May 9, 2017 Audio Recording — original link
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Code TALK - Affordability — original pdf
Land Development Code Advisory Group COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT Description of Announcement: Community stakeholder engagement event educating the public on specific topics of the CodeNEXT Land Development Code. The event will include a panel of community experts, a presentation from code writers, and the opportunity for the public to ask staff questions about the code. Date and Time: May 8th, 2017 at 6pm Location: Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX, 78704 Board Liaison Contact Name: Ashley S. Greenstein Liaison Telephone Number: 512‐974‐2743
Agenda — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force May 2, 2017 3:00pm Palmer Events Center Meeting Room 1-3 900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the April 25, 2017 meeting 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action from the public participation from SpeakUpAustin.org b. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas from each Task Force member to recommend to City Council in future report. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas. 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 Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov.
May 2, 2017 Approved Minutes — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force May 2, 2017 3:00pm Palmer Events Center Meeting Room 1-3 900 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Steve Genovesi, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative for Tom Noonan Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum Sinclair Black, Architect AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 25, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:06pm) a. Mike Cannatii, Barton Springs Conservancy, Parks/ Historic Coalition 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed SpeakUpAustin.org b. Discussion on recommendations from each Task Force members to deliver to the City Council. 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association b. Rowona Dash, Neill-Cochran House Museum c. Sinclair Black, Architect 6. OLD BUSINESS – Recommendation Vote a. All Task Force members voted on the Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation minus the absence of Task Force Members, Julie Niehoff, Tom Noonan, Alyson McGee, Ashwin Ghatalia, Stephen Sternschein and Skeeter Miller i. 1- NO ii. 1- Not agree, but iii. 5- Agree, if iv. 6- YES 7. ADJOURNMENT a. Meeting Adjourned at 5:50pm 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. …
Annual HOT Tax Handout May 2, 2017 — original pdf
2016 ANNUAL HOT REVENUE69,509,528.50$ ANNUAL HOT REVENUE69,509,528.50$ 2017 PROJECTED HOT REVENUE75,070,290.78$ 2017 PROJECTED HOT REVENUE75,070,290.78$ 20162017YOY20162017YOYRECEIPIENTSRECEIPIENTSPARKS GRANTS500,000.00$ PARKS GRANTS300,000.00$ MUSIC GRANTS500,000.00$ MUSIC GRANTS300,000.00$ HERITAGE GRANTS500,000.00$ 500,000.00$ HERITAGE GRANTS500,000.00$ 300,000.00$ ACVB (20.71%)14,291,873.35$ 15,236,407.22$ 6.61%ACVB (20.71%)14,291,873.35$ 15,360,667.22$ 7.48%CULTURAL ARTS (15%)10,351,429.28$ 11,035,543.62$ 6.61%CULTURAL ARTS (15%)10,351,429.28$ 11,125,543.62$ 7.48%AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER (64.29%)44,366,225.87$ 47,298,339.94$ 6.61%AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER (64.29%)44,366,225.87$ 47,684,079.94$ 7.48%TOTAL69,509,528.50$ 75,070,290.78$ 8%TOTAL69,509,528.50$ 75,070,290.78$ 8%**Assumes set amounts are allocated before percentage allocations Data compiled from Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by Catlin Whitington as of 4/27/2017 $- $200,000,000.00 $400,000,000.00 $600,000,000.00 $800,000,000.00 $1,000,000,000.00 $1,200,000,000.00 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 HOT Taxable Revenue for Austin Properties Annual, 1995 - 2016 5-year average annual growth: 12% 10-year average annual growth: 8% 20-year average annual growth: 8% *2017 data assumes 8% annual growth
Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation Votes, May 2, 2017 — original pdf
YES -RECOMMENDATION –NOBREAKDOWNNoDon’t Agree, butNeutral, howeverAgree, ifYes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation BreakdownNo1-voteDon’t Agree, but1-voteNeutral, however0-votesAgree, if5-votesYes6-votes5/2/2017 AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSIONRecommendation Breakdown5/2/2017•No CommentNo•No, But if it is going through, we should articulate the case against for the record.Don’t Agree, but•If, no 2% increaseAgree, if•If, Palm School, MACC, Red River district projects are included. (2% Ch 351 increase) Agree, if•-Urban design thought through –street, sidewalks, -access•-Save money, improve space through sharing buildingAgree ,if•If, there is a clear set of recs for the expansion of money dedicated to music, historically under replentedgroups and dupmnt. of tourist oppsin historically under represented districts.Agree, if•If, includes 2B & Public Realm well DesignedAgree, if•No commentYes•No commentYes•No commentYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, with 2BYes•Yes, excess % of funds used to support other areas without decreasing funding already in placeYes
Citizen Communications Handout 1 — original pdf
May 1, 2017 Dear Visitor Impact Task Force Members: In previous meetings, the Task Force has been encouraged to “think big” in making its recommendations on how to best use hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue to impact tourism. Along these lines, we are hopeful that you will recommend creating a new “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” as requested in the attached four-point “ask” by the parks and historic preservation advocates. To date, the Task Force discussions about the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund” have focused on funding “historic” projects which are clearly allowable uses under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. However, comments and questions at the last meeting suggest that the Task Force may be overlooking the fact that “visitor information center” projects are also allowable uses under state law that could be funded with the proposed “Parks and Historic Preservation Tourism Fund.” In support, I refer the Task Force members to the excellent publication referenced in Mr. Joslove’s comments last week, What Cities Need to Know to Administer Municipal Hotel Occupancy Taxes. In that publication, it clearly states that state law allows the “Funding the establishment, improvement, or maintenance of a … visitor information center.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.101(a)(1) (“Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry, and that use is limited to the following: (1) the acquisition of sites for and the construction, improvement, enlarging, equipping, repairing, operation, and maintenance of … visitor information centers”). State law also broadly defines the term “visitor information center” as “a building or a portion of a building used to distribute or disseminate information to tourists.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(8). It should also be noted that “visitor information centers” are not required to be “primarily used to host conventions and meetings,” as that requirement applies to “convention center facilities,” but not “visitor information centers.” See, Texas Tax Code § 351.001(2) and (8). As seen from the foregoing, state law does allow HOT funding of “visitor information center” projects, provided that such projects also promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. Examples of such projects were included in the March 28 presentation, including the proposed “Visitor Education Center” at Zilker Park which would distribute or disseminate park and environmental education information to welcome, guide, and orient tourist and visitors to the …
Report from SpeakUpAustin.org. — original pdf
How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 Votes273693519PARTICIPANTSTOPICSANSWERSREPLIESVOTESSUMMARY OF TOPICSTOURISTS' CHALLENGING IMPACTS 4 Answers · 1 RepliesWhat are some of the greatest challenges posed by tourism and tourists? Seth Goodman · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 25, 2017 10:44 pm 0 VotesTourists + rental cars = sad AustinitesTourists are at their worst when they are driving. Many Americans are most likely to use transit, walk, and bike while they are on vacation. We should be encouraging that to the greatest extent possible.Tourists are also a problem when they become concentrated in too small of a space. Around the convention center, we have started to create a quarter of the city that is exclusively hotels, chain restaurants aimed at catering to the lowest common denominator of taste, parking, and of course the convention center itself. Austinites generally avoid this area because it feels sterile, lacks diversity of uses, and because giant ballrooms filled with this year's hottest trends in tile and carpet are nobody's idea of a good time. It shows when there's no convention on because the streets around the convention center become a dead zone. In order for tourists to have the positive impact on the local economy that is often boasted, they need to get out and spread out and thatmeans we should distribute hotels more evenly around the walkable parts of town.Response:Coapublic Information · Admin · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 26, 2017 9:55 am Thanks for your comments, Seth! -ModeratorTim Altanero · Citizen · (Postal Code: unknown) · Apr 29, 2017 1:50 am 1 VotesI don't mind tourists at all.We are addressing the hotel room shortage downtown pretty well, I think.What's problematic - and this is not caused by tourists - is the lack of viable public transport. Running more busses is fine, in theory, but they are in traffic too.1 of 14Full Report How Can We Make Tourism Help Our City the Most? Closed May 12, 2017 · Discussion · 27 Participants · 3 Topics · 69 Answers · 35 Replies · 19 VotesWe need to think about the city longterm and invest in that longterm future. Yes, it will cost, but if you think about what you pay for your car every year, and how much time you spend in …
Visitor Impact Task Force Meeting, Audio Recording for May 2, 2017 — original link
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Agenda — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the April 11, 2017 meeting 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action related to additional information the task force needs from staff to complete the report required by council pursuant to Resolution No. 20160818-075. b. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. c. Discussion on a public engagement plan for Task Force (Larry Schooler). d. Discussion and possible action to scheduling and/or adding future meetings. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 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 Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please …
April 25, 2017 Approval Minutes — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force April 25, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Manno, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation Joe Clemens, Capital Metro Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses Hill Abell, Local Business Arnold Garcia, Convention Center Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Tam Hawkins Rudy Garza, Convention Center Expansion AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. Approval of Minutes from April 11, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Bill Worsham (due to absence of April 11, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Ashwin Ghatalia and Skeeter Miller. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Larry Schooler discussed how Public Participation can be visible with SpeakUpAustin.org b. Chair, James Russell discussed Resolution details. c. Larry Schooler presented the February 28, 2017 meeting initial ideas for recommendations from each Task Force members to begin discussions of recommendations to deliver to the City Council. d. The Task Force voted and approved on adding an additional meeting, May 2, 2017 to the schedule. 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 5:30pm a. George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation b. Joe Clemens, Capital Metro c. Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance d. Scott Joslove, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association e. Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses f. Hill Abell, Local Business g. Arnold Garcia, Convention Center h. Tam Hawkins …
Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Economic Impact -Research Report — original pdf
The Austin CVB sources research from multiple organizations and companies.For annual Economic Impact(travel spending,taxes, etc…)we source the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The report is generated on their behalf by Dean Runyan Associates.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/TXImp15pRev2_1.pdfAustin-Round Rock, TX MSA pg. 41.Dean Runyan Associates:www.deanrunyan.comDean Runyan Associates has worked for 25 years to assist with market research, planning and economic analysis for travel, tourism, recreation,and education projects. Our emphasis is on facilities and destination locations that seek economic or market information for planning, marketing, policy, evaluation and/or design. Projects range from the individual facility or event level to states and the nation.We feel that our work is an important sector of our economy and society. Our nation faces serious challenges balancing the needs of our natural areas with the imperatives of economicgrowth and job creation. Moreover, changing economic conditions and the dynamics of energy costs are particularly important to the travel and recreation industry. This turmoil notwithstanding, the recreation and tourism industry remains one of the most significant industries worldwide, and a leading growth sector in North America. Their focus is on helping travel industry businesses, attractions and destination communities that face these opportunities and challenges.Clients include-Arizona Office of Tourism, California Travel and Tourism Commission, Colorado Tourism Commission, Texas Tourism, Seattle, Sonoma, Spokane, US National Park Service.For jobs data we source the US Bureauof Labor Statistics.https://www.bls.gov/Domestic visitationdata (including profile, volume, etc..) is again sourced from the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor. The research is generated on their behalf byD.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd. https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/2015-Hill-Country-Region_2.pdf-Austin-Round Rock TX MSA data begins on pg. 15and Methodology pg. 29DK Shifflet:www.dkshifflet.comDK Shiffletboasts the industry’smost complete databaseon U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. We collect data monthly from a U.S. representative sample adding over 60,000 traveling households annually. We’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality travel and traveler research. And have been since 1982.Clients include-Visit California, Delaware, Visit Florida, Georgia, Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Texas Tourism, Atlanta, Choose Chicago, Cleveland, Durham, NC, Los Angeles, Best Western, San Antonio, New Orleans.International visitationis sourced from several organizations and companies. Oxford Economics Global City Travel Report,the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the Office of the Governor, SMARI, and U.S. Departmentof Commerce, Stats Canada.https://travel.texas.gov/tti/media/PDFs/Texas-2015-Overseas-Visitors-to-Texas-Report-(11-2-2016)_1.pdfDatafor both reports is compiled partially from theU.S. Departmentof Commerce Office of Travel and Tourismreportshttp://tinet.ita.doc.gov/outreachpages/inbound.general_information.inbound_overview.htmlTravel Market Insights:travelmi.comTravel Market Insights services, partners with, and represents U.S. destinations and business, …
Citizen Communications Handout — original pdf
BOARD,COMMISSIONRECOMMENDATIONAfricanAmericanResourceAdvisoryCommissionRecommendationNumber:20170404-005:Dedrick—HamiltonHouseWHEREAS,theCityCouncilestablishedan18memberVisitorImpactTaskForceinparttoreviewcurrentusesofHotelOccupancyTaxesandtheimpactofthoseactivitiesandexpendituresontourismintheCity;ReviewofcurrenttouristactivityintheCityofAustinandwhatevents,venues,orfacilitiesthosetouristsattendwhilevisiting;ReviewofTexasTaxCodeChapter351andallowableusesofHotelOccupancyTaxesundertheTaxCodeincludingparks,historicpreservation,culturalheritage,music,arts,specialevents,feewaivers,convention,visitorsbureau,transportation,downtowndistricts,venuesandotherfacilitiesanddebtdefeasanceforcity-ownedhotelsandconventionfacilities;WHEREAS,DuringtheMarch7,2017meeting,ZenobiaJosephmadeapresentationtotheAfricanAmericanResourceAdvisoryCommissionandrequestedthattheCityconsiderusingHotelOccupancyTaxtopromotetourismintheEastAustinAfricanAmericanCulturalHeritageDistrictknownasSixSquare,asdesignatedbytheStateofTexas,andinvestparticularinsuchculturalandheritagefacilitiessuchasGeorgeWashingtonCarverMuseumandtheDedrickHamilton-HouseVisitorCenterandDorisMillerAuditorium.WHEREAS,theUrbanMusicFestivalisaculturalfestivaltargetingtheAfricanAmericanTouristandprovidesaneconomicimpacttotheCityofAustin,thecommissionfurtherrequestsaCityofAustinCo-SponsorshipdesignationandfundingofthefestivalviatheHotelOccupancyTax.NOW,THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDthattheAfricanAmericanResourceAdvisoryCommissionsupportstheuseofHotelOccupancyTaxallocationforprojectsinEastAustinthatwillpromotetourismandenhanceculturalawarenessandprojectsthathelpsvisitorsexperienceAfricanAmericanCulture. DateofApproval:_______________________Recordofthevote:12—0,3Commissionersabsent:CommissionerHawkins,CommissioneraCornissionerLeeAest:______________________________________(Stafforboardmh%’bercansign)
Citizen Communications Handout 1 — original pdf
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Citizen Communications Handout 2 — original pdf
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Citizen Communications Handout 3 — original pdf
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Citizen Communications Handout 4 — original pdf
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Citizen Communications Handout 5 — original pdf
