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Approved Minutes — original pdf
BOARD MEETING April 26, 2022 Mechanical and Plumbing Board APPROVED MINUTES The Mechanical and Plumbing Board convened in a Regular Called Meeting on April 26, 2022. Meeting took place at the Permit Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive. Board Chairman Cox, called the Meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephen Cox, William Harris, Robert Thornton, Bianca Tafares, Alex Ramirez, and Bobbi Jo Foster. Absent members: Joe Cooper, Dave Nichols, Kyle Smith and Joseph Hernandez Staff Members in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD), Charles Ablanedo (DSD), Chad Watson (DSD) and John Cruz (DSD). 1. GENERAL CITIZEN COMMUNICATION- No Citizen Communication signed to speak. 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the November 16 meeting was approved as written. Vice Chair Thornton made a motion to approve the minutes, board member Harris second the motion. Board member Ramirez added for a correction on Board member in attendance from November’s meeting to add his name that was not listed. Motion pass 6- 0 DISCUSSION AND ACTION: Election of Offices- Board member Harris nominated Stephen Cox as Chair. V. Chair Thornton second the nomination, Motion pass 6-0 to re-elect Cox as Chairman. Chairman Cox made a motion to nominate Robert Thornton as Vice Chair, board member Harris second the nomination, motion pass 6-0 to re-elect Robert Thornton as Vice. Chair. 3 4 DISCUSSION: not such been completed as Driveway/Sidewalk A. SOP with DSD and AWU on Water Meters- John Cruz, Program Manager of Construction with Site and Sub Utilities provided information on a new Standard Operating Procedure with water meters. In conjunction with the tap office and Austin Water Utility, water meters are able to be distributed to an entire subdivision for each address once it meets the requirements and it is accepted from TCEQ and the wastewater department. Previously before these meters for smaller and individual projects were being held up by processes that had or Environmental/landscaping issues. This new SOP process would eliminate the “hostage” situation of those water meter from those inspection process that were causing the hold. Board member Ramirez asked if there was a contingency plan in place if there was a meter that was either misplaced, stolen or used an incorrect manner from the accepted subdivision, Mr Cruz opted to have the Austin Water tap office answer that question. B. Interpretation of below grade full level parking garage- Commercial Mechanical Supervisor Charlie Ablanedo will …
Agenda — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD April 25, 2022 – 6:00pm City Hall Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board will 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 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. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-6716 or Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEMBERS: Dawn Lewis (D-10), Chair Richard DePalma (Mayor), Vice Chair Nina Rinaldi (D-1) Anna L. Di Carlo (D-2) Patrick Moore (D-3) Vacant (D-4) Sarah Faust (D-5) Lisa Hugman (D-6) AGENDA Nancy Barnard (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Laura Cottam Sajbel (D-9) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 28, 2022. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation and discussion related to the community engagement and outreach efforts for Zilker metropolitan Park Vision Plan. (PARD Long Range Strategies – Urban Public Spaces, Operational Efficiency, Park Access for All; SD23 Outcomes – Health and Environment, Government that Works for All). Presenter(s): Gregory Montes, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Motion: Chair Lewis 2nd: Board Member Faust 2. Presentation, discussion and possible action on Zilker Park Re-Wilding plan. Presenter(s): Robin Rather, Vice President of Parks and Environment, and Gail Rothe, Zilker Neighborhood Association. Motion: Board Member Faust 2nd: Chair Lewis Page 1 of 2 3. Briefing on Dove Springs Health Facility. Presenter(s): Kymberly Maddox, Assistant Director for Administration, Austin Public Health. Motion: Board Member Di Carlo 2nd: Chair Lewis 4. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding the Parks and Recreation Department community engagement process. (PARD Long Range Strategies – Urban Public Spaces, Park Access for All; SD23 Outcomes – Health & Environment, Culture & Lifelong Learning) Presenter(s): Suzanne Piper, Chief Administrative Officer and John Nixon, Communications & Engagement Manager, Parks and Recreation Department Motion: Board Member Faust 2nd: Chair Lewis 5. Briefing …
B1-1: Zilker Park Vision Plan Presentation — original pdf
