REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MAY 20, 2024 – 6:00 PM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/ZfQiW2FBur or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Pedro Villalobos (D-2), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) VACANT (D-6) VACANT (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Holly Reed (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural Center and Genealogy Center staff and the 2024 Stay Black & Live Austin Citywide Juneteenth Festival. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). Presenter(s): Carre Adams, Culture & Arts Education Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to direct the Watershed Protection Department to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project. (Sponsors: Reed, Taylor). Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Mile Zero Trailhead project that includes a maximum amount of funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost to construct the project. (Sponsors: Villalobos, Flowers). (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces.) Presenter(s): Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager II, Parks and Recreation Department and George Cofer, Violet Crown Trail Project Manager, Hill Country Conservancy. Page 1 of 2 2. 3. 4. Discussion and create a Public Access …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on April 22, 2024 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor (left meeting at 6:27 p.m.). Board Members Absent: Lane Becker. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway and Waterloo Conservancy Laura Esparza - Austin Arts Alliance and Daugherty Arts Center Ted Eubanks - Frederick Law Olmstead Parks and Divisive vs. Unifying actions Lucky Lemieux - Daugherty Arts Center Construction Diana Prechter - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Wolf Sittler - Norwood House Chris Flores - Barton Springs Pool Issues Gail Rothe - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Tanya Payne - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Teri Adams - Role of the Parks and Recreation Board Robin Rather - Withdrawal of Ted Eubanks Parks and Recreation Board Nomination Andrea Hill - PARD Management Patrick Moore - Building a Tower in Bolm District Park APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meetings of March 27, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meeting of March 27, 2024 with amendments to remove the words “Barton Springs Conservancy’s Role” from Item 7 Paragraph 1, and to show Board Member Stephanie Bazan as having been in attendance remotely was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote with two vacancies. Board Members Becker and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 22, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Human Resources Team for their successful recruiting and hiring practices, use of new technology, administration of summer bonuses, and nationally recognized safety training program. Daniel Paciocco, Human Resources Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on delays in lifeguard hiring and the need for more HR staff. The motion to approve letters of support for PARD Human Resources Team for their successful recruiting and hiring practices, use …
Violet Crown Trail | Mile Zero Trailhead Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy Parks and Recreation Board Christine Chute Canul, Program Manager II Parks and Recreation Department, City of Austin May 20, 2024 Violet Crown Trail In 2006, planning of the Violet Crown Trail began. Its purpose is to create the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After years of strategic land acquisition and planning, the trail is now 13 miles long running from Zilker Park to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. With continued construction, the VCT is on its way to becoming the longest trail of its kind in Central Texas. 2 Violet Crown Trail | Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Metropolitan Park 3 Project Improvement Map 4 Improvements at the Site Mile Zero Entry Feature and Gathering Area Meadow Pavilion Observation Deck and Overlook Stabilized Decomposed Granite Trail Meadow enhancements and walking trail Bike Racks Educational Signage Improved Crosswalk and ADA access 5 6 Project Cost Estimate PROJECT BUDGET Construction Costs Materials Cost Estimated Project Cost Contingency Total Project Cost: 7 Permitting, Design, Project Mgt Costs In-kind Design and Project Management 1,006,488 936,637 1,943,125 194,313 54,115 125,000 2,316,553 Timeline and Next Steps Community Engagement 2018-2019 – Complete 2022 Site Plan Approved 5/20/24 Parks and Recreation Board 7/18/24 City Council Execute Parkland Improvement Agreement Construction begins late 2024 – early 2025 8 Make a recommendation to City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of a Parkland Improvement Agreement with Hill Country Conservancy for the Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead project. The agreement includes a maximum amount of Parkland Dedication funding of $900,000 the Parks and Recreation Department will allocate to Hill Country Conservancy for a portion of the cost of constructing the project. Action 9
Carver Museum F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 4 P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T S B L A C K H I S T O R Y M O N T H 2 0 2 4 @ C A R V E R M U S E U M Black History Month Kids Day Solar Saturdays That’s My Face Create & Heal S M A L L B L A C K M U S E U M R E S I D E N C Y P R O J E C T V O L U M E 3 Corey Sherrad, Jr. taylor barnes Nitiasha Johnson Corey De'Juan Sherrard, Jr. (b. 1996) received his B.S. in digital media from the University of Houston. He creates work that honors the Black Radical tradition of resistance using paint, photography, sound, and sculpture. Sherrard is also an alumnus of the School for Poetic Computation. taylor barnes (b. 1993) is native of Austin, Texas. She is a ceramic, charcoal, and fibers artist who explores spirituality, oral history, materiality, and bell hooks' philosophy of object and subject. She received her MFA from the University of North Texas. The artist chooses to honor her linage by not capitalizing the letters of her name. Nitashia Johnson, is a multimedia artist and educator from Dallas, Texas. She is an alumna of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Texas Woman's University (BFA), and the Rhode Island School of Design (MAT). She received her MFA from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her work seeks to help us reconnect to our natural environment to build an understanding of our personal histories and lived experiences. Juneteenth 2024 S T A Y B L A C K & L I V E A U S T I N C I T Y W I D E J U N E T E E N T H F E S T I V A L J U N E 1 5 , 2 0 2 4 - J U N E 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Cener in partnership with Carver ATX Foundation STAY BLACK JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL HISTORY In response to the ongoing global health crisis and endemic …
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting May 20, 2024 – 3:00pm Waller Creek Center 625 E. 10th St. Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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 commission liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. Members of the public wishing to speak in person on the agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. AGENDA Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta (District 10), Chair Budget Committee Members: Sam Angoori (District 5) Judy Musgrove (District 7) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak before the meeting in person or by noon the day before the meeting remotely by telephone, will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Austin Water Financial Forecast Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Update 2. Austin Water Cost of Services Update 3. Austin Water Debt Management Update 4. Review Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Schedule 5. Review and possible action to approve the Budget Committee meeting schedule DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion of future agenda items ADJOURN 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 Heather Cooke at Austin Water, 512-972-0083 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Heather Cooke at Heather.Cooke@austintexas.gov.
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MAY 20, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 *NOTE: The Urban Renewal Board no longer meets at the Street-Jones Building. Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Hunter Maples, (512) 974-3120 or hunter.maples@austintexas.gov. The Urban Renewal Board reserves the right to go into closed session to discuss any of the items on this agenda as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on April 15, 2024 1 of 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS Update and discussion regarding the appointment of the seventh commissioner to the Urban Renewal Board (URB) Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Austin Economic Development Corporation, including the Request for Proposals process and Evaluation process underway (Anne Gatling Haynes, Austin Economic Development Corporation) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve a recommendation to City Council supporting the continued need for the Urban Renewal Plan and Urban Renewal Agency in response to the City Ordinance No. 20181213-101 (Chair Escobar) Discuss and approve further action in support of the Urban Renewal Board Recommendation 20240318-005 to City Council related to the FY 2024-25 annual budget for the Urban Renewal Board EXECUTIVE SESSION Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks …
1. URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING DRAFT MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024 The URBAN RENEWAL BOARD convened on MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center - 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Manuel Escobar called the Urban Renewal Board meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. with four members present. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce, and Commissioners Kobla Tetey and Amit Motwani were present. Commissioner Watson joined the dais at 6:16pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: No commissioners attended remotely Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Tam Hawkins was absent, and Commissioner Watson was off the dais. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the URB’s special-called meeting on March 18, 2024 On Commissioner Tetey’s motion, Commissioner Motwani’s second, the March 18, 2024, minutes were approved, on a 4-0-0 vote with Commissioners Hawkins absent and Commissioner Watson off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update and discussion regarding the appointment of the seventh commissioner to the Urban Renewal Board (URB) 1 Chair Escobar briefed the board that there was no appointment of a seventh commissioner at this time. Presentation and discussion regarding the FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan process and related community needs and federal spending priorities (Chris Duran, Julie Smith, and James May, Housing Department) Julie Smith and James May gave the presentation. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Austin Economic Development Corporation, including the Request for Proposals process and Evaluation process underway (Anne Gatling Haynes and Jose Lopez, Austin Economic Development Corporation) Anne Gatling Haynes gave a brief update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve a recommendation to City Council supporting the continued need for the Urban Renewal Plan and Urban Renewal Agency in response to the City Ordinance No. 20181213-101 (Chair Escobar) Following discussion, the board requested this item be taken up again at the May 20, 2024, meeting focusing on further action in support of the URB’s FY2025 budget request. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Chair recessed the meeting for Executive Session at 7:17pm. Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) The Chair entered into the private consultation with …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240318-005 Commissioner Watson FY25 Budget Recommendation Seconded By: Commissioner Motwani Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Approve the base budget for the Urban Renewal Board (the “Board”) consistent with the approved FY 2023-24 budget, including a 5% increase for inflation, and providing an additional $100,000 to support an initial year of strategic planning initiatives, additional planning, engagement and outreach relating to the African American Cultural Heritage District, for a total FY 2024-25 budget of $152,000. Description of Recommendation to Council The Board’s budget for FY 2023-2024 is $47,956. For FY 2024-2025, the Board requests this base funding amount be increased for inflation and supplemented with funds to support strategic planning initiatives for the Board as well as additional planning, engagement and outreach related to activation and implementation of district specific improvements within the Urban Renewal Plan area related to and supportive of the African American Cultural Heritage District (the “District”) and the vibrancy of a commercial corridor that reflects the heritage and future of the District, building upon the initial engagement accomplished and programs that have been identified for the multi-use project proposed for Blocks 16 and 18. Rationale: Strategic Planning The Board has diligently pursued the tasks assigned to it by City Council when the Urban Renewal Plan (the “Plan”) was renewed in 2018, and has completed its work on the updates to the Plan and the neighborhood conservation combining district documents relating to the Plan area. As the Board has already launched and continues to progress through the RFP process for the development of Blocks 16 and 18 – the final item assigned to it by City Council – the Board desires to explore how it may best support the Plan area and the City of Austin in the future. Many similarly situated urban renewal agencies and boards across the country have transitioned over time into other district support organizations once the goals of their original urban renewal plans have been accomplished. The Board would like to build on the engagement accomplished in the work to date and potentially help transition the momentum into a longer-term district support organization as has been done by similar bodies nationwide. The Urban Renewal Board would like to engage in a strategic planning process to determine its best path forward, from district support specific activities/purposes to potential governance models and requests funding to engage with consultants …
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Click here to join 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, call or email the Office of Support, (512) 972-5841, HIVPlanningCouncil@austintexas.gov. CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Alicia Alston Joe Anderson Jr., Conflicted Liza Bailey Aran Belani Zachery Garay, Conflicted AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Ashley Garling Marquis Goodwin, Conflicted Judith Hassan, Conflicted Rocky Lane, Non-Voting Kristina McRae-Thompson Gin Pham PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 5/19/2024 will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. April 22, 2024 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflict of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Introductions/Announcements 4. Office of Support Staff Report 5. Administrative Agent Report 6. Part B Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Presentation of Epidemiological Data from Flor Hernandez 8. Discussion and approval of Vice-Chair Nomination 9. Discussion and approval of Priority Setting and Resource Allocation Data (PSRA) Request 10. Discussion and approval of Integrated Plan updates 11. Discussion and approval of Needs Assessment Year 2 Topic 12. Discussion and approval of Town Hall Date, Time and Location and Goal 13. Discussion of National Latinx Conference Highlights COMMITTEE UPDATES 14. Governance/Membership and Care Strategies 15. Finance/Allocations and Strategic Planning/Needs Assessment FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 16. Review of workplan calendar and social calendar ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items 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. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, May 20, 2024, 6:00 p.m. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights 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 Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten 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 Human Rights Commission meeting on April 22, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Approve a recommendation to condemn the enactment of the State of Texas' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ban (Senate Bill 17) and its effect on the University of Texas. Approve a recommendation to call on City Council to engage with the University of Texas to cease the use of police force to suppress student protests, work with student activists to find peaceful and constructive solutions, protect free speech and peaceful protest, protect student rights, and call on City Council to investigate the use of force and arrests of student protesters, faculty, and media. 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 contact Eric Anderson, Office of (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defending Free Speech and Peaceful Protest: A Call to Protect Student Rights WHEREAS, the Human Rights commission believes that free speech and peaceful protests are essential tools and rights in the struggle for a better world and the fight for justice and equality. We are deeply concerned about the recent use of multiple law enforcement agencies to suppress student protests at the University of Texas at Austin. The reports of heavy-handed tactics by law enforcement agencies are supported by videos and eyewitness accounts. The evidence depicts scenes of students being manhandled, pepper-sprayed, and arrested for exercising their constitutional right to assemble and voice their grievances. WHEREAS, student protests have played an important role in our nation's history, advancing civil rights and opposing immoral wars. We believe the right to peaceful protest and free speech are fundamental pillars of a free society, and that it is crucial to defend these rights against all who seek to suppress them. From the pivotal lunch counter sit-ins that challenged segregation to the mass mobilizations against the Vietnam War, student activism has long been a driving force for positive change, holding institutions accountable and giving voice to the marginalized. WHEREAS, the use of law enforcement agencies to silence dissenting voices is an affront to these principles, representing a concerning escalation of tactics that undermines the very fabric of our democratic freedoms, we cannot stand idly by, as overzealous law enforcement curtails the rights of our city's youth. As King wrote, “Never again is now”. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission recommends to the Austin City Council to engage the University of Texas administration to immediately cease the use of police force to suppress student protests, and to work with student activists to find peaceful and constructive solutions to the issues that are being raised, protecting freedom of speech while ensuring safety for all. Open dialogue, facilitated by independent mediators, if necessary, must replace confrontation. AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission calls on the Austin City Council to investigate the use of force and arrests of student protesters, faculty, and media. A thorough and transparent investigation would be a sign that those attempting to unlawfully silence the voices of those that are solely seeking the right to assemble peacefully will be held accountable. The right to …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: May 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Austin Tennis Center: The Austin Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Capital Area Tennis Association to resurface ten tennis courts at the Austin Tennis Center. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded a $39,500 grant to the Capital Area Tennis Association (CATA), and USTA Texas added an additional $10,000, totaling $49,500 to assist with covering the costs of the improvement. The feedback from the community has been positive as everyone appreciates the improved playing surface. District 1 Austin Tennis Center new surface court The Oakwood Cemetery Chapel Community Engagement: The Oakwood Cemetery Chapel hosted community engagement meetings with the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin and a Hispanic descendant's group to get feedback on past Tejano programs and events and to plan summer and fall programs and events. Fifteen community members attended this event. District 1 All-Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park: An online survey will remain open until May 31st to receive feedback on playground options and themes for the All-Abilities Playground. This will complete the second phase of community engagement for the project, which also included a virtual community meeting held on May 2nd and several small group discussions throughout the month. The final round of community engagement to share a single playground concept is expected to be completed by late summer, with the third virtual meeting scheduled for June 20th. The Department 1 teamed with Austin Parks Foundation and their consultant team, TBG Partners and Cultural Strategies, to design and develop the playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park in alignment with the 2015 Vision Plan. A schematic design phase led by Austin Parks Foundation will begin as funding becomes available. District 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/Onion-Creek-All-Abilities Bolm District Park Vision Plan Community Engagement Round #2 Virtual Meeting: The Department will be hosting the second community meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, February 13 at 6 p.m. Project team members will present design concepts around themes developed through feedback and responses to the first community survey. This will also mark the launch of the second community survey. Additional project information, including a link to register for the meeting and dates for community pop-ups, can be found at the project’s website. District 3 Project Webpage Bolm District Park Pan American Neighborhood Park: On September 1, 2022, the Austin City Council passed a resolution in alignment with recommendations from the Parks …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 20, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024. 