ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250324-010 Date: 4/4/2025 Subject: Arts Commission FY26 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Commissioner Gray Seconded By: Commissioner Houston RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. The Arts Commission requests that ACME staffing expenses and admin fees are to be sourced from the General Fund (or any other appropriate source) and NOT from limited Hotel Occupancy Taxes designated for Arts. (FY24-25 amount was approx. $548,000) / City of Austin General Fund 2. Fiscal support for Cultural Arts Service Organizations to be issued to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $500,000 / City of Austin General Fund 3. The Arts Commission recommends the addition of the following two positions for each cultural facility: Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center. While we understand the marketing representatives may be housed within a central division or public information office, we recommend there’s 1 FTE with a dedicated portfolio of serving a given facility. a. 1. Marketing Representative A - Communicates via social and news outlets each facility’s programs, identifies sharing of related City-wide initiatives needing more input from cultural and arts communities tied to each facility. b. Community Engagement Specialist - Seeks community input into public planning processes, attends community events to share about programs, services, and updates on capital projects. 4. The Arts Commission recommends that City Council and the Mayor commit to complete the Dougherty Arts Center as designed by Studio 8, and include the Dougherty Arts Center in the 2026 Bond. 5. Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY24-25 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund JUSTIFICATIONS REC. 1. Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) are already limited in their scope and should be used primarily for direct support of arts organizations, artists, and cultural programming rather than administrative expenses. Ensures Long-Term Sustainability: Reliance on HOT for administrative costs creates funding instability, as these revenues fluctuate based on tourism trends. Shifting these costs to the General Fund ensures consistent support. Aligns with Best Practices: Other cities with thriving arts ecosystems, such as San Francisco and Seattle, allocate administrative costs separately …
Harold McMillan Cultural Advisor PLEASANT HILL COLLABORATIVE Block 16 and 18 VISION TO REALITY PLEASANT HILL COLLABORATIVE – BLOCK 16 & 18 PROPOSAL Harold McMillan Cultural Advisor Sean Garretson Project Manager PARTNERSHIP WITH URB/CITY/COMMUNITY Lessons learned make us a better partner to you, bringing best practices in design, construction, financing and legal structure. 44 PUBLIC PARTNERS SERVED NEW TO THE TEAM • zvv Sean Garretson Project Manager TERESA BOWYER LIHTC CONSULTANT PLEASANT HILL COLLABORATIVE – BLOCK 16 & 18 PROPOSAL VISION TO REALITY THINGS THAT KEEP US UP AT NIGHT and THAT WE EMBRACE ON THIS JOURNEY TO DEVELOP BLOCK 16/18 Sean Garretson Project Manager Cost vs Source Demand Parking Community PLEASANT HILL COLLABORATIVE – BLOCK 16 & 18 PROPOSAL Harold McMillan Cultural Advisor THANK YOU!
