BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-009): Gus Garcia Recreation Center Temporary Expansion Space WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, the Asian American population was the fastest-growing race/ethnicity group among the Austin older population. The Asian American older population more than doubled from 2,051 in 2010 to 4,829 in 2020; and WHEREAS, the Gus Garcia Recreation Center currently serves a large percentage of Asian American older adults, aged 65 and older; and WHEREAS, 20231 participants at of all ages have increased significantly at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center over pre-pandemic levels: • Youth Programs 107%+ over 2019 levels • Teen Programs 433%+ over 2019 levels • Adult Programs 612% over 2019 levels • Older Adult Programs 295% over 2019 levels; and WHEREAS, the physical space at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center is filled to capacity, with classes frequently having to occur in the lobby or programs being cancelled; and 1 These are incomplete counts for 2023 program participants at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center. WHEREAS, due to space limitations, the older adult activities are severely curtailed during the months when the Summer Youth Programs are in operation, preventing expansion of adult and older adult programs that enrich the lives of adults and older adults; and WHEREAS, PARD is recommending expansion of the Gus Garcia Recreation Center to accommodate the vibrant and ethnically diverse older adult community that currently utilize the location; and WHEREAS, any permanent expansion will require a bond issue, which will likely delay opening of an expanded facility until 2028 at best. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $30,000 annually for a 12’ x 60’ temporary space at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center to continue to encourage the participation of the diverse older adult community at that location. …
. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240313-010): Expansion of Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance Program WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, those aged 65 years and older, represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis, particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates that older city residents want to age in-place for as long as possible and respondents who are experiencing unstable housing cited this was due to lack of affordability and gentrification; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided funding for the RENT program, now referred to as “I Belong in Austin” which has successfully provided renters emergency assistance for rent, moving, and storage/relocation to prevent eviction, displacement, and homelessness; and WHEREAS, I Belong in Austin served a significant number of Austin individuals over 60 (14% of the total served) and continues to have an extensive waitlist, over 800 people when the program began this year and quickly grow to 4,000 before being capped indicating the continuing need for assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $15 million to support I Belong in Austin in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in mitigating the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 . Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice Chair Type text here
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-011): Equity Office Funding WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS the latest City of Austin Planning Department show Austin residents are 48% white, 32% Hispanic/Latina/o/x, 8% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, and 4% Multiracial; and WHEREAS, a recent survey by the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 23% of respondents were living with a disability; and WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office is currently operating without a permanently appointed Equity Officer; and WHEREAS, there are initiatives within the City of Austin to consolidate the Equity Office with other group(s). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain the Equity Office and further, to ensure adequate funding to hire and maintain a Chief Equity Officer, and to designate adequate resources to Austin residents who may be experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes or persecution;and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to support the Equity Office’s ongoing work to address the needs of Austinites and continue to convey that equity in …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-013): Additional Immunization Funding WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health Immunizations Unit aims to provide a vaccine safety net for vulnerable Travis County Residents; and WHEREAS, Adults - in particular older adults, as noted the fastest growing age group in Austin, with the Asian older population exhibiting the fastest growth--have limited options for free and low-cost vaccinations in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the Adult Safety Net (ASN) program removed the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) in September of 2021 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, the ASN program removed the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (PCV20) in August of 2023 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, both of these vaccines are primarily recommended for older adults, with Shingrix being recommended for adults over 50 only; and WHEREAS, the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 900 shingles vaccines at a cost of approximately $180,000 including 300 shingles vaccines purchased so far in FY24 at a cost of $59,360; and WHEREAS, since August 2023 the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 170 doses of pneumococcal vaccine for a total of $44,465; and WHEREAS, the above purchases of these two vaccines have all been administered, the APH Immunizations Unit no longer has quantities available as a safety net for vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 3,500 Shingrix doses annually, representing 1,750 clients annually (Shingrix is a two-dose series); and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 2,200 Pneumococcal vaccine doses annual, representing 2,200 clients annually; and WHEREAS, pricing for Shingrix vaccine is $1,862.19 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24; and WHEREAS, pricing for the PCV20 vaccine is $2,437.18 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24. NOW, THEREFORE, BE …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-014): LGBTQIA+ Affirming Mental Healthcare WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475-person waitlist for LGBTQIA+-focused mental health services; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health-related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender-affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents were asked about how they rate their overall mental health since the pandemic, more than half (52%) of the 1,882 respondents rated their mental health as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS, nearly half (45%) of respondents in the Austin-based QWELL Community Foundation’s 2021 survey rated their mental health as poor or fair; and WHEREAS, according to the 2022 Austin Public Health Community Health Assessment, there exists significant mental health needs including stigma and limited access to mental health care. Among Travis County residents, the suicide rate was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 population and highest among males (18.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and White residents (17.1 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016- 2020. In 2020, a higher percentage of females (33.0%) compared to males (20.9%) reported poor mental health, and the prevalence of poor mental health days has increased by 7 overall for both genders. In the same year, a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults (31.5%) …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-015): Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest-ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings; and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin provided funding for a program entitled “I Belong in Austin” to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short-term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation; and WHEREAS, “I Belong in Austin” had over 800 people on the waiting list when the program began this year, and that waiting list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indicating the continuing need for this assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve continued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in preventing homelessness for diverse clients to mitigate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council directs $300K annual funding for culturally appropriate free or low-cost LGBTQIA+ affirming mental healthcare, and/or peer support services. Additionally, we recommend the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission be included in drafting the scope of work for the request for proposal process. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-016): Equity Office Data Analyst WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, Data Equity for all of the communities represented by the JIC is a pressing issue that affects and informs the services we receive or do not. It is defined by the JIC as 1) inclusion and incorporation of community expertise and research expertise to 2) ensure equity in all stages and aspects of data and research, including: ● design and development ● collection, compilation, processing, ● analysis, dissemination, and preservation; and WHEREAS, the JIC has received various staff and program presentations since its creation and one of the leading trends we see is that there is very little data collection that speaks to the nuances of how or if the diverse communities represented by the JIC is served; and WHEREAS, a Data Analyst Associate FTE position is recommended to be added to the Equity Office to complement the work they are doing with a data analyst associate that can assist in helping the Equity Office stay up to date on national data equity trends, assist with data analysis that can provide deeper insight into systematic issues and trends in available City data, and/or consult with other departments on data equity models and trends. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate the amount of $95,000 is recommended to cover 1 Data Analyst Associate FTE. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-017): Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, the JIC strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services program in the FY 2024-25 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population; and WHEREAS, APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has 2 contracts in place for American Gateways and 1 contract in place for Catholic Charities, all of which are set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The recent closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Currently, we are aware that American Gateways does not have sufficient resources to serve those needing immigrant legal services and has a waitlist. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population; and WHEREAS, contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funding of $700,000 is recommended to continue services currently being provided along with a suggested $150,000 increase to better meet community legal needs from the closure of nonprofits serving refugees in our community. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 7-0, Commissioner Ortega Abstaining and Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-018): We All Belong Austin Against Hate Campaign WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, July 2023, the City launched an anti-hate education and outreach initiative called “We All Belong” to streamline access to tools to report hate crimes and incidents, making it easier for community members to keep Austin safe. This was during a disturbing upward trend that has continued in hate crimes in the city that were anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic and was as directed by council in a 2021 resolution; and WHEREAS, in February of this year, a stabbing attack in West Campus of a group of South Asians was classified as a hate crime after the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a wide alert about the context around the crime and held a press release at City Hall following it. Prior to that, news reports did not mention the use of racial slurs and targeting of the victim, who is Palestinian American; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee sees the continued need for the We All Belong Austin against the hate campaign and wants to see it continue its reach to along with staying current and updated with current news communities targeted disproportionately for their race, ethnicity, or religion. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $350,000 in funding is recommended to sustain the program and campaign. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent . Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice-Chair
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20240327-19 Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Date: March 27, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Recommendation Motioned By: Commissioner Afifi Seconded By: Commissioner Sin Affordability is an issue that continues to come up year after year, and it was the most common issue expressed by residents at all three Quality of Life Townhalls. People continue to see increases in rent and housing costs. The family stabilization program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing. The current pilot shows funds are primarily helping Latino/a/x and Black families in the Eastern crescent. Gentrification has pushed families out of the areas they have been living in, some for generations. These permanent funds help keep people in their communities. Additionally, the program is also helping families whose communication is in a language other than English. Spanish was the second most common language requested on enrollment forms. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Establish the Family Stabilization Grants as a permanent City of Austin program ● Expand funding to $3 million Rationale According to findings from a recent brief from the Urban Institute titled Guaranteed Income as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability, unrestricted cash investment addresses gaps and deficits in policies designed to address America’s housing affordability crisis. The brief reported, “Insights from a research review and policymaker interviews suggest that strategically applied cash relief could accomplish the following: 1. Offer renters facing one-time or intermittent housing shocks more flexible access to housing support. 2. Accord more choice and dignity to any renter in need of housing support. 3. Reduce exposure to voucher discrimination and offer more housing choices to marginalized populations. 4. Provide increased housing access to excluded workers. 5. Offer more efficient and cost-effective housing help to those in urgent need now.” According to UpTogether’s Central Texas 12-Month Pilot of the Strength-Based Approach: Final Report, “Between July 2021 and March 2022 members decreased their reliance on government subsidies. Fewer members applied for subsidies, vouchers, or other similar housing assistance (from 27% to 19%). The percentage of members receiving any type of government housing assistance was cut by half (16% to 8%).” Cash is an efficient and equitable form of housing assistance. UpTogether uncovered on a previous report that only 16% of members were receiving housing assistance. Some of the highlighted …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20240327-20 Supporting Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Date: March 27, 2024 Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Recommendation Motioned By: Commissioner Afifi Seconded By: Commissioner Bondi Early childhood educators, caregivers and parents of young children deserve livable wages and affordable childcare: the two are not mutually exclusive. Local governments are crucial to investing/highlighting early childhood educators especially when state and federal governments are not. Childcare is a public good, it is economic infrastructure. Description of Recommendation to Council ● $1.5 M Austin Public Health multi-year allocation to Early Childhood Education and Development funding: ○ $500,000 Early childhood education and development scholarships ■ Directly dispersed to childcare centers & registered licensed to support parents with high needs ○ $500,000 Pilot early childhood mini-grants providing emergency financial relief for home-based licensed providers and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers; Center Based Care ○ Earmark $250,000 to fund a future contract with a qualified nonprofit, selected through a competitive bidding process, to provide health insurance support and ACA website navigation assistance, specifically for the early childhood workforce. Support specific to Early Childhood providers can include, but is not limited to: ■ Education on required documentation ■ Ability to schedule appointments with Early Childhood providers when they are available ○ $250,000 to establish a no-cost lending library & EC resource center for child care providers and families (toys, curriculum, technology, etc) available at APH Neighborhood Centers and APL branch libraries. ● Recommend updating the eligibility focus to include home-based childcare providers (licensed and FFN). Rationale The cost of childcare is one of the biggest expenses families face. It is a daunting task to find affordable, high quality childcare. According to UT News, “The average cost for infant care in Texas is $777 per month, or $9,324 per year — nearly 14% of the state’s median household income of $67,321 and more expensive than a year of in-state tuition at a four-year public college.” Every child in Austin should be able to access high quality childcare without causing financial strain on the family. Childcare providers may encounter financial burdens that make it difficult for them to provide services on a consistent basis. Unexpected issues can derail childcare services. It can take time to navigate insurance claims while continuing to try and run a business. There are times the home-based childcare center may have to close as a result of the issues/damage. Emergency …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240327-006 Date: March 27, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations (Part 2) Recommendations on the FY 24-25 Budget Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Low-Income Bill Discounts: Austin Energy customers pay a dedicated Customer Assistance Program fee to provide bill discounts for low-income customers. The purpose of this fee is to provide needed support in a transparent way. Forcing solar to pay for low-income discounts (as is the current structure of Austin Energy’s Community Solar program) only serves to slow the transition to clean energy. Low-income discounts are needed regardless of the source of energy. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that all bill discounts for lower-income residents be paid from the Customer Assistance Program fund, including bill discounts for low-income Community Solar subscribers. Motion: Christopher Campbell Second: Amy Noel Vote: 12-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Christopher Campbell, Richard Brimer, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Craig Nazor, Jon Salinas, Amy Noel, Alice Woods, Chris Campbell Off Dais: Anna Scott Absent: Yure Suarez, Heather Houser, Bertha Delgado, Stephanie Bazan 2. Transmission Improvements: Improvements to Austin Energy’s transmission system are essential for mitigating local congestion that increases costs to the utility and customers and for enabling the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Austin Energy commissioned a study that identified five recommended types of transmission upgrades. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that these recommended upgrades be implemented as quickly as possible, by 2030, and that sufficient funding be allocated to this need to ensure that that of funds is not a source of delay. Motion: Christopher Campbell Second: Amy Noel Vote: 12-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Christopher Campbell, Richard Brimer, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Craig Nazor, Jon Salinas, Amy Noel, Alice Woods, Chris Campbell Off Dais: Anna Scott Absent: Yure Suarez, Heather Houser, Bertha Delgado, Stephanie Bazan 3. Fayette Coal Plant: Austin Energy and the Austin City Council have established that shutting down Austin Energy’s portion of the Fayette coal plant is a top priority. Investing in an asset that the utility is actively trying to shut down is not a prudent use of ratepayer or utility funds. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the budget not include any capital investments in Fayette. The Joint Sustainability Committee also recommends allocating $175,000 to support water quality monitoring and remediation. Motion: Christopher Campbell Second: Amy Noel Vote: 12-0 …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on March 27, 2024 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Stephanie Bazan, Shelby Orme, Holly Reed. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Julie Hayes, Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joe Kendall - Texas River School Aubrea Rudder - Austin Rowing Club Joe Riddell - Waterloo Greenway Conservancy Concerns Joel Manzo - Youth Baseball Advocate Jason Williams - Youth Baseball Advocate, Northwest Park Justin Graber - Youth Baseball Advocate, Garrison Park Horacio Garcia - Youth Baseball Advocate Rob Bluestein - Youth Baseball Advocate Sharon Blythe - Parkland used for infrastructure projects APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meetings of February 26, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 26, 2024 was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Chair Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Member Bazan absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Report of recommendations by the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Working Group. Vice Chair Flowers addressed the Board regarding discussions of the working group, the needs of Austin’s Park system, and how to realistically have the most impact. No action was taken on this item. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 27, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to Austin City Council regarding the Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The motion to approve the recommendation as posted in backup was made by Board Member Becker and seconded by Board Member Merritt. The motion to amend the recommendation to include funding for three full-time employee positions to implement PARD’s Land Management Plan was made by Board Member Reed and seconded by Chair Villalobos. Board Members discussed this amendment. Board Member Reed withdrew the motion. The motion to amend the recommendation to add Section 4 to read “The allocation of additional funding on top of any proposed PARD FY2025 Budget to address funding for fourteen additional full-time employees for the PARD Ground Maintenance Team in order to align …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 27, 2024 BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, March 27, 2024 The BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 27 March 2024, at the CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE, ROOM 1405, in Austin, Texas. CHAIR SADÉ OGUNBODE called the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION (BSC) Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Sadé Ogunbode, Commissioners: Blaine Campbell, Michael Francis, Luis Osta Lugo, Logan Schugart, Edward Selig. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Timothy Stostad, Ex Officio Commissioner Chief Stephen Truesdell. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one appeared before the Commission for Public Communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on February 28, 2024. The minutes the meeting of February 28, 2024 were approved on COMMISSIONER FRANCIS’ motion, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO’s second, with no objections. COMMISSIONER SELIG was off dais. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. from PUBLIC HEARINGS Conduct a public hearing and consider an appeal regarding case number CL 2023-128313; Property address: 2901 Sweeney Lane. 1. 2. COMMISSIONER FRANCIS moved to close the public hearing, COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL’s second, with no objections. COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL moved to 1 BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 27, 2024 adopt the findings of fact, conclusions of law and order 1) that the owner of the property maintain the security of the property until the May 22, 2024 meeting of the Building and Standards Commission; and 2) that the case be continued at the May 22, 2024 meeting of the Building and Standards so that counsel can provide guidance on legal issues affecting the property, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO second. The motion passed on an 7-0 vote. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. Conduct a public hearing and consider case numbers CL 2023-128650; Property address: 7603 Beinville Cove. COMMISSIONER SELIG moved to close the public hearing, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO second, with no objections. COMMISSIONER SELIG moved to adopt the findings of fact, conclusions of law and adopt City staff’s recommendation for repair of the residential structure within 45 days, with a civil penalty of $420 per week beginning on the 46th day from the date the order is mailed and continuing until compliance is achieved, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO’s second. The motion carried on a 6-1 vote. COMMISSIONER FRANCIS voted nay. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. Conduct a public hearing and …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN at the Boards and Commission Rooms #1101 in City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Charles Curry Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Co-Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon or Leonor Vargas Staff in Attendance: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office MEETING AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on February 28th, 2024. 1 The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER REBECCA AUSTEN’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation for an Austin Board and Commission Budget Recommendations Tracker. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISSIONER SERITA FONTANESI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Commission for Women’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Funding Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Action. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER REBECCA AUSTEN’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Early Childhood Council’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Current Early Childhood Investments. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD CURRY’s motion, COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). Approve a recommendation for joint endorsement of the Commission on Aging’s recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Funding for the GO Repair Program. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISSIONER MELISSA ORTEGA’s second on a 9-0 vote (Absent: Early Childhood Council Commissioners Eliza Gordon and Leonor Vargas). …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES Mar 27, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and City Hall. Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:20 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Richard Brimer, Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Craig Nazor, Jon Salinas Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Amy Noel, Alice Woods, Chris Campbell Board Members Absent: Heather Houser, Bertha Delgado, Stephanie Bazan, Yure Suarez, Melissa Rothrock City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Zach Baumer, Leti Alvarez, Sergio Torres-Peralta, Erik Nelson, Belinda Weaver CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:20 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 1. Approval of minutes from the Feb 28th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Brimer motions to approve, Maxwell-Gaines seconds, passes on 10-0 vote (Scott, Salinas off dais) 3. Navigating Funding Opportunities – Erik Nelson and Belinda Weaver, Financial Services Department Presentation on how the city budget works, and sources of revenue and how they function. White: are any revenue sources constrained? Nelson: general fund tight due to lege constraints, ways to override. Other sources have legal limitations on what they can be used for. 2. Presentation on the goals and strategies in the draft Austin-Travis County Food Policy Plan – Sergio Torres-Peralta, Office of Sustainability Presentation on high level food planning process, structure, goals, objectives Campbell: what are some hurdles to implement the plan? Torres: need to find a balance between community desires and what is feasible and can go in the plan. 4. Presentation on the Staff Response to Resolution 20240215-025, the “Environmental Investment Plan” – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability JSC will need 5. Public Hearing on Resolution 20240215-025, the “Environmental Investment Plan” Ted Eubanks – need to balance green with density (acres purchased and restored, wetland preserved, etc.). Inventory public lands, convert to green space, no net loss for green space, etc. Bobby Levinski, representing SOS Alliance – support Rewilding goals + programs to improve water quality. Protect land, water-smart infrastructure, smart mowing, study and mitigate damage from Fayette coal plant Spencer Schumacher – in support of ATX Walk Bike Roll, actionable items that can meet goals of ACEP and ASMP. $211 million delta between goals and funded items in mobility bonds. Tanya Payne – Rewilding ATX sent 10 recommendations. …
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting Approved Minutes March 27, 2024 The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Regular Meeting on March 27, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Aubrey Brasfield, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzer, Jim Rumbo and Allan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD), Todd Wilcox (DSD), Shirley Ellis(DSD) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the February 21, 2024, Special called meeting were approved as written. Board member Abzug made a motion to accept the minutes as written, board member Buys second the motion. Motion pass 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. DISCUSSION and ACTION: 2. Recommendation for Code Amendment for Bedroom Requirement- Development Services Department Building Official Todd Wilcox provided and presented a power point to board members in lieu of an Austin City Council resolution that initiated a code amendment to require access to natural light for all sleeping rooms in buildings. This resolution was initiated by Council member Zo Quadri’s office where concerns were shared from University of Texas student housing that having bedroom less windows could lead to concerns for human health in physical health, sleep, depression, lack of productivity and mortality rates. After the presentation was concluded and very few comments from board members, a recommendation was made to approve the code amendment change, which if approved the bedroom window amendments will go into effect on May 1, 2024, and will be carried over the 2024 Code which is anticipated to go into effect in 2025. Board member Satt made a motion to approve the recommendation, Board member Schumann seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. 3 FUTURE AGEND ITEMS: 1. Code Amendments to be determined. 4 ADJOURN – Board member Brasfield a made a motion to adjourn the meeting, board member Schumann second the motion to adjourn. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent for this meeting. The minutes were approved at the May 22, 2024 meeting on board member Abzug motion, board member Schumann second the motion on a 7-0 vote. Board member Wilkes and Juraska were absent.
