(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (6, JANUARY, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 6, JANUARY, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 6, JANUARY, 2025, PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO, AUSTIN, TEXAS. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Kevin T. Countie Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Luis Osta Lugo Shweta Padmanabha Adrian De La Rosa Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Kevin T. Countie Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Luis Osta Lugo Shweta Padmanabha Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL List name of speaker(s) and brief description of topic. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (REGULAR) MEETING on November 4, 2024. 1. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (6, JANUARY, 2025) The minutes from the meeting of (11/4/2024) were approved on Kevin Countie’s motion, Aditi Joshi second on a (9-0) vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Certified Welcoming update, proposal for an Office of Immigrant Affairs, Know Your Rights presentations, and Immigrant Inclusion Mini Grant. The presentation was made by (Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager at the Equity & Inclusion Office). PRESENTATION 3. Presentation regarding the Immigrant Hall of Honor initiative focusing on the contributions of immigrants after arriving to the U.S. The presentation by Sara Puig Laas, Board Director of the Immigrant Hall of Honor. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Welcome new Commission members to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. The Chair welcomed new Commissioners to the Board. 5. Discussion and update of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs review at the December 11, 2024, Audit and Finance Committee meeting due to the failure of the Commission to convene for a period of over six months. The Chair provided an overview of the Audit and emphasized the importance of meeting quorum each month. 6. Discussion on planning a retreat for all Commissioners for early 2025. Discussion was had and they are now planning the retreat for another time early in the year. 7. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ goals and objectives for 2025 budget recommendations as they relate to the Commission’s purpose and duties in City Code. Goals discussed were: public safety, economic development, life assessment, health care, financial literacy, legal literacy, U-Visas approval rate, educational system …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 3, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 3, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Enrique Duran II Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt David Holmes Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on December 2, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on December 2, 2024, was approved on Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo’s motion, Chair Ramírez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt was off the dais. Commissioner Orr was absent. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 6, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 6, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo’s motion, Commissioner Duran’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt was off the dais. Commissioner Orr was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 3, 2025 Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department to include an update on the support of the Los Angeles County wildfire fighting and mental health support for firefighters. The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. Update from the Downtown Commission representative on the recent presentation by Austin Police Department’s Downtown Area Command on East 6th Street security measures and pedestrian safety. Discussed. Discussion of the Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) coordination with public safety departments with David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer. The presentation was made by David Gray, Director, Homeless Strategy Office. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police Department, The SAFE Alliance, Travis County District Attorney's Office, Austin-Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) and members of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Project. The presentation was made by Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police Department; Marcy Alonzo, Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Police Department; Coni Stogner, Co-chief Program Officer, SAFE Alliance; Paula Marks, Director of Forensic Nursing, SAFE Alliance; José Garcia, Travis County District Attorney. Item 7 was taken up with Item …
Austin Police Department Academy Updates Public Safety Commission March 3, 2025 APD Academy Leadership 2 2 Kroll Recommendations 6 Kroll Reports – April 2021 – February 2024 84 Recommendations were made 80 Recommendations have been Implemented Of the 4 remaining Kroll recommendations: 3 are ON HOLD for Facility Improvements Only 1 was DECLINED for adjusting cadet lunch breaks 3 3 Timelines – Phase 1 Implementations Major Tasks Goal Completed Hire and Onboard Civilian Staff July 1, 2024 July 28, 2024 Review Academy Cadet Curriculum Establish Professional Advisory Committee July 1, 2024 September 27, 2024 October 1, 2024 May 7, 2024 Begin Phase 2 Implementations October 1, 2024 October 1, 2025 Establish Community Advisory Committee April 1, 2025 March 11, 2025 4 4 Kroll Recommendation Timeline Update Phase 1: Foundational Planning & Logistics Implement foundational recommendations necessary to enable development, implementation, and evaluation of remaining process recommendations Phase 2: Ongoing Implementation • Develop and implement remaining recommendations Progressive implementation strategy based on resource availability, dependencies, and prioritization • Monitor, evaluate, and refine implemented recommendations • Monitor, evaluate, and