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 24, March 2025 at Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Heidi Schmalbach, Acia Gray, Sharron Anderson, Gina Houston, Nagavalli Medicharla, Felipe Garza Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Monica Maldonado, Keyheira Keys Board Members Absent: Faiza Kracheni CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Natalie Earheart of Almost Real Things spoke about their Touch The Art event Daniel Llanes spoke about his desire to bring humanity back to arts funding by creating a task force that includes artists like himself APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on February 24th, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of February 24, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Houston’s motion, Commissioner Gray’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner’s Schmalbach and Anderson abstaining and Commissioner Kracheni absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the March 3rd meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado An update was given by Commissioner Maldonado 3. Presentation by Board Members of Austin Creative Alliance on the most recent petition to Council An update was given by Commissioner Zisman 8. Presentation by Artists Margo Sawyer, Paula Priour, and Dr. John Yancey on their efforts to save their pieces that are slated to be destroyed (rather than deaccessed/sold) when the Convention Center is rebuilt. The presentation was given by Artists Margo Sawyer, Paula Priour, and Dr. John Yancey STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Arts Division Manager 5. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor 9. Staff briefing to Arts and Music Commissions about Rally Austin Bond etc.by Anne Gatling Haynes, Chief Transactions Officer The presentation was …
MINUTES URBAN RENEWAL BOARD March 24, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioners Byron Davis, Kobla Tetey, and Jacqueline Watson, and Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: No members attended remotely. Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Tam Hawkins and Amit Motwani were absent. CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar, called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. with five members present. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Harold McMillan and Sean Garretson addressed the board on item two. Paul Stables addressed the board on item three. 1 of 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on February 24, 2025 On Commissioner Watson’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Davis, the minutes from February 24, 2025, were approved with a vote of 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin and Pleasant Hill Collaborative, including project status and anticipated timeline (Lex Miller, Rally Austin, Jen Boss, Hayat Brown, Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative) Harold McMilan and Sean Garretson from Pleasant Hill Collaborative addressed the board. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the request to amend the Urban Renewal Plan to allow additional uses at 1201 E 11th St. Hunter Maples from the City of Austin Housing Department provided the update. Paul Staples updated the board on the rezoning of 11th St. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discuss and approve further action in support of the Urban Renewal Board Recommendation to City Council related to the upcoming budget cycle for the Urban Renewal Board Assistant Director Anne Eaton of the Economic Development Department addressed the board. Director Angela Means, Office of Arts, Cultural Music and Entertainment, addressed the board. On Commissioner Watson’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Davis, Chair Escobar was authorized to submit a …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250324-003 Date: March 24, 2025 Subject: Recommendation of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission Motioned By: Commissioner Umphress Seconded By: Vice Chair Gupta Recommendation The Municipal Civil Service Commission has made a recommendation to nominate Kevin Mullen as the Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission. Description of Recommendation to Council Article IX, Section 2(B) of the City Charter provides for the designation by the council of one of the commissioners of the Municipal Civil Service Commission as chair. In addition, Chapter 2-1-164(D) of City Code states council shall designate the commission chair annually at the time new commissioners are appointed. The appointment of Chair is traditionally reviewed and recommended by the Audit and Finance Committee when Commissioner appointments are recommended to Council. The Municipal Civil Service Commission has nominated Kevin Mullen to be reappointed as Chair for a term of one year. This will be Kevin Mullen’s second term as Chair of the Commission. Vote: 3 – 0 – 1 For: Kavita Gupta, Commission Vice Chair Melissa Rogers, Commissioner; John Umphress, Commissioner; Against: 0 Abstain: Kevin Mullen, Commission Chair Absent: 0 Attest: Matthew Chustz, Municipal & Civil Service Manager 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on March 24, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Vice Chair Flowers called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Kathryn Flowers, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara (left meeting at 7:44 p.m.), Holly Reed. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor, Pedro Villalobos. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Chris Flores - Swim scholarships and budget recommendation Gavino Fernandez - Mexican American Land Owners in East Austin Mike Cannatti - Joan Mean Khabele Bathhouse Project Joy Casnovsky - Austin Parks Foundation Fleetwood Jacobs - Zilker 351 Joel Manzo - Barton Springs and Zilker Park budget issues Mary Fero - Wildfire mitigation at Northwest park APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 24, 2025 was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low- income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 24, 2025 Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programming Division Manager and Davin, Bjornaas, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions. The motion to and approve letters of support for PARD Staff who have increased low-income access to PARD programs by improving financial aid programs, effective collaboration and removal of barriers was approved on Vice Chair Flowers’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Orme, Taylor and Villalobos absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District for Project SAFE, a swim lesson and water safety education program that includes opportunities for students to continue their education by joining either paid or free swim lessons …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 02/24/2025 were approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Murkes was off the dais. Commissioners Howard, Ladner, Luckens, and Wallace were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project AUS West Garage, located at 2921 1/2 Presidential Boulevard, complies with the City Design and Sustainability 1 Standards. Presented by Mari Boren, Capital Delivery Services, Cris Ruebush, PGAL, and Shelby Horton, Dunaway. There was a motion to recommend to City Council that the project AUS West Garage, located at 2921 1/2 Presidential Boulevard, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. There was a substitute motion to recommend to City Council that the project AUS West Garage, located at 2921 1/2 Presidential Boulevard, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards with the inclusion of solar array, exploring water retention, increased electric vehicle capacity, increased vertical or horizontal vegetation to mitigate the heat island effect, and to encourage safer, intuitive paths for pedestrians was approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Commissioner Gelles’ second on a 6-0-1 vote. Commissioner Wittstruck recused from this item due to a conflict of interest and left the dais. Commissioners Howard, Ladner, Luckens, and Wallace were absent. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Riley Triggs, Capital Delivery Services, and Larry Speck and Josh Coleman, LMN/Page. The motion to recommend to City Council that the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards failed on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 4-1-2 vote. Those members voting aye were: Chair Salinas …
Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 5, 2025 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 24, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriet Kirsh Pozen Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Maryam Khawar Tannya Oliva Martinez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2025. The approval of the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2025 was postponed until the April meeting on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Oliva Martinez was off the dais. Commissioners Bryant, Davis, and Weigel were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Austin Police Department’s officer training, departmental enforcement of non-discrimination policies, community engagement efforts, protest responses, and the March 2 incident on 6th Street. Briefing by Lee Rogers, Patrol Assistant Chief; Michael 1 Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 5, 2025 Chancellor, Downtown Area Command Commander; Fausto Rodriguez, Community Engagement Executive Lieutenant; and Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, Child Abuse Sergeant, Austin Police Department. Briefing by Lisa Davis, Chief of Police; Lee Rogers, Patrol Assistant Chief; Michael Chancellor, Downtown Area Command Commander; Fausto Rodriguez, Community Engagement Executive Lieutenant; and Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, Child Abuse Sergeant, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding the status of gentrification in the Eastern Crescent of Austin. Presentation by Noé Elias and Alexia LeClerq, Community Powered ATX. Presentation by Celine Rendon, Noé Elias, and Alexia LeClerq, Community Powered ATX. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 3. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group regarding commission budget recommendations for the City of Austin 2025-26 Fiscal Year. Recommendations were provided by members of the Budget Working Group. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY2025-26 Budget for Enhanced Climate Resilience in Austin. The recommendation was amended to strike “Establish 15” and insert “Ensure the continued funding, and expansion of, the neighbor resilience hub pilot program in the Eastern Crescent” on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Davis, and Weigel were absent. The recommendation was amended to strike “Tree Planting Program: Implement a comprehensive …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CONTRACTS AND CONCESSIONS COMMITTEE MARCH 21, 2025 – 12:00 PM CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974-6716, tim.dombeck@austintexas.gov. Kim Taylor (D-8) Holly Reed (D-10) CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lane Becker (Mayor), Chair Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee on January 17, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on an upcoming RFP solicitation for management and operation of the Zilker Café. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 1. 2. Staff briefing on the monthly Parks and Recreation Department contract report summarizing new and ongoing contract development and on the FY25 Annual Concession Activity Report summarizes year to date concessionaire activity per Austin City Code § 8-1-73 Annual Concession Report required data. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II, Parks and Recreation Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. (Sponsors: Becker, Villalobos) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and refer to the Parks and Recreation Board a recommendation to approve the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and the …
Zilker Cafe Food and Beverage Concession Solicitation Scope of Work Briefing Concessions and Contracts Committee Meeting March 21, 2025 Presenter: Andrew Benford, PARD Contract Management Specialist IV Denisha Cox, PARD Contract Management Supervisor II 1 Zilker Cafe Location Zilker Café is located next to the entrance to the Barton Springs Municipal Pool 2 Zilker Cafe History & Improvements The Barton Springs Pool/Zilker Park concession building was constructed circa 1960. Zilker Park is listed as a National Register Historic District, and the 60+-year old building, which has been modified over time, contributes to the historic character of the park and pool entrance. The Zilker Café has not been used as a food and beverage concession since 2016 due to a need for extensive renovations, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the dissolution of contract with previous vendor. and A solicitation is needed to select a vendor to manage and operate it once again as a food and beverage concession. 3 Zilker Cafe Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse Rehabilitation Impact • The Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse, near the Zilker Café, is undergoing a major renovation. Its anticipated completion is April 2025. • During the construction period, access to the café is impacted. • The impact to concession sales was cited in comments during the previous solicitation as a deterrent to the success of food concession. • Now that the construction is near completion, PARD is soliciting for a vendor to manage and operate the Café. 4 Zilker Cafe Solicitation • City seeks to contract with a qualified Concessionaire to manage and operate the food and beverage concession on the north side of Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities include: • Have a minimum of three years’ experience in commercial food and beverage concession operations. • Operate during the preferred minimum hours of operation defined as: seven days per week, six-hours per day. Maximum hours of operation will be in accordance with park policy for curfew, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. • Have price points for healthy, nutritious foods that are reasonable and affordable for every visitor. • Make improvements, which comply with the American with Disabilities Act, to both the indoor and outdoor areas of the Concession, including capital improvements, furnishings, and equipment in order to meet the City’s vision for the concession. • The sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited. 5 Zilker Cafe Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities …
Parks and Recreation Department Contracts Under Development Concessions and Contracts Committee Mar-25 Contract/Project Contract Type Phase NCP S / NS CCC PARB Council Notes Interlocal Agreement with AISD/ Go Project Interlocal P/D NA NS N/A Feb-25 Apr-25 Interlocal Agreement with AISD/S.A.F.E. (Swimming and Fitness Education) Swim Interlocal P/D NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 Interlocal ACC Welding Program Partnership Interlocal P/D NA NS Mar-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 The City and AISD entered into an agreement in 2005 relating to an educational program known as the GO PROJECT that is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age and that enables students to move beyond the high school setting and finish their education in a college or work environment. The City provides facilities for AISD's use in providing such classes to the identified students and is interested in continuing to do this. As the current agreement in almost 20 years old, the City wants to revisit and refresh the agreement to better meet all needs. A draft agreement has been sent to the Legal Department for review. On February 24, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Board approved by a vote of 7-0 a recommendation that Austin City Council authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with AISD to collaborate on the GO Project, an educational program for high school aged students with disabilities. The item is scheduled for Council action on April 24, 2025. Project SAFE is an aquatic safety education and swim training program provided to the Austin Independent School District by the City of Austin’s Aquatic Division. Each spring, students are invited to their nearby City of Austin-operated aquatic facility for a two-week long learn-to-swim session. Each day, participants will get an opportunity to engage in curriculums approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute. It is the City's hope that participation in the program leads to greater water safety practices among the participants. At the conclusion of the program, registration information will be provided for students to continue their learning by participating in additional City of Austin Parks and Recreation programs. City of Austin PARD and Austin Community College are seeking to partner together in order to offer a unique opportunity for students currently enrolled in their welding program. Throughout the semester, students will engage in a meaningful project aimed at restoring the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery that …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Austin Community College Welding Partnership Agreement Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Jason Walker, Cemeteries Division Manager Ryan Dees, Environmental Program Coordinator Agenda • Mission/Purpose • Goals & Objectives • Requested Board Action Mission/Purpose • Formalize partnership with Austin Community College Welding department to restore cast iron fencing for family lots at Oakwood that have been damaged, stolen, or have severely deteriorated over the years • This project will address damaged, missing, or degrading iron fencing seen at Oakwood. The restoration will only address family lots that have either lost their fencing or have sustained damage to their fencing • Students will follow guidelines set forth by both the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Park Service (NPS) and in accordance to Texas State law. Designs will be approved before construction can begin. Designs will be submitted to the THC on behalf of the CoA Cemeteries Division for final recommendations or approvals. Goals & Objectives • Design and Detail Students will design fencing of their selected lot reflective of the appropriate time period. Designs will be submitted to both the instructor overseeing the students and to the CoA conservator for final changes and approvals. • Construction • Installation Students will construct the approved designs throughout the course of their semester. The final product after construction will be reevaluated by both the instructor overseeing the class and the CoA conservator for final approvals before installation can take place. Students will install the approved piece to the correct family lot that was chosen at the beginning of the semester. Installation will be overseen by both the ACC instructor and the COA conservator. Requested Board Action • Recommend to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Community College for restoration of the historic iron fencing surrounding family lots at Oakwood Cemetery. Questions Additional Information Additional Information
Interlocal Agreement Between Austin Independent School District and City of Austin Contracts and Concessions Committee March 21, 2025 Ashley Wells, Division Manager Aquatics and Nature - Based Division Presentation Overview Mission/Purpose Goals and Objectives History Expenditures Deliverables Current Status Mission/Purpose Formalize partnership with Austin Independent School District Project SAFE (Safety and Fitness Education) is an aquatic safety education and swim training program Teach 1st grade students swimming skills approved by the internationally recognized Starfish Aquatics Institute in an 8-day, two-week long swim lesson program Instruct students in a water safety discussion to equip them with ways they can be safe in, on, and around the water Provide an opportunity for students to continue their water safety education by offering summer program information as well as information pertaining to our scholarships Goals & Objectives To enhance students’ comfort, ability, and knowledge of the water which leads to greater water safety practices To familiarize and bring awareness to the presence of nearby aquatic facilities to boost attendance and use To promote healthy activities that can be enjoyed at any age To promote aquatic programs that further increase water abilities History Springs Pool Project SAFE pilot program begins Spring 2011 with Perez Elementary School at Dove Spring 2013 – Widén Elementary joins the program at Dove Springs Pool Spring 2014 – Travis Heights Elementary joins the program and is based at Stacy Pool Spring 2019 – Harris Elementary joins the program and is based at the newly reconstructed Bartholomew Pool Spring 2020 – Project SAFE is put on hold due to COVID-19 Spring 2021 – Project SAFE returns, but Widén Elementary is unable to participate Spring 2024 – The green light is given to offer Project SAFE at the newly reconstructed Govalle Pool. Ortega, Zavala and Govalle Elementary join the program Spring 2025 – Widén again joins the program City of Austin Expenditures 2024 Project SAFE Transportation total was $1700 This paid for busses for four different schools as one school was able to walk to the aquatic facility Staff expenditures HG/MGR Hourly Rate LG's Hourly rate WSE $ WSE WSE Cost Cost HG/MGR/LG HG/MGR/LG FICA/MD Combined total HG/MGR/LG Staff combined cost Staff Total with FICA/MD School Govalle Zavala Harris Travis Heights Ortega Pool Govalle Govalle Bartholomew …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION MARCH 20, 2025 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission maybe participating by videoconference. 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 contact Gustavo Valle, at Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or via phone at 512-974-4350. AGENDA Members: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Michael Drohan Seth Whaland Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Commission's Recommendations for FY26 & FY27 Budget Goals 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 Gustavo Valle at Austin Resource Recovery, at (512) 974-4350 or email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Electric Utility Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at (512) 974-4350 4350 or via email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or Karina Camara at Karina.Camara@AustinTexas.gov at (512) 978-0751 or via email at Claudia.Quiroa@AustinTexas.gov.
Resolution: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of Austin and is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2024-25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation was seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan’s diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and environmental events facing ARR in meeting these evolving responsibilities beginning with the 2025-2026 Budget cycle; Now Therefore, Be It Further Resolved the Zero Waste Advisory Commission of the City of Austin; asks City Management and City Council to support a 2025-26 Budget increase that will fund ARR’s innovative programs, future infrastructure development, provide competitive employee compensation and …