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 25, 2022 ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN Project Schedule COMMUNITY MEETING #1 INTRO TO THE PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING #3 ALTERNATIVES PROJECT KICK-OFF FEB 1ST SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS POP-UP SERIES #1 POP-UP SERIES #2 FINAL DRAFT VISION PLAN REVIEW AND ADOPTION 2023 COMMUNITY MEETING #5 DRAFT PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION LATE 2022 FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 2 0 2 1 2022 TAG KICK-OFF MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING #2 PROGRAMMING COMMUNITY MEETING #4 PLAN CONCEPTS SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Vision and Goals Vision A transparent and well-documented community engagement process, which engages the city, but also seeks and considers the input of interested persons and parties with direct involvement in park and/or parties that are impacted by the park. The engagement process shall include guiding values, direction, and feature a clear step-by-step process, which includes presentation of the vision plan process. Goals 1. Educate the community about Zilker Park’s history, current City of Austin programs, operations, and future City of Austin operational needs, and provide opportunities for comment. 6. Identify and engage with PARD Parkners and other organizations, concessionaires, and groups associated with park programming. 2. Gather community input, feedback, and stories to develop a plan for the future of Zilker Park that represents the diversity of Austin. 3. Identify and educate the community on environmental considerations and respond to those considerations throughout the project. 4. Utilize equity strategies to develop community connections with and engage traditionally underserved and marginalized communities in Austin. 5. Provide opportunities for engagement that are accessible to all abilities. 7. Connect with communities around interpretive storytelling and placemaking to identify key opportunities in the park. 8. Correct any misinformation about the vision for the park and acknowledge any concerns or challenges identified by community members. 9. Create an environment of excitement for the proposed Vision Plan and future park development. 10. Create community support for the proposed Vision Plan and future park development. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Technical Advisory Group Community Engagement Goals: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was comprised of City of Austin representatives from various departments who provided technical expertise on different elements and concerns in and around Zilker Park. The members of the TAG ensured their department’s goals, policies, plans, and constraints were understood in relation to Zilker and communicated with …
B2-1: Memo Feedback on the Zilker Vision Plan '3 Concepts' — original pdf
To: City of Austin PARD, ZPVP Consultants, City Council and Community Members From: Zilker Neighborhood Association (ZNA) Parks + Environment Team including Members from Barton Hills NA, Bouldin Creek NA, Save Our Springs, Sierra Club and others. Date: March 31, 2022 Re: Feedback on the Zilker Vision Plan “3 Concepts” (PDF Posted by City/ February 15, 2022) DRAFT POSTED FOR COMMUNITY REVIEW AND DIALOG OVERVIEW The members of the ZNA Parks and Environment team has volunteered at least 315 man-hours since early 2021 focusing on attending meetings, offering ideas and analyzing various aspects of the Zilker Vision Plan. Why? Because we deeply love the park and also because we understand as the most adjacent neighborhoods and as leading environmental advocates, we have a responsibility to all the diverse neighborhoods and people in Austin to step up and help make sure the plan works for everyday residents who love it just as much as we do. After detailed review, we find that the 3 Concepts framework simply does not hold together as a coherent narrative. At our recent quarterly neighborhood meeting, nearly all those attending said the survey was confusing and frustrating. Thus, we have deconstructed the concepts into discrete ideas grouped by category for easier comprehension. We have also added alternative ideas where needed. We will update this document based on community dialog and as more details emerge. OVERALL VISION: REWILDING On March 23rd, 2022, Austin Neighborhoods Council, representing over 80 neighborhoods in every quadrant of Austin unanimously voted to endorse the Rewilding Plan we funded and made public as part of our engagement with this process. See https://www.atxanc.org/agenda- minutes-and-presentations and https://zilkerneighborhood.org/docs/zpmp/rewilding_zilker_park%20(Jan%202022).pdf Our vision is an inclusive, nature-based, recreational experience for the over one million annual visitors to the park and a showcase for climate, water quality and regenerative environmental stewardship. The 3 Concepts framework is based on a status quo mentality with a strong parking-centric focus. We agree that some parking is essential (the current legal 1,000 spaces) but do not believe that parking should form the driving basis for a long term “vision.” WE SUPPORT: We could potentially strongly support the following 5 ideas outlined in the 3 Concepts, at least in theory. Because few details have been given and literally no financial estimates exist, our support is at this stage merely conceptual and may change as details emerge. • Rehabilitation of the Barton Creek riparian zone within …
B3-1: Dove Springs Public Health Facility Project Design Update — original pdf
Dove Springs Public Health Facility 5811 Palo Blanco Lane 2018 Bond Project, Austin Public Health Project Design Update to Parks Board – April 25, 2022 Kymberley Maddox, Austin Public Health Kalpana Sutaria, Public Works SpawGlass, Design-Builder Background Multiple flood events have highlighted the lack of public health, basic needs, preventive health care, and employment support services in this neighborhood Austin Public Health (APH) has provided limited services to residents working in partnership with the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center This new facility was funded in the 2018 Bond Election to provide a full- service Neighborhood Public Health Facility The use of parkland adjoining the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center was approved by the Parks Board and City Council in September of 2019 Community Programs Full-Service Neighborhood Center Basic Needs Services (Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, application assistance) Public Health Nursing/Health Screening Social Work Services Seasonal services (Blue Santa, Thanksgiving Baskets) Women, Infants & Children Clinic (WIC) with counseling services Immunization Clinic Shots for Tots Big Shots High Quality Childcare Center to serve 75 children Multipurpose space and demonstration kitchen for nutrition classes Addition of lighting to the existing soccer fields for promotion of youth programs Construction of trails for connection of neighborhood to Dove Springs District Park trail system APH will manage the public health programs and solicit an operator to manage the high quality childcare center Community Involvement A Dove Springs Task Force (TF) was formed which represents various community groups and other community leaders in the Dove Springs area to assist with community communications (list on next slide) For Community feedback, we held 4 in-person meetings, 4 virtual meetings and 10 meetings with the Task Force A survey was done to receive community input on schematic design to share all aspects of project including the site plan layout, pathways connecting the neighborhood, exterior renderings, and look and feel of the facility The survey ran from December 15, 2020 to February 7, 2021 Public Information Office made extensive outreach efforts to promote the survey including post card mailing to 3,000 homes Project team presented at the Council Member Fuente’s D-2 event November 2021 at the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Task Force Members Frances Acuna – GAVA, SE Combined Neighborhood Plan Contact …
Agenda — original pdf
DESIGN COMMISSION Monday, April 25, 2022, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHEMINA DELCO, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Some members of the Design 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 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. To register email: gunnar.garnos@austintexas.gov CURRENT MEMBERS: David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Jon Salinas (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) Josue Meiners (District 4) Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) Jen Weaver (District 6) Jessica Rollason Vice-Chair (District 7) Aan Coleman (District8) Bart Whatley (District9) Ben Luckens (District10) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion & Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the Goodnight Ranch Fire/EMS, located 9400 Capitol View Dr., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin. Applicant(s): Burton Jones, Westley Burger b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the Dougherty Arts Center, located 200 S Lamar Blvd., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin. Applicant(s): Kevin Johnson c. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the Canyon Creek APD Sub-Station, located 9804 N. FM 620, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin. Applicant(s): Burton Jones, Scott Smith d. Briefing and discussion relating to the Palm District Planning Initiative, to be presented by Mark Walters – City of Austin, Housing and Planning Department 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the March 28th meeting minutes b. Officer Elections: Chair & Vice Chair c. Discussion and Possible Action on recent Council approval to update the Urban Design Guidelines d. Update from representative on the Downtown Commission regarding last meeting e. Update from representative on the Joint Sustainability committee regarding last meeting f. Update from representative on the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 4. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and …
1A - Goodnight Ranch Fire/EMS — original pdf
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1B - Dougherty Arts Center — original pdf
City of Austin - Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page ii for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Destiny Bonus projects (see page iv for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page ii for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission's review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Boards_and_Commissions/ Design_Commission_urban_design_guidelin es_for_austin.pdf The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Completed Project Review Application (p.1-6) Existing zoning classification, adjacent zoning & uses, future land use map classification, topography Vicinity plan, including public transportation and connectivity on-site and within quarter mile Site plan and landscape plan Ground level, basement …
1C - Canyon Creek APD Sub-Station — original pdf
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1D - Briefing on Palm District Planning Initiative — original pdf
Palm District Planning Initiative Urban Design Commission April 25, 2022 Content Background Study Area What We Heard Draft Vision Framework Next Steps Background and Study Area 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 Project Team Project Leadership: • J. Rodney Gonzales, Assistant City Manager Executive Lead Core Project Team: • Mark Walters, Principal Planner • Jesse Gutierrez, Senior Planner • Susan Watkins, Senior Planner • Stevie Greathouse, Housing and Planning Project Lead • Jorge Rousselin, Housing and Planning Urban Design Lead Project Support: • HPD Urban Design Division • HPD Historic Preservation Office, Austin History Center • HPD Communications Team, Communications and Public Information Office • Martha Cotera (Information Systems DBA) Coordinating Departments: • Convention Center • Economic Development • Real Estate • Austin Transportation • Parks and Recreation • Watershed Protection • Office of Sustainability • Equity Office 7 Partners/Key Stakeholders • Downtown Austin Alliance • Waterloo Greenway • Travis County • Capital Metro • American Institute of Architects • UT School of Architecture • Texas Department of Transportation • Preservation Austin • Visit Austin • Our Austin Story • The Trail Foundation • Travis County Historical Commission • The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce • Housing Authority of the City of Austin • Capital City Innovation • Movability • East Sixth Street Public Improvement District • Project Connect Advisory Net • Hispanic Austin Leadership • Hispanic Advocates Business Leadership of Austin Association • ESB-MACC • Mexic-Arte • La Peña • The Red River Cultural District • La Raza Roundtable • The Rainey Neighbors Association • The East Cesar Chavez NPCT • The Rainey Business Coalition • The Town Lake Neighborhood Association • The Austin History Center Association • The Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Commissions ….and more • The Downtown Austin Neighborhood • City of Austin Boards and 8 WE ARE HERE 9 Overview Video What We Heard Participants • Visits to SpeakUp Austin! Webpage: 3,600 • Survey Responses: 337 • Visioning Forum Attendees: 151 • Targeted East Austin Outreach: 75 + (Individuals and Organizations) • AIA Event Participants: 60+ • Interactive Map Responses: 23 12 Survey Demographics 13 Survey and Visioning Forums Survey Responses 15 Survey …
Draft 3-28-22 Minutes — original pdf
DESIGN COMMISSION Monday, March 28, 2022 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHEMINA DELCO, AUSTIN, TX 78752 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:03 p.m. Member List David Carroll – Chair (District 1) Jessica Rollason – Vice-Chair (District 7) Jon Salinas (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) Josue Meiners (District 4) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) P P P P P P P Melissa Hanao-Robledo (District 5) P P P P Jen Weaver (District 6) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) “P” Denote Commission Members who were in present “A” Denote Commission Members who were absent CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING AND PLANNING STAFF P Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison P Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison P Gunnar Garnos, Staff Liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Briefing and discussion related to the equity-based preservation plan in progress, presented by Cara Bertron – City of Austin, Housing and Planning Department • Cara Bertron – City of Austin, Housing and Planning Department presented and answered questions. • No action taken. b. Briefing and discussion on the Downtown Density Bonus Program, 25-2-586, and the role of the Design Commission, presented by City Staff: Jorge E. Rousselin Page 1 of 3 • Jorge Rousselin – City of Austin, Housing and Planning Department presented and answered questions. • No action taken. 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the February 28th meeting minutes • Staff Liaison Art Zamorano issued a correction to the February 28th minutes, which lists the January 24th meeting incorrectly as “January 28” • Commissioner Coleman made a motion to approve the February 28th meeting minutes Commissioner Haneo-Robledo seconded. • The motion was approved [11 ayes, 0 nays] b. Changes to Design Commission Working Groups membershi • Chairman Carroll appointed Commissioner Meiners to the Urban Design working group, bringing to the total to 5 members. c. Discussion and Possible Action on recent Council approval to update the Urban Design Guidelines • Chairman Carroll provided an update that the Urban Design working group has been meeting to craft a draft narrative. • No Action taken. d. Update from representative on the Downtown Commission regarding last meeting • Commissioner Meiners indicated that the Downtown Commission meeting had been cancelled due to South by Southwest. e. Update from representative on the Joint Sustainability committee regarding last meeting • …
B4-1: Community Engagement Presentation — original pdf
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Community Engagement Update Parks and Recreation Board Meeting April 25, 2022 Outline • History of City of Austin Community Engagement (CE) • PARB Question: “How is Community Engagement data used by PARD in the planning process?” • Present CE Challenges • Questions 2 City History • Pre-2009: Community engagement varied per projects. • Most followed legal requirements (i.e. codified public hearings) • Some larger projects held community meetings. COA lacked standard practices for community engagement • 2009: Communications and Public Information Office (CPIO) hires first employee dedicated to community engagement though no specific title exists. • 2011: CPIO begins offering CE support to City Departments (with their one position). • 2010-Present: CPIO develops tools, standards, values and other operations pertaining to COA’s community engagement approach. Staff expands to only three (3) full-time positions. • January 2015: Austin City Council created Task Force on Community Engagement • June 2016: CPIO creates first community engagement job title, Community Engagement Specialist • September 2017: CPIO creates Community Engagement Consultant title • Present: CPIO operates with only 3 CE positions 3 Department History • 2017: PARD’s Marketing and Communication Unit (formerly Public Information and Marketing) changes name to Communications and Engagement Unit (CEU) to reflect shifting work focus. • 2017: CEU reclasses Public Information Specialist position into Community Engagement Specialist • 2017-2022: One FTEs dedicated to community engagement 4 PARB Question: “How is data used by PARD in the planning process?” • Information gathered from CE is aggregated and presented to project manager(s) and consultants or program/administrative initiative lead. • Project managers help interpret data and review consultants' interpretation and application of input and design choices. • Plans are presented to communities and refined in an iterative process. • Program/Administrative staff review input as part of decision-making process these decisions are reflected in administrative document revisions, program changes, and in some cases community processes (i.e., naming) • The Department continues to evaluate and evolve to ensure opportunities to improve consistency and transparency. 5 PARB Question: “How is data used by PARD in the planning process?” Community feedback on final plan Parks and Recreation Board City Council Surveys / community feedback during plan development Park Vision Plan Walter E. Long Metro Park Strong advocates for a golf course on the northeast part of the park associated with a public/private partnership Continued push to include the golf course to promote economic …
B4-2: Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Operations — original pdf
M E M O R A N D U M Parks and Recreation Board Members Kimberly A. McNeeley, M.Ed., CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department April 21, 2022 Parks and Recreation Community Engagement Operations TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to recent questions regarding the Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) community engagement practices and to provide information on the current state of operations for the Communications and Engagement Unit (CEU). CEU is receiving its highest ever volume of projects while the resources available to complete those projects has remained stagnant. Community engagement projects include code-initiated projects such as, naming/renaming park facilities requests, park planning and development projects, and programming projects with expected community impact or which are likely to receive interest from the community. CEU routinely navigates complex operational realities, such as cooperation with contracted community engagement consultants and an increased emphasis on equity, involving community members who have historically been excluded from public decision-making processes. Additionally, this memorandum seeks to inform you of the workflow which carries community input generated from the engagement process through to Department action or recommended actions. Recent Context The City of Austin’s current approach to community engagement began in January of 2015 when Austin City Council created the Task Force on Community Engagement to examine community engagement effectiveness, methods, and key themes, and develop recommendations to enhance community engagement in the City. Prior to that, community engagement work was handled by a variety of positions and the approach to community engagement varied significantly among departments. The recommendations released in 2016 led to the City of Austin becoming a member of the International Association of Public Participation as an anchor in best practices, developing the City of Austin Public Participation Principles to guide each department, and the creation of the Community Engagement Specialist City job title to implement the recommendations. The full set of recommendations can be viewed here: Task Force on Community Engagement Webpage. 1 of 4 The Department embraced community engagement by: creating its first Community Engagement Specialist position in 2017; • • developing community engagement practices that became standards throughout the City. The implementation of task force recommendations increased demand for community engagement activity, which quickly outpaced available staff resources. To address this, the Department prioritized funding requests for the CEU during subsequent budget planning cycles. In each case, General Fund constraints and other department …
B5-1: Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Developments — original pdf
Briefing on: Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Developments Parks and Recreation Board April 25, 2022 Paul Books, Planner III; Robynne Heymans, Planner Senior; Thomas Rowlinson, Principal Planner Randy Scott, Program Manager Austin Parks and Recreation Department Context - Chronology • On February 25, 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20200225-B3, which included the provision that commercial developments be subject to parkland dedication requirements. February 2020 • On March 28, 2022, The Parks and Recreation Board reaffirmed its support to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments in Recommendation 20220328-B5. March 2022 • On April 7, 2022, City Council passed Resolution 20220407-042 directing City Staff to require parkland dedication for office, industrial and commercial developments. April 2022 Overview • Parkland dedication substantially advances a public interest in promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of Austinites. • The need for parkland is supported by the City Charter, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the PARD Long Range Plan, and Council Resolution 20091119-068 (establishing that parks be within walking distance of all Austinites). • Creating a new parkland dedication ordinance for office, retail, and industrial developments would better reflect the impacts of new development to the City's parks system. It would create opportunities for greenbelt and trail connections that are lost under today's requirements, and better serve Austin's growing workforce with recreational opportunities. 3 Applicability – Essential Nexus • Regulation must be related "both in nature and extent to the impact of a proposed development" (essential nexus, established in U.S. Supreme Court decision Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, 1987) • Growth in the commercial sector leads to increases in the City’s overall population and workforce, both users of the City’s parks system. • The National Recreation and Park Association has documented the role parks play in company locations and workforce growth. • By including commercial development into parkland dedication, the City would be able to better provide proportionate recreation services to the workforce near their places of employment. 4 Applicability – Rough Proportionality • Parkland level of service must • The estimated workforce occupying a account for the impact the workforce has on parks. The additional workforce that enters Austin affects the level of service goal. To maintain a consistent amount of parkland for Austin's 'service population' (residents + commuter workforce) new developments would need to provide 6.8 acres of new parkland per 1,000 people. new development thus sets …
B5-2: Study of Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Uses — original pdf
Study of Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Uses DRAFT April 25, 2022 Prepared by: Austin Parks and Recreation Department Mission: Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places --Study of Parkland Dedication Requirements for Commercial Uses-- This Study provides an overview of parkland dedication as it pertains to retail, industrial, and office uses, as directed by City Council in Resolution No. 20220407-042, passed unanimously on April 7, 2022. This Study, produced by the Parks and Recreation Department, outlines the applicability of creating a new Ordinance to require Parkland Dedication for commercial developments, and outlines the methodology behind such an Ordinance. This Study may be used as the basis for creating a Parkland Dedication Commercial Ordinance, for review and approval by City Council after a public and stakeholder engagement process. Purpose Parkland is an essential city service that affords well documented economic, recreational, physical, and mental health benefits to its users. The current Parkland Dedication Ordinance is a critical tool that allows the Parks and Recreation Department (The Department) to provide park service for the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, City Council Resolution 20091119-068, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, and the PARD Long Range Plan. Parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the city’s character and natural resources, contribute to economic growth and tourism, increase transportation opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful. Parkland dedication requires new developments to adhere to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan’s key goal of “Preserving Livability” by providing sufficient ample parkland in a rapidly densifying urban center and growing metropolitan area. On February 25, 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed Recommendation 20200225-B3, which included the provision that commercial developments be subject to parkland dedication requirements. On March 28, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Board reaffirmed its support to require parkland dedication for office, retail, and industrial developments in Recommendation 20220328-B5. Enacting this provision would better provide parkland to Austin’s growing workforce; currently, 58% of the workforce1 commutes from outside the city limits, and as such is not served by the existing Parkland Dedication Ordinance for residential and hotel/motel developments. Parkland dedication is paramount to fulfilling City Council Resolution 20091119-068, which establishes the goal that all residents be within walking distance of a park. This goal is defined by a park service area of ¼ mile …
B5-3: Resolution No. 20220407-042 — original pdf
RESOLUTION NO. 20220407-042 WHEREAS, the City Charter, Article V stresses the importance o f the provision o f parks and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, provision of adequate parks and recreation facilities plays a major role in achieving the six key City goals established in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan: 1) Preserving Livability; 2) Expanding Transportation Choices; 3) Tackling the Ethnic Divide; 4) Protecting our Natural Resources; 5) Promoting Prosperity for All; and 6) Collaborating Regionally; and WHEREAS, parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the City , opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful; and s character and natural resources, increase transportation WHEREAS, park trails and greenbelts expand multi-modal access to transportation across the city; and WHEREAS, parkland provides relief from urban life, green space to those who do not have access to a yard, opportunities to gather and recreate, and numerous physical and mental health benefits; and WHEREAS, inve?ting in parkland in historically underserved areasis investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of those residents; and WHEREAS, Austinites have a strong connection to nature and consider the trails, greenways and parks 'a core part ofwhat makes Austin special'; and WHEREAS, Austin's parks help Austin attract high-tech industries, creative professionals, and local entrepreneurs alike; and Page 1 of 7 WHEREAS, parks are key to addressing regional challenges such as transportation, water resources, growth and development, climate change, environmental protection and economic prosperity; and WHEREAS, the St. David's Healthy Parks Plan for Travis, Bastrop and Caldwell counties confirms that parks are essential to public health for the Central Texas region and provides recommendations for expanding park service; and WHEREAS, the Parkland Dedication Ordinance helps the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provide critical park service to the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the PARD Long Range Plan, and various Council resolutions; and WHEREAS, the City passed its first Parkland Dedication Ordinance in 1985, updated it in 2007 and again in 2016; and WHEREAS, in 1984, the Texas Supreme Court ruled parkland dedication to be constitutionally legal and regulating laws stipulate that parkland dedication requirements imposed on a developer should be "roughly proportional" to the increased demands of the proposed development on a city's park system; and WHEREAS, parkland dec?ication helps PARD to comply with Resolution ? No. 20091119-068 to provide parks within a walking distance of all of the people …
D1-1: PARD Director's Report, April 2022 — original pdf
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: April 2022 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan: With the close of Community Survey #5 on April 10, the Parks and Recreation Department (Department) and the consultant team are working to compile and analyze the input received on the plan's three draft concepts via survey data, comments, small group discussions, and pop-up events. This included engagement with resident councils of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Black Women Who Kayak, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, and Zilker Park Collective Impact Working Group to name a few, as well as pop-ups at the Kite Festival and several Department Recreation Centers. The team met to discuss the plan concepts with the District 5 Council Office and will soon meet with the District 8 Council Office. Department outreach efforts to increase representation in all districts and to engage in conversations centered on equity and inclusion will continue, including further engagement with HACA, the Boys & Girls Club, and Austin Area Urban League. More information including the draft concepts and survey may be found on the project website at https://www.austintexas.gov/ZilkerVision Districts 5 and 8 Ridgeline Neighborhood Park: Virtual Community Engagement Meeting #2 took place on April 21, 2022, at 5:30 PM. The project team reviewed survey responses from Meeting #1 and presented an illustrative concept plan to the public. Staff had additional survey questions to engage the public on specific preferences for play equipment and amenities. The goal of this project is to provide visible and safe access to the park and install amenities that work within environmental constraints. The current lack of a street sidewalk and safe access to the park inhibits having an on-site outreach event. This project is funded through Parkland Dedication fees. https://www.austintexas.gov/RidgelinePark District 6 Current conditions at Ridgeline Neighborhood Park 1 Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Virtual Community Meeting: The DAC Replacement online event will be held on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. The project team will share the current status of the facility design and information on the Art in Public Places (AIPP) opportunities that will be made available through this bond-funded project. Virtual Community Meeting Monday, April 25, 7 p.m. Registration Link Facebook Livestream District 9 Pan Am Park Renaming Virtual and In-Person Community Meeting: On February 17, 2022, a complete application to rename Pan American Neighborhood Park was received, proposing to rename the park …
B1-1: UPDATED Zilker Park Vision Plan Presentation — original pdf
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING APRIL 25, 2022 ZILKER PARK VISION PLAN Project Schedule COMMUNITY MEETING #1 INTRO TO THE PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING #3 ALTERNATIVES PROJECT KICK-OFF FEB 1ST SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS POP-UP SERIES #1 POP-UP SERIES #2 FINAL DRAFT VISION PLAN REVIEW AND ADOPTION 2023 COMMUNITY MEETING #5 DRAFT PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION LATE 2022 FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN 2 0 2 1 2022 TAG KICK-OFF MEETING COMMUNITY MEETING #2 PROGRAMMING COMMUNITY MEETING #4 PLAN CONCEPTS SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Vision and Goals Vision A transparent and well-documented community engagement process, which engages the city, but also seeks and considers the input of interested persons and parties with direct involvement in park and/or parties that are impacted by the park. The engagement process shall include guiding values, direction, and feature a clear step-by-step process, which includes presentation of the vision plan process. Goals 1. Educate the community about Zilker Park’s history, current City of Austin programs, operations, and future City of Austin operational needs, and provide opportunities for comment. 6. Identify and engage with PARD Parkners and other organizations, concessionaires, and groups associated with park programming. 2. Gather community input, feedback, and stories to develop a plan for the future of Zilker Park that represents the diversity of Austin. 3. Identify and educate the community on environmental considerations and respond to those considerations throughout the project. 4. Utilize equity strategies to develop community connections with and engage traditionally underserved and marginalized communities in Austin. 5. Provide opportunities for engagement that are accessible to all abilities. 7. Connect with communities around interpretive storytelling and placemaking to identify key opportunities in the park. 8. Correct any misinformation about the vision for the park and acknowledge any concerns or challenges identified by community members. 9. Create an environment of excitement for the proposed Vision Plan and future park development. 10. Create community support for the proposed Vision Plan and future park development. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Technical Advisory Group Community Engagement Goals: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was comprised of City of Austin representatives from various departments who provided technical expertise on different elements and concerns in and around Zilker Park. The members of the TAG ensured their department’s goals, policies, plans, and constraints were understood in relation to Zilker and communicated with …
Agenda — original pdf
Water and Wastewater Commission Budget Committee Meeting April 25, 2022 – 3:00pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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. To register, call or email the commission liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. Members of the public wishing to speak in person on the agenda and non-agenda related items must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. AGENDA Grant Fisher, (District 9) Jesse Penn (District 1) The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Budget Committee Members: Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) Travis Michel, Vice Chair (District 3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL A. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. February 2022 Boil Water Notice Approved Budget Amendment 2. Austin Water Financial Forecast Fiscal Year 2023-2027 3. Debt Management 4. Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Schedule 5. Budget Committee Input/Recommendations B. NON-VOTING DISCUSSION ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE 1. Future Committee Meeting Schedule C. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN 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 Blanca Madriz at Austin Water, 512-972-0115 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Blanca Madriz at Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov.