MUSIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240108-13 Seconded By: Commissioner Blevins Date: January 8, 2024 Subject: Music Commission Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Chair Medicharla Recommendation Support the RRCD with GAP funding on par with other cultural districts until a comprehensive district plan is complete. Description of Recommendation to Council Support the Red River Cultural District (RRCD), a State and Local Cultural District with gap funding on par with other cultural districts currently being supported, in the interim whilst a comprehensive district plan is being prepared by the City of Austin. Rationale: The Red River Cultural District (RRCD) was designated a State Cultural District in 2020 by the Texas Commission of the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin in 2013. With over dozen independent music venues, RRCD provides significant support to local musicians and performers annually through direct financial support and fosters 1000+ music and service industry jobs in the district, also serving as a backbone to tourism and economic generators such as SXSW, ACL, Levitation, Oblivion Access, GTHS Oktoberfest and more. The district annually hosts two signature all-ages free-to-public events (Free Week and Hot Summer Nights in the winter and summer months when business historically slows down). The music commission recommends that gap funding be provided to RRCD on par with other cultural districts currently being supported, in the interim whilst a comprehensive district plan is being prepared by the City of Austin. This gap funding would help provide vital support to RRCD venues and to the impact they have on artists and industry workers, while other horizontal issues including creation of the comprehensive district plan are being addressed. Vote For: 9 (Commissioners Medicharla, Patterson, Rosenthal, Aguilar, Bartell, Blevins, Gould, Quesada, Strickland) Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: 2 (Commissioners Davila, Mahone) Attest: Shelbi Mitchell _______________________________________
MEETING MINUTES January 8, 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, January 8th at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Kacey Hanson, Larry Franklin, Karen Magid, Natalie Poulos, Sari Vatske Board Members Absent: Rosamaria Murillo Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Mark Bethell motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on December 11th with Board Member Marissa Bell, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on a 9-0 vote. STAFF PRESENTATION 2. Food System Planning Overview, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager for the City of Austin (see back-up materials) a. Currently the food plan timeline is focusing on what is most important to accomplish in the next five years. We will then look down the road to develop the next phase. b. This is formally a shared plan between Austin and Travis County, but since the city spreads into Williamson and Hays Counties, the plan will impact residents across three counties. Williamson County does have representation in the planning process. c. For equity assessment, each of the strategies developed by the Issue Area Groups is evaluated by the Issue Area Groups using the SEAT rubric, and then the CAC repeats the evaluation for a second level of review to ensure Equity is being effectively integrated. It is designed to prevent negative impact and make room for additional positive impact. d. Strategies developed by the Issue Area Groups are now also being compared against public input over a large number of events across all parts of the City and County to integrate all feedback received so far. e. Even though we have five separate Issue Area Groups concentrating on their area of concentration, the project team is identifying cross-cutting themes to connect the sectors and ideas brought up across different groups. We are trying to prioritize the strategies that cut across the issue areas most effectively and lift those up into the food plan. f. At what point is there discussion with potential backbone facilitators? The Project team has tried to bring backbone stakeholders into the …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY January 8, 2024 The PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR CALLED MEETING on Monday, January 8, 2024 at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Rm, 301 W. 2nd Street, AUSTIN, TEXAS Chair Ramirez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 3:35pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Ramirez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyen Kristy Orr Lauren Pena Paul Hermesmeyer Timothy Ruttan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith Absent: Commissioners Cory Hall-Martin and David Holmes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: - None – speakers were later called with Item 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Chair Ramirez called for the approval of the minutes for December 4, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of December 4, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, with Commissioner Pena second on a vote with Commissioner Smith abstaining and 6 voting for approval. Commissioners Holmes and Hall-Martin were absent. 2. Staff Briefings – none. 