CEMETERY OPERATIONS Perpetual Care Fund Parks and Recreation Board Presentation July 2022 MISSION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations strives to honor the past, present, and future of Austin’s sacred municipal burial grounds with integrity, empathy, and respect. VISION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations utilizes available resources to provide the best quality of service and care to our diverse community and historic cemeteries. The Founding of Historic Cemeteries 1839 • Oakwood Cemetery 1872 • Stanley- Nolen 1878 • Cemetery at Longview Park 1898 • Plummers Cemetery 1915 • Oakwood Cemetery Annex 1926 • Evergreen Cemetery 1927 • Austin Memorial Cemetery • 24 FTE’s, 6 administrative, 18 grounds • 200+ acres • 400+ burials/year • 80,000 burials total • Spaces sold in two • Approximately 30 acres of undeveloped land at Austin Memorial Park for future burials 2 What Is The Perpetual Care Fund(PCF)?: The Perpetual Care Trust Fund ("PCF“) was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of: Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchap. A. The PCF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1. The purpose of the Fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the City cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts in the Trust Fund; and apply the income earned by the Trust Fund that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves to the beautification of the city cemeteries generally. 3 Perpetual Care Fund History: • Council established PCF, directing that 25% of the sale of each cemetery plot be deposited in the Fund. This practice was discontinued in 1982. 1959 • Council transferred PCF funds into Cemetery Endowment 1982 Fund(established in 1982. 1985 • City became the trustee for ten small, individual trusts transferred from Texas Commerce Bank and Bank One into the PCF. Based on existing records, it is unclear whether these are the only individual trusts – i.e., trusts established for the maintenance of a specific lot or gravesite -- that were ever created pursuant to Chap. 10-1. 1990 • Council merged Cemetery Endowment Fund into PCF. 4 What Is The Current Balance of The PCF: $1 million (Current Principle) $10,000 ( Interested Yielded and Deposited In GF) $3.3 million (Current Budget Funded by GF) $330 million (Amount needed in PCF to be solvent) Meanwhile, deferred maintenance at the cemeteries remains a significant issue. …
PERPETUAL CARE FUND - FAQ The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) assumed management of the City's five historic cemeteries on November 1, 1986. Until March 2013, PARD used a contractor, InterCare Corporation, exclusively for cemetery sales, operations, maintenance and management. In assuming direct management of the five City cemeteries, PARD staff uncovered a number of operational and administrative challenges that not only required thorough research, but also required the development and implementation of new processes and procedures in accordance with established State and City laws and industry best practices. Systematically, PARD addressed a number of issues and recently uncovered an additional challenge related to the Perpetual Care Fund (PCF). Unfortunately, other immediate challenges associated with direct cemetery management prevented PARD from addressing this issue until this time. What is the purpose of the Perpetual Care Fund The Perpetual Care Trust Fund ("PCTF" or "Fund") was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchap. A. The PCTF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1, Art. 2. See Attachment 1. The purpose of the Fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the city cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts in the Trust Fund; and apply the income earned by the Trust Fund that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves to the beautification of the city cemeteries generally. When was the last contribution made to the PCF The Cemetery Perpetual Care Interest Fund was utilized for expenditures to operate and maintain the City of Austin’s cemetery until FY 2013-14, when all costs associated with cemetery operations were moved to the General Fund. The remaining balance of the fund was transferred to a separate account in FY 2013-14. The Cemetery Perpetual Care Principal Fund has a current balance of approximately $1 million. Annual interest earnings on this principal are approximately $10,000 and the interest is recorded as revenue that goes back into the General Fund. The balance must remain in the fund due to legal requirements (City Code: Article 2. Section 10‐1‐11). What is the current balance of the PCF Councilman Bechtol moved to increase cemetery lot charges and set up a special fund for perpetual care to receive 25% of each lot sale. Minutes of the City Council …
