David Carroll, Chair Street. Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-01C Date: November 19, 2021 Subject: Design Commission recommendations for the City of Austin EMS/Fire Station, located at 401 East 5th Seconded By: Bart Whatley Motioned By: Melissa Henao-Robledo Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the City of Austin Central EMS/Fire Station, located at 401 East 5th Street, as presented to us on November 15, 2021 meets the City’s design and sustainability standards. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor & City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s support of the City of Austin Central EMS/Fire Station as presented to us. Our review found the following attributes: 1. Protects and restores existing historic structure. 2. Addition is clearly differentiated from existing structure 3. 4. Meets LEED requirements for sustainability 5. Inclusion of public artwork. Increases gender diversity and accessibility within the building Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Jen Weaver, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, David Carroll, Josue Meiners, Bart Whatley, Jessica 7 - 0 - 0 Rollason Against: NA Abstain: NA Recused: Aan Coleman Absent: Samuel Franco, Ben Luckens Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01C Central EMS/Fire Station Page 1
David Carroll, Chair Riverside Drive. Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-01D Date: November 19, 2021 Subject: Design Commission recommendations for the City of Austin EMS/Fire Station 22, located at 5309 East Jessica Rollason Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the City of Austin EMS/Fire Station 22, located at 5309 East Riverside Drive, as presented to us on November 15, 2021 meets the City’s design and sustainability standards. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor & City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s support of the City of Austin EMS/Fire Station 22 as presented to us. Our review found the following attributes: 1. Project is on track for LEED Silver Certification. 2. Public entry is clearly articulated and accessible. 3. Project preserves existing grove of trees along Riverside Drive. 4. Accommodations are gender-neutral. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Jen Weaver, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, David Carroll, Josue Meiners, Bart Whatley, Jessica 7 - 0 - 0 Rollason Against: NA Abstain: NA Recused: Aan Coleman Absent: Samuel Franco, Ben Luckens Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01D Riverside Fire Station
David Carroll, Chair Street. Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-01E Date: November 22, 2021 Subject: Design Commission recommendations for the City of Austin Fire Station 03, located at 201 West 30th Bart Whatley Seconded By: Jessica Rollason Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the City of Austin Fire Station 03, located at 201 West 30th Street, as presented to us on November 15, 2021 meets the City’s design and sustainability standards. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor & City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s support of the City of Austin Fire Station 03 as presented to us. Our review found the following attributes: 1. New addition respects the historic building design 2. Project is following LEED green building criteria 3. Project preserves relationship to the street 4. Will finally allow the fire trucks to be parked inside apparatus bays, protection valuable city infrastructure. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Jen Weaver, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, David Carroll, Josue Meiners, Bart Whatley, Jessica 7 - 0 - 0 Rollason Against: NA Abstain: NA Recused: Aan Coleman Absent: Samuel Franco, Ben Luckens Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01E 30th Street Fire Station Page 1
David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-1G Date: November 23, 2021 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the Zilker Metro Park- Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation project, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road. Vice-Chair Rollason Seconded By: Commissioner Meiners Motioned By: Recommendation: The Austin Design Commission recommends that the proposed rehabilitation to the Barton Springs Bathhouse, as presented to us on November 15, 2021, comply with the City’s Design and Sustainability Standards. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor & City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s support of the Barton Springs Bathhouse as presented to us. Our review found the following attributes: Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Jen Weaver, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue Meiners, Bart 8 - 0 - 0 Whatley, Evan Taniguchi Against: n/a Abstain: n/a Absent: Ben Lukens, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01G Barton Springs BathHouse Rehabiliatation Project Melissa Henao-Robledo, 1. Proposed work protects historic structure 2. Existing heritage trees are to be preserved. 3. Project designed to meet green building standards 4. Project will restore original entry procession at rotunda.
David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-1H Jessica Rollason Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Design Commission recommendation for the project located at 204-208 East 4th Street. Date: November 23, 2021 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the project located at 204-208 East 4th Street, as presented to us on November 15, 2021, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the project located at 204-208 East 4th Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. Project proposes a small lobby, allowing for ample ground floor retail on all 4 sides, including alley. This will help reinforce pedestrian activity in this area. 2. Project provides a street level paseo enhances connectivity through the block. 3. Utilities and back of house are located in basement, thereby mitigating potential conflicts with pedestrians 4. Proposed mezzanine level retail further enhances street activity 5. Project provides additional seating and landscape along 4th Street which serves to enhance the streetscape. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Aan Coleman, Josue Meiners, Bart Whatley, Jessica Rollason, David Carroll, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao- 8 - 0 - 0 Robledo, Jen Weaver Against: NA Abstain: NA Absent: Ben Luckens, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01H 4th and Brazos
David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20211115-1I Design Commission recommendation for the project located at 415 Colorado Street. Date: November 24, 2021 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the project located at 415 Colorado Street, as presented to us on November 15, 2021, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines, with the agreement that the applicant adjusts the design to accommodate these additional recommendations: Jessica Rollason Seconded By: Aan Coleman 1. Extend proposed sidewalk paver pattern to incorporate outdoor food kiosk area for continuity. 2. Add seating options between the two column bays adjacent to outdoor food kiosk area for better connection and street activation. 3. Provide access to a public restroom. 4. Dedicate lobby area for coffee kiosk or similar service. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the project located at 415 Colorado Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, with the additional recommendations listed above. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. Project proposes only one curb cut 2. Project provides covered outdoor seating at prominent corner. 3. Outdoor food service is provided. 4. 5. Covered arcade along Colorado side protects pedestrians Incorporation of public art 6 - 0 - 2 Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Aan Coleman, Bart Whatley, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Jen Weaver Against: None Abstain: Josue Meiners, David Carroll Absent: Ben Luckens, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20211115-01I 415 Colorado
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20211115-3a Seconded By: Watson Date: November 15, 2021 Subject: Land Use Regulations in the proposed Urban Renewal Plan and Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts Motioned By: Escobar Recommendation See attached letter. Vote For: Escobar, Pierce, Skidmore, Motwani, Watson Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Tetey, Bradford Attest: Laura Keating 1 of 1 To: Mayor & City Council of Austin From: Urban Renewal Board Date: November 15, 2021 Subject: Land Use Regulations in the proposed Urban Renewal Plan and Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts The Urban Renewal Board (URB) engaged in a multiyear effort to update the Urban Renewal Plan (URP) and the East 11th and 12th Street Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts (NCCDs). The Board’s recommendations were formed with the assistance of consultants, city staff, and community input. The URB refined the list of neighborhood-oriented and pedestrian-friendly land uses in the URP and NCCDs to support active streets that serve the community. In response to concerns from stakeholders about the reduction of uses allowed for some properties: • The Board supports proposed regulations which continue to allow uses that are permitted or conditional under current regulations if they support the goals of the URP. The URB intended outcome through the “save and except” provision in the proposed URP and NCCDs was for the uses listed by address, including existing single-family houses, to remain legal and not to be subject to non-conforming regulations. In response to legal concerns about this section, City legal is recommending the creation of a new permitted use, “conforming”, that will be defined as a use that conformed to the regulations in effect at the time the use was established and existed on the date of adoption of the proposed ordinance. • The Board supports the most appropriate mechanism to reduce the impact of non-conforming regulations on existing legal uses outlined in the “save and except” provision. This may include but is not limited to, inclusion of the “conforming” land use or other adjustments to the land use charts. The URB does not see significant value in its holding additional meetings to specifically discuss proposed land use regulations and will defer to Council to identify the best practice strategies regarding the aforementioned changes. Further, the URB encourages Council to prioritize taking immediate action on changes recommended to the NCCD and URP documents. Additional delays will have a direct impact on the URB’s ability to move forward with …
DESIGN COMMISSION Monday, November 15, 2021 6:00 PM Austin Energy Headquarters, Assembly Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:07 p.m. X X X X Member List David Carroll – Chair (District 1) Jessica Rollason – Vice-Chair (District 7) Vacant (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) Josue Meiners (District 4) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) “X” Denote Commission Members who were in attendance X Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison X Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison X Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): CITY OF AUSTIN HOUSING AND PLANNING STAFF X Melissa Hanao-Robledo (District 5) X X X Jen Weaver (District 6) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) 6:20 PM Commissioner J. Rollason joined the meeting 6:35 PM Commissioner E. Taniguchi joined the meeting. a. Staff Briefing related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program, to be presented by Sam Tedford and Alex Radke– _City of Austin Housing and Planning Department. • Sam Tedford City of Austin Housing and Planning Department presented and addressed questions. Page 1 of 5 b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether City of Austin New EMS/Fire Station, located at the intersection of Lop 360 and Westlake Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin; Cris Ruebush PGAL • Cris Ruebush PGAL presented and addressed questions. • Commissioner B. Whatley made a motion to approve the project as it substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines Commissioner J. Rollason seconded. • The motion was approved [8 ayes, 0 nays] c. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether City of Austin Central EMS Fire EMS Station, located at 401 E. 5th Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards, for the City of Austin; Rob Robbins West East Design Group • Rob Robbins West East Design Group presented and addressed questions. • Commissioner M. Haneo-Robledo made a motion to approve the project as it complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards Commissioner B. Whatley seconded. • The motion was approved [7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 Recuse (A. Coleman)] d. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether City of Austin Fire Station 22 EMS 12, located at 5309 E. Riverside Drive, complies with the City Design and …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD REGULAR MEETING November 15, 2021 at 6:00PM 1000 East 11th Street, Room 400A Nathaniel Bradford Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Staff in Attendance Mandy DeMayo Laura Keating Megan Santee, URB legal counsel CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W. Pierce, Vice Chair Danielle Skidmore Amit Motwani Members in Attendance Manuel Escobar Darrell W. Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Jacqueline Watson Nathaniel Bradford Danielle Skidmore Members Absent Kobla Tetey PURPOSE: The Board of Commissioners primary responsibility the implementation and compliance of approved Urban Renewal Plans that are adopted by the Austin City Council. An Urban Renewal Plan's primary purpose is to eliminate slum and blighting influence within a designated area of the city. to oversee is MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar called the meeting to order at 6:09pm with 6 members present. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding agenda items and items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the October 18, 2021, regular meeting minutes. On Commissioner Motwani’s motion, Commissioner Bradford’s second, the October 18, 2021, minutes were unanimously approved. 2. NEW BUSINESS 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Presentation from the East Austin Creative Coalition regarding the organization’s work and Resolution #20210902-048, and discussion. Harold McMillan addressed the board. Discussion occurred. a. Presentation from City staff on the status of the Urban Renewal Plan and Neighborhood Conservation Combining District amendments, discussion, and possible action. On Chair Escobar’s motion, Commissioner Watson’s second, the memo with the additional statement and clarification discussed was unanimously approved with Commissioner Bradford off the dais. b. Discussion regarding letter from Austin Revitalization Authority (ARA) to the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) related to URA owned property (1100 E 11th St and 920 E 11th St), procedure around unsolicited proposals for property disposition, and the response the Board received related to the letter. Discussion occurred. c. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Memorandum of Understanding and Interlocal Agreement Addendum with AEDC related to the property disposition of Urban Renewal Agency owned property (1100 E 11th St and 920 E 11th St). On Chair Escobar’s motion, Commission Skidmore’s second, the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with AEDC failed 3-2-0 with Commissioner Bradford off the dais. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at 8:48pm without objection. …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES November 12, 2021 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People With Disabilities may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jonathan Franks, Chair Emily Shryock, Vice Chair Diana Anzaldua Taurean Burt Kathryn Broadwater CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Joey Gidseg Diane Kearns-Osterweil Robin Orlowski Jennifer S. Powell Deborah Trejo Speakers will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. A. Consider approval of the minutes from the Mayor’s Committee for People with 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Disabilities June 11, 2021 Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS: A. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2022 meeting schedule. B. Discussion and possible action regarding moving the Americans with Disabilities Act Program Into the Civil Rights Office. C. Discussion and possible action regarding Funding for Healthcare Navigation and Liaison Programs Benefiting Austin’s Immigrant Communities. D. Discussion and possible action regarding Family Connects in Response to the Resilient ATX Resolution. E. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation for a joint initiative by the City and County to create a downtown mental health diversion program. F. Discussion and possible action on a grant to address community-identified transportation challenges in North Austin's Georgian Acres neighborhood. 3. OLD BUSINESS None 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. ADJOURNMENT 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 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 Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov.
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCPD) Regular Meeting Minutes June 11, 2021 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular MEETING MINUTES (June 11, 2021) The City of Austin, Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting via video conference on June 11, 2021 with a live broadcast on ATXN. CALL TO ORDER: With quorum present Chair Jonathan Franks called the June 11, 2021 meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities to order at 5:36 pm. Committee Members in Attendance: Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Emily Shryock, Kathryn Broadwater, Taurean Burt, Joey Gidseg, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Robin Orlowski, Deborah Trejo ABSENT: Commissioners: Diana Anzaldua, Maria Villarreal Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights in person. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: No citizen communication took place during the June 11, 2021 MCPD Regular Meeting. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Taurean Burt made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 14, 2021 MCPD Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Emily Shryock. The motion passed 8-0. To view this item please visit https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/120918?ts=96 and view item APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 2. NEW BUSINESS: 2A. Discussion and possible action regarding community access and participation for people with disabilities during City Council meetings. The Committee discussed this item together with Item 2B. Commissioner Taurean Burt made a motion to submit a recommendation to the City on a future agenda item that the City provide deaf translation services at every Council event, announcements including COVID-19 announcements, and videos. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Orlowski. The motion passed 8-0. To view this agenda item please visit https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/122743 and view item 2A. 2B. Discussion and possible action regarding American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services during COVID-19 announcements. The Committee discussed this item together with Item 2A. Commissioner Taurean Burt made a motion to submit a recommendation to the City on a future agenda item that the City provide deaf translation services at every Council event, announcements including COVID-19 announcements, and videos. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Orlowski. The motion passed 8-0. To view this agenda item please visit https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/122743 and view item 2B. 2C. Update, discussion, and possible action on Project Connect Community Advisory Committee. Zenobia Joseph addressed the Committee as a Citizen and answered questions. Commissioner Broadwater updated the Committee. The Committee discussed this item. No action was taken. To view this agenda item please visit https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/122743 and …
DRAFT Moving the Americans with Disabilities Act Program Into the Civil Rights Office WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act has already been passed and signed into law by the United States explicitly, and publically as a “civil rights act” for people with disabilities in respect to employment, housing, voting, education, transportation, and public accommodations access; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is a local government covered under Section II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act fully and explicitly covers all people with disabilities inside the City of Austin including those who were never employed, cannot work, and/or do not wish to be employed by the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act deliberately refers to a specific federal civil rights act with specific local responsibilities; and WHEREAS, Americans with Disabilities Act coverage is not something which somebody must first earn or accrue in order to receive civil rights coverage from municipalities; and WHEREAS the Americans with Disabilities Act Program is the only entity in the City of Austin authorized to evaluate and provide “reasonable accommodation” requests from all requesting people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and WHERAS, all people with disabilities needing “reasonable accommodations” to successfully access and receive City of Austin programs, services, and events are still instructed to contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Program; and WHEREAS, the accommodation process for Austin, Texas residents with disabilities is already publically described on official City of Austin publications including City website and social media; and WHEREAS, the Civil Rights Office was established in January 2021 specifically to provide a centralized location for all civil rights acts in the City of Austin, and this centralized location for civil rights coverage should also include a comprehensive civil rights act which explicitly covers and protects the civil rights of all people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the Civil Rights Office current responsibilities includes enforcement of employment non‐ discrimination ordinances and HIV/AIDS, all of which is already specifically covered under the ADA; and WHERAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was proactively and explicitly transferred to the Civil Rights Office April 2021 while the ADA Program remained behind in Human Resources; and WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities commissioners are not permitted to grant “reasonable accommodations” requests from individuals with disabilities seeking access to City services or resources; this …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b: Funding for Healthcare Navigation and Liaison Programs Benefiting Austin’s Immigrant Communities WHEREAS, immigrant communities in the City of Austin report a need for healthcare access services that remove language barriers and help navigate administrative healthcare systems; and WHEREAS, targeted community health navigation programs provide access to city and local health and wellness resources through patient advocacy, health navigation education, self‐sufficiency resources, interpretation/translation support, referrals to local resources, and eligibility & application assistance; and WHEREAS, programs already exist including the Austin Asian Community Health Initiative and the Latino Healthcare Forum’s PromoSalud program, among others, providing these resources to local Spanish‐ speaking, Chinese, Burmese, Korean, Nepali, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Syrian, Iraqi, and other Arabic speaking communities; and WHEREAS, some of these programs, namely, the Arabic and Chinese programs, run through the Austin Asian Community Health Initiative, are presently funded by emergency grants that will expire; and WHEREAS, the community identified a need to maintain and continue all existing programs permanently, and to expand current services to additional communities and initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes the public health benefit of these services to the City’s immigrant communities and the community at large, particularly during the global pandemic; and WHEREAS, some of these programs are already receiving funding from Austin Public Health, demonstrating the City also values these services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City increase its funding to permanently maintain existing health navigation and liaison programs, and that Austin Public Health seek additional opportunities to fund these initiatives and partner with the local organizations providing these services. Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9‐0 vote with Samuel Adair and Glenn Rosales absent Date of Approval: March 1, 2021 Attest: DRAFT Staff Liaison DRAFT
DRAFT LOCAL SUPPORT FOR A MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION CENTER WHEREAS, mental illness is not a crime, but the ongoing lack of accessible affordable, and culturally appropriate local treatment options frequently has left people with disabilities locked up inside a jail cell; and WHEREAS, both this defacto criminalizing people with mental health issues and allowing the homeless to lay on sidewalks were inadequate and inappropriate public policies; and WHEREAS, law enforcement dislike being relegated to defacto mental health care providers for individuals who are in need of effective culturally appropriate mental health care treatment options; WHEREAS, this committee repeatedly has pressed the City to actively address ableism as a critical and necessary component for obtaining and then maintaining an equitable society; and WHEREAS, ableism is not a ‘lesser’ form of discrimination within the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, ableism must be formally prohibited in all City of Austin offices, departments, and programs to achieve equity; and WHEREAS, Austin Police Department Police Chief Chacon, Travis County District Attorney Garza, and Travis County Attorney Garza have all already expressed public support for establishing a Mental Health Diversion Center; and WHEREAS, a Mental Health Diversion Center should not prosecute people with disabilities who are in need of mental health care and/or substance abuse issues; and WHEREAS, a Mental Health Diversion Center was proposed specifically to help people with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues; and WHEREAS, this proposed help must be culturally inclusive and refrain from promoting ableist stereotypes about people with disabilities within the City of Austin; and WHEREAS mental illness and substance abuse are already recognized as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and WHEREAS, the Mental Health Diversion Center should be collaboratively planned and funded like the City of Austin Texas is in fact now America’s 10th largest City; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council endorse the collaborative establishment of a Mental Health Diversion Center as a means of effectively and permanently addressing identified mental health and addiction needs in Austin‐Travis County without criminalizing people with disabilities, including people with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues.
Commission on Veterans Affairs Community Interest Announcement Veterans Pocket Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday, November 11, 2021 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 2200 Veterans Drive, Austin, Texas 78703 https://www.austintexas.gov/event/veterans-pocket-park-ribbon-cutting A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Jonathan Babiak, at (512) 974-3203 or by email at Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov.
Airport Advisory Commission COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT Subcontracting opportunities at AUS meeting November 10, 2021 10AM – 11AM 2716 Spirit of Texas Dr Austin, TX 78719 A quorum of the Commission may be present. No action will be taken. For further information contact: Steve Khanoyan, Board Liaison 312-723-2619 or Stephen.Khanoyan@austintexas.gov
