PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S UPDATE DATE: February 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation and Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center Renovation Groundbreaking Ceremony: The Parks and Recreation Department (Department), Capital Delivery Services Department, and the Barton Springs Conservancy hosted the groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, February 22nd at 10 a.m. The outdoor event was held in front of the central rotunda of the bathhouse. For more information about the celebration, visit the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Groundbreaking Ceremony. For more information about renovations, visit the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation project. District 8 Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Groundbreaking Jamestown Neighborhood Park: The first community meeting for the Jamestown Neighborhood Park concept plan will take place virtually at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5th. Located at 8323 Jamestown Drive, between Research Boulevard and Maine Drive, this land has been vacant since at least the 1940s. In 2021, the City of Austin acquired a 3.47-acre parcel, then expanded the park by acquiring an adjacent parcel in 2022. In 2023, the park was awarded overall park planning services by the Austin Parks Foundation. With this service, the Austin Parks Foundation, in coordination with the Department, will develop a Concept Plan shaped by community input. District 4 https://www.austintexas.gov/jamestownpark 1 Pease District Park: A community celebration commemorating the installation of the Dambo Troll will take place on March 15th, from 3-5:00 p.m. Artist Thomas Dambo will be in attendance. Construction on the installation in Pease District Park began in February 2024. The installation is part of an Art in Public Places loan agreement with Pease Park Conservancy. The troll is built from recycled wood sourced from Harvest Lumber, a sustainable sawmill dedicated to giving new life to Austin’s fallen trees. Much of the material that will be used to build Austin’s troll was milled by Harvest Lumber from the water tower that resided at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus of the University of Texas at Austin. District 10 https://peasepark.org/news/trollfaq Bolm District Park Vision Plan: The Department has contracted with Halff Associates to develop a vision plan for Bolm District Park, a 68-acre undeveloped park along the Colorado River at 6700 Bolm Road. The second virtual community meeting was held on February 13th. This meeting shared previous community feedback results, park priorities, and presented two park concepts. A survey will be open through mid-March to garner feedback on these concepts. In addition, the planning team will …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Library Commission Recommendation Number: 20240129-6: Renaming of North Village Branch Library WHEREAS, on August 2, 1971, the Austin Public Library inaugurated its North Village Branch, initially situated in a storefront property within the North Village Shopping Center; and WHEREAS, the 3,000-square-foot facility replaced an Austin Public Library mobile trailer that had previously served as a busy hub for book checkouts from the shopping center parking lot; and WHEREAS, In 1990, the library relocated a few doors down to a more spacious area within the Center, expanding to 5,000 square feet; and WHEREAS, in the 1998 City of Austin Bond Election, voters approved funding for the land acquisition, design, and construction of the North Village Branch Replacement Project, aiming to better accommodate the growing populations of the north-central Austin neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the grand opening of the new North Village Branch, patterned after the "library for the future" green model, drawing inspiration from upscale bookstores in its design concept, took place on Saturday, May 30, 2009; and WHEREAS, John Gillum commenced his employment with the Austin Public Library as the Facilities Planning Manager on August 16, 1979, and then Facilities Process Manager, in 2011 until his retirement on July 31, 2019; and WHEREAS, Gillum assisted in the development of new libraries in the 1980s, and oversaw every aspect of the planning, design, construction, and renovation of all Austin Public Library following successful bond packages in 1992, 1998, 2018; and WHEREAS, Gillum dedicated 39 years, 11 months, and 16 days to his service with the City of Austin/Austin Public Library; and WHEREAS, Gillum played a significant role in the development of the North Village Branch Library. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Library Commission wholeheartedly supports and recommends to the Austin City Council that the North Village Branch Library be renamed to the John Gillum Branch Library. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest:
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240226-5 02/26/2024 Seconded By: Date: Subject: Improving library safety and holistic services for library patrons Motioned By: Recommendation Provide two (2) FTE or contract Social Work positions and three (3) Security positions to the Austin Public Library department to be managed by Library personnel. [Brief description of the Board’s recommendation] Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their authority to amend the FTE policy around Social Work titles and support the relevant ~$419,000 budget increase needed to add new positions. Rationale Austin Public Library facilities represent some of the only places in the city of Austin where people can go daily and stay for long periods of time. The library’s operational needs are unique and evolving, especially considering the rapid change in the city. City Council and other City of Austin departments recognize the critical role that our libraries play in nurturing and strengthening the safety for all residents as evidenced by the City Council’s 2019 expansion of the Safe Place program