1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION July 25, 2022 – 6 p.m. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill 5125 Convict Hill Rd. AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; and Steven Self CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 18, 2022. Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 29, 2922. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches, Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan 5. Discussion of the July Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget 7. Approve the creation of a working group on Library Commission Training and Development 8. Approve the creation of a working group on Community Engagement WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group 10. Update from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 11. Report and possible action on a recommendation from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group 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 at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 18 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Vice-Chair Lynda Infante and Commission Member Ryan Marquess Citizen Communication: General None 1. Commissioners’ Brief Introductions Commissioners introduced themselves and Chair Smith outlined the process for planning for the day. 2. Discussion of Library Commission long-range objectives, including how to: • Build relationships with the Library’s support groups, The Library Foundation and The Austin History Center Association • Support the priorities of the Austin Public Library (Literacy Advancement, Workforce and Economic Development, Digital Inclusion, STEM and Computer Training, Outreach and Community Engagement, Staff Development, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) The following were discussed: • Workgroups – at future board meeting the Commission will form two initial working groups to address library and/or community issues. o Board Development / Training (including advocacy) o Community Engagement • Chair Smith will attend Library Foundation Meetings. • The Commission will determine ways to become a more activist board on behalf of the Library • Commissioners will host Commissioner Open Houses at their Branches • The Commission will work to define the role of the Library Commission. This could include training from United for Libraries (ALA) or Urban Library Council. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 • The Commission will look at what Nashville Public Library did with Banned Books Library Cards and determine if there is something similar APL can do. 3. Discussion of Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings, July 2022 – June 2023 Library Marketing Homeless Organizations Food Banks Meals on Wheels Google Fiber and Technology Groups Volunteers Facility Issues Strategic Planning Process Hotspots and Digital Access eBook Pricing and Purchasing Equity in Service (how we serve different groups like incarcerated, 20-40 year olds, traffic, homebound, etc) Enhanced Library Cards Library Programming – Program Coordinators and Austin Completely Booked Adjournment: Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 12:02 p.m. without objection.
M E M O R A N D U M Parks and Recreation Board Kimberly A. McNeeley, M. Ed., CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department July 20, 2022 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Dissolving the Perpetual Care Trust Fund The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information related to the origin and purpose of the Perpetual Care Trust Fund (PCF), as well as provide justification for why it should be dissolved. The PCF was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchapter A. The PCF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1, Art. 2. The purpose of the fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the City cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts; and apply the income earned by the PCF, that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves, to the beautification of City cemeteries generally. The Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) objective, since it assumed direct responsibility for cemetery maintenance in 2013, has been to provide the same level of care to all graves, lots and public areas in the five City-owned cemeteries. The amount of income generated from the PCF principal is a small fraction of the Department’s cemeteries budget. Meanwhile, deferred maintenance at the cemeteries remains a significant issue, and its cost alone exceeds the cemeteries budget. The Department would prefer the PCF principal be moved into a Capital Improvement Project account or a Special Revenue account that is specifically for cemetery maintenance and operations. This would allow the funds to roll over each fiscal year as needed to cover differed maintenance. Before the PCF can be dissolved, the Texas State Legislature must pass an amendment to Health and Safety Code Chapter 713 that gives Austin City Council permission to do so. The Parks and Recreation Board can aid this process by recommending that Austin City Council support an amendment to State Law to allow the City to dissolve the Perpetual Care Trust Fund and use the principal for general cemetery maintenance and capital improvements. cc: Jodi Jay, M.B.A., CPRP, Assistant Director Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Lucas Massie, M.Ed., CPRP, Assistant Director Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Page 1 of 1
