To: From: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery Date: July 14th, 2021 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Landfill Closure Updates The City of Austin’s Landfill at 10108 FM 812 achieved final closure certification from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). TCEQ considers the facility to be closed and the post-closure care period to have begun on the date of the certification, May 11, 2021. The post-closure care period will be 30 years in accordance with 30 TAC §330.463(b). Post-closure maintenance inspections will be conducted at least through the end of the post-closure care period to determine if any maintenance issues or other problems occur and to ensure that they are corrected. The leachate collection system, groundwater monitoring system, landfill gas monitoring system, and any other required systems must be maintained throughout the post- closure care maintenance period. ARR Solicitations Update As of June 21, 2021 ZWAC Meeting July 14, 2021 Upcoming Solicitations Under Development (in alphabetical order): No updates. Solicitations Expected to be Posted Within the Next 90 Days: 1. Asbestos, Lead, and Mold Abatement Services: RFP – Contractor to provide removal, encapsulation, and disposition of asbestos, lead, particulate, and mold. 2. Recycling and Solid Waste Consulting Services: RFQS – Consultants to provide professional recycling industry consulting services, including delivering industry knowledge, technical advice, and recommendations on recycling industry marketing indexes and definitions on an as needed basis. Published Solicitations: No updates. Solicitations in Evaluation or Negotiation: 1. Education, Cleanup, and Beautification Services: RFP 1500 CRR3008 – This solicitation was posted on March 1, 2021 and closed on March 25, 2021. Contractors qualified to provide education, cleanup, and beautification services that benefit the public by improving Austin’s environment and aesthetics through a variety of programs and providing resources and education that inspire Austin residents toward effective environmental stewardship. Previous contract has expired. 2. Post-Disaster Debris Removal Services:– RFP 1500 SLW3011 – This solicitation was posted on March 29, 2021 and closed on May 13, 2021. Contractor to provide emergency debris removal services in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) guidelines. No existing contract 3. Post-Disaster Debris Monitoring Services: RFP 1500 SLW3010 – This solicitation was posted on March 29, 2021 and closed on May 6, 2021. Contractor to provide emergency field debris monitoring services to include management and accounting services for monitoring the recovery efforts of the City’s Post …
MULTI-DEPARTMENT CONTRACT AMENDMENT RELIEF ENTERPRISE OF TEXAS, INC. FOR OVERPASS, UNDER BRIDGE, RIGHT-OF-WAY HOMELESS CAMP CLEAN-UP (CONTRACT NUMBER NA200000167) ZWAC: 07/14/21 Council: 07/29/2021 OVERVIEW 1. Current Contract Information Contract number: NA200000167 Contract length and authorization: Authorize two one-year extension options in the amount of $1,150,000 with Relief Enterprise of Texas, Inc., to provide continued cleanup services for overpasses, under bridges, and in the transportation right of way, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $1,725,000. Contract actual spend: $362,168.36 from eCAPRIS as of 6/3/2021. Current status: Active Contract begin date: 07/30/2020 Contract expiration date: 07/29/2023 2. Notes/Other The City has been removing debris, trash, and unsafe items from the homeless encampments under bridge overpasses over the last year. The primary goal is to ensure the public right-of- way is clean and safe for all residents and not to remove any individuals who may be camping at the underpass locations. The contract will allow the City to continue these important clean- up services at locations underneath Interstate 35, US 183, Loop 1, and US 290, but also at other areas in the public right-of-way as they are identified. Austin Resource Recovery’s commitment is $330,000 in year 1 and $415,000 in each of the remaining years of the contract. Public Works will work with the contractor to provide removal of debris and cleanup services under bridge overpasses and in the transportation right of way throughout the City. Initial term: $575,000 (ARR: $330,000, Transportation: $85,000, PW: $160,000) Option 1: $575,000 (ARR: $415,000, PW: $160,000) Option 2: $575,000 (ARR: $415,000, PW: $160,000) REVIEWED AND APPROVED FOR ZWAC Compiled By: Name ARR End-user/Contract Manager: Public Works Date 06/03/2021 06/03/2021 ZWAC DRAFT Item 21-2202 Posting Language ..Title Authorize negotiation and execution of three multi-term contracts with Keep Austin Beautiful; Town Lake Trail Foundation d/b/a The Trail Foundation; and TreeFolks, Inc.; to provide education, clean-up and beautification services, each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $4,000,000, divided among the contractors. (Note: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9C Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program. For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities therefore, no subcontracting goals were established). ..Body Lead Department Purchasing Office. Client Department(s) Austin Resource Recovery; Watershed Protection Department. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $229,167 is available in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 …
Reliable and Affordable Broadband Internet for All For the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission July 2021 1 What we will be talking about in this presentation The DI Fellowship is part of the Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan of the Telecommunications And Regulatory Affairs Office at the City of Austin, with the task of ensuring sustainable solutions to ensure reliable and affordable broadband for all. The Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission has a dedicated focus on Digital Inclusion and Civic Engagement, with inclusion for all and “Equity” as our defined strategic outcome for disaffected and underserved populations. Stakeholder engagement and issue identification portion of the DI Fellowship that has resulted in the emergence of priority areas and solutions. The DI solutions are framed within the priority areas of economic recovery and resilience, as outlined by the City of Austin City Council and Economic Development Department. 2 Contents 1. Background and overview of the effort for reliable and affordable broadband for all 2. What we have done and learned so far 3. What happens next 3 1 Background and overview of the effort for reliable and affordable broadband for all 4 ● Insights from Lived Experience of Results of inputs: How we got here Austin residents from CTTC Special Conversation ● Goal of the Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission Work Plan ● Experience from Previous City-supported projects & COA Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan ● Impact from COVID-19 Virtual Pivot ● Application to Leadership Austin and funded by St. David's Foundation (THANK YOU!) ● Khotan Harmon named LA Digital Inclusion Fellow ● Framed out the goals and inquiry areas for the project ● Aligned current City program staff to support Fellow and coordinated activities underway for project ● Identified initial stakeholders to engage in project 5 Project scope: Reliable and Affordable Broadband for All Project Goals: Deliverables: Our community needs a fellow to assess, identify and develop viable longer-term solutions to address the problem of digital equity to ensure reliable, affordable broadband for all. The availability of the internet is critical to participate in a growing digital society and to provide equitable, educational, job and economic opportunities and access to healthcare. Report #1: Community asset mapping and survey of existing data on the mapping and speed of private broadband infrastructure and reasons for barriers to broadband adoption. Report #2 - Feasibility Plan based on models and best practices nationally that could be offered …
Austin Resource Recovery Interlocal Agreement Recommendation In summer or fall 2021, Austin Resource Recovery intends to seek Council approval to negotiate and execute an interlocal agreement with Travis County relating to (1) services provided by the City to County residents* at the Austin Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) and (2) pharmaceutical collection services provided by the County to City residents. This agreement would replace an existing interlocal agreement with the County that relates only to household hazardous waste services provided by the City. The new interlocal would enable the City to provide a broader range of RRDOC services to the County and would allow the City to benefit from County services. *Note that Travis County will reimburse the City for services provided by the City to County residents who live outside the city limits, since RRDOC services are already available to persons residing within the city limits. RCA: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=233382 Backup: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=233383 Q&A (#4): https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=233364 Minutes from 6/18/2015 meeting: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=236455
INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (ICRC) July 7, 2021 at 6:00 pm Council Chambers City Hall, 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 and Via Videoconference CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Prabhu Kannan Brigham Morris Errol Hardin Eugene Schneider Erin Dempsey Luis Gonzalez, Vice-Chair Dr. Sterling Lands Members in Attendance Christina Puentes, Chair Luis Gonzalez, Vice Chair Joshua Blank Sara Inés Calderón Camellia Falcon Shaina Kambo Prabhu Kannan Dr. Sterling Lands Hoang Le Selina Yee Hoang Le Shaina Kambo Sara Inés Calderón Selina Yee Christina Puentes, Chair Joshua Blank Camellia Falcon Members Absent Erin Dempsey Errol Hardin Brigham Morris Eugene Schneider Staff In Attendance Matthew Dugan Lisa Rodriguez Caroline Webster, Law Department DRAFT MINUTES Meeting Goals: Confirm Steps to Onboard Hired Staff, Confirm Dates for Public Hearings, Establish Commission Values and Norms CALL TO ORDER Chair Puentes called the meeting to order at 6:01pm with 9 members present. Commissioner Lands joined the meeting at 6:09pm. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first three 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. Zenobia C. Joseph addressed the ICRC. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Discussion and possible action on the June 30, 2021, ICRC meeting minutes The June 30, 2021, meeting minutes were approved without objection, with the change that the adjournment time will be added. 2. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The ICRC may discuss and take action on the following agenda items A. Update from Hiring Working Group Commissioner Yee gave the update. 3. NEW BUSINESS The ICRC may discuss and take action on the following agenda items A. Presentation from NAACP Nelson Linder, Gonzalo Barrientos, Attorney Roger Borgelt, Peck Young, Ora Houston, and Ryan Robinson (members of the NAACP/Hispanic Coalition) presented. C. Icebreaker: “What is the best aspect of residing in the city district you represent?” B. Presentation from Dr. Henry Flores This item was postponed until a future meeting. Vice Chair Gonzalez lead the icebreaker activity. D. Discussion and Vote on Values and Norms Chair Puentes lead the discussion on values and norms. E. Update from Public Hearing Working Group 1. Vote on Proposed Public Hearing Dates Vice Chair Gonzalez shared the proposed schedule of public meeting dates. On Commissioner Kannan’s motion, Commissioner Blank’s second, the ICRC unanimously approved the proposed 2021 public hearing schedule. F. Update from Communications Working Group Commissioner Calderón gave …
Reapportionment and Redistricting City of Austin, TX Henry Flores, PhD FloreStat, LLC July 7, 2021 Rationale for Reapportionment and Redistricting Constitutional and Voting Rights Requirements Reapportionment every ten years Based on Census Reports Reapportionment Every ten years, immediately after census, must determine the amount of population growth or loss in each city council district. All districts must be within a +/- 10% deviation from the most to least populated district to insure one-person/one-vote constitutional requirement. Census Data Basis of population numbers. Total city population/number of districts = population per district. There cannot be more than a 10% population deviation from the largest to the smallest district. Changes in Total Population 2000-2019 Total 2000 2010 %∆ 2019 %∆ 689,701 798,962 13.7 979,263 18.4 Since 2000 Austin has grown by almost 300,000 persons. Growth Changes per City Council District 2000 - 2010 District %Inc/Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2000 65,313 60,949 75,789 78,810 66,365 54,535 75,798 53,597 81,484 77,061 2010 77,807 80,004 79,573 79,357 81,532 82,389 80,520 77,650 79,299 80,839 19.1 31.3 5 .7 22.9 51.1 6.2 44.9 -2.7 4.9 It is not clear if these growth changes were due to normal demographic occurrences or the result of the 2010 redistricting. The data do indicate that some districts have grown dramatically while others have shown smaller growth or even negative growth. 2019 data were not available too make further comparisons. Change in Minority Pop 2000 - 2010 Race 2000 2010 %∆ Anglo 367,398 390,302 Black 65,804 61,310 5.9 -6.8 Hispanic 209,663 279,713 25 Asian 32,919 53,908 38.9 Minority pops have grown dramatically from 2000-2010. Do not have projections for 2019 but its possible that Austin may be a minority majority city after 2020 census released. This will affect all city council districts. Decisions to be Made 1. Redraw districts using new population ratios. (Lawyers). 2. Leave district boundaries as they are. May get sued. 3. Add more districts. (Lawyers). 4. Change electoral system: mixed (at-large/single member) or at- large, place system. (Lawyers).
Name of Board or Commission: Water and Wastewater Commission Request Number: 20210714-D2 Description of Item: Water & Wastewater Commission Recommendation on Customer Assistance Program • Austin Water ratepayers fund the Customer Assistance Program to assist low- and moderate-income customers with their water and wastewater bills It has been proven that some of this funding has been going to customers who own high real-estate assets • • Most program participants are not screened for income, which can lead to further instances where scarce funding for low-income assistance is given to people who do not need it Based on the above, the WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION requests that City Council place an Agenda Item on the appropriate Council Committee Agenda to discuss that the Audit Department conduct an audit of the Customer Assistance Program in the next fiscal year to assure that these relatively scarce funds to help the poor are spent properly. Board or Commission Vote to refer item to Council: STAFF USE ONLY MAYOR’S OFFICE USE ONLY Date of Approval of Request: STAFF USE ONLY Attachments: ☐ Yes ☐ No STAFF USE ONLY If yes, please list the attachments: Attest: STAFF USE ONLY Council Committee Assigned: ☐Audit and Finance Committee ☐Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee ☐ Austin Water Oversight Committee ☐Mobility Committee ☐Health and Human Services Committee ☐Housing and Planning Committee Recommend a Fiscal Analysis be completed? Recommend a Legal Analysis be completed? Notes: Mayor Signature & Date:
APPENDIX E: Final Ten-District Map ICRC’s map spearheaded a change in how Austin, Texas City Councilors are chosen, which redis- tricting expert Steve Bickerstaff called “a success in democracy.” 38
Proposed ICRC Public Hearing Dates #1. Thursday, July 15: 6-8pm #2. Thursday, July 22: 6-8pm #3. Saturday, July 24: 11am-1pm #4. Tuesday, July 27: 6-8pm #5. Saturday, July 31: 2-4pm #6. Tuesday, August 3: 6-8pm #7. Saturday, August 7: 1-3pm #8. Tuesday, August 10: 6-8pm #9. Saturday, August 14: 1-3pm #10. Tuesday, August 17: 6-8pm
Name of Board or Commission: Water and Wastewater Commission Request Number: 20210714-D2 Description of Item: Water & Wastewater Commission Recommendation on Customer Assistance Program • Austin Water ratepayers fund the Customer Assistance Program to assist low- and moderate-income customers with their water and wastewater bills It has been proven that some of this funding has been going to customers who own high real-estate assets • • Most program participants are not screened for income, which can lead to further instances where scarce funding for low-income assistance is given to people who do not need it Based on the above, the WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION requests that City Council place an Agenda Item on the appropriate Council Committee Agenda to discuss that the Audit Department conduct an audit of the Customer Assistance Program in the next fiscal year to assure that these relatively scarce funds to help the poor are spent properly. Board or Commission Vote to refer item to Council: Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on an 8-0 vote on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Turrieta’s second with Commissioner Williams absent and two vacancies. MAYOR’S OFFICE USE ONLY Date of Approval of Request: July 14, 2021 Attachments: ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, please list the attachments: Attest: Council Committee Assigned: ☐Audit and Finance Committee ☐Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee ☐ Austin Water Oversight Committee ☐Mobility Committee ☐Health and Human Services Committee ☐Housing and Planning Committee Recommend a Fiscal Analysis be completed? Recommend a Legal Analysis be completed? Notes: Mayor Signature & Date:
Approved: July 14, 2021 Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 Water and Wastewater Commission 1. The Water and Wastewater Commission mission statement is set forth in 2-1-186 of the 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. 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2021 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 and financial impact …
Water Conservation and On-Site Reuse Pilot Incentives Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager Outline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Division Overview Conservation Programs Onsite Water Reuse Pilot Recent Activities Looking Forward 1. Division Overview Conservation Teams • Customer Service Team – 6 staff members • Research & Planning Team – 2 staff members • Enforcement & Compliance Team – 8 staff (+ 1 temp) Related Activities & Teams 2. Conservation Programs Customer Assistance Program Compliance Incentives Watering Enforcement Customer Assistance Respond to inquiries Provide materials Irrigation audits for high- use customers Limited-income customer assistance program Public presentations Incentives - Residential Irrigation Upgrade Landscape Survival Tools Water Wise Landscape Water Wise Raincape Watering Timer Pool Cover Cartridge Pool Filter Pressure Regulating Valve Rainwater Harvesting Laundry to Landscape Home Water Use Monitoring Device (pilot completed) Incentives – Commercial Irrigation System Improvement Bucks for Business Water Wise Rainscape (HOAs Commercial Kitchen and schools) Pressure Regulating Valve Cartridge Pool Filter Water Efficiency Audit Rainwater Harvesting Onsite Reuse Incentives Watering / Water Waste Enforcement 1x week automated irrigation Patrols in marked vehicles Early Morning (4 am – 8 am) and Night (7 pm – 11 pm) Program Compliance Monitoring Car wash efficiency Commercial irrigation Cooling tower efficiency 3. On-Site Reuse Systems (OWRS) Pilot Incentives • Austin Water received Council direction in May of 2019 to include Water Forward regulations into the LDC Revision • AW was specifically asked to address onsite reuse in commercial developments ≥250,000 sqft PHASED IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH Phase I took effect December 20, 2020 Voluntary OWRS Program New OWRS regulations in Title 15 (Utility Regulations) for the design, permitting and operation and maintenance of multi- family & commercial systems Incentive program implemented to encourage voluntary adoption of OWRS in new development to test out the new regulatory framework Phase 2 to take effect late 2023 (pending adoption) Mandatory OWRS Program Mandatory installation of OWRS for commercial and multi-family developments ≥250,000 sq. ft. in Title 25 (Land Development Code) Updated regulations for Title 15 on the applicability for the mandate along with provisions for enforcing the mandate AUSTIN WATER’S PILOT INCENTIVE PROGRAM PILOT INCENTIVE PROGRAM Incentive Amount 1,000,000 gallons per year are eligible for $250,000; …
Harmful Algal Blooms July Water / Wastewater Commission Brian Haws, P.E. Operations Manager Environmental Engineering & Technical Services July 14, 2021 2 Agenda Background – Algae in the Highland Lakes Source water sampling and monitoring Austin Water analytical strategies Austin Water Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) mitigation strategies and treatment readiness Harmful Algal Blooms July 14, 2021 Algae in the Highland Lakes Composed of photosynthesizing bacteria (cyanobacteria) 3 • some types produce toxic compounds (cyanotoxins) • a.k.a. “blue-green algae” • common in natural water Contributing Factors • Warm water • Low or stagnant flow • Abundance of nutrients Harmful Algal Blooms July 14, 2021 Planktonic vs. Benthic Algae Planktonic blooms 4 Toledo, Ohio • Free floating microscopic cells • Suspended in the water column or floating as scum on surface Benthic proliferations • Originate on bottom of lake in shallow water Lake Erie • Globs or mats remain on the bottom or float to the surface 5 Harmful Algal Blooms July 14, 2021 Detecting a HAB: Routine plankton counts at WTP intakes • Focus on blue / green totals • Observe trending • Adjust monitoring frequency based on current conditions Continuous exchange of information • Watershed Protection Department • Lower Colorado River Authority Monitoring the Source – Plankton Counts Blue Green Phytoplankton Count 2017 - present 6 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 ) l m / . g r o ( t n u o c n o t k n a p o t y h p l 0 Harmful Algal Blooms July 14, 2021 7 Cyanotoxin Monitoring: History Cyanotoxins are unregulated • No maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established by EPA Austin Water first sampled in 2015 • Detected cylindrospermopsin (just above detection) at WTP intakes • No other cyanotoxin “detects” in Austin Water monitoring history Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) sampling in 2019 (all non-detect) Harmful Algal Blooms July 14, 2021 8 Cyanotoxin Monitoring: 2021 Biweekly sampling since February 2021 Collected at intake and tap at all 3 plants All results non-detect LCRA Monitoring 9 Biweekly at Hudson Bend • Dihydroanatoxin detected in water in Mid- March o Levels just above detection • All water samples non-detect since then Sampled 12 sites in Late March • Dihydroanatoxin detected in the water at 4 sites o Levels just above detection • Future sampling …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20210714-04C: Recommendations to City Council on Emergency Preparedness and Response WHEREAS, the Commission on Seniors advises City Council on matters related to older adults and all Austinites were gravely impacted by and some are still recovering from the extreme winter events of February 2021; WHEREAS, older adults are identified by National Center for Environmental Health (NCED) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention as at-risk members of our community due to social vulnerabilities that can be disproportionately impacted by disasters; WHEREAS, these winter weather events strained services, including emergency management services, utility infrastructure, transportation, and communication networks which are under the auspices of the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the lack of effective communication to the public by Austin public utilities and the government instilled a lack confidence in local government during Winter Storm Uri; WHEREAS, emergency response plans should include identifying the at-risk populations and vulnerabilities in the community to provide the right information at the right time before, during, and after disasters; WHEREAS, Austin City Council recently appointed the first Resiliency Officer and has proactively prepared for extreme weather events recognizing their potential devastation to the local economy in the response to Climate Resilience Resolution 20190509-019, which specifically called for opportunities for city staff and the community to work together and comprehensively address extreme weather impacts and increase Austin’s climate resilience; WHEREAS, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP)—designed to assist in the ongoing economic and public health efforts—was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden. Included in this bill is $195.8 million dollars for the City of Austin, portions of which can be used to make necessary investment in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure; WHEREAS, advanced notice of the polar vortex was given by the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio and knowledge that it would create historic lows and winter storms in early February yet the city was still underprepared for this event, for example by opening only one warming center; WHEREAS, once Austinites experienced the unprecedented and widespread failure of the state’s electric grid and subsequent failure of water pipes and infrastructure, it was too late to gather resources, and traditional emergency networks failed and digital communication was not coordinated when the emergency set in, which created confusion and misinformation; WHEREAS, Winter Storm Uri updates became increasingly unavailable to those who lost electricity and internet; WHEREAS, those most vulnerable …
Media Production Training and Public Access Television Facilities Management City of Austin, Purchasing Office & Telecom & Regulatory Affairs 1 What’s Inside Introduction and Purpose Research and Engagement Contract Goals Evaluation Criteria, Timeline & Recommended Vendor 2 B Introduction and Purpose 3 Public Access Television in Austin Digital Inclusion Vision The City of Austin Vision is for every Austin resident to be be fully engaged in digital society, accessing and using digital and communications technology. Digital Inclusion Goals ● Increase internet usage ● Reduce barriers to digital access ● Support digital literacy training ● Promote access to technology devices ● Promote accommodations for non-english speakers and persons with disabilities ● Develop relevant digital inclusion programming and advocate for continued community support The City of Austin Public Access Television and Media Production Facility is open to the public in Council District 1. 4 Media Production Training and Public Access Television Facilities Management ● Federal Cable Act and Chapter 66 of the Texas Utilities Code. ● Seven active public, educational and government access channels, of which the City Council has allocated three for Public Access. ● Austin has the longest continually operating public access channel in the nation, and the fiftieth anniversary will occur in 2023. ● Contract will provide continuing management of the City’s public access ● A key feature of this contract will be the Austin Film Society engaging Workforce Solutions of the Capital Area for workforce development training in the creative television assets sector. 5 C Research & Engagement 6 ● Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (working group of nonprofits, educational Research and Engagement Insights, Opportunities and Needs from: institutions and private tech companies) ● Economic Development Department ● Austin Public Library ● Communications & Technology Management Department Key Findings ● Need for more structured workforce training programming ● Address principles of equity and inclusion ● Support creative sector employment pipeline 7 D Request for Proposals 8 Recommended Vendor and Timeline ● April 12, 2021: Solicitation Issued ● May 18, 2021: Solicitation Closed ● The four member evaluation team with expertise in this area completed their process and recommended award to: FIlm Society of Austin. 9 Thank you. City of Austin, Office of Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs John Speirs, john.speirs@austintexas.gov 10
CTM Briefing to CTTC Chris Stewart, Chief Information Officer July 14, 2021 Organizational Updates Deputy CIO Recruitment • Public Safety – Apply by July 16th, 2021 • Enterprise Infrastructure – Apply by July 30th, 2021 • Enterprise Applications – Apply by August 7th, 2021 Strategic Direction • Role of the Chief Information Officer • Updated Vision and Mission • New Governance Model 7/20/2021 2 IT Security Security Operations Manager Recruitment • Candidate selection under way • Will manage small team of operational IT Security Consultants Cyber Security Strengthening and Awareness • ISO completed 2021 InfoSec Security training for COA • CTM addressing needs from ISO • MFA and EDR • Secure and safe backups 7/20/2021 3 Infrastructure Network • Network modernization • Critical node generators Security • Log aggregation enhancements • FTP migrations • Cloud foundations for AWS and Azure • Identity Access Management Audio Visual • City Hall video switching upgrades • Piloting video conferencing solutions • Unified Endpoint Management Telephony • PBX to system-based telephony 7/20/2021 4 Applications / PMO / BRM Permitting • Replacing the AB+C Portal with a modern platform and improved user design • Major upgrade of Amanda Back Office GIS • ArcGIS Pro and Online to 2,500 users • Geospatial Cloud Strategy • Improving addressing customer journey Asset Management • Projects to implement or improve work order management in process for PARD, ACC, APL, WPD, and PWD Project Management • Manager recruitment Business Relationship Mgmt • Manager recruitment • Addition of Safety BRM • Enriching enterprise street network • Focus on business value from CTM 7/20/2021 5 Digital Services Accessibility and Usability • Partnership between CTM, CPIO, and Online Services and Forms • Audit and digitization of more than 700 the ADA Office PDF forms • Focus on making the COA website AA • Reduce the need for residents to come compliant per Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) • Translation as a Service RFP Austintexas.gov • Recently upgraded from Drupal 8 to 9 with nearly no service interruption • Continue enhancing features, security and stability of the COA website in person to perform a City service Digital Asset Management • RFP for a cloud-based DAM platform that will securely store and serve digital assets in an organized and easily accessible manner • This centralized approach will improve efficiencies and costs in creating, locating, and storing digital assets 7/20/2021 6 Public Safety Reimagination • Working …
