Residential Infill Subdivision Goal: To create an efficient process for residential infill subdivision, allowing for the creation of fee simple lots in existing neighborhoods on legal tracts with existing drainage patterns, and established utilities and services. A streamlined infill lot process will allow either fee simple ownership, or condo form of ownership with densities, lot sizes, and impervious cover limits already allowed under existing zoning. The Primary goal is for missing middle sites to be treated in proportion to their size and have clear, upfront rules. The current process is subjective with open-ended negotiations, inequitable costs, and lengthy review times. Applies to: Previously platted lots, or land status qualifying lots, under one acre and zoned for residential use. LDC SUGGESTED EDITS BY DEPARTMENT Austin Energy • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats. • Only require easements to accommodate existing facilities or to bring service to the lots. Increase minimum distance from right of way that triggers sprinklers in residential units. Austin Fire • • Allow for multiple units to be served by one driveway. • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats Austin Water • • Add flexibility for lot line crossing per uniform plumbing code. 25-9-33 (F) - No Service Extension is required for re-plats six lots or less and under one acre if flow rate and capacity is sufficient. • Create templated Joint Use Access agreements and set timeline goal of seven day turn around for plats. City Legal Development Services • • • • Establish review timeline goal - 60 Days from submission to completion, including 30 Days Shot Clock State Rule 212.009. Benchmark these goals with other similar cities. 25-4-1 - Infill Plats are not subject to 25-7 (drainage) and 25-8 (water quality, environmental). 25-4-1 (D) - An existing legal tract may be re-platted to include up to six lots or less and under one acre without triggering traditional subdivision review 25-4-1 (D)(1) - Additional plat notes that simply mimic existing code will not be required for re-plats six lots or less and under one acre that do not vacate original plat. New plat notes shall be provided in a standardized form. • 25-4-34 (F) - Original Tract requirement does not apply to infill plats (replats six lots or less and under one acre). • 25-4-84 (E) - Fiscal Surety and Engineer's cost estimate is …
Site Plan Lite Goal: To create an efficient process for Site Plan Lite to accommodate missing middle residential projects up to 16 units where allowed by zone that can be approved quickly and efficiently. The site plan light review process for missing middle should closely mirror the review process for similarly sized projects under HOME 1 that utilize a condo regime. The primary goal is for missing middle sites to be treated in proportion to their size and have clear, upfront rules. The current process is subjective with open-ended negotiations, inequitable costs, and lengthy review times. There is a tremendous difference between obtaining permits for two or three units on a property compared to 5-16 units. Applies to: Properties able to accommodate 16 units by zone, up to two acres. It’s critical that the size of the tract be large enough to achieve up to 16 units while also accommodating site conditions like trees and topography. List of recommended changes by department Austin Energy • Reduce aerial setback from 15 ft to 10 ft for infill plats. Austin Water • • Add flexibility for lot line crossing per uniform plumbing code. 25-9-33 (F) No Service Extension is required for re-plats 6 lots or less and under one acre if flow rate and capacity is sufficient City Legal Development Services • Create templates for Joint Use Access and other easement agreements. • • Allow unified processing of easements at a legal “one stop shop.” Track legal approvals in Amanda and in the approval timeline, including response times and customer service information. • • • 25-5-3 - Small Projects. Include provision that any site plan that proposes 5-16 units is qualified as a Small Project. 25-5-21 - Phased Site Plans. Any site that proposes 5-16 units is not required to phase the site plan to allow for individual buildings to gain a separate certificate of occupancy. A site plan with 5-16 units is not required to break out phases for compliance for any code requirement. The Site Plan shall comply with all code requirements as a whole property and not by phase, regardless of the pace of construction. 25-5-62 - Site Plan Extensions. A site plan with 5-16 units may be extended by the Director for a period up to five years without any additional requirements. Environmental and Community Trees 25-8-211 (G) - Fee in Lieu for Water Quality shall be allowed. …
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2024 The Planning Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. Chair Hempel called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Claire Hempel Awais Azhar Greg Anderson Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Casey Haney Adam Haynes Ryan Johnson Felicity Maxwell Alberta Phillips Danielle Skidmore Alice Woods Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Grayson Cox Patrick Howard Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Jessica Cohen Ex-Officio Members in Attendance Remotely: Candace Hunter PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Paul Stables, Initiate a rezoning for a conditional use permit. Carol Philipson, Cell towers in endangered habitats. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on September 24, 2024 The minutes from the meeting of September 24, 2024, were approved on the consent agenda on Vice Chair Azhar’s motion, Commissioner Maxwell’s second, on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Phillips was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2023-0018.06 - 6725 Shirley Avenue; District 4 Location: 6719, 6725 Shirley Avenue, and 605 William Street, Waller Creek Watershed; Brentwood/Highland Combined (Highland) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: 6725 Shirley Avenue, LLC Agent: Request: Drenner Group, PC (Leah M. Bojo) To change the base maximum building height from 60 feet to 120 feet with participation in the density bonus program and to change the Live/Work Flex subdistrict to TOD Mixed Use subdistrict. The land use on the future land use map is Specific Regulating District. There is no proposed change to the future land use map. Recommended Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Planning Department Staff Rec.: Staff: The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation to change the base maximum building height from 60 feet to 120 feet with participation in the density bonus program and to change the Live/Work Flex subdistrict to TOD Mixed Use subdistrict. The land use on the future land use map is Specific Regulating District. There is no proposed change to the future land use map, for NPA-2023-0018.06 - 6725 Shirley Avenue, located at 6719, 6725 Shirley Avenue and 605 Williams Street, was approved on the consent agenda on Vice Chair Azhar’s motion, Commissioner Maxwell’s second, on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Phillips was off the dais. 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2023-0132 - 6725 Shirley Avenue; District 4 6719, 6725 Shirley Avenue, and 605 William Street, Waller Creek Watershed; Brentwood/Highland Combined (Highland) Neighborhood …
Regular Meeting of the Construction Advisory Committee Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM One Texas Center – Directors Conference Room 505 Barton Springs Road, 13th Floor Austin, Texas If view online televised, you may the meeting the Construction Advisory Committee may be participating by at: Some members of videoconference. 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 Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058 or vanessa.ibanez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD COMMISSIONERS: Lyn Nance-Hendricks, Chair Michelle Dahlstrom Bianca Medina-Leal Candelario Vazquez Riley Drake, Vice Chair Ron Lord Jeffrey Musgrove Calvin Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Construction Advisory Committee Regular Meeting on August 13, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing on Capital Delivery Services updates regarding active projects, monthly CIP spend, projects awarded and upcoming bid opportunities – Eric Bailey Presentation regarding Bidding Process and Review of Bidder Experience – Matt Duree Discussion regarding departmental presentations for the remaining calendar year Discussion regarding staff liaison updates on Commissioner’s attendance and city contact for IT support Approval of 2025 Annual Schedule ACTION ITEMS 6. 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 Vanessa Ibanez with Capital Delivery Services Department, at 512-974-1058, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Construction Advisory Committee, please contact Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058
Construction Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 8, 2024 CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, October 8, 2024 The Construction Advisory Committee convened in a Regular meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 505 Barton Springs Road, 13th Floor – Directors Conference Room in Austin, Texas. Chair Lyn Nance-Hendricks called the Construction Advisory Committee Meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair, Lyn Nance-Hendricks, Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair, Riley Drake, Clint Chapman Michelle Dahlstrom, Jeffrey Musgrove, Candelario Vazquez, Calvin Williams PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Approve the minutes of the Construction Advisory Committee Regular Meeting on August 13, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 8/13/2024 were approved on Jeff Musgrove’s motion, Vice Chair Riley Drake second on a 7-0 vote. Ron Lord and Bianca Medina-Leal absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Capital Delivery Services updates regarding active projects, monthly CIP spend, projects awarded and upcoming bid opportunities. The presentation was made by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation by Ivan Quinones regarding Bidding Process and Review of Bidder Experience Discussion regarding departmental presentations for the remaining calendar year. Discussion regarding staff liaison updates on Commissioner’s attendance and city contact Approve the 2025 Annual Schedule unanimously. Ron Lord and Bianca Medina-Leal for IT Support. absent. Chair Lyn Nance-Hendricks adjourned the meeting at 10:41 a.m. without objection. 1 Construction Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 8, 2024 The minutes were approved at the 11/12/2024 meeting on Riley Drake’s motion, Clint Chapman second on a 6-0 vote. Ron Lord and Jeffrey Musgrove absent. 2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CDC) MEETING October 8, 2024 – 6:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions – Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Community Development Commission may be participating by video conference. The meeting may 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 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 512-974-3108 or edward.blake@austintexas.gov Cynthia Jaso Dove Springs Jose Noe Elias Montopolis Jenny E. Achilles Private Sector Appointee Raul E Longoria Public Sector Appointee South Austin Julia Woods South Austin Cheryl Thompson St. John’s CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jo Anne Ortiz Public Sector Appointee Estevan Delgado Private Sector Appointee Bertha Delgado East Austin Vacant Rosewood- Zaragosa/Blackland Vacant North Austin Gavin Porter Sr. Public Sector Appointee Michael Tolliver Colony Park Tisha-Vonique Hood Public Sector Appointee Vacant Public Sector Appointee Please visit https://austintexas.gov/cdc for more information about the Community Development Commission. Purpose: The purpose of the board is to advise the Council in the development and implementation of programs designed to serve the poor and the community at large with an emphasis on federally funded programs. 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 ITEMS 1. Approve the September 10, 2024, Community Development Commission meeting minutes. 2. Presentation and discussion regarding outcomes for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for August 2024 (Angel Zambrano, Manager, Neighborhood Services Unit, Austin Public Health). 3. Presentation and discussion of components to consider for the Equity Overlay for the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment (HOME) Initiative (Celine Rendon, Marisa Perales, and Misael Ramos, Organizers, Community Powered ATX) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action to approve amendments to the Community Development Commission (CDC) Bylaws regarding removal of board members to comply with state law - 10 TAC 6.212(b)(3) (Angel Zambrano, Manager, Neighborhood Services Unit, Austin Public Health). 5. Discussion and possible action to approve the City’s application to the United States Department of …
Community Services Block Grant 2024 Contract Programmatic/Financial Report October 8, 2024 The Community Services Block Grant funds the delivery of services to low income Texas residents in all 254 counties. These funds support a variety of direct services in addition to helping maintain the core administrative elements of community action agencies. For the City of Austin, the grant provides funding for the delivery of basic needs, case management, preventive health and employment support services through the City’s six (6) Neighborhood Centers and the two (2) Outreach Sites. Mission: The Neighborhood Services Unit improves the lives and health of people experiencing poverty by providing public health and social services and connecting residents of Austin and Travis County to community resources. ◼ Basic Needs (food, clothing, information and referral, notary services, transportation, car safety education and car seats, tax preparation, fans, Thanksgiving food baskets and other seasonal activities); ◼ Preventive Health (screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar including a1C, and cholesterol; pregnancy testing; health promotion presentations, coordination and participation in health fairs, immunizations, coordination of wellness activities, linkages to medical home providers and diabetes case management); ◼ Case Management (individual/family support counseling, advocacy, self-sufficiency case management, crisis intervention, linkages with employers, educational opportunities and training, and working with individuals on quality of life issues); ◼ Employment Support (intake, assessment and goal setting, job readiness training, job placement assistance, and job retention services) Expenditures Categories 2024 Contract Budget % of Total Cumulative Expenditures as of 8/31/24 Personnel Fringe Benefits Other Total $1,140,731.00 $313,770.31 $161,672.38 $475,442.69 42% 1 4 4E 5 5B 5D 4C 4I 5A 5JJ 7A 7B 7D 7N Transition Out of Poverty Goal Goal Achieved TOP Individuals who transitioned out of poverty 43 17 Success Rate% 40% Austin Public Health Report on PY24 Community Action Plan MISSION: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of our community. TOP 5 NEEDS: Housing; Health; Employment; Basic Needs; Education Report Date August 2024 FNPI Outcome Description Target #Enrolled #Achieved Success Rate % Housing Households who avoided eviction Health and Social/Behavioral Development Individuals who demonstrated improved physical health and well being Individuals who improved skills related to the adult role of parents/caregivers 800 10 50 1,174 1,174 #Enrolled #Achieved 46 54 Success Rate % 190% 147% 74% SRV 3O Service Description Tax Preparation Programs Number Served 356 A Year Ago 19 37 317 165 891 49,293 1,174 187 70,634 134 1,393 16 909 …
BYLAWS OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Community Development Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the council in the development and implementation of programs designed to serve the poor and the community at large with an emphasis on federally funded programs. In addition, the Community Development Commission serves as the tripartite board required by Section 676B of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. §9910) and further amplified in the Texas Administrative Code (Title 10, Part 1, Chapter 6, Subchapter B). ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of fifteen members appointed by the city council to meet the tripartite board requirement specified in Section 676B(a)(2) of the Community Services Block Grant as follows: 1. Eight members shall be democratically selected to represent residents from each of the eight geographic areas of Travis County to represent low-income individuals eligible to be served under the Community Services Block Grant in each area; 2. Seven members shall be nominated by a council committee or council committees and appointed by the city council. Of the seven board members nominated by a council committee or council committees and appointed by the city council, five shall be elected public officials or their representatives and two must be members chosen to represent major groups and interests in the community served including, but not limited to, business, industry, labor, religious, law enforcement or education stakeholders. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. To stagger the terms, after assuming office in 2019, the seven appointed members nominated by a council committee or council committees and appointed by council shall serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms in accordance with Section 2-1-22(B) and (C) of the City Code. The eight democratically selected members shall serve an initial two-year term with an additional maximum of two consecutive four-year terms in accordance with Section 2-1-22(B) and (C) of the City Code. After these initial terms have expired, the subsequent terms of each member shall not exceed the maximum of two consecutive four-year terms in accordance with Section 2-1-22(B) and (C) of the City Code. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. 1 (E) A board member who is absent …
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING DRAFT MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 The COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 10, 2024, at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas. Some members of the commission participated by video conference. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Cheryl Thompson (Chair) Jenny Achilles Bertha Delgado Cynthia Jaso Raul E. Longoria Gavin Porter Tisha-Vonique Hood Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jo Anne Ortiz Julia Woods Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Jose Noe Elias (Vice Chair) Estevan Delgado Michael Tolliver Staff Members in Attendance Nefertitti Jackmon Ed Blake Lisa Rodriguez Lorena Lopez-Chavarin Angel Zambrano Cara Bertron Rocio Peña-Martinez James May CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm with 10 commissioners present. Commissioner Porter was absent. There are currently three vacancies on the board. 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. No speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the August 13, 2024, Community Development Commission meeting minutes. On Vice Chair Ortiz’s motion, Commissioner Bertha Delgado’s second, the August 13, 2024, minutes were approved unanimously on an 8-0-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion regarding outcomes for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for August 2024 (Angel Zambrano, Manager, Neighborhood Services Unit, Austin Public Health). Angel Zambrano presented. 3. Presentation and discussion regarding Project Connect Anti-displacement Community Initiated Solutions (CIS) investments and strategies (Susan Watkins, Division Manager, Housing Department). Susan Watkins presented. A working group was formed to identify areas of focus for future presentation and analysis. Commissioners Bertha Delgado and Tisha-Vonique Hood volunteered to serve on the Project Connect Deep Dive Working Group. 4. Discuss appointment to the Housing Investment Review Committee (HIRC) (James May, Officer, Housing Department) James May briefed the commission. Commissioner Bertha Delgado volunteered to serve as a representative on the Housing Investment Review Committee (HIRC). One more commissioner will be recruited in the future to serve as a representative on HIRC. 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 by calling 512-974-1606 …
z City of Austin 2024 HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Grant Proposal October 8, 2024 Community Development Commission HUD PRO Housing Grant: Goals and Proposed Activities Update the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and Opportunity Mapping Index Create New Zoning Tools to Unlock Missing-Middle and Urban Mixed-Use Development Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing Near Planned Light Rail Investment 2 BACKGROUND: HUD Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO) Grant Basics • Supports efforts to remove barriers and increase • affordable housing production In 2024, HUD awarded 21 PRO Housing grants Austin applied in 2023 but was not selected The second PRO Housing round offers $100 M • • Up to $7M per award • Performance period: 2025-2030 • Priority: Given to applicants showing commitment and progress in overcoming local barriers to affordable housing, with acute demand (Austin qualifies as a priority geography) The Arnold - 1621 E 6th St Austin TX 78702 3 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Need / Challenges Need • Austin, Texas is listed as a priority geography with acute demand for Affordable Housing, due to: • Unequal geographic distribution of affordable housing • A high ratio of median home price to area median income • Rising number of individuals who are homeless • Heavy displacement pressure • Aging rental housing stock $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Austin Area Home Prices Vs. Median Household Income Median Home Value Median Household Income Source: American Community Survey 2006-2022 1-Year Estimates, Tables B19013(A-I) and B25077 Overall MHI (2022 Dollars Inflation Adjusted) Median House Value 4 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Need / Challenges Key Barriers to Affordable Housing Goals • Socio-Political Barriers: Lack of updated action plan to meet housing goals, disparities affecting protected classes, uneven affordable housing distribution, and lack of public transit and infrastructure in key areas • Regulatory Barriers: Slow, complex regulatory processes and exclusionary land use rules • Economic Barriers: Mismatch between incomes and housing costs, high land and construction costs, financing challenges for affordable housing, and housing supply shortage Improve the City’s ability to meet housing goals through updated data and resource alignment Revise city regulations to ensure a wider range of housing options Invest in affordable housing near planned light rail to ensure easy access to transit, jobs, and services. 5 HUD PRO Housing Grant: Goals and Proposed Activities Update the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and Opportunity Mapping Index Create New Zoning Tools to …
Commission on Aging Community Interest Announcement Aging is Living Conference October 8th, 2024 10:00 am – 2:00pm Norris Conference Center 2525 W. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas, 78757 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Board Liaison: Halana Kaleel Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov
Please join us at the Aging Is Living! Conference October 8, 2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Norris Conference Center 2525 W. Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78757 This will be an educational event featuring speakers and follow up panels to discuss "Emergency Preparedness", "Aging and Brain Health", and Ageism and Social Inclusion". Box lunches will be provided for all participants. There will be aging service organizations providing resources and information. This is a FREE event with FREE parking, but registration is required. Use the QR code for registration or click on the link below. Aging Is Living 2024 Conference Please Register by September 30, 2024
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE October 8, 2024 --12:00pm Hybrid Regular Called Meeting Waller Creek Center, Room 104 625 East 10th Street Austin, Texas 78701 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 For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force 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. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing: Chase Bryan Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Zach Baumer Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Ramesh Swaminathan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 19, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Special Called Task Force meeting on 2. Presentation on water distribution system water loss report 3. Presentation on revisions to the draft Water Forward 2024 Plan, Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan reports 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 Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Liaison, Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force, please contact …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Robert Goode, P.E., Assistant City Manager FROM: Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Director, Austin Water DATE: October 2, 2024 SUBJECT: Austin Water’s Water Loss Program Review As a part of Austin Water’s focus on managing our community’s water resources in a resilient and sustainable manner, we work to proactively reduce our system water losses. Austin Water employs industry best practices related to water loss control and performs well compared to peer utilities. Water loss can result from a variety of reasons, primarily water main leaks and breaks. We have multiple programs focused on detecting and repairing leaks and responding to main breaks as quickly as possible. As a part of our strategic business plan that uses Effective Utility Management strategies to meet the challenges ahead, Austin Water sought an external expert in water loss control to review our program and make recommendations for improvement. The results of this study are documented in the Water Loss Program Review, Analysis, and Optimization report. The report finds that Austin Water has comprehensive programs to track and reduce water losses, with successful performance on key water loss strategies, including rapid response times to repair leaks, a robust capital program to replace poor performing water mains, and proactive leak detection programs in both large and small diameter pipelines. The report recommends improvements and additional investment in the following areas: • • • • • • • • Implement programmatic improvements to proactive leak detection activities. Expand program currently underway to replace poor performing water service lines. Improve production meter accuracy at the water treatment plants. Strengthen data validation practices for large meters. Expand data management and analysis tools across the water loss program. Improve estimates of unbilled authorized consumption (e.g., water for flushing and firefighting). Implement training for utility staff on reducing water loss during normal operations. Evaluate creating district metering areas to pilot reducing water loss through pressure management. Page 1 of 2 A summary of the recommendations is included in the attached study. Austin Water has launched a cross-departmental team to execute these recommendations. Austin Water will develop a regular report to stakeholders on the status of these recommendations. We will discuss these findings in more detail at the Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force (aka Water Forward Task Force) on October 8 and the Water and …
WATER LOSS PROGRAM REVIEW, ANALYSIS & OPTIMIZATION BLACK & VEATCH PROJECT NO. 415677 FINAL PREPARED FOR Austin Water 1 OCTOBER 2024 2.0 Introduction and Initial Audit Analysis ..................................................................................... 2-1 AUSTIN WATER | Water Loss Program Review, Analysis & Optimization Table of Contents Abbreviations and Definitions ................................................................................................................ vi Key Terms ............................................................................................................................................. vii 1.0 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.2 3.3 1.2.1 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.3.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.3.6 2.3.7 2.3.8 2.4.1 State Audit Requirements ..................................................................................... 2-2 Determination of Real Losses .............................................................................. 2-8 Determine Authorized Consumption ................................................................... 2-6 Outline of AWWA Audit Approach ........................................................................ 2-3 Gather Data and System Information .................................................................. 2-4 Determination of Water Loss ............................................................................... 2-7 Determination of Non-Revenue Water ................................................................. 2-9 Determining Apparent Loss .................................................................................. 2-7 Determine System Input ....................................................................................... 2-5 Real Loss (Leakage) ............................................................................................. 1-3 Production Metering ............................................................................................. 1-3 AW’s Water Auditing and Loss Control Programs .............................................. 2-2 Apparent Loss ....................................................................................................... 1-3 Water Loss Audit Approach .................................................................................................. 2-2 Summary of Recommended Strategies ............................................................................... 1-2 Trends and Key Performance Indicators ............................................................................. 1-1 City of Austin System Profile ................................................................................................ 2-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2-1 Water Loss Audit Results .................................................................................................... 2-10 Performance Indicators and Data Validity ......................................................... 2-10 Performance Indicators ...................................................................................... 2-12 Data Validity ........................................................................................................ 2-12 Mayfield ............................................................................................................... 3-10 Davis WTP Summary and Recommendations .................................................. 3-10 Ulrich WTP ........................................................................................................................... 3-12 Ullrich Low Service Pump Station ...................................................................... 3-12 Ullrich Medium Service Pump Station ............................................................... 3-13 Ullrich High Service Pump Station ..................................................................... 3-13 Ullrich WTP Summary and Recommendations ................................................. 3-13 i Davis WTP .............................................................................................................................. 3-5 Handcox WTP ........................................................................................................................ 3-1 Davis High Service Pump Station ......................................................................... 3-7 Davis Raw Water Pump Station............................................................................ 3-5 Handcox WTP Summary and Recommendations ............................................... 3-3 Davis Medium Service Pump Station ................................................................... 3-6 Handcox Raw Water Meters ................................................................................. 3-1 Handcox Finished Water Production Meter 1 ..................................................... 3-2 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 3.2.5 3.3.1 3.3.2 3.3.3 3.3.4 3.1.2 3.1.3 3.2.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 3.1.1 3.0 Production Metering Analysis .................................................................................................. 3-1 3.1 BLACK & VEATCH | Table of Contents AUSTIN WATER | Water Loss Program Review, Analysis & Optimization 5.3 5.4 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 3.4 Water Exports ...................................................................................................................... 3-14 4.0 Apparent Loss Analysis ........................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Customer Metering Inaccuracies ......................................................................................... 4-1 Meter Testing Staffing .......................................................................................... 4-3 Meter Testing Equipment and Methodologies .................................................... 4-3 Meter Testing Reporting ....................................................................................... 4-4 4.2 Systematic Data Handling Errors ......................................................................................... 4-4 Billing Data Investigation ...................................................................................... 4-4 4.3 4.4 Unauthorized Consumption .................................................................................................. 4-5 Apparent Loss Cost ............................................................................................................... 4-6 5.0 Real Loss Analysis …
WATER LOSS PROGRAM REVIEW, ANALYSIS & OPTIMIZATION Presentation to Water Forward Task Force Andrew Chastain-Howley October 8, 2024 Report Overview 1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 Introduction and Initial Audit Analysis • City of Austin System Profile • Water Loss Audit Approach/Results • Data Validity 3.0 Production Metering Analysis 4.0 Apparent Loss Analysis • Customer Metering Inaccuracies • Systematic Data Handling Errors • Costs of Apparent Losses 5.0 Real Loss Analysis • COA Leakage Detection • Real Loss Component Analysis/Results • Costs of Real Losses 6.0 Goals and Recommended Strategies • Production Metering Strategies • Apparent Loss Strategies • Real Loss Strategies • Other Strategies KPI Real Loss (ILI) Real Loss (gal/conn/day) Apparent Loss (gal/conn/day) Data Validity 2022 AUDIT 4.1 75.60 17.40 77 2030 GOAL (THIS PROJECT) 3.0 55.60 7.40 85 AW’s Water Forward (2024) ILI Goal is 3.0 by 2040. 2 AWWA Manual M36 Water Audits and AWWA Manual M36 Water Audits and Loss Control Programs Loss Control Programs 3 Real Loss Component Analysis See Section 5.2 & Appendix A How does Austin Water’s Real Loss Compare to Other Utilities? Mains Failure Frequency Comparison Service Connection Failure Frequency Comparison ) r y / s e l i m 0 0 1 / r e b m u n ( 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 ) r y / s n o i t c e n n o c e c i v r e s 0 0 0 1 / r e b m u n ( , 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Failure Frequency Austin Water Department Average Failure Frequency in North America (WaterRF 4372) Failure Frequency for Optimized Distribution Systems (Friedman 2010) Failure Frequency Austin Water Department Failure Frequency for Optimized Systems (AWWA UARL) 4 Austin’s Ongoing Efforts See Sections 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 Four Pillars of Leakage Management Pressure Management Speed and Quality of Repairs Active Leakage Control Real Losses in this range are not technically recoverable Real Losses in this range are not economic to recover Economically Recoverable Annual Real Losses Pipeline and Asset Management Selection, Installation, Maintenance, Renewal, Replacement Renewing Austin Third-party proactive leakage detection AW leakage detection program 5 Austin’s Ongoing Efforts See Sections 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 Development of strategies through Austin's Water Forward program Replacing smaller meters to transition to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter calibration/verification and validation 6 Key Findings 1 Limitations with production piping …
Water Forward 2024 Plan Report This page intentionally left blank. DRAFT – September 3, 2024 Report Cover Page WATER FORWARD 2024 - DRAFT | 2 Director’s Message Austin Water is doing important work to make sure Austin has a strong and reliable water supply, even as our city faces the challenges of growth, drought, and a changing climate. Over the past few years, Austin Water has put in place smart strategies that have already made a big difference. We've focused on conservation, encouraging our customers to use water wisely through recent hot and dry years. We've also launched GoPurple, a program that includes requirements and incentives for new and existing developments to reuse water onsite. We are pursuing water storage strategies to stretch our existing supplies. And working closely with our regional partners, we've strengthened Austin's ability to bridge droughts and provide a sustainable water supply to meet all our community’s water needs. Our work doesn't stop here. Climate science tells us that we must do even more to protect our future. The challenges we face are real, and we need to stay ahead of them. That's why we're committed to learning from our past efforts and adjusting as we go. We've been using an adaptive management approach, which means we closely monitor how our plans are working and make changes as needed. This is a key part of Water Forward 2024, which provides a roadmap for Austin's water future. We've been working hand in hand with the Water Forward Task Force, a group of dedicated community members who help inform our efforts. Together, we've updated the plan, adjusted our strategies, and responded to the needs we've identified along the way. This collaborative approach means we're not only thinking about today's needs but also preparing for tomorrow's challenges. At Austin Water, work is already underway to carry out this updated plan. We're focused on staying transparent and accountable to you, our community, as we move forward. We know that water is essential to our quality of life, and we're determined to protect this precious resource. As we look to the future, we at Austin Water hold a hopeful vision. Austin is a leader in water conservation and sustainability and we see a future where our city continues to thrive, and where every resident has access to clean and reliable water, no matter what challenges come our way. Together, we can …
1 Presentation on revisions to the draft Water Forward 2024 Plan, Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan 10/8/24 Report Edits No further edits were made to the WCP/DCP in this round Water Forward 2024 edits include: • New cover page, header, footer, and water supply graphics • Ch. 4: Edits to Colorado River Land Analysis section (pp. 25-27) • Ch.5 • Additional intro language and strategy summary table (p. 28) • Updated Customer Side Water Use Management 2030 & 2040 Yields (p. 30) • Updated Native and Efficient Landscape 2030 & 2040 Yields (p. 31) • Edits to Land Conservation Strategies section (pp. 44-46) • Ch.6: Added section on 100-Year Adaptive Management Plan (pp. 48-49) Pending edits: • Completion of Executive Summary • Appendix references (and completion of appendices) • Breakout of Indirect Potable Reuse & Capture Local Inflows to Lady Bird Lake • Further grammar, spelling, readability, and formatting edits as needed Colorado River Land Analysis Overview Identifying Priority Conservation Areas in the Highland Lakes Watershed Helps understand solution geography and scale • Lake Travis drainage area is 40x that of entire Austin corporate limits! • Want/need to focus on the highest priority areas within this large basin • Some areas clearly more critical to conserve than others Rating system: consider multiple factors • Water supply: stream flows, recharge, springs, wells, AW intakes • Environmental: riparian/floodplains, impervious cover, protected lands, slopes, vegetation Combine via GIS to spatially show priority conservation areas in the Highland Lakes Watershed Central Texas and waterways of interest Rivers • • Colorado Llano • • • • Pedernales San Saba North Llano South Llano Watersheds • Middle Colorado, Brady, San Saba, Llano, North Llano, South Llano, Buchanan-LBJ Lakes, Pedernales, Lake Travis, Lake Austin Lake Austin Watershed (92 sq. mi.) Barton Springs Zone (371 sq. mi.) GIS analysis factors: scales and weights Flow Recharge Zones Springs Distance from Intakes Wells Combined Water Factors Raster Combined Water Factors Raster Riparian & Floodplain Vegetation Pavement Slopes Protected Lands Vegetation Combined Environmental Factors Raster Combined Enviro. Factors Raster Final Conservation Priority Raster Final Conservation Priority Raster 13 Colorado River Land Analysis Next Steps Further refine conservation prioritization model based on stakeholder feedback Conduct additional analysis to include economic, equity, and social factors + further watershed modeling Engage with land conservation and governmental entities; evaluate potential partnership opportunities Evaluate …
Tentative Schedule 10/9 WF24 Update Working Group Meeting • Opportunity for further discussion of WF24/WCP/DCP Late October Water Forward Task Force meeting (Date TBD) • Opportunity for further discussion of WF24/WCP/DCP 11/4 Water Forward Task Force meeting • Recommendation for Council action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/12 AWOC meeting • Briefing and possible action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/13 W/WW Commission meeting • Recommendation for Council action re: WF24/WCP/DCP 11/21 Council meeting • Consideration of WF24/WCP/DCP
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, October 8, 2024 The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened in a Regular Called Meeting on October 8, 2024, with Social Distancing Modifications. Chair WALKER called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm. Members in Attendance: Jennifer Walker, Chair Robert Mace, Vice Chair Madelline Mathis Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Chase Bryan Kevin Critendon Members in Attendance Remotely: Bill Moriarty Paul DiFiore Hani Michel Sarah Faust Vanessa Puig-Williams Austin Water Staff: Shay Ralls Roalson Teresa Lutes Kevin Kluge Marisa Flores Gonzalez Emily Rafferty Fatima Wahid Young-Hoon Jin Joseph Gonzales Sherri Kuhl Justin Bates Brandon Niese Matt Cullen Richard Hoffpauir Charles Celauro Jose Emperador 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 Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force liaison Emily Rafferty at 512-972-0427, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 1 of 2 Dan Strub Others in Attendance: Qiwen Zhang, Plummer Brigit Buff, Plummer Curtis Smith, TNLA Cody McCann, Plummer Andrew Chastain-Howley, Black & Veatch PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Curtis Smith gave a public comment in-person. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the meeting minutes from the special called September 19, 2024, Task Force meeting. The minutes from the September 19th, meeting were approved on Member MATHIS’ motion and Member FAUST’s second on an 8-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS, PRESENTATIONS, AND/OR REPORTS 2. Presentation on water distribution system water loss report The presentation was made by Andrew Chastain-Howley, Black & Veatch, Matt Cullen, Division Manager of Engineering & Operations Support, Austin Water. 3. Presentation on revisions to the draft Water Forward 2024 Plan, Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan reports The presentation was made by Marisa Flores Gonzalez, Program Manager III, Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water. VOTING ITEMS None Chair WALKER adjourned the meeting at 2:34pm. The minutes were approved at the October 28th, 2024, meeting on Paul DiFiore’s motion, Sarah Faust’s second on an 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Task Force Members Hani Michel and Perry Lorenz and Vanessa Puig-Williams absent. …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION October 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Public Safety 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and overview of the Community Police Review Commission with the Office of Police Oversight and consideration of a Recommendation to Council. Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. Update from the Public Safety Wellness Center Working Group on meetings with Wellness Center staff to date and next steps. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group for the 2024 third quarter (Q3) with discussion of project scope item referencing sexual assault data. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on January 9, 2023 at COA Permitting and Development Building, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco– Room 1405 AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Bernhardt called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:16p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Bernhardt, Chair Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Ramírez, Vice Chair Kathleen Hausenfluck John Kiracofe Michael Sierra-Arévalo Rebecca Webber PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chris Harris Elizabeth Gonzales APPROVAL OF MINUTES MEETING on November 7, 2022. Postponed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion of the minutes of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report – Austin Police Department Presentation was made by Jason Matson, Research & Planning Division, Austin Police Department. 3. Discussion and possible action on Recommendation regarding counsel at first appearance for all criminal charges in Travis County. 1 The motion to approve the Recommendation regarding counsel at first appearance for all criminal charges in Travis County was made by Commissioner Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Webber and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo abstained. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. The motion to place the Recommendation on City Council agenda was made by Chair Bernhardt, seconded by Commissioner Ramírez and approved on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. 4. Discussion and possible action endorsing the Austin Police Oversight Act, which is on the May 2023 ballot. Postponed. 5. Discussion and possible action on Austin Police Department Towing Fee Study The presentation was made by Michelle Schmidt, Financial Director, Austin Police Department. The motion to recommend that Council send the study back to the drawing board and not pass it at the next meeting was made by Commissioner Webber, seconded by Commissioner Ramírez and failed on a 5-1 vote. Commissioner Kiracofe voted no. Commissioners Gonzales and Hall-Martin were absent. 6. Discussion and possible action on Kroll Report regarding Austin Police Department Training Academy Questions were answered by Mark Ehlers, Managing Director, Kroll Consultants; Retired Chief Rick Brown, Curriculum Review Committee; and Joyce James, Joyce James Consulting. Questions were answered by Assistant Chief Jason Staniszewski, Austin Police Department; Commander Wade Lyons, Austin Police Department; and Dr. Anne Kringen, Austin Police Department; and Chief Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Legislative Update for some point in future as new Texas legislative session begins (Commissioner Ramírez) …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, March 6, 2023 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on March 6, 2023 at City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W. 2nd Street, AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Bernhardt called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:05p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Bernhardt, Chair Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nelly Ramirez, Vice Chair Kathleen Hausenfluck John Kiracofe Michael Sierra-Arevalo Timothy Ruttan David Holmes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the November 7, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting The motion to approve the November 7, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 3-0 vote. Commissioners Kiracofe, Ruttan, Hausenfluck and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. Approve the December 5, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting The motion to approve the December 5, 2022 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners Ruttan and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. Approve the January 9, 2023 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting 1 The motion to approve the January 9, 2023 Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting Minutes was motioned by Commissioner Hausenfluck and failed on a 5-0 vote. Commissioners Ruttan and Holmes abstained. Commissioner Hall-Martin was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Reports – Austin Fire Department and ATCEMS (Emergency Medical Services) Presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. Presentation was made by Teresa Gardner, Chief of Staff Austin/ Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 3. Discussion of winter/extreme weather event preparedness Discussed. The following participated in the discussion: Robert Nicks, President, Austin Firefighters Association; Selena Xie, President, Austin Emergency Medical Services Association; Kevin Parker, Division Chief, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; Brandon Wade, Assistant Chief , Austin Fire Department; Jason Stansizewski, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discuss/draft recommendation regarding enough generators for public safety departments (Ruttan) Update from Chief Medical Officer (Bernhardt) Update on 911 Call Center (Kiracofe) View Report on disabled community’s interaction with Austin Police department and what kind of actions come as a result of report (Ramirez) Election of PSC Officers for the 2023-2024 year (mandatory election in April each year per City Clerk’s office) Safety of Uber and Lyft drivers (Bernhardt) Chair Bernhardt adjourned the meeting at 6:00 pm …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 9, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León Patrick Jones APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on August 5, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 08/05/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo was off the dais. Commissioner Reyes was absent. 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 9, 2024 The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 4. Update on Text to 911 by Chief Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department. Update was given by Lee Rogers, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. 3. Update from Public Safety Commissioners on the Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. Update was given by Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety sworn staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety Sworn Staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing was made by Commissioner Nguyễn, seconded by Vice Chair Ruttan. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hermesmeyer. The amendment was to add to the third bullet point and insert “and awareness of process” after “workers compensation claims.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo abstained. Commissioner Reyes was absent. The following amendment was motioned by Chair Ramírez, seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt. The amendment was to add the clause “WHEREAS, former sworn public safety personnel are bound by same worker’s compensation program and entitled to continued coverage for injuries sustained on the job;” before the last WHEREAS clause and to insert “current and former” to the …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Community Police Review Commission & Austin Police Oversight Act Implementation Gail McCant, Director Mia Demers, Public Safety Compliance Program Manager Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager October 7, 2024 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. OPO working to re-establish CPRC in alignment with Municipal Code 2-15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. CPRC: Eligibility & Selection • Applicants cannot have any personal or professional connections to any police department or police association. (§2-15-4) • Other eligibility requirements can only be instituted by amending the ordinance. (§2-15-4) Eligibility Selection • Commission will have eleven members. (§2-15-4) • Process must be open, the City Auditor will review applicant eligibility, the City Manager will make the final selection. (§2- 15-4) CPRC: Training Requirements Attend 20 hours of training created by the Office of Police Oversight within 90 days of their appointment, which shall be focused on the laws, rules and policies governing the conduct of police officers in Austin in accordance with recommendations of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, and members may begin to serve before completion of training. Training Plan 9 hours projected at 8 hours • Training conducted by OPO, City Legal, and City Clerk: Currently projected at • Training conducted by the Austin Police Department (APD): Currently • Training conducted by NACOLE: Currently projected at 8 hours Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) Implementation APOA Implementation Summary City Code § 2-15-3 Provisions in Compliance ✓ The Office of Police Oversight should provide recommendations to the City about how investigations involving officers are carried out and what the ✓ Provide recommendations to the City on how effective APD rules and procedures are for handling complaints about police officer misconduct, police officer training, when and how police officers use force, how the police interact with the community, and anything else the department does, are effective and outcomes are. § 2-15-3(B) suitable. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Receive complaints and compliments from the community, including anonymous complaints and compliments. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Act as a liaison between the community and APD during the complaint process. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ OPO can participate in investigations of complaints, may interview complainants to obtain more information. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Provide the Chief of Police with recommendations based on complaint investigations and …
Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule 1st Monday of each month 1. January 6, 2025 2. February 3, 2025 3. March 3, 2025 4. April 7, 2025 5. May 5, 2025 6. June 2, 2025 7. July 7, 2025 8. August 4, 2025 9. September 8, 2025* 10. October 6, 2025 11. November 3, 2025 12. December 1, 2025 *Labor Day on September 1, 2025
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION October 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM Austin City Hall Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2ND Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Public Safety 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith REVISED AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 6, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on September 9, 2024. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report by Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and overview of the Office of Police Oversight’s progress on implementation of the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) and consideration of a Recommendation to Council. Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- voting member. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. Update from the Public Safety Wellness Center Working Group on meetings with Wellness Center staff to date and next steps. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group for the 2024 third quarter (Q3) with discussion of project scope item referencing sexual assault data. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Project – Q3 2024 Update Austin Police Department Ge ne ra l Proje c t Upda te s • FY2025 funding requests were fully approved. • City Manager Broadnax received a project overview/update in September 2024. • OVW Abby Honold Grant was awarded to APD. It includes trauma- informed and victim-centered training for sexual assault and will be scoped in consideration of CSCRM once approved by Council. • Case Review (2021 & 2022) Draft Report is under review with the final report scheduled for completion in November. • APD and TCDA are meeting monthly to formalize policy, procedure, and process agreements. Quarterly case debriefings are beginning in Q4 2024. • Academy training class observations have begun with the 153rd Cadet Class. Award. • SCU Leadership and APD Co-Chairs reviewed project progression and made adjustments to assist with acceleration (for example, updating SOPs quarterly vs biannually). • SCU received the APD 2023 Investigations Meritorious Unit of the Year • Addition of two new elements of scope: • 15.18 Establish a process to coordinate scheduling of non-acute survivors that make first contact with a SANE establishment for SCU detective and Victim Services response. This is a scheduled service, not an on-demand service. • 15.19 Review and update the Sex Crimes Unit webpage found at https://www.austintexas.gov/department/apd-sex-crimes-unit. Q3 2024 2 Da s hboa rd Sta tus – Se pte m be r 2024 Sum m a ry: • Com ple te = 15% (18 Ite m s ) • In Progre s s = 72% (88 Ite m s ) • Not Sta rte d = 13% (16 Ite m s ) Q3 2024 *Note: Items listed as “Not Started” have not yet been assessed by the multi-disciplinary Workgroup, however improvements may have already been initiated and/or implemented by APD independently. 3 3 Burndown Tim e line – Se pte m be r 2024 We a re He re • Timeline estimates for each element of scope are being tracked by quarter. • Quarterly estimates are targets for completion and may be impacted by leadership transitions, funding, project team availability, and unforeseen constraints. Q3 2024 4 Proje c t Cha lle nge s & Ris ks • Training timeline is at risk and will be better understood once CSCRM is fully assessed and scoped in accordance with the OVW Abby Honold Grant. • CSCRM continues to track the …
AU ST IN FIRE D EP AR TMENT Wildfire Readiness Update Jeffrey Kennedy– Assistant Chief Justice Jones – Wildfire Mitigation Officer BE IT RESOLVED... "Provide a progress report every six months to the Public Safety Commission for the following important components of a comprehensive WUI risk reduction plan." Council Resolution NO. 20160512-016 The information presented in this update are maintained in real-time through dynamic data 11 Wildfire Readiness Update 1. The number of local CWPP’s completed and implemented. 2. The number of local CWPP's started but not completed. 3. The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is ongoing. 4. The number of public presentations and home assessments provided. 5. The number, size, type and location of fuel mitigation activities conducted. 6. The number of training hours received and conducted. 2 2 1) The number of local CWPP's completed and implemented is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. We have 20 Firewise Communities ‘In Good Standing’ and another 3 communities that are ‘Inactive’. Wildfire Division staff are currently re-engaging with those communities. Barton Hills community is on track to become our newest Firewise community in the next six months. AU ST I N CW PP ’ s 3 2) The number of local CWPP's started but not completed is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. Three of these communities have re-engaged with AFD in the last six months, and five communities are engaged to the degree where we anticipate them becoming Firewise in the next six months. Acti ve & En ga ged Sentence or subheading goes Here on the page in the header box. 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 49%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high risk, 51% is covered by a local level CWPP, 49% are identified as opportunity zones. High R isk Ar ea s 5 4) The number of public presentations and home assessments provided in the past 6 months. 29 Presentations and events, and 55 home assessments provided. The Wildfire Division has taken measures in the last six months to dramatically increase our capability to provide home assessments. We have also increased our footprint in the Eastern Crescent. Outre ac h Acti vi ties 6 5) …
CSCRM Working Group Project Scope Item 15.9: Utilize Public Safety Commission to review aggregated sexual assault case data. Data elements to be considered for regular reporting SAFE Alliance (by County or for Travis County Only) • # of total (unduplicated) encounters/contacts/requests • # of forensic exam evidence collections • #completed at time of request • #unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break- down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • #completed at a time later than requested • # of medical services (not counting forensic exams) • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested • # of consults only • # completed at time of request • # unable to be completed at time of request or referred elsewhere (include break-down of why (no nurse, no advocate, etc.)) • # completed at a time later than requested Austin Police Department • # calls for service by offense type (SCU only) • # of new cases opened by highest offense code (SCU only) • # of cases ‘closed’ by case clearance status (SCU internal status type) • # cases staffed • Victim demographics (#, age range, race/ethnicity, gender) Travis County District Attorney (by Law Enforcement Agency) • # of cases staffed • # of total cases available for prosecution • # declined • # pending further investigation • # accepted • # rejected or dismissed (include break-down of why) • # indicted • # no billed • # pled • # tried (include break-down of results)
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Community Police Review Commission & Austin Police Oversight Act Implementation Gail McCant, Director Mia Demers, Public Safety Compliance Program Manager Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager October 7, 2024 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) -2- Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. OPO working to re-establish CPRC in alignment with Municipal Code 2-15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. -3- CPRC: Eligibility & Selection • Applicants cannot have any personal or professional connections to any police department or police association. (§2-15-4) • Other eligibility requirements can only be instituted by amending the ordinance. (§2-15-4) Eligibility Selection • Commission will have eleven members. (§2-15-4) • Process must be open, the City Auditor will review applicant eligibility, the City Manager will make the final selection. (§2- 15-4) -4- CPRC: Training Requirements Attend 20 hours of training created by the Office of Police Oversight within 90 days of their appointment, which shall be focused on the laws, rules and policies governing the conduct of police officers in Austin in accordance with recommendations of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, and members may begin to serve before completion of training. Training Plan 9 hours projected at 8 hours • Training conducted by OPO, City Legal, and City Clerk: Currently projected at • Training conducted by the Austin Police Department (APD): Currently • Training conducted by NACOLE: Currently projected at 8 hours -5- Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) Implementation -6- APOA Implementation Summary City Code § 2-15-3 Provisions in Compliance ✓ The Office of Police Oversight should provide recommendations to the City about how investigations involving officers are carried out and what the ✓ Provide recommendations to the City on how effective APD rules and procedures are for handling complaints about police officer misconduct, police officer training, when and how police officers use force, how the police interact with the community, and anything else the department does, are effective and outcomes are. § 2-15-3(B) suitable. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Receive complaints and compliments from the community, including anonymous complaints and compliments. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Act as a liaison between the community and APD during the complaint process. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ OPO can participate in investigations of complaints, may interview complainants to obtain more information. § 2-15-3(B) ✓ Provide the Chief of Police with recommendations …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: October 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting Item 4. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department, including an update on the license plate reader program. 1. Can APD help us get a better understanding of violent crime going down, violent crime clearance rates staying the same, and account for APD staffing as it relates to those stats? Pending 2. How many people were stopped that did not result in an arrest (false positive stops) via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending 3. What amount of data was shared to state or other agencies via the License Plate 4. Data on demographics of people with false positive arrests via the License Plate Reader Program? Pending Reader Program. Pending Item 5. Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. 1. Has AFD worked to provide the unhoused community with fire extinguishers? Several of Homeless Strategy Office’s (HSO) partner agencies provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness, including Caritas of Austin and Sunrise Navigation Center. Additionally, multiple faith-based and community-based groups that are not HSO-affiliated provide food/meals to people experiencing homelessness. Lastly, our street outreach staff (and our street outreach partners) provide fire safety tips to people experiencing homelessness. 2. Has AFD considered and/or partnered with other organizations to provide prepared meals to the unhoused to prevent cooking fires? Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) has also partnered with Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) who have assisted with fire extinguisher distribution to people experiencing homelessness. Item 8. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on recent meetings with APD Training Academy Staff and next steps. 1. Request for Academy cadet class completion reports recommended by Audit Protocol Guidelines1 for cadet classes completed since final Kroll report on 148th Cadet Academy. See Exhibit A and B 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=383863 Exhibit A APD Training Academy Audit 149th Cadet Class May 22, 2023 – December 30, 2023 Community Involvement Co-facilitated Coursework • 8 courses taught by or in cooperation with outside SME’s and/or community partners • Key topics: Sexual Harassment Recognition; U.S. & Texas Constitution and Rights; History of Policing and Race in Austin; Mindfulness & Resilience Techniques; Professional Policing; Non-Consensual Language; Traumatic Brain Injury; Crisis Intervention Training • Co-facilitators represented the University of Texas, Texas State University, Neill-Cochran House Museum, Austin Community College, the Centre for Neuro Skills, and Integral Care 149th …
