ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 15, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 15, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang (Chair) Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Sarah Xiyi Chen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Hailey Easley Alpha Shrestha Nayer Sikder Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on March 18, 2025. The minutes of the March 18, 2025 regular meeting were approved with an amendment to correct spelling on Commissioners Sikder’s and Sin’s names on Commissioner Sin’ motion, Commissioner Xiyi Chen’s second on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Li, Moledina, Sha, and Yang were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 1 2. Briefing from the Transportation Department about the Cameron Road/Dessau Road Safety Project’s potential construction impacts. Briefing by Mary Vo, Program Manager II, Transportation and Public Works Department. Briefing provided by Mary Vo, Program Manager II, Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation regarding Central Health’s engagement of Austin’s Asian American Community and health outcomes. Presentation by Dr. Patrick Lee, CEO, Central Health. Presentation by Dr. Patrick Lee, CEO, Central Health. 4. Discussion regarding budget recommendations approved by the Joint Inclusion Committee. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Sin was elected as Chair on Chair Huang’s motion, Commissioner Nguyen’s second on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Li, Moledina, Sha, and Yang were absent. Vice Chair Jambulapati was elected as Vice Chair on Commissioner Sin’s motion, Commissioner X Chen’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioners Li, Moledina, Sha, and Yang were absent. 6. Nominate a commissioner to serve as the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s primary representative on the Joint Inclusion Committee. Commissioner Thakkar was nominated as the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s primary representative on the Joint Inclusion Committee on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Thakkar’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioners Li, Moledina, Sha, and Yang were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. Update from the Working Group to plan for meetings between Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders and the City …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission May 20, 2025 Angela Means, Director Effective February 24, 2025, the City of Austin officially established the Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). This marks a significant step in Austin’s commitment to building a more vibrant and dynamic destination for arts, culture, music, and entertainment. 2 HOW WILL ACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY? • Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations. • Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement. • Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses. • Create open, accessible spaces for residents to experience arts and culture. • Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. 3 HOW WAS ACME FORMED? Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Arts in Public Places Music & Entertainment Parks & Recreation Department Museum & Cultural Programs Historic Tourism Special Events (Partial) Development Services Department Austin Center for Events Entertainment Services Austin Public Library Aviation African American Heritage & Cultural Facility Music & Art 4 Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) Functional Organizational Chart 5 WHAT ARE ACME’S 2025 GOALS? • Streamline operations • Implement community engagement programs • Launch the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan • Reevaluation of Cultural Funding grant program guidelines, process, etc. • Increase access to programming • Establish new collaborative partnerships with the community and partners across various sectors 6 6 WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ACME’s STRATEGIC PLAN? Community Engagement & Participation Creative Economy Growth Access & Enjoyment for All Sense of Place & Shared Storytelling Sustainable Infrastructure & Investment 7 HOW WILL ACME EXPLORE AND LEVERAGE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES? