Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Tommy Kosarek Saturday, March 26, 2022 6:47 PM PAZ Preservation 1205 Alta Vista Ave.; Case No. HR 22-026102; OBJECTION *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** ATTN.: Amber Allen Attached please find information regarding my OBJECTION to the demolition of the home located at 1205 Alta Vista Ave. If you have any issues with the files please let me know. If you require a mailed in original, also please let me know. Thank you, N. Thomas Kosarek, AIA Principal BarnesGromatzkyKosarekArchitects 1224 EAST 12th Street, Suite 320 Austin, TX 78702 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Sunday, March 27, 2022 12:03 PM PAZ Preservation 1205 Alta Vista HR-2022-026102 *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Dear Commissioners, I oppose the demolition of 1205 Alta Vista on the basis of its contributing status to our National Register District. I’m a resident of the district and worked long and hard to achieve it. While it is not a landmark‐worthy structure, it is still part of our neighborhood’s history because it shows that we were/are a community that has always allowed for a variety of residents with different economic status. Rental properties’ existence in the neighborhood is an element that has brought many interesting residents into our community. It has been that way until recently. It DOES have community value in that regard. all our contributing structures obviously have value in terms of their relationship to their surrounding neighbors. They “contribute” to our story. Even though I know I can’t stop this demolition, I desperately hoping you can dissuade the owners from building this over‐scaled, monilithic single‐family residence. I would prefer to see multi‐family here, if anything, as it is being demolished every month here, and replaced with double‐lot sized single‐family homes. This leads to the erasure and misrepresentation of our history. Thank you! Melanie Martinez CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
SOCIAL KNOWLEDGEABLE INFLUENTIAL Kimberly Levinson President Curtis Rogers Vice President Angela Hovis Treasurer Frank Seely Greg Anderson Philip Wiley Marshall Geyer Gordon Moore March 26, 2022 To the Historic Landmark Commission, The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) is opposed to granting historic landmark status to the 301 W. 6th St. warehouse where The Iron Bear is currently located. We feel that The Iron Bear is an important institution for the LGBTQ+ community downtown and are hopeful that this bar is able to relocate again in a new downtown building with sufficient timing. We have formed our stance based on the following reasons: 1. The high potential for density and housing at this site. 2. The owner of the warehouse, Sixth & Lavaca 2018 LP, are in favor of demolition. 3. DANA does not find the warehouse to be exceptional or worth preserving, given the potential of this site to help achieve other community goals This site is located directly on a current MetroRapid corridor, an upcoming light rail corridor, in the walkshed from the upcoming Republic Square Project Connect station. Additionally, this lot is not in a Capitol View Corridor and is zoned to have no height limit. Given the items listed above, DANA supports the demolition of 301 W. 6th St. and is opposed to granting this lot historic zoning. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Kimberley Levinson President The DANA Board Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association
301 W. 6th Street Historic Landmark Commission March 28, 2022 Overview Lot Size: Zoning: • 0.14 acres, or approximately 5,888 SF • CBD (Central Business District) Built: • Circa 1919 Current Use: • Cocktail Lounge Historic Use: • Ice Cream Shop Landmark Designation Criteria A property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture • Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; • Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; • Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; • Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; • Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or • Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. 1935 Sanborn Original building character has been compromised by: - Addition of new openings - Paint over original Austin Common brick - Removal of historic canopy and brackets - Windows not original to building - Egress encroachment in R.O.W. - Conversion of entrance to patio Aerial Zoomed Out Architectural character is better represented and preserved in the historic 6th Street district, including: - Shallow arched windows - Original Windows - Unpainted Austin Common brick - Rectangular clerestory brick relief - 3 tier brick building cap - Corner brick entry ii. Historical Associations groups, institutions, The property has long-standing significant associations with events persons, of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation; or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. businesses, or ii. Historical Associations Long standing historic association: • Riegler Ice Cream Company • Located in building for approx. 9 years • San Antonio business • Historical Persons: • Businessmen Landmark Designation Criteria iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature The property has, or is expected to yield, significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region; The property has a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING LIFEGAURDS AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin City Council to pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all Page 1 of 2 aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates for all lifeguards and in particular open water certified lifeguards; 2) increasing the number of year-round full time employee open water certified lifeguards to ensure continuous open operation of Barton Springs Pool; 3) increasing …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 21, 20222 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes that the loss of Parks and Recreation Department fee revenue in Fiscal Year 2022 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic was significant yet the demand for PARD facilities and programming continues to grow moving into the 2023 fiscal year; and THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. Page 1 of 2 VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ____________________________________ Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MOTION FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET Date: March 28, 20222 Subject: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department FY 23 Operating Budget MOTION BY: SECONDED BY: VOTE: RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board (“PARB”) Financial Committee reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD”) Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its meeting on March 21, 2022 and the Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and provided PARB with its unanimous recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget items are all necessary in order to strive to achieve the PARD Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Board finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities as described in Attachment A are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community and achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals listed above, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that some staff members have not received adequate cost of living increases to wages and are not making a livable wage that is necessary to attract and retain qualified staff necessary provide the services of a functioning parks and recreation system, in particular the temporary and part-time employees; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures continues to grow significantly over the past several years and continuing into the 2023 fiscal year; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to the Austin City Council: Page 1 of 2 1) approval of the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Operating Budget as presented in the FY 2023 Budget Forecast. 2) that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations; and 3) to provide a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION REGARDING FISCAL YEAR 2023 UNDER RESOURCED SERVICE EXPECTATIONS Date: March 21, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations MOTION BY: Faust SECONDED BY: DePalma VOTE: 3-0 RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee “Finance Committee” reviewed the Parks and Recreation Department Financial Services Division Under Resourced Service Expectations at its February 28, 2022 meeting and the Parks and Recreation Department Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Forecast and Department Overview at its March 21, 2022 meeting; and WHEREAS; the Finance Committee finds that the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations, including: addressing homelessness, safety and security; increasing human resources support; advancing equity; and meeting customer service expectations for condition and quality of parks and facilities are all critical needs that are essential to meeting the service expectations of our community, but lack resources, and; WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that funding of the FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectations is necessary to achieving the Strategic Direction 23 goals of: activating and enhancing urban park spaces to provide flexible and diverse programming; aligning accessible and diverse programs and services with community needs and interests; ensuring the parks system preserves recreational and natural spaces to serve as a respite from urban life; and expanding and improve access to parks and facilities for all; and THEREFORE, the Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend to the Austin City Council that it provide allocations in addition to the Parks and Recreation Department FY 2023 Budget Forecast sufficient to fully fund the Under Resourced Service Expectations, as described in Attachment A. VOTE: 3-0 For: Moore, DePalma, Faust Against: None Abstain: Lewis (Ex-Officio) Page 1 of 2 Absent: Hugman, Taylor Attest [Staff or board member can sign]: ______________________________________ Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the unequivocal value that the City of Austin’s parkland and its amenities bring to our community in the areas of health, equity, environmental and economic benefits. The Board also are recognizes how much these spaces are a vital piece of Austin’s vibrancy as our parks, trails, amenities and greenspaces contribute significantly to Austin’s special beauty, lifestyle and appeal; and WHEREAS, the Board also understands that the parkland dedication ordinance fees have provided crucial funding for the acquisition of parkland and improvement of parks; Since 2007, the ordinance has provided the acquisition of over 1700 square acres of parkland, created and improved park infrastructure and amenities, reduced Austin’s park deficiency and improved park access with a focus on equity; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the positive impact of parkland dedication fees on residential and hotel developments, but is also aware that there are commercial, office and industrial developments in our community that are located in park-deficient areas and that these developments could potentially contribute; and WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution on the land development code which included a recommendation that commercial properties be included in the parkland dedication ordinance; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board supports Mayor Pro Tem Alter’s resolution asking that city staff initiate code amendments to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance in City Code Chapter 25-1 to require parkland dedication for office, industrial, and commercial developments. This would include engaging with stakeholders and creating the amendment in a timely manner so a potential fee would be set in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.
RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City Charter, Article V stresses the importance of the provision of parks and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, provision of adequate parks and recreation facilities plays a major role in achieving the six key City goals established in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan: 1) Preserving Livability; 2) Expanding Transportation Choices; 3) Tackling the Ethnic Divide; 4) Protecting our Natural Resources; 5) Promoting Prosperity for All; and 6) Collaborating Regionally; and WHEREAS, parks provide recreational opportunities, create community, preserve the City’s character and natural resources, increase transportation opportunities, and keep Austin beautiful; and WHEREAS, park trails and greenbelts expand multi-modal access to transportation across the city; and WHEREAS, parkland provides relief from urban life, green space to those who do not have access to a yard, opportunities to gather and recreate, and numerous physical and mental health benefits; and WHEREAS, investing in parkland in historically underserved areas is investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of those residents; and WHEREAS, Austinites have a strong connection to nature and consider the trails, greenways and parks ‘a core part of what makes Austin special’; and WHEREAS, Austin’s parks help Austin attract high-tech industries, creative professionals, and local entrepreneurs alike; and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Page 1 of 6 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS, parks are key to addressing regional challenges such as transportation, water resources, growth and development, climate change, environmental protection and economic prosperity; and WHEREAS, the St. David’s Healthy Parks Plan for Travis, Bastrop and Caldwell counties confirms that parks are essential to public health for the Central Texas region and provides recommendations for expanding park service; and WHEREAS, the Parkland Dedication Ordinance helps the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provide critical park service to the people of Austin in accordance with goals and mandates set forth in the City Charter, Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the PARD Long Range Plan, and various Council resolutions; and WHEREAS, the City passed its first Parkland Dedication Ordinance in 1985, updated it in 2007 and again in 2016; and WHEREAS, in 1984, the Texas Supreme Court ruled parkland dedication to be constitutionally legal and regulating laws stipulate that parkland dedication requirements imposed on a …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD DIRECTOR’S REPORT DATE: March 2022 PLANNING UPDATES: Bolm District Park Vision Plan: The Bolm District Park vision planning process is scheduled to commence in the Summer of 2022. The funding for the vision plan has been identified and the Park Planning Division will manage the process. Park Planning will proceed with developing the scope of work and negotiating/contracting consulting services with a planning/design firm. At that time (anticipated in 2023) the planning team will be reaching out to the community to start the engagement process and seek feedback. District 3 Mendez Recreation Center: Mendez Recreation Center recently completed construction of its shade fabrication for the facility splash pad. The pre-construction onsite meeting was held on February 24th, with the installer meeting on site for construction February 28th. The project installation was completed on March 3rd. The new structure will now provide shaded space for the splash pad for families and children in the community. District 3 Turner Roberts Recreation Center Facility Repairs: The City of Austin’s Turner Roberts Recreation Center resumed facility renovations and repair after a recent halt in the project. The project sub- contractors have completed the necessary inspections and reports of the facility space before moving forward with the next stage in repairs. Completion of the project is still scheduled for Late April 2022. District 1 Rosewood Neighborhood Park Tennis Court Resurface: The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) Planning Team continues to move forward with the tennis court resurface project at Rosewood Neighborhood Park. After community input and meeting with local pickleball advocates, the decision was proposed to remove one permanent tennis court and provide two permanent pickleball courts and striping for two temporary pickleball courts. The project was recently halted to receive final approval as the project planning team ran into some structural issues with tree roots on the south side of the court, requiring changes to the project. Once that is complete, changes will be submitted to the Contractor to determine the cost increase/decrease for this work. As a result of these changes the project will not be completed by the initial projected completion date of March 25th. District 1 Givens Recreation Center: Givens Recreation Center recently completed the demolition of flooring in the lobby and office area in anticipation of the facility renovation. In addition to the demolition, an asbestos abatement was also done in preparation of the project. Due …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220307-3E COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL Accurate data collection of marginalized communities provides the City of Austin with the information needed to adequately support and serve each community. Because there is no national collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data, it is important that the City of Austin begin collecting that data. The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council approve the following resolution and direct the City Manager to begin collecting this data from City employees and community members accessing City services. DRAFT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Austin conducted an LGBTQ+ Quality of Life survey, with a report given on October 11, 2021 providing a number of recommendations on how to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Austin, TX; and, WHEREAS, a key recommendation from the Quality of Life survey is to “enhance sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection efforts”; and, WHEREAS, even prior to the QOL survey, on February 11, 2019, the LGBTQ QOL Commission passed a recommendation that supported the full inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection within the City of Austin; and, WHEREAS, on October 21, 2021, Austin City Council formally condemned non-consensual and medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children and directed the City Manager to explore methods to implement a public education campaign to provide accurate, affirming information to the doctors and parents of intersex children about these children’s health, to counter misinformation that can be presented as medical advice, therefore providing an important reason to collect data regarding the intersex population in the city as well (SOGI+); and, WHEREAS, in March 2016, Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) added SO/GI data as required elements to be reported yearly in the Uniform Data System (UDS), beginning in Calendar Year 2016. The Program Assistance Letter (PAL 2016-2) states that “sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) can play a significant role in determining health outcomes,” and that “gaining a better understanding of populations served by health centers, including sexual orientation and gender identity, promotes culturally competent care delivery, and contributes to reducing health disparities overall.”; and, WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Central Health Equity Policy Council adopted a policy initiative to move to expand SOGI data gathering as part of a push to adopt HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-4 EXECUTIVE-LEVEL LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY LIAISON WHEREAS, among the key themes and requests resulting from the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study are to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s essential needs including access to housing, education and culturally appropriate healthcare as well as the desire to achieve economic stability; and WHEREAS, another key topic requiring immediate consideration concerns our transgender and gender-expansive community members. Threats and attacks to basic human rights of transgender youth and their families by State representatives require City officials and staff to make critical decisions and take immediate action to ensure their safety. It is encouraging that gains in social understanding and approval for LGBTQIA+ people over the past several decades have improved, yet as a result of the State’s recent hostile political climate, LGBTQIA+ community members continue to face extreme levels of intolerance. Adding an executive level LGBTQIA+ liaison to provide public support might reassure vulnerable members experiencing discrimination that their city will serve and protect them. An LGBTQIA+ liaison located in the City Manager’s office will review city policies and services through an LGBTQIA+ lens to determine if a policy or service might exclude or harm LGBTQIA+ people. This position would also be known as a receptive ear to constituents who want to bring LGBTQIA+ related issues directly to city government but may be fearful they might be dismissed or misunderstood; and WHEREAS, limitations have been placed on the City’s financial resources and LGBTQIA+ services are provided by an array of City departments and contracted providers, services are not monitored collectively for the community as a whole. Therefore the effectiveness, necessity or possible redundancies of services currently being funded cannot be determined. The liaison will actively coordinate and perform an analysis of current City and contracted services assuring all needs of the community are successfully addressed and may result in reassignment of resources to better use; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has the nation’s third largest LGBTQIA+ population per capita. The internationally recognized organization, Human Right Campaign (HRC), sets industry standards for ranking cities for LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life. In its annual report, Municipal Equality Index 2021, one measure for municipalities to achieve status as a “highest scoring city” states there must be present an individual residing in the City Manager’s or Mayor’s office working as a liaison on LGBTQIA+ issues as well as a separate liaison stationed under …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-1 BUDGET PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS WHEREAS, the member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee includes annual budget recommendations to City Council; and WHEREAS, informed recommendations require a knowledge of the current Adopted Budget, as well as departmental plans and performance and input from the communities we serve; and WHEREAS, this process is best served by an established and consistent process from year to year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that their adopted budget schedule each fiscal year include provisions for Commissions including: • Budget Office briefing on the Adopted Budget for member Commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee not later than October 31 of each fiscal year, • Budget Office briefing on the Proposed Budget process and outlook not later than • Commission recommendations to City departments and City Council not later than November 30 of each fiscal year, March 31 of each fiscal year • Budget Office briefing on the City Manager’s Proposed Budget within two weeks of the presentation to City Council outlining the status of Commission budget recommendations. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-2 SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHEREAS, the City of Austin has used tax supported bond proceeds to incentivize the development of affordable housing and has entered into contracts with selected developers to achieve this purpose; and WHEREAS, the developer contracts create additional obligations on developers regarding tenant selection and rental rates; and WHEREAS, there is a public interest in ensuring that the resulting affordable housing be equally available to all those qualified on an income basis regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, access to affordable housing also means that residents must be able to live there free from discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and WHEREAS, public comments at town hall meetings have indicated a perception that the City’s affordable housing efforts have not adequately addressed diversity, inclusion and respect for all. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that, Tax supported affordable housing development contracts include language that requires tenant application and selection processes to convey that affordable housing is supportive to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, familial status, disability, marital status, student status, creed, national origin, or source of income; and That annual reporting of complete demographic information regarding the tenant application and selection process be required of developers and made available by the City to the community to support the perception of diversity, inclusion and respect with regard to the City’s affordable housing efforts. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220328-3A-3 CONTINUED FUNDING FOR YOUTH LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WHEREAS, the recently completed LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study reported that survey responses indicated a high risk of serious mental health issues, including depression (42%) and suicidal ideation (12%); and WHEREAS, 52% of survey respondents also rated their overall mental health since the COVID pandemic as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS, an additional community survey reported that more than half (53.5%) of respondents rated their mental health as poor or fair with youth and transgender/gender- expansive individuals indicating a higher percentage of very poor and poor mental health since the pandemic; and WHEREAS, a 2018 report by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that LGBTQ youth were 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers, transgender teens were 5.87 times more likely, gay and lesbian youth were 3.71 times more likely, and bisexual youth were 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that the FY22-23 Budget continue funding of existing youth LGBTQIA+ focused mental health services at the current level of $100,000 through Austin Public Health’s Health Equity contracting portfolio. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curette 3. Curry 4. Dowling 5. Dreke 6. Gonzales 7. Jones 8. Taylor 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: March 28, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220328-B2-1 Board Member Sarah Faust Seconded By: Vice-Chair Richard DePalma Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Lifeguard Shortage Motioned By: Recommendation Pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs. RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee “Financial Committee” reviewed a presentation regarding Aquatics Budget and Staffing at its February 28, 2022 which demonstrated that hiring of lifeguards has been difficult due to previous pandemic induced hiring freezes and other economic factors; and WHEREAS; the Parks and Recreation Department notified the Finance Committee that it will be offering an incentive bonus to temporary life guards that join the staff and stay through the summer season; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department subsequently announced that Barton Springs Pool will be closed indefinitely for two days a week due to a staffing shortage of approximately 20 open water certified life guards needed in order to safely guard Barton Springs Pool and to provide training to newly recruited life guards; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is concerned with the closure of any swimming pools during the spring and summer swim seasons due to staffing issues because swimming is a critical form of exercise and outdoor recreation for our community; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee is especially concerned with the closure of Barton Springs Pool during the entry fee season, as the closure of Barton Springs in the spring season is estimated to cost $9,000.00 per day in lost revenue and would cost much more during the summer season; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee finds that staffing at the swimming pools that are open-year round and in particular Barton Springs, which requires specially trained open water certified lifeguards, has become especially difficult due to rising costs of living in Austin and wages for part-time and temporary employees that have not risen proportionally; THEREFORE, the Parks and Recreation Board Finance Committee recommends to the Parks and Recreation Board that it recommend that the Parks and Recreation Department and Austin 1 of 2 City Council pursue all available measures to increase staffing to sustainable levels for all aquatics facilities, with particular emphasis on Barton Springs, including but not limited to the following measures: 1) increasing pay rates to a starting livable wage of $22 an hour for staff and an additional bonus for lifeguards that …