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 29 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S 5th St in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self, Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: General Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library. 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Smith welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the May 23, 2022 Special Called Meeting Public comment was given by Carlos León. The minutes of the regular meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Rosenthal’s second on an 8-0 vote. The amendments were: Public Communication: General: Change “Carlos Leon spoke about library computers and security” to “Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library.” Briefing: Austin Public Library FY23 Budget Overview and Forecast was given by Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II 3. Old Business: none 4. New Business a. Discussion on voter engagement at Austin Public Library Public comment was given by Carlos León. Presentation was made by Bruce Elfant, Travis County Voter Registrar and Valerie DeBill League of Women Voters Austin, Voter Registration & Turnout Director b. Discussion of Enhanced Library Cards. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 Vice Chair Infante led the discussion. Chair Smith appointed a working group with Vice Chair Infante, Commission Member Dabbert, and staff member Emi Johnson. The retreat will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 10 a.m. to noon, at the Central Library. c. Discussion of the Library Commission Annual Internal Review and Report covering July 2021 through June 2022. Chair Smith will prepare the Annual Review and send to commission members for comment. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 6. Future Agenda Items Public comment was given by Carlos León. Form working groups for Library Commission Training and Development and Community Engagement Update from Freedom to Read working group Update from Enhanced Library Card working group and draft recommendation FY23 Austin Public Library Budget recommendation Presentation …
Potential Fare Programs Library Commission| July 25, 2022 Agenda • Agency Core Values • Potential Fare Programs powered by Amp technology: • Fare Capping: a system to reduce riders’ spending in a day and month • Equifare: a new discounted fare program for income-eligible riders • Community Engagement & Partnerships • Next Steps 2 Agency Core Values INNOVATION EQUITY SUSTAINABILITY TRANSPARENCY SAFETY 3 CapMetro wants to make our fares more equitable. We know that our customers pay for their transit passes one trip at a time instead of taking advantage of the savings that come with day or monthly passes. Proposed Fare Programs powered by Amp technology Fare Capping Equifare Fare capping reduces how much riders pay for their trips in a day or month. An additional discounted fare category for income-eligible customers 4 What is Fare Capping? Fare capping allows riders to earn or contribute towards a day pass or month pass one ride at a time, rather than paying up front. Fare capping ensures that customers: • Never pay more than the total cost of a Day Pass in a calendar day • $2.50 • $41.25 • Never pay more than the total cost of a monthly pass in a calendar month 5 Fare Capping – Daily Cap When you pay for 2 single rides in one day, you earn a Daily Cap and ride free the rest of the day. Your daily spending is capped at $2.50 total! 6 Fare Capping - Monthly Cap When you pay for 33 single rides in a calendar month, you earn a Monthly Cap, and ride free the rest of the month. • Your monthly spending is capped at $41.25 total vs. $75 for 30 days of day passes • Monthly Cap • 33 Paid Rides • 17 Days of Riding • Benefit: ride free up to 14 days per calendar month 7 How to Get Fare Capping: Amp Technology • Get Amp, by physical card or CapMetro App • Load money to your account - this is called stored value! • Re-load money to Amp as needed online or at one of 250+ participating retailers or the Transit Store • Contactless Payment: • Tap your card or scan your app to pay from your stored value, reducing your balance by the cost of a single ride • Amp tracks how many single rides you pay for to give you a …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-6: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Seconded By: Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library FY23 budget request, including increases to purchase new library materials and for salary adjustments to ensure recruitment and retention of library staff. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress Following the COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns, APL rebounded to move toward full service for the citizens of Austin by providing access to physical facilities and collections as well as ongoing online access to digital materials. APL continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, July 2021 – June 2022, APL hosted 680 in-person programs and 264 live virtual programs with 24,676 attendees. 2022’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program Austin Completely Booked has seen readers of all ages log over 800,000 minutes of reading since the program started in June. In an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL continues to offer a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. APL also has a new grant initiative to support digital inclusion awarded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission / Institute of Museum of Museum and Library Service / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant includes digital navigators and telehealth services and support. The focus and purpose of the grant is for libraries to address digital access and gaps of residents, most impacted by COVID to confidently and meaningfully navigate and access online resources. APL plans to build our capacity and resources to sustain these services at some level over time. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers using curbside and remote services. 1 of 2 APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online and in-person training opportunities. Examples include: APL Hiring Fundamentals, Mental Illness: How to Handle Problematic Behavior, Introduction to Strategic Planning for Public Libraries, …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, July 25, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Kimberly Brienzi Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS goals for the commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding the attendance and videoconference policies. 3. Chair to share announcements on how to schedule 1:1 with each commissioner to understand 4. Presentation by Douglas Ferguson with Voltage Control regarding the SAFE Pledge a partnership with SFACE Alliance (G. Brown/A. Weigel). 5. Discussion of Commission goals for 2022-2023 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Human Rights DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS ADJOURNMENT 6. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 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 email Damian Pantoja at damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 25, 2022, AT 9:30 A.M. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD, SUITE 500, ROOM 249 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. 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 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 Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Andy Mormon, Chair Kevin Mullen, Commissioner McKenzie Frazier, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL John Umphress, Commissioner The first ten (10) 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 March 14, 2022. 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on PUBLIC HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. 4. Possible action and decision on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of the Municipal Civil Service Commission recommendation to City Council (Recommendation 20191108-04B) regarding the review of granted denial of promotion and discharge appeals. 6. Discussion and review of the Municipal Civil Service Rules to provide input to the Municipal Civil Service Director. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer election for the Vice Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. 8. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2021 …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 14, 2022 REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 14, 2022 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Chair Perez-Wiseley called the Commission meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Teresa Perez-Wiseley, Chair Melissa Rogers, Vice-Chair McKenzie Frazier Andy Mormon Commissioners Absent: Kevin Mullen Staff in Attendance: Matthew Chustz, Municipal Civil Service Administrator April Shaw, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator Jennifer Stanko, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator Omar Francia, IT Systems Administrator PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carol Guthrie addressed the Commission regarding concerns related to releasing the identity of Office of the City Auditor informants. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 13, 2021. a. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on The minutes of the December 13, 2021, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Mormon’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second, on a vote of 4-0. 2. HEARING a. Conduct a hearing on the appeal filed by Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. The Chair of the Commission accepted a request to reschedule the hearing from Nicholas Smitham’s representative. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 14, 2022 b. Deliberate in open or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), regarding the appeal of Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. No deliberation was held. c. Possible action and decision on the appeal filed by Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. No decision was rendered in this matter. 3. STAFF BRIEFING a. Staff briefing regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Matthew Chustz, Municipal Civil Service Administrator with the Human Resources Department, addressed the Commission regarding the Commissioner appointment process. 4. NEW BUSINESS Discussion was held. a. Discussion regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. b. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation for Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The nomination of Commissioner Andy Mormon as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission was approved on Chair Perez-Wiseley’s motion, Vice-Chair Rogers’ second, on a vote of 4-0. c. Discussion and possible action regarding amending the Bylaws of …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION August 10, 2020 Letter Regarding MCS Review Dear Mayor and Council: Sincerely, As you know, the Municipal Civil Service Commission sent a recommendation for council action dated November 8, 2019. We are not aware of any action that has been taken. Enclosed please find a copy of that letter and its attachments. Chair Pamela Lancaster Vice Chair Melissa Rogers Commissioner Rebecca Eisenbrey Commissioner Erika Kane Commissioner Teresa Peréz-Wiseley Teresa Peréz-Wiseley Pamela Lancaster MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191108-4B Date: November 8, 2019 Subject: Review and report of Municipal Civil Service Commission denial of promotion and discharge appeals. Motioned By: Pamela Lancaster, Chair Seconded By: Rebecca Eisenbrey, Commissioner Recommendation The Municipal Civil Service Commission recommends Council direct the appropriate City official to review granted denial of promotion and discharge appeals, gather data, and report the findings of the review back to the Commission. Description of Recommendation to Council The Commission requests that the City Council direct the appropriate City official to: 1) Identify each appeal that the Commission granted from an employee who sought to overturn a discharge or denial of promotion; 2) For each such granted appeal, identify the effect of the appeal, including but not limited to the employee's position, rate of pay and any other relevant information regarding the employee before and after the appeal was granted; 3) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee is still employed with the City and if so, the employee's position; 4) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee has applied for any promotions or transfers and, if so, the result of such application; 5) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee has been disciplined or placed on a performance improvement plan, and, if so, the nature and outcome of such disciplinary action or performance improvement plan; and 6) Report the finding of such review back to the Commission Rationale: The MCS Commission is a five-member commission established by the City Charter that, among other things, hears appeals and makes final, binding decisions in the case of any municipal civil service employee who is discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation. The first appeal hearing heard by this Commission was in September 2014 and it has been approximately five years since that date. 1of2 The Commission …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2021 Municipal Civil Service Commission The Board/Commission mission statement is: The Municipal Civil Service (MCS) Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The purpose of the Commission is to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. hear appeals and make final, binding decisions in the case of municipal civil service employees covered under Article IX of the City Charter who have been discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation; recommend the adoption of civil service rules after receipt of proposed rules by the Human Resources Director and perform services under the civil service rules as provided in Article IX, Section 2 of the City Charter; perform other duties regarding the municipal civil service, not inconsistent with Article IX of the City Charter, that the City Council may require; issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to witnesses, whether at the request of interested parties or on its own motion, when reasonably necessary to obtain pertinent evidence at a hearing or investigation; administer oaths to witnesses appearing at a hearing or investigation; and conduct any investigations it may consider desirable or which it may be required by the City Council or the City Manager concerning the administration of municipal civil service, and report its findings and recommendations to the City Council. Further information regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commission is found in § 2-1-164 of the Austin City Code, which states: (A) The Municipal Civil Service Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The Charter provisions supersede this chapter to the extent of conflict. (B) The Council Audit and Finance Committee shall review applications received by the city clerk from persons seeking appointment as a commissioner. Notwithstanding § 2-1-4(C), the Audit and Finance Committee, or any council member, may nominate a person for appointment to the commission. (C) A city employee may not serve as a member of the commission. (D) The council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. Annual Review and Work Plan Municipal Civil Service Commission - 2021 Page # 2 (E) Subsection (A) of Section 2-1-43 (Meeting Requirements) does not apply to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The commission may meet as necessary to carry out its duties under City Charter Article IX (Personnel). Source: Ord. 20130214-045; Ord. 20130321-043. …
2022 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule Monday, January 10, 2022 Monday, July 11, 2022 Monday, January 24, 2022 Monday, July 25, 2022 Monday, February 14, 2022 Monday, August 8, 2022 Monday, February 28, 2022 Monday, August 22, 2022 Monday, March 14, 2022 Monday, September 12, 2022 Monday, March 28, 2022 Monday, September 26, 2022 Monday, April 11, 2022 Monday, October 10, 2022 Monday, April 25, 2022 Monday, October 24, 2022 Monday, May 9, 2022 Monday, November 14, 2022 Monday, May 23, 2022 Monday, December 12, 2022 Monday, June 13, 2022 Monday, June 27, 2022 Approved by Commission 9/27/21
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Presentation on: Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Developments Paul Books, Planner III; Robynne Heymans, Planner Senior; Thomas Rowlinson, Principal Planner; Randy Scott, Program Manager - Parks and Recreation Department July 25th, 2022 1 Proposed Formula Required Parkland = 9.4 acres X Functional Population 1,000 people • 9.4 acres per 1,000 people equals the established parks level of service • Functional Population • The estimated commuter workforce of a new development discounted by their relative opportunity to access parkland, representing the full-time equivalent population of new development • Functional Population = Employee Density X Occupancy Rate X Operation Time X Percent Commuter from Outside City Limits Employee Density (SF Per Employee) Occupancy Rate Operational Hours Percent Commuter Industrial Retail Office Hotel 2,500 SF 550 SF 300 SF 1,500 SF 94% 95% 92% - 70.8% 37.5% 23.8% 70.8% 58% 58% 58% 58% 2 2 Proposed Requirements Land Dedication – 9.4 Acres per 1,000 functional population Fee-in-Lieu – $3,781.32 per functional population Development Fee – $351.85 per functional population Per SF by Use Category: Fee-in-Lieu Development Fee Office $1.6007/SF $0.1489/SF Total: $1.7497/SF Retail $1.4206/SF $0.1322/SF $1.5528/SF Industrial $0.5838/SF $0.0543/SF $0.6382/SF Hotel $1.0352/SF $0.0963/SF $1.1315/SF Figures are preliminary and subject to change 3 3 Example of Application - Mixed Use Commercial Step 1: Calculate Estimated Employees in Commercial Space Total SF SF/Employee Total Employees 136,000 300 453 Commercial Step 2: Derive Functional Population of Commercial Space Employees Occupancy Operation Hours Percent Commuter Functional Population 92% B 23.8% 58% 57.57 C D Formula = A * B * C * D Total 453 A Commercial Step 3: Calculate Requirements of Commercial Space Commercial Land Owed 0.54 acres Formula = (Functional Population/1000) x 9.4 acres Commercial Fee-In-Lieu $217,695 Commercial Development Fee $20,250 Formula = SF of Development x $1.6007 Formula = SF of Development x $0.1489 Total Requirement: Land Owed 5.48 acres Fee-In-Lieu $1,117,376 Development Fee $182,935 Residential Step 1: Calculate Residential Population Residential Step 2: Calculate Residential Requirements Total Units SMART Units Resident Population 309 0 525 Residential Land Owed 4.94 acres Residential Fee-In-Lieu $899,681 Residential Development Fee $162,685 4 Figures are approximate Formula = (Total Units x 1.7 / 1,000)*9.4 Formula = People x $2,912.17 Formula = People x $526.49 Example of Application - Office Urban Office Hypothetical Step 1: Calculate Estimated Employees Total SF SF/Employee Total Employees 325,000 300 1,083 Step 2: Derive Functional Population Operation Hours Total …
PROPOSED CHANGES TO ARTICLE 14 (PARKLAND DEDICATION) ADDING COMMERCIAL PARKLAND DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES VERSION TWO ARTICLE 14. PARKLAND DEDICATION.1 § 25-1-601 GENERAL PROVISIONS. (A) The City of Austin has determined that recreational areas in the form of public parks are necessary for the well-being of residents and employees. The City has further determined that the approval of new residential and commercial development is reasonably related to the need for additional parkland and park amenities to serve new development. This article establishes a fair method for determining parkland dedication, or the payment of a fee in-lieu of dedication, to be required as a condition to the approval of new development in an amount proportionate to the impact of development on existing parks and established levels of service. (B) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the parkland dedication requirements of this article apply to: (1) a residential and commercial subdivision within the planning jurisdiction; a site plan within the zoning jurisdiction that includes residential units or commercial square footage [a hotel-motel use]; and a [residential]building permit for residential and commercial development, as provided under Section 25-1-608 (Dedication of Land or Payment In-Lieu at Building Permit). (C) The following are exempt from the requirements of this article: a subdivision or site plan for which parkland was previously dedicated or payment made under this title, except for the dwelling units or commercial square footage [lots] that exceed the number for which dedication or payment was made; (2) development within the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction that is within Travis County and governed by Title 30 (Austin/Travis County Subdivision Regulations); and (3) affordable dwelling units that are certified under the S.M.A.R.T. Housing Policy approved by the city council. (2) (3) (1) (D) The following definitions apply throughout this article: (1) ANNUAL OCCUPANCY RATE means the hotel-motel occupancy rate for the City of Austin, as reported annually by the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. (2) COMMERCIAL OCCUPANCY RATE means the City of Austin’s current commercial occupancy rate as determined annually by the director annually using the most recent data from the Austin Chamber of Commerce or a comparable source if deemed appropriate by the director. (3) COMMUTER POPULATION PERCENTAGE means the percentage of employees who live outside the City of Austin’s corporate limits, as determined by the most recent United States Census. 1Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 20160128-086, Pt. 2, adopted February 8, 2016 …