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report for Austin Police Department Speaker – Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt Chief Greenwalt acknowledged that at a previous meeting department representatives were asked to keep quarterly reports high-level, so the format of the presentation has changed to reflect this request. Chief Greenwalt reported the following stats in the presentation: -Crimes against persons by offense type -Crimes against persons by APD sector -Crimes against persons by City Council district -Crimes against persons density (“hotspots”) -Crimes against property/society by offense type -Crimes against property/society by APD sector -Crimes against property/society by City Council district -Crimes against property/society by density (“hotspots”) -Citywide response times and call volume -Response times and incident volume by City Council district -Emergency and urgent call volume by month -Community engagement -Overtime budget vs. hours worked -Personnel budget vs. total expenditures -Cadet classes -Staffing levels -Patrol officer staffing and vacancies by area command Chair Ramirez opened the floor for questions. - Clarified that Q1 report is covering October-December (Chair Ramirez) - Request to color coordinate slides that have sector and districts for geographic clarity moving forward (Commissioner Smith) 4. Discussion of 88th Special Texas Legislative Session and Impacts on Public Safety Speaker – Brie Franco, City Intergovernmental Relations Officer Four special sessions were covered in this presentation. A summary of information included is below: -2022 pre-filed legislation (HB 714, HB 880, HB 553, SB 130) -88TH regular session statistics -88th special sessions statistics -88th special sessions …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, January 8, 2024 The BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Jessica Cohen called the Board of Adjustment Meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in-Person: Jessica Cohen-Chair, Melissa Hawthorne-Vice Chair, Jeffery Bowen, Brian Poteet, Maggie Shahrestani, Michael Von Ohlen, Janel Venzant Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Thomas Ates, Marcel Gutierrez-Garza, Yung-ji Kim Board Member/Commissioners absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment Regular meeting on December 11, 2023. On-Line Link: DRAFT MINUTES December 11, 2023 Vice-Chair Melissa Hawthorne motions to approve the minutes for December 11, 2023, Board member Michael Von Ohlen seconds on 10-0; APPROVED MINUTES FOR December 11, 2023. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. New Variance cases: C15-2023-0051 Linda Sullivan for Suzanne McFayden-Smith – Lotus Management 3. Trust 4400 Waterford Place On-Line Link: ITEM03 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION; AE APPROVAL The applicant is requesting variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-2-551 (Lake Austin District Regulations): 25-2-551(C)(2)(a) increase the maximum impervious cover on a slope with a gradient of 25 percent or less from 20 percent (maximum allowed) to 47.4 percent (requested), and 25-2-551(C)(2)(b) increase the maximum impervious cover on a slope with a gradient of 25 percent and not more than 35 percent from 10 percent (maximum allowed) to 17.8 percent (requested), in order to remodel an uncovered wood deck in a “LA” and “DR”, Lake Austin and Development Reserve zoning district. Note: 25-2-551 Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations (C) This subsection specifies lot width and impervious cover restrictions in a Lake Austin (LA) district. (2) For a lot included in a subdivision plat recorded after April 22, 1982, impervious cover may not exceed: (a) 20 percent, on a slope with a gradient of 25 percent or less; (b) 10 percent, on a slope with a gradient of more than 25 percent and not more than 35 percent; or (c) if impervious cover is transferred under Subsection (D), 30 percent. For the above address the Subdivision …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in‐person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in‐person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT VACANT David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 VACANT Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis VACANT AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on December 12, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations. 3. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 4. Approve the commission's direction and strategic priorities for the next year. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the budget working group. Members: Curry, Davis, Wollerson 6. Update from the New Commissioner & Increasing Community Input Working Group. Members: Neal, Garza, Aguirre, Sims, and Bier 7. Update from Housing Working Group. Members: Curry, Davis, Aguirre, Griffin, Hawkins, Church 8. Update from the Cultural Center Working Group. Members: Wollerson, Davis, Barragán 9. Update from the Demographic Data Working Group. Members: Curry, Aguirre FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 notice at least two days (48 hours) before …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024 MEETING MINUTES The Animal Advisory Commission convened for a regular meeting on January 8, 2024, Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Ryan Clinton called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m., conducted a roll call and confirmed a quorum of 12 Commissioners, including Vice Chair Tucker, Smagula, Dr. Nilson, Herrera, Dr. Bruce who attended in person. Commissioners Dulzaides, Nemer, Holt, Huddleston, Hassen and Linder participated virtually. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Rochell Vickery - General Comment Pat Valls-Trelles - General Comment APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Commissioner Linder moved to approve the minutes from December 11, 2023; Commissioner Holt seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 12 to 0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Overview of monthly reports provided by Animal Service Office Staff. Deputy Chief Jason Garza presented December reports and responded to questions. Monthly reports were submitted in backup. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Quarterly Report by Austin Pets Alive! Presented by Stephanie Bilbro, Austin Pets Alive! Director of Operations. Quarterly reports were submitted in backup. 4. Discussion on Euthanization Process for Injured Deer No action. Staff briefing requested. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible action on formation of Working Group on Finder to Foster Program. Commissioner Dr. Nilson proposed the creation of a Working Group. Commissioner Herrera seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously with all 12 commissioners voting in favor. 