COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Thursday – February 8th, 2024 – 6:30PM Austin Energy Building- Mueller Assembly Room – Room 1111 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nehemiah Pitts III, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Cristina Garza Gabriel Nwajiaku Amarige Azzam AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Steven Apodaca, Vice Chair Carina Alderete Thomas Rice Maxine Eiland Sumit DasGupta The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will 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 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on December 13th, 2023. 2. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on January 11th, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. “You’re Being Watched – AI & Surveillance in Public Places” Presentation (Sharon Strover – Director, Technology & Information Policy Institute, Phillip G. Warner Regents Professor of Communication, Moody College of Communications, University of Texas at Austin) 4. Presentation and Discussion on Housing and Planning Department’s Action Plan for FY24-25 (Chris Duran, Senior Research Analyst – Housing and Planning Department) 5. Discussion Over Possible After Action Regarding the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan Comment Period Texas Digital Opportunity Plan Comment Period 6. Updates Regarding the Digital Inclusion Town Hall Listening Session on 1/27 7. Preliminary discussion regarding 2025 budget recommendations. 8. Discussion, Selection, and Approval of Grant for Technology Opportunities Program DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2024 Review Panel WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from Digital Inclusion, Civic Engagement, and Strategic Technology and Telecom Policy Working Group 10. Update from Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group 11. Update from Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation 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 …
REVISED COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Thursday – February 8th, 2024 – 6:30PM Austin Energy Building- Mueller Assembly Room – Room 1111 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nehemiah Pitts III, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Cristina Garza Gabriel Nwajiaku Amarige Azzam AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Steven Apodaca, Vice Chair Carina Alderete Thomas Rice Maxine Eiland Sumit DasGupta The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will 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 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on December 13th, 2023. 2. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on January 11th, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. “You’re Being Watched – AI & Surveillance in Public Places” Presentation (Sharon Strover – Director, Technology & Information Policy Institute, Phillip G. Warner Regents Professor of Communication, Moody College of Communications, University of Texas at Austin) 4. FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan Community Needs Assessment Presentation & Discussion (Chris Duran, Senior Research Analyst; Julie Smith Community Engagement Specialist) 5. Discussion Over Possible Follow Up Actions Regarding the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan Comment Period 6. Updates Regarding the Digital Inclusion Town Hall Listening Session on 1/27 7. Preliminary discussion regarding 2025 budget recommendations. 8. Discussion, Selection, and Approval of Grant for Technology Opportunities Program DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2024 Review Panel WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from Digital Inclusion, Civic Engagement, and Strategic Technology and Telecom Policy Working Group 10. Update from Knowledge, Information, and Data Stewardship Working Group 11. Update from Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation 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 …
Historic Landmark Commission Applications under Review for December 13, 2023 Meeting This list does not constitute a formal agenda and is subject to change. A final agenda will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 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, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Briefings 2. Equity-Based Preservation Plan Historic zoning applications 3. 1201 E. 7th Street – Commission-initiated historic zoning Heritage Grant application projects 421 E 6th Street – Paggi Carriage Shop – Roof improvements. 412 Congress Avenue – Kreisle Building – Roof improvements. Historic landmark and historic district applications 402 W 12th Street – A.O. Watson House – Addition/remodel. 1211 San Bernard Street – Giese-Stark Store – Renovation/remodel. 1209 Rosewood Avenue – Haynes-Delashwah House – Landscape work. 509 E 6th Street – Risher-Roach Building A – Rehabilitation/repair. 511 E 6th Street – Risher-Roach Building B – Rehabilitation/repair. 2506 Givens Avenue – Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Local Historic District – Addition/remodel. 1010 Harwood Place – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Demolition/new construction. 402 Lockhart Drive – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Partial demolition. National Register district permit applications 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 20. 21. 1409 Alta Vista Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Addition/remodel. 1604 Niles Road – Old West Austin National Register Historic District – Addition/pool/new construction ADU. 500 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repair. 513 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repair. 514 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repaint painted brick, 603 Red River Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repaint/repair. Demolition and relocation permit applications (all total demolitions unless otherwise noted) 2802 Pearce Road 1206 E 13th Street – Partial demolition. 1403 Elton Lane 508 El Paso Street 711 W Monroe Street 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
CORRECTED Historic Landmark Commission Applications under Review for February 7th, 2024 Meeting This list does not constitute a formal agenda and is subject to change. A final agenda will be posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 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, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Briefings 2. Equity-Based Preservation Plan Historic zoning applications 3. 1201 E. 7th Street – Commission-initiated historic zoning 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Heritage Grant application projects 421 E 6th Street – Paggi Carriage Shop – Roof improvements. 412 Congress Avenue – Kreisle Building – Roof improvements. Historic landmark and historic district applications 402 W 12th Street – A.O. Watson House – Addition/remodel. 1211 San Bernard Street – Giese-Stark Store – Renovation/remodel. 1209 Rosewood Avenue – Haynes-Delashwah House – Landscape work. 509 E 6th Street – Risher-Roach Building A – Rehabilitation/repair. 511 E 6th Street – Risher-Roach Building B – Rehabilitation/repair. 2506 Givens Avenue – Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Local Historic District – Addition/remodel. National Register district permit applications 20. 1010 Harwood Place – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Demolition/new construction. 402 Lockhart Drive – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Partial demolition. 1409 Alta Vista Avenue – Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District – Addition/remodel. 1604 Niles Road – Old West Austin National Register Historic District – Addition/pool/new construction ADU. 500 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repair. 513 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repair. 514 E 6th Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repaint painted brick, 603 Red River Street – Sixth Street National Register Historic District – Remodel/repaint/repair. Demolition and relocation permit applications (all total demolitions unless otherwise noted) 2802 Pearce Road 1206 E 13th Street – Partial demolition. 1403 Elton Lane 508 El Paso Street 711 W Monroe Street 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
SMALL AREA PLANNING JOINT COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 7, 2024 11:30 AM Permitting and Development Center (PDC), Rm. 2002 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Small Area Plan Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. 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, call or email the board liaison at 512- 974-3440 or donna.arwood@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Alejandra Flores William D. Floyd Patrick B. Howard, Chair Jennifer Mushtaler Alberta Phillips Vacant (Planning Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 3 speakers who sign up by noon (12:00 PM) the day before 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 Small Area Planning Joint Committee meeting on June 7, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. Discussion and possible action to elect a Vice-Chair. 3. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2024 Meeting Schedule. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on an update on the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program (SCWCD). City of Austin Planning Department staff: Chad Sharrard, chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov (512-974-8033); Tyler Tripp, tyler.tripp@austintexas.gov (512-974-3362); Mark Walters, mark.walters@austintexas.gov (512-974-7695). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Mark Walters at the Housing and Planning Department, at 512-974-7695, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Small Area Planning Joint Committee, please contact the liaison, Mark Walters at 512- 974-7695, mark.walters@austintexas.gov; or Donna Arwood at 512-974-3440, donna.arwood@austintexas.gov. 2
