1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2024, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM #1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Cathy McHorse, Chair Alice Navarro Corie Cormie Choquette Hamilton Cynthia McCollum Ellana Selig John Green-Otero, Vice Chair Brianna Menard Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register 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 STAFF BRIEFINGS Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024 Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health (APH), regarding the APH plan to resubmit a Chapter 26 application to PARD this spring for a portion of Civitan Park to 5. 6. 8. 9. continue to be used by the Mariposa Family Learning Center; updates from related early childhood groups; and the required training for boards and commissions members DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the positions of the 2024 Early Childhood Council chair and vice chair 4. Vote to endorse the Austin Children’s Funding Project Workgroup white paper DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation from Dr. Choquette Hamilton, founder and CEO of RISE Center for Liberation in Early Childhood Education, regarding the services RISE plans to provide with the APH Early Childhood RFP funding they were awarded Updates from Member Eliza Gordon, liaison to the Success By 6 Coalition (SX6), regarding upcoming events and the roll-out of the new strategic plan 7. Discussion about items to take to the Joint Inclusion Committee WORKING GROUP UPDATES Updates from the Quality-of-Life Study Workgroup regarding the vendor approval timeline Update from the Budget Workgroup regarding a budget workshop on May 7, 2024, with City departments and other boards & commissions on the Joint …
ZONING & PLATTING COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The Zoning and Platting Commission will convene at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. Some members of the Zoning and Platting Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Scott Boone (District 1) Alejandra Flores (District 5) William D. Floyd (Mayor) David Fouts (District 2) Betsy Greenberg - Vice-Chair (District 6) Ryan Puzycki (District 7) Hank Smith – Chair (District 8) Lonny Stern (District 3) Carrie Thompson – Secretary (District 10) District 4 -Vacant District 9 -Vacant EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Zoning & Platting Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the speaker registration deadline will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Executive Liaison: Joi Harden, 512-974-1617 Commission Liaison: Andrew Rivera 512-974-6508 Attorney: AJ Urteaga, 512-974-2386 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on April 2, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Eric and Laurie Hyman Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: C14-2023-0154 - Randy Road - Hyman; District 6 11401 Randy Road, Bull Creek Watershed Land Answers, Inc. (Jim Whittliff) DR to SF-1-CO Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2024-0030 - South Congress Multifamily 8400-8412 South Congress Avenue (even numbers only) and 108 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, South Boggy Creek - Suburban & Onion Creek Owner/Applicant: Soco Street Ventures, LLC (Atilla Tuna) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: DPR Construction (Stephen Rye) CS-V-CO to CS-V-DB90-CO Recommended Marcelle Boudreaux, 512-974-8094, marcelle.boudreaux@austintexas.gov Planning Department SP-2023-0004C - The Shire 4. Site Plan: 2408 South 3rd Street, East Bouldin Creek Location: Owner/Applicant: Third Street Austin, LLC (Mark Whaling) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Wuest Group (Caroline Eckert) Compatibility Waiver Recommended Clarissa Davis, 512-974-1423, clarissa.davis@austintexas.gov Development Services Department NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS 5. Election of Officers. Executive Liaison: Joi Harden, 512-974-1617 Commission Liaison: Andrew Rivera 512-974-6508 Attorney: AJ Urteaga, 512-974-2386 COMMITTEE AND WORKING …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION April 16, 2024 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. AGENDA Members: Louis Stone, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Melissa Carugati Charlotte Davis Trey Farmer GeNell Gary Shane Johnson Dino Sasaridis CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chelsey Scaffidi Alison Silverstein Vacant PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 19, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. 3. Recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. 4. Recommend approval of a resolution adopting a Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004. 5. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Resource Management Commission. 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 Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322- 6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com . STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff Briefing on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road #4, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $70,125.91 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Austin Energy Operating Budget. Prior Council Action: November 30, 2023-Council approved a 5-year performance-based incentive for the Starwood Capital Group, LLC. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; Tim Harvey, Customer Renewable Solutions Manager (512) 482-5386. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 15, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Energy requests approval to issue this 5-year performance-based (PBI) to the Customer for the installation of a solar electric system to produce renewable energy for on-site consumption. The table below provides a summary of the system size, cost, proposed incentive, and environmental benefits: Solar System Details* Total System Size (kW-DC) Total System Size (kW-AC) Annual Estimated Production (kWh) Total System Cost ($) *Does not include panel and inverter cost Total Incentive ($) Percent of Cost Covered Reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in tons Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in pounds Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) in pounds 135,509 $101,548.35 $70,125.91 69% 92 76 61 68 95 Environmental Benefits** and Emission Reduction Equivalencies*** Equivalency of Vehicle Miles Driven Equivalency of Cars on Austin Roadways Equivalency of Trees Planted Equivalency of Forest Acreage Added *All solar equipment meets Austin Energy program requirements ** Environmental Benefits based on the US Energy Information Association’s state-wide electricity profile 141,862 12.3 915 66 *** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm with a core focus on global real estate, energy infrastructure and oil & gas. The Firm and its affiliates maintain 16 offices in seven countries around the world, and currently have approximately 4,500 employees. Since its inception in 1991, Starwood Capital Group has raised over $70 billion of capital, and currently has over $120 billion of assets under management. For these projects, Starwood Capital Group has already procured panels and inverters, so those costs are not represented in the “Total System Cost” above. The proposed solar system is …
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation). November 29, 2018- Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Blanca Madriz, Austin Water Program Coordinator at 512-972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Recommended Changes from the 2019 Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan: • Update data on drinking water and reclaimed water treatment capacity, service area population, and municipal and wholesale water usage to reflect current conditions. • Update information regarding water conservation program activities o Public education and information o Residential customer programs o Commercial/multi-family customer programs o Regulatory programs o Water loss mitigation o Reclaimed water and onsite water reuse.
..De Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution adopting a Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004. Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) November 29, 2018 – Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. For More Information: Inquiries should be directed to Blanca Madriz, Austin Water Program Coordinator at 512-972-0115 or blanca.madriz@austintexas.gov. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Austin’s last DCP was approved by Council in 2016. The TCEQ accepted resubmission of the 2016 DCP to fulfill the required update in 2019. Austin is also required by its 2007 agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to develop a DCP that is in alignment with the targets and goals of LCRA’s Drought Contingency Plan. The LCRA Board of Directors have recently approved various changes to their plan. City staff actively participated in LCRA’s process to update their DCP and have subsequently recommended updates to our plan that include changes in drought trigger levels that align with LCRA’s revisions. In addition to providing input to LCRA’s DCP update process, City staff engaged in several activities aimed at soliciting input from Austin Water customers regarding potential changes to Austin’s DCP. Staff launched a Speak …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Resource Management Commission – April 16, 2024 Kevin Critendon, P.E., Assistant Director Agenda Water Supply Planning Overview Proposed Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 What plans and why do we need them? Texas utilities must provide a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) every 5 years WCPs identify programmatic activities aimed at reducing overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency 4 DCPs identify water supply triggers and related drought response activities How are these plans different? Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes goals 5 How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) AWs DCP aligns with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 6 Austin’s Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Public education & outreach Residential assistance Incentive programs Regulatory programs Water loss reduction Water reuse 7 2024 WCP Updates Updated program activity and water savings Increased integration with My ATX Water Updated Conservation Goals and Water Loss goals 8 2024 WCP Proposed Goals Based on a 5-year average and measure attainable achievements and updated targets for: • Total Population Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) reduction of water use • Residential Gallons Per Capita …
The Children’s Funding Project (CFP) Work Group1 White Paper (Version 2)2: Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care CONTENTS Overview The Case for Investment In Child Care Goals and Guiding Principles I. II. III. IV. Work to Date V. VI. VII. VIII. Recommended Strategies Costs and Economic Benefits Administration and Governance Next Steps and Timeline I. Overview This memo summarizes the work done by the Children’s Funding Project Work Group over the last 16+ months to understand the state of child care in Austin/Travis County and identify strategies to address quality, accessibility, equity, and sustainability. Pending polling and further stakeholder input, the Work Group recommends holding a Tax Rate Election (TRE) in November of 2024, to raise approximately $50 million to fund four major strategies to increase access to affordable, high quality child care for families who live, work, and play in Austin: Strategies 1. Subsidize Birth Through Age Three Contracted Slots 2. Expand Nontraditional Hour Care 3. Build Quality and Capacity 4. Create a Business-Government Alliance Polling and ongoing discussions will determine whether it is a city or county election. We further propose that the measure require reauthorization by the voters after 12 1 Members include Austin City Council Members Alison Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, Ryan Alter, and José Velásquez and members of their staff; David Smith and Margo Kinneberg (United Way for Greater Austin); Cathy McHorse (Austin Early Childhood Council);Tom Hedrick (Early Matters Greater Austin); and representatives from the Office of Travis County Judge Brown and Travis County Health and Human Services. 2 This white paper dated 2-9-24 has been revised to include clarification regarding the inclusion of Head Start and Early Head Start in our policy proposal, based on input from Child, Inc. (Albert Black). Previous revisions include input from Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Tamara Atkinson), allocation of contingency to two strategies (NTH and Business Government Partnerships), and the recalculation of census and economic data based on those revisions. Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care Children’s Funding Project Work Group | 2024 1 years. The Case for Investment in Child Care II. The lack of accessible, affordable child care is a growing crisis at the national, state, and local levels. The case for investment in early child care is compelling from a variety of perspectives: ● Workforce: Studies show that seven parents enter the workforce for every 10 new children in child care. In addition, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240416-04 Endorsement of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup Recommendations WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 36% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 90% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low- birth weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, enrollment is closed, no new funding is available at this time, and as of March 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, the Urban Institute completed an analysis and set of recommendations regarding the dire lack of supply of nontraditional hour child care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin's recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region's skilled trade sector and access to child care is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has been presented a set of recommendations of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup to alleviate low-income quality child care waiting lists; to expand nontraditional hours quality child care supply; to enhance the quality and capacity of family- based child care providers and to provide incentives for businesses to make child care more affordable to their employees, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin endorse the strategies outlined in the white paper by the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup and encourages the City of Austin to pursue all options for implementing the recommendations. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: ________________________________
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a Regular meeting on March 19, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Satyajeet Dodia Pierre Nguyen Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen, Vice Chair Padmini Jambulapati Anna Lan Sabrina Sha Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan Nayer Sikder Luan Tran Lily Trieu Commissioners Absent: Mohsin Lari Kuo Yang PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission on February 20, 2024. 1. 1 ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 The minutes from the meeting of February 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, Vice Chair Chen’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Tran was off the dais. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Discussion of a 2024 Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation. Discussed. Commissioner Sha offered to work on a proclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a working group on food security. The motion to approve the creation of a working group on food security was approved on Commissioner Sin’s motion, Commissioner Nguyen’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Commissioners Jambulapati, Sha, and Sin were added to the working group without objection. Approve the creation of a working group related to a GraduAsian graduation event. The motion to approve the creation of a GraduAsian graduation event working group was approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, Commissioner Sha’s second on a 12- 0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Chair Huang, Commissioner Nguyen, and Commissioner Sha were added to the working group without objection. Select an Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission member to represent the Commission to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process. The motion to select Commissioner Lan to represent the Commission to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process was approved on Chair Huang’s motion, Commissioner Lan’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Action was taken on …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 16, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 12 months 1,100 working group hours Input from 300+ people Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners …
AARC Workgroup Meeting Agenda/Notes • Purpose: Follow activities and updates affecting the Asian American Resource Center’s programs, Master Plan, Phase 2 and more. • Commissioners: Hanna Huang, Kuo Yang, Satyajeet Dodia, Luan Tran, Pierre Nguyen • Citizens: Vince Cobalis (NAAO), Kirk Yoshida (former AAQoL Commissioner), Debasree Dasgupta (NAAO), Schiller Liao (NAAO) • Relevant City Employees: AARC Staff, Laura Esparza (MCP Division Manager), PARD planning staff • Link to previous Workgroup Meeting minutes: https://app.box.com/s/gogzwhx8i32wnhrl9m54jww0e4yry1g1 Date: 4/15/2024 @ 12pm Location: Teams (organized by Tony Vo) Attended: Tony Vo, Christina Bies, Leslie Perez, Seon-Ju Seung-Bickley, Fabian Duran, Satyajeet Dodia, Hanna Huang, Vince Cobalis, Debasree DasGupta, Lila Grace Pandy Agenda: 1. AARC Staff Updates (departures, hires, delegation) a. Marketing Rep – Seon-Ju Seung-Bickley b. Rec Specialist (Senior Program) - next Monday c. Supervisor – hiring freeze, has to stop process and notify all applicants, Fabian is acting currently. Supervisor position didn’t go through market adjustment (Event Coordinator position earns more than it currently) d. Division Manager – Hanna sent some recs to Jodi Jay 2. AARC Program Updates a. World Taichi Day April 27 b. CelebrASIA May 18 – AAQoL Posting? c. Citizenship Clinic w/ American Gateways May 4 (USCIS will be present as well) d. Asian American Professionals Summit May 3 e. 4 Exhibits currently – Seniors photovoice, senior archiving, vessels: handle with care, Julia Lee artist talk 3. AARC Building/etc updates a. AC been doing well so far b. PARD rainy day fund is ½ mil – could cover major hvac failures 4. NAAO donor wall - a. Contractor secured, NAAO to approve funding at next meeting b. Next Steps: AARC needs mockup to go through PARD approvals, Schiller to follow up, then contract is drafted before construction & work can happen c. Moved from outside to main hallway next to Foyer d. Contract will also address what to do with existing wall 5. Phase 2 discussion & updated timeline a. Staff updates i. Christina is now at Capital Services Dept ii. Leslie Perez now PARD Liaison iii. Jackie Armstrong from Capital Services Dept taking notes b. Completed preliminary design in March programming session c. Multipurpose space 750 sq ft (30x25 ~50 occupants) connected to an Exterior multipurp platform/porch i. Kitchenette/BOH circulation 100sf ii. Will be near middle of lawn area outside of critical root zone of heritage trees iii. Concepts – Bar, Cavern iv. Staff & Commissioners shared feedback v. Pricing …
FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Central Procurement • 505 Barton Springs Road Ste 330 Austin, TX 78704 April 1, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Award of RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin’s Families with Young Children. The evaluation team has completed their process and has recommended award to Decision Information Resources, Inc. Susan Arbuckle Procurement Specialist IV Central Procurement, City of Austin 512-974-1773, Susan.arbuckle@austintexas.gov Page 1 of 1 Decision Information Resources, Inc Health Management Associates, Inc Sarah Mitran - Nathe Management Consulting Solicitation Number: Description: RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin's Families with Young Children Evaluation Criteria Max Points Company Research, Qualifications and Experience (10.3) Community Engagement, Language Access, and Participant Compensation (10.4) Project Management and Experience (10.6) Personnel Qualifications and Experience (10.6) Sample Work Product (10.7) 40 30 10 10 10 Total 100 27 25 8 8 5 73 27 20 5 8 8 68 7 5 2 2 2 17 NOTE: As per Section 252.049 of the local government code, contents of a proposal shall remain confidential until a contract is awarded. Therefore, the matrix will include points awarded for price but exact pricing will not be disclosed.
April 16th Early Childhood Council Quality of Life Workgroup Study Update I. Update a. Recommendation for Council - Council May 30th b. No Contact Period (Email Susan Arbuckle if they contact you) II. Next Steps, after May 30th a. Check Availability of Commissioners and Vendor i. Email me your availability as soon as you can. b. Schedule Kick Off Meeting i. Virtual or in person? III. Initial Plans – Collaboration through SharePoint a. SharePoint Drive i. All three studies can cross collaborate (only open for workgroup members to ii. Maintain all documents shared, running notes (see below), contact information, avoid quorum) and anything as needed. iii. Contact Info/Workgroup members can change iv. If any difficulty with SharePoint, please let me know as soon as you can. b. Running Notes will Include i. Goal to ensure study is a tool for change ii. Expectation iii. Next Steps c. Communication Expectations will be monitored through a log IV. Questions
Mission We make it possible for all children to have access to a transformative early childhood education. A high-quality, anti-racist, early childhood education. Pre school p ractice s, p olicie s, and p e d ag og y that work tog e the r to cre ate an e nvironme nt that nurture s and culturally affirms all child re n b ut e sp e cially child re n of color. The d e sire to control Black and Brown b od ie s is re p lace d with the d e sire to allow child re n to b e fully curious. A place where administrators and teachers are d e e p ly aware of the ir imp licit b iase s and inte rnalize d anti- Blackne ss and have the skills to d isrup t the m. O UR CURREN T REALITY We partner with preschools & child care centers build anti-racist early learning environments What else is possible? DRO P - IN CARE FO R BLACK MO THERS • RISE will provide fre e o r lo w - c o s t , short- te rm, c u lt u ra lly c o n g ru e nt, high- q uality d rop - in child care , d e sig ne d for Black mothe rs and the ir child re n age s 6 we e ks through ag e 5. • Te am of care give rs, making $ 28- $ 35 p e r h o u r, will b e traine d in RISE’s • Eve ry m o m e n t m a t t e rs : this is not b ab ysitting; it is high- q uality care e ve n a n t i- ra c is t p e d a g o g y if it is short • Phase 1: Pare nts on p re mise s to e ngage in w o rk , e d u c a t io n / t ra in in g , e n jo ym e n t a c t ivit ie s o r re s t . • Sup p ort for p are nts who ne e d lo n g - t e rm c h ild c a re G O A LS …
Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP) Proposal: Understanding the Needs of Older Adults in Austin, TX through a Community-Engaged, Participatory Lens by Implementing a Photovoice Methodology Presented To: City of Austin, Commission on Aging City of Austin, Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Proposal Prepared by: Nirali Thakkar, MSSW-MPH Candidate Culture &Arts Activity Specialist, Asian American Resource Center Under the Guidance of: Van Doan, Culture & Arts Education Coordinator, Asian American Resource Center Tony Vo, Culture & Arts Education Manager, Asian American Resource Center Rafael Samper-Ternent, Associate Professor, UTHealth Science Center School of Public Health Table of Contents Executive Summary The Growing Portion of Older Adults Imagining an Age-Friendly City Gaps in Bringing Diverse Perspectives to the Age-Friendly Austin Survey What is Photovoice, and How Can it Address the Engagement Gap? Photovoice at the Asian American Resource Center Integrating Intergenerational Voices Bringing Together Participant Photos Why Replicate this Project? Final Thoughts Appendices References Adapting and Replicating the Project: A Step-by-Step Guide and Helpful Practices 14 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 12 13 14 17 18 25 3 Executive Summary This community health improvement project (CHIP) proposal identifies a need for public health professionals and city staff to implement unique engagement methods to include older adults in the planning and development of age-friendly cities in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework. This need is especially prevalent in Austin, TX, where older adults represent the fastest-growing population group. Photovoice is a method that encourages participants to take photos that display their experiences, perspectives, and needs on a specific topic. This method has been used successfully with older adults in different settings. The Asian American Resource Center, a city-funded pan-ethnic center in Northeast Austin, implemented a photovoice project and an intergenerational session between February- March of 2024 with a cohort of 14 participants. The organization’s project serves as an example of successful community engagement for the City of Austin to adapt and replicate at its centers to best understand the needs of older adults. This proposal uses the terms older adults and senior programming participants interchangeably—with senior programming participants aligning with language used within the City of Austin. The Growing Portion of Older Adults Older adults aged 65 and older represent a large and growing proportion of the U.S. population. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that from 2034 onwards, there will be 83.7 million older adults in the US, …
HIGHLIGHTING THE ROLE OF THE AARC IN FACILITATING THE W ELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS Culture & Arts Activity Specialist and Graduate Policy Intern, Asian American Resource Center To n y Vo Cu lt u r e & Ar t s Ed u c a t io n Ma n a g e r , As ia n Am e r ic a n R e s o u r c e Ce n t e r S e n io r P r o g r a m P a r t ic ip a n t s , As ia n Am e r ic a n R e s o u r c e Ce n t e r N ir a li Th a k k a r AGENDA 0 1 NATIONAL AND LOCAL INCREASE OF OLDER ADULTS 0 2 THE AARC AS A MEANINGFUL SP ACE FOR OLDER ADULTS 0 3 0 4 AARC’S P ROGRAMMING FUTURE HEAR FROM P ROGRAMMING P ARTICIP ANTS OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTIN Between 2010 -20 20 , t h e Asia n p o p u la t io n w a s t h e fa st e st - g ro w in g ra c e /e t h n ic it y g ro u p a m o n g o ld e r a d u lt s in Au st in . Th is is p a rt ic u la rly a p p a re n t in No rt h w e st a n d No rt h e a st Au st in . W ORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: AGE- FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES • The age -friendliness framework helps cities and communities plan for a setting where older adults can actively participate in society and age in place. • Since 2016, the City of Austin has shifted to this framework. Each year, the Commission on Aging provides recommendations to councilmembers across all 8 domains. P HOTOVOICE AT THE AARC • Our process focused on respect and social inclusion from the age -friendliness framework. • Participants received a photo journal (translated to Mandarin and Korean) with 6 prompts related to this domain. They took/selected one photo of their life to answer each question. 14 Participants AAPI and other ethnic minorities 6 6 Weeks Participants learned new technology (Airdrop) and connected with …
