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
CULTURAL FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS UPDATE Laura Esparza, Division Manager, Acting Assistant Director Austin Parks and Recreation Department PROJECTS IN PROGRESS Rehabilitation of the O.Henry Museum (HOT Funded) Elisabeth Ney Museum Restoration (2012 Bond) George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center Rehabilitation (2018 Bond) Dougherty Arts Center Replacement (2018 Bond) Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2 (2018 Bond) Asian American Resource Center Phase 2 (2018 Bond) O.Henry Museum Rehabilitation Sealed the building envelope Replaced HVAC System Installed Fire Suppression System Installed enhanced security system Improved site lighting Opens late Spring 2022 Brush Square Improvements slated for late 2022 Elisabet Ney Museum Improvements Balcony to be rehabilitated this spring; substantial completion April 15th Restore historic window and doors, seal building envelope Enhance lighting, humidity control, HVAC system, fire suppression system Replace security system, bathroom fixtures and bridge Proposed interpretive plan in partnership with Friends of the Ney Will close for up to two years in early 2023 George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center Improvements Roof repaired/replaced HVAC replacement Security system updated Fire Suppression System updated Security gating and fencing added Theater will be renovated with new lighting system, repair of the fly system, additional safety lighting, additional multi-media capabilities in 2022-2024. Dougherty Arts Center Project is in design development phase. Enhanced features include: two theaters, two galleries, two ceramics studios, separate schools for children and adults, three event spaces, outdoor seating spaces, nature play area for children, residency space. Design will be reviewed by Design Commission 3/28/22 and in an online public meeting 4/5/22, 6pm Architects: Studio 8 , Overland Partners, RVi Slated to open 2025 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Now entering design development phase. Will double the size of the ESB- MACC with three new buildings Enhanced facilities include new Black Box theater, two galleries, artist residency spaces, two separate schools for children and adults, teaching kitchen, space for a recording studio. Facility will close during construction 2023-2025 to continue programming at East side sites. Architects Miro/Rivera and Tatiana Bilbao Asian American Resource Center Early in the process of confirming the building program through community engagement with multiple language groups and …
Equity Considerations in Contracts and Program Funding Austin Arts Commission February 24, 2022 Neal Falgoust, Assistant City Attorney Purpose • Discuss legal risks associated with using race, gender and protected-class criteria in determining awards of contracts and program funding. 2 Why Now? • Recent federal court decisions that put race-focused programs at risk. • Law Department deliberative process. • Briefing to City Council. 3 Acknowledgement • History of intentional racial segregation – 1928 Master Plan and “Negro District.” • Oppression of BIPOC – 1954 Federal Housing Act, “urban renewal,” and seizing of Black-owned land. • City Council has committed the City to correcting its racist practices. (Resolution 20210304-067) 4 City’s Programs • As part of Project Connect, community members developed displacement mitigation strategies and an equity tool to guide decision making. (“Nothing About Us Without Us”) • EDD also wants an equity focus for the Cultural Arts and Heritage Tourism grant programs. 5 Legal Foundation • 14th Amendment – Equal Protection Clause • No government may “deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” 6 “Tiered Scrutiny” • Strict Scrutiny (Race, National Origin, Religion, Alienage) – Government must demonstrate the policy is narrowly tailored to meet a compelling purpose. • Intermediate Scrutiny (Gender, Sex, Sexual Orientation?) – Government must demonstrate the policy is substantially related to an important purpose. • Rational Basis (Age, Disability, Wealth, Felony Status) – The policy must have a rational connection to a legitimate interest. 7 Strict Scrutiny Any government program that takes race into consideration faces strict scrutiny by the courts. Strict scrutiny is the most rigorous judicial review. Courts start with presumption that policy is invalid and government must prove its interests. 8 Compelling Government Interest The government must demonstrate: • actual discrimination in the relevant market, and • that the government either actively or passively perpetuated the discrimination. 9 Narrowly Tailored The government must demonstrate: • it considered other race-neutral policies; • race-neutral policies failed to achieve the compelling interest. 10 City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. • “Generalized assertions” of past racial discrimination would not justify “rigid” quotas; • 30 percent quota could not be connected to “any injury suffered by anyone;” • Race-neutral measures must be seriously considered. 11 Evidence Acceptable to a Court Disparity studies are conducted to determine if there is discrimination in the studied market and if the government is an active …
Fiscal Sponsorship Update Jesús Pantel Cultural Funding Supervisor Economic Development Department February 24, 2022 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Historic Use • Mandatory in Core and Cultural Heritage Festivals • Optional in Community Initiatives C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Fiscal Sponsor Requirements • 501(c) located in Austin/ETJ • Salaried Executive Director • $50,000 annual operating budget and 1-year existence • $35,000 annual operating budget and 3-years existence C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 3 Fiscal Sponsorship Fee • Up to 10% of COA award o No dollar limit on max fee o Most charge 10% o Some charge 5% or 8% • Membership fee • Insurance C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 Fiscal Sponsor Services • Insurance o Included in Fiscal Sponsorship fee o Reduced cost o Not provided • Fiduciary responsibility o Review and submit application o Review and submit final report o Reimburse City if needed C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 5 Fiscal Sponsorship Statistics • 426 total Cultural Contracts • 228 Sponsored Projects (53.52%) • 35 Fiscal Sponsors o 13 have 1 Sponsored Project (37.14%) o 10 have 2 – 5 Sponsored Projects (28.57%) o 4 have 6 – 10 Sponsored Projects (11.43%) o 5 have 11 – 20 Sponsored Projects (14.29%) o 3 have 20+ Sponsored Projects (8.57%) C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 6 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Laura Odegaard, Program Manager III Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department February 24, 2022 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – January 2022 Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Month Ended January 31, 2022 Tfr to Cultural Arts Fund Approved Budget 6,660,189 Amended Budget 6,660,189 January w/Encumb 2,199,416 Year-to-date w/Encumb 4,574,331 Year-End Estimate 6,660,189 Year-End Year-End Variance % Variance Fav(Unfav) Fav(Unfav) 0.0% 0 *HOT YTD collection is $47,898,558 and is 69% of Budget of $ 69,773,408 and 306% over Jan 2021 YTD of $15,652,203 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 3
Cultural Funding Review: What's Next? 1‐2 Months AAC + Community Big Picture Framework 3+ meetings 1‐2 Months AAC Review & Voting Council Briefing 6 Weeks Application live Workshops Technical Assistance Working Group AAC Approval Launch Guidelines Pre‐Launch Contracting 2‐3 Weeks Revised Drafts Public Feedback Alignment with MED/HTD 1‐2 Months Website/Portal Integration Community Navigators Panel Recruit/Training Third Party 2 Months Evaluation/ Panels Council Approval Contracting Invoicing
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. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Celina Zisman – Vice Chair, Brett Barnes, Jaime Castillo, Felipe Garza, Acia Gray, Amy Mok, Heidi Schmalbach, Rick Van Dyke MINUTES CALL TO ORDER – 6:09 PM 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 Postponed to next meeting. 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 No action taken 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 …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 24 February, 2022 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MINUTES The Library Commission convened in a Special Called Hybrid Meeting on Thursday, February, 2022 at the Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101, 301 W Cesar Chavez, in Austin, Texas. Chair Dabbert called the Board Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: In-person - Chair Pat Dabbert, Commission Members Courtney Rosenthal and Mark Smith Virtually - Vice Chair Steven Self, Commission Members Julia Aguilar, JC Dwyer, Lynda Infante, Ryan Marquess, and Lily Trieu Board Members Absent: Eric Frierson Citizen Communication: General None 1. Welcome and Introductions Chair Dabbert welcomed the Commission members and took roll call of members present. 2. Approval of Minutes from the January 24, 2022 Regular Meeting The minutes of the regular meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. 3. Briefings: Recycled Reads Bookstore was given by Hannah Terrell, Division Manager, Branch Services; and Book Selection and Reconsideration Policies was given by Slaven Lee, Customer Access Division Manager 4. Old Business: none 5. New Business a. Presentation and discussion: Discussion of Budget Calendar and Boards and Commissions Recommendations for FY2022-23 Budget, Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager, gave the presentation. b. Discussion and possible action on a “Freedom to Read” working group Library Commission Meeting Minutes 24 February, 2022 The creation of a Freedom to Read working group was approved on Commission Member Rosenthal’s motion and Commission Member Smith’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commission Member Frierson absent. The group will report back to the commission with recommendations for action to support public access to diverse library materials and to resist library censorship efforts. c. Discussion of a possible commission planning retreat in March Chair Dabbert will share two (2) possible dates for a 2-hour planning retreat in March with Commission Members. 6. Discussion of Director’s Monthly Report for December covering programming highlights, facilities, and APL Priorities Director of Libraries, Roosevelt Weeks, gave the report. 7. Future Agenda Items Facilities Update – March 2022 Enhanced Library Cards – March 2022 Civic Engagement – April 2022 Adjournment: Chair Dabbert adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. without objection
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE February 23rd, 2022 at 3:00 PM City Hall Board and Commissions – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the COMMISSION/BOARD may be participating by videoconference Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (Noon, the day for the meeting). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, residents must: Call or email the board liaison at Jeremy Garza at Equity Office, at (512-978-1797), or at Jeremy.Garza@austintexas.gov no later than Noon, the day before meeting. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Emily Nicola Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Serita Fontanesi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 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, please Jeremy Garza at Equity Office, at Jeremy.garza@austintexas.gov or call at (512-978-1797). APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from January 28th 2022 1. PRESENTATIONS a. Chief Chacon 2. OLD BUSINESS a. FY21-22/FY22-23 Budget Process i. Discussion of February townhalls ii. Discussion of FY22-23 Proposed Budget iii. Report on Commission Chair/Vice Chair meeting February 19 iv. Report from individual Commission representatives and budget workgroups on determining recommendations for …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via 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 Melanie Alley at melanie.alley@austintexas.gov & 512-974-2679. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Andrea Freiburger, Chair Pablo Avila, Vice Chair Wordy Thompson John Green Timothy Stostad Elizabeth Mueller Sade Ogunbode Edgar Farerra Edward Selig Michael Francis Joseph Benigno Thomas Vocke, Fire Marshall (Ex Officio) CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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. Approve amended minutes from the December 8, 2021 regular meeting and minutes of the January 26, 2022 regular meeting of the Building and Standards Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s): The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 1. Case Numbers: CL 2022-017553; CL 2022-017560; CL 2022-017562; CL 2022-017563; CL 2022-017564; CL 2022-017566; CL 2022-017567; CL 2022-017568; CL 2022-017569; CL 2022- 017570; CL 2022-017571; CL 2022-017576; CL 2022-017577; CL 2022-017578; CL 2022- 017579; CL 2022-017580; CL 2022-017587; CL 2022-017588; and CL 2022-017590 Property address: 9200 North Plaza (aka Park at Stone Creek Apartments) – Exterior of Bldgs. 2, 5, 6, 21, 22, 24-34, Pool (near Bldg. 25), Laundry Room (near Bldg. 13) and Sport Court. Owner: TMIF Park at Stone LP Staff presenter: John …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT February 23rd at 6pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd. Austin, TX 78723 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. The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please email Zach Baumer. (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Audrey Barrett (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Fisayo Fadelu (Community Development Commission) Karen Magid (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Christy Williams (Water & Wastewater Commission) Alexis Taylor (Economic Prosperity Commission) Richard DePalma - (Parks & Recreation Board) David Carroll (Design Commission) Alberta Phillips (City Council) Karen Hadden (Electric Utility Commission) Solveij Praxis (Planning Commission) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) December 6, 2021, meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Vice Chair Election – (Discussion and/or possible action) b) Austin Climate Equity Plan implementation update – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability – (Discussion and/or possible action) c) Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation working group update – (Discussion and/or d) Fayette coal power plant retirement update – (Discussion and/or possible action) e) Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code amendments – (Discussion and/or possible possible action) action) f) Commission members report back on any relevant discussions from their respective boards and commissions – (Discussion and/or possible action) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Ongoing updates on Austin Climate Equity Plan implementation • Ongoing updates on community and climate resilience 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 Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Sustainability …
Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING December 6, 2021 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a special called meeting on December 6, 2021 at the Austin Energy Headquarters on 4815 Mueller Blvd. Austin, TX 78723. Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:04 pm. Board Members in Attendance: Kaiba White Chair, David Carroll, Diana Wheeler, Solveij Rosa Praxis, Christy Williams, Richard DePalma, Karen Magid, Audrey Barrett Board Members Absent: Alexis Taylor, Fisayo Fadelu, Alberta Phillips, Melissa Rothrock, Karen Hadden City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Phoebe Romero CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. • None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) July 28, 2021 and August 25, 2021 meetings of the Joint Sustainability Committee a. Motion to approve both minutes (Commissioner Praxis), second (Commissioner Wheeler). Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 1 abstained. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Approve 2022 Schedule – (Discussion and/or possible action) • Motion to approve (Commissioner DePalma), second (Commissioner Barrett). Record of the vote: 8 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. a. Commissioners approved meeting on November 16th and December 14th on the alternate months. b) JSC Bylaws Revision – (Discussion and/or possible action) • Need to finalize changes Bylaws with the primary change being an additional 5 members who will be nominated by the mayor • Discussed quorum issues and some reformatting • Will request Audit and Finance Committee take at look at Article 3 to evaluate: • Whether quorum can be based on majority of members appointed • Rethinking appointing members in March, could lead to shorter terms • Motion to approve (Commissioner Wheeler), second (Commissioner DePalma). Record of the vote: 8 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. • Recommendation: • The JSC recommend that Audit and Finance Committee ensure that: • Article 3, Section C aligns with council terms and appointments • Article 7 – Section F – consider whether or not a quorum can be defined by 50% + 1 of the appointment membership • Motion to approve (Commissioner White), second (Commissioner DePalma). Record of the vote: 7 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. Commissioner Magid left the dais. c) Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Planning – (Discussion and/or possible action) • Community oversight of climate plan implementation should involve Equity Office and new Equity & …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20220223-2E on Electric Readiness and EV-Ready WHEREAS, the Austin City Council approved the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which commits the city to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75% by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for code amendments, incentives and education to enable electrification of buildings; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan calls for codes that address future EV charging needs; and WHEREAS, the majority of the public comments submitted during the 2021 Austin Energy Conservation Code adoption process were supporting adoption of Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code amendments; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy committed to initiating a public process to consider adoption of Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code amendments, as well as other solutions to encourage electrification, before the end of 2021; and WHEREAS, it is more affordable to do electric wiring and install and an appropriately sized electric panel at the time of construction than to retrofit buildings later; and WHEREAS, Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code provisions have already been drafted by the International Code Council and came very close to being included in the Energy Conservation Code, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMISION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Joint Sustainability Commission supports adoption of Electric Readiness and EV-Ready amendments to the Austin Energy Conservation Code and recommends that the Austin City Council direct that the City Manager initiate a formal process to make these code updates immediately. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The Commission supports staff plans to conduct stakeholder meetings on electrification and recommends that the Austin City Council request regular updates on this work to ensure that it is completed on a timeline that will allow for implementation of the Electric Readiness and EV-Ready code amendments by September 1, 2022. Date of Approval: _____February 23, 2022____________ Motion to approve (Commissioner DePalma), second (Commissioner Phillips). Record of the vote: 9 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. Attest: Zach Baumer, Staff Liaison
Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Update Joint Sustainability Committee February 23, 2022 1 Overview ● Memo Update ● Story Map ● Climate Ambassadors Update ● Implementation Tracking Website ● Strategy Status Categorization ● FY22-23 Budget Communications ● Implementation Discussion ● Working Group Discussion ● Next Steps 2 Feb 9 Memo Update to Council ● Leadership responsibilities over the implementation of the Climate Equity Plan members ● Updating the bylaws of the Joint Sustainability Committee to add new ● A publicly accessible dashboard to track plan implementation ● The Community Climate Ambassadors Program ● Community engagement efforts ● Plan recommendations that can be completed without a mid-year budget amendment Airport ● Exploration of opportunities for further electrifying operations at the Austin ● Status update on key items that have been initiated since the plan's adoption https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=376186 3 Austin Climate Equity Plan – Story Map https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a16c5def2fef4a2285be0737e2efdeb0 4 Climate Ambassadors Update ● Hired a Climate Equity Engagement Associate in late January ● Currently having interdepartmental and community conversations with climate plan participants and former ambassadors to identify lessons learned ● Reviewing opportunity areas within climate plan's community engagement strategies implementation ● Developing new framework for how this model can be adapted for 5 Implementation Tracking Website Using the Socrata Dashboard Platform: 1. Quantitative Data on all Quantitative 2030 Goals 2. Reporting on all 74 strategies: status, project phase, responsibility, tasks, budget, and impact Planning on Discussing the Audience, Purpose, and Details with the Working Group tomorrow Strategy Status Categorization Organizing the 74 Strategies into the following categories: 74 Strategies Key Takeaways from our Discussions ● 37% of the plan strategies are already being implemented in some way, and by next year over 75% of it could be underway ● Many of the mid-year budget needs are focused on: ○ Funding for consultants to assist with assessments ○ Hiring additional full-time staff to manage new initiatives ○ New focus on equity for existing programs or initiatives ○ Mid-Year Needs are being reviewed and filtered by Management right now ○ Determining if funding exists that could be shifted, so no ammendment needed ○ If existing funding can’t be found ○ Budget Office needs to find funding sources ○ Packaged up and put on a Council Agenda as an RCA FY22-23 Budget Communications Resolution 110 For Fiscal Year 2023 budget process and all future budgets, identify investments supporting greenhouse gas reduction efforts to achieve net-zero goals. …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Date: February 23, 2022 The Building and Standards Commission (BSC) convened at City Hall and via video conference for a regular hybrid meeting on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. The meeting was available for viewing live at http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Andrea Freiburger; Commissioners Wordy Thompson, John Green, Timothy Stostad, Elizabeth Mueller, Sade Ogunbode, Edgar Farrera, Edward Selig, Michael Francis, Joseph Benigno and Ex Officio Commissioner Chief Thomas Vocke. Vice Chair Pablo Avila and Commissioner Ogunbode were absent. Note: Commissioners Farrera, Selig, Green, Mueller and Stostad attended remotely. Staff in Attendance: Melanie Alley, Code Review Analyst/BSC Coordinator; Robert Moore, Austin Code Division Manager; James Candelas, Program Specialist; Farah Presley, Inspector; Daniel Word, Assistant Director; Elaine Garrett, Assistant Director; James Adams, Supervisor; Dedric Knox, Supervisor; Johnny Serna, Inspector; Juan Villarreal, Inspector; Michael Brunning, Inspector; Lauren Khoury, Assistant City Attorney; and Rain Birchfield, CTM A/V Technician. CALL TO ORDER Chair Freiburger called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Mueller for approval of the January 26, 2022 regular meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Green. The motion carried on an 8-0-1 vote. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION PUBLIC HEARINGS Street Address Case(s): Case Number(s) 1. CL 2022-017553; 2022-017560; 9200 North Plaza, 2022-017562; 2022-017563; Buildings 2, 5, 6, 21, 22, 24 -34 (Exteriors); 2022-017564; 2022-017566; Pool (near Bldg. 25); Laundry Room (near 2022-017567; 2022-017568; Bldg. 13) and Sport Court 2022-017569; 2022-017570; 2022-017571; 2022-017576; 2022-017577; 2022-017578; 2022-017579; 2022-017580; 1 Owner TMIF Park at Stone LP 2022-017587; 2022-017588; and 2022-017590 The property was represented at the hearing by Erin DeBooy, attorney for owner, and Olivia Rutledge, property manager. Chair Freiburger admitted Staff Exhibits 1 through 39D. Chair Freiburger also admitted the Property Owners Exhibits 1 through 4. Chair Freiburger moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Stostad moved to adopt staff’s findings of fact, conclusions of law and recommended order for repairs in all 19 cases with modifications, i.e., to shorten the timeframe from for repair to 30 days from the date the orders are mailed. Also, Commissioner Stostad added to the order concerning the Pool, for the enclosure be secured 24 hours from the date of the hearing. Commissioner Thompson seconded, and the motion carried on a 7-1-1 vote. Chair Freiburger voted against and Commissioner Benigno abstained. Vice Chair Avila and Commissioner Ogunbode were absent. 2. CL …
