LGBTQIA+ Historical Marker Resolution No. 20230914-078 Staff Briefing for LGBTQ+ Commission October 14, 2024 Resolution No. 20230914-078 “…directs the City Manager to coordinate and initiate the installation of an LGBTQIA+ historical marker on 4th and Colorado streets as a symbol of the community's historical significance and contributions. Council directs the City Manager to gather input from LGBTQIA+ community leaders, Human Rights Commission, LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, and the Historical Landmark Commission regarding the content and queer figures to highlight on the historic marker.“ https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=415998 Photo by Mary Kahle Work accomplished to date • Toby Johnson and Dennis Paddie from The Memory Project, a subcommittee of the Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging, along with a committee of 10 other interested community members, conducted extensive research and worked together to compose and revise language for a commemoration of LGBTQIA history for an historical marker. Mr. Johnson offered to develop draft text to support the development of the historical marker. • March 13, 2024: Mr. Johnson presents draft text to the Architectural Review Committee of the Historic Landmark Commission. • April 3, 2024: Briefing to the Historic Landmark Commission, which provides informal support for the text. An HLC Commissioner offers further assistance. Existing research & resources • LGBTQ+ History in Austin (Oakwood Chapel exhibit) • The Memory Project: LGBTQ History in Austin (Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging) • Issues in Preservation: LGBTQIA Spaces and a Fight for Austin's Soul (Preservation Austin) National resources • Interpreting LGBT History at Museums and Historic Sites by Susan Ferentinos • National Park Service Series: LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History Marker options: Texas Historical Commission Subject Marker Program • The THC Historical Marker Program commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to our state, community organizations, and businesses. • For Texas Historical Commission subject markers, the applicant works with the County Historical Commission to research the topic and develop narrative history, which is part of the marker application. Text is developed collaboratively between City, Travis County Historical Commission, and THC. • Research Cost: $3,000-5,000; Marker Cost: $1,500- 2,500 • Application deadline: March 1- May 15, 2025; If accepted, marker typically completed within 18 months after approval Photos by Austin PARD …
Strategic Planning Update to Animal Advisory Commission Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager Dr. Larry Schooler, Consultant October 14, 2024 Working Group Progress Third and fourth working group meetings on September 12th and 17th • Report/analysis of community + staff engagement • Development of goals and consolidation in categories • Discussion of overall vision • Recommended operational changes 2 Working Group Next Steps • Work on strategic plan framework • Focus areas • Goals • Objectives • Revisit (and offer potential revision of) ASO mission statement • Craft consensus direction on • No Kill Intake • • Spay/Neuter 3 Assessment Phase Stakeholder Engagement Reports Community Survey Report • A community survey was available from July 17 to August 14, 2024 • A detailed report on survey results can be found on the ASO Strategic Plan PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Community Survey Report 2024.pdf Staff and Volunteer Interview and Listening Session Report • Interviews and listening sessions were conducted with staff and volunteers from July 9 to August 20, 2024 • A report on the process and the results of these engagements can be found on the PublicInput page under the Share Your Thoughts tab • ASO Strategic Plan Staff & Volunteer Interview & Listening Session Report 2024.pdf Strategic Plan Updates Stay informed on ASO strategic planning and find Community Survey and Listening Session reports at www.publicinput.com/ASOplan2024
Recommendation The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin prohibit the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Austin City Manager’s Office update City building management practices to prohibit the purchase and use of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the unsanitary and inhumane outcomes of using these traps. Basis for Recommendation 1. Glue traps are a public health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue may carry harmful pathogens. In addition, while trapped, these animals continue to produce urine and feces. Pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, can be transmitted from these animals and through their waste. 2. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, species of wildlife, including birds, bats, and other species of native wildlife are unintentionally caught and killed in these traps. Pets can also be caught and harmed by glue traps. 3. Glue traps are inhumane and cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Animals caught in glue traps often panic and struggle, which leads to them becoming even more entangled. This struggle can result in the glue pulling off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some animals may break their bones or even gnaw off their own limbs as they struggle to free themselves. The distressing sounds made by trapped wildlife can be unsettling for many, and workers who encounter these animals may be unsure of how to humanely handle the situation. If left alone, these frightened and injured creatures can suffer and die over several days from blood loss, shock, suffocation, or dehydration. In some instances, they perish after being crushed in the trash, as the instructions on the traps suggest disposing of them in this manner. This poses further health risks to City sanitation workers who may come into contact with dead or dying animals. 4. Better alternatives exist. Glue traps are not effective and do not provide a long-term solution for pest control. To manage rodent populations sustainably, it is essential to secure buildings and eliminate the conditions that attract them. Without addressing these underlying issues and humanely removing animals while preventing their return, infestations will continue. The …
ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/2-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/3-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/4-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/5-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION From: To: Subject: Date: Ramirez, Elaine Rawson application Monday, October 7, 2024 9:49:39 PM [You don't often get email from jdpaustin@me.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] External Email - Exercise Caution I am a member of the Hillview Green Lane HOA. I object to the application and its change from the current school use, which actually is a non conforming use under their current zoning. We don’t want more commercial traffic in our neighborhood. The dense commercial zoning in such close proximity to Casis Elementary School would present more traffic problems and dangers to the young children and the drivers on an already congested 2 lane Exposition Boulevard as well as nearby residential streets. My regards, John D. Pieratt John D. Pieratt, Attorney P O Box 50390 Austin, Texas 78703 John D. Pieratt, Attorney P O Box 50390 Austin, Texas 78703 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov". ITEM04/6-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/7-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/8-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/9-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/10-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/11-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/12-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/13-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/14-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/15-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/16-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/17-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/18-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/19-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/20-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/21-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/22-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/23-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION ITEM04/24-LATE BACKUP OPPOSITION
ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP-IN SUPPORT Organized 1973 OFFICERS Holly Reed President Cathy Kyle Past President Secretary George Edwards Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Mary Arnold Joyce Basciano Joseph Bennett David Bolduc Sarah Cain Michael Cannatti Heidi Gibbons Craig Lill Blake Tollett WEST AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP October 7, 2024 Board of Adjustment, City of Austin Elaine Ramirez, Liaison RE: C15-2024-0031 Members of the Board: West Austin Neighborhood Group (WANG) conditionally supports the above referenced variance request filed by the Austin Area School for Dyslexics, Inc (Rawson Saunders) (R/S) with the following understandings and stipulations. In the spring of this year R/S and their contiguous neighbor Tarrytown Christian Church filed to rezone their entire tract of land from the SF-3-NP zoning district to the GO-MU-NP zoning district. WANG, recognizing overwhelming close by neighbor opposition to the rezoning request, asked R/S to explore the variance process in order to achieve their vision for the school. Over the decades, WANG has worked with several churches along Exposition Boulevard to allow for expansions of their campuses, all within the SF-3 zoning district: • C-15-2003-065 the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, a variance was granted to allow maximum impervious coverage requirements to go from 45% to 70%, maximum building coverage requirements to go from 40% to 50%, and a decrease of setback requirements for a through street. • C15-2006-059 the Westminster Presbyterian Church, a variance was granted to allow maximum impervious coverage requirements to go from 45% to 64% (existing) in order for the church to either replace or renovate buildings on the campus. • Tarrytown United Methodist Church- In 2010-2011, the close by neighbors, WANG and TUMC all worked in harmony to allow the church to reasonably expand their campus through the purchase of a residential home fronting on Exposition Boulevard and placing that property under their Religious Use umbrella without changing either the property’s underlying zoning district of SF-3- NP or changing the expanded campus’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation, Central West Austin Neighborhood Plan (CWANP). In addition, in 2009 WANG worked closely with the Girls School of Austin to achieve a harmonious Conditional Use Permit in order for them to expand their campus. As for the application for variance under discussion, WANG recognizes the relevant hardships cited and can support the majority of, as amended, requests as follows: • On the request to increase the site development regulation maximum height requirement of 35 feet to …
ITEM06/1-LTR FROM OWNER the existing duplex as a third unit on the site. We are not real estate developers, nor builders, nor home designers. We are a family trying to build an accessible home for our multigenerational blended family. My son Peter has multiple disabilities, uses a wheelchair at all times, and requires round the clock medical supervision. Maintaining the existing duplex as separate residences for caregivers for Peter and other family members provides an affordable option to these important members of Team Peter to live on site in an increasingly expensive city. Providing affordable housing options for caregivers is the best way that we have to continue to have the high quality care for Peter that he deserves, especially as he has aged out of the public school system. Keeping the family in Central Austin, close to transit and other services is also an important part of keeping him engaged and integrated in our community. We met with that committee three times from July to the following January in an attempt to determine HOW to build our addition and fell into a gaping hole in the Austin Land Development Code - that is, there was no way to have a third unit on a site that was zoned as SF. The committee and neighbors opposed upzoning to MF and wished for us to find a way to build using SF zoning but ultimately, after a LONG discussion at the January Planning Commission meeting in 2023, the property was rezoned to allow for the third unit. Members of the Planning commission, staff and even the ex-officio member of the Board of Adjustment considered other SF codes and variance, but in the end, the ONLY way to accomplish this and even though it makes building much more difficult, was to upzone the property to MF. Since that time, Austin’s land development code has caught up to fill in that gap with the passage of the HOME ordinances. Once the amendments were ratified, we researched their provisions and it seems once again that our project is a perfect fit. Even though it is a more restrictive code, it is much more in keeping with our project, and they are simpler for our family. Webber Studios has designed a beautiful renovation to the property that allows Peter to access the entire property and respects our neighbors wishes to not have a multifamily commercial …
From: Hi Donna, Subject: Date: Re: Feedback from some of your neighbors. (705 Brownlee - BoA hearing 10/14) Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:23:30 PM Thank you for reaching out while David is out of pocket. I’m going to go ahead and copy Elaine Ramirez, the Board of Adjustment’s staff liaison on this message so that she has it and can add it to the backup information about the request that the Board gets on Monday. Thank you, Elaine, for adding it to our packet. I’ll copy the neighborhood concerns here so they are easy to follow: 1) Guarantee there would only be three units. Yes, this is the addition made possible by HOME, our renovation/addition adds one more unit to the existing duplex for a total of 3 separate units. 1) Cap total height under 35 including mechanical space Yes, this is the limit for single-family use, our renovation/addition does not exceed 35 feet. 2) Dust Screen for neighbors -- 8 Ft - as they are lower in elevation to the south. I’m not sure if you mean a dust screen during construction which I would assume is normal, or a fence, but yes, we are happy to build an 8 ft fence on the shared property lines. 3) Two code legal parking spaces located in the front yard (where you show them on the site plan) with sufficient landscape screening in the front yard to screen the view of the parking spots from the street. Yes, we absolutely will include landscape screening at the street. I am a plant/tree lady and I am looking forward to getting to the landscaping part of this project. Bring on the native and drought tolerant trees and shrubs! Our intent in seeking these variances to the more restrictive single-family use for our renovation/addition has always been to minimize the impact to the neighborhood that a commercial process would require. We are happy that the HOME ordinances now make that possible if we are granted these two variances. I am sure that the Board of Adjustment will be receptive to the neighborhood’s support so that our family can move forward with permitting. As always, feel free to contact me with questions about the project. Best, Melissa Skidmore and Brad Hoskins ITEM06/1-LTR to OWANA fr owner On Oct 10, 2024, at 12:02 PM, donna osborn <dkonelm1@gmail.com> wrote: Good Morning Melissa, I sent this request to …
Request for Proposals (RFP) SSAU 2024-003 LGBTQIA2S+ Services LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Helen Howell, Social Services Funding Specialist, Senior Austin Public Health October 14, 2024 AGENDA Agenda Scope of Work: • Services • Funding and Contract Term • Priority Populations • Principles of Service Delivery • Racial Equity • Applicant Qualifications Important Dates, Application Steps, and Resources Question and Answer 2 RFP Scope of Work 3 Scope of Work: Services Solicited The City of Austin (City) seeks proposals in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified nonprofit organizations or quasi-governmental entities (Offerors) with demonstrated experience in providing the following services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, gender non- conforming, gender fluid, gender queer, two-spirit communities (LGBTQIA2S+ population) residing in Austin/Travis County: • Priority will be given to programs that provide: o mental health care o Peer support: peer counselors providing support groups • The City encourages Offerors to propose comprehensive solutions to meet community needs effectively, so offerors are welcome to propose additional programming. The list below is a non-exhaustive summary of possible programs: 4 Services Solicited, continued • Education on and referrals to culturally sensitive healthcare, including, but not limited to services listed below. Please note that this funding cannot be used for direct medical care. o Primary care o Gender affirming care, which are services that support a person's gender identity o Dental health o Strategies for prevention and management of chronic diseases in adults such as diabetes and hypertension o Care for survivors of trauma and/or violence o Substance misuse treatment • Community building and engagement • Food access, including but not limited to neighborhood pantries, mobile markets, and delivery 5 Services Solicited, continued • Social service support such as: o Access to resources for people affected by economic instability. Example services include but are not limited to enrollment in and navigation of public benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veterans benefits, Supplemental Security Income Program (SSIP), Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Housing Choice Voucher, health insurance o Obtaining and updating identification such as passports and social security cards Language access services, including interpretation and translation to promote access to social services Legal services Financial education and stability services such as tax preparation and filing, exploring tax credits Transportation related to health care visits or social services • • • • …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241014-007 Date: October 14, 2024 Subject: Banning glue traps at City of Austin owned and/or managed facilities Motioned By: Commissioner Holt Recommendation Seconded By: Commissioner Herrera The Animal Advisory Commission recommends that City of Austin prohibit the purchase of and usage of all glue traps at City-owned and/or City-managed facilities. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Animal Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council, the Austin City Manager’s Office, and Travis County Commissioners Court update City building management practices to prohibit the purchase and use of all glue traps at City owned and/or managed facilities due to the unsanitary and inhumane outcomes of using these traps. Basis for Recommendation 1. Glue traps are a public health hazard. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns the public not to use glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to disease. Animals stuck in the glue may carry harmful pathogens. In addition, while trapped, these animals continue to produce urine and feces. Pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, can be transmitted from these animals and through their waste. 2. Glue traps are indiscriminate. As a result, species of wildlife, including birds, bats, and other species of native wildlife are unintentionally caught and killed in these traps. Pets can also be caught and harmed by glue traps. 3. Glue traps are inhumane and cause prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Animals caught in glue traps often panic and struggle, which leads to them becoming even more entangled. This struggle can result in the glue pulling off their fur, feathers, or skin. Some animals may break their bones or even gnaw off their own limbs as they struggle to free themselves. The distressing sounds made by trapped wildlife can be unsettling for many, and workers who encounter these animals may be unsure of how to humanely handle the situation. If left alone, these frightened and injured creatures can suffer and die over several days from blood loss, shock, suffocation, or dehydration. In some instances, they perish after being crushed in the trash, as the instructions on the traps suggest disposing of them in this manner. This poses further health risks to City sanitation workers who may come into contact with dead or dying animals. 4. Better alternatives exist. Glue traps are not effective and do not provide a long-term solution for pest control. To manage …
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Interpretation Appeal 1 and Appeal 2 Decision Sheet ITEM02 DATE: October 14, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0025 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPELLANT’S AGENT: Nicholl Wade APPELLANT: Warren Konkel OWNER: Christy May ADDRESS: 6708 BRIDGE HILL CV SUMMARY OF APPEAL: Appellant challenges issuance of Building Permit 2023-12958 BP on the grounds that the City incorrectly approved impervious cover (IC) of approximately 12,811 square feet, which exceeds IC limitations applicable within the Lake Austin (LA) zoning district. BOARD’S DECISION: Aug 12, 2024 - POSTPONED TO September 9, 2024, DUE TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH BOARD MEMBERS FOR VOTING PURPOSES; September 9, 2024 The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to deny the appeal request and uphold staff’s decision; Board member Brian Poteet second on 8-1 votes (Board member Maggie Shahrestani nay); APPEAL REQUEST DENIED AND UPHELD STAFF’S DECISION. October 14, 2024 - Reconsideration request: Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to deny reconsideration request; Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne second on 10-0 votes; reconsideration request DENIED. Building Permit 2023-129658 BP RENOTIFICATION-SUMMARY OF APPEAL: Appellant challenges issuance of: and on the grounds that the City of Austin incorrectly approved impervious cover (IC) of approximately 12,811 square feet, which exceeds IC limitations applicable within the Lake Austin (LA) zoning district. Building Permit 2023-129659BP FINDING: 1. There is a reasonable doubt of difference of interpretation as to the specific intent of the regulations or map in that: 2. An appeal of use provisions could clearly permit a use which is in character with the uses enumerated for the various zones and with the objectives of the zone in question because: 3. The interpretation will not grant a special privilege to one property inconsistent with other properties or uses similarly situated in that: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Chair Diana Ramirez for
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet ITEM03 DATE: Monday October 14, 2024 CASE NUMBER: C15-2024-0028 _______Thomas Ates (D1) _______Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) _______Jessica Cohen (D3) _______Yung-ju Kim (D4) _______Melissa Hawthorne (D5) _______Jeffery Bowen (D6) _______Janel Venzant (D7) _______Margaret Shahrestani (D8) _______Brian Poteet (D9) _______Michael Von Ohlen (D10) _______Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) _______Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) _______VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Haim Joseph Mahlof - Green Bay Remodeling Inc. OWNER: Wendy Jo Peterson ADDRESS: 1406 3rd ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting the following variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-779 (Small Lot Single-Family Residential Use) from setback requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback from 15 feet (required) to 5 feet (requested) in order to attach a second story deck in a “SF-4A-NP”, Single-Family - Neighborhood Plan zoning district (Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Plan). BOARD’S DECISION: September 9, 2024 The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to postpone to October 14, 2024; Vice Chair Melissa Hawthorne second on 9-0 votes; POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 14, 2024. OCTOBER 14, 2024 POSTPONED TO November 14, 2024, BY APPLICANT FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Chair
