Bronze Community Band Project (BCBP) Presentation to the ESB-MACC Advisory Board for support to implement a Basic Music and Performance Program Bronze Community Band Project Mission Statement To research, promote and preserve the bi-musical heritage of the Mexican American community. Vision Statement For Proposed ESB-MACC 2024 Project The BCBP preserves the bi-musical heritage of the Mexican American community by teaching skill sets that build on musicians’ ability in playing by ear to learning how to read music. Bronze Community Band Project Description • The BCBP 2024 program is a vehicle for showcasing traditional and contemporary works of Mexican American music performance art. • The program is to implement a basic music reading and performance 30-week program in collaboration with the ESB- MACC. • The program consists of workshops that incorporate basic music notation lesson plans that lead to a performance of musicians reading music charts as community concert. Principals and Bios • • Robert Rivera Ojeda – Music composer/arranger and performance artist dedicated to the heritage and and preservation of Mexican American music. He has recorded, toured and performed in theater musicals and music entertainment. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Studies and a Master’s degree in Education. He has designed music performance shows that center on the importance of intergenerational and cross-cultural understanding. Jean Jacques Barrera (JJ Barrera) –Music/adjunct professor at the UT Butler School of Music. He teaches bajo sexto, an instrument vital to Texas conjunto music. He has toured internationally including Europe and has recorded with legendary musicians including Austin’s Johnny Degollado. BCBP Program in collaboration with the ESB-MACC The 30-week Bronze Community Band Project program has four components: • • • • Research Development- This time is dedicated to learn songs researched that provide an understanding of the cultural significance of the music presentation. Basic Music Reading- Combining Basic Music Reading and Non-Reading Music Skills. Rehearsals- Incorporate participants into the BCBP presentation. Performance- A two 45-minute set performance art piece that showcases the research of the Bronze Community Band Project with the opportunity to showcase the musician participants of the program and what they have learned. BCBP Program in collaboration with the ESB- MACC ESB-MACC Request • In-kind support from the ESB-MACC for space to implement the BCBP program components program) • Gap funding of $3,000 (BCBP has program funds to implement the Previous Collaboration with ESB-MACC Bronze Community Band Project Presentation at Pan American …
Brief History The proposal for Academia Cuauhtli came about in a community meeting on September 20, 2013, at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center. The event was sponsored by the Texas Center for Education Policy with the goal to create space for the community to discuss literacy issues, curriculum, and systematic exclusion of culturally relevant textbooks for and within the Latina/o community. The event brought together community members and leaders, scholars, AISD public school teachers, students, and parents—45 total. After listening to the moving presentations on the clear lack of Latinx children’s books the community members discussed the urgency for preparing a culturally responsive and sustaining curriculum. Additionally, at the meeting, everyone agreed that we need to solve this problem locally in Austin, Texas. As a result, a few months later the Latinx Austin community created and established Academia Cuauhtli and Nuestro Grupo (https://academiacuauhtli.com/about/ ). Vision Statement: A future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within liberating and sacred learning spaces. Mission Statement Academia Cuauhtli's mission is the following: “honor our communities cultural heritage, foster social justice consciousness and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom.” Since its inception in 2014 Academia Cuauhtli has: enrolled over 500 students; trained and retained 60 teachers, hosted 200 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli's Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research partnership between AISD and UT Austin's College of Education researchers (research publications link: https://academiacuauhtli.com/publications/ ) Academia Cuauhtli Organizational Structure 1. Academia Cuauhtli Fall-Spring Saturday classes: Our Saturday classes are completely free and taught in Spanish. Taught by AISD master dual language teachers and in the context of a 12-to-1 student-teacher ratio, we envision this curriculum as not only providing the academic support that the children need in preparation for their STAAR exams and academic performance, generally, but also providing enrichment for students that we anticipate will have enduring impacts for them. More intentionally, Academia Cuauthli offers instruction in Mexican American Studies, Tejano Studies, Bilingual/Dual Language courses, Environmental Studies, Curanderismo, and Danza Mexica. 2. STEM Summer Program: Aztech Kids Code (AKC) in collaboration with Academia Cuauhtli (AC), created a summer coding-danza camp in Austin Texas for ELL students. AKC & AC Summer Camp is a project-based, culturally sustaining STEM program for second to sixth grade Austin Independent School District students attending Academia …
Supporting Bilingual Education Created by Academia Cuauhtli Bilingual cultural revitalization program for fourth to fifth grade students attending AISD. Our Vision A future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within liberating and sacred learning spaces. Our Mission Honor our community’s cultural heritage Foster a social justice consciousness Reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom. The Challenge Although bilingual students are amongst the highest student populations in Texas public schools, there is not enough culturally relevant curriculum and institutional support for both ELL students and bilingual teachers. Our Initiatives Throughout the years we have established various partnerships and initiatives within the community with key focuses on students, teachers, parents, and community members. Nuestro Grupo La Colaborativa STEM/Aztech Kidz Code Academia Cuauhtli Minimum Operational Costs (150K) Saturday Academy 22,000 Parent Support Program 16,000 Nepohualtzintzin 8,000 Increasing program capacity with additional staff for year- round programs. New STEM program enhancing cognitive learning skills through mayan mathematics. Full implementation of Parent Support Specialist and program - Fall 2024 Aztech Kidz Code 84,000 Saturday School (22K) A bilingual and cultural revitalization program offers instruction in Mexican American Studies and STEM curriculum for third to fifth grade students attending AISD. Staff (12K) Food (5K) Materials (1K) Field Trips (1K) Custodian (3K) Aztech Kidz Code (84K) A culturally sustaining STEM program for 2nd-6th to grade AISD students to learn coding, video game design, digital monetization, and Danza Mexica in both Spanish and English. Staff (64K) Field Trips (2K) Materials (7K) Custodial Staff (6K) Food (5K) Parent Support Specialist (16K) Our parent support program will give us an opportunity to connect with the families of our students, as they attend our Saturday academy. We will bring in community resources and guest speakers, while also learning how they would like to be involved. Parent Support Specialist (13.5K) Guest Speakers (2K) Materials ($500) Nepohualtzintzin (8K) Nepohualtzintzin - Mayan Abacus (8K): The Nepohualtzintzin is a mathematical device used in Mayan indigenous cultures to teach mathematics at an early age in a completely organic way. Program would be designed as a week-long camp with about 25 participants. Certified guest instructor (2.5K) Teachers (4K) Materials ($500) Food (1K) Educational Community Summit (10K) In collaboration with Austin ISD, our summit will bring together educators, families, and community members to display the impact of collaborative partnership to create transformative educational and cultural spaces. Performers + …
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 Improvements Project Update February 7, 2024 Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager CURRENT PROJECT PHASE: GMP1 (Guaranteed Maximum Price 1): Site Package GMP2 (Guaranteed Maximum Price 2): Building/Landscape Package • Construction (site) – is underway. • Permitting (building) – Round 2 revisions to Development Services Department were submitted 1/8/24. Return comments were received on 1/29/24 with comments to be addressed on fire & life safety. A technical consultation is being requested by the MACC project team ensure reviewers’ comments are addressed. • Bidding & Negotiation (GMP2) – initially anticipated contract execution in January but is delayed to February. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS: • The site was successfully re-energized after a scheduled power shut down on 1/24/24 to demolished electrical circuiting of removed equipment at the Central Utility Plant. • A vital piece of an HVAC (heating, ventilating & air condition) equipment, a heat exchanger, manufactured specifically for the MACC was delivered and inspected. • Primary work has been focused on installing electrical infrastructure or an electrical duct bank, a collection of underground conduits to power the new building additions. Since the city inspector has verified the installation meets code requirements, the trenches have been backfilled or covered up with excavated material. Installation is underway of a carefully planned drainage outfall, as a part of a storm water management system at Lady Bird Lake. This outlet will serve as the primary point of discharge. • • Pallets of brick for the Central Utility Plant has been delivered. • January has been a very wet and icy month. Eleven (11) days were declared as bad weather days. Only eight (8) days were budgeted for January. This and previous months of bad weather has negatively impacted progress. ANNOUNCEMENTS: • Short term trail re-route for a portion of the south segment of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail started on January 16, 2024, and will continue for approximately 12-weeks. Map link • Art in Public Places will be assembling a review panel as the next step after reviewing the twenty- • Red River Alley is targeted to be fully re-opened as early as mid-February but no later than March seven (27) artist responses. 10th. SCHEDULED MILESTONES: • Construction began – August 28, 2023 • Anticipated completion of all major construction activity – Summer 2025 • Anticipated grand opening – Fall 2025 Please note that …