for LGBTQIA+ residents extending to the Austin Public Libraries. The presence of social workers and security personnel enhances the library by making it a safer place for residents to connect the resources they may need. With limited shelters in the most populous parts of the city, the library is sometimes the only safe place our unhoused neighbors can go where they are welcomed in for free. The library is also often used as a warming or cooling shelter for all Austin residents during times of extreme temperatures that are occurring more and more frequently. In response and shared responsibility to library customers and residents we must be aware of these evolving needs of the communities and seek combined solutions. The library currently has partnerships with Austin Public Health and with other community-based providers of wraparound services to help address some of the gaps but they are limited in scope and are present in a few library locations for short increments of time. The library commission has heard from members of the public, staff, and library leadership and we feel that the current model is not sufficient or sustainable. Social Workers in public libraries is a growing trend across the United States and many large cities have found the addition of social workers to library staff to be integral to the delivery of day-to-day services. Many library patrons are coming in …
1 Director’s Report February 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights _______________________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Update __________________________________________________________________________ 5 Capital Projects Update __________________________________________________________________5 Gallery _______________________________________________________________________________ 6 Active Project Timelines _________________________________________________________________ 7 Project Highlights _______________________________________________________________________ 8 APL by the Numbers _____________________________________________________________________ 9 Programs and Outreach__________________________________________________________________ 9 Cardholder ___________________________________________________________________________ 10 Visitors _____________________________________________________________________________ 11 Circulation and Collections ____________________________________________________________ 112 Express Checkout and Holds ___________________________________________________________113 Technologyy _________________________________________________________________________ 14 Budget, Volunteers and Meeting Rooms ____________________________________________________ 15 3 HIGHLIGHTS APL Non-Resident Fees on February 29, 2024 City Council Agenda The Austin Public Library, (APL) eagerly awaits the Austin City Council meeting on February 29, 2024, where City Council is set to consider the final resolution that will lead to waiving the non-resident fees for APL Library Cards for all individuals who reside in Austin’s limited purpose jurisdictions (LTD) and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). APL is excited to provide free library access to a wider area of the community. Terrazas Branch Library Refresh Terrazas branch library is getting a refresh in preparation for our summer programming and services. The capital improvement project (CIP) work, funded in the FY 2024 budget for APL's deferred maintenance projects will facilitate upgrades to the facility, potentially encompassing interior & exterior painting, carpet replacement, security and fire panel upgrades, and HVAC improvements. The branch will be closed from early March to early May during the refresh. Howson CIP Work Underway Capital improvement project (CIP) work commenced on February 12, 2024, at the Howson branch library. The project, executed in three phases, started with the installation of new HVAC systems, which is expected to be completed in two to three weeks. There will be no need for closure during this phase, as units will be replaced one at a time to maintain a comfortable temperature inside Howson. The second phase involves re-roofing the library and is scheduled to begin approximately six weeks later, with a projected duration of two to three weeks and no anticipated closure. The third phase, involving interior renovations, including the circulation desk, meeting room, and reading room, is still in the design phase with lead times for materials being finalized. In January, Recycled Reads welcomed 5,664 customers, marking a 22% increase to December’s visitor count. This upswing continues a trend of escalating foot traffic and we are thrilled to witness more individuals discovering and frequenting Recycled Reads! 4 Black Girls Don't Wear Red Lipstick Step into a world of audacious beauty and empowerment with …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240226-3 February 26, 2024 Butler Trail Code Amendment Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, including an amended §25-8-261(B)(3)(g) to read “located not less than 50 feet from the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake as defined in Section 25-8-92, unless restoration is provided at a minimum ratio of 2:1, with the option that the applicant and the Director collaborate for a minimum 1:1 restoration, where necessary, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health”. Vote Seconded By: Lisa Hugman The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve an ordinance to amend Title 25 related to the environmental protections at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, including an amended §25-8-261(B)(3)(g) to read “located not less than 50 feet from the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake as defined in Section 25-8-92, unless restoration is provided at a minimum ratio of 2:1, with the option that the applicant and the Director collaborate for a minimum 1:1 restoration, where necessary, as determined by a functional assessment of floodplain health” was approved on Vice Chair Flowers motion, Board Member Hugman’s second on a 6-3 vote. Those voting aye were: Chair Villalobos, Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Bazan, Becker, Franklin and Merritt. Those voting nay were: Board Members Hugman, Reed and Taylor. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin and Nicole Merritt. Julie Hayes and Shelby Orme. Lisa Hugman, Holly Reed and Kim Taylor. Against: Abstain: None. Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. For:
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240226-4 February 26, 2024 Chapter 26 Braker Lane Extension Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends to Austin City Council to approve 7,818 square feet for an ASMP required roadway connection through a parkland easement. Vote Seconded By: Lisa Hugman The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve 7,818 square feet for an ASMP required roadway connection through a parkland easement was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Hugman’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. For: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Lisa Hugman, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed and Kim Taylor. Julie Jayes and Shelby Orme. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240226-5 Date: Subject: February 26, 2024 Renaming the Barton Springs Bathhouse to the “Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool” Seconded By: Holly Reed Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends that the Austin City Council rename the Barton Springs Bathhouse to the “Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool” Rationale: Whereas Joan Means Khabele was born in Austin, Texas, during a time when the City of Austin segregated the city’s neighborhoods and public amenities through the systematic enactment of racist policies; Whereas Parks were segregated by race during this era, and Black Austinites were not permitted to swim at Barton Springs; Whereas in 1956, Ms. Khabele was one of the first Black students to enroll at all-white Austin High School and when Ms. Khabele and other Black students were denied the opportunity to swim at Barton Springs during the Austin High School annual senior picnic, she protested by jumping in the pool despite policies forbidding Black people to swim in a pool designated for only white people; Whereas Ms. Khabele, along with other activists, bravely defied the segregationist policies of the time during these “swim ins,” which eventually led to the integration of Barton Springs pool and other recreational facilities in the city; Whereas community survey results show significant support for renaming the facility the “Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse” with 86% of respondents endorsing the renaming; Whereas a review of the 204 comments on the survey indicates overwhelming support of the proposal to rename the bathhouse after Joan Means Khabele. Comments primarily touch on the positive qualities of Ms. Khabele and the ways she influenced people’s lives; Whereas the Bathhouse Working Group of the Parks and Recreation Board suggested “Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse” as one of the options for the bathhouse; Whereas the American Historical Association states, “History comprises both facts and interpretations of those facts…to change the name of a school or street, is not to erase history, but rather to alter or call attention to a previous interpretation of history. A monument is not history itself; a monument 1 of 2 commemorates an aspect of history, representing a moment in the past when a public or private decision defined who would be honored in a community’s public spaces.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board: 1. Recommends that the …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240226-6 February 26, 2024 Waller Creek Boathouse Conditional Use Permit Date: Subject: Motioned By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Waller Creek Boathouse/Austin Rowing Club for the sale of alcohol to bring the site into compliance with the Land Development Code. Vote Seconded By: Pedro Villalobos The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Waller Creek Boathouse/Austin Rowing Club for the sale of alcohol to bring the site into compliance with the Land Development Code was approved on Vice Chair Flowers motion, Chair Villalobos’ second on an 8-0 vote. Board Member Reed abstaining. Board Members Hayes and Orme absent. For: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Lisa Hugman, Nicole Merritt, and Kim Taylor. Julie Jayes and Shelby Orme. Against: None. Abstain: Holly Reed. Absent: Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240226-12 February 26, 2024 Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan Establish Austin as a Recognized Soccer City Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends that the Austin City Council approve a resolution to establish Austin as a recognized soccer city and direct the City Manager to analyze challenges and needs in soccer field development and soccer programming and to provide recommendations. Rationale: Whereas, the city of Austin has demonstrated a growing interest and participation in the sport of soccer, with a vibrant community of players, fans, and organizations dedicated to its promotion and development; Whereas, Austin's diverse population embraces soccer as a unifying force, bringing together people of various backgrounds, cultures, and ages in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie; Whereas, soccer serves as a catalyst for promoting equity and community health, offering opportunities for social inclusion, physical activity, and youth development across all neighborhoods and demographics in Austin; Whereas, ensuring equitable access to soccer fields and programming is integral to addressing disparities and promoting wellness among underserved communities in Austin; Whereas, the emergence of professional soccer teams, such as Austin FC, has captured the enthusiasm and support of residents, contributing to the city's identity as a dynamic and inclusive soccer city; Whereas, the availability and accessibility of quality soccer facilities and programming are essential to nurturing talent, fostering youth development, and promoting healthy lifestyles among Austin's residents; Whereas, there exists a need to assess and address the challenges and requirements associated with soccer field development, maintenance, and programming to ensure equitable access and utilization across Austin's communities; Whereas, recognizing the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation in advancing soccer initiatives, it is imperative to empower the City Manager to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape of soccer facilities, programming, and associated needs within Austin; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board: 1 of 2 1. Recommends that the Austin City Council approve a resolution to establish Austin as a recognized soccer city and direct the City Manager to analyze challenges and needs in soccer field development and soccer programming and to provide recommendations. Vote For: The motion to recommend that that the Austin City Council approve a resolution to establish Austin as a recognized soccer city and direct the City Manager to analyze challenges and needs in soccer field development …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240226-5 02/26/2024 Seconded By: Vice Chair Infante Huerta Date: Subject: Improving library safety and holistic services for library patrons Motioned By: Commissioner Davis Recommendation Provide two (2) FTE or contract Social Work positions and three (3) Security positions to the Austin Public Library department to be managed by Library personnel. [Brief description of the Board’s recommendation] Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council use their authority to amend the FTE policy around Social Work titles and support the relevant ~$419,000 budget increase needed to add new positions. Rationale Austin Public Library facilities represent some of the only places in the city of Austin where people can go daily and stay for long periods of time. The library’s operational needs are unique and evolving, especially considering the rapid change in the city. City Council and other City of Austin departments recognize the critical role that our libraries play in nurturing and strengthening the safety for all residents as evidenced by the City Council’s 2019 expansion of the Safe Place program for LGBTQIA+ residents extending to the Austin Public Libraries. The presence of social workers and security personnel enhances the library by making it a safer place for residents to connect the resources they may need. With limited shelters in the most populous parts of the city, the library is sometimes the only safe place our unhoused neighbors can go where they are welcomed in for free. The library is also often used as a warming or cooling shelter for all Austin residents during times of extreme temperatures that are occurring more and more frequently. In response and shared responsibility to library customers and residents we must be aware of these evolving needs of the communities and seek combined solutions. The library currently has partnerships with Austin Public Health and with other community-based providers of wraparound services to help address some of the gaps but they are limited in scope and are present in a few library locations for short increments of time. The library commission has heard from members of the public, staff, and library leadership and we feel that the current model is not sufficient or sustainable. Social Workers in public libraries is a growing trend across the United States and many large cities have found the addition of social workers to library staff to be integral to the delivery of day-to-day services. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Library Commission Recommendation Number: 20240226-6: Renaming of North Village Branch Library Motioned By: Commissioner Rosenthal Seconded By: Commissioner Frayjo WHEREAS, on August 2, 1971, the Austin Public Library inaugurated its North Village Branch, initially situated in a storefront property within the North Village Shopping Center; and WHEREAS, the 3,000-square-foot facility replaced an Austin Public Library mobile trailer that had previously served as a busy hub for book checkouts from the shopping center parking lot; and WHEREAS, In 1990, the library relocated a few doors down to a more spacious area within the Center, expanding to 5,000 square feet; and WHEREAS, in the 1998 City of Austin Bond Election, voters approved funding for the land acquisition, design, and construction of the North Village Branch Replacement Project, aiming to better accommodate the growing populations of the north-central Austin neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the grand opening of the new North Village Branch, patterned after the "library for the future" green model, drawing inspiration from upscale bookstores in its design concept, took place on Saturday, May 30, 2009; and WHEREAS, John Gillum commenced his employment with the Austin Public Library on August 16, 1979, and then as Facilities Process Manager, in 2011 until his retirement on July 31, 2019; and WHEREAS, Gillum assisted in the development of new libraries in the 1980s, and oversaw every aspect of the planning, design, construction, and renovation of all Austin Public Library following successful bond packages in 1992, 1998, 2012, 2018; and WHEREAS, Gillum dedicated 39 years, 11 months, and 16 days to his service with the City of Austin/Austin Public Library; and WHEREAS, Gillum played a significant role in the development of the North Village Branch Library. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Library Commission wholeheartedly supports and recommends to the Austin City Council that the North Village Branch Library be renamed to the John Gillum Branch Library. Date of Approval: February 26, 2024 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa were absent from the meeting Laura Polio, Library Commission Staff Liaison Attest:
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240226-003 Green Streets Initiative (Green Infrastructure Resolution-Agenda item 39) Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Support of the Green Infrastructure Resolution (Agenda Item 39 which advocates prioritizing the planting of street trees within Austin’s public rights-of-way.) Commissioner Luckens Seconded By: Commissioner Wittstruck Description of Recommendation to Council The Design Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Green Streets Infrastructure Resolution that minimizes barriers to plant and maintain street trees located in City of Austin public rights-of-way. Rationale: The goals and vision of the The Green Infrastructure Resolution align with the vision and shared values (sustainability and a connection to the outdoors) of the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Specifically, it supports the use of trees to enhance the streetscape , provides protection from vehicular traffic and supports the use of plants to enliven urban spaces. 9-0-1 Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wallace, Commissioner Witstruck Against: Abstain: Commissioner Howard Absent: Attest: Jon Salinas, Chair Design Commission 1 of 1
REGUALR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION February 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 26, February 2024 at Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Acia Gray, Michael Vernusky, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla, Felipe Garza Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Heidi Schmalbach, Faiza Kracheni, Gina Houston, Monica Maldonado Board Members Absent: Kate Csillagi CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Kate Csillagi, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Michael Vernusky, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Samuel from AFTV5 spoke about their positive experience begin funded by Cultural Arts Division and shared information about AFTV5 programming and mission APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on January 29, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of January 29, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Houston motion, Commissioner Zisman second on a 8-0 vote with Commissioner Gray abstaining, and Commissioners Csillagi and Maldonado absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on Community Advocacy by Chair Zisman An update was provided by Chair Zisman. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Liaison Report by Commissioner Maldonado An update was provided by Lindsay Hutchens, Art in Public Places Coordinator Discussion of the Austin Economic Development Corporation/Cultural Trust Advisory Committee by Austin Economic Development Corporation Board Member Carl Settles A report was provided by Board Member Carl Settles. Discussion of the Downtown Commission by Commissioner Mok A report was provided by Commissioner Mok. Presentation by Harold McMillan on a Black Artists and Professional Creatives Registry A presentation was provided by Harold McMillan. Presentation by Jon Windham and Melissa Ayala on the “Past Deposits from a Future Yet to Come” video art installation at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park A presentation was provided by Jon Windham and Melissa Ayala. Presentation by KB Brookins on a proposal to create an Austin Poet Laureate program A presentation was provided by KB Brookins. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Laura Odegaard, Cultural Investment Program Manager The presentation was made by Laura Odegaard, Cultural Investment Program Manager Staff update on the …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, February 26, 2024 MEETING MINUTES MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2024 MINUTES The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair Andy Mormon John Umphress Commissioners Absent: McKenzie Frazier Staff in Attendance: Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager, HRD Abby Varela, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Sarah Williams, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Tymber Dhans, Civil Service Coordinator, HRD Omar Francia, IT Systems Administrator, HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Kevin Mullen called the Commission meeting to order at 9:05 AM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on December 18, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of December 18, 2023, were approved on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Commissioner Mormon’s second on a 4-0 vote. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Monday, February 26, 2024 MEETING MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Discussion was held regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation to the Audit and Finance Committee of the Austin City Council for the Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. Discussion was held regarding the recommendation of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. No action was taken. 4. Discussion and possible action regarding the election of Vice-Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The motion to appoint Commissioner Gupta as Vice Chair of the MCS Commission was approved on Umphress’ motion, Commissioner Mormon’s second on a vote of 3-0, with Commissioner Gupta abstaining. 5. Discussion and possible action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates, times and locations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Mullen and Commissioner Gupta requested a future agenda item to discuss future meeting dates, times, and locations. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mullen adjourned the meeting at 9:21 AM without objection. The minutes were approved at the March 25, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Umphress’ motion, Commissioner Vigil’s second on a 3-0 vote, with Vice Chair Gupta and Commissioner Rogers absent. 2