refine implemented recommendations • • Phase 3: Evaluation & Continuous Improvement • • In-depth reports on performance measures Foster a culture of continuous improvement Now – FY24 FY25 – FY26 Mid FY25 - Ongoing 5 5 Academy Data – Phase 2 Implementations Implementation Status 112 Tracked Tasks 69 Completed 30 in-Progress 13 Pending 6 6 Timelines – Phase 2 Implementations Major Tasks Goal Begin Course Evaluations & Instructor Evaluations March 2025 Development of Learner-centered Materials that Improve Cadet Academic Performance September 2025 Incorporate PAC/CAC Recommendations into the Curriculum March 2025 Develop Improved Mindfulness/Resiliency Curriculum for Cadets October 2025 Holistic Review of Cadet Schedule, Calendar, and Curriculum October 2025 Internal Audit Protocols: After-Action Data Report for Cadet Class End of the 152nd Cadet Class 7 7 Plans for Academy Curriculum Review • Professional Advisory Committee Provides Subject Matter Expertise in the APD curriculum Implement foundational recommendations to enable the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Cadet Curriculum • Monitor, evaluate, and refine curriculum • recommendations Community Advisory Council • Provides the balance between the APD PAC and the Community • Ongoing holistic review and improvement recommendations for APD Police Academy Foster a culture of continuous improvement • FY24 – Ongoing FY25 - Ongoing 8 8 Professional Advisory Committee PAC Subject Matter Experts Dr. Sean Roche – Co-Instructs Professional Policing Associate …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Recommendation 20250303-006: March 3, 2025 Date: Subject: Budget Recommendations for FY25-26 Budget Motioned by: Vice Chair Ruttan Seconded by: Commissioner Nguyễn WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission is tasked with reviewing public safety agency budgets and providing recommendations to the Austin City Council; WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has discussed topics with the Austin Fire Department, the Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, additional city departments, and community organizations that coordinate with our public safety departments; and WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions various departments have expressed programmatic and departmental needs; and WHEREAS, The Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, and Austin Travis County EMS provided backup materials and briefings at the June 2024 Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting 1 on their FY24-25 forecasted budgets and unfunded budget priorities and the commission passed a recommendation in support;2 and WHEREAS, several of the public safety departments’ identified unmet needs3 and the Public Safety Commission’s recommended priorities4 were not funded in the FY24-25 budget cycle; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Safety Commission recommends allocation of funds and use of all available means to incorporate the following public safety priorities into the FY25-26 Budget: 1 https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/306775 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430225 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Finance/Financial Transparency/Proposed Budget/FY25 Unmet Needs Report.pdf 4 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Finance/Financial%20Transparency/Proposed%20Budget/Combined%20Boa rds%20%26%20Commissions%20Report.pdf • Language Support & Access Materials - budget assessment and additional dollars to expand materials (both physical and online) to include more languages including ASL and Braille • Language Translation Devices - budget assessment and additional dollars for language translation devices, instant language assistants, and/or software for use in the field by public safety departments • Extreme Weather Preparedness - budget assessment of any outstanding unmet needs for public safety departments’ extreme weather response and geographic expansion of intake centers to increase access in frequent as extreme weather responses become more frequent • Urban Wildfire Prevention - assessment of funds needed to increase preparation, service, outreach and education to the city’s unhoused population and underserved areas of urban vulnerable to wildfires • Opioid Use Response - budget assessment and additional dollars for continued growth of Opioid Use Disorder Support Program, Buprenorphine Bridge Program, narcan administration, and narcan distribution through self-service stations • Workers Compensation - budget assessment and additional dollars for additional resources to assist public safety departments with workers compensation claims and for online portal and electronic communications for the monitoring and tracking of their workers …
DRAFT MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY25-26 20250303-11 Seconded By: Date: March 3, 2025 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY25-26 Motioned By: Recommendation: Directive to City Council for the City to invest in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The City of Austin has recently brought several related divisions under the umbrella of the newly-created department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME). The Music Commission recommends the following budget considerations to support and strengthen ACME’s endeavors going forward: • Fund all ACME staff salaries from General Fund, not HOT, reserving HOT funding for grants and other programs that represent direct investment in the music and cultural arts economies • Establish a nighttime music office role (full-time / part-time) to support and engage with the local nightlife and live music industry. • Extend the reach of efforts to publicize grants and city performance opportunities by incorporating community radio and hyperlocal/neighborhood publications into the marketing mix • Invest in city-owned or subsidized rehearsal and performance spaces available to artists at low cost. • Provide city support for small and medium festivals that present a wide ranfe of Austin’s music genres, via funding fee waivers, and permitting assistance. • Expand free the City’s live music events programming to give artists more paid opportunities • Invest in promotional and wayfinding signage in the urban core to promote live music • Fund resources and programming which helps small venues and independent promoters navigate city policies. • Invest in public safety programs for live music spaces without putting financial strain on venues. Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 • The Austin music industry is a major economic driver and a core component of our city’s brand. • Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help protect the city's economic growth. This includes supporting music venues, festivals, and events that hire local musicians, as well as initiatives that provide training and resources for musicians to build their careers and generate more income. • By investing in the music industry and supporting musicians in Austin, the city can maintain the vibrancy of its cultural identity and ensure the continued contribution of the music industry to the local economy. …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting March 3, 2025 Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Established February 24, 2025, ACME focuses on sustaining and growing Austin’s creative sector and consists of cultural programming previously housed at five City departments: • Impacted Department/Divisions o Aviation – Music and Events o Austin Public Library – Heritage Centers o Economic Development – Cultural Arts, Music & Entertainment, AIPP o Parks and Recreation – Cultural Centers, Office of Special Events, Heritage Tourism o Development Services – Austin Center for Events, Entertainment o Streamline staff coordination o Provide a more cohesive and accessible experience for residents and o Amplify the reach and effectiveness of joint initiatives Services • Goals visitors C I T Y O F A U S T I N Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Angela Means, ACME Director Angela is a seasoned public administration executive with over 25 years of experience in local government leadership, specializing in operational oversight, financial management, and customer-focused service delivery. Angela has served in key leadership roles across multiple City of Austin departments, including Development Services, Austin Code, Housing, and Parks and Recreation, where she gained more than a decade of experience enhancing public spaces, cultural programming, and community initiatives. She most recently served as Interim Director of Parks and Recreation. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Thank you! C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions?
Austin Live Music Fund - Update Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – March 3, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) agreements (95%) • 134 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 131 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (95%) • 130 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (85%) • 45 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees • 4 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (17%) C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Award Amounts 2025 Grant Award Budget - $4,800,000 • $300,000 award budget for $5,000 grants for 60 emerging artists (1-year agreements) • $3,500,000 award budget for $20,000 grants for 175 Professional Musicians and Independent Promoters (2-year agreements) • $1,000,000 award budget for $60,000 grants for 17 Live Music Venues (1-year agreements) C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Goals & Scoring Professional Musicians & Independent Promoters Working Group Priority Order – RECOMMENDATION 20250203-010 • Priority 1 (50% of score) – Past Music Industry Accomplishments • Priority 2 (25% of score) – Local Economic Impact • Priority 3 (20% of score) – Music Marketing • Priority 4 (5% of score) – Accessibility Program Staff Priority Order • Priority 1 – Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach • Priority 2 – Austin Music Economy Development • Priority 3 – Artist Development • Priority 4 – Music Industry Accomplishments C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin Live Music Fund – Goals & Scoring Live Music Venues Working Group Priority Order • Priority (25% of score) – Local Economic Impact • Priority (25% of score) – Programming & Outreach • Priority (25% of score) – Tourism • Priority (25% of score) – Previous City Funding Program Staff Priority Order • Priority 1 – Cultural Tourism Marketing & Outreach • Priority 2 – Austin Music Economy Development • Priority 3 – Live Music Venue Development C I T Y O F A U S T I N 2025 Austin …
MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY25-26 20250303-11 Nagavalli Medicharla Date: March 3, 2025 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY25-26 Motioned By: Recommendation: The Music Commission recommends to City Council investments in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The City of Austin has recently brought several related divisions under the umbrella of the newly created department of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME). The Music Commission recommends the following budget considerations to support and strengthen ACME’s endeavors going forward: Tami Blevins Seconded By: • Fund all ACME staff salaries from General Fund, not HOT, reserving HOT funding for grants and other programs that represent direct investment in the music and cultural arts economies. • Establish a nighttime music office role (full-time / part-time) to support and engage with the local nightlife and live music industry. • Extend the reach of efforts to publicize grants and city performance opportunities by incorporating community radio and hyperlocal/neighborhood publications into the marketing mix. • Invest in city-owned or subsidized rehearsal and performance spaces available to artists at low cost. • Provide city support for small and medium festivals that present a wide range of Austin’s music genres, via reduced fees and permitting assistance. • Expand the City’s live music events programming to give artists more paid opportunities. • Invest in promotional and wayfinding signage in the urban core to promote live music. • Fund resources and programming which help small venues and independent promoters navigate city policies. • Invest in public safety programs for live music spaces without putting financial strain on venues. • Provide free public transportations to free and open-to-the-public music events such as Free Week in the Red River Cultural District. 