February 7, 2024 Presentation To Mexican-American Cultural Center Advisory Board Board Advisory Planning for Mexican-American Culture Events and Activities I Intro – Role of Board – To Advise City Council in MACC Cultural Events & Activities Annual City budget process. (See item VI) II “Mexican-American” and “Culture” – Definitions A. Mexican-American – Definition. B. Culture – Definition. Cultural Arts – 1) Visual Arts; 2) Performing Arts; 3) Literary Arts. III Demographics – National, SxSWxNW (Old Mexico into U.S.), Texas, Austin/CenTex area National – 19.5% Hispanic. Most are Mexican-Americans in the southwest U.S. 1. 2. Texas – 40% Hispanic in 2020 – In 2022 Hispanics surpassed Whites: 40.2% to 39.8% 3. Austin Metro area (Round Rock to San Marcos) – 31.9% Hispanics 75.3% of the 31.9% Hispanics are of Mexican descent IV Major National or State Holidays or Historical Events A. National –Holidays - New Year’s Day, MLK, Washington, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Other National Observances – Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Cesar Chavez Day, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept.),Chicano Heritage Month Aug., (Santa Ana & Anaheim, California), Native American Heritage Month/Day, Chanukah/Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc. Texas Holidays – Confederate Memorial Day, Texas Independence day, B. National Mexican-American Historical Events – Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Cinco de Mayo, Texas Rangers, Zoot Suit Incidents, Mendez v. Westminster – Desegregation Case, Felix Longoria - Burial Case, WWII, GI bill and American GI Forum, Delgado v Bastrop – Texas Desegregation, Cesar Chavez and grape/lettuce boycotts, Chicano Movement, School Walkouts, etc. C. Austin Mexican-American Historical Events – City Plan of 1928, Austin Aqua Festival “Mexican Nights”, Boat Races, Economy Furniture Strike, Austin schools desegregation, East Austin School Closures, first Mexican-American elected officials elected to office in Austin, at-large voting system, etc. V Major Local Mexican-American Cultural Events Same as holidays and observed days above. VI National, Regional, and Austin/Centex Mexican-American Performing Artists A. National Vocalists or Bands – First National music artist – Richie Valenz, 1959. “Donna”, #2, La Bamba, #22; First Mexican-American Group on National Charts and first with a #1 Song: The Champs/Flores Trio, 1958, “Tequila”, #1; First Mexican-American Woman on National Charts – Rosalie “Rosie” Mendez Hamlin, 1960, “Angel Baby”, #5; First Mexican-American Texan Male on National Charts and First #1 from Texas – Freddy Fender, 1960, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”, #1, “Wasted Days …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Motion by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council adopt the Recommendation of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: 1 of 2 Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2 Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240124-002 Date: January 24, 2024 Subject: Recommendations on amendments to the Ausitn Climate Equity Plan on telework and disposal rate goals Motioned By: Haris Qureshi Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation: The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends and supports the following updates to the Austin Climate Equity Plan: 1. Adding language to explicitly support telework policies as outlined in City Council Resolution No. 20231109-029, including ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all new City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose work from home. 2. Equity Plan a. The Joint Sustainability Committee further recommends that the Austin Climate 3. Amend Food and Production Consumption Goal 3 on page 75 to reflect the disposal rate goals in the 2023 Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive …
1 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-002 Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166 (RCA) located at 8401 Southwest Parkway Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting a Restrictive Covenant Amendment; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in the Williamson Creek & Barton Creek Watersheds and Edward Aquifer Zone and Barton Springs Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the Amendment with the following conditions: THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the amendment request with the following staff and Commission conditions: Staff Conditions: Impervious cover limited to 55% gross site area • • Except for impervious cover, the site will comply with current environmental code including SOS non-degradation water quality treatment requirements • Development will achieve a one-star Austin Energy Green Building rating • A minimum of 4 public EV charging spaces will be provided on-site • Invasive species will be managed to result in less than 5% cover of any particular species within environmentally superior areas. • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building ST7 Light Pollution Reduction criteria • Development will comply with Austin Energy Green Building STEL5 Bird Collision Deterrence Environmental Conditions: Increase EV charging stations from 4 to 8 • • Request the City of Austin provide a public transit stop within ¼ mile of the entrance of the housing development. • Request the applicant provide parkland on-site and/ or sidewalks connecting to parkland within ¼ mile walking distance. • Staff shall follow up in regard to the Endangered and threatened species on the property. • The applicant will focus on planting native plants that support native pollinators. • Work with a local group to harvest native seeds and plants prior to development. • Restrict vehicle access to Sunset Ridge to emergency vehicles only. • Reduce impervious cover from 55% to 50%. • Development will use Affordability Unlocked requirements. For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Brimer, Einhorn Abstain: none Recuse: none Absent: Schiera Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair VOTE Attest: 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-003 Second by: Collin Nickells Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, as the City of Austin is actively engaged in making policy decisions concerning the amount and type of parking that should be utilized in new development, understanding the environmental benefits and harms for each option would better inform these decisions; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; WHEREAS, there is existing parking facilities and infrastructure that have excess capacity or are underutilized during certain times of day. The maximal use of these facilities should be studied. THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified independent research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine what are the most environmentally friendly options that would advance the City’s goals, including achieving net-zero carbon 1 of 2 emissions in the Climate Equity Plan, Austin’s Strategic Mobility plan, SOS ordinance, and the city ordinance to eliminate parking from commercial developments. When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Zilker Park Polo Field Restoration Motion by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20230724-5 on July 24, 2023 to eliminate permanent parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field (with exception for overflow for advance-schedule events) and recommended the Austin City Council approve funding for Polo Field Restoration, alternative parking solutions including free shuttles managed by PARD, multi-modal transportation, and establish loading and no loading zones for shuttles and park users. the Environmental Commission passed Recommendation 20230920-004 WHEREAS, requesting the Austin City Council to add money to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for FY2025 budget for the restoration of the Zilker Park Polo Field, ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field, and add additional parking elsewhere within or near Zilker Park that protects that natural assets in Zilker Park. WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Ordinance 20231102-028 amending City Code Title 25 to eliminate minimum motor vehicle parking space requirements except for accessible space parking. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Board request funding from the Austin City Council to restore the Zilker Park Polo Field by adding top soil, planting native grasses, providing for stormwater diversion, and any other steps to prevent further degradation of the Zilker Park Polo Field and ban regular parking on the Zilker Park Polo Field beginning in FY2025. In addition, require the city to ensure that additional parking elsewhere or near Zilker Park is found and allow some waivers to restrictions for special events, conditional on means to remediate for any damages to parkland. In addition, allocate parking within Zilker Park for senior citizens, families with small children, and persons with limited mobility. Vote: 7-1 For: Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Nickells, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Bedford 1 of 2 Abstain: Bristol Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-005 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Telework Policies Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Austin City Council approved Resolution No. 20190808-078, declaring a climate emergency in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved Ordinance No. 20190411-033 adopting amendments to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021 the Austin City Council approved the adoption of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which sets a new community-wide goal of equitably reaching net- zero community-wed greenhouse gas emissions by 2040; and WHEREAS, on October 24, 2023 the Planning Commission approved an action making recommendations to the Council to initiate amendments to the Climate Equity Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to the City’s telework policies; and WHEREAS, Joint Sustainability Committee approved Recommendation 2024124-002 to add explicit language supporting telework policies ensuring that, whenever appropriate, all City of Austin telework and remote work policies contribute towards the goal of achieving 25% of Austin residents working from home by 2039 and include a strategy to implement a City of Austin telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees choose to work from home. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the Austin City Council increase the share of City of Austin employees who work at home, use mass transport to travel to work, bicycle to work, walk to work, use micro-mobility or assisted mobility devices instead of driving to work and ensure that whenever appropriate city telework, remote work, and green commuting policies contribute to the goal of achieving 20% of Austin residents not driving alone to work by 2039. Additionally, to achieve this goal, implement a city telework policy of no less than 85% of eligible City of Austin employees are allowed to work from home. Vote: 8-1 For: Bedford, Bristol, Cofer, Einhorn, Krueger, Qureshi, Ramberg, Sullivan Against: Nickells 1 of 2 Abstain: none Absent: Brimer and Schiera Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, February 7, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Melina Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Diana Prechter, Stratford/Butler Landfill Cap Roy Wayley, Zilker Park and mass transit APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on January 17, 2024 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on January 17, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Sunset Ridge 290 C14-85-288.166(RCA) Applicant: Armbrust & Brown (Richard Suttle) Location: 8401 Southwest Pkwy, Austin, Texas, 78735 Council District: District 8 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512)535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Restrictive Covenant Amendment Staff recommendation: Recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Liz Johnston, Watershed Protection Richard Suttle, speaking for the applicant Stuart Goodman, speaking against the RCA Chandler Harris, speaking against the RCA Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs, Roy Waley, Sierra Club Nancy Estrada, Zoning Department Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection A motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Ramberg’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Schiera was absent. A motion to approve the requested Restrictive Covenant Amendment with conditions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8-2 vote. Commissioners Brimer and Einhorn voted nay. Commissioner Schiera was absent. Chair Ramberg called for a recess at 7:36. Chair Ramberg reconvened the meeting at 7:47. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Consider a recommendation requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options to determine if there are certain levels of parking at which one option might be more environmentally friendly than another. Presenter: Hanna Cofer, Environmental Commission Member Speakers: Hanna Cofer Tanya Payne Diana Pretcher Mark May Gail Rothe Mike Cannatti Cedar Stevens Patricia Bobeck Phillip Thomas Roy Waley A motion requesting that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking …
7 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS MARCH 6, 2024 HR-2024-008448 HYDE PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT 4411 AVENUE B PROPOSAL PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS DESIGN STANDARDS Construct a second-floor addition to a one-story noncontributing garage behind a contributing house. The proposed addition is clad in painted lapped siding to match the existing siding and features fiberglass and metal casement doors and windows. It is two stories in height, with a gabled roof and rear spiral staircase. The Hyde Park Design Standards are used to evaluate projects within the historic district. The following standards apply to the proposed project: 1.4: Appropriate Treatment Options for Contributing or Potentially Contributing Structures The applicant has provided documentation that the garage was not constructed during the historic period. The proposed project materials match the scale, profile, and appearance of the existing materials and are compatible with the main structure on the property. Summary The project meets the applicable standards. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Ensure that the addition will not be visible from the street. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Approve the application. The applicant has provided the information requested by the Committee. LOCATION MAP 7 – 2
1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, February 7th, 2024 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, Chair x Witt Featherston, Vice Chair x Kevin Koch x Carl Larosche ab Trey McWhorter x Harmony Grogan x x x x x x Jaime Alvarez Roxanne Evans Raymond Castillo JuanRaymon Rubio Tara Dudley APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Santiago spoke on the TXDoT expansion of IH-35. Steve Walthall spoke on the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse. Dewey Poteet spoke on the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse. Meghan King spoke on Preservation Austin updates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. December 13, 2023 – Offered for consent approval. 2. January 10, 2024 – Offered for consent approval. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner McWhorter seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. The motion passed. BRIEFINGS 3. Presentation on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Presenter: Cara Bertron CONSENT/CONSENT POSTPONEMENT AGENDA Item 4 was pulled for discussion. Heritage Grant Applications 5. HR-2023-160038 – 421 E 6th St. Paggi Carriage Shop Council District 9 Proposal: Roof improvements. Applicant: Caitlyn Schwab City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Approve Certificates of Appropriateness for all Heritage Grant projects. MOTION: Approve the application per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner McWhorter seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. The motion passed. 6. HR-2023-160051 – 412 Congress Ave. Kreisle Building Council District 9 Proposal: Roof improvements. Applicant: Caitlyn Schwab City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Approve Certificates of Appropriateness for all Heritage Grant projects. MOTION: Approve the application per passage of the consent agenda on …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:00pm. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Vice Chair Noemi Castro, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:09/Left at 8:10pm) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Board Members in Attendance Remotely: John Estrada, Member (Left at 9:40pm) Board Members Absent: Gerardo Gandy, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Eduardo “Eddie” Rodriguez, Member Staff in Attendance: Jodi Jay, PARD Assistant Director Laura Esparza, PARD Division Manager of Museums and Cultural Programs Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Regular meeting of January 10, 2024, were approved on Member Zamarripa- Saenz’s motion. Vice Chair Amaro seconded the motion. Unanimous vote (6.0). Motion passed. Members Gandy, Herrera, Martinez, and Rodriguez were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Report by Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor and Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager on January and February programs, 1 marketing, scope of outreach efforts by ESB-MACC staff, La Mujer and Awards of Excellence planning report, and opportunities for Board participation at ESB-MACC programs for the month of February. Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor gave a report on the Holistic Wellness programs, Education, Caminos Teen Leadership, and Academia Cuauhtli programming, sharing highlights for the month of January along with upcoming programs & events for the month of February. She also provided an update of current and upcoming marketing and outreach events and informed the Board they were currently in the process of securing a venue location for their annual La Mujer event. She also mentioned the Awards of Excellence event would take place June 29, 2024, at the Long Center and the MACC’s Event Coordinator, Estrella DeLeon would offer ways for the Advisory Board to assist with the event, such as securing donations, sponsorships, helping with event planning and having a role in the …
TO: Planning Commission, Mayor, and Council Members FROM: Historic Landmark Commission DATE: February 7th, 2024 SUBJECT: Historic Pecan Grove Threatened at Edward Rendon Sr. Park The Historic Landmark Commission has been made aware of a pecan grove, located in Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, that the Texas Department of Transportation’s I-35 Expansion Environmental Impact Statement proposes to remove as part of a construction easement outside the existing Right-of-Way. The grove is identified by a granite marker, dedicated to the City of Austin in 1964 as part of early efforts by City Council’s Town Lake Beautification Committee We believe this grove of pecans rises to the status of a local, character-defining, culturally significant, contributing resource of the City of Austin. The Land Development Code entrusts City staff with the health of the Urban Forest, including accurate tree data ground surveys of Heritage trees … according to City of Austin, Environmental Criteria Manual 3.3.2 — General Tree Survey Standards. We recommend direction be given to the City Arborist to identify individual specimens and assess the overall likely boundaries of the Pecan Grove, in order to facilitate our best efforts at perservering this irreplacable resource.