Updated : 6/27/22 --Draft: Study of Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Uses-- This study provides an overview of parkland dedication as it pertains to retail, industrial, and office uses, as directed by City Council in Resolution No. 20220407-042, passed April 7th, 2022. This Study, produced by the Parks and Recreation Department, outlines the applicability of creating a new ordinance to require parkland dedication for commuters of commercial developments and outlines the methodology behind said ordinance. This Study may be used as the basis for creating a parkland dedication commuter commercial ordinance, for review and approval by City Council after a public and stakeholder engagement period. Purpose Parkland is an essential city service that affords well documented economic, recreational, physical, and mental health benefits to its users (see research conducted by RigolonError! Hyperlink reference not valid. 2022, who cite CromptonError! Hyperlink reference not valid. 2019, and Markevych, et al. 2017). The current parkland dedication ordinance is a critical tool that allows the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) to mitigate the impact of new users on the park level of service for the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, City Council Resolution 20091119-068, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, and the PARD Long Range Plan. Parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the city’s character and natural resources, contribute to economic growth and tourism, increase transportation opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful. Parkland dedication requires new developments to account for their direct impact on the existing park system, thereby addressing several of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan’s key goals including : “Expanding Transportation Choices” in Austin. “Tackling the Ethnic Divide”, “Prosperity for All”, “Protecting Our Natural Resources” and “Preserving Livability” by providing consistent parkland under rapidly changing development conditions. On February 25, 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20200225-B3, which included the provision that commercial developments be subject to parkland dedication requirements. On March 28, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Board reaffirmed its support to require parkland dedication for office, retail, and industrial developments in Recommendation 20220328-B5. Enacting this provision would better provide parkland to Austin’s growing workforce; currently, 58% of the workforce commute from outside the city limits, and as such are not served by the existing parkland dedication ordinance, which only addresses the impact of full-time residential and hotel developments. Research shows that access to parkland is directly connected to an individual’s …
PLD Commercial Development Input SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT 09 May 2022 - 11 July 2022 PROJECT NAME: Parkland Dedication for Commercial Development PLD Commercial Development Input : Survey Report for 09 May 2022 to 11 July 2022 SURVEY QUESTIONS Page 1 of 57 PLD Commercial Development Input : Survey Report for 09 May 2022 to 11 July 2022 Q1 Approximately how far is your place of work from a public park? 16 (5.0%) 16 (5.0%) 109 (33.7%) 109 (33.7%) 72 (22.3%) 72 (22.3%) 58 (18.0%) 58 (18.0%) 68 (21.1%) 68 (21.1%) Question options Less than 1/4 mile 1/4 to 1/2 mile 1/2 to 1 mile More than 1 mile I do not know where the closest park or natural space is Optional question (321 response(s), 8 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 2 of 57 PLD Commercial Development Input : Survey Report for 09 May 2022 to 11 July 2022 Q2 How often do you access public parks before, during, or after work? 25 (7.7%) 25 (7.7%) 47 (14.5%) 47 (14.5%) 30 (9.3%) 30 (9.3%) 37 (11.4%) 37 (11.4%) 185 (57.1%) 185 (57.1%) Question options Never Rarely (fewer than 5 times a year) Occasionally (5 to 10 times a year) Sometimes (10 to 20 times a year) Often (more than twice a month) Optional question (322 response(s), 7 skipped) Question type: Radio Button Question Page 3 of 57 PLD Commercial Development Input : Survey Report for 09 May 2022 to 11 July 2022 Q3 If you visit park space before, during, or after the work day, please share how you use the park (choose all that apply). 250 190 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 145 109 50 34 Question options Other (please specify) Exercise (walking, running, biking, workout equipment, etc.) Relaxation, meditation, mental breaks Eating or picnicking Part of your commute to or from work Connecting with friends or family Optional question (304 response(s), 25 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question Page 4 of 57 PLD Commercial Development Input : Survey Report for 09 May 2022 to 11 July 2022 Q4 What park amenities would encourage you to visit a nearby public park before, during, or after the work day? (choose all that apply) 251 203 184 115 91 79 71 95 59 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 Question options Multipurpose field or lawn Exercise or workout equipment Trails …
