunteers donated 5,724 hours of volunteer service. January 2024 Animal Services Report • The …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 12, 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 Robin Otto, at Robin.Otto@austinenergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Mick Long Cyrus Reed Vacant Vacant 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 Special Called meeting on January 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for an underground feasibility and overhead distribution resilience study with Burns & McDonnel Engineering Company, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,725,000. 4. Recommend authorizing an amendment to the 2023 Chilled Water Construction in the Right-of- Way Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity construction contract with DeNucci Constructors to increase the amount by $6,250,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $31,250,000. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a multi-term cooperative contract to provide rental of industrial equipment with United Rentals (North America) Inc, for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $4,500,000. 6. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of a contract for Splunk cyber security software products and services, with GTS Technology Solutions, Inc., for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000. 7. Recommend authorizing execution of a contract for construction services with Alpha Paving Industries, LLC to provide a New Austin Energy Pole Yard at St. Elmo Service Center in the amount of $312,470, plus a …
Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group February 1, 2024 Process In December 2022, Austin City Council Resolution 20221201-040 directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission to update the “Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 (2030 Plan),” adopted by the Austin City Council in December of 2020. The 2030 Plan committed Austin Energy to continue safely delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy sufficient to meet customer demands while pursuing the City of Austin's climate protection and sustainability goals. In August 2023, the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) created the Resource Planning Working Group (Working Group) to provide leadership and guidance to Austin Energy and the Austin City Council on technical and market issues to meet environmental, efficiency and affordability goals established by the Austin City Council. The 16-member Working Group1 included members of the EUC, members of the Resource Management Commission and several others who represented different elements of the Austin community. Members brought expertise on a variety of energy topics to this effort. The working met on 14 occasions between September 2023 and January 2024. The Working Group created a website for meeting notes, presentations, and materials. The Working Group examined the initial presentation by Austin Energy, the 11 resource portfolios modeled by Austin Energy, technology assessments from Austin Energy, staff responses to questions from the Working Group, and the results of four additional resource portfolios constructed by the Working Group and modeled by Austin Energy. Austin Energy presented those four additional scenarios on January 10, 2024. In addition, the Working Group received information and presentations on many of the technologies and issues relevant to the Plan, including batteries with various energy storage durations, hydrogen technology, geothermal energy, energy efficiency and demand response, renewable resources, the Fayette coal plant, transmission, regulatory changes, and new funding resources and tax incentives available under the federal Inflation Reduction Act. A Changing Landscape As Austin Energy has noted, many market conditions, opportunities and challenges have changed since the 2030 Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council in 2020. 1 One of the 16 working group members had to leave in early January because of a new job. Cover Letter from EUC Resource Planning Working Group 1 First, the costs of electricity have risen. Austin increased electricity base rates in 2022, particularly for residential customers, and has increased the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) rate three times since the …
EUC Report re Council Action February 12, 2024 Item 22 Item below recommended by EUC January 22; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (2/1) Recommend authorizing execution of two contracts for batteries, battery banks and battery testing services with Direct Current Preventive Maintenance LLC d/b/a DCPM and Exponential Power Inc. each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $3,500,000 divided between the contractors. Item below not recommended by EUC January 22; Council approved on date indicated in parenthesis. (2/1) Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of two contracts for tree growth regulator services with Edko LLC and T&S Growth Solutions, LLC, each for up to three years for total contract amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors.
Item 2 ..Title P osting Language Authorize execution of a contract for construction services, for the Kramer Lane Substation project with Capital Excavation Company, in the amount of $12,272,916 plus a $1,227,291 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $13,500,207. [Note: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 5.90% MBE and 1.63% WBE participation]. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC989A for these goods and services. The solicitation issued on October 9, 2023, and closed on November 9, 2023. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. 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. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 12, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The North MoPac area is experiencing rapid growth with taller, denser developments that have utilized the substation capacity in this service area. The new Kramer Lane Substation will provide the substation capacity necessary to reliably serve new developments, and it will strengthen the distribution system in this part of the service area. This item includes one allowance. The allowance of $10,000 will be used to address traffic control plans. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction contract or specifications for a certain item(s) of work when details are not determined at the time of bidding. Due to the potential for unknown conditions, a 10% contingency has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders to cover any unforeseen construction costs associated with the project. The contract allows 150 calendar days for completion of this project. This project is located within zip code 78758 (District 7), which is inside the Austin city limits and Austin …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION February 12, 2024, 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, Room 1101 301 W. Second St. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating via 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, contact Sadie Spalding at Sadie.Spalding@austintexas.gov, phone 512-978-0565 AGENDA CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County, Parliamentarian Vacant, Mayor, Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7, Vice Chair Vacant, D8 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 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 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on January 8, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS backup materials. 2. Overview of monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. Reports posted in DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a Working Group regarding the Emancipet contract. 4. Approve the creation of a Working Group on owner-intended euthanasia at the Austin 5. Discussion and approve possible recommendations regarding the Animal Services Office Animal Center. Budget. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Report of recommendations by the Finder to Foster Working Group. 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 two business days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Sadie Spalding, Animal Services Offices, at Sadie.Spalding@austintexas.gov; for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Sadie Spalding at Sadie.Spalding@austintexas.gov
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 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 Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT 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 Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor 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 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on January 8, 2023. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION 2. FY 24‐29 Consolidated Plan Community Needs Assessment Presentation & Discussion Presented by: Chris Duran, Senior Research Analyst, Housing Department, Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Housing Department, Jamey May, Housing & Community Development Officer, Housing Department, Susan Watkins, Housing Division Manager, Housing Department, Leslie Boyd, Acting Public Health Program Manager II, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations to the council. 4. Approve a recommendation to the council on demographic data. 5. Approve a recommendation to the council on Emergency Housing Assistance. 6. Approve a recommendation to the council for a Budget for LGBTQIA+ Affirming Mental Healthcare. 7. Discussion and possible action on Trans Protections Recommendation to the council. 8. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 9. Approve a motion to adjust the start time of the April 15 Commission meeting to start at 6:30 PM. 10. Approve a motion to …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan for federal grants. Agenda Where Does Our Funding Come From? Planning and Reporting for Federal Funding How We Make Decisions Fair Housing What We've Heard From the Community Programs and Activities Overview Group and Community Input How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds CARES Act The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for what in recent years has been approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. Each year, we plan and evaluate the programs funded by the HUD grants. 4 Planning and Reporting for Federal Grants U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 6 Consolidated Plan Funding Sources Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Goal: Provide decent housing and a suitable living environment; expand economic opportunities for low-income people Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Goal: Benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families by providing supportive services and housing Consolidated Plan (5-Year) HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Goal: create affordable housing for low- income households Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Goal: Assist people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness 7 How are funding decisions made? We are here Community Participation: Community Needs Assessment Available Use of Funding Sources Consolidated Plan Housing Needs & Market Analysis Other Planning Efforts Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 8 Fair Housing Issues, Experiences • 2019 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) • Potential upcoming "Equity Plan" related to fair housing • Seeking input and surveying on fair housing issues, experiences (details on future slide) 9 What we’ve heard from the Community I need immediate help I need a more accessible process Feedback themes I want the opportunity to build wealth and long-term stability I need help maintaining stability I need immediate help Housing Needs Finding housing Rental Assistance Mortgage assistance Emergency …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ 7 FOR TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS BE IT RESOLVED, Except to the extent required by law, it is the policy of the City that no City personnel, funds, or resources shall be used to investigate, criminally prosecute, impose administrative penalties on, or terminate or limit the eligibility for City funding, such as grants or contracts, an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or for receiving or seeking such care. It is also the policy of the City to protect the welfare and safety of those who identify or are perceived as LGBTQ and those who provide services and support to such individuals through the vigorous enforcement of hate crimes, anti‐discrimination laws, and other forms of support. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED If any law or regulation of the State of Texas imposes criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or for receiving or seeking such care, City personnel shall make enforcement of said law or regulation their lowest priority. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not enforce laws of other jurisdictions that impose criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions, on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or a nonbinary individual with healthcare or seeking or receiving such care and shall decline any request to stop, arrest, detain, continue to detain, or transfer into the custody of any other law enforcement, individuals based on such conduct being criminalized, penalized, or sanctionable in said jurisdiction. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not respond to any request for information from another jurisdiction if the request is related to that jurisdiction's laws, rules, or regulations imposing criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions or the investigation thereof, on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or seeking or receiving such care. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not enforce or facilitate the collection of any judgment of another jurisdiction to the extent the judgment arises out of a cause of …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ X X FOR Budget for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance (I BELONG IN AUSTIN PROGRAM) WHEREAS the City of Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest‐ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than 50% before the record increases of the last three years, and WHEREAS, the City has approved funding over $7 million for a program entitled "I Belong In Austin" to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short‐term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation, and WHEREAS the "I Belong in Austin" had over 800 people on the waiting list when the Program began and is likely to exhaust funding before the end of this fiscal year, indicating the continuing need for this assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve funding of $8 million for the "I Belong in Austin" Program to mitigate the affordability crisis and to accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability. Page 1 of 2 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a X‐X vote. VOTE Date of Approval: Present: Attest: Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ 6 FOR Budget for LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING MENTAL HEALTHCARE WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin‐Round Rock‐Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475‐person waitlist for LGBTQIA+‐focused mental health services; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health‐related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender‐affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents were asked about how they rate their overall mental health since the pandemic, more than half (52%) of the 1,882 respondents rated their mental health as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS nearly half (45%) of respondents in the Austin‐based QWELL Community Foundation’s 2021 survey rated their mental health as poor or fair; and WHEREAS according to the 2022 Austin Public Health Community Health Assessment, there exists significant mental health needs including stigma and limited access to mental health care. Among Travis County residents, the suicide rate was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 population and highest among males (18.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and White residents (17.1 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016‐ 2020. In 2020, a higher percentage of females (33.0%) compared to males (20.9%) reported poor mental health, and the prevalence of poor mental health days has increased by 7 overall for both genders. In the same year, a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults (31.5%) reported poor mental health compared to White (26.3%) and Black/African American (22.9%) adults. In 2020, the highest proportion of adults experiencing poor mental health was seen among adults aged 18‐29 (32.6%) and 30‐44 years of age (34.3%); and WHEREAS, of the seven million dollars of mental health funding in FY24 social service contracts, only $161,673 (2%) provides …