From:Karen CannattiTo:Ojeda, FeliciaCc:Schooler, LarrySubject:letter for Visitor Impact Task ForceDate:Wednesday, April 19, 2017 4:41:10 PMAttachments:winmail.datDear Visitor Impact Task Force Members:On several occasions, Mayfield Park has been recipient of funds fromthe Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) for preservation ofits house and grounds. We are quite grateful for this, as it hasaided us in maintaining this historic asset, which is a delight forvisitors from all over the world as well as for a great many Austinresidents.The funding has been allocated from Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax(HOT), as allowed by State law. The law allows up to 15% of HOTrevenues to be allocated to historic preservation, but we are awarethat only a tiny portion of this potential allocation has been usedcity-wide to this end.Austin is rich with historic lands, structures, and traditions, all ofwhich contribute to the City's attraction of visitors, and all ofwhich require significant expense to maintain. Austin's parks aloneare home to many of these assets: Zilker Park with Barton SpringsPool, the Sunken Garden, and Eliza Springs; the Norwood residence;Hancock and Lions Golf Courses, the four original downtown parks;among many others. Many other very special assets are in private orState hands. All contribute greatly to Austin's tourism economy andare visited by millions annually. Yet many of these precious assetsare falling into decay for lack of adequate maintenance funding. Someare being allowed to deteriorate to ruin.Why, then, when the law endorses such significant expenditures fromthe HOT tax, should the City not allocate the full 15% annually to thethings that define Austin's heritage and make Austin an especiallyattractive place, both to tourists and residents?As you consider how Austin can best utilize its HOT tax revenues,please recognize that Austin's historic legacy is a major contributorto Austin's tourism industry, and that it contributes to the culturalrichness not only to visitors' experiences but to the lives of its owncitizens. Please fund preserving this legacy to the full extent thatthe law allows.Karen CannattiPresident -- Friends of the Parks of Austin, a 501(c)(3) non-profitserving Austin's parks since 1985
Citizen Communications Handout 6 — original pdf
Larry Akersletter to Visitor Impact Task Force regarding Palmer Events Center Monday, April 24, 2017 1:58:57 PMFelicia,Please forward this letter and the attached document to all the members ofthe VITF. Thanks.Larry--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear VITF members:This is a request that the VITF recommend replace the current subsidyof the operations and maintenance fund for the Palmer Events Center (PEC)via its venue project's car rental tax with funding from the HotalOccupancy Tax (HOT).-- Historic funding for Palmer Auditorium: HOT tax-- Current funding for PEC: venue-associated car rental tax-- Recommended funding: HOT taxThe case for doing so is as follows.Civic events facilities almost never finance their operations solelyfrom event revenues. Prior to the opening of the Palmer Events Center(PEC), the old Palmer Auditorium had its operating deficit covered bythe City's hotel occupancy tax. All participants in the publicprocess that created the Town Lake Community Events Center Venue Project,which included the new PEC, presumed the historical modus operandiwould continue.Voters authorized the capital improvements in the project -- the PEC,its parking garage, and the re-development of the parkland now knownas Butler Park and Auditorium Shores -- to be financed through a newtax on local car rentals. This authorization did not include use ofthe car rental tax to finance PEC operations. The stakeholders whoformulated and directed the project in its initial years neverconsidered that the tax would finance operations. The financial plan for the project formulated by Assistant City ManagerJim Smith specified car rental tax revenues being used solely to financeconstruction of the PEC, garage, and the park. The project's outlays forpark construction would not have been viable otherwise.Nevertheless, in secret sessions that were not disclosed to projectstakeholders until almost four years later and that were not discussedeven with City Council until three years later, bond covenants were developed that overturned this fiscal approach. A "waterfall" schemefor disbursal of car rental tax revenues specified that a fund foroperating the PEC would received priority funding, and park constructionwould get only the leftovers. This expenditure was specificallynot authorized by the vote that created the tax.The proof that this expenditure undermined the financial plan for thepark and venue development came when the development of Butler Park(Phase II of the park developement) was postponed for three years andthe development of Phases III and IV (the western and eastern portionsof Auditorium Shores Park, which were part of the venue) was removedcompletely from the financial forecast for the venue. The Butler Parkdelay initially cost nearly …
City of Austin, Special Events Alternative Funding Report, April 25, 2017 — original pdf
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Recommendation Notes — original pdf
Only Consider Recommendations that fall within the Law (or another Law). Don’t waste time on things that can’t happenRecommend staff compilation of cultural assets of marketingFund Palmer as promisedChange over-site of Historical/ Heritage Grants define Natural or CulturalUse money for expansion toward Historical/ Heritage grantsMaintain process for funding for Arts & Music thru Cultural Arts/EDDCultural Arts-Reorganize grants to include use by organizations that do not have to have sponsor but would include strict guidelines: Art & MusicVisitor Impact Task Force Members AdditionalRecommendations -April 25, 2017 Meeting-Establish clear quantitative and qualitative measurements to evaluate proposed uses and prior uses of HOT funds. (beyond how many hotels rooms were sold or how many conventions were booked) for all recipientsIdentify non-HOT- paid tourism costs now borne by other local tax sourcesUse all money available to support Heritage/ Historical grantsPay off Convention Center without ExpansionCultural Arts-A percentage of funds already received to be used for community outreach & education as to grants available Recommend COA continue to fund analysis of creative industry with HOT to include impact on tourism economySupport thru HOT tax to Districts, Festivals, tourism, grants, etc...Partially fund public services for COA co-sponsored events with HOTExpand ACC (2B)Fund ACVB at 1.45Fund ARTS fullyFind uses for remaining waterfall...Parks/ Heritage Music IndustryClarify M&O cost to PalmerInclude Palmer on HOTMore Convention use without enlarging facilityConsider existing (example Austin American Statesman) as expansion without more Big BoxPursue option 2B of Convention Center expansion financing concept. Additional funding generated after convention center obligations split between Historical Preservations & Music IndustryRecommend form/ plan for expansionCitywide funds not just DowntownMake sure the East Side is not ForgottenConsider the geographic makeup of revenue & expendituresBe sure there is a diversity/ equity lens to consider grant requests.Allocate funding to address safety and “walk ability” issues in the Red River District and ARCR center to encourage and enhance the growth of tourism in this districtSupport Local Business Districts through tourism. Financially through HOT tax or Grants through Hot taxConsider support of AIBA (Austin Independent Business Alliance)Local & Small Businesses that serve visitors (Restaurants, Shops, Clubs, Venues, Etc...)Allow heritage money to be used on interiors as well as exteriorsDistribution of funds to beneficiaries s/h all have same information required in requestsDeciders of Grants should have connection to City. Not Separate OrganizationExpand Visitor data being collected to determine types of sites attracting visitors or what they see when visitingFor Example:• Historical Sites• Cultural Sites/ …
Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation — original pdf
Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 1 | Page VITF Member Questions: 1) Page 12 shows combined operating Revenue (Convention center and PEC) to be $33.2M, on pages 16 and 17 it would be $22M for convention center + $15M for PEC + $37M for 2015‐2016 Need to understand the difference ACCD Response: The amounts on slides 16 and 17, of $22M for ACC and only $15k (thousand, not million) for Palmer Events Center (PEC), are amounts budgeted in those funds at the beginning of the fiscal year (FY). The majority of PEC revenue is actually budgeted in a separate fund (the Convention Center Palmer Events Center Revenue Fund) and transferred into the PEC operating fund depicted on slide 17 (included in the $8M on the “Transfers In” line). The amounts on slide 12 represent the accounting revenue as of the end of FY16. The final amounts for FY16 will not appear in the budget document until FY18 due to the timing differences. The FY18 Proposed Budget will be posted online in August 2017. The actual amounts that will appear in the FY18 budget documents for FY16 “actuals” will be $26,914,974 for ACC and $4,129,932 for PEC Operating, totaling $31,044,906. This is still different from what was reported on slide 12 as ACCD’s accounting revenue of $33,221,000, in part, because of the differences in the basis of reporting: budget‐basis (on slides 16 & 17) versus accounting‐basis (on slide 12). Slide 12: Slide 16: Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 2 | Page Slide 17: Amounts that will be reported in FY18 budget documents: 2) On page 16 the ending balance for one year and starting balance for next year is same for some years but not for other years for convention center however on page 17 the PEC data is consistent. Need explanation ACCD Response: There are actually 2 columns on slides 16 and 17 for FY16 – one “Estimated” column and one “Amended” column. The “Amended” column represents the amounts that were approved by Council the previous September 2015, before the previous year (FY15) was even over. Austin Convention Center Department Responses to VITF Questions related to April 11, 2017 Financial Presentation 3 | Page Therefore, the actual beginning balance used at that point is only an estimate and will change …
Visitor Impact Task Force Extension Request_ April 7, 2017 — original pdf
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Visitor Impact Task Force Meeting, Audio Recording — original link
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Community Interest Announcement — original pdf
Land Development Code Advisory Group COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT Description of Announcement: Community stakeholder engagement event educating the public on specific topics of the CodeNEXT Land Development Code. The event will include a panel of community experts, a presentation from code writers, and the opportunity for the public to ask staff questions about the code. Date and Time: April 19th, 2017 at 6pm Location: City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX, 78701 Board Liaison Contact Name: Ashley S. Greenstein Liaison Telephone Number: 512‐974‐2743
Agenda — original pdf
Page 1 of 2 Land Development Code Advisory Group Meeting #59 April 19th 2017 at 7:15 pm ‐ 9 pm Austin City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St Austin, TX 78701 www.austintexas.gov/codenext Charge to Advisory Group: Assist in public outreach and provide feedback on development and implementation of a revised land development code (Resolution #20121206‐074) and focus its efforts to ensure the CodeNEXT process supports all of the Priority Programs as outlined in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan (Resolution #20150521‐026). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. INTRODUCTIONS BY CAG CHAIR (7:15‐7:20) 2. NEW BUSINESS (7:20‐8:50) a. Consultant presentation on the rezoned map of the City of Austin followed by Q&A from CAG 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS (8:50‐9:00) a. Upcoming Code TALK meetings (Affordability 5/8, Mobility 5/31, Permitting 6/7) b. District‐ based Mapping Meetings starting 4/22 c. B&C Comments to CAG deadline 5/15 d. Next CAG Meeting 5/24 ADJORNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give at least 4 days notice before the meeting date. Please call Ashley Greenstein in the Planning and Zoning Department, at 512‐974‐2743, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 2 of 2 For more information on the Code Advisory Group, please contact Ashley Greenstein in the Planning and Zoning Department at 512‐974‐2743 or Ashley.Greenstein@AustinTexas.gov.
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Page 1 of 3 Land Development Code Advisory Group Meeting #59 April 19th 2017 at 7:15 pm ‐ 9 pm Austin City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St Austin, TX 78701 www.austintexas.gov/codenext Charge to Advisory Group: Assist in public outreach and provide feedback on development and implementation of a revised land development code (Resolution #20121206‐074) and focus its efforts to ensure the CodeNEXT process supports all of the Priority Programs as outlined in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan (Resolution #20150521‐026). PRESENT: Jim Duncan, Dave Sullivan, Susan Moffat, Eleanor McKinney, Melissa Beeler, Mandy De Mayo, Liz Mueller, Steven Zettner, Colby Wallis, Lauren Ice, Chris Allen ABSENT: Cesar Acosta, Eric Schultz, Terry Mitchell, Jose Valera, Pat King, Rich Heyman, Nuria Zaragosa AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Meeting Called to order at 7:25pm 1. INTRODUCTIONS BY CAG CHAIR (7:15‐7:20) 2. NEW BUSINESS (7:20‐8:50) a. Consultant presentation on the rezoned map of the City of Austin followed by Q&A from CAG Colby Wallis believes that the map maintains community character but doesn’t create capacity, specifically enough space for T4 & T5. He wants to understand how we got the housing numbers for each transect. Mr. Wallis is concerned that we still have low density residential in our urban core. He wants more corner stores in neighborhoods. Consultant John Miki responded that this is a process to implement existing plans and existing policies. He believes anything more requires policy changes, future planning and discussion with neighbors. Page 2 of 3 Melissa Beeler wants to know why there are non‐transect zones in the urban core. John Miki said we will have more discussions. Jim Duncan added that the zones selected fit the current grid and land use patterns. Steve Zettner brought data on the disappearance of family friendly housing. John Miki explained that some of the zones were carried forward because of complicated CO’s. Mandy De Mayo brought up the 135K unit proposal by the mayor and asked whether the 140K proposed by this code and indicated by the ET software is aspirational. Chris Allen was concerned about the non‐transect zones in the urban core. He wants greater simplicity in the new code and believes that we are creating two separate codes. He also wanted to know if there is a way we can cope with fine grain differences of intensity. John Miki said the urban core may potentially be mapped transect, but there would …
Agenda — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force April 11, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the March 28, 2017 meeting 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Discussion and possible action in response to concerns expressed to the Task Force related to the scope of the task force, process in which the task force has undertaken matters and information that has been shared with the Task Force by City staff. b. Presentation and discussion of the City’s Financial reporting and the Austin Convention Center Department Cash, Financial Position, Capital Project Financing and Debt (Diana Thomas, City Controller and Carla Steffen). c. Presentation and discussion on pending legislation before the Texas Legislature related to Hotel Occupancy Tax (Brie Franco, Government Affairs). 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 7. 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 …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force April 11, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 5abc 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Carla Steffen, Austin Convention Center Department Diane Thomas, City of Austin, Controllers Office Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Manno, City of Austin, Austin Center for Events Gary Keller, All ATX Danny Gillespie, intricate Reenie Collins, Donated time to Gary Keller Heather Alden, Donated time to Gary Keller Kurt Wheeler, Donated time to Gary Keller Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Sharon Blythe, Cemeteries Rodney Siebels, Austin Convention Center Expansion Charles Betts, Austin History Center Rosgaldo Gomez, Crossroads Events Bill Bunch, Save Our Springs Alliance Mike Mardecai, Elephant Room, BBA Clifford Gillard, East Austin Black Interest George Cofer, Historic/ Parks/ Preservation Scott Joslovz, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts – Local Businesses Steve Berco, Local Businesses Lorri Turner, Local Businesses Leonard Davila, Musician/ Promoter John Bernardoni Peter Helf, Donated time to John Bernardoni Dr. John Butler AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:03pm by Chair James Russell 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:04pm) a. Gary Keller- The Austin Music Plan b. Sharon Blythe, PARDs comment on cemeteries c. National Instruments, Rodney Siebels, Austin Convention Center Expansion d. Charles Betts- Chair Austin History Center Association e. George Cofer- Historic/ Parks/ Preservation 3. Approval of Minutes from March 28, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved minus Chair James Russell (due to absence of March 28, 2017 meeting) and the absence of Task Force Members, Catlin Whitington, Bill Worsham, and Stephen Sternschein. 4. STAFF BRIEFING …
A Proposal for the Development and Expansion of Local Business Programs and Events for Tourism, Citizen Communications, Rebecca Melancon — original pdf
A Proposal for the Development and Expansion of Local Business Programs and Events for Tourism Presented by Rebecca Melan�on Executive Director Austin Independent Business Alliance 512-441-2123rebecca@ibuyaustin.com www.ibuyaustin.com • www.austinibiz.com April 11, 2017
Assistant City Manager, Mark Washington, Response to Mr. Bill Bunch's Letter — original pdf
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Austin Convention Center Department Financial Position Presentation, April 11, 2017 Meeting — original pdf
Presentation to Visitor Impact Task ForceApril 11, 2017 Review of Financial Information and Resources While a common phrase is“Numbers don’t lie”…# $ % It’s important to know…Numbersby themselves don’t tell the whole story.The # of ______ results in $, an increase of % over the previous year, which was a result of _______.Informed users of financial information put numbers in context. 3 ACCD has previously provided links to budget and financial statement information ACCD has provided information about outstanding debtComplex financial information requires a methodical approach to evaluating resultsA review and understanding of that information provides a clear picture of ACCD’s financial position and approach to strategic financial planning4 LinksVisitor Impact Task Force websitehttp://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=270179ACCD Responses to Questions –January 31, 2017http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=270179Budget Pages https://www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/finance/financial_docs.cfm?ws=1&pg=1oOperational BudgetoCapital Budget and Capital Improvement Project (CIP) PlanoDebtFinancial Statements https://www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/finance/financial_docs.cfm?ws=1&pg=1oStatement of Net Position (Balance Sheet)oStatement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Position (Income Statement)oStatement of Cash FlowsoNotes to Financial Statements5 Review of Cash Balance in context of ACCD’s financial position and approach to capital project financing. Note: The financial statements are for the Austin Convention Center Department, which includes Palmer Events Center. The following slides in this section of the presentation will walk through this reconciliation and show where the amounts are found in the various financial documents published by the City and found online on the City’s Austin Finance Online webpage. The information comes from financial reports presented from both an “accounting basis” and a “budget basis”. The various reports are also published at different points in time, but all amounts represent Fiscal Year 2016 financial information. Due to the differences in reporting basis and timing, there are reconciling differences that come into play, but as shown on a later slide, those differences are considered “immaterial” for the purpose of this analysis. Such differences are common in financial analysis and do not represent issues with the information. 7CAFR –Comprehensive Annual Financial ReportCIP –Capital Improvement ProjectACCD –Austin Convention Center DepartmentAustin Convention Center DepartmentSummary Reconciliation of Financial Position Cash reported on financial statements is at a point in time, in this case, as of September 30, 2016.Just like a personal bank account, a cash balance on any given day doesn’t represent an amount that’s free and clear to spend –such things as encumbrances/commitments reduce the “free and clear” cash balance.Restricted cash and other assets (blue arrows) represent assets that are restricted by an external source for a purpose …
Mr. Bill Bunch letter to City Manager and Council — original pdf
March 30, 2017 Elaine Hart, Interim City Manager Mark Washington, Assistant City Manager James Russell, Chair, Visitor Impact Task Force City of Austin, Austin, Texas Via Email RE: Complaint on management and direction of the Visitor Impact Task Force process Dear Ms. Hart, Mr. Washington and Mr. Russell: I respectfully submit that the Visitor Impact Task Force process has drifted off course from the charge given to it by City Council Resolution No. 20160818-075 of August 18, 2016. I ask that each of you take steps immediately to redirect the process to fully, fairly and openly address the charge from council and to make the process accessible to the interested public. The August 18 resolution describes the Task Force’s scope of work to include seven points. The seventh point – to make “recommendations to the City Council about how to best utilize all hotel occupancy revenue to impact tourism by April 1, 2017”—is based on carrying out the previous six points. The resolution’s “whereas” clauses also give direction to the Task Force process, especially the last one: “Whereas, providing public oversight and input regarding both the use of and the effect of the City use of hotel occupancy tax revenue would ensure public confidence in the City use of tax dollars.” City staff has largely failed to provide essential and accurate information to the Task Force members on the points charged to them by the council resolution. The meetings have all been tucked away in obscure meeting rooms, difficult to access by the public, and with no video-recording or live streaming capabilities, making it difficult for the community to follow along or revisit the content of the meetings. To my knowledge there has been virtually no effort to connect the process to the community or interested stakeholder groups save and except the hotel industry. Thus, the goal of “public oversight” has thus far been almost completely lost. Rather than providing clear and comprehensive information on the six points charged to the Task Force, the Task Force process has consisted almost entirely of an extended sales pitch for expanding the convention center. This sales pitch is woefully lopsided, obscuring critical information, providing misleading information, and completely leaving out other critical information. I will address this more completely below, but first I want to address the council resolution topics that have been ignored or otherwise given short shrift. Page 2 of 3 …
The 12 Immutable Laws of the Universe, Citizen Communications, John Bernardoni — original pdf
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The Austin Music Plan, Citizen Communications, Gary Keller — original pdf
The Census is available at: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/atxmusic-census-and-needs-assessment-survey They nonprofit offering to funnel HOT funds to music orgs is ALL ATX, headed by Gary Keller.http://allatx.org
Visitors Impact Task Force Financial Reporting in Government Presentation, April 11, 2017 Meeting — original pdf
Visitors Impact Task ForceFinancial Reporting in GovernmentController’s OfficeApril 11, 20171 Sources of Financial InformationThere are several sources for financial information about City operations including:oComprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR): oReport prepared by the Controller’s Office annuallyoBased on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)oMuch of the report is audited by the City’s external auditoroApproved Budget: oReport prepared by the Budget Office for Operating and Capital budgetingoBased on budgeting principles focused on current available resources and spending (this is consistent with other municipalities and governments across the country)oOnce CAFR is complete, Controller’s Office provides prior year actual beginning balance, available funds, requirements, and ending balance amountsoProposed budget amounts are initially provided by departments and modified as needed by managementoCapital improvement plan:oReport prepared by the Budget OfficeoFocuses on longer term capital needs of the CityoProposed budget amounts are initially provided by departments and modified as needed by managementoOther financial reports not listed separately2 Report FrameworkKey items included in each report:oComprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR):oStatement of Net Position (Balance Sheet)oStatement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Net Position (Income Statement)oStatement of Cash FlowsoPlus footnotes and other disclosuresoApproved Budget: oDepartment Budgets include an overview, mission and goals, message from the director, budget highlights, significant changes, budget details by activity, and other summary informationoFund Summaries (income statement-like budget-basis report)oPlus other information about the City’s operations oCapital improvement plan:oSpending plan (when will the City need funds to pay for improvements)oAppropriation summaries reflect current funding levels and planned future requirementsoDepartment narratives explain their program and highlight major planned projectsNote: Although these reports may be prepared for the same period of time –a fiscal year –there are differences in the basis of reporting for each. 3 CAFRoStatement of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net PositionoFull accrual basis accountingoIncludes depreciation (use of capital assets over their useful life)oAcquisition of capital does not impact income statementoDebt payments -only reflect interest expense (paid and due as of statement date)oOne column for enterprise activity (i.e. Convention Center)oRecognition of current period costs for long term liabilities associated with employee benefits -net pension liabilities and other postemployment benefits (medical, dental, life, etc.)4https://assets.austintexas.gov/financeonline/downloads/cafr/cafr2016.pdf BudgetoBudget: Budget is “income statement” focusedoCloser to cash basis accounting, but includes some accruals like payroll, receivables, etcoExcludes depreciationoIncludes acquisition of capital (full purchase price is an expenditure of the period)oDebt payments include both principal and interest dueoMultiple fund summaries (10+) that make up one column on CAFR including: Convention Center (CC) HOT Revenue Bond …
Audio Recording of April 11, 2017 Meeting — original link
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Community Interest Announcement — original pdf
Land Development Code Advisory Group COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT Description of Announcement: Community stakeholder engagement event to collect information and feedback relating to the CodeNEXT Land Development Code. Date and Time: April 8th, 2017 at 2pm Location: Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Dr., Austin TX, 78759 Presentation will begin at approximately 2:30 pm Board Liaison Contact Name: Ashley S. Greenstein Liaison Telephone Number: 512‐974‐2743
Agenda — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force March 28, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 19ab 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER: 3:00pm 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. From the March 14, 2017 meeting 3. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Discussion with PARD about their role in tourism/heritage/historic preservation-based tourism 4. NEW BUSINESS a. El Paso/San Antonio panel discussion about best practices in other cities 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations from initial ideas (post- it notes exercise) from each Task Force member on recommendations to deliver to City Council in future report. 6. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. Citizens wishing to speak will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting calls for Citizen Communications at 5:30pm. Citizen communications will be limited to the first ten speakers and each citizen communicator will be given three minutes to speak. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS a. Discussion and possible action to make recommendations on items for future agendas 8. 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 Larry Schooler at Communication and Public Information Office Department, at 512.974.6004, larry.schooler@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Visitor Impact Task Force, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov.
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Visitor Impact Task Force March 28, 2017 3:00pm Austin Convention Center Meeting Room 19ab 500 E. Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701 MINUTES In Attendance: Gavin Garcia - Music Industry Representative Catlin Whitington - Music Industry Representative Lulu Flores - Arts Community Representative MariBen Ramsey - Arts Community Representative Julie Niehoff - Special Events Industry Representative Tom Noonan - Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Representative Shelly Schadegg - Hotel Industry Representative Bill Worsham - Public Safety Community Representative Alyson McGee - Preservation Community Representative Dan Keshet - Parks Community Representative Mark Tester - Convention Center Representative Dewitt Peart - Downtown Commission Representative Ashwin Ghatalia - Tourism Workforce Representative Jonathan Mahone - Community Member Representative Pam Thompson - Environmental Community Representative Richard Mendoza - Public Works Department Representative (ex-officio) Absent: James Russell - Special Events Industry Representative Stephen Sternschein - Tourism Workforce Representative Skeeter Miller - Restaurant Industry Representative Gordon Derr - Transportation Department Representative (ex-officio) Staff and Others In Attendance: Mark Washington, ACM Larry Schooler, CPIO, Facilitator Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department Bill Clabby, Austin Sister Cities International Jake Rosenberg, Austin Sister Cities International – donated time Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts Dean Lofton, ABIA IBIZ Districts – donated time Bill Bunch, SOS Alliance JJ Langston, Parks Preservations Presentation Joanna Wolaver, Parks Preservations Presentation Staff and Others In Attendance: (con’t) Andy Gill, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Mike Cannatti, Parks Preservation Brian Ott, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Ted Siff, Parks Preservations Presentation – donated time Zenobia C. Joseph, Palm School Preservation Mary Guerrero-McDonald, Expansion of Convention Center AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 3:06pm by Vice Chair, MariBen Ramsey 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-3:07pm) a. Bill Clabby, Austin Sister Cities International b. Rebecca Melancon, ABIA IBIZ Districts c. Bill Bunch, SOS Alliance 3. Approval of Minutes from March 14, 2017 Meeting, all voters approved 4. STAFF BRIEFING a. Parks and Recreation Department, Kim McKnight presented Parks and Recreation Department Spending Plan for FY17 Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: Parks Presentation (Split-4:11pm) a. JJ Langston, Parks Preservations Presentation b. Joanna Wolaver, Parks Preservations Presentation 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Conference Call Discussion with the cities of El Paso (Benjamin Fyffe)/ and San Antonio(Mike Sawaya) for best practices in other cities in Texas. 7. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (Split-5:30pm) a. Mary Guerrero-McDonald, Expansion of Convention Center b. Zenobia C. Joseph, Palm School Preservation …