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, February 7th, 2024, AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women 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 Tabitha Taylor, (512) 972-5023, Tabitha.Taylor@austintexas.gov . CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Diana Melendez, Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Becky Bullard Julie Glasser Angela Harris Pam Rattan Maria Veloz Salas Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Jocelyn Tau 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 DISCUSSION 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting January 10th, 2024. 2. Discussion and updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) January 24th,2024 meeting: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, City of Austin’s Equity Office DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to approve Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Plan 4. Discussion and possible action to update the Commission for Women’s Charter 5. Discussion and possible action on a Resolution of the City of Austin Commission for Women in support of the Human Rights Commission Recommendation on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and Calls for a Ceasefire (Recommendation Number: 20240116-001) WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from Working Group on Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls. 7. Update from Working Group on Quality-of-Life Study 8. Update from Working Group on FY2025-24 Budget 9. Update from Working Group on Joint Collective Sex Crime Response Model (CSCRM) Project FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tabitha Taylor at the Office of Civil Rights, …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2023 Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental environmentally friendly Commission Member Consider a recommendation requesting funds to restore the Polo Field at Zilker Park. Presenter: Richard Brimer, Environmental Commission Member Consider a recommendation concerning updates to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, and Austin Equity Plan related to City Council’s resolution 20231109-029 regarding telework policies and resolution 20231102-002 regarding disposal rate goals. Presenter: Haris Qureshi, …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: LOCATION: February 7, 2024 Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) 8401 Southwest Pkwy COUNCIL DISTRICT: 8 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watershed/Barton Springs Zone Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommended with conditions. Development associated with C14-85-288.166(RCA), located at 8401 Southwest Pkwy, shall comply with the following requirements. a. Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area b. Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non- degradation water quality treatment requirements c. Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy d. A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be Green Building rating provided on site e. Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. f. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria g. Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence criteria C14-85-288.166(RCA) 1 RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET DISTRICT: 8 CASE: C14-85-288.166(RCA) – Sunset Ridge ADDRESS: 8401 and 8401 ½ Southwest Parkway SITE AREA: 9.606 acres EXISTING ZONING: GO-CO-NP PROPOSED ZONING: Amendment to Restrictive Covenant PROPERTY OWNER: Los Indios Ventures, Inc. AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512-974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommendation is pending the Affordability Unlocked determination. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ISSUES: Multifamily residential is not permitted in the general office (GO) district zoning category. However, if Affordability Unlocked is approved, then the Restrictive Covenant may be reviewed under the current (GO) district zoning. CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: Comments are pending until the Affordability Unlocked process has been completed. Site North South East West C14-85-288.166(RCA) 2 EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: Zoning Land Uses GO-CO-NP Not applicable Undeveloped Southwest Parkway SF-2-CO-NP; SF-3-NP Single-family residences SF-2-CO-NP Single-family residences; Undeveloped GO-MU-CO-NP; RR-NP Single-family residences NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: Oak Hill Combined (West Oak Hill) WATERSHED: Williamson Creek – Barton Springs Zone (Contributing Zone) SCHOOLS: Oak Hill Elementary RELATED CASES: SPC-2023-0448C.SH – Site plan is currently in review. ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS: Comprehensive Planning Small Middle School Austin High School Imagine Austin The initiation, termination or amending of a Restrictive Covenant is not under the purview …
Sunset Ridge 8401 Southwest Parkway C 1 4- 8 5- 2 8 8 . 1 6 6 ( R C A ) R e s t r i c t i ve C o ve n a n t A m e n d m e n t L e s l i e L i l l y, E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o n s e r va t i o n P r o g r a m M a n a g e r E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o m m i s s i o n S t a f f P r e s e n t a t i o n F e b r u a r y 7 t h , 2 0 2 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Restrictive Covenant Amendments • Re s t r i c t i ve C ove n a n t s ( RC s ) d e f i n e r e s t r i c t i o n s o n p ro p e r t i e s r e l a t e d t o z o n i n g o r o t h e r l a n d d eve l o p m e n t s t a n d a r d s. • O l d e r RC s o f t e n s e t s t a n d a r d s t h a t a r e l e s s r e s t r i c t i ve t h a n c u r r e n t c o d e a l l ow s. • O a k H i l l RC s e s t a bl i s h e d p r i o r t o t h e a d o p t i o n o f t h e …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands that hotels, hospitals, cluster or tower housing, schools, shopping centers, parks, sports centers, and businesses still need parking options for their workers and clients to conduct business; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine if what are the most environmentally friendly options. 1 of 2 When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to capture/treat stormwater, associated heat island effects, light pollution, and any other environmental impacts. The study should also reflect what types of parking options people prefer. The Environmental Commission desires this report to be a tool for city staff, public space planners, and developers to determine what parking options are environmentally superior in; reducing impervious cover, reducing pollution from runoff during rain events, reducing heat island effects, reducing light pollution, and increasing solar …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: David Sullivan Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degredation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 7, 2024, 6:00 PM AE HEADQUARTERS, Assembly Room 1111a 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 Yahel Baranovicht at (512) 974-1733 or Yahel.Baranovicht@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Craig Nazor District 7 Ian Steyaert (Vice-Chair) District 8 Gerry Acuna (Chair) District 10 Amanda Masino Mayor Madeline Jasper District 1 Melissa Rothrock District 2 Katrina Scheihing District 3 Melissa Caudle District 4 Caitlin Griffith District 5 Cathy Gattuso District 6 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 3 speakers signed up no later than noon the day before the meeting 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 ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on NOVEMBER 8, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and Discussion of Litter Abatement Programs – Sam Gilbert Presentation and Discussion of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Door-to-Door Pilot – Andy Dawson Review and Discussion of Director’s Report (Multifamily Composting, Brownie Drive, Recognitions, Historic Preservation Plan, Compensation Update, Solicitations Update, Performance Reports, and Statistical Reports) – Richard McHale DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Review and Approval Supplemental Brush and Bulk Contract -Sam Gilbert Review and Approval of Digital Solutions for Waste Management Contract – Keri Greenwalt FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Yahel Baranovicht at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at (512) 974-1733 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Yahel Baranovicht at (512) 974-1733 or Yahel.Baranovicht@austintexas.gov. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 BRUSH AND BULK COLLECTION AND COMPOST HAULING SERVICES SOLICITATION # (IFB 1500 SLW1081) ZWAC: 02/07/2024 Council: 02/29/2024 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: Authorize execution of three contracts for brush and bulk collection and compost hauling services with Aftermath Disaster Recovery, Inc., DRC Emergency Services, Inc., and IREP LLC, each for a term of five years in amounts not to exceed $15,000,000, divided among the contractors. ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding in the amount of $169,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 2. Solicitation Information Solicitation No: IFB 1500 SLW1081 # of bids received: 5 # of non-responsive bids received: 0 Length of time solicitation was out on the street: 3 weeks Was the time extended? No Issued date: 10/23/2023 Closed date: 11/14/2023 3. Previous Contract Information Previous contract: NA Contract number: Contract length and authorization: Contract actual spend: Current status: Contract execution date: Contract expiration date: 4. Notes/Other The Contractors will provide supplemental brush and bulk material removal and hauling services throughout the Austin Resource Recovery service area and dispose of the material at the designated disposal site or approved facilities. The Contractors are solely responsible for obtaining and providing all materials, equipment, supplies, labor, and other services required by the contract as may be necessary to fulfill the requirements of the contract. RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC-Revised May 2022 In 2020, ARR experienced a shortage of employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This forced the department to temporarily suspend brush and bulk collections and to reallocate resources to ARR’s core collection services of trash, recycling, and compost. If brush and bulk removal services were temporarily suspended again, the City would see an increase in illegal dumping of materials. This creates health and safety concerns for citizens and the environment as dump sites attract vectors, mosquitoes, and other pests. A lack of brush removal could create an increased wildfire threat to the community. Having a contract in place will allow for current program service levels to continue, give ARR the flexibility to allocate resources where needed, and help reduce the number of individual vehicle trips to the compost processor during high-volume months. These contracts are replacing a short-term contract after realizing …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale Director Austin Resource Recovery To: From: Date: Subject: February 7, 2024 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Multifamily Composting ARR hosted a February 6 webinar for Austin Apartment Association property manager members. ARR will offer additional webinar opportunities to educate property managers across the city about the new multifamily composting rules. Brownie Drive ARR sent three educational mailers addressing compost and recycling contamination and has one more planned. ARR has provided these materials in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. ARR also promoted/participated in an Austin Code-led cleanup in the area on January 20. We will continue to monitor proper recycling and composting in the neighborhood, and we will address any ongoing issues as needed. Recognition • Assistant Director Gena McKinley was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Recycling Coalition, a non-profit organization that is focused on the promotion and enhancement of recycling in the United States. • Assistant Director Ron Romero was selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Texas Public Work Association, a non-profit organization that is focused on local government public work and solid waste activities. • Director Richard McHale was given the 2023 Phil Parmer Volunteer Service Award from the Capital Area Planning Council of Governments in appreciation for leadership and dedication to regional environmental and solid waste planning. Historic Preservation Plan The Planning Department will be providing a briefing regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. This presentation is scheduled for the April 2024 ZWAC meeting. This is of interest as topic deferred in the November 2023 meeting. Compensation Update With the Director’s approval, ARR HR worked with HRD Compensation and received approval on a few priorities to help combat hard-to-fill positions. I. Shift Differential Expansion Approval For employees who work the overnight shift in Litter Abatement, ARR was approved to pay the shift differential for the entire shift instead of partially paying the shift differential because the shift crosses over to the morning. II. Employee Referral Incentive To encourage employee referrals and attract qualified candidates, ARR created an employee Referral Incentive. Eligible employees who successfully refer candidates meeting the specified criteria will have the option to choose between two attractive incentives: One-time Lump Sum Payment: Amount: $300.00 per referred employee Administrative Leave (ADL): 12 hours of Administrative Leave per referred employee III. Employee Retention Incentive The retention incentive began on 5/12/2022 …
HHW Door-to-Door Pilot HHW Door-To-Door Pilot Began September 2022 Districts 10 & 4 Weight collected weekly Total pounds of HHW collected in FY23 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 District 4 pickup and drop-off District 4 drop-offs and pickups 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 10/7/2022 11/7/2022 12/7/2022 1/7/2023 2/7/2023 3/7/2023 4/7/2023 5/7/2023 6/7/2023 7/7/2023 8/7/2023 9/7/2023 District 4 Drop-off District 4 Pickup District 10 pickup and drop-off District 10 drop-offs and pickups 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 10/7/2022 11/7/2022 12/7/2022 1/7/2023 2/7/2023 3/7/2023 4/7/2023 5/7/2023 6/7/2023 7/7/2023 8/7/2023 9/7/2023 District 10 Drop-offs District 10 Pickups Drop-offs per district Households 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Expansion • Expansion currently planned for Districts 1, 7, and 6 • Timeline for additional districts to be determined Public Outreach • Letter and postcard • AustinTexas.gov/HHWpilot Public Outreach • Service alerts were created and sent via the mobile app to residents in Districts 4 and 10 • 75 events attended with RRDOC information with targeted information in Districts 4 and 10 Questions? Andy Dawson andy.dawson@austintexas.gov 512-974-4342
Litter Abatement Programs: Efforts to Keep Austin Clean ARR Litter Abatement Division Sam Gilbert-Acting Division Manager Citywide Homelessness Background… • In 2019, ARR in partnership with other City departments developed the Violet Bag Program to help abate litter in public places. • The program became a way for persons experiencing homelessness to properly dispose of debris generated at the sites. • ARR installed purple kiosks, 96-gallon carts and violet bags at numerous locations. • ARR serviced nearly fifty (50) locations for the Violet Bag Program. • With the camping ban in 2021, sites have reduced to one (1) location. Homelessness Encampment Cleanup Transportation & Public Works Department • TPW handles the cleanup of over thirty (30) underpasses throughout the city. Austin Parks and Recreation Department • The PARD department is responsible for encampment abatement on Austin parklands. Austin Resource Recovery Department • ARR partners with both TPW and PARD to provide personnel, equipment and removal of debris from encampments. • ARR assists TPW with underpass cleanups such as Cameron Rd, IH35 corridor and Menchaca Road. • ARR administers a multi-department cleaning contract. Homelessness Encampment Cleanup • Austin Resource Recovery partners with several City of Austin Departments to provide encampment cleanup throughout the city. • Encampment locations have moved to parklands, greenbelts, undeveloped private property and some corridor underpasses. • Challenges include accessibility, terrain and both loose and bulk debris at the camps. Violet Keepsafe Storage Program Violet Keepsafe Storage Program • Provides carts for people experiencing homelessness to store personal possessions. • Initially 85 bins were installed, but now there are 339 in place for utilization. • On average approximately 60 individuals use them daily. Homeless H.E.A.L. Sites H.E.A.L.