Downtown Austin Community Court FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET JULY 19, 2024 City of Austin – Proposed Budget 4% increase in base pay for regular employees hired on or before April 1, 2024 effective as of October 1, 2024 Employee retirement contributions increase from 9% to 10% of base wages on January 1, 2025 No premium rate increase for City medical coverage plans City of Austin – Proposed Budget Living Wage increase from $20.80 to $21.63 Annual Employer Contribution increase of $500 for employees enrolled in Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Paid Parental Leave Program extended from 10 to 12 weeks annually Income eligibility limits for the Childcare Assistance Program have been increased. Timeline 24 July 1 Aug. Budget Work Session & Community Input Session Budget Work Session, Set Max Tax Rate, & Public Hearing on the Budget 8 Aug. Budget Work Session Budget Work Session Budget Work Session Budget Reading (Adoption) 30 July 6 Aug. 14–16 Aug. Advisory Board Recommendations Board recommendations are not included in the proposed budget Recommendations will be considered through the budget adoption process.
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – July 19, 2024 Community Services Community Services Program (CS) – Participants fulfill community service hour requirements through public space cleaning, beautification projects, graffiti abatement, and working at DACC’s Edgar Fincher III Program Garden, which donates all food and eggs to local providers who feed the homeless community. o Number of Community Services Requests Completed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Jun. 2024): 829 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 23.19 Violet KeepSafe Storage Program (VKS) – Free storage located downtown with secure bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more. Operates 7:00am- 11:00am and 1:00pm-7:00pm, seven days a week. Program employs people with lived experience to improve service experience and create workforce opportunities. o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 549 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 19,120 Court Services Restorative justice and problem-solving court – Fine-only court with emphasis on alternative resolutions, and provides an immediate connection to onsite case managers, basic needs, and social service resources. DACC resolves Class C criminal offenses in catchment area, and Proposition B and State camping ban cases citywide. o Number of Cases Filed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 2,096 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 4,715 Clinical Diversion Program (CDP) – Dedicated case managers serve people engaging in Court Services to improve connection to case management and social services, while also improving appearance and case completion rates. o Number of CDP Clients: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 216 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 342 DACC Mobile Court Pilot – This Pilot, initiated by Council Resolution 20230816-016, is intended to connect people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing immediate connection to services and resource navigation through case managers onsite. o Warrants Cleared during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 74 o Cases Docketed during Mobile Court: FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 - Jun. 2024): 105 Homeless Services Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 __Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board__ The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The mission of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board (“Board”), according to article 2-1-130 of the City Code, is to “advise the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues and advise the council on the policies and operations of the court.” The purpose of the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) is to collaboratively address the quality of all residents in the downtown Austin community through the swift, creative sentencing of public order offenders. The Court seeks to hold people responsible while also offering help to change behavior. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. During the reporting period (7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024), the Board met six (6) times. Meetings were held as a hybrid of virtually and in person. All meetings were posted and open to the public. Our actions during this time were primarily educational, including: - The board posted opportunities to receive feedback from individuals with first- hand lived experience being served in Austin’s homelessness system on each agenda. - The Board received regular updates from DACC staff; Rapid Rehousing efforts, housing placements, and the waitlist for services; virtual hearings and warrant Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # confirmation policies; facilities, and the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. On November 2023, DACC launched Community Court News, and internal newsletter with updates about DACC operations, and provided during board meetings along with data updates across all DACC units (5 times). - Yvonne Mboss, DACC Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, presented on the Clinical Diversion Program, the data is continually being gathered and updated, plus the program has transportation available from Austin Municipal Court (AMC) to DACC office for clients, when needed. - Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator, discussed the plan tolaunch DACC’s Mobile Court Pilot on October 18, 2024, and collected feedback from the Board on suggestions for data to be collected and potential locations for services. Mobile Court updates shared at subsequent board meetings. - Kate Ballew, DACC Clinical Case Manager Supervisor, discussed the clinic services provided by Community Care Clinic at DACC’s office, available on Wednesdays. - Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, July 2024) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JULY 19, 2024 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 19, JULY 2024, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Katy Jo Muncie and Roy Woody Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice-Chair Robin Sontheimer, Kate Garza and Faye Mills PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on MAY 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 17, 2024, were approved on Board Member Roy Woody motion, Board Member Robin Sontheimer second on an (6-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS FY24 Annual Internal Review (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Discussed with the board and no revisions needed. Presentation on DACC data visualization project to collect feedback from DACC Advisory Board Members on preferred visualization characteristics and components. (Downey 1. 2. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, July 2024) Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Fernanda Veloz Salas, Intern, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Following the presentation, comments were given: o Substitute techniques for mailing addresses or issuing warrants o Rather than jail, if APD notices a warrant status, divert to DACC instead. o Can HOST check their status? HOST can provide resources and follow up with their clients. 3. 4. Update on Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Austin Budget engagement opportunities. (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Breakdown presentation given by Albert Castro, Financial Manager III. Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Update including performance measures and services given for Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:32am. The minutes were approved at the September 20, 2024, meeting on Board Member Kate Garza’s motion, Board Member Katy Jo Muncie second on a (7-0) vote 2
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission July 17, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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, call or email the board liaison at 512-972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Vice Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,492,180 (District 9) The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided …
Item 10 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a low-interest loan for up to $446,842,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan program for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Enhancements Projects and authorizing payment of an application fee of $100,000. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note Funding is contingent upon available funding in future Austin Water budgets. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This action authorizes the City Manager to apply for funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for a federal low-interest loan of up to a 35-year term as part of the USEPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program for the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion to 100 MGD and Enhancements Projects. Austin Water submitted a Letter of Interest to USEPA on May 15, 2024, with a total project cost of $1,065,726,193. In accordance with USEPA’s WIFIA program rules, this loan funding cannot exceed 49% of total eligible project costs. Austin Water anticipates that up to $446,842,000 of the project costs should be eligible for this loan funding. Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is permitted to treat and discharge an average daily flow of 75 million gallons per day (MGD) and a 2-hour peak flow of 165 MGD. Treated plant effluent is discharged into the Colorado River. A portion is used for non-potable water (NPW) on the plant site and supplies much of the City’s growing Water Reclamation Initiative (WRI) program. The Walnut Creek WWTP projects summarized below were submitted for the WIFIA loan program. Austin City Council approved the award of six contracts and contract amendments on May 2, 2024 related to these projects. The Walnut Creek WWTP Expansion to 100 MGD and Enhancements project will expand the plant to treat and discharge an annual average daily flow of 100 MGD and a 2-hour peak flow of 300 MGD. The expansion is needed based on projected future flows of wastewater into the plant, in accordance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and the requirements of Texas Administrative Code. Additionally, …
Item 11 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding Undine, LLC’s proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for its customers located in the City’s corporate limits in the area known as Greenshores of Lake Austin. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: November 8, 2012 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20121108-004 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by PK-RE Development Company, Inc. on a 7-0 vote. May 2, 2024 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20240502-007 suspending an increase in water and wastewater rates proposed by Undine, LLC on an 11-0 vote. May 30, 2024 – Council set a public hearing to be held on July 18, 2024, to receive comment on the City’s recommendations regarding Undine LLC’s proposed water and wastewater rates. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Undine, LLC, an investor-owned utility with customers in the area known as Greenshores on Lake Austin, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the City seeking regulatory approval to increase water and wastewater rates for its Greenshores customers. Of Undine’s affected 167 water customers and 100 wastewater customers, only a few (approximately six) are within Austin’s corporate limits. Under Texas Water Code Chapter 13, the Council is the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits served by non-City utilities. The Council has authority to determine whether the rates, as they affect City residents, are just and reasonable and, that in all other respects, meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings and requires the determination to be made in a public hearing. Undine, LLC is seeking recovery of $1,130,662 in total revenue requirements on a system-wide basis, for the test year ended March 31, 2023. The current filing will increase residential drinking water rates by 15.9% as follows: • For block 3 volume (25,001-50,000 gallons) from $12.00 to $13.91 per 1,000 gallons Item 11 # 24-4963 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: …
Item 12 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Posting Language Approve recommendation to Council of Austin Water’s Capital Improvements Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2028-2029) as required by Financial Policy No. 8 Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: In accordance with Austin Water's financial policies, the Boards and Commissions review and the City’s annual budget review process provides citizens an opportunity to comment on growth-related projects within the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital expansions, and growth-related projects that are located in the DWPZ were identified and submitted, as part of the annual budget process, to the following Boards and Commissions: Water and Wastewater Commission, Resource Management Commission, and the Environmental Commission. These Boards and Commissions reviewed growth-related DWPZ capital projects spending plans, provided input, reviewed consistency with the Imagine Austin comprehensive plan, reviewed effect on growth within the DWPZ, and made recommendations on project approval for inclusion in Austin Water’s 5-year Capital Spending Plan. Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW is presenting the new growth-related projects to Boards and Commissions as set forth in the ordinance. The revised Financial Policy No. 8 reads as follows: Capital improvement projects for new water and wastewater treatment plants, capital …
Item 2 # 24-4888 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals, with 13.96% MBE and 0.82% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1015 for these goods and services. The solicitation was issued on January 22, 2024, and closed on April 4, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lower responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Water’s collection system is fundamental for conveyance of wastewater to Austin Water’s treatment plants. Austin Water’s collection system is a large and complex system, consisting of approximately 3,000 miles of wastewater mains and serving approximately one million customers. Due to deterioration from the harsh conditions of the wastewater environment, collection system assets require ongoing repair and replacement to prevent sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal - CIPP project will repair approximately 13,600 linear feet (LF) of deteriorated wastewater main with cast-in-place-pipe (CIPP) and repair and/or replace all associated appurtenances. This project consists of CIPP installation within existing wastewater lines in the Bull Creek Basin. This infrastructure has been identified through TV inspection and selected for replacement based upon the following factors: physical condition of main, number of SSO’s, estimated volume of wastewater discharged during SSOs, and amount of inflow and infiltration (I&I). I&I is the estimated amount of Item 2 # 24-4888 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 groundwater or rainwater leaking into a wastewater main. The project consists of the following …
Item 3 #24-4890 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 6.72% MBE and 0.91% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1026 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 8, 2024, and closed on May 2, 2024. Of the five offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project is part of the Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks and are in poor condition and impact service delivery. Austin Water’s distribution system is large and complex, consisting of approximately 3,900 miles of water mains and serving approximately one million customers. Distribution system assets require ongoing repair and replacement to prevent leaks and loss of valuable treated water because of deterioration due to environmental conditions and aging. This project consists of replacing existing water mains located along Kellam Road beginning at Elroy Road and extending north. Water system renewal includes approximately 1,909 linear feet of existing 6-inch cast iron water line will be replaced with 16-inch diameter PVC water mains. This project utilizes open cut and jack and bore methods for waterline installation, and it will include abandonment of existing water line along Kellam Road and Old Kellam Road as well as repair and repaving of the road. Item 3 #24-4890 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 …
Item 4 #24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 98.41% MBE and 1.59% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1036 Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 22, 2024, and closed on May 16, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project is part of the Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks, that are in poor condition, and that impact service delivery. In addition, the program coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. This project consists of the repair and replacement of existing water and wastewater mains located within the general boundaries of Burrell Drive between the Wooten Drive and Weyford Drive intersection. The water system renewal includes approximately 544 linear feet of 8-inch main along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. The wastewater system renewal includes approximately 2,315 linear feet of 12-inch main, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. This item includes one allowance of $10,000 that will be used to address any contaminated soil or water remediation. An allowance is an amount that is specified and included in the construction Item 4 #24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, …
Item 5 # 24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,492,180. (District 9) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 1.17% MBE and .72 WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1037 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 29, 2024 and closed on May 23, 2024. Of the four offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Waller Creek Center Parking Garage stairwells are the primary stairs that are used daily by staff to access Waller Creek Center. They also are the primary emergency exit stairs utilized to exit the garage onto 9th Street during emergencies. These stairs were constructed in the 1980’s and are original to Waller Creek Center. The stairs are heavily corroded, damaged, and in need of replacement. Portions of the stairs have been deemed unsafe for normal use and operations and are currently closed. Southwest Corporation has been selected to remove the existing stairs, install replacement stairs, and install handrails in two stairwell locations of the Waller Creek Parking Garage. To prevent future damage and advanced corrosion, Southwest Corporation will also be enclosing the stairwells on the top floor of the parking garage. The Waller Creek Center Parking Garage is the main parking location for staff that support the critical infrastructure of the utility. Replacement of the garage stairwells is necessary to provide safe egress for utility staff. Item 5 # 24-4891 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 The …
Item 6 # 24-4893 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for the Johnny Morris/Hwy 290 Area Water Line Extensions project with Cash Construction Company Inc., in the amount of $1,929,742 plus a $192,974 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,122,716. (District 1, and 2-mile ETJ) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) through the achievements of Good Faith Efforts with 1.76% MBE and 3.10% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC908 for these services. The solicitation was issued on February 26, 2024, and closed on April 11, 2024. Of the five offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin Water’s water transmission and distribution system is fundamental for the conveyance of water to customers. The water distribution system is a large and complex system, consisting of approximately 4,000 miles of water mains and serving approximately one million customers. Due to age, growth, and system expansion, water distribution system assets require upgrades to meet customer supply needs. The Johnny Morris/Hwy 290 Area Water Line Extensions project will install waterlines to extend water service and increase reliability to the Northeast Desired Development Zone. This improvement is needed to meet increasing demands from growth in the Whisper Valley and Wildhorse Ranch residential subdivisions located within the Northeast Desired Development Zone This project consists of the construction of approximately 2,900 linear feet of 24-inch waterline along US Hwy 290 from Harris Branch Parkway to Blue Goose Road and approximately 700 linear feet of 16-inch waterline on Johnny Morris Road between Daffan Lane and Old Manor Road. These improvements will increase the reliability of the fire protection system at the Flint Hills Resources ethanol storage facility at 9011 Johnny Morris Road. Item 6 …
Item 7 # 24-4898 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for a job order assignment for the 10803 Platt Lane Building Rehabilitation with Jamail & Smith Construction LP, for a total amount not to exceed $1,293,599. (District 2) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 5.73% MBE and 1.31% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Business Services, Anna Bryan-Borja Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Job Order Assignment Prior Council Action: October 1, 2020 – Council authorized negotiation and execution of the 2020 Job Order Contract for City Facility Improvements. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Tree Folks, Inc., is a Texas non-profit corporation that empowers Central Texans to strengthen the community by planting and caring for trees. Their planting program engages over 950 volunteers yearly to plant trees in parks and public places, distributes nearly 6,000 5-gallon native and native- adapted trees to Austin residents annually, and works with economically disadvantaged residents, reaching approximately 2,500 lower-income residents with free trees each year. Since 2002, Tree Folks has officed out of 10803 Platt Lane, Austin, Texas, located within the City’s 2- mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Originally a residential home, it is now used as the operation center and primary office for the public purpose of promoting tree planting, tree education, and urban forest- related community partnerships. The facility is a part of Austin Water’s capital improvement budget and long-range plan. This renovation with Jamail & Smith will address the current aging systems (roof, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, etc.) and allow expansion on the site (a covered parking structure and multiple greenhouses) that will assist Tree Folks with expanding their program and services. Item 7 # 24-4898 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: July 18, 2024 The Tree Folks Central Texas Floodplain Reforestation Program annually restores approximately 50 acres of degraded floodplain on private and public land-generating Carbon+ and City Forest Credits. The Tree Folks education program reaches about 1,500 community members annually through various experiential learning events, tree identification hikes, online learning tools, …
Item 8 # 24-4959 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: August 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for vertical turbine pumps with Smith Pump Co. Inc., for a term of one year in an amount not to exceed $360,190. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding for the total contract amount is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide two Flowserve drainage pumps that are essential for replacing the existing pumps at the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The current pumps, which are original to the facility and past their useful life, must be replaced to ensure the facility can effectively process wastewater and maintain public and environmental safety. Failure of these pumps would result in significant damage to the operations building and hinder its functionality. These new pumps are necessary because the existing pumps have reached a point of unrepairable damage, and refurbishment is deemed ineffective and lacking in overall confidence by Plant management and staff. Overhauls conducted in the past have extended the pumps’ lifespan, with the last documented overhaul in 2007 extending it by an additional 11 years. However, due to the pumps’ critical role and the risks associated with failure, replacement is the only viable option. Smith Pump Co. Inc. is the sole source representative for Flowserve water resource pumps and parts and other Flowserve products. Flowserve is the sole manufacturer of Flowserve water resource pump products. This is a new contract. Requested authorization is based on contractor quotes for required equipment. If a contract is not secured, the facility risks the pumps failing, causing an inability for the facility to process wastewater and causing the City to fall out of compliance with their Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Wastewater permit.
Item 9 # 24-4960 Water & Wastewater Commission: July 17, 2024 Council: August 29, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for multiple 30 cubic yard filter screens with Wwatertech Services, Inc. d/b/a Wwatertech, Inc., for up to five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $3,100,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $103,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 MHR1005REBID for these goods. The solicitation was issued on February 26, 2024, and closed on March 28, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: July 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the City with multiple 30 cubic yard filter screens for dewatering dumpsters at all major wastewater plants, as well as the Hornsby Bend Biosolids facility. The filter screens will provide adequate protection to the mesh liners installed in the City’s current dumpsters to protect and prolong the life of these critical assets. The filter screens are integral in the dewatering process for screening sludge and grit involved in wastewater treatment. This is a new contract. The requested authorization amount for this contract was determined using departmental estimates based on historical spending. If the City is unable to secure a contract, unscheduled repairs would increase, as would the risk of component failures. In addition, dumpsters may not be properly dewatered. Contract Details: Contract Term Initial Term Optional Extension 1 Optional Extension 2 Total Length of Term 3 years 1 year 1 year 5 years Contract Authorization $1,860,000 $620,000 $620,000 $3,100,000 Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated …
Submittal: July xx, 2024 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Water and Wastewater Commission 1. The Water and Wastewater Commission mission statement is set forth in Section 2-1- 186 of the Municipal Code of the City of Austin, Texas which states: (A) The Water and Wastewater Commission members should reside inside the utility's service area. Not more than two members should be involved in development or development-related activities. (B) The purpose of the Water and Wastewater Commission is to: (1) review, analyze, and advise the City Council on the policies and resources relating to the city water and wastewater utility and water quality; and (2) assist the City Council in ensuring that the City's residents are provided with an adequate, economical, and potable supply of water and a stable, economical and environmentally safe system of wastewater disposal. (C) The Commission shall act as an advisory body to the City Council and shall review programs and make recommendations regarding: (1) the protection and integrity of the water resources for the City; (2) minimization of water quality impacts to downstream areas; (3) implementation of programs that achieve goals and objectives relating to water supply management, water demand management, and land water quality control; (4) the fiscal solvency of said programs; and (5) the fiscal health of the utility. 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024 Annual Internal Review (D) The Commission may conduct an annual review of the commission’s goals and objectives, and the activities needed to achieve these goals and objectives in the following areas, for the year covered by the program: (1) water supply distribution; (2) water demand and conservation management; (3) wastewater treatment and collection; (4) water quality; (6) utility operating budget; (7) rates and fees; and (8) citizen education. (5) service area master planning and capital improvement project development; (E) The Commission may review and make reports and recommendations to the City Council, or other appropriate Boards and Commissions, concerning the following matters: (1) water and wastewater capital improvement program proposals; (2) water and wastewater bond programs; (3) monitoring of capital recovery fee revenues on a quarterly basis, and review of capital recovery fee dollar amount on an annual basis from the effective date of capital recovery fee ordinance; (4) review of the City's annual budget proposal for the water and wastewater utility; (5) quarterly review of water and wastewater ending balances; (6) cost effectiveness …
WATER & WASTEWATER COMMISSION BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT Overview The Committee appreciates the opportunity to review Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 (FY25) budget material and provide the following summary to the Water and Wastewater Commission. Budget Committee Members: Susan Turrieta, Chair Judy Musgrove, Vice Chair Marcela Tunon Sion Budget Review Executive Summary Austin Water Assistant Director of Financial Services, Joseph Gonzales and staff presented an update on Austin Water’s five-year financial forecast and gave an update on the FY 2023-2024 (FY 24) budget vs. actual, and presented the FY 2024-2025 (FY 25) Proposed Budget. Staff also covered the recent cost of service study including revenue and rate projections, debt service management, and Austin Water’s 5-year CIP spending plan. These items are highlighted below: 1) Enterprise Resiliency - Austin Water (AW) continues to focus on enhancing emergency preparedness and responsiveness, developing operational resiliency for a range of emergency conditions, and identifying and addressing natural hazards resulting from climate change. This is reflected in additional FTE’s to cover various EUM attributes, and new funding for an infrastructure academy to address work force challenges. 2) Key financial performance indicators a) Operating Budget – FY 2024 estimated budget is $741.1 M, FY 2025 proposed budget is $768.6 M. b) Debt Coverage – FY 2024 estimated to be 1.88, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 1.91, well above AW’s goal of c) Days Cash on Hand - FY 2024 estimated to be 313 days, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 312 days, above AW’s d) % Cash for CIP Spending – FY 2024 estimated to be 29.7%, FY 2025 is forecasted to be 27.8%, slightly 1.75. goal of 245 days. under AW’s goals of 35%. 3) Debt Management FY 2024. a) The Utility continues to use capital recovery fees (CRF) for debt defeasance with $60 M debt defeasance b) CRFs are declining, net revenue FY 23 was $30.7 M, net revenue as of March 2024 was $15.4 M. c) Other funding opportunities currently being utilized by AW include: i) TWDB Low-interest loans to date of $267 M. ii) $25 M SWIFT AMI new loan in fall of FY2025 iii) EPA WIFIA for Walnut Creek WWTP $447 M; AW has been invited to apply for funding d) AW’s estimate of debt savings for FY 2024 is $81.5M. includes $20M in CRF cash and $40M in Operating cash for a defeasance transaction in late fall or early winter of …
1 2 3 Cost of Service Objectives • Develop rates that: • Meet annual Financial Plan needs • Ensure water and wastewater services are each self-sustaining • Meet AW objectives while ensuring equitable cost recovery from customer classes • Included a Public Involvement Committee (PIC) to review Cost of Service methodology and provide input and recommendations 4 5 Purpose 1. Bolster transparency in the rate-setting process 2. Raise awareness about the Cost of Service Study 3. Obtain customer input on pricing objectives Approach As of 9/27, 98 open issues currently being worked As of 9/27, 4,242 issues resolved Promotion of Feedback Opportunities Reached 200,000 unique Austinites • Press Release • Media Coverage • Direct email through My ATX Water Portal • Social Media Posts • Reached 39,830 unique people • Displayed content 45,650 times • Notifications to all Council Offices 400 Voices Heard • Nearly 200 responded on Speak Up Austin • Over 100 attended Open Houses in 10 Council Districts • 20 attended Virtual Open House • 56 participated in the emailed survey • 27 participated in Focus Groups • 32 attended an Austin Neighborhood Council meeting Community Priorities Most important to least important: 1. Affordability for essential uses of water. 2. Water conservation to encourage sustainable use of water. 3. System resilience to withstand climate impacts and reliability to minimize outages. 4. Affordability for low-income users. 5. Minimizing bill impacts by gradually increasing rates over time. 6. Revenue stability so that Austin Water receives a stable level of revenue despite fluctuations in water use. Recommendations • Affordability for basic services and system resiliency. • Lower cash financing of CIP for large, generational projects. • Bill discount target of 50% for Customer Assistance Program (CAP) customers. • Community Benefit Charge increase from $0.15 to $0.30 per thousand gallons to support the Customer Assistance Program. • Implementation of water budget billing to address high irrigation for commercial and multifamily customers. 12 Budget Overview & Highlights • Incorporate Cost of Service Study and Community Engagement results. • Balance affordability with necessary operational and infrastructure investments. • Continue resiliency and service reliability investments for essential infrastructure. • Support staffing additions, including temporary employee and contractor conversions. • Continue debt management strategies. • Maintain financial strength with stable bond ratings, as in place since 2016. 13 Budget Overview & Highlights • Proposed average monthly residential bill increase of $8.14 per month. • Smaller …
Update on Water Supply Strategy Implementation Marisa Flores-Gonzalez, Program Manager III Water and Wastewater Commission July 17, 2024 Water Forward 2018 Supply Strategies Emergency Indirect Potable Reuse Update What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? The use of reclaimed water for potable purposes by discharging to a water supply source, such as surface water or groundwater. The mixed reclaimed and natural waters then receive additional treatment at a water treatment plant before entering the drinking water distribution system. What is Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? There are five indirect potable reuse operating facilities in Texas: • El Paso Water Utilities - recharging the Hueco Bolson Aquifer since 1985. • North Texas Municipal Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Lavon Lake since 2009. • Tarrant Regional Water District - polishing water using wetlands and augmenting the Richland Reservoir. • The City of Abilene - augmenting Lake Fort Phantom Hill since 2015. • The City of Wichita Falls - augmenting Lake Arrowhead since 2017. How Would AW Implement Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)? IPR is an emergency water supply strategy included in the 2018 Water Forward plan The strategy would use Lady Bird Lake as an environmental buffer and convey highly treated WWTP effluent to Ullrich WTP for use in supplementing drinking water supplies Drought Triggers Lakes Buchanan and Travis Total Combined Storage Projection (LCRA) City of Austin Drought Triggers DCP Stage 1 1.4 MAF DCP Stage 2 0.9 MAF DCP Stage 3 0.75 MAF DCP Stage 4 0.6 MAF IPR Operational Trigger 0.4 MAF Progress Update AW Internal IPR Task Force progressing on project tasks • Includes Operations, Engineering, Systems Planning, PIO, and Government Relations staff and key executives Decision on water supply source has been made Staff have developed scopes for further rotation list consultant services to support project components and is moving forward on consultant procurement Water Supply Source SAR has been selected as source of treated effluent for emergency IPR implementation Current plan is to construct and separately permit sidestream IPR treatment facilities to further treat effluent Planned Consultant Support Rotation List Engineering Support Schematic design, design criteria, technical specifications for: • Intake and pump station facilities • Reclaimed transmission main • Sidestream wastewater effluent treatment facilities Design Build Project Full IPR project design and construction Timeline Fall 2024 Development of schematic design, design criteria, technical …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240714 – 012 July 17, 2024 Date: Subject:Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation on Austin Water’s Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025- 2029) as required by Financial Policy Number 8. Seconded By: Commissioner Judy Musgrove Motioned By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission approved the attached report listing Austin Water Capital Improvement projects for inclusion in Austin Water’s five-year Capital Spending Plan (for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 through Fiscal Year 2025-2029). Description of Recommendation to Council See attached memo and report from Austin Water to Boards and Commissions, dated March 30, 2024 Rationale: The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) amended the DWPZ financial policy. AW presented the new growth-related projects to the following Commissions as set forth in the ordinance, with the following outcomes: • • June 18, 2024 – Recommended by the Resource Management Commission on a 6-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Gary abstaining, Commissioners Johnson and Scaffidi absent, and two vacancies. June 5, 2024 – Recommended by the Environmental Commission on a 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Cofer and Schiera absent and one vacancy. Water and Wastewater Commission Vote taken July 17, 2024: For: Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Mike Reyes, Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Sabrina Reichert, Commissioner Sam Angoori, Vice-Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison Memorandum To: Boards and Commissions From: Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water Date: March 30, 2024 Subject: Board and Commission and Citizen Review of new Growth-related Capital Improvement Projects in Drinking Water Protection Zone The Austin City Council approved an amendment to Austin Water’s (AW) Financial Policy No. 8 to provide for enhanced Board and Commission and citizen reviews of AW’s new growth-related capital improvement projects (CIP) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ). The previous ordinance (No. 20130117-017) took effect on January 28, 2013 and on August 11, 2021 ordinance (No. 20210811-001) …
Date: July 17, 2024 WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717 – 014 Subject: Water and Wastewater Commission’s Recommendation of Austin Water’s FY 2024- 2025 Proposed Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Marcela Tuñón Sion Seconded By: Commissioner Shwetha Pandurangi Recommendation The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Description of Recommendation to Council The Water and Wastewater Commission recommends approval of Austin Water’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Rationale: The Water and Wastewater Commission reviewed a report from the Commission’s Budget Committee regarding Austin Water’s Financial Forecast as a basis for Austin Water’s FY 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. The Commission also received a briefing from Austin Water staff on July 17, 2024 on Austin Water’s Proposed FY 2024-2025 Proposed budget. Vote For: Vice-Chair Judy Musgrove, Commissioner Jesse Penn, Commissioner Alex Navarro, Commissioner Chris Maxwell-Gaines Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioner William Moriarty, Chair Susan Turrieta Attest: Blanca Madriz, Water & Wastewater Commission Liaison
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Acting Chair Jesse Penn called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Mike Reyes, Marcela Tuñón Sion, Chair Susan Turrieta (remote), Jesse Penn, Judy Musgrove, Shwetha Pandurangi Commission Members Absent: Alex Navarro, Sam Angoori, Sabrina Reichert, Vice Chair Christopher Maxwell-Gaines PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laneta Cooper registered to speak on Item 15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the June 12, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori, and Maxwell-Gaines absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Bull Creek Basin Wastewater Renewal – CIPP project with DeNucci Constructors, LLC, in the amount of $6,854,549 plus a $685,455 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,540,004. (District 10) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Musgrove’s motion and Commissioner Tuñón Sion’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Penn recusing and Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 3. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Kellam Road Water Pipeline Renewal project with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,181,531 plus a $118,153 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,299,684. (District 2) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 4. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Burrell Drive Wastewater Improvements project with Facilities Rehabilitation, Inc., in the amount of $2,405,580 plus a $240,558 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,646,138. (District 4) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro, Reichert, Angoori and Maxwell-Gaines absent. 5. Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Waller Creek Center Parking Garage Renewal with RS Ellis, Inc./Southwest Corporation, in the amount of $1,356,528 plus a $135,652 contingency for a total …
Austin Area HIV Planning Council Community Interest Announcement Town Hall for Austin Area Residents Living with HIV Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, TX 78752 Conference Room 1406 Participants may also join online via Teams A quorum of HIV Planning Council members may be present. No action will be taken, and no HIV Planning Council business will occur. For More Information Contact Nathalia Delgadillo Email: nathalia.delgadillo@austintexas.gov Office Phone: 512-972-5841
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission July 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Chair CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 3, 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and make a recommendation regarding investments the City should fund as part of Council Resolution 20240215-025: Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioner Haris Qureshi Discuss and make a recommendation in support of adding a Climate Fee to address funding for the Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended at the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioners Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, and David Sullivan 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, a(512) …
Article Environmental Factors Impacting the Development of Toxic Cyanobacterial Proliferations in a Central Texas Reservoir Katherine A. Perri 1,* , Brent J. Bellinger 2 , Matt P. Ashworth 3 and Schonna R. Manning 1 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environment, Biscayne Bay Campus, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St., North Miami, FL 33181, USA; scmannin@fiu.edu 2 Watershed Protection Department, City of Austin, 505 Barton Springs Road, 11th Floor, Austin, TX 78704, USA; brent.bellinger@austintexas.gov 3 UTEX Culture Collection of Algae, College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas, Austin 204 W 24th Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA; mashworth@utexas.edu * Correspondence: kperri@fiu.edu Abstract: Cyanobacterial harmful algal proliferations (cyanoHAPs) are increasingly associated with dog and livestock deaths when benthic mats break free of their substrate and float to the surface. Fatalities have been linked to neurotoxicosis from anatoxins, potent alkaloids produced by certain genera of filamentous cyanobacteria. After numerous reports of dog illnesses and deaths at a popular recreation site on Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas in late summer 2019, water and floating mat samples were collected from several sites along the reservoir. Water quality parameters were measured and mat samples were maintained for algal isolation and DNA identification. Samples were also analyzed for cyanobacterial toxins using LC-MS. Dihydroanatoxin-a was detected in mat materials from two of the four sites (0.6–133 ng/g wet weight) while water samples remained toxin-free over the course of the sampling period; no other cyanobacterial toxins were detected. DNA sequencing analysis of cyanobacterial isolates yielded a total of 11 genera, including Geitlerinema, Tyconema, Pseudanabaena, and Phormidium/Microcoleus, taxa known to produce anatoxins, including dihydroanatoxin, among other cyanotoxins. Analyses indicate that low daily upriver dam discharge, higher TP and NO3 concentrations, and day of the year were the main parameters associated with the presence of toxic floating cyanobacterial mats. Keywords: freshwater cyanobacteria; cyanotoxins; dihydroanatoxin-a; harmful algal proliferations; freshwater ecology Key Contribution: First detection of dihydroanatoxin-a in central Texas, USA. 1. Introduction The global phenomena of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), occur- ring in the plankton, and cyanobacterial harmful algal proliferations (cyanoHAPs), arising from benthic mats, are increasing with anthropogenic eutrophication, climate change, and watershed development [1]. The impacts of cyanoHABs and cyanoHAPs include, but are not limited to, loss of surface waters for municipal and recreational purposes, chronic and acute health issues for humans and animals, and economic losses [2–4]. Globally, cyanoHAPs have been linked to rapid animal mortality …
Hydrilla Management and Bass Populations Bellinger and De Jesús Hydrilla Management Impacts on a Largemouth Bass Fishery: A Case for a Balanced Management Approach Brent J. Bellinger 1, City of Austin, Watershed Protection Department, 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704 Marcos J. De Jesús 2, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries Management, 505 Staples Road, San Marcos, TX 78666 Abstract: Lake Austin, in central Texas, supported a popular trophy largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fishery concomitant with conservative hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) management during the period 2002–2011. However, a change from this conservative approach to an aggressive stocking rate of triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in response to excessive hydrilla growth between 2011–2013 subsequently resulted in the eradi- cation of all submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). The loss of SAV quickly changed the angling dynamics of the reservoir, resulting in a controversial decline in the quality angling experience. The objectives of this case study were to compare how available population metrics of largemouth bass and important prey fish differed between periods of SAV presence (1997–2013) and absence (2014–2022) to inform which SAV management approach better supports a sustainable trophy fishery goal. These comparisons revealed evidence of declines in largemouth bass relative abundance (CPUE), body condition (Wr ), and growth rates when SAV became absent, but no changes in population length structure. There were no apparent changes observed in selected prey species populations between the two periods. While linking changes in fish population metrics with a single environmental attribute in a reservoir is difficult, SAV has been widely associated with quality largemouth bass fisheries. As such, our results suggest a long-term conservative triploid grass carp stocking management approach to best protect SAV habitat that supports adequate largemouth bass population performance along- side other reservoir functions. Management needs to consider multiple priorities among relevant stakeholders in support of a balanced system for all uses. Further, SAV surveys should explore use of volumetric biomass assessments in response to triploid grass carp herbivory for better supplemental stocking estimates while trying to anticipate how climate driven changes in hydrology and temperature might impact SAV extent. Key words: lake habitat, reservoir, triploid grass carp, trophy bass Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 11:14–22 Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) support popular rec- reational fisheries in aquatic systems across the southern U.S. (Chen et al. 2004). In reservoirs, productive high-quality fisheries are dependent on numerous biotic …
The Reservoir Update – FY 2023 B r e n t B e l l i n g e r, P h . D . C o n s e r v a t i o n P r o g r a m S u p e r v i s o r Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n D e p a r t m e n t J u l y 1 7 t h, 2 0 2 4 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Projects • H o t b u t t o n t o p i c s • Aquatic vegetation – Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake • O n - g o i n g • Reservoir monitoring • Harmful Algal Proliferations (HAPs; toxic cyanobacteria) • Sediment nutrient mitigation (lanthanum modified bentonite) • P ro j e c t s w r a p p e d u p ( i n p ro c e s s o f a n a l y z i n g / w r i t i n g ) Sediment bedforms and microplastics Zebra mussels population study • HAP monitoring at spring sites in collaboration with USGS • • • Herbivore exclosure pens • Lake Austin residential shoreline mitigation plantings C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Austin Lakes Index R eservoirs maintaining “fair-to - good” condition System stressors: • Development of Lake Austin shoreline vs Lady Bird • But, aquatic vegetation mitigates shoreline modifications • Non-native vegetation • Drought –lack of flushing • Nutrients C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 3 Usual Reservoir Updates • Toxic cyanobacteria mats Year 5 of mat monitoring Year …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20240708-02: Supporting the Environmental Investment Plan WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee has had working groups for the past two and a half years that have gathered information from city staff, the Austin community and experts and advocates in other cities to identify funding needs to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee solicited and received public input on what needs funding through the Environmental Investment Plan to meet existing environmental goals through a written form, at a public hearing on March 27, 2024, and at the April 30, 2024 Joint Sustainability Committee meeting; and WHEREAS, the public comments received by the Joint Sustainability Committee on the Environmental Investment Plan emphasized the need for action, including more funding to meet a variety of environmental and climate goals established by the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due to climate tipping points are likely already being reached; and WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; and WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution 20240708-03: Resolution on Climate Fee WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “on matters related to conservation and sustainability and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”, and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; and WHEREAS the Joint Sustainability Committee identified over $2.24 billion in one time costs and $96.14 million in ongoing expenses for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans; and WHEREAS increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; and WHEREAS other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; and WHEREAS the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; and WHEREAS funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council and the City Manager actively pursue establishing a new Green Fee to help fill the funding gap for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans, including: ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan ● Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Urban Forest Plan This new fee should be structured to be equitable and responsive to Austin’s wealth gaps and the fee should provide predictable revenue. A legal analysis of options that could be paid by residents, businesses, corporations and/or visitors should be conducted and presented to the City Council for consideration as soon as possible. Motion: Anna Scott Second: Alberta Phillips Vote: 11-0 Yes: Diana Wheeler, Lane Becker, Kaiba White, Heather Houser, Jon Salinas, Alberta Philipps, Anna Scott, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Chris Campbell, …
1. 2. in a REGULAR meeting on ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 3, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Richard Brimer, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, Melinda Schiera and David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Peter Einhorn, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers Patricia Bobeck, Butler Landfill Kimerly Duda, Exposition School APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on June 5, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on June 5, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Schiera abstained. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin's Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Speakers: Anna Bryan-Borjas, Austin Water Kevin Kluge, Austin Water Ramesh Swaminathan, Watershed Protection 1 3. 4. 5. 6. Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on updates to single family residential landscape transformation activities – Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Speaker: Kevin Kluge, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and recommendation on the Community Investment Budget – Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action. Sponsored by Commissioners Sullivan and Krueger Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs A motion to recommend the Community Investment Budget was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on an 8–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. Commissioner Bristol was off the dais. COMMITTEE UPDATES Discussion on the draft recommendation from the Urban Forestry Committee on supporting Austin’s tree canopy – Richard Brimer Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save Our Springs Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Update from the Bird-Friendly Design working group on their first meeting on July 1st – Jennifer Bristol Commissioners Sullivan and Krueger provided an update. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 8:35 P.M. 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717-004 Second by: Date: July 17, 2024 Subject: “Green Fee” for Environmental Investment Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the responsibility of the Environmental Commission is “to review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the City, act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin and to make recommendations for standards”; AND WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due to climate tipping points are likely already being reached; AND WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; AND WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; AND WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis County Food Plan, Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and PARD Land Management Plan and Long Range Plan, and Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan) created with substantial public input and adopted by the Austin City Council; AND WHEREAS, increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; AND WHEREAS, other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; AND WHEREAS, the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; 1 of 2 AND WHEREAS, funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt Item 93 on the July …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240717-004 Second by: David Sullivan Date: July 17, 2024 Subject: “Green Fee” for Environmental Investment Plan Motion by: Haris Qureshi WHEREAS, the responsibility of the Environmental Commission is “to review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the City, act in an advisory capacity on all projects and programs which affect the quality of life for the citizens of Austin and to make recommendations for standards”; AND WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 20190808- 078 declaring a climate emergency in the City and calling to accelerate the timeline for achieving the City's climate goals; AND WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen each year and the window of opportunity to preserve a livable climate is rapidly closing due to climate tipping points are likely already being reached; AND WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emissions by 2030; AND WHEREAS, it is a scientific fact that greenhouse gas emissions reductions made sooner will yield climate benefits sooner and are therefore more valuable in avoiding tipping points that could make preserving a livable climate impossible; AND WHEREAS, land acquisition, increasing the use of solar energy and battery storage, and tree planting are strategies that are adopted within multiple City of Austin plans (including the Climate Equity Plan, Water Forward, Austin/Travis County Food Plan, Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and PARD Land Management Plan and Long Range Plan, and Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan) created with substantial public input and adopted by the Austin City Council; AND WHEREAS, increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; AND WHEREAS, other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; AND WHEREAS, the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; AND WHEREAS, funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing needs and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs. 1 of 2 THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt Item 93 on …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, July 17, 2024 The ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION convened Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Mariana Krueger, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Peter Einhorn, Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL in a REGULAR meeting on Santiago, TxDot APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 3, 2024. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular meeting on July 3, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Bedford’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. Commissioner Qureshi was off the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS Update on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and make a recommendation regarding investments the City should fund as part of Council Resolution 20240215-025: Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioner Haris Qureshi Item taken with item 4. 1 2. 3. 4. Discuss and make a recommendation in support of adding a Climate Fee to address funding for the Environmental Investment Plan, as recommended at the Joint Sustainability Committee – Commissioners Haris Qureshi, Richard Brimer, and David Sullivan A motion in support of the Environmental Investment Plan and a climate fee was made on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second. An amendment to add a recommendation for a citizen advisory bond committee was made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi. An amendment to keep the 2025 date in Commissioner Cofer’s amendment failed on a 1-5 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted in favor. Commissioners Schiera, Brimer, Sullivan, Bristol, and Cofer voted against. Commissioners Qureshi and Bedford abstained. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The amendment to add a recommendation for a Citizen Advisory Bond Committee made by Commissioner Cofer and seconded by Commissioner Qureshi passed on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. The original motion with Commissioner Cofer’s amendment passed on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Einhorn and Nickells were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Krueger requested a presentation on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, with a recommendation, seconded by Bedford. Secretary Bristol asked for …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 24, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Michael Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales (9), Amy Noel (7), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Christina Ponder (1), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor) • Vacancy: District 2, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Tom Hedrick, Member of Early Matters Greater Austin: Affordable Childcare Now coalition efforts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 15, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and vote on goals for the next year and the creation of working groups to achieve those goals. Each working group will have a temporary project or assignment, a list of members, and an expected deadline for its proposed recommendation. The motion to approve the goal of focusing on the City of Austin Economic Development Department (EDD), specifically the Global Business Expansion, Redevelopment, and Small Business divisions within EDD, was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Cantu’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. 1 The motion to table the creation of working groups until the next meeting was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • None Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 12:59 p.m. without objection. ********** These minutes were approved at the DATE meeting on BOARD MEMBER’s motion, BOARD MEMBER second on a (vote count) vote. 2
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Audio is recorded. 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: • Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) • Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) • Vacant, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 (Velasquez) (Vela) • Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) AGENDA • Amy Rister, District 6 (Kelly) • Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) • Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair, District 8 • Aaron Gonzales, District 9 (Qadri) • Kelsey Hitchingham, District 10 (A. (Ellis) Alter) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. 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 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, the City Council Message Board is running on software whose last major update was in 2007, the time before smartphones. The software is named “phpBB”, where “BB” stands for “bulletin board”, a technology from the era of dial-up modems. WHEREAS, Austin is known as a technology city. We are home to chip manufacturers like IBM, NXP, AMD, and Samsung. WHEREAS, Austin has a significant presence of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, and Meta and Indeed. WHEREAS, Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the top technology universities in the world. WHEREAS, Technology is part of Austin’s brand and our city’s government should be using the most modern applications available. WHEREAS, the city council message boards of Port Aransas and Amarillo are using WordPress, a newer software than Austin’s. WHEREAS, there is a new generation of collaboration software based on instant messaging and designed with smartphones in mind. This includes such proprietary apps such as Slack and Discord, as well as open-source alternatives like Zulip and Matrix. This innovative technology is being used by the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations to communicate and collaborate. WHEREAS, our Mayor, Kirk Watson, when in the Texas Senate, authored and championed changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The addition of Section 551.006 to the Texas Government Code permits government bodies to use online real-time communication that is visible to the public. Thus enabling the Austin City Council Message Board which now has thousands of posts and millions of views. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions play an important role in city government. They are vital in adjudication, monitoring rights, monitoring the environment, and oversight of critical industries. They improve Austin by cherishing amenities, fostering the arts, and providing expert advice to City Council and serve as the inclusive interface for communities that are often overlooked by the government. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions do not have message boards and, therefore, still suffer under the restrictive provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act prior to the addition of Section 551.006 by then Senator Kirk Watson. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends the City of Austin: 1. Research and implement modern technology solutions for the current City Council Message Board. 2. Develop …