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the May 6, 2024 meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado Discussion of recommendations to Council regarding City departments partnering with artists and arts organizations Discussion on performance space affordability and the realities and limitations of medium/small dance and theater companies presented by members of the arts community (AJ Garcia-Rameau, Andrea Ariel, Ann McNair) 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding The Cultural Asset Mapping Project (CAMP) by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager and Dr. Thomas Kurtz Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Laura Odegaard, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager Staff update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on proposed Place-based enhancements strategy and economic incentives for affordability and cultural preservation by Donald Jackson, Business Process Consultant Approve the Selection Process Recommendation for the Palmer Events Center AIPP Project Approve the Updated Artwork Budget for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Project Terminal Expansion Phase II B Art in Public Places Project with Artists Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta Approve recommendation to improve HOT collection and …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE MAY 20, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N EC ON OMI C D EVEL OP M EN T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2024 o Total HOT Collections April 2024 = $28,704,455 o 69% towards FY24 Approved Budget of $152,172,894 o Cultural Arts Fund April 2024 = $2,741,275 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY24 Approved Budget for FY24: $14,525,594 FY24 HOT Cultural Arts Fund in the bank: $10,083,692 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department May 20, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Status Reports Current Contracts, Payment Updates, and Pending Program Launches FY 24 Nexus Summer Grant Funded Activities for May and June C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Contracts and Payments Contracts and Payments Update Elevate Nexus Thrive Year 1 Thrive Year 2 Arts Ed Relief Grant Total Contracts 51 36 See year 1 19 200 199 (99%) 199 (99%) 199 (99%) 167 (84%) (6%) Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued Total Dist. to date 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 See year 1 34 (94%) - (0%) n/a 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 19 (100%) - (0%) n/a $5,264,500 (84%) $249,500 (98%) $3,901,500 ( 100%) $3,330,000 (85%) $427,500 (90%) Total Allocation $6,250,000 $255,000 $3,901,500 $3,901,500 $475,000 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 Future Program Launches Live Music Fund • Launches May 21, 2024 • Closes June 18, 2024 Thrive/Elevate • Launches June 25, 2024 • Closes July 23, 2024 • Elevate: for activities occurring October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025 for activities occurring January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026 • Thrive: Nexus Fall/Winter • Launches July 30, 2024 • Closes August 27, 2024 • Will be open for activities occurring October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 Heritage Preservation • Launches September 10, 2024 • Closes October 8, 2024 AIPP Open Calls • Launches September 24, 2024 • Closes October 22, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 5 FY24 Nexus Summer FY24 Nexus Summer Timeline Tuesday, April 16 – Tuesday, May 14 • Application …
Place-Based Enhancement Program Economic Development Department May 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision Economic incentive programs use tax reimbursements, grants, and other financial programs to encourage desired community This often includes new jobs or new real estate and capital outcomes investment Guided by state code (Chapter 380) and City policies and priorities In Austin, these include strong community benefit requirements: Hiring harder to employ individuals Living wages 1 Childcare support Local art and music Green building Transit access C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision: State Local Code LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 12. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBTITLE A. MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 380. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Sec. 380.001. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. (a) The governing body of a municipality may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs, including programs for making loans and grants of public money and providing personnel and services of the municipality, to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity in the municipality. 