7/12/22, 4:18 PM Edmund T. Gordon's Bio - Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost Home ▸ The Office ▸ Edmund T. Gordon’s Bio Edmund T. Gordon’s Bio fmiller@austin.utexas.edu C U R R I C U L U M V I TA E Edmund T. Gordon's V I E W / D O W N L O A D Dr. Edmund T. Gordon is an anthropologist whose work focuses on power and social transformation in the Black Diaspora. He is founding C O N TA C T U S Dr. Gordon’s publications have appeared nationally and internationally, CV chair of the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies (2010- 2017), is an associate professor of African and African Diaspora Studies and Anthropology, and is the executive director of the Contextualization and Commemoration Initiative at The University of Texas at Austin. His teaching and research interests include: power and identity in the African Diaspora, critical race and gender theory, and the racial economy of space and resources. and his book Disparate Diasporas: Identity and Politics in an African- Nicaraguan Community (UT Press, 1998), a historical ethnography of Black Nicaraguans’ politics and identity, is currently being translated into Spanish. In an e ort to bring his scholarship into public engagement, Dr. Gordon has conducted collaborative research projects with communities in Central America funded by Ford Foundation and World Bank. He also received a major grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, which supported his development of the African Diaspora Program in the Department of Anthropology at UT Austin and the expansion of the Center for African and African American Studies, as its director. Under Dr. Gordon’s leadership, the Department of African Diaspora Studies was founded in 2010. He was an elected member of the Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees (2015-2018). He continues his service work through the creation of a Racial Geography Tour of UT Austin’s campus. In 2014, Dr. Gordon received UT’s highest honors, a Presidential Citation and the Pro Bene Meritis award in 2016 from the College of Liberal Arts. C O N TA C T U S R E L AT E D Q U I C K L I N K S Phone 512-471-4363 110 Inner Campus Dr. Public Access Fax 512-475-7385 STOP G1000 to Course Email Austin, TX 78712-1701 Information Diversity, Equity & Inclusion provost.o ce@utexas.edu The O ce Initiatives News (HB2504) Faculty & Academic Resources UT Austin Home …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Donde Corre El Agua, or Where the Water Runs July 25, 2022 Presentation on the Where The Water Runs /Donde Corre El Agua Community Activated Park Project proposal for East Williamson Creek Trailhead and Greenbelt within the Dove Springs Community Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Manager, Park Planning Division • Frances Acuña Go Austin Vamos Austin • Blanca Ortíz, Elena Rodríguez and Enedina Sánchez E. Williamson Creek Adopters • Bjørn Sletto School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin Agenda • Partners: • Site History • Community Engagement • Community Priorities • Proposed Site Improvements • Next Steps E. Williamson Creek Greenbelt | Dove Springs Partnership We worked in collaboration with: ● Urban Roots youth interns ● UT Professor Bjørn Sletto with School of Architecture and his graduate Community & Regional Planning class ● The community residents of E. Williamson Creek ● Park Ranger Cadets Overview of Community Engagement Creek adopters, students and Urban Roots worked actively through the pandemic speaking individually with neighbors, hosting group discussions, knocking on doors, receiving feedback and designing the project. They also walked the proposed trail. Donde Corre El Agua | Where the Water Runs Donde Corre El Agua | Where the Water Runs • High level priorities that came out of the Community Engagement were: • Culture • Signs designed with community input • History of culture and recipes along the trail signs • Preservation flood mitigation • Conservation • Land preservation for air quality, wildlife and • Neighborhood conservation of culture, values and beliefs are displayed along the flood wall Donde Corre El Agua | Where the Water Runs • Continued priorities of the engagement: • Area must be safe to walk, play and de-stress • Swings, volleyball and basketball • The park should welcome people of all ages to relax and play. • Benches along the trail and tables in open spaces for gathering • Changes should be made in a way that does not hurt the natural environment. • Any changes to the park should be easy-to- maintain and contribute to visitors’ safety and comfort. Next Steps ✔Community Activated Park Project Proposal| Complete (2022) • Neighborhood Partnering Program (NPP) Application • Project Scope and Project Budget Estimate • NPP Board Approval • Design & Permitting • NPP & PARD - Implementation of Identified Priorities • Trailhead, nature trails and placemaking • Partnership - Ongoing …
DONDE CORRE EL AGUA WHERE THE WATER RUNS Narración de historias, coproducción y diseño comunitario de parques en Dove Springs, Austin, Texas Storytelling, Co-Production and Community-Based Park Design in Dove Springs, Austin, Texas DONDE CORRE EL AGUA Narración de historias, coproducción y diseño comunitario de parques en Dove Springs, Austin, Texas WHERE THE WATER RUNS Storytelling, Co-Production and Community-Based Park Design in Dove Springs, Austin, Texas August 2021 DONDE CORRE EL AGUA WHERE THE WATER RUNS Autores Authors Samira Bashar Alaina Bompiedi Caitin Hartnett Jongmoon Lee Jorge Losoya Raviya Mysorewala Michelle Parke Veronica Romero Editor Editor Bjørn Sletto Community and Regional Planning School of Architecture The University of Texas at Austin Project Website: https://sites.utexas.edu/environmentaljustice-austin/ Story Map: https://arcg.is/1eOC5j The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture 310 Inner Campus Drive B7500 Austin, TX 78712-1009 www.soa.utexas.edu/programs/commu- nity-and-regional-planning Go Austin/Vamos Austin 3710 Cedar Street Suite #230 Austin, TX 78705 www.goaustinvamosaustin.org/ Urban Roots 4900 Gonzales St. Austin, TX 78702 www.urbanrootsatx.org/ Este proyecto fue fondeado por la Fundación Hogg a través de la Escuela de Arquitectura de La Universidad de Texas en Austin. Fue definido como un Proyecto Académico solo con propósitos educativos por la Oficina de Apoyo y Cumplimiento de la Investigación (RSC) de La Universidad de Texas. Este trabajo fue facilitado y supervisado por GAVA, Urban Roots y los Creek Adopters. This project was supported with funding from the Hogg Foundation through the School of Architecture, The University of Texas at Austin. Defined as a Class Project for educational use only by the Office of Research Support and Compliance (RSC), The University of Texas, the work was facilitated and supervised by GAVA, Urban Roots, and the Creek Adopters. AGRADECIMIENTOS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Este proyecto comunitario se originó con el liderazgo de Blanca Ortiz, Elena Rodríguez y Enedina Sánchez, residentes de mucho tiempo de Dove Springs quienes adoptaron esta porción del Cinturón verde Williamson Creek a través de Keep Austin Beatiful. Nuestro grupo de estudiantes y profesores de la UT estamos profundamente agradecidos con Blanca, Elena y Enedina sus invitarnos a participar en por incansables esfuerzos de mejorar el parque de su vecindario. Nos gustaría agradecer también a Carmen Llanes Pulido y Frances Acuña de GAVA y Ana Aguirre con el equipo Southeast Neighborhood Contact por habernos dado la bienvenida como socios, además de facilitar el involucramiento con los residentes. Nuestro más profundo agradecimiento para Sydney Corbin con Urban Roots, sin cuyo comprometido liderazgo, atento …
Republic Square Conditional Use Permit Parks Board Meeting May 23, 2022 City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department: Reynaldo Hernandez, PLA Project Manager Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation: Molly Alexander, Executive Director Angela Navarro, Community Outreach Coordinator WHO, WHAT AND WHY WHO is involved: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation WHAT is the purpose: Permit the consumption of alcohol at the designated areas in Republic Square WHY are we here: To align current permit with City of Austin Land Development Code Republic Square Conditional Use Permit (CUP) OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND Republic Square park renovation completed in Fall 2017 Salt & Time Café received a TABC permit and began the sale of alcohol from vendor on park premises in 2020 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP required for sale of alcohol on public property CUP changes the zoning of the property from ‘PUBLIC’ to PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES (SPECIAL)’ which will permit the sale of alcohol on the grounds The CUP does not apply to special events. Events at Republic Square will continue to need a separate agreement for alcohol sales. Republic Square Conditional Use Permit (CUP) CUP PROCESS SUBMITTAL TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES START JANUARY 2022 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Open House APRIL 13, 2022 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 2022 COMPLETE AUG./SEPT. 2022 The CUP does not apply to special events Events at Republic Square have a separate agreement for alcohol sale and area. Republic Square Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Republic Square Park Context TEXAS ALCOHOL BEVERAGE COMMISION • The license allows for the sale of alcohol on-premises and in designated areas. • Permit issued for a 2-year duration and is renewable. • Austin Police Department can issue citations for consumption of alcohol outside • No one under the age of 18 can sell alcohol. No one under the age of 21 can of defined boundaries. consume alcohol. Republic Square Conditional Use Permit (CUP) OPERATIONAL PLAN • Downtown Austin Alliance Park Ambassadors are present to ensure compliance with CUP from 6 am to 10 pm daily. • Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation agreement with the vendor to adhere to TABC guidelines. Republic Square Conditional Use Permit (CUP) EXAMPLES OF URBAN PARKS WHERE ALCOHOL SALE IS ALLOWED DALLAS • Klyde Warren Park • Tietze Park • Crowley Park HOUSTON • Discovery Green • Market Square Park San Antonio • Hemis Fair • Tower of the Americas • La …
Presented by: Gabrielle Restivo, Contract Management Specialist IV, and Amanda Ross, Division Manager, Natural Resources Programs Parks and Recreation Board July 25, 2022 1 AGREEMENT HISTORY • The City entered into an agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) on July 26, 2007, for buoy installation and maintenance to alert boaters to the hazards associated with the floodgates and spillway of the then recently renovated Tom Miller Dam. • In July 2013, this agreement was amended to include the City’s water treatment plants and other improvements abutting or adjacent to Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Decker Lake, and the area surrounding Handcox Water Treatment Plant on Lake Travis. • This agreement expires on December 30, 2022, and will be replaced by the proposed agreement. 2 3 SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES City and LCRA will together: LCRA will: City will: • Determine the location, type, number, and anchoring of the buoys. • Provide all labor and equipment for buoy installation. • Establish processes and • Maintain, repair, or • Pay for the cost of buoys and installation ($5,000- 10,000 annually). • Assist if requested as mutually agreed. procedures for the purchase and installation of buoys. • Mutually loan equipment for the purposes of the agreement. replace damaged buoys subject to staffing, funding, and water and weather conditions. 4 AGREEMENT TERM APPROVALS REQUIRED • Five years with two additional five- year terms upon written agreement • Austin City Council • LCRA Board of Directors 5 ACTION REQUESTED Recommend that the City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with LCRA for the installation, maintenance, and replacement of buoys to assist boaters in recognizing hazards on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Decker Lake, and the area surrounding Handcox Water Treatment Plant on Lake Travis. 6
INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY REGARDING BUOYS AT LAKE AUSTIN, LADY BIRD LAKE, DECKER LAKE, AND THE AREA SURROUNDING HANDCOX WATER TREATMENT PLANT ON LAKE TRAVIS Agreement Overview: City of Austin agrees to work with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to install, maintain, and replace buoys, signs, cables and/or markers and appurtenances (Buoys) to assist boaters in recognizing hazards associated with Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Decker Lake, and the area surrounding Handcox Water Treatment Plant on Lake Travis. What is the Purpose of the Agreement? Following major renovations to Tom Miller Dam in 2005, the City entered into an agreement with LCRA on July 26, 2007, for Buoy installation and maintenance to alert boaters to the hazards associated with the floodgates and spillway of Tom Miller Dam. On July 16, 2013, this agreement was amended to incorporate the City’s water treatment plants and other improvements abutting or adjacent to bodies of water within the City of Austin's controlling jurisdiction, including all of Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Decker Lake, and the area surrounding Handcox Water Treatment Plant on Lake Travis. This agreement is set to expire on December 30, 2022. The proposed interlocal agreement between the City and LCRA will replace the expiring agreement. What is the Required Reciprocity from each Governmental Agency? LCRA Services to be Provided and Deliverables • LCRA will work with the City to mutually determine the location, type, number, and anchoring of the Buoys. • LCRA will work with the City to establish processes and procedures for the purchase and installation of Buoys in the aforementioned waterways. • LCRA will provide all labor and equipment for Buoy installation. • LCRA agrees to use best efforts to maintain, repair, or replace damaged Buoys subject to staffing, funding, and water and weather conditions. • LCRA agrees to mutually loan equipment to the City for purposes of the agreement. City of Austin Deliverables • City’s Contract Manager will work with LCRA to mutually determine the location, type, number, and anchoring of the Buoys. • City will work with LCRA to establish processes and procedures for the purchase and installation of Buoys in the aforementioned waterways. Page 1 of 2 INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY REGARDING BUOYS AT LAKE AUSTIN, LADY BIRD LAKE, DECKER LAKE, AND THE AREA SURROUNDING …
CEMETERY OPERATIONS Perpetual Care Fund Parks and Recreation Board Presentation July 2022 MISSION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations strives to honor the past, present, and future of Austin’s sacred municipal burial grounds with integrity, empathy, and respect. VISION STATEMENT | Cemetery Operations utilizes available resources to provide the best quality of service and care to our diverse community and historic cemeteries. The Founding of Historic Cemeteries 1839 • Oakwood Cemetery 1872 • Stanley- Nolen 1878 • Cemetery at Longview Park 1898 • Plummers Cemetery 1915 • Oakwood Cemetery Annex 1926 • Evergreen Cemetery 1927 • Austin Memorial Cemetery • 24 FTE’s, 6 administrative, 18 grounds • 200+ acres • 400+ burials/year • 80,000 burials total • Spaces sold in two • Approximately 30 acres of undeveloped land at Austin Memorial Park for future burials 2 What Is The Perpetual Care Fund(PCF)?: The Perpetual Care Trust Fund ("PCF“) was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of: Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchap. A. The PCF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1. The purpose of the Fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the City cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts in the Trust Fund; and apply the income earned by the Trust Fund that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves to the beautification of the city cemeteries generally. 3 Perpetual Care Fund History: • Council established PCF, directing that 25% of the sale of each cemetery plot be deposited in the Fund. This practice was discontinued in 1982. 1959 • Council transferred PCF funds into Cemetery Endowment 1982 Fund(established in 1982. 1985 • City became the trustee for ten small, individual trusts transferred from Texas Commerce Bank and Bank One into the PCF. Based on existing records, it is unclear whether these are the only individual trusts – i.e., trusts established for the maintenance of a specific lot or gravesite -- that were ever created pursuant to Chap. 10-1. 1990 • Council merged Cemetery Endowment Fund into PCF. 4 What Is The Current Balance of The PCF: $1 million (Current Principle) $10,000 ( Interested Yielded and Deposited In GF) $3.3 million (Current Budget Funded by GF) $330 million (Amount needed in PCF to be solvent) Meanwhile, deferred maintenance at the cemeteries remains a significant issue. …
PERPETUAL CARE FUND - FAQ The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) assumed management of the City's five historic cemeteries on November 1, 1986. Until March 2013, PARD used a contractor, InterCare Corporation, exclusively for cemetery sales, operations, maintenance and management. In assuming direct management of the five City cemeteries, PARD staff uncovered a number of operational and administrative challenges that not only required thorough research, but also required the development and implementation of new processes and procedures in accordance with established State and City laws and industry best practices. Systematically, PARD addressed a number of issues and recently uncovered an additional challenge related to the Perpetual Care Fund (PCF). Unfortunately, other immediate challenges associated with direct cemetery management prevented PARD from addressing this issue until this time. What is the purpose of the Perpetual Care Fund The Perpetual Care Trust Fund ("PCTF" or "Fund") was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchap. A. The PCTF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1, Art. 2. See Attachment 1. The purpose of the Fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the city cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts in the Trust Fund; and apply the income earned by the Trust Fund that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves to the beautification of the city cemeteries generally. When was the last contribution made to the PCF The Cemetery Perpetual Care Interest Fund was utilized for expenditures to operate and maintain the City of Austin’s cemetery until FY 2013-14, when all costs associated with cemetery operations were moved to the General Fund. The remaining balance of the fund was transferred to a separate account in FY 2013-14. The Cemetery Perpetual Care Principal Fund has a current balance of approximately $1 million. Annual interest earnings on this principal are approximately $10,000 and the interest is recorded as revenue that goes back into the General Fund. The balance must remain in the fund due to legal requirements (City Code: Article 2. Section 10‐1‐11). What is the current balance of the PCF Councilman Bechtol moved to increase cemetery lot charges and set up a special fund for perpetual care to receive 25% of each lot sale. Minutes of the City Council …
1. 2. 3. 4. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARYCOMMISSION July 25, 2022 – 6 p.m. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill 5125 Convict Hill Rd. AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Sharon Herfurth, 512-974-7420, sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Mark Smith, Chair; Lynda Infante, Vice Chair; Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert; JC Dwyer; Cristina Masters; Courtney Rosenthal; and Steven Self CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 18, 2022. Approve the minutes of the LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on June 29, 2922. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by CapMetro, Potential Fare Programs and Free Bus Pass distribution at APL branches, Grace Nguyen, Community Engagement, Capital Metro Presentation by Group 4, Architecture, Research + Planning, Austin Public Library Strategic Plan 5. Discussion of the July Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, facilities, and APL priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation in support of the FY23 Austin Public Library budget 7. Approve the creation of a working group on Library Commission Training and Development 8. Approve the creation of a working group on Community Engagement WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Update from the Freedom to Read Working Group 10. Update from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 11. Report and possible action on a recommendation from the Enhanced Library Card Working Group FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 18 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self Board Members Absent: Vice-Chair Lynda Infante and Commission Member Ryan Marquess Citizen Communication: General None 1. Commissioners’ Brief Introductions Commissioners introduced themselves and Chair Smith outlined the process for planning for the day. 2. Discussion of Library Commission long-range objectives, including how to: • Build relationships with the Library’s support groups, The Library Foundation and The Austin History Center Association • Support the priorities of the Austin Public Library (Literacy Advancement, Workforce and Economic Development, Digital Inclusion, STEM and Computer Training, Outreach and Community Engagement, Staff Development, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) The following were discussed: • Workgroups – at future board meeting the Commission will form two initial working groups to address library and/or community issues. o Board Development / Training (including advocacy) o Community Engagement • Chair Smith will attend Library Foundation Meetings. • The Commission will determine ways to become a more activist board on behalf of the Library • Commissioners will host Commissioner Open Houses at their Branches • The Commission will work to define the role of the Library Commission. This could include training from United for Libraries (ALA) or Urban Library Council. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 18 June, 2022 • The Commission will look at what Nashville Public Library did with Banned Books Library Cards and determine if there is something similar APL can do. 3. Discussion of Potential Agenda Topics for Future Meetings, July 2022 – June 2023 Library Marketing Homeless Organizations Food Banks Meals on Wheels Google Fiber and Technology Groups Volunteers Facility Issues Strategic Planning Process Hotspots and Digital Access eBook Pricing and Purchasing Equity in Service (how we serve different groups like incarcerated, 20-40 year olds, traffic, homebound, etc) Enhanced Library Cards Library Programming – Program Coordinators and Austin Completely Booked Adjournment: Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 12:02 p.m. without objection.
M E M O R A N D U M Parks and Recreation Board Kimberly A. McNeeley, M. Ed., CPRP, Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department July 20, 2022 TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Dissolving the Perpetual Care Trust Fund The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information related to the origin and purpose of the Perpetual Care Trust Fund (PCF), as well as provide justification for why it should be dissolved. The PCF was created by City Council in 1983 pursuant to the statutory predecessor of Texas Health and Safety Code Chap. 713, Subchapter A. The PCF is currently codified in City Code Chap. 10-1, Art. 2. The purpose of the fund is to assure the perpetual maintenance of the cemetery lots and graves in the City cemeteries; invest and reinvest money in trust accounts; and apply the income earned by the PCF, that is in excess of the amount necessary to maintain the individual cemetery lots or graves, to the beautification of City cemeteries generally. The Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) objective, since it assumed direct responsibility for cemetery maintenance in 2013, has been to provide the same level of care to all graves, lots and public areas in the five City-owned cemeteries. The amount of income generated from the PCF principal is a small fraction of the Department’s cemeteries budget. Meanwhile, deferred maintenance at the cemeteries remains a significant issue, and its cost alone exceeds the cemeteries budget. The Department would prefer the PCF principal be moved into a Capital Improvement Project account or a Special Revenue account that is specifically for cemetery maintenance and operations. This would allow the funds to roll over each fiscal year as needed to cover differed maintenance. Before the PCF can be dissolved, the Texas State Legislature must pass an amendment to Health and Safety Code Chapter 713 that gives Austin City Council permission to do so. The Parks and Recreation Board can aid this process by recommending that Austin City Council support an amendment to State Law to allow the City to dissolve the Perpetual Care Trust Fund and use the principal for general cemetery maintenance and capital improvements. cc: Jodi Jay, M.B.A., CPRP, Assistant Director Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Lucas Massie, M.Ed., CPRP, Assistant Director Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Page 1 of 1
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 29 June, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S 5th St in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Mark Smith, Vice-Chair Lynda Infante, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, Pat Dabbert, JC Dwyer, Cristina Masters, Courtney Rosenthal, and Steven Self, Board Members Absent: none Citizen Communication: General Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library. 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Smith welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the May 23, 2022 Special Called Meeting Public comment was given by Carlos León. The minutes of the regular meeting were approved with the following amendments on Commission Member Dabbert’s motion and Commission Member Rosenthal’s second on an 8-0 vote. The amendments were: Public Communication: General: Change “Carlos Leon spoke about library computers and security” to “Carlos León spoke about his concerns with the library.” Briefing: Austin Public Library FY23 Budget Overview and Forecast was given by Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II 3. Old Business: none 4. New Business a. Discussion on voter engagement at Austin Public Library Public comment was given by Carlos León. Presentation was made by Bruce Elfant, Travis County Voter Registrar and Valerie DeBill League of Women Voters Austin, Voter Registration & Turnout Director b. Discussion of Enhanced Library Cards. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 29 June, 2022 Vice Chair Infante led the discussion. Chair Smith appointed a working group with Vice Chair Infante, Commission Member Dabbert, and staff member Emi Johnson. The retreat will be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 10 a.m. to noon, at the Central Library. c. Discussion of the Library Commission Annual Internal Review and Report covering July 2021 through June 2022. Chair Smith will prepare the Annual Review and send to commission members for comment. 5. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for May covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 6. Future Agenda Items Public comment was given by Carlos León. Form working groups for Library Commission Training and Development and Community Engagement Update from Freedom to Read working group Update from Enhanced Library Card working group and draft recommendation FY23 Austin Public Library Budget recommendation Presentation …
Potential Fare Programs Library Commission| July 25, 2022 Agenda • Agency Core Values • Potential Fare Programs powered by Amp technology: • Fare Capping: a system to reduce riders’ spending in a day and month • Equifare: a new discounted fare program for income-eligible riders • Community Engagement & Partnerships • Next Steps 2 Agency Core Values INNOVATION EQUITY SUSTAINABILITY TRANSPARENCY SAFETY 3 CapMetro wants to make our fares more equitable. We know that our customers pay for their transit passes one trip at a time instead of taking advantage of the savings that come with day or monthly passes. Proposed Fare Programs powered by Amp technology Fare Capping Equifare Fare capping reduces how much riders pay for their trips in a day or month. An additional discounted fare category for income-eligible customers 4 What is Fare Capping? Fare capping allows riders to earn or contribute towards a day pass or month pass one ride at a time, rather than paying up front. Fare capping ensures that customers: • Never pay more than the total cost of a Day Pass in a calendar day • $2.50 • $41.25 • Never pay more than the total cost of a monthly pass in a calendar month 5 Fare Capping – Daily Cap When you pay for 2 single rides in one day, you earn a Daily Cap and ride free the rest of the day. Your daily spending is capped at $2.50 total! 6 Fare Capping - Monthly Cap When you pay for 33 single rides in a calendar month, you earn a Monthly Cap, and ride free the rest of the month. • Your monthly spending is capped at $41.25 total vs. $75 for 30 days of day passes • Monthly Cap • 33 Paid Rides • 17 Days of Riding • Benefit: ride free up to 14 days per calendar month 7 How to Get Fare Capping: Amp Technology • Get Amp, by physical card or CapMetro App • Load money to your account - this is called stored value! • Re-load money to Amp as needed online or at one of 250+ participating retailers or the Transit Store • Contactless Payment: • Tap your card or scan your app to pay from your stored value, reducing your balance by the cost of a single ride • Amp tracks how many single rides you pay for to give you a …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220725-6: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Seconded By: Date: July 25, 2022 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Motioned By: Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY23 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library FY23 budget request, including increases to purchase new library materials and for salary adjustments to ensure recruitment and retention of library staff. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress Following the COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns, APL rebounded to move toward full service for the citizens of Austin by providing access to physical facilities and collections as well as ongoing online access to digital materials. APL continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, July 2021 – June 2022, APL hosted 680 in-person programs and 264 live virtual programs with 24,676 attendees. 2022’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program Austin Completely Booked has seen readers of all ages log over 800,000 minutes of reading since the program started in June. In an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL continues to offer a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. APL also has a new grant initiative to support digital inclusion awarded by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission / Institute of Museum of Museum and Library Service / American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The grant includes digital navigators and telehealth services and support. The focus and purpose of the grant is for libraries to address digital access and gaps of residents, most impacted by COVID to confidently and meaningfully navigate and access online resources. APL plans to build our capacity and resources to sustain these services at some level over time. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers using curbside and remote services. 1 of 2 APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online and in-person training opportunities. Examples include: APL Hiring Fundamentals, Mental Illness: How to Handle Problematic Behavior, Introduction to Strategic Planning for Public Libraries, …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, July 25, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Garry Brown, Chair Isabel Casas, Vice Chair Sareta Davis Malenie Areche Jared Breckenridge Kimberly Brienzi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Kimberly Brienzi Jamarr Brown Kristian Caballero Idona Griffith Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS goals for the commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding the attendance and videoconference policies. 3. Chair to share announcements on how to schedule 1:1 with each commissioner to understand 4. Presentation by Douglas Ferguson with Voltage Control regarding the SAFE Pledge a partnership with SFACE Alliance (G. Brown/A. Weigel). 5. Discussion of Commission goals for 2022-2023 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Human Rights DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS ADJOURNMENT 6. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 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 email Damian Pantoja at damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, JULY 25, 2022, AT 9:30 A.M. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD, SUITE 500, ROOM 249 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78741 Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, (512)974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Andy Mormon, Chair Kevin Mullen, Commissioner McKenzie Frazier, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL John Umphress, Commissioner The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 14, 2022. 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on PUBLIC HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. 3. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. 4. Possible action and decision on the appeal filed by Dayne Williams regarding their Denial of Promotion from Austin Resource Recovery. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of the Municipal Civil Service Commission recommendation to City Council (Recommendation 20191108-04B) regarding the review of granted denial of promotion and discharge appeals. 6. Discussion and review of the Municipal Civil Service Rules to provide input to the Municipal Civil Service Director. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer election for the Vice Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. 8. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2021 …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 14, 2022 REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 14, 2022 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 14, 2022, at the Human Resources Department, Learning & Research Center (LRC) 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, Austin, TX 78741. Chair Perez-Wiseley called the Commission meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Teresa Perez-Wiseley, Chair Melissa Rogers, Vice-Chair McKenzie Frazier Andy Mormon Commissioners Absent: Kevin Mullen Staff in Attendance: Matthew Chustz, Municipal Civil Service Administrator April Shaw, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator Jennifer Stanko, Municipal Civil Service Coordinator Omar Francia, IT Systems Administrator PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carol Guthrie addressed the Commission regarding concerns related to releasing the identity of Office of the City Auditor informants. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 13, 2021. a. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on The minutes of the December 13, 2021, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Mormon’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second, on a vote of 4-0. 2. HEARING a. Conduct a hearing on the appeal filed by Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. The Chair of the Commission accepted a request to reschedule the hearing from Nicholas Smitham’s representative. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 14, 2022 b. Deliberate in open or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), regarding the appeal of Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. No deliberation was held. c. Possible action and decision on the appeal filed by Nicholas Smitham regarding their Discharge from the Parks and Recreation Department. No decision was rendered in this matter. 3. STAFF BRIEFING a. Staff briefing regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. Matthew Chustz, Municipal Civil Service Administrator with the Human Resources Department, addressed the Commission regarding the Commissioner appointment process. 4. NEW BUSINESS Discussion was held. a. Discussion regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commissioner appointment process. b. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation for Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The nomination of Commissioner Andy Mormon as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission was approved on Chair Perez-Wiseley’s motion, Vice-Chair Rogers’ second, on a vote of 4-0. c. Discussion and possible action regarding amending the Bylaws of …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION August 10, 2020 Letter Regarding MCS Review Dear Mayor and Council: Sincerely, As you know, the Municipal Civil Service Commission sent a recommendation for council action dated November 8, 2019. We are not aware of any action that has been taken. Enclosed please find a copy of that letter and its attachments. Chair Pamela Lancaster Vice Chair Melissa Rogers Commissioner Rebecca Eisenbrey Commissioner Erika Kane Commissioner Teresa Peréz-Wiseley Teresa Peréz-Wiseley Pamela Lancaster MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191108-4B Date: November 8, 2019 Subject: Review and report of Municipal Civil Service Commission denial of promotion and discharge appeals. Motioned By: Pamela Lancaster, Chair Seconded By: Rebecca Eisenbrey, Commissioner Recommendation The Municipal Civil Service Commission recommends Council direct the appropriate City official to review granted denial of promotion and discharge appeals, gather data, and report the findings of the review back to the Commission. Description of Recommendation to Council The Commission requests that the City Council direct the appropriate City official to: 1) Identify each appeal that the Commission granted from an employee who sought to overturn a discharge or denial of promotion; 2) For each such granted appeal, identify the effect of the appeal, including but not limited to the employee's position, rate of pay and any other relevant information regarding the employee before and after the appeal was granted; 3) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee is still employed with the City and if so, the employee's position; 4) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee has applied for any promotions or transfers and, if so, the result of such application; 5) For each such employee who had an appeal granted, identify whether the employee has been disciplined or placed on a performance improvement plan, and, if so, the nature and outcome of such disciplinary action or performance improvement plan; and 6) Report the finding of such review back to the Commission Rationale: The MCS Commission is a five-member commission established by the City Charter that, among other things, hears appeals and makes final, binding decisions in the case of any municipal civil service employee who is discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation. The first appeal hearing heard by this Commission was in September 2014 and it has been approximately five years since that date. 1of2 The Commission …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2021 Municipal Civil Service Commission The Board/Commission mission statement is: The Municipal Civil Service (MCS) Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The purpose of the Commission is to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. hear appeals and make final, binding decisions in the case of municipal civil service employees covered under Article IX of the City Charter who have been discharged, suspended, demoted, denied a promotion, or put on disciplinary probation; recommend the adoption of civil service rules after receipt of proposed rules by the Human Resources Director and perform services under the civil service rules as provided in Article IX, Section 2 of the City Charter; perform other duties regarding the municipal civil service, not inconsistent with Article IX of the City Charter, that the City Council may require; issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to witnesses, whether at the request of interested parties or on its own motion, when reasonably necessary to obtain pertinent evidence at a hearing or investigation; administer oaths to witnesses appearing at a hearing or investigation; and conduct any investigations it may consider desirable or which it may be required by the City Council or the City Manager concerning the administration of municipal civil service, and report its findings and recommendations to the City Council. Further information regarding the Municipal Civil Service Commission is found in § 2-1-164 of the Austin City Code, which states: (A) The Municipal Civil Service Commission is established and governed by City Charter Article IX (Personnel). The Charter provisions supersede this chapter to the extent of conflict. (B) The Council Audit and Finance Committee shall review applications received by the city clerk from persons seeking appointment as a commissioner. Notwithstanding § 2-1-4(C), the Audit and Finance Committee, or any council member, may nominate a person for appointment to the commission. (C) A city employee may not serve as a member of the commission. (D) The council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. Annual Review and Work Plan Municipal Civil Service Commission - 2021 Page # 2 (E) Subsection (A) of Section 2-1-43 (Meeting Requirements) does not apply to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The commission may meet as necessary to carry out its duties under City Charter Article IX (Personnel). Source: Ord. 20130214-045; Ord. 20130321-043. …
2022 Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting Schedule Monday, January 10, 2022 Monday, July 11, 2022 Monday, January 24, 2022 Monday, July 25, 2022 Monday, February 14, 2022 Monday, August 8, 2022 Monday, February 28, 2022 Monday, August 22, 2022 Monday, March 14, 2022 Monday, September 12, 2022 Monday, March 28, 2022 Monday, September 26, 2022 Monday, April 11, 2022 Monday, October 10, 2022 Monday, April 25, 2022 Monday, October 24, 2022 Monday, May 9, 2022 Monday, November 14, 2022 Monday, May 23, 2022 Monday, December 12, 2022 Monday, June 13, 2022 Monday, June 27, 2022 Approved by Commission 9/27/21