1 6. Discussion and possible action on creating a Working Group to Discuss and Make Budget Recommendations. Commissioner Dr. Nilson proposed the creation of a Working Group. Commissioner Dr. Bruce seconded an amended motion to create a Working Group to Discuss and Make Budget Recommendations. Motion passed unanimously with all 12 commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Dr. Bruce will serve as Chair of the Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff Briefing: A staff briefing on the Emancipet contract was requested by Commissioner Dr. Bruce with a second from Commissioner Dr. Nilson. Discussion Item: An item to form a working group to discuss the Emancipet contract was requested by Commissioner Dr. Bruce with a second from Commissioner Dr. Nilson. Discussion and Possible Action: Commissioner Dr. Nilson proposed an item for discussion and possible action to form a Working Group on the Finder to Foster Program. Commissioner Smagula second the motion. Discussion and Possible Action: Commissioner Dr. Nilson proposed the formation of a Working Group on owner-intended euthanasia at the Austin Animal Center. …
MUSIC COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 8 January 2024 The Music Commission convened in a regular meeting on 8 January 2024, at Austin Public Library, Special Events Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701. Chair Medicharla called the Music Commission Meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Nagavalli Medicharla, Vice-Chair Anne-Charlotte Patterson Parliamentarian Oren Rosenthal, Nelson Aguilar, Shane Bartell, Tami Blevins, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Shane Bartell, Tami Blevins, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of December 4, 2023, were approved on Commissioner Strickland’s motion, Chair Medicharla’s second with a unanimous vote. Commissioners Davila and Mahone were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Chair Medicharla motions to move item 6 before item 5, Rosenthal seconds. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Update on Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on consultant evaluation of the Live Music Fund program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Economic Development Director, Sylnovia Holt-Rabb speaks on contracts and memorandum. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion after presentation by Anne Gatling Haynes of Austin Economic Development Corporation on Cultural Trust next steps. Discussion following update on Community Navigators by Community Navigator representative. Discussion after presentation on Musician Treatment Foundation’s (MTF) work in the music community by Irene Chang-Cimino, Executive Director, MTF. Discussion on musical performances for Music Commission meetings following update by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Discussion on all ages shows and how we support youth in Austin. Discussion on music journalism and access to media coverage in Austin. Discussion on music commission budget recommendations. Discussion on calendar for Live Music Fund awardee events. 12. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 13. Discussion and possible action on recommendation regarding economic impact of and funding for Red River Cultural District following update by Nicole Klepadlo, RRCD Interim Executive Director. Discussion and possible action on recommendation for Austin Record Convention subsidies from the City of Austin. Representative was absent. 14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in‐person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in‐person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Appointment Commissioner VACANT District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis VACANT Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT VACANT David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL: Absent: Melissa Taylor Dereca Sims Chair Scott Neal called to order at 7:06 PM Page 1 of 4 Present: ● Christian Aguirre ● Marti Bier ● Yuri G Barragán ● Charles Curry Mariana Krueger ● Morgan Davis ● Brandon Wollerson ● David Garza ● John Scott Neal PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Neal and seconded by Commissioner Curry, passed unanimously by roll call vote with Commissioner Garza abstaining. 1. Motion by Commissioner Garza, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on December 4, 2023. Passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations. Ideally, we would have budget recommendations at the February meeting for voting. Need to think about what is under the control of the city, and what areas we can have influence over. Where do we focus our energy on? Likely topics for budget recommendations: o Technology recommendation for the housing department to have updated database o Our recommendation is to ask all city departments to collect demographic data from …
Library Commission Community Interest Announcement Reception for Library Commission, Library Foundation and Austin History Center Association December 18, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Laura Polio 512-974-9624
1. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION December 18, 2023 – 6 P.M. Austin Central Library Special Event Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St. AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov . CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Sheila Mehta Victoria Vogel AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice Chair Steve Derosa Melanie Haupt Cristina Masters Courtney Rosenthal PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the library commission regular meeting on November 27, 2023. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. Presentation by Nehemiah Pitts, Chair, Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, regarding Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Engagement. Discussion regarding Library Commission outreach and community engagement opportunities. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding Immigration Services, by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Diana Miranda-Murillo, Spanish and World Languages Selector, Librarian II, Carmaleta McKinnis-Williams, Equity Inclusion Program Manager, Austin Public Library. Discussion of the December Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27, November, 2023 REGULAR MEETING 27, November 2023 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Mark Smith, Chair, Lynda Infante Huerta, Vice-Chair, Courtney Rosenthal, Kezia Frayjo, Sheila Mehta, Victoria Vogel, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members Absent: Melanie Haupt, Christina Masters Public Communication: General None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the October 23, 2023, regular meeting The minutes of the October 23, 2023, regular meeting were called for approval on Vice Chair Infante Huerta’s motion and Commission Member Herrera Mehta’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commission Member Haupt and Masters absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Resources Librarian. 2. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Library Digital Services, by Amy Mullin, Electronic The presentation was made by Amy Mullin, Electronic Resources Librarian. 3. Staff briefing on updated reconsideration procedures for Austin Public Library team staff and upcoming reconsideration committee, by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 27, November, 2023 The presentation was made by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 4. Report of recommendations by the Unmet Needs Working Group. The report of the Unmet Needs Working Groups was given by Vice-Chair Infante Huerta, including a recommendation to expand library access by eliminating the non-resident fee for those who live in limited-purpose and extra-territorial jurisdictions. Chair Smith appointed the working group to work on additional issues of unmet needs and bring updates and recommendations to future meetings. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation from the Unmet Needs Working Group regarding expanding library access and eliminating the non-resident fee for those who live in limited-purpose and extra- territorial jurisdictions. The motion to approve expanding library access and eliminating the non-resident fee for those who live in limited-purpose and extra-territorial jurisdictions was approved on a motion by Vice Chair Infante Huerta and seconded by Commission Member Davis on a 6-1 vote, with Commission Member Courtney Rosenthal voting against, Commission Members Melanie Haupt and Christina Masters absent and Commission Member Kezia Freyjo off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion regarding Library Commission outreach and community engagement opportunities. Discussion was held regarding recent outreach and community engagement opportunities by Library Commission Members. 7. Staff briefing on …
2 Director’s Report December 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 CIP and Small Projects_____________________________________________________________________5 APL by the Numbers ______________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder __________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors ____________________________________________________________________________11 Circulation and Collections_____________________________________________________________ 12 Express & Holds ____________________________________________________________________13 Technology ________________________________________________________________________ 14 Programs and Outreach________________________________________________________________ 15 Volunteers and Meeting Rooms__________________________________________________________ 16 HIGHLIGHTS APL at Texas Book Festival APL Central Teen Librarians Letty Leal and Kathleen Houlihan continued their outstanding efforts by actively promoting APL Teen Services and the highly successful Banned Camp program within the community. At the recent Texas Book Fest, Leal and Houlihan engaged approximately 300 participants in bookmark art-making at their teen activity tent. They also conducted two lively rounds of Youth Author literary trivia. This outreach initiative resulted in meaningful connections with teens who were previously unfamiliar with Teen Central, generating interest in the library's programs and volunteer opportunities. Several parents expressed enthusiasm about bringing their teens downtown to Teen Central after the positive engagement at the event. APL Strategic Plan Workgroups We are thrilled to announce the commencement of the implementation phase of our Strategic Plan. The department is currently establishing cross-functional workgroups of APL staff with diverse skill sets and expertise to collaborate on goal-driven initiatives and measures. The teams will kick-off in January 2024. Passport Services APL Passport Services has processed over 7,600 applications this year and is 31% over initial projections for fiscal year 2023-24. Passport Services continues to participate in the monthly naturalization ceremonies hosted at APL, which adds an additional 10-15 applications in the weeks following these events. Howson November Dig It: Gardening in Texas Howson Library partnered with Austin Resource Recovery for their November Dig It: Gardening in Texas monthly event. Local gardener Austin Davenport taught attendees about soil health and composting processes and ARR provided each attendee with a kitchen compost collector to empower everyone to start the process of reducing waste, while making nutrient rich soil. Gardener Ila Falvey commented that “Class was great! I love the mini compost bins. I can't wait to start composting at home! “ 3 Portuguese-English Storytime at Milwood Austin Public Library staff at Milwood are excited to bring Portuguese-English storytime sessions to Milwood. Through a collaboration with Cultral Brasil, the storytimes aim to accommodate the sizable Brazilian community in proximity to the library and North Austin. Cultura Brasil's staff members are enthusiastic volunteers who will conduct a monthly storytime similar to the model by the Austin …
Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP) & Public Comment Opportunity Update Nehemiah Pitts III, Chairman Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission (CTTC) City of Austin 1 Agenda 1. Introduction & Overview 2. Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP) Preview 3. Public Comment Information Session 4. CTTC Outreach Plans 2 1. Introduction & Overview Digital Equity & Inclusion The All Together For Digital Inclusion - Stakeholder Summit 2023 successfully convened in the aftermath of significant federal funding ($3.3 Billion) being released to Texas for broadband infrastructure and equitable access, as well as the creation of the Broadband the Texas Infrastructure Fund Constitution in November of 2023. in spotlight The Summit aimed to educate participants about the various organizations Digital Divide, committed to achieving Digital Inclusion in Central Texas, and catalyze a call to action for collaboration, partnership, and public comment in response to the recently released Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program 5-year plan draft and the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP). Digital Equity & Inclusion The Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) constitutes a network of nonprofits, educational institutions, stakeholders other businesses, including the Community Technology & Commission Telecommunications Technology (CTTC), Division (CTD), Austin Public Library (APL), and the Library Commission working together every day to enhance our community's engagement in a digital society, thereby fostering a more digitally inclusive Austin. Community Digital Equity is “a condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society,democracy, and economy; Necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services” according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) - $3.3B Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP) Expands high-speed internet access by funding planning, deployment, and adoption Ensure people and communities have the skills and tech to participate in the digital economy $5M in planning funds to: $3M in planning funds to: ● ● ● ● Help close the availability gap Develop 5-year action plan Conduct research and data collection Facilitate publications, outreach and communications support Source: IIJA Statute Connect Texas, Digital Opportunity Plan and Public Comment Preview, BDO 11/16/2023 Presentation ● ● ● ● Help close the digital opportunity gap Develop Digital Opportunity Plan Reach covered populations Foster partnerships through engagement; establish a planning coalition What is Digital Opportunity? ❖ Digital Literacy ❖ Affordable Service ❖ Applications and online content ❖ Internet-enabled devices ❖ Quality technical support …
Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Summit 2023 Summary Report Nehemiah Pitts III, Chairman Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission (CTTC) City of Austin 1 1. Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Summit Historical Framing Agenda 2. Call(s) to Action: Public Comment, Collaboration, & Education 3. Thank yous & Acknowledgements 4. Next Steps 2 1. Digital Inclusion Stakeholder Summit Overview Digital Inclusion - Stakeholder Summit 2023 - Summary Report The All Together For Digital Inclusion - Stakeholder Summit 2023 successfully convened in the aftermath of significant federal funding ($3.3 Billion) being released to Texas for broadband infrastructure and equitable access, as well as the creation of the Broadband Infrastructure Fund in the Texas Constitution in November of 2023. The Summit aimed to educate participants about the Digital Divide, spotlight various organizations committed to achieving Digital Inclusion in Central Texas, and instigate a call to action for collaboration, partnership, and public comment in response to the recently released Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program 5-year plan draft and the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan (TDOP). Held on Friday, December 1st, at the Austin Public Library Special Events Center downtown, the inaugural Summit achieved these goals by assembling a diverse group of representative stakeholders, including community leaders, public officials, digital inclusion practitioners, governmental and NGO leaders, city service providers, internet services providers, nonprofit entities, industry thought distinguished researchers, technology experts, and leaders—all rallying under the theme… The event commenced with an indigenous people's land acknowledgment, emphasizing the importance of education, collaboration, partnership, civic engagement, and funding-focused public comment submissions. The focus of the event briefly remained on the history of Austin after the US. Civil War and the formation of a municipal strategy for growth and development. 5 6 A City Plan for Austin Texas (1928) We then delved into the root causes of the Digital Divide in Austin, TX, tracing historical challenges stemming from the 1928 City Plan, which led to racial segregation, restrictive covenants, industrial zoning, and decades of infrastructure underinvestment for marginalized groups. Disparate Outcome Areas for Marginalized Communities ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Gaps in Wealth and Income Health Disparities Educational Attainment Disparate Impacts in Housing Gentrification and Displacement Climate Resilience Public Safety Access to Opportunity includes Digital Redlining and the ensuing This inequalities infrastructure, device access, and capabilities that endure to this day. in 7 2. Call(s) to Action: Public Comment, Collaboration, & Education Why attend a Stakeholder Summit focused on …
1. 2. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD DECEMBER 18, 2023, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 *NOTE: The Urban Renewal Board no longer meets at the Street-Jones Building. Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Courtney Banker, (512) 974-3114 or courtney.banker@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Danielle Skidmore Amit Motwani Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the amended minutes of the URB’s regular called meeting on October 16, 2023. Approve the minutes of the URB’s regular called meeting on November 13, 2023. 1 of 2 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding the City Manager’s evaluation of the continued need for the URP and the URA, and the URB’s recommendation to Council (Chair Escobar) Discussion and possible action related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Austin Economic Development Corporation, including the Request for Proposals process, and anticipated process related to Phase Two of the Request for Proposals (Anne Gatling Haynes and Jose Lopez, AEDC) EXECUTIVE SESSION Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Real Property - Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD DRAFT MINUTES Monday, October 16, 2023 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING DRAFT MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 The URBAN RENEWAL BOARD convened on MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center - 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Chair Manuel Escobar called the Urban Renewal Board meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioner Kobla Tetey, Commissioner Danielle Skidmore, Commissioner Amit Motwani, and Commissioner Jacqueline Watson were present. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None. Board Members Absent/off the dais: Vice Chair Darrell Pierce and Commissioner Tam Hawkins were absent. Commissioner Amit Motwani joined the dais at 6:19 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URB’s special called meeting on September 28, 2023. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 28, 2023, were approved on Commissioner Tetey’s motion, Commissioner Watson’s second, on a 4-0 vote. Vice Chair Pierce, Commissioner Motwani, and Commissioner Hawkins were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action regarding the City Manager’s evaluation of the continued need for the URP and the URA, and the URA’s recommendation to Council (Chair Escobar). 1 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD DRAFT MINUTES Monday, October 16, 2023 Discussion led by Chair Escobar and requested staff follow up with the Assistant City Manager. Discussion and possible action related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Austin Economic Development Corporation, including the Request for Proposals process, and meetings of and updated approval of additional candidates for the Stakeholder Working Group (Jose Lopez, AEDC). Jose Lopez led the discussion. The motion to approve Paul Staples and Pam Owens to the Stakeholder Working Group was approved on Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Skidmore’s second, on a 5-0 vote. Vice Chair Pierce and Commissioner Hawkins were absent. Chair Escobar recessed the meeting at 6:26 p.m. without objection. EXECUTIVE SESSION Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code) Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Real Property - Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code) Chair Escobar reconvened the Urban Renewal Board meeting …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD DRAFT MINUTES Monday, November 13, 2023 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING DRAFT MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 The URBAN RENEWAL BOARD convened on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center - 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Chair Manuel Escobar called the Urban Renewal Board meeting to order at 6:08p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioners Kobla Tetey, Danielle Skidmore, and Amit Motwani were present. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None. Board Members Absent/off the dais: Vice Chair Darrell Pierce, Commissioner Tam Hawkins and Commissioner Watson were absent. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers signed up to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the URB’s special-called meeting on October 16, 2023. The minutes from the regular October 16, 2023, meeting were approved on Commissioner Motwani’s motion, Commissioner Skidmore’s second, on a 4-0 vote. Vice Chair Pierce and Commissioners Hawkins and Watson were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action regarding the City Manager’s evaluation of the continued need for the URP and the URA, and the URA’s recommendation to Council (Chair Escobar) 1 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD DRAFT MINUTES Monday, November 13, 2023 Discussion was led by Chair Escobar. Mandy DeMayo provided an update in response to the Chair’s questions. Discussion and possible action related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Austin Economic Development Corporation, including the Request for Proposals process, and meetings of and updated approval of additional candidates for the Stakeholder Working Group (Jose Lopez and Anne Gatling Haynes, AEDC) Anne Gatling Haynes and Jose Lopez gave an update and responded to questions. Chair Escobar recessed the meeting at 6:14p.m. for an Executive Session regarding items 4 and 5. At 6:17pm, the Chair postponed the Executive Session and called a return to item 3. Item 3, continued. Commissioner Motwani moved to approve the appointment of Michael Rhone to the Stakeholder Working Group regarding future development of Blocks 16 and 18 on East 11th Street. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tetey and passed by a unanimous vote of 4-0-0. 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Escobar recessed the meeting at 6:23pm for an Executive Session to discuss items 4 and 5. 4. Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal …
