LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241118-004 Date: 11/18/2024 Subject: Increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Motion By: Commissioner Davis Seconded By: vice Chair Mehta Recommendation Grant additional authority to increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Library Commission recommends that Austin City Council supports the request for council approval from Austin Public Library and grants additional authority to increase the spending total allowed on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Rationale: The Austin Library Commission strongly recommends that the Austin City Council approve the request from Austin Public Library (APL) to increase the spending total on the existing wireless contract. This approval would allow APL to order 500 brand-new 5G Wi-Fi hotspots and gain access to an online management portal, enhancing the Library’s ability to serve the community’s digital needs. These new devices would replace the current hotspots, which are reaching the end of their useful life and are no longer able to meet the high demand from Austin residents. APL would cover the monthly service fees for these devices through its existing budget. The demand for Wi-Fi hotspots is significant, with a current waitlist of 234 people for just 29 available devices. Originally, APL had a larger pool of hotspots, but many have been lost, damaged, or are no longer functioning. By increasing the number of available devices, APL will be better positioned to meet the needs of underserved communities, providing equitable access to digital resources for those who may otherwise have limited or no internet access. Their goal is to add at least 300 new devices into circulation by January 2025, if not sooner, and assign additional devices to library branches for outreach services that help serve the community more broadly. This initiative supports Austin's broader digital equity goals, which were recently recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) when the City of Austin was named a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. Austin earned this designation for its ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and provide residents with affordable internet access, devices, and digital literacy programs. The City’s commitment to digital inclusion is evident in its support of various programs, such as the Technology Opportunities Program, the Community PC Program, and digital literacy training initiatives through partners like Austin Free-Net. …
N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T L a u r a T a d e n a C o m m u n i t y E n g a g e m e n t L i b r a r i a n THE POWER OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT B u i l d t r u s t a n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s F o s t e r s i n c l u s i o n a n d a m p l i f i e s v o i c e s R e f l e c t s c o m m u n i t y n e e d s D r i v e s i n n o v a t i o n a n d r e l e v a n c e I m p r o v e s a c c e s s a n d s t r e n g t h e n s o u t c o m e s STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT A P L M I S S I O N & V I S I O N M i s s i o n : I n s p i r e a l l t o d i s c o v e r , l e a r n , a n d c r e a t e . V i s i o n : B e a m o d e l o f e q u i t y , d i v e r s i t y , a c c e s s , a n d i n c l u s i o n . P U R P O S E A N D G O A L A s s e s s a n d e n h a n c e h o w e f f e c t i v e l y A P L e n g a g e s w i t h …
1 Director’s Report November 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….6 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………….7 Circulation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..8 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10 Volunteers.………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….………………….11 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 HIGHLIGHTS APL Hosts Netherlands & Dutch Caribbean APL hosted an International Study Visit for 24 library professionals from the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean. The four-day event featured collaborative roundtables, in-depth discussions with APL's Executive Leadership Team, and presentations on community engagement, school partnerships, and outreach strategies led by Jennifer Peters, Laura Tadena, Jenny Stirrat, and Melissa Sanchez. The group visited library locations, including the Central Library, St. John Branch, Windsor Park Branch, Terrazas Branch, Austin History Center, and African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. The group also had the opportunity to tour Austin City Hall and view the People's Gallery. The event concluded with a reflection session, which helped to foster cross-cultural insight and innovative approaches to library services. Nature Smart Libraries New Project! Pollinator Garden at Ruiz and Cepeda Branch Libraries Austin Public Library is in the planning and design stage of installing pollinator gardens at both Ruiz and Cepeda. The gardens will serve as a resource for educating the community about the importance of pollinators and connecting people with nature APL and Roots and Wings! APL is participating in the Roots and Wings Festival and is offering a variety of programs that highlight nature, creativity, and environmental stewardship. One highlight is the Urban Forest Explorers Nature Play Kit, which was made possible by a Roots and Wings grant. The kits will circulate with PARD’s Loose Parts Kit and will also be available in the youth areas of Cepeda, Ruiz, and Twin Oak Branch Libraries throughout the festival. APL Branch and Librarian Spotlight - Kayla De La Portilla @ Terrazas Branch Terrazas recently completed its renovation and the children's area now includes elements of nature play in the space. Kayla De La Portilla, Youth Librarian, has helped transform the area by introducing engaging, hands-on activities that connect children with the natural world. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) The AACHF recently played host to the City of Austin's Equity Office for their "Equity 101" workshop, a pivotal event aimed at fostering, understanding and promoting inclusivity within the community. This workshop provided participants with foundational knowledge on equity principles, highlighting the importance of addressing …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 28 OCTOBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the John Gillum Branch Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Magen Davis, Mark Smith Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo, Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León spoke to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 23, 2024, special called meeting. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 23, 2024, were approved with amendments on a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Chair Mehta, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. The amendments were as follows: 1. Corrections to the spelling of “African” in the first sentence of the minutes. Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 2. Correction of Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s name in the Approval of Minutes and Discussion and Action Items sections’ 3. Capitalization of the word “Commission” in the Public Comment and Staff Briefing Sections 4. Addition of the statement, “Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns” in the Approval of Minutes section. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns. STAFF BRIEFINGS Librarian III. 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, The presentation was made by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The presentation was made by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 4. Staff briefing on the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule The motion to approve the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. The update was given by Commissioner Herrera Moreno. Carlos León provided public …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB November 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Planning Process Planning Team Coordinating and Project Managing the Planning Process ● ● ● ● ● ● City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team Issue Area Groups Goal and Strategy Development Community Food Ambassadors Community Connections Community Advisory Committee ( CAC ) Advisory body overseeing the planning process Public Engagement General Public and Community Input The Public Engagement Phases We are here IFC from Austin City Council ● Develop an asset map of available resources and current food ● Create a roadmap with actionable steps for the City to prioritize and ● Identify ongoing funding and partnership opportunities to implement system conditions lead Plan strategies ● Continue to engage and support community-based organizations, school districts and higher education entities, small and large businesses, faith communities, grassroots initiatives, and individual community members to collaboratively achieve all goals within the Plan ● Identify and clearly define leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan, including defining metrics and measurements of success, to return to Council with an update by March 2025, and to thereafter provide biannual updates on the implementation of the Plan ● Identify and prioritize the strategies within the Plan that address racial inequities and have a large impact on displacement, food access and insecurity, food workers, emergency food preparedness and response, and agricultural land ● Identify funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package ● Before the end of the Plan’s initial five-year time frame, the City Manager is directed to work with the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board and Plan partners to assess the state of the Plan and provide a recommendation to update the Plan accordingly Insert IFC Gant Chart Strategy 9.1 Launch an inclusive, community-based food collaborative or network that brings together businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, government, funders, and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, prioritizing community involvement on a regular basis Approach ● City and County staff are exploring a funding opportunity for an implementation coalition ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have more detail before the end of the year ● …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD NOVEMBER 15, 2024 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Kergin Bedell Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Nicole Golden Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice-Chair Tracy Shawn Faye Mills Roy Woody Katy Jo Muncie AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Downtown Austin Community Court Annual Report update and discussion on Fiscal Year 2024 accomplishments – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC Briefing and discussion regarding Data Maximization and implementation of new Homeless Services software – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist, DACC Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 15, 2024 – 12:00 PM CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. Kim Taylor (D-8) Holly Reed (D-10) CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lane Becker (Mayor), Chair Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on September 20, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development that requires City Council approval and/or committee and board recommendations. (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 1. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist III; Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department. Discussion and approval of setting the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee 2025 regular meeting schedule. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) 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 Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov, for …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024, at 1183 CHESTNUT AVE in Austin, TX. Chair Becker called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Lane Becker. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed (joined at 12:08 p.m.), Pedro Villalobos. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 19, 2024. The minutes from the regular meeting of January 19, 2024, were approved on Chair Becker’s motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second, on a 3-0 vote. Board Member Reed off dais. Board Member Taylor absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development that requires City Council approval and/or committee and board recommendations Denisha Cox, Contracts Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on the reasoning for the extensions, whether the extension will come back to the Parks Board. 2. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 No action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the inter local agreement between AISD and the City of Austin to provide culture and language revitalization programs. Michelle Rojas, Culture and Arts Education Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the reasoning for a one- year contract with five one-year extensions, the points of negotiation, and the impact to PARD budget. The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve the inter local agreement between AISD and the City of Austin to provide culture and language revitalization programs was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Reed’s second on a 4-0 vote. Board Member Taylor absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM None. Acting Chair Villalobos adjourned the meeting at 12:28 p.m. without objection. These minutes were approved at DATE Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee meeting on …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE (3rd Friday every two months beginning in January at 12:00 p.m.) January 17, 2025 March 21, 2025 May 16, 2025 July 18, 2025 September 19, 2025 November 21, 2025
HOMELESS SERVICES CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE DACC Advisory Board November 15, 2024 Bailey Gray, LCSW, MPAff Business Process Specialist DATA MAXIMIZATION Purpose: An effort to research, plan, and implement a cohesive departmentwide data strategy. Initial phase evaluated current data collection landscape and future data needs at DACC. Actions and resources identified as needed to achieve a proactive and intentional purpose, collection method, and usage practices around data include: Form digitization Customer Satisfaction Demographic deep dive Reporting Visualization Data Policy Storytelling New Homeless Services Software NEW HOMELESS SERVICES SOFTWARE Staff Desires Primary Considerations • Neither too clinical, nor too defender oriented. • Flexibility • Streamlining • Standardization • Data integration • Cost • Security • Accessibility • Customization • Reporting Capabilities • Scalability BONTERRA/ SOCIAL SOLUTIONS APRICOT Currently used by The Other Ones Foundation (TOOF), Austin-Travis County EMS, Family Eldercare, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, SAFE, Austin Public Health, and Housing Authority of the City of Austin Founded by Social Workers Configured for clientele with little to no IT resources No HIPAA or scalability concerns Permission settings allow access to partner agencies Drag and drop reporting approach in addition to templates PROGRESS & NEXT STEPS Successfully incorporated DACC access to software in active EMS contract as an amendment, approved by Council on August 29, 2024 Project roles include Project Manager, System Admins, and Subject Matter Experts Projected 26-week timeline for implementation began October 31, 2024, with data migration from eCourt tentatively scheduled for late March 2025 Build out aspirations include incorporating our list of clients on a behavior plan, waitlist for case management, referral system, and caseload management QUESTIONS? Bailey Gray, LCSW, MPAff Bailey.Gray@austintexas.gov 512-974-4815
COMMUNITY COURT NEWS A newsletter brought to you by DACC’s Communications Team Top stories in this newsletter JULY-SEPT. 2024 Annual DACC Retreat Mentor Court Site Visit Partner Spotlight DACC’s Numbers Annual DACC Retreat Thank you all for participating in our recent annual staff retreat, aimed at providing opportunities for professional development and networking with your colleagues. Thank you to Chris Anderson for all the time he poured into ensuring we had a fun day together with a meaningful agenda! Help us plan for next year – Leadership is evaluating what went well and areas for improvement to make sure our retreat next year is even more enjoyable and valuable for you all. We appreciate the feedback we’ve already received from staff, and encourage you all to share any input with any member of DACC’s leadership team to help us in our planning efforts for next year! DACC Participation in Work Study Program As of July 26, 2024, DACC has been approved as a Federal Work Study Site for University of Texas at Austin students. So Yong Kim, Yvonne Mboss, Jenna Pywell, and Chris Anderson represented DACC at the UT Austin Work-Study & Part Time Job Fair in August, and the position was posted on UT’s platform, through which DACC received 76 applications. The top two candidates have been identified following an interview process, and are expected to start in October. These two positions will work 12-16 hours per week through May 2025, and will provide administrative support to the Court Services and Homeless Services units. Tasks may include sorting mail, scanning clients’ vital docs, answering the phone calls or other administrative tasks each unit identifies as priorities. How it Works – Students are hired by UT Austin and DACC at the same time; Federal Work Study pays up to $3,500 per semester for their work and DACC pays the remaining balance. This approach creates great opportunities for students while providing critically needed support for our department. Thank you, So Yong Kim for your leadership and bring this support for DACC online and create new opportunities for students! Mentor Court Site Visit DACC is serving as a Mentor three Court for including communities Las Dane County, WI, Vegas, NV, and Paterson, NJ. On September 24, representatives from each of these communities, along with the Center for Justice Innovation who oversees the Mentor Court program, visited DACC to learn inform enhancements in …
Parks and Recreation Department Contracts Under Development Concessions and Contracts Committee Nov-24 Contract/Project Contract Type Phase NCP S / NS CCC PARB Council Notes Watercraft Concession at Barton Creek Recreation Management System Software Interlocal Agreement with AISD/S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education) Swim Concession P/D N TBD TBD TBD Services P/D NCP Feb-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Interlocal P/D NCP NS Jan-25 Jan-25 Feb-25 S S Interlocal Agreement with AISD/ Go Project Interlocal P/D NA NS TBD TBD TBD PARD is awaiting further direction from Central Procurement and Real Estate Services regarding next steps in the procurement process. In the meantime, a contract extension for one-year with a one-year option was offered to the concessionaire to avoid a break in services. The new solicitation was released on September 16, 2024 and closed October 31, 2024. Eight responses were received. Those deemed responsive will be evaluated. Project SAFE is an aquatic safety education and swim training program provided to the Austin Independent School District by the City of Austin’s Aquatic Division. Each spring, students are invited to their nearby City of Austin-operated aquatic facility for a two-week long learn-to-swim session. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curriculums approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City's hope that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. At the conclusion of the program, registration information will be provided for students to continue their learning by participating in additional City of Austin Parks and Recreation programs. The City and AISD entered into an agreement in 2005 relating to an educational program known as the GO PROJECT that is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age and that enables students to move beyond the high school setting and finish their education in a college or work environment. The City provides facilities for AISD's use in providing such classes to the identified students and is interested in continuing to do this. As the current agreement in almost 20 years old, the City wants to revisit and refresh the agreement to better meet all needs. Interlocal ACC Welding Program Partnership Interlocal P/D NA NS TBD TBD TBD Creating a partnership with Austin Community College’s (ACC) welding program. This program will allow students to gain firsthand experience working with historical iron fencing dating back to the 19th century. LEGEND 11/13/2024 Contract/Project …
2024 ANNUAL CONCESSION REPORT Presented by Karen Charles and Denisha Cox Contracts and Concession Committee Meeting November 15, 2024 AUSTIN CITY CODE Austin City Code § 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of each year, the director shall deliver a report to the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission on the concessions granted under this division. The annual report, prepared under this section, shall include: • The name of each concession operating in Town Lake • An income and expenditure statement for each • The total number of watercrafts rented in Town Lake Metropolitan Park; concession; Metropolitan Park; and by a concession. • A statement describing any problems caused or created 2 Concessions Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse Butler Pitch and Putt EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboat Cruises Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Zilker Café (temporarily closed) Zilker Eagle Railroad Zilker Park Boat Rentals 3 3 Contract Terms 4 FY24 Gross Sales, Expenditures, and Payments to the City s n o i l l i M $3.5 $3.0 $2.5 $2.0 $1.5 $1.0 $0.5 $0.0 Butler Pitch and Putt (Pecan Grove Golf Partners) EpicSUP Expedition School Lone Star Riverboats Rowing Dock Texas Rowing Center Gross Sales Reported Expenditures Payments $3,167,723 $1,087,331 $255,218 $346,788 $213,122 $42,302 $28,877 $12,986 $2,712 $1,111,905 $1,098,532 $91,995 $1,696,571 $1,226,323 $175,953 $2,453,441 $2,102,044 $359,170 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse $3,387,564 $3,064,653 $12,000 Zilker Eagle $315,563 $268,229 $- Zilker Park Boat Rentals $976,444 $645,066 $92,985 5 $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $- Annual Gross Sales Since 2020 Total Gross Sales FY20 $6,722,615 FY21 $12,380,735 FY22 $15,994,081 FY23 $13,554,936 FY24 $13,482,808 6 6 Capital Improvements Butler Pitch and Putt – $93,894 • New well water pump • Seasonal tree maintenance • Sod/Turfgrass installation • Updates to the putting green drainage system • Metal roof installation over outdoor trellis structures Rowing Dock – $6,676 • Ground Improvements 7 Concessions Outside of Lady Bird Lake Permit Type Term Permits Issued Cost / Permit Revenue Commercial Use – Food or Other Specific Park Use Commercial Use – Fitness Trainers Commercial Use – Performing Artists Golf Concessions (4 golf courses) TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED Six month Single day Six month Single day N/A 22 (7,120 attendees total) 62 29 N/A $500-$1500 $50 $50/trainer $20/sound $0.45/attendee $10 N/A $22,825 $4,434 $280 $497,829 $525,368 8 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations Environmental Impact In new …