1 of 2 Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. • The Austin music industry is a major economic driver and a core component of our city’s brand. • Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help protect the city's economic growth. This includes supporting music venues, festivals, and events that hire local musicians, as well as initiatives that provide training and resources for musicians to build their careers and generate more income. • By investing in the music industry and supporting musicians in Austin, the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025030314: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) most recent experience highlighted concerns about the current funding practice for language accessibility for Boards and Commissions, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) who required live interpretation services during onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, The CoIA had delays in the onboarding and training of an LEP Commissioner, while these services were ultimately provided, there was some confusion among regarding which department or office was responsible for delivering the translation and interpretation services, resulting in delays in fulfilling the request; and WHEREAS, the current funding practice for covering translation and interpretation services for Boards and Commissions was identified not sustainable. No department supporting Boards and Commissions allocates 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy specific funds in the fiscal budget for these interpretation and translation services for Commissioners who need them; and WHEREAS, without a proactive funding system, resources are often diverted from other essential services and programs when a need arises. A sustainable funding plan is necessary; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) additionally encountered inconsistencies in the support process of an LEP Commissioner, …
LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Overview Where we are at and how it began LGBTQ+ Awareness To provide an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment that celebrates diversity, promotes understanding, and advocates for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Cultural Center Community Support Safe, inclusive space for community engagement, health resources, and cultural expression Deliver services and resources to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being Educate Celebrate Provide programs and workshops to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues. Create spaces for cultural expression, community building, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities and histories Community Needs Services Healthcare HIV/AIDS Resources Mental Health Transition Care Amenities Community Rooms Health and Wellness Space Food Pantry and Clothes Closet Accessible Support Youth and Family Support Legal Resources Community Resources Intergenerational Space Culture Performing Arts Space Library and Archives Events and Programming Community Hub Friendly Experiences Feasibility Study What is it? Role of the Task Force To evaluate and secure the funding, location, and financial plans necessary for establishing the Community Center, ensuring the project's feasibility and sustainability Forming of the Task Force The Commission will collaborate with the community to identify and nominate leaders, based on established selection criteria, with additional vetting by the city Responsibilities of the Task Force Conduct the Feasibility Study to evaluate funding, location, and financial planning for the Community Center What is the Feasibility Study A detailed analysis aimed at determining the viability of the Community Center project, focusing on its funding, location, and overall financial sustainability What happens after the Feasibility Study has finished its work Present the study's findings to both the City Manager's office and the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, which will then forward their recommendations to the City Council for action LGBTQ+ Awareness LGBTQ+ Awareness Community Engagement ● We value ongoing feedback from the community throughout this process. ● Attend our meetings or directly engage with commissioners or city council to share your ideas and concerns. LGBTQ+ Awareness
LGBTQIA + Community Center Resolution 20240814-022: Commission Meeting & Town Hall Presentation March 3, 2025 Christine Maguire | Redevelopment Division Manager Agenda I. Resolution 20240814-022 II. Background III. City Facility Assessment IV. Other Similar Efforts V. Cost order of Magnitude VI. Potential Next Steps 03/03/2025 2 Resolution 20240814-022 Conduct a feasibility study to determine potential properties that can host an LGBTQIA+ community center, considering accessibility, location, and capacity to meet community need Establish task force with the LGBTQ Quality of Life (QOL) Advisory Commission o Identify opportunities for funding, including federal grants and public- private partnerships, to support the development and sustainability of the LGBTQIA+ Community Center o Should include all relevant community stakeholders Report to Council & LGBTQ QOL Advisory Commission with findings and recommendations by February 14, 2025 o Including potential sites, funding strategies, and a timeline for development 03/03/2025 3 Conduct a Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study to determine potential properties that can host an LGBTQIA+ community center, considering accessibility, location, and capacity to meet community needs • The LGBTQ QOL Advisory Commission is best positioned to provide a clear understanding of community needs, desired amenities/uses, and accessibility barriers. • The LGBTQIA + Quality of Life Study (2021) states that at least one community center is needed • Since 2023, the Commission has received testimony from key stakeholder groups that have discussed different development concepts work of the Resolution task force. • Establishing a record of Commission recommendations on a community center would advance the The Commission will receive the findings of the Working Group and provide recommendations to City Council based on the work of the task force and Commission. 03/03/2025 4 LGTBQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Working Group Actions of LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to date: • Town Hall meeting in April 2024 • Passed Recommendation 2020708-06 to City Council for the creation of a cultural center task force to study the feasibility including funding and report back by January 2025. • City Council passed Resolution 20240814-022 based on the Commission Recommendation. • Established Working Group (August 12, 2024) whose members have helped convene a larger task force • 2nd Town Hall meeting this evening 3/3/2025 03/03/2025 5 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study: Center Recommendation Investing in an LGBTQIA+ cultural center and cultural district that is inclusive of all community sectors (specifically LGBT older adults, people of color, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 3, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on March 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, 78752, Room #1405. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Brigitte Bandit KB Brookin Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Taylor Treviño Brandon Wollerson Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anna Nguyen: LGBTQIA+ Community Center Devin Alejandro-Wilder: Equitable Cultural Arts Funding Dani Ward: Homelessness + Low Income/Agendas APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on February 10, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Amend the annual schedule to change Commission meetings from the second Monday of every month to the third Monday of every month. The annual schedule was amended on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. Page 1 of 4 WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on the history of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center project. Presentation by the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Town Hall Working Group. Update by Vice Chair Benson and Commissioners Krueger and Davis. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Briefing regarding the state of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study as described in Resolution 20240814-022. Briefing by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. The presentation was made by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential vision and mission. Discussion was held. 6. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential amenities, services, and programming, and explain methods of collecting feedback. Discussion was held. 7. Receive input from members of the public regarding, besides a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, measures the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission could recommend to the City Council designed to enhance the health, safety, economic opportunity and affordability, mobility, cultural and learning opportunities, and government access and accountability for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discussion was held. 8. Discussion regarding distributing a resource packet for transgender and gender-expansive Austin residents. Update …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 3, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 3, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Enrique Duran II Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Pierre Nguyễn Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Saunders – Dog noise and vehicles blocking the driveway Carlos León – APL/APD Issues Rubén Rivera-Clemente Sr. – General Police Issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 3, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 3, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Duran’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt, Holmes, and Orr were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 3, 2025 3. 4. 5. Discussion of opioid use and mitigation efforts by Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. The presentation was made by Stephen White, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department and Angela Carr, Division Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Discussion of Office of Police Oversight's implementation of the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) and update on vacancies and hiring. The presentation was made by Gail McCant, Director, Office of Police Oversight, Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Manager, Office of Police Oversight, and Mia Demers, Public Safety Compliance Program Manager, Office of Police Oversight. Discussion of Austin Police Training Academy’s chain of command and progress of data- informed analytics as they relate to Kroll Report recommendations. The presentation was made by Gizette Gaslin, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department, Robert McGrath, Program Manager III, Austin Police Department and Dr. Madison Doyle. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Budget was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bernhardt, Holmes and Orr …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, virtual meeting. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:04 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Andrew Danziger, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Monica Maldonado, Bernardo Diaz, Taylor Davis. Staff in Attendance: Program Manager: Jaime Castillo. Project Coordinators: Frederico Salles Geib, Lindsay Hutchens, Rebecca Rende. Guests in Attendance: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, were approved on the motion of Kristi-Anne Shaer; Andrew Danziger seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from February 17th, 2025, Arts Commissions Meeting. Liaison Maldonado reported that all AIPP items were approved on consent. Liaison Maldonado also reported the Arts Commission desire to hear directly from artists when the projects in question have a higher budget than most. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Brush Square Art in Public Places Project – George Sabra. Final design was approved on a motion by Liaison Maldonado; Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 4. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Red Bud Isle Art in Public Places Project – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Artist, and Philippe Klinefelter Recommended Alternate Artist. The selection was approved on a motion by Andrew Danziger; Taylor Davis seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0. 5. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project – Bill Tavis Recommended Artist, Candy Kuo Recommended Alternate Artist, and Efren Rebugio Recommended Third Alternate Artist. The selection was approved on a motion by Liaison Maldonado; Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 6. ACTION: Approve the 2025-2027 Art In Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool. The Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool was approved on a motion by Bernardo Diaz; Kristi- Anne Shaer seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 7. DISCUSSION: Approve the Guidelines Workgroup Update invitation for an Arts Commissioner to participate in the process. Discussion will continue. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones: Program Manager Jaime Castillo provided an update on the De- Accession process at the Austin Convention Center. Staff Frederico Geib shared opportunities for community engagement with artist Reginald Adams. Staff Frederico Geib shared the upcoming selection …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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 Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Kurt Lockhart Raisch Tomlanovich Christopher H. Sokol Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Edward Selig Timothy Stostad, Chair Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Luis Osta Lugo Michael Francis CALL TO ORDER 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on January APPROVAL OF MINUTES 22, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2024-148420 Property address: 5338 Thunder Creek Road / Owner: Koo Family Real Estate, LLC Staff presenter: Keenan Curry Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure 3. Case Number: CL 2025-002138 Property address: 1803 Briar Hill Drive / Owner: Helen M Peterson (aka Helen Altobello) Staff presenter: Jason Henley Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2025-002998 Property address: 2000 Burton Drive – Building 25 (aka 2101 Burton Drive, aka Array Apartments) / Owner: Array Holdings LSP LLC, et al. Staff presenter: Kevin Berry Staff recommendation: Repair Repeat Offender …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten 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 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Curtis Wyman Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten 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. Sarah Lass, Immigrant Hall of Honor National Museum shares a video to introduce the nonprofit. Scott Johnson, requesting funds for utility assistance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on DECEMBER 18, 2024. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s DECEMBER 18TH, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING were approved at the JANUARY 22nd 2025 REGULAR MEETING on COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s motion, COMMISSIONER ELAINA FOWLER’s second, on a 9-0 vote (Off the dais: Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis). Briefing from David Gray, Officer of the Homeless Strategy Office and Mandy DeMayo, Department Director of Housing and Planning updates on their offices and departments fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as they relate to City programs and services for housing and residents experiencing homelessness. Mandy DeMayo shares the source of funds from the City’s FY25 Budget equal $96.3M. She also shares that Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)’s Site-Based PSH comes from Capital, Wrap Around Services, and Rental Subsidy. Currently there are 480 …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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 Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. REVISED AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Kurt Lockhart Raisch Tomlanovich Christopher H. Sokol Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Edward Selig Timothy Stostad, Chair Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Luis Osta Lugo Michael Francis CALL TO ORDER 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on January APPROVAL OF MINUTES 22, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2024-148420 Property address: 5338 Thunder Creek Road / Owner: Koo Family Real Estate, LLC Staff presenter: Keenan Curry Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure 3. Case Number: CL 2025-002138 Property address: 1803 Briar Hill Drive / Owner: Helen M Peterson (aka Helen Altobello) Staff presenter: Jason Henley Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2025-002998 Property address: 2000 Burton Drive – Building 25 (aka 2101 Burton Drive, aka Array Apartments) / Owner: Array Holdings LSP LLC, et al. Staff presenter: Kevin Berry Staff recommendation: Repair Repeat …