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background In 2018 EDD Staff utilized feedback from an extensive engagement process in development of the current Program Guidelines • Community conversations included 8 Sessions, held in each Council District • Sessions’ attendance ranged from 7 to 90, with 160 unique attendees, providing 260 points of input, generating 2,500 comments • "Affordability" was a top concern for Creative Sector and Small Business participants Current Chapter 380 Policy and Program adopted by City Council At that time, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20180830- 058 authorizing the City Manager to develop a Location Enhancement Program C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background Location Enhancement Program core focus from Ordinance No. 20180830-058 on developing an affordable real estate program: Commercial affordability for tenants of commercial space with … particular focus on small, local, heritage businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and the creative sector Financial challenges faced by owners of commercial spaces by providing access to capital/financing to deliver community benefits, such as affordable and public spaces, creative spaces, new goods and services, and to preserve neighborhood identity Specific market needs, such as the delivery of goods, services and transportation solutions to underinvested areas that yield …
• AIPP Project: Palmer Events Center • Artist(s): Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg; Alternate: Shan Shan Sheng • Phase: Selection Process Recommendation VOTE • Sponsoring Department: Austin Convention Center • Project Budget: $622,640 • Council District: 5 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie ARTS COMMIS S ION ME E TING DATE : MO NDAY, MAY 20, 2024 Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg Palmer Events Center "The artist has a unique take on use/reuse of materials and their relevance to the space's function, as well as an informed integration of technology with nature. For example the airport car rental installation using tail lights (left side, an excellent detail) to create a Swarm to reflect both nature and the nature of car use is brilliant. Visually her work is stunning both up close and at a distance. Her use of color with form is likely to create a pleasing balance with the architecture of the Palmer." "Amy's survey of submitted artwork showcased a timeless elegance mixed with contemporary edge that was both beautiful and impactful. Her repurposing of found material sends a visual environmental friendly message without being overbearing. Additionally I found that her use of more abstract design offers a versatility that would be perfect for the Palmer's multiple events." "Amy Landsberg is the correct choice that I chose originally as my recommendation for Palmer Events Center Artist. Their choice of patterns and colors drew me in as a spectator and found that their artistry would be engaging for the section of Palmers that it will be featured in. I look forward to seeing the final design that will be installed." Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg Palmer Events Center "The artist has a unique take on use/reuse of materials and their relevance to the space's function, as well as an informed integration of technology with nature. For example the airport car rental installation using tail lights (left side, an excellent detail) to create a Swarm to reflect both nature and the nature of car use is brilliant. Visually her work is stunning both up close and at a distance. Her use of color with form is likely to create a pleasing balance with the architecture of the Palmer." "Amy's survey of submitted artwork showcased a timeless elegance mixed with contemporary edge that was both beautiful and impactful. Her repurposing of found material sends a visual environmental friendly message without being overbearing. Additionally I found that …
Art in Public Places City of Austin Cultural Arts Division 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78741 512.974.7700 / aipp@austintexas.gov PROCESS SUMMARY Project Summary Palmer Events Center: Interior Installation The Palmer Events Center is undertaking a phased approach to add improvements through out the building starting with the restroom facilities. The City of Austin has grown rapidly into a top-ten preferred convention destination since opening the Austin Convention Center (ACC) in 1992 and expanding it in 2002. However, the existing Convention Center has insufficient space to accommodate the growth in event demand at the Center, while the facility itself creates a barrier between east and west, with no ground level interaction for the local community and visitors. Therefore, the ACC has begun the process of an expansion to its existing facility, to provide a larger, more efficient facility on a smaller footprint that will be a more active and community-friendly event space in the heart of Downtown Austin. The new Convention Center will nearly double the available rentable space at the Center and position us to compete for the next tier of convention business and build the convention center of tomorrow! Project Background • Expansion of the Austin Convention Center, in conjunction with ongoing initiatives including Waterloo Greenway, the Palm District, and Project Connect, will transform the southeast corner of downtown into a community-centric destination • The completed expansion project is estimated to generate an additional $285 million in yearly economic impact within the local community, provide nearly $13 million in additional annual tax revenue to the City, and support over 1,600 additional jobs. • The expansion will greatly expand the available rental space of the existing convention center, allowing the center to remain competitive in the convention center marketplace • Expansion is the result of nearly a decade of study, with all overwhelmingly supportive of an expansion of the Center. • On Aug. 8, 2019, the Austin City Council approved an increase in the municipal HOT rate of a further 2% for a Convention Center expansion, bringing the total City HOT rate to 11%. • The new Convention Center will be built using Hotel Occupancy Tax and the Convention Center’s revenues, with no reliance on property tax Public Art Goals & Priorities The artwork is intended to provide an aesthetic enhancement for an interior wall spanning the length of a narrow walkway of approximately 90 linear …
CALL TO ARTISTS Palmer Events Center: Interior Installation - Public Art Opportunity City of Austin (National): Art in Public Places (AIPP) Deadline for Submissions – 5:00PM CST: October 31, 2023 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) seeks to commission a professional visual artist or artist-led team to design and fabricate a site-specific artwork that enhances the interior second story space of the Palmer Event Center located at 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas 78704. https://www.palmereventscenter.com/ BACKGROUND The Palmer Events Center is nestled near Butler Park with amazing views of the downtown Austin skyline. Over 125,000 square feet of the multi-purpose venue spans is utilized for hosting national conventions, sporting events, theatrical performances and more. The Palmer Events Center (PEC) actually dates back to 1940 when the City of Austin purchased an airplane hangar on the south shores of Town Lake. The hangar was then converted into an all- purpose City Coliseum that opened to the public in 1949. A new structure was voted on as a part of the 1998 bond election which resulted in the highly used after events center today. The Palmer Events Center is a part of the Austin’s Convention Center Department. It is a state-of-the-art energy efficient facility powered by 100 percent renewable energy from Austin Energy’s Green Choice Program. As Austin continues to receive the nick-name “Silicon Hills”, the Events Center increasingly attracts tech conventions. PROJECT OVERVIEW The artwork is intended to provide an aesthetic enhancement for an interior wall spanning the length of a narrow walkway of approximately 90 linear feet and extending upward about 20 feet. The wall is located on the 2nd level of the open lobby space running parallel to functional decorative railing that together create a walkway to the Events Center offices. The artist or artist-led team selected for this project will be expected to coordinate with staff during the implementation of the project so as to minimally impact operations. This project is an opportunity for an artist to create a tactile, visually engaging artwork on the 2nd level of the main entrance lobby space of the Palmer Event Center. The artwork should consider the surrounding natural context of the space and earthy interior finishes. The final artwork could use technology to inform, illuminate, provide humor or narrative while visually engaging visitors and other users of the Palmer Event Center. APPROXIMATE BUDGET: $400,000 …
Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta Monday, October 14, 2019 Oct 14, 2019 Letter of Interest Artists: Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta Dear AUS Terminal Expansion Phase II Public Art Committee: Please consider our collaborative application for this call, from art team leader Josef Kristofoletti and artist Matthew Mazzotta. The artists are very excited to apply for this call, as this will be their first collaboration. They have known each other since 1999 when they were both students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and have remained close collegues since leaving school. Both artists have worked together informally and often brainstorm together and ideate for each others practices. Both Josef and Matthew have worked internationally on large scale public art projects. Collectively they work spans the globe, with work throughout the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Both their individual projects have received international awards and recognition. Their global experience and background makes this team a good fit for a public project at the Austin International Airport. The artists have already both had an initial site visit to the ABIA to study the new expansion project. Josef has been an Austin resident for the past ten years and Matthew has been traveling to the city for just as long. Matthew Mazzotta is also included in the Austin national prequalified list for AIPP. We believe the artist team’s aesthetic and experience would match the airport project goals. This artist collaboration feels uniquely qualified to undertake a project at the AUS Terminal, as their work focuses on creating site-specific spaces which serve as a point of attraction for diverse groups of people to come together and commingle - a trait they believe is of essence in designing for large scale public buildings such as airports with an active user group always in transit. This artist team is eager to explore these ideas at the Austin Airport and look forward to presenting a design proposal to the Airport Public Art Committee. Image List for Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta This mural was created on a 5,800 sq. ft. wall on a building that houses the control center for the ATLAS detector at CERN, a nuclear research facility outside of Geneva, Switzerland. CERN is a collaboration of 68 nations working together to better understand how matter and the universe originated. I was asked to design and paint a visual icon for …