- Housing-focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) Initiative • Focuses on closing encampments deemed unsafe. • Offer individuals pathway to crisis shelters and stable housing while reducing public camping. • Partnership between departments has safely cleaned and closed 16 H.E.A.L. sites. Homeless Encampment Cleanup ENCAMPMENT CLEANUP TONNAGE 1,528 1,177 380 WEIGHT IN TONS FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 Clean Creeks Program • Austin Resource Recovery cleans the embankments along area creeks. • ARR partners with Watershed Protection Department. • Comprised of six(6) full time employees. • Clean up: 30 designated sites as well as pop-up sites along the creek's corridor. • ARR and WPD continue to find ways to increase the efforts of keeping these areas clean. Clean Creeks Program Methods to …
SMALL AREA JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING DRAFT MINUTES JUNE 7, 2023 The SMALL AREA JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE convened in a Special Called Meeting on June 7, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 2205, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Presiding Officer Howard called the Small Area Joint Planning Committee Meeting to order at 11:38a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Patrick Howard, Presiding Officer Cesar Acosta Ryan Johnson Dave Floyd Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Todd Shaw Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Acosta, Barrera-Ramirez, Floyd, Johnson, and Shaw attended remotely. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one signed up for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Small Area Planning Joint Committee Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of April 12, 2022, were approved on Commissioner Johnson’s motion, Commissioner Acosta’s second, on a unanimous vote. 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion and possible action to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. On Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez’s motion, Commissioner Acosta’s second, Commissioner Howard was nominated as Chair and unanimously elected to serve. Discussion and possible action developing criteria for selecting future planning areas. Following discussion, a briefing was requested for the next meeting to delve into the details of selection criteria. A copy of the ordinance was requested. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Elect a vice chair Briefing on District Planning Process Briefing on Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) program ADJOURNMENT Chair Howard adjourned the meeting at 12:19pm without objection. These minutes approved at the ________meeting on Commissioner X’s motion, Commissioner Y’s second on a _____ vote. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 6:00 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second St. Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board may be 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. To speak in person, registration is required at least 10 min prior to the start of the meeting. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3771 or michelle.rojas@austintexas.gov BOARD MEMBERS Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Gerardo Gandy, Member Eduardo “Eddie” Rodriguez, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Member 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 (3) three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Regular Meeting of January 10, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Report by Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager on January and February programs, marketing, scope of outreach efforts by ESB-MACC staff, La Mujer and Awards of Excellence planning report, and opportunities for Board participation at ESB-MACC programs for the month of February. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the Awards of Excellence, the scope of the working group is to provide support in the event planning for the Awards of Excellence and to take action on voting on approving the creation of the working group. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Robert Ojeda on the Bronze Community Band for support to implement a 5. Presentation by Dr. Angela Valenzuela and Katya Guzman from Academia Cuahutli Basic Music and Performance Program. requesting support for their fiscal year 24-25 budget. 6. Discussion on Phase 2 Construction Project Updates. Navarro, Amaro 7. Update on the Music Creative Hubs Town Hall meeting that took place on January …
