Palm District Planning Initiative Downtown Commission Briefing January 17, 2024 Content Background Plan Overview Council Action Next Steps Background Develop a shared vision for a complex, culturally rich, and rapidly transforming part of downtown Austin. 4 5 Resolution 20190523-029 Palm School Negotiations Rainey Street District Fund Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Convention Center Expansion District Planning Process Improved Connectivity 6 Planning Process: 2019-2020 – Initiation – Pre-Planning – AIA Orientation Visit – Existing Conditions Report 2021 – Kick Off – Community Visioning Forums – AIA Virtual Meetings and Report – Targeted East Austin Engagement – Listening Report 2022 – Draft Vision Framework – Scenario Planning Workshops and Survey – Preferred Scenario – Implementation Planning – Draft Plan 2023 – Planning Commission Review – Council Review and Adoption 7 Plan Overview VISION The Palm District is a vibrant historic hub of downtown where the past is honored, culture is celebrated, and the future is shaped. Dense transit-oriented development is balanced with history and natural spaces creating physical connections that invite people to move easily to and through the district. The district is a dynamic place, growing and evolving, while actively retaining families and individuals who have traditionally called this place home. Creativity and innovation are cultivated, and people from Austin and beyond are welcome to live, relax, work, play, learn, and connect with others. 9 INCLUSIVE GROWTH Growth in the district will provide a prosperous future for longtime and recent residents and for established and new businesses. 10 CULTURE The district will become a destination that celebrates its multi- cultural heritage. 11 CONNECTION Physical, cultural and social connections will be strengthened within downtown and between East Austin and downtown. 12 NATURE The natural environment will be preserved and enhanced by restoring existing natural and open spaces and pursuing high standards of sustainable design and development with a focus on green infrastructure. 13 Recommendations Timing Sponsor Theme Recommendation • Build on investments and programs already underway • Guide and coordinate future actions 15 Palm District Plan will Provide Guidance To: IH 35 Reconstruction and Cap and Stitch (Lead: Corridor Program Office) Project Connect (Lead: Austin Transit Partnership) Convention Center Reconstruction (Lead: Convention Center) Waterloo Greenway Phase II and III, including Palm Park (Lead: Waller Creek LGC) Palm School Site Visioning (Lead: Travis County) Red River …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Robert Goode, Interim Assistant City Manager FROM: Richard Mendoza, Transportation and Public Works Director DATE: December 8, 2023 SUBJECT: Seaholm Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #18 Project List Recommendations _______________________________________ We want to share with you a recommended project list for consideration, based on Mayor and Council’s input, for those funds remaining through the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #18 (TIRZ), once closed. Seaholm Redevelopment District TIRZ # 18 Overview The project and financing plan for TIRZ #18 included funding for construction of a bicycle and pedestrian underpass underneath the railroad tracks at Bowie Street (commonly referred to as the “Bowie Underpass” project). Despite extensive negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad, a project agreement could not be reached. We are proposing some renovations to that original Underpass Project, but please know that we cannot move forward with the entire project as originally envisioned. Stakeholder Engagement and Recommended Alternatives Transportation and Public Works (TPW) staff convened multiple input sessions with stakeholders including community- based non-profits, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Council representatives, real estate professionals, property managers, and neighborhood association leadership. New suggested alternatives include near-term and long-term options informed by not only the Mayor and City Council but also the Shoal Creek Conservancy’s Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy as well as recommendations in the Austin Bicycle Plan, Urban Trails and Sidewalk plans. With that as a backdrop, TPW staff recommends the following projects in order of priority (also included identified on attached map). Page 1 of 2 Project Number Project Name and Description (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Shoal Creek Trail Underpass at the 3rd Street Bike/Ped Bridge – This project will eliminate the existing sharp turns and blind curves to improve north-south and east-west trail movements by routing the Shoal Creek trail underneath the 3rd Street bike/ped bridge and improve overall trail connections to 3rd Street. Expanded 3rd Street Bike/Ped Bridge and Study of the 3rd Street Trestle Bridge – This project will improve the quality and comfort for people crossing 3rd Street bicycle and pedestrian bridge by widening the current constrained connection, estimated at $4M, to better manage increasing volumes of people walking and bicycling. This project will also include the study and preliminary design of a public plaza at the 3rd Street trestle bridge, estimated at $1M for study and preliminary design. Because …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, January 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL will be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via videoconference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email alexandra.irrera@flyaustin.com or 512-530- 5126. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison, Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 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 Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on December 4, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on ‘Setting the tone for 2024’ by Chair Lemmo Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action items from the December 2023 Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado Discussion of AIPP Panel working group to review AIPP program policies (AIPP Ordinance, Guidelines, Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Planned Unit Development (PUD), Public Improvement District (PID), and Equity Statement) Discussion of In-Person vs. Virtual AIPP Panel Meetings Discussion: Review the Mid Design for Slaughter Lane Corridor: Segment A AIPP Project – Yuliya Lanina DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ACTION: Approve the Modified Final Design for the Comal Pocket Park AIPP Project – Dana Perrotti 7. STAFF BRIEFINGS Project Managers Updates – AIPP Staff Collections Manager Report – Sean Harrison 8. 9. 10. AIPP Program Manager Update – Constance Y. White 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 contact Alex Irrera at the Aviation Department at alexandra.irrera@flyaustin.com or 512-530- 5126 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the …
3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION January 8, 2024, 6:30PM AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, Special Events Center 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will only be allowed in-person. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Shane Bartell, Tami Blevins, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 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 Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on November 6, 2023. 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Update on Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on consultant evaluation of the Live Music Fund program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion after presentation by Anne Gatling Haynes of Austin Economic Development Corporation on Cultural Trust next steps. Discussion following update on Community Navigators by Community Navigator representative. Discussion after presentation on Musician Treatment Foundation’s (MTF) work in the music community by Irene Chang-Cimino, Executive Director, MTF. Discussion on musical performances for Music Commission meetings following update by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Discussion on all ages shows and how we support youth in Austin. Discussion on music journalism and access to media coverage in Austin. Discussion on music commission budget recommendations. Discussion on calendar for Live Music Fund awardee events. 12. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on recommendation regarding economic impact of and funding for Red River Cultural District following update by Nicole Klepadlo, RRCD Interim Executive Director. Discussion and possible action on recommendation for Austin Record Convention subsidies from the City of Austin. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION DECEMBER 4, 2023 at 4PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Boards and Commission Room #1101 301 WEST 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Janet Jackson, (512) 974-5747, or Janet.jackson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair David Holmes John Kiracofe Cory Hall-Martin Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Lauren Peña Timothy Ruttan Yasmine Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 4:00pm speak) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 4:00pm-4:05pm (from speakers signed up to The first three 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 4:05pm-4:10pm 1. Approve the minutes of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING on November 6, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS: 4:10pm-4:15pm 2. Staff Briefing to provide follow up responses to questions presented at November 6, 2023 meeting regarding items 3, 4 and 5 on the AFD quarterly report, language access policies, and victim services. DISCUSSION 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report – Austin Travis County EMS (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez and Bernhardt) 4:15pm - 4:30pm 4. Discussion of Office of Police Oversight’s under new leadership, implementation of APOA and Resolution 99 with Equity Action and community leaders (Sponsors: Commissioners Ruttan and Ramirez) 4:30pm-5:10pm 5. Discussion of Sobering Center and its cooperation with public safety agencies with Executive Director Laura Elmore (Sponsors: Commissioners Smith & Bernhardt) 5:10pm-5:50pm WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. CSCRM Working Group Update (Sponsors: Commissioners Ramírez and Orr) 5:50-5:55pm FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – 5:55pm-6:00pm ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Janet Jackson, Austin Police Department, at 512-974-547, for additional information; TTY …
Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 Video Links to Related Commissions Item 5 December 2023 Arts Commission Meeting https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/291890 Item 6 January 2024 Historic Landmarks Commission Meeting https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/294602 Item 7 December 2023 Music Commission Meeting https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/283339?ts=2240 Item 8 November 2023 Parks and Rec Commission https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/281910 Item 9 January 8 Public Safety Commission https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/293639 Item 11 Last Design Commission meeting https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/285384
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023 The Downtown Commission convened a special called meeting on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Taylor Major Ann Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd Jen Weaver COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Kimberly Levinson Amy Mok Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:31 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission October 18, 2023, Regular meeting. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Taylor on a vote of 7-0. Commissioners Coufal, Franklin, Holmes, Ishmael, Larosche, Lavigne, Lickteig, and McKinney were absent. BRIEFINGS 2. Rachel Castignoli and Kirk Scanlon of the Transportation and Public Works Department gave a briefing on the city’s autonomous vehicle working group. Presentation was made by Rachel Castignoli, Business Process Consultant Sr, Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Cody Scott of the Austin Public Library Department presented on the Austin Public Library’s Heating and Cooling initiative. Presentation was made by Cody Scott, Facilities Manager, Austin Public Library. 4. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission. Withdrawn. Withdrawn. Withdrawn Withdrawn 5. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission. 6. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission. Commissioner Ann Charlotte Patterson updated the Commission on discussions and actions by the Music Commission which was to recommend to Council to direct Convention Center staff to create an advisory board for the convention center expansion. 7. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board. 8. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission. 9. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Commissioner Schumacher updated the commission on discussions and actions by the Urban Transportation Commission which was to recommend amendments to City parking code and bike parking update to the Criteria Manual in 2024. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Bike parking updates to the Title 25 of the Land Development Code (Chair Harris and Commissioner Schumacher) ADJOURNMENT: Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm without any objection.
Item 3 # 23-3641 Water & Wastewater Commission: January 17, 2024 Council: February 1, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for hydrogen peroxide solution, feed system, and maintenance with US Peroxide, LLC d/b/a USP Technologies, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,275,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $655,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 KMF1015 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on August 21, 2023, and closed on September 14, 2023. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bid received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Documents. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action January 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information The contract will provide the hydrogen peroxide chemical, chemical storage tanks, feed systems, and associated installation and maintenance services, including all labor, materials, equipment, and supplies. The 50% hydrogen peroxide solution is used for removing hydrogen sulfide to prevent odor and corrosion within wastewater collection and treatment systems. This contract replaces a contract expiring on March 30, 2024. The requested authorization is based on historical spending and departmental estimates of future needs. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these goods and services. If a contract is not secured, the City will not be able to prevent odor and corrosion within its wastewater collection systems. Item 3 # 23-3641 Water & Wastewater Commission: January 17, 2024 Council: February 1, 2024 PRICE ANALYSIS a) b) Solicitations: 1,232 notices were sent, including 68 MBE and 42 WBE firms with no M/WBE firms responding. Cost Analysis: The proposed contract pricing is 18.08% higher than the previous contract with the BLS showing a 40.7% increase in the market.
Austin Water Winter Weather Preparation Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Director | January 17, 2024 Water and Wastewater Commission Austin Water Winter Weather Preparation Hardened equipment and facilities + fleet preparation Provided winter weather toolkits and tips to customers Enhanced facility power resiliency Prepared emergency Staged personnel supplies communications Expanded incident management team with extreme weather activation thresholds Real-time outage map in place year-round Water distribution plans in place Winter Preparations Overview 3 Winter Preparation Activities Extreme weather activation thresholds set for the Incident Management Team Facility winterization check lists and continuity of operations (COOP) posted and accessible in VEOCI (Virtual Emergency Operations Center) Beginning each October, AW reviews winter SOPs, schedules preparatory work, and purchases necessary supplies and equipment Operational Readiness Water treatment plants maintain a baseline capacity of 235 MGD for operational and system readiness Equipment, materials, and people staged ahead of incoming weather Generators are in place at critical facilities, with emergency backup generator contracts that can be called in immediately when needed Plans, supplies and equipment are in place for community-wide potable water distribution Emergency Supplies Hub Warehouse Equipped for Incidents and Emergencies • Shelter in place supplies for staff: cots, blankets, meals ready to eat, bottled water, and hygiene kits • Emergency water distribution supplies for customers: bottled water, water totes, fire hydrant adaptors Two Potable Water Trucks Bottled Water Contracts Ready • Local vendor with supply on hand • Second vendor for multiple truck load shipments 6 Enhanced Emergency Management 7 Emergency Management Coordination and use of VEOCI system for all routine and emergency communication year-round Completed multiple emergency tabletop exercises in partnership with other City departments and agencies Conducting monthly emergency notification, life safety plan, shelter in place and/or emergency evacuation drills throughout our system Added an Emergency Plans Officer Senior focused on community resilience Incident Management Team Incident Management Team • Three rotating shifts • 34 positions • 154 named and trained staff • Clearly defined roles • Enhanced communications roles Incident Command System Training • Online and in-person training • Role specific • Hosting and instructing FEMA ICS-300 (Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents) classes in February, April, and July 9 Facility Winterization Preparation 10 Facility Winterization Preparation Water Treatment Plants Insulation of weather exposed critical components …
Bond Oversight Commission Discussion Items January 17, 2024 Executive Lead: Stephen Grace, PE Capital Delivery Support Assistant Director “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 Discussion Items • Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards • Capital Project Information Available from Project Health Assessments • Non-Construction Bond Programs • Audit and Finance Presentations City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 Discussion Items Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards City of Austin Capital Projects (austintexas.gov) https://capitalprojects.austintexas.gov/projects City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 3 Discussion Items City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 4 Discussion Items City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 5 Discussion Items Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards 2017 Dallas Bond Program 2017 Dallas Bond Project (dallascityhall.com) https://dallascityhall.com/departments/public-works/dallasbondprogram/Pages/default.aspx City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 6 Discussion Items Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 7 Discussion Items Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards • Discussion: • How does Commission think this can be a value for Council? For the Public? • What are the key items Commission would like to maintain or improve visibility? • Other recommendations? City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 8 Discussion Items Capital Project Information Available from Project Health Assessments • Overview • Discussion Items • Portfolio, Program, and Project Data Examples City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 9 Capital Project Information Available from Project Health Assessments Discussion Items • Overview • Content • Portfolio Level Review • Program Review / Individual Bonds • Project Review • Purpose • • Status Update (Scope, Schedule, Budget) Issue Resolution or Elevation Initial/Pilot - TPW (Mobility Bonds) • Audience • • Next – PARD • Next – Remaining Bond Infrastructure • Next – AW, WPD, AUS City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 10 Discussion Items Capital Project Information Available from Project Health Assessments City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 11 Discussion Items Capital Project Information …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20240117-002 Date: January 17, 2024 Subject: 2023 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Peter Einhorn WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has received a staff briefing of the 2023 Annual Report of City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Managed Concessions on Lady Bird (Town) Lake. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board regarding the concessions for Lady Bird Lake. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends continuation of the concession contracts on Lady Bird Lake with the following conditions: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Study and report the impact on watercraft rentals and use due to toxic algae and extreme heat. 2. Report back to commission about shuttles or transportation for underserved populations or people with limited abilities to the concessions and park. 3. Continue reporting on the public benefit concessions provide. 4. PARD staff should continue to review the number of public and private watercraft that are typically on Lady Bird Lake, what the safety strategies of City of Austin, and their ability to meet capacity. 5. Provide an update on any new concessions. 6. Provide information on how carrying capacity is being addressed. 7. Report on the Zilker Eagle reconstruction, track realignment, and environmental impacts be included in the final 2024 report. VOTE: 10-0 For: Ramberg, Bedford, Bristol, Brimer, Einhorn, Kruger, Nickells, Qureshi, Schiera, Sullivan Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: Cofer Absent: None Approved By: 1 Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2
in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramberg called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Haris Qureshi, Kevin Ramberg, and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Peter Einhorn, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alicia Valdes -Tree planting event APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on December 6, 2023 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on December 6, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Bedford’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Nickells and Cofer abstained. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the creation, continuation, termination, and status of a concession including issuance of a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II and Pat Rossett, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department 1 Speakers Denisha Cox, PARD (Parks and Recreation Department) Kimery Duda, Expedition School Patricia Rossett, PARD Suzanne Piper, PARD A motion to support the 2023 Annual Report of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Managed Concessions was approved on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Einhorn’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Cofer recused. COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Update from the Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, and Melinda Schiera Commissioner Brimer shared an update on the Urban Forestry Committee and asked members to share agenda items. 4. Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Brimer (alternate member) Commissioner Qureshi shared an update on a resolution on energy solutions from the Joint Sustainability Committee. 5. Update from the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Jennifer Bristol 6. Update from the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, and Kevin Ramberg 7. Update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board – David Sullivan Commissioner Sullivan shared an update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on January 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Chair Turrieta called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:01 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Jesse Penn, Alex Navarro, Mike Reyes, Shwetha Pandurangi, Judy Musgrove (remote), Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Commission Members Absent: Sam Angoori, Sabrina Reichert PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the November 8, 2023, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the November 8, 2023, regular meeting were approved with edits to Item 13 recognizing Commissioner Alex Navarro’s appointment to Austin Water’s Cost of Service Public Involvement Committee on Commissioner Navarro’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi off the dais, and Commissioners Angoori and Reichert absent. 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for underwater diving inspections with Specialty Offshore, Inc., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $740,000. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Penn’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi off the dais, and Commissioners Angoori and Reichert absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for hydrogen peroxide solution, feed system, and maintenance with US Peroxide, LLC d/b/a USP Technologies, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,275,000. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Penn’s motion and Commissioner Maxwell-Gaines’ second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi off the dais, and Commissioners Angoori and Reichert absent. 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an Advance Funding Agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for the relocation and adjustments of existing water and wastewater lines and appurtenances in conflict with the TxDOT Loop 360 at RM2222 and Courtyard Roadway Project in the amount of $8,871,283.20 plus a 10% contingency of $887,128.32 for a total amount not to exceed $9,758,411.52. (Districts 8 & 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Penn’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Pandurangi off the dais, and Commissioners Angoori and Reichert absent. 5. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute …
5. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: X abs X Raymond Castillo, Chair Tara Dudley Ben Heimsath MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 7, 2022 September 20, 2023 October 25, 2023 1. 2. 3. No action taken. 4. MOTION: Approve meeting minutes on a motion by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2- 0 DISCUSSION ITEMS November 15, 2023 Community Ambassadors and Mini-Grant Partner Organizations Ten community ambassadors selected Five Partner Organizations selected: Anderson Community Development Corporation, Creative Action, East Austin Conservancy, Taiwanese American Professionals – Austin Chapter, Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation Public release of the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Draft plan will be released on Feb. 6 Update Historic Landmark Commission members via Feb. 7 briefing and preservation plan newsletter Make Commission involvement clear in outward-facing communication Launch event Community kickoff event on Feb. 13 Future outreach and engagement around the draft plan Offer commissioners the opportunity to co-present with staff Request that Preservation Austin underrepresented heritage interns brief the full Commission on their work in May When meeting with Council members’ offices about the draft (late summer), invite commissioners FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commission Commissioners noted that they would like to discuss a budget recommendation for the ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Adjourn on a motion by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the board liaison at the Historic Preservation Office at (512) 974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas …
Bond Oversight Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2024 The Bond Oversight Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Charles Curry called the Bond Oversight Meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Charles Curry, Chair Ramiro Diaz Nicole Wren Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Stephen Gonzalez Francoise Luca Edward McHorse Santiago Rodriguez Kristen Weaver PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Bond Oversight Commission Regular meeting on November 15, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of November 15, 2023, were approved on Commissioner Ramiro Diaz’s motion, Commissioner Nicole Wren’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner, Santiago Rodriguez and Commissioner, Kristin Weaver off the dais and Commissioner John McNabb absent. 1 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboards. Discussion on the City of Austin’s Capital Project Explorer view of timelines, scopes, and cost information available in comparison to the example of the DTX Bond Dashboard. Discussion will continue at the February meeting for Commissioners to provide feedback and items for consideration as Capital Delivery rebuilds the current dashboard. Capital Project Information Available from Project Health Assessments Discussion on monthly Project Health Assessments information and its contents, including both public and non-public information, and the content available as of now and how Capital Delivery can translate the output of PHA’s to an oversight level. Non-Construction Bond Programs Discussion of the non-construction bond programs and how those funds are being tracked. Capital Delivery will extend and invite Health and Affordable Housing to provide update in the coming months. Inclusion of Audit and Finance Presentations Discussion on Audit and Finance presentation that reconciliation presentations are no longer needed at Bond Oversight Commission. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512- 974-7644. Chair Charles Curry adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m. without …
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair CHRISTOPHER WILSON called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:01pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Christopher Wilson (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amber Schleuning Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman Mark Balch Maria Brown-Spence Patrick Bissett Philip Reichert William Dahlstrom Commissioners Absent: Kevin Lenau (absent) Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Civil Rights PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 11/15/2023 were approved on Chair Christopher Wilson motion, second by William Dahlstrom on a 9-0 vote. K. Lenau was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence stated she had no update on working group to research nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County. Chair Wilson volunteered to research these nonprofits. Question was asked if there is a list anywhere that list all these nonprofits in an effort to seek out areas where the Veterans Affairs Boards and Commissions can assist. Question was also asked as to where the funding goes that the city receives for veteran programs. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence agreed to find someone that can speak on this subject. 3. It was determined that no other alternative locations will be considered and that the Commission on Veterans Affairs will continue meeting at it’s current location at PDC. 4. Discussed the best method to solicit speaks is by finding a list of nonprofits and have Chair Wilson solicit organizations to speak in an effort to determine the needs of our veterans in our community. Target speakers will be the Veterans Administration and nonprofits that assist veterans. 5. Discussed the status of the needs assessment that was submitted in July 2023, each of the commissioners agreed to reach out to their appointed council member to inquire of the status of the request. In addition, the commissioners inquired about studies that have been done in the past to include the city funded study by Combined Arms and other needs assessments studies funded by the state including a study by Texas A&M University conducted in 2020 and a study conducted by Texas State University conducted in 2017. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, agreed to forward …
