1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director August 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Hosts Citywide School Supply Drive On July 25, the Austin Central Library hosted the 2025 Citywide School Supply Drive, welcoming more than 60 City of Austin employees from various departments who volunteered their time to support local students. Throughout the day, volunteers collected donation drop- offs, sorted and packaged supplies, and prepared them for pickup and distribution. Thirty students from the Boys and Girls Club and the Summer Playgrounds program joined the event, enjoying lunch with Council Member José Velásquez, Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden- Howard, and Interim Director Hannah Terrell, followed by a guided tour of the library. Each student selected a backpack and received essential school supplies to start the new school year with confidence. Thanks to the combined efforts of participating departments, the City of Austin provided 691 backpacks and 210 boxes of supplies to Austin ISD and the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center. The Austin Public Library made a major contribution toward this total, with more than 15 divisions or individuals donating 143 backpacks and approximately 1,500 school supplies. Welcoming Namakau Mayungo: Mandela Washington Fellow From July 30 to August 27, Austin Public Library is honored to welcome Namakau Mayungo, a dedicated public librarian from Zambia, through the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Professional Development Experience. This distinguished program connects exceptional leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with U.S. institutions to foster cross-cultural exchange and advance professional expertise. Namakau’s career reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, equitable information access, and youth empowerment. In addition to her work as a public librarian, she volunteers with Sol Talent Hub, a youth-led organization that uses artistic expression to share critical information. During her residency at APL, she will focus on strategies for planning, implementing, and monitoring community literacy projects, while contributing her insight and experience to strengthen the library’s community impact. Austin History Center – Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories The Austin History Center (AHC) is celebrating their upcoming reopening and the 25th anniversary of its Community Archives Program this year. Throughout the summer, in an effort to remain rooted in community, the AHC hosted public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input on future programs, exhibits, and spaces. On Sunday, September 7, from 1–4 p.m. at 800 Guadalupe Street, we will host the …
The Death of the Public Library Public libraries are in decline not because of the internet or because people are reading less, but because they have become de facto homeless shelters. “ CURRE N T PRA CTI CE S A RE N ’ T SO LV I N G HO M E L E SSN E SS, B UT SE E M WE L L O N THE I R WAY TO DE STRO Y I N G THE PUB L I C L I B RA RY ,” WRI TE S ZA C B I SSO N N E TTE . ( GE N A RO M O L I N A / L OS A NG EL ES T I MES V I A GE TTY I M A GE S) By Zac Bissonnette I was excited about the Mandel Public Library when I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in early 2023. The city was on the rise, and Fodor’s Travel had named Mandel the fourth most beautiful public library in America. Then I started going there. I watched a security guard tell a man who appeared to be homeless that he wasn’t allowed back for another month. In the new books section, a guy yelled into his phone that he’d been kicked off the bus for arguing with a driver. Other homeless people slept in chairs and snored; the smell made you hold your breath. Beautiful though it was, with high rounded ceilings and a coffee shop in the lobby, I wondered how people could use this library as a place to read and study. The answer, I soon discovered, is that increasingly, they don’t. Between 2012 and 2019, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, visits to the Mandel Library declined 27 percent, and total circulation—the number of items, including e-books, borrowed by library patrons—fell 26 percent. And even as newcomers poured into South Florida, the trend has not reversed, with visits falling another 31 percent since 2019, meaning that visits have declined a staggering 50 percent. The statistic showing a dramatic increase, on the other hand, is not the one you want to see. According to the library’s director, Lisa Hathaway, “behavior incident reports”—everything from sleeping in the library to harassment of other patrons as well as staff—have risen by 41 percent since 2019. Rather than resisting their role as first responders …
Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Library Commission Meeting August 25, 2025 Building Our Strategic Plan 2022 - 2023 A Year of Collaborative Planning • Over 6,500 Austinites contributed to shaping the vision • Guided by a dedicated Steering Committee, including: Chief Administrative Officer Assistant Director of Public Services Community Engagement Librarian IDEAL Program Manager Business Process Consultant Sr Workgroup Engagement • 5 workgroups aligned with the strategic goals • 86 staff members from across the department participated • Members were selected for their diverse roles, perspectives, & expertise 2024 IMPLEMENTATION Rolling Out the Strategy 2024 - 2025 Engaging Staff Across the System • Conducted a “Road Show”, visiting over 40 work groups in just 3 months Partnering with the University of Texas • Collaborating on a Data Dictionary and Reporting Tool to support data-informed decision-making Coordinating with the City & Office of Operational Excellence • Aligning metrics with the City’s Strategic Direction 2028 • Prioritizing metrics and data collection • Tweaking our systems to collect meaningful data Ongoing Communication & Training • Presenting at Staff Development Days, Management Team Meetings, Branch Meetings, Library Orientation, and other key internal events • Providing on-demand training for use of new tools • Creating and communicating new procedures Technology Design & Buildout2024 - 2025 Background • New Strategic Plan • Consistency of Tracking and Reporting • Consistency of Process Server and Infrastructure • Library – All New Server Hardware, Software and Platforms • Security and Privacy take the lead • New Tools, Methods, and Processes • Built from the ground up (New Stacks) Standardization of data and methods • Database decisions • Methods and Tools 2024 - 2025 Database & Applications A Phased Approach • Prioritize buildout • 50+ metrics for the Strategic Plan alone • Proof of Concept as we build Phase I • Library Highlights Report – Library Commission • Completing Phase I Now Phase II – Remaining Strategic Plan Metrics • Strategic Plan Metrics • Capture …through presentation • Long Term Vision – Make sense Actions Phase III – Misc Metrics, New Mediums and Presentations • Non- Strategic Plan metrics • Audience Access Expansion • New Presentation Methods STRATEGIC GOALS Goal 1: Provide Community-Centric Programs and Services • Include staff feedback in designing programs and services • Making sure that resources are allocated equitably • Use data to better understand how libraries are used • Offer …
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS Cody Scott – Facilities Process Manager OBJECTIVES Introduction Completed Projects Active Projects Pending Projects Bond 2026 Facilities Services Introduction BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS INVENTORY CONTROL MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SECURITY Project Updates Faulk Building and History Center Renovations 2018 Bond – Archival Expansion and Preservation Old Quarry Willie Mae Kirk St John Spending Overview Library 2018 Bond Spending Overview $34.5 M $30.2 M $15.1 M $12.2 M $11.2 M $6.2 M $4.0 M $.0 M 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 $40.0 M $35.0 M $30.0 M $25.0 M $20.0 M $15.0 M $10.0 M $5.0 M $.0 M 2026 Bond Priorities Proposed 2026 Austin Public Library Bond Projects Colony Park Branch Library All-new community hub serving East Austin Safe and Secure Libraries Protecting and supporting in times of crisis Oak Hill and Milwood Branch Expansions Enhancing existing network Land Acquisitions For future library construction The 2026 Bond Election presents a critical opportunity to begin implementing Austin Public Library's city council-approved facilities recommendations, ensuring APL meets the growing needs of Austin’s diverse communities through expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Colony Park Branch Library All new facility to serve as community hub in major service desert in rapidly-growing East Austin area. Opportunity for co-location of services with other City of Austin Departments as part of affordable housing development. Hampton at Oak Hill Expansion • Original design plans call to expand 6,420 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet • The properties impervious cover limited the outward expansion of the library to this example • Current parking lot expansion is in line with original designed expansion Milwood Expansion • Original design plans proposed to expand 6,500 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet Safe and Secure Library Project • Terrazas Branch, Ruiz Branch, and Little Walnut Creek Branch • supporting the community during times of crisis. • • • • backup power systems enhanced climate control resilient design features like energy-efficient systems structural reinforcements Land Acquisitions for Future Libraries 30,000 to 40,000 square-foot facilities, addressing significant service gaps in Austin’s underserved northeast, southeast and southwest communities. • Large regional branches to extend our impact beyond the city center and serve as community hubs Thank you Questions and Concerns
HIV PLANNING COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH 2025, 6:00 P.M. The HIV PLANNING COUNCIL convened in a REGULAR meeting on MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH 2025 at 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE in Austin, Texas. Kelle’ Martin called the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL Meeting to order at 6:03 P.M. Planning Council Members in Attendance: None. Planning Council Members in Attendance Remotely: Kelle’ Martin, Alicia Alston, Aran Belani, Marquis Goodwin, Judith Hassan, Liza Bailey, Ashley Garling, Kristina McRae-Thompson, Joe Anderson Jr., Jeremy Caballero, and Benito Juarez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the HIV Planning Council regular meeting on July 28th, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 7/28/2025 were approved as written on Alicia Alston’s motion, Kristina McRae-Thompson second on a vote of (11-0). For: Kelle’ Martin, Alicia Alston, Aran Belani, Marquis Goodwin, Judith Hassan, Liza Bailey, Ashley Garling, Kristina McRae-Thompson, Joe Anderson Jr., Jeremy Caballero, and Benito Juarez Off dais: None. Non-voting: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. Joe Anderson Jr. - Early Intervention Services (EIS), Health Insurance Premium Cost Sharing Assistance (HIPCSA), Medical Case Management, Mental Health Services, and Non-Medical Case Management Marquis Goodwin - Medical Case Management, Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance (HIPCSA), Non-Medical Case Management, Linguistic Services, and Medical Transportation STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Office of Support Staff Briefing Briefing given by Rashana Raggs. Refer to written report for full details. 4. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing Briefing given by Ken Martin, Jennifer LeBlanc, and Sherry Lyles. Refer to written report for full details. 5. Part B Staff Briefing Briefing given by Alicia Alston. Refer to written report for full details. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion of Directives Discussion led by Rashana Raggs. Refer to Developing Directives document for full details. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and approval of HIV Planning Council Applicant a. Drew Kyler The motion to approve Drew Kyler to become a board member of the HIV Planning Council was approved on Kelle’ Martin’s motion and Marquis Goodwin second on a vote of (11-0). For: Kelle’ Martin, Marquis Goodwin, Alicia Alston, Joe Anderson Jr., Aran Belani, Liza Bailey, Judith Hassan, Dr. Ashley Garling, Jeremy Caballero, Benito Juarez, and Kristina McRae-Thompson Off dais: None. Non-voting: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 8. Discussion and approval of Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) and Early …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on August 25, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Pedro Villalobos (arrived at 6:08 p.m.). Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil (arrived at 6:18 p.m.), Nicole Merritt, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carol Baxter and Joe Derrick - Austin Rowing Club Mary Fero – Beverly Sheffield NW District Park drainage pond Sarah Coles - Texas Children and Nature Network Phillip Thomas - Expressing thanks to the Parks Board Members Chris Flores - Movies at Deep Eddy Pool APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of July 28, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of July 28, 2025 was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara and Orme absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Therapeutic Recreation Services team providing safe, accessible, fun and supportive recreation environments for all persons no matter their abilities, including both adaptive and inclusive programs. Malorie Solus, Recreation Program Supervisor and Emmanuel Turner, Recreation Program Coordinator, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on the number of unduplicated youth that get to participate, programming changes in 2026, areas for growth and expansion, budget, data on participant waitlists and programming past 5:00 PM, 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 2025 The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Therapeutic Recreation Services team providing safe, accessible, fun and supportive recreation environments for all persons no matter their abilities, including both adaptive and inclusive programs was approved on Vice Chair Flowers motion, Board Member Eubanks second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Abou- Emara and Orme absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to City Council to approve a permanent change of use of 138,136 sq. ft. and a temporary change of use of 11,997 sq. ft. of parkland for a period not to exceed 120 calendar …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025 The Library Commission convened a regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Twin Oaks Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Magen Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Name: Carlos León Topic: Hannah Terrell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. The June 30, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioner Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 2. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission Special Called meeting on August 2, 2025. The August 2, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Hasdorff, seconded by Commissioner Gururaj. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Update by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. The briefing was presented by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer and Joe Faulk, Information Technology Manager. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The briefing was presented by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 5. Staff briefing on the August APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. The Commission discussed the Recent Library Article, The Death of the Public Library, by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. 7. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. The Commission discussed future objectives and advocacy strategies to support the Austin Public Library over the next year. The conversation focused on gaining deeper understanding of key …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE AUGUST 22, 2025 – 12:00 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference. 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 Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lane Becker (Mayor), Chair Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Stephanie Bazan (D-5) Kim Taylor (D-8) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on November 15, 2024 and March 21, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on an upcoming a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Austin Parks and Recreation. Page 1 of 2 3. Staff briefing on the monthly Austin Parks and Recreation contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Austin Parks and Recreation. 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 call Tim Dombeck at Parks and Recreation Department, at (512) 974-6716 tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Parks and Recreation Board, please contact Tim Dombeck at (512) 974-6716 tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. Page 2 of 2
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2024 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR meeting on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, TX. Acting Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 12:09 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Holly Reed, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker. Board Members Absent: Nicole Merritt. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ricardo Chavana - Economic benefit of parks as a gathering place. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on September 20, 2024. The minutes from the regular meeting of September 20, 2024, were approved on Board Member Taylor’s motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second, on a 4-0 vote. Board Member Merritt absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development that requires City Council approval and/or committee and board recommendations. Denisha Cox, Contracts Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on watercraft concession at Barton Creek and whether is now under the purview of the Real Estate Office, which 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 15, 2024 concessions are being managed by PARD Partners and Phase 2 of The Trail Conservancy Parkland Operations and Maintenance Agreement. No action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist III, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on unlicensed concessioners, The Expedition School concession agreement, conditional use permits for alcohol sales, revenue from Zilker Eagle Train and revenue sharing in new contracts. Board Members discussed tabling the approval of the 2024 Annual Concessions Report to the January 2025 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board. No action was taken on this item. 4. Discussion and approval of setting the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee 2025 regular meeting schedule. The motion to approve setting the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee 2025 regular …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 21, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR meeting on FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, TX. Chair Becker called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE Meeting to order at 12:08 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Lane Becker. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members Absent: Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Christ Flores - Homelessness issues and cooking concerns at Zilker Café APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 17, 2025. Chair Becker noted an error on the agenda concerning the approval of minutes. The Contracts and Concession Committee did not meet on January 17, 2025. The Contracts and Concessions Committee's meeting minutes from November 15, 2024 and March 21, 2025 will be approved at the next meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on an upcoming RFP solicitation for management and operation of the Zilker Café. Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on grease traps security, 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 21, 2025 alcohol sales, environmental precautions for salamanders, public input, the most recent concessionaire at this location and local preference. No action was taken on this item. 3. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development and on the FY25 Annual Concession Activity Report summarizes year to date concessionaire activity per Austin City Code § 8-1-73 Annual Concession Report required data. Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, and Pat Rossett, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department gave a briefing and answered clarifying questions on considerations for 'historic' concessions, revenue concessions payment schedule and TTC management of concessionaires. No action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department …
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION August 22, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisha Mac Gregor, Austin Community College Andrew Lyon, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Aidan Cournoyer, University of Texas at Austin Kritika Ramesh, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Camila Colin, St. Edward’s University Caroline Schilling, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from April 25, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Introduction of new commissioners. 2. 3. 4. Update on the status of recommendations 20250425-005 and 20250425-006. Discussion of current working groups and assignment of new commissioners to working groups. Discussion of housing issues across all colleges. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on their priorities. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on their priorities. 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 call Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
College Student Commission Meeting Minutes 25, April, 2025 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 25, APRIL, 2025 The College Student Commission convened in a regular meeting on 4, April 2025 at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 in Austin, Texas. Chair Charlie Mossberger called the College Student Commission Meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Charlie Mossberger, Halle Kocian, Andrew Lyon, Elisha McGreggor Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Caleb Brizuela, Jacob Hamerslough, Mariama Mbacke, Mariana Ponce PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The motion to approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting on April 4th, 2025, was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Andrew Lyon’s second on an 8-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. None DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. None PUBLIC HEARINGS None 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation by NAME, TITLE, 3-1-1, presented on how to submit service requests, code violations and other non-emergency issues through 3-1-1. Andrew Lyon was elected chair on an 8-0 vote. Caleb Brizuela was elected vice chair on an 8-0 vote. 6. 7. 1 College Student Commission Meeting Minutes 25, April, 2025 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. The motion to update the College Student Commission Bylaws from a monthly meeting requirement to 4 meetings a year was approved on Andrew Lyon’s motion, Jacob Hamerslough’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to amend Recommendation 20250425-005: Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Andrew Lyon’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20250425-005: Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Aidyn Ogden’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Carson Domey, Dominic Polidor, and Prisca Dhital were absent. The motion to amend Recommendation 20250425-006: Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Aidyn Ogden’s second on an 8-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20250425-006: Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” was approved on Jacob Hamerslough’s motion, Mariama Mbkacke’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Carson Domey, Dominic Polidor, and Prisca Dhital were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 13. Update from TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP: The Transportation Working Group had no update. Update was given by Jacob Hamerslough. 14. Update from MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP. The Mental Health Working Group is interested in having more commissioners be a part of the working group. Update was given by Charlie Hamerslough. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS …
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Contracts and Concessions Meeting August 22, 2025 Presenters: Denisha Cox, Ed.D, MBA, MPH, CTCM, Contract Management Supervisor II Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, …
Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Contracts Under Development Concessions and Contracts Committee Aug-25 Contract/Project Interlocal Agreement with AISD/ Go Project Contract Type Interlocal Phase N NCP NA S / NS NS CCC N/A PARB Feb-25 Council Apr-25 Interlocal Agreement with AISD/S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education) Swim Interlocal N NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 Interlocal ACC Welding Program Partnership Interlocal N NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Jul-25 Notes The City and AISD entered into an agreement in 2005 relating to an educational program known as the GO PROJECT that is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age and that enables students to move beyond the high school setting and finish their education in a college or work environment. The City provides facilities for AISD's use in providing such classes to the identified students and is interested in continuing to do this. As the current agreement in almost 20 years old, the City wants to revisit and refresh the agreement to better meet all needs. A draft agreement has been sent to the Legal Department for review. On February 24, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Board approved by a vote of 7-0 a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. The item was approved by City Council on April 24, 2025. It has been sent to AISD for review and approval. Project SAFE is an aquatic safety education and swim training program provided to the Austin Independent School District by the City of Austin’s Aquatic Division. Each spring, students are invited to their nearby City of Austin- operated aquatic facility for a two-week long learn-to-swim session. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curriculums approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City's hope that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. At the conclusion of the program, registration information will be provided for students to continue their learning by participating in additional City of Austin Parks and Recreation programs. On March 21, 2025, the CCC was briefed on this item and recommended the item be approved by Park's Board. On March 24, 2025, the Park's Board recommended Council authorize the the negotiation and execution of the ILA on a …
ATTACHMENT A - EXPIRING CONTRACTS Contract Category Definition Concessions: Relationship with for-profit or non-profit where the contractual partner earns money by using parkland. The contractual partner pays a portion of the revenue to PARD. PARD periodically evaluates whether this “service” continues to be a business need priority. Formal solicitations are typical for these relationships. In some cases, Council provides specific direction*. Contractual Obligation/Services: PARD enters into an agreement either for services or to provide services. May be driven by PARD business need or it may be Council directed. PARD periodically evaluates whether this “service” continues to be a business need priority. When services are provided to PARD, PARD typically allocates a portion of the general fund or other resources to pay for the services. Interlocal Agreements: PARD enters into an agreement with another governmental entity either for services or to provide services. May be driven by PARD business need or it may be Council directed. While PARD periodically evaluates the need for the “service”, there may be other considerations for maintaining the agreements Partnership: Cooperation, collaboration, working together for public benefit with non-profit organizations. These agreements are not necessarily subject to bid processes. These partners should adhere to recently developed base terms associated with partnership levels (operations and maintenance). PLD: Parkland dedication requirement for developers. Contract Name Type of Contract Contract Description Contract Term Beginning Date Contract Term Ending Date Texas Tennis Consultants Contractual Obligations/Services Management and Operation of Caswell Tennis Center 5/15/2015 9/12/2025 Fairways Cantina Concession - Morris Williams Golf Course Concession Food and Beverage concession. Amendment One, executed 10/18/24, changed the revenue payments to ten percent (10%) of all Gross Revenues and added two additional extension options, for a total of three options: Option is 1-9/30/25 to 9/29/30; Option 2 is 9/30/30 to 9/29/35; and Option 3 is 9/30/35 to 9/29/40. 9/30/2020 9/30/2025 Capital Area Council of Governments (CACOG) Interlocal Interlocal Agreement between the COA and CACOG for delivery of congregate meals to various PARD facilities. Renews automatically each year. 4/1/2011 9/30/2025 Round Rock ISD Swimming Pool Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Interlocal Parties jointly construct, maintain, use and operate a swimming pool located on Round Rock ISD property located at Round Rock ISD Canyon Vista Middle School. 12-month extensions available annually until 9/30/2031, when the pool returns to RRISD. 6/1/2010 9/30/2025 Rowing Dock Rippner Tennis Lone Star Tennis Company Concession Paddling watercraft rental concession on Lady Bird Lake 5/1/2002 …