DRAFT 2022-2023 Commuter Commercial Parkland Fee Calculation Methodology In 2022 the City Council approved Ordinance XXXXXXXXXX which created a formula to determine the commercial fees required in-lieu of parkland dedication. The Ordinance requires an annual adoption of the parkland dedication fees during the annual fee schedule process. The fee calculation methodologies are established in § 25-X-XXX The below 2022-2023 fees reflect the Council approved calculation methodology to be adopted annually. Several of the variables in the formula are static from year to year, including the square feet per person and the operations hours. Some of the variables will be reevaluated each year based on publicly available data, such as the occupancy rate and the percent commuter workforce, as well as the fees-in-lieu of parkland land dedication and park development. The only variable in the above formula that is unique to the new development is the total square feet of the development. Variables Calculation Factor Description Parkland Level of Service Service Population / Park Acres Fee In-Lieu of Land 96.70 Service Population per 1 acre Park Acres City Population 10,086.32 Park Acres (excludes Metro and District Parks) Parkland Cost Factor $365,653.44 per acre 975,321 (2021 Population) Current City Population Average land cost of acres purchased over the last five years Park Development 4,046.98 Service Population per park Facilities Level of Service Service Population / Number of Developed Parks Number of Developed Parks City Population Park Development Cost Factor 241 975,321 (2021 Population) $1,423,928.42 Count of all developed parks Current city population Cost of developing one Neighborhood Park Functional Population Office Employee Density 300 sq ft /person Office Occupancy 0.92 Office Operation Hours 0.238 Retail Employee Density 550 sq ft / person Retail Occupancy Retail Operation Hours 0.95 0.375 U.S. Green Building Council estimate of the square feet per person in LEED BD+C: New Constructionv4 - LEED v4. Appendix 2. Default occupancy counts Austin area occupancy rates derived from the Chamber of Commerce 'Austin Area Profile' reflecting occupancy by use in Q2 2021 Office use occurs 5 out of 7 days of the week, and 8 hours a day, equal to 23.8 percent (40 hours out of 168 hours a week) operation occupancy. U.S. Green Building Council estimate of the square feet per person in LEED BD+C: New Constructionv4 - LEED v4. Appendix 2. Default occupancy counts Retail occupancy rates derived from NAI Partners report published in Q2 2021 Retail use occurs …
Commercial Parkland Dedication Stakeholder and Advocate Responses 7/15/2022 Page 1 Category affordability Question Have you done an economic impact statement to measure the affordability impact of this proposed additional fee? $2 psf for office is not small and creates concern that office rents will be raised impacting jobs and pay rates. Response City Code § 2-5-2 states the that city manager shall prepare a fiscal note for a proposed ordinance, resolution, or policy that could create an expense for the City, including a modification to the City's budget, a capital improvement project, or a council initiated matter before it is submitted to the council. To clarify, the combined per square foot fee for office is $1.75. This fee would have a positive impact on the city's budget by accounting for the impact to the park system caused by new commercial development. PARD shall confirm with the Housing and Planning Department on the issuance of an Economic Impact Statement regarding affordability. affordability In the different categories, are there any excluded categories? Different types of businesses that don’t have to do parkland dedication? We are still evaluating the applicability of the ordinance based on stakeholder and survey feedback. Draft ordinance outlines an exemption for civic uses including but not limited to schools, governmental agencies, and hospitals: "(4) civic uses as defined in Section 25-2-6 (Civic Uses)." affordability In the office example, what is the proportion of the impact of the fees to the overall cost of the office development? affordability affordability Can you provide a list of all COA development related fees in addition to proposed commercial PLD fee, including a Brief explanation/estimate/range of what a developer would pay for each of the fees. Any language about why fees are not the reason for "affordability issues." What percent of the total project cost the PLD fees would be. According to a proforma prepared by Cummings in 2021, cost per square foot to build a typical commercial building is anywhere between $148/sq ft - $657/sq ft, depending on the construction type, in Dallas, Texas. This estimate only accounts for ‘hard costs’ of construction, not the land acquisition, building design or contractor/developer overhead. Cost of parkland dedication fees currently range from $0.63/sq ft to $1.75/sq ft depending on the commercial building category. This is equivalent to about 0.27- 0.42% of the ‘hard costs’. The Development Services Website lists several fee schedules for different types …
