HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS FEBRUARY 28TH, 2022 PR-2022-005907; GF-2022-016715 6801 BURNET RD. D.5 – 1 PROPOSAL ARCHITECTURE RESEARCH Demolish a commercial (café) building built in the year 1968. This commercial building was built circa 1968 and is a single-story, wood-frame construction with red-painted brick masonry veneer with a mansard, asphalt roof. The patio area was later enclosed and retains an exterior tan stucco treatment with 8 large picture windows set at regular intervals across the Burnet Street facing façade. The building has been vacant since approx. 2018 and has graffiti on the façade and sides. The Frisco sign should be noted as part of the Burnet landscape since 1976. Location of the Frisco restaurant from 2008-2018. The Frisco’s closing in 2018 marked the end of an 86-year old legacy business initially opened by Harry Akin in 1932 at the corner of S. Congress and Riverside. Harry Akin was the first Texan and the first Southwesterner to hold the position of President of the National Restaurant Association. (1) Akin is highly respected and remembered for his civil rights advocacy practiced through his restaurant chain. Aiken’s businesses were among the first in Texas to desegregate; serving and hiring black people. He was also known for equal pay to minorities and women. His advocacy earned him a spot as a civil rights adviser to President Lyndon B. Johnson who was known to sneak in the back of the Night Hawk restaurant on S. Congress for a meal in the private dining room. Aiken was elected mayor in 1967 and assisted in the passage of laws prohibiting segregation in public places. (2) During this time the two biggest employers in the City of Austin were the University of Texas and the State of Texas, but The Night Hawk restaurant chain was also known as a top place to work. The businesses provided a higher standard of training, higher wages, and benefits like retirement options. Hoover Alexander, the founder of Austin legacy business Hoover’s Cooking, started as a busboy at the Night Hawk and credits the Night Hawk as where he “discovered his passion for food and where he learned the restaurant business from the ground up.” (3) In 1994, a partnership of former Frisco Shop long-term manager Lawrence Baker and the Aiken’s nephew, R. Harry Akin, purchased the Frisco Shop. The business changed hands again in 2008, when the Frisco moved …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, February 28, 2022 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022 at City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Room 1406, Austin TX 78752. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Andrea Jordan, Investigator, Office of Civil Rights (OCR); Jonathan Babiak, Business Process Consultant, OCR CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of November 22, 2021 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways, followed by discussion and possible action regarding an update on the successes of the American Gateways program serving the low income immigrant community and request for support in making immigration legal services a continued priority in the city’s budget for next year. (Davis/Casas) Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways presented to the Commission and answered questions from the Commission. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council related to the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Strategic Direction 2023: Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All. (Davis/Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 c. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council and the City Manager to strengthen policies regarding investigative authority for the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight. (Brown, G./Davis) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Commissioner Garry Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 6-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. d. Discussion and possible action regarding commissioner nominations to the Joint Inclusion …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20220228-002c: Strengthen Office of Police Oversight Whereas, the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) received modifications to increase the powers of the office in 2018; and Whereas, the City of Austin, and by extension the OPO, recently lost an arbitration case to the Austin Police Association and thereby restricting the OPO’s ability to complete its oversight responsibilities of Austin police officers; and Whereas, the current contract between the city and the police union is set to expire this year; Now therefore be it resolved, that the City of Austin Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council and the City Manager to insist that the new contract with the Austin Police Association include provisions strengthening and extending the powers of the Office of Police Oversight to investigate issues arising out of any possible violations by individuals employed by the Austin Police Department. Date of Approval: February 28, 2022 Record of the vote: 6-0; Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Casas, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Brienzi, Commissioner Garry Brown, and Commissioner Weigel. Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif were absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, Staff Liaison
David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jon Salinas Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Gunner Garnos Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220228-1A Date: March 07, 2022 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the Rainey Street Trailhead project, located at 36 East Avenue. Commissioner Meiners Commissioner Henao-Robledo Seconded By: Commissioner Franco Motioned By: Amended By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Rainey Street Trailhead project, as presented to us on February 28, 2022, complies with the City of Austin’s Design and Sustainability Standards. This endorsement comes with the additional recommendation that the project provide clearer direction on what means of water access will be allowed and that easily identifiable trail access is provided for all means identified. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor & City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s support of the Rainey Street Trailhead project, as presented to us. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. Proposes to increase tree canopy/ shade 2. Conducted thorough community outreach 3. Provides for extensive native plan restoration 4. Design provides both active and rest areas. 5. Proposes improved trail lighting Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Chair Carroll, Commissioner Salinas, Commissioner Franco, Commissioner Meiners, Commissioner Henao- 6- 0 - 1 Robledo, Commissioner Weaver Against: n/a Abstain: Commissioner Taniguchi Absent: Vice-Chair Rollason, Commissioner Coleman, Commissioner Whatley, Commissioner Luckens Attest: David Carroll, Chair City of Austin Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20220228-1A Rainey Street Trailhead Project
David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jon Salinas Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Gunner Garnos Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220228-1C Date: March 07, 2022 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street. Seconded By: Commissioner Henao-Robledo Motioned By: Commissioner Meiners Friendly Amendment: Commissioner Franco Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street, as presented to us on February 28, 2022, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines, with the additional recommendation that the proposed public art space prioritizes underserved artists in the community. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, with the additional recommendation listed above. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. For community benefits, the project proposes public art gallery, outdoor garden, public restaurant with outdoor seating, sculpture garden, and a public terrace. 2. Project engages the A.O. Watson house as an amenity 3. Proposed design places all utilities in alley 4. Proposed design does not place any curb cuts on 12th Street, which has a steep grade. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Jen Weaver, Josue Meiners, David Carroll, Jon Salinas, Samuel 7 - 0 - 0 Franco Against: None Absent: Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Bart Whatley Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20220228-1C Block 150 Project
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD FINANCIAL COMMITTEE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 – 12:00PM MINUTES The Financial Committee convened in a meeting on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 1183 Chestnut Avenue in Austin, TX Vice-Chair DePalma called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM. Committee Members in Attendance: Richard DePalma, Patrick Moore, Lisa Hugman and Kimberly Taylor Staff in Attendance: Kimberly McNeeley, Suzanne Piper, Jodi Jay, Daniel Paciocco, Vanorda Richardson, Christa McCarthy, Nan Dowling and Tim Dombeck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee regular meeting of November 18, 2021 were not voted on due to a clerical error. Those minutes will be voted on at the next Financial Committee meeting. B. NEW BUSINESS: PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 1. Presentation, discussion and possible action with regards to the Department Aquatics Division budget as it relates to staffing, wages, operational items, security expenses and other expenses. Vanorda Richardson, Jodi Jay and Daniel Paciocco, Parks and Recreation Department, made a presentation and answered questions. No action was taken on this item 2. Presentation, discussion and possible action with regards to the Department Summer Camps and supplemental summer programming budget as it relates to staffing and operational items. Page 1 of 2 Christa McCarthy and Vanorda Richardson, Parks and Recreation Department, made a presentation and answered questions. No action was taken on this item. 3. Presentation, discussion and possible action with regards to FY23 PARD Under Resourced Service Expectations. Vanorda Richardson, Parks and Recreation Department, made a presentation and answered questions. No action was taken on this item. 4. Discussion of proposed Parks and Recreation Board Financial Committee agenda topics for 2022. Board Members discussed the item. No action was taken on the item. C. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. Vice-Chair DePalma adjourned the meeting at 1:45 PM. Page 2 of 2
Business Committee Meeting of the HIV Planning Council Monday, February 28, 2022 The Business Committee Meeting to be held 2/28/2022 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via Microsoft Teams; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (2/27/2022 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 28, 2022 HIV Planning Council Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 972-5806 and Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Versión en español a continuación. Reunión del Business Committee Meeting of the HIV Planning Council la folletos junta en FECHA de la reunion (Lunes, 28 de Febrero, 2022) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (2/27/2022 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de (512) 972-5806 and Jaseudia.Killion@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING February 28, 2022, AT 6:00PM 1000 East 11th Street, Room 400A Nathaniel Bradford Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W. Pierce, Vice Chair Danielle Skidmore Amit Motwani Members in Attendance Manuel Escobar, Chair Amit Motwani Danielle Skidmore Kobla Tetey Members Absent Nathaniel Bradford Jacqueline Watson PURPOSE: The Board of Commissioners primary responsibility the implementation and compliance of approved Urban Renewal Plans that are adopted by the Austin City Council. An Urban Renewal Plan's primary purpose is to eliminate slum and blighting influence within a designated area of the city. Staff in Attendance Laura Keating, Liaison Mandy DeMayo, Deputy Director Megan Santee, URB legal counsel to oversee is MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar called the meeting to order at 6:13pm with 5 members present. Commissioners Bradford and Watson were absent. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding agenda items and items not posted on the agenda. No speakers signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the January 10, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes. On Commissioner Skidmore’s motion, Commissioner Tetey’s second, the January 10, 2022, minutes were approved unanimously. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations to City Council related to the FY 2022-23 annual budget. Discussion occurred. This item will be taken up again at the next meeting. b. Discussion regarding future activities of the Urban Renewal Board. Discussion occurred; this will be a standing item for future meetings. 2. OLD BUSINESS c. Briefing from the Council Member Harper-Madison’s office regarding Urban Renewal Plan and NCCD zoning cases, discussion, and possible action. Lauren Hartnett presented, and discussion occurred. An update will be provided at the next meeting. d. Presentation, discussion, and possible action related to the property disposition of Urban Renewal Agency owned property (1100 E 11th St and 920 E 11th St) and the Agency’s partnership with the Austin Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) including, without limitation, the draft engagement plan, draft scope for predevelopment services, and proposed calendar for the Partnership Working Group. Anne Gatling Haynes presented, and discussion occurred. No action was taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at 7:24 pm without objection. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Friday, February 25, 2022 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov. Jonathan Franks, Chair Emily Shryock, Vice Chair Diana Anzaldua Taurean Burt Kathryn Broadwater CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Joey Gidseg Diane Kearns-Osterweil Robin Orlowski Jennifer S. Powell Deborah Trejo CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Speakers who register before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. A. Consider approval of the minutes from the Mayor’s Committee for People with 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Disabilities June 11, 2021 Meeting. 2. NEW BUSINESS: A. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2022 meeting schedule. B. Discussion and possible action regarding selection of members to represent the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities on the Joint Inclusion Committee. C. Discussion and possible action regarding moving the Americans with Disabilities Act Program Into the Civil Rights Office. D. Discussion and possible action regarding Funding for Healthcare Navigation and Liaison Programs Benefiting Austin’s Immigrant Communities. ATX Resolution. E. Discussion and possible action regarding Family Connects in Response to the Resilient F. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation for a joint initiative by the City and County to create a downtown mental health diversion program. G. Discussion and possible action on a grant to address community-identified transportation challenges in North Austin's Georgian Acres neighborhood. H. Discussion and possible action on budget and specifically a request that the City provide additional funding for adult day habilitation. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS None 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. 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 …
ARTS COMMISSION MEETING February 24, 2022 AT 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Arts Commission may 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 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 Jesús Pantel at jesus.pantel@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-9315. AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michelle Polgar – Chair, Celina Zisman – Vice Chair, Brett Barnes, Jaime Castillo, Lulu Flores, Felipe Garza, Acia Gray, kYmberly Keeton, Amy Mok, Heidi Schmalbach, Rick Van Dyke CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than Noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approve the minutes for the regular Arts Commission meeting on: i. January 31, 2022 2. CHAIR’S REPORT a. Updates – equity working group; music commission vote b. Art in Public Places Liaison Report - Commissioner Barnes c. Austin Economic Development Corporation/Cultural Trust Advisory Committee Report – Carl Settles d. Downtown Commission Report – Commissioner Mok 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION a. Airbnb – Luis Briones, Texas Public Policy and Government Affairs Director b. Austin Community College Nonprofit Center CommunitySpace launch – Barry Silverberg, Executive Director, Center for Nonprofit Studies and Nonprofit Austin at ACC and Chris Servini, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community and Public Affairs 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS a. Intergovernmental Relations update – Brie Franco b. Capital Improvements Projects updates – Laura Esparza, Museums and Cultural Programs Division Manager c. Legal Consideration Related to Equity in Economic Development Department Hotel Occupancy Tax Funded Programs – Neal Falgoust, City of Austin Law Department Attorney d. Fiscal Sponsorship Update – Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor e. Hotel Occupancy Tax Update – Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Economic Development Department Director f. Cultural Funding Review Process Update – Meghan Wells, Cultural Arts Division Manager 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and Possible Action on Cultural Funding Review Process b. Discussion and Possible Action on Working Groups and Working Group Updates i. Equity Working Group with Community Arts leaders …
LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING February 24, 2022 – 6 p.m. City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Library Commission may be participating by videoconference. The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. Section 2-1-150 of the City Code. Public comment will be allowed via telephone at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, members of the public must call or email the board liaison at 512-974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Wednesday, February 23. Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Julia Aguilar; Patricia Dabbert, Chair; JC Dwyer; Eric Frierson; Lynda Infante; Ryan Marquess; Courtney Rosenthal; Steven Self, Vice-Chair; Mark Smith and Lily Trieu AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore, Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies, Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March 6. Discussion of Director’s Report for February covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities 7. Future Agenda Items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Sharon Herfurth at the Library Department, at 512- 974-7420 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Sharon Herfurth at 512- 974-7420 or sharon.herfurth@austintexas.gov
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 REGULAR MEETING 24 January, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Pat Dabbert, Vice Chair Steven Self and Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Eric Frierson, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, Courtney Rosenthal, and Mark Smith Board Members Absent: Commission Member Lily Trieu Citizen Communication: General none 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members 2. Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2021 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. 3. Briefings: Town hall meetings on Digital Inclusion in partnership with the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission was given by Nehemiah Pitts, Chair, Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission and Khotan Harmon, Consultant, Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs, Financial Services Dept. Austin History Center Volunteer Services was given by Paul Lopez, Volunteer Services & Internship Program Coordinator 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Discussion and possible action on Fine Free Libraries working group draft Recommendation20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library. Recommendation 20220124-5a: Eliminate Late Fees at Austin Public Library was approved on Commission Member Smith’s motion and Commission Member Infante’s second on a 9- 0 vote. Commission Member Trieu absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 January, 2022 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for January covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director Weeks gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update Recycled Reads Update Freedom to Read | book challenges Planning Retreat Use of Central Rental Spaces Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. without objection.
Special Report January 2022 Volunteers Total Volunteers as of Jan-2022 Active Volunteers Volunteer Hours Salary Value x $26.43 = Volunteers Age Bracket Volunteers Race/Ethnicity Years of Service 713 40 299.35 $7,911.82 13-17 18-24 25-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 2 2 6 6 3 6 4 17 14 10 White Black/Af-Am Hisp-Latinx Native Am Asian Pacific Multi-Racial We revised the Volunteer Application in January 2022 to collect this data. This is optional/voluntary. <1 1-3 3-5 5 + Monthly Trends Active Volunteers Volunteer Hours Salary Value x $26.43 = 66+ 15 Not Provided Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21 Jan-22 70 57 46 40 611.4 404.32 342.70 299.35 16,159.30 10,686.18 9,057.56 7,911.82 Locations with Volunteers as of January 2022 Twin Oaks – 7 Old Quarry – 3 Central – 6 Milwood - 4 Manchaca – 5 Hampton - 2 Recycled Read – 5 Carver - 1 Spicewood – 4 North Village - 1 History Center – 4 Milwood – 4 Contact: Emi Johnson, Business Process Consultant Monthly Activity Report 2/10/2022 2:38 PM
Director’s Report February 2022 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 11 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 12 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 12 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 12 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 13 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 13 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 13 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 13 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 14 Collections Circulation January ____________________________________________________________ 14 HIGHLIGHTS 3 Austin Public Library Eliminating Overdue Fines Following Historic City Council Vote On February 17, the Austin City Council unanimously voted to eliminate fines for overdue library materials at Austin Public Library. “The Austin Public Library is committed to providing free and equitable access to all of our resources for the citizens of Austin,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “We want to make sure our resources are available to those impacted the most by fines.” Late fines create a financial barrier for many people in accessing library materials, and have been found to be an ineffective way of encouraging materials returns. Studies of libraries in other communities that have eliminated late fines have found that ending late fines actually results in a higher rate of books being returned, as people are less likely to avoid the library if they are not concerned about having to pay money. In 2019, in acknowledgement that monetary library fines are a form of social inequity, the American Library Association passed a resolution encouraging libraries throughout the nation to discontinue fees for overdue library materials as a mechanism to increase library usage and expand access for all populations. Over 400 libraries in the United States have already removed fines for overdue materials. Earlier this year, the Austin Library Commission issued a unanimous recommendation to City Council that late fines be eliminated at Austin Public Library. “The Library Commission is very excited for what this change means for ensuring more equitable access to our libraries,” stated Patricia Dabbert, Chair of the Austin Library Commission. “I am grateful for the work my fellow commissioners have done in taking the lead on this issue. The move to going fine-free is not retroactive, but the Library is investigating equitable ways to help cardholders with existing fines so that they may continue using their cards. In 2018, the Austin Public Library eliminated fines for overdue children’s materials. Also, …
Austin Public Library Policy and Procedures Manual Subject: Materials Selection Policy Effective Date: August 5, 2012 Revised: October 1, 2021 Contact: Customer Access Division Manager Telephone: 974-7476 Department Director’s Approval: To articulate the principles, policies, and criteria that guide the staff in selecting materials to develop responsive collections for the library system and to inform the public on these principles and selection standards used by the Library. Purpose: Commitment: We are committed to providing easy access to books and information for all ages through responsive professionals, engaging programs, and state-of-the-art technology in a safe and friendly environment. Austin Public Library prioritizes a commitment to equity ensuring that all members of the Austin community have equitable access to library services and programs. Diversity and inclusion are about respecting, understanding, honoring, and welcoming all members of the staff and community into the library. Decisions about hiring, collection development, policies, and programming are made with a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion. I. principles: Principles The Austin Public Library Materials Selection Policy is based on the following A. Materials are selected which provide for the interest, information, enlightenment, entertainment, education, development, and enrichment of all library customers, within budgetary constraints and availability of materials. B. The freedom to read, along with the freedom to hear and to view, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This freedom, essential to our democracy, will be upheld, supported, and defended in the selection and accessibility of all library materials. In this regard, the library upholds the principles of the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, Statement on Labeling, and Free Access to Libraries for Minors as well as to the Texas Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Statement. C. Selection of materials does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content, viewpoint, implications, or presentation of the materials. D. The library staff does not serve in loco parentis. It is the parent(s), and only the parent(s), who may restrict their children, and only their own children, from access to library materials. Responsibility for children's reading rests with their parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s). Selection will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may inadvertently come into the possession of children. E. The library is not a judicial body. Laws governing obscenity, subversive materials, and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by …
Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials The Austin Public Library staff selects materials for all collections in accordance with the criteria stated in the Materials Selection Policy. By completing this form, you are requesting that the Library: Remove item from collection Please provide the following information: Type of Material: _____________________________________________________________________ (book, recording, periodical, etc.) Title of Work: ________________________________________________________________________ Author of Work: ______________________________________________________________________ Have you read, viewed, or listened to the entire work? If not, with which parts are you familiar? Yes No Have you read reviews of the work? If so, please tell us where: Yes No Are there portions of this work to which you specifically object? If so, please cite page numbers: Yes No Why do you feel the Library should reconsider this work? Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials _____________________ Date _____________________________________________________________________________________ Your Name _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________ Organization Represented (if any) _____________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________ Library Location _____________________________________ Staff Signature _____________________________________ Date Received Staff please send form to Library Director immediately. Request for Reconsideration of Library materials FOR STAFF USE ONLY Collection Development Manager opinion: Director: Agree Disagree Comments: OUTCOME
Presentation Prepared by: Hannah Terrell, Division Manager of Branch Services Ze ro Wa s t e Go a l To p ic s We 'll Co v e r How Communities Have Defined Zero Waste | US EPA Th e Re c y c le d Re a d s Bo o k s t o re Se rv ic e s is t o im p le m e n t t h e Cit y 's Ze ro Wa s t e in it ia t iv e . Th is s e rv ic e re p u rp o s e s , re c y c le s o r s e lls b o o k s t h a t a re d is c a rd e d b y t h e lib ra ry o r d o n a t e d b y re s id e n t s . Th is s e rv ic e a c c e p t s a n d s o rt s in c o m in g d o n a t io n s , t o s h e lv in g a n d o rg a n izin g m a t e ria ls t o u p c y c le fo r c ra ft in g . Ma t e ria ls m a y a ls o b e s o ld t o Go o d w ill In d u s t rie s o f Ce n t ra l Te xa s , Th rift b o o k s , o r s e n t t o Au s t in Re s o u rc e Re c o v e ry t o p u lp . 1 6 . 4 2 5 T O N S D O N AT E D T O G O O D W ILL Octob e r 2021 1 3 . 2 8 T O N S D O N AT E D T O G O O D W ILL Nove mb e r 2021 1 4 . 4 2 T O N S DONATED T O G O O D W ILL De ce mb e r 2021 Donations 694 BOXES …
Arts Commission Meeting Short-Term Rental HOT Tax Collection Background ● In 2016, Austin City Council passed an ordinance that would restrict short-term rentals where the owner doesn't live on the property; so-called "Type 2 STRs" would be phased out by 2022. Prior to the 2016 effort, Austin Council had passed their original (2012) ordinance, with further amendments in 2013. ○ The Texas Third Court of Appeals declared this ordinance unconstitutional in 2019 and later denied the City’s motion for reconsideration. ● The City of Austin has issued few Type 2 operating licenses for short-term Rental property owners in the past decade; ○ Unlicensed hosts cannot pay HOT tax without receiving penalties from Austin Code. ● Platforms need an agreement with the City to collect and remit HoT tax. Background (Cont.) ● Austin has grown to be the leading short-term rental market in Texas. ● Short-term rental platforms have taken action to prevent community nuisances and promote safety at listings. ○ Suspended dozens of listings for party violations. ○ ○ Blocked thousands of bookings during holiday weekends for hosts that have violations. ● Short-term rental platforms have entered into many of these agreement with different government Launched a 24/7 neighborhood support portal and a law enforcement portal. entities around Texas: ○ The State of Texas, Comal County, Abilene, Houston, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Glen Rose, Plano, etc. ● There’s momentum with some on council to pass a similar agreement in Austin. Cultural Arts Letter of Support ● Several arts organizations within the Red River Cultural Arts District and Austin Cultural Arts Division have signed onto a letter of support – encouraging City Council to adopt an agreement that requires STR platforms to collect HOT tax on behalf of hosts. Cultural Arts Supporters ZACH Theatre Red River Cultural District The Archive Theater Jarrott Productions KJ Sanchez American Records Rude Mechs The Hidden Room Theatre Penfold Theatre Company ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Ground Floor Theatre Color Arc Productions ● Candyce Lucien Rusk ● ● Gary Thornsberry ● Kirk Lynn (Associate Professor, Univ. of Texas at Austin) ● Gilbert & Sullivan Austin ● Salvage Vanguard ● Southwest Theatre Productions ● Max Langert (Cinnamon Path Theater & Airbnb user) The VORTEX ● The City Theatre Company ● ● Christina J. Moore, ScriptWorks Polling Background ● ● ● A recent survey showed voter support for both Short-Term Rentals in Austin and …
Leverages ACC’s role in the community , providing a critical nonprofit need – physical meeting space – and the unique value proposition of ACC, to create an essential asset to support the area’s nonprofits and to better the Greater Austin community. City of Austin Arts Commission February 24, 2022 Co‐working space Meeting & Conference space Grant Research Center Nonprofit Library KnowHow Mentor Network Intentional community building & connections between nonprofits & ACC & amongst themselves Access to Nonprofit Austin staff, expertise, & services Collaboration, Connection, and Caring Nonprofit Austin at ACC Community Space 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, 78752 Meeting Rooms Collaboration, Connection, and Caring Social Equity Committed to working within a framework that integrates social justice principles while supporting and respecting accountability to advance social equity within the nonprofit community Recognizing historic disparities that limit adherence to generally accepted organizational standards, we strive to address and eliminate such roadblocks in our programs and services. Nonprofit Austin will provide free assistance to those members who are not Texas nonprofit corporations to obtain their Texas nonprofit corporation status, obtain their Employers Identification Number, and draft their bylaws. We will also assist CommunitySpace members to apply for IRS 501(c)(3) determinations for a fee. Collaboration, Connection, and Caring Multi‐Tiered Organizational Membership Connector members receive a physical space to work, connect with other nonprofit organizations and practitioners, and have access to CommunitySpace’s many amenities, benefits, and working areas, including our meeting and event space. They do not have dedicated space, nor can they store anything overnight. Connectors join for a three‐month period at a time. $75 per seat per month Collaborator members receive a dedicated work area with storage. They may receive mail care of CommunitySpace and enjoy greater benefits than Connectors. Collaborators join for a six‐month period at a time. $250 per seat per month Collaboration, Connection, and Caring https://www.nonprofitaustin.org /communityspace/amenities‐ benefits/ https://www.nonprofitaustin.org/communityspace/ Barry Silverberg, Executive Director Nonprofit Austin and Center for Nonprofit Studies at ACC bsilverb@austincc.edu nonprofitaustin.org Collaboration, Connection, and Caring