Contents 4 4 6 7 8 11 13 14 Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Concession Locations ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Concession Contracts ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 Contract Terms Solicitations and New Contracts Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Zilker Café ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Contract Extensions Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Austin Rowing Club at Waller Creek Boathouse ................................................................................................................ 6 EpicSUP/The Trail Conservancy .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Rowing Dock ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Zilker Park Boat Rentals...................................................................................................................................................... 8 Zilker Eagle ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Concession Sales, Payments, and Expenditures ................................................................................................................. 10 Expiring Contracts Other Contract Changes Revenue Share Payments Capital Improvements Public Benefit Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Austin Rowing Club .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Butler Pitch and Putt ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 EpicSUP............................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Expedition School ............................................................................................................................................................. 15 Lone Star Riverboat .......................................................................................................................................................... 16 Rowing Dock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Texas Rowing Center ........................................................................................................................................................ 16 Zilker Park Boat Rentals.................................................................................................................................................... 17 Zilker Eagle ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17 i Concessions Outside of Town Lake Park ............................................................................................................................ 18 Parks and Recreation Board Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 19 Environmental Commission Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 19 Short-Term Permits Concessions at Golf Courses Toxic Algae and Extreme Heat Transportation Shuttles Public Benefit Watercraft Census New Concessions Carrying Capacity Zilker Eagle Update Appendix 1. Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Report FY24 ............................................................................ 24 Temporary Concession Permits and Commercial Use Revenue for Temporary Concessions and Commercial Use Summary of Revenue for Temporary Concessions Temporary Concession Permits – Six Month and Single Day Targeted Concessions Commercial Use – Fitness Instructors and Instructor-Led Classes Performing Artists – Balloon Artist and Face Painting Appendix 2. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste Information ............................................................... 27 18 18 20 20 20 20 23 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 26 26 ii Executive Summary The mission of the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is to inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. In carrying out its mission, PARD has established nine permanent concessions in Town Lake Park that provide recreation services. These services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs); rowing instruction and memberships; food and beverage sales; short-course golf; excursion boats; and a mini train. The concessions were established pursuant to City of Austin Code Section 8-1-71, which authorizes the director of the Parks and Recreation Department to allow a person to operate a food or beverage, rental, or service concession in Town Lake Park. Additionally, Section 8-1-73 requires that on or before January 31st of …
Austin Water Lake Water Protection Program Contact: Chuck Deatherage, Supervisor, Water Protection Program, 512.972.1076, Charles.Deatherage@austintexas.gov CITY REQUIREMENTS Austin Water requires excursion boats to comply with all state and federal laws. Currently, only three excursion boats with marine sanitation devices have been permitted for use on Lady Bird Lake: Lone Star, Lone Star Riverboat (PARD Town Lake concession) • • MV Nighthawk, Capital Cruises • MV Pride and Joy, Capital Cruises City ordinance (Chapter 6-5, Article 3, Division 2) governs watercraft with marine sanitation devices. Austin Water’s Lake Water Protection Program oversees compliance by requiring each excursion boat with an on-board toilet (marine sanitation device) and each boat pump-out facility used for removing sewage from any boat or watercraft to obtain annual permits. In each case, the owner or operator must apply for a permit and follow permit display requirements. • • Excursion Boat with Marine Sanitation Device Permit Application Boat Pump-Out Facility Permit Application The ordinance authorizes the director of Austin Water to “inspect any boat, shore facility or boat pump-out facility at any reasonable time to determine compliance” with city code. Per this ordinance, Austin Water inspects each boat annually and checks for compliance with pump-out regulations. Failure to comply with any part of these rules may result in enforcement action, including fines of up to $2,000 per violation per day. Annual permit applications include the date of the most recent inspection, whether the applicant passed the inspection, and information about the waste removal method and provider. STATE REQUIREMENTS All boats and boat pump-out facilities must additionally comply with State of Texas Clean Water Certification Program requirements, whether or not the requirement to obtain a permit applies. In addition, owners and operators of all boats, marinas and shore facilities must meet other requirements related to boat sewage and sanitation facilities, including those addressing design, installation, operation, discharge prohibitions, record-keeping and waste documentation. Austin Lake Water Protection Plan and Marine Waste information FY 2019 I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct: Owner or Operator Print Name Owner or Operator Signature Date Office Use Only Application Info: Inspection Info: Received Date Application Complete? □ Yes □ No Inspection Passed? □ Yes □ No Date Inspector Initials If inspection failed, describe all violations noted and required corrective actions below: Permit Number Decal Number Permit Issued Date Permit Expiration Date Permit Info: Please forward the report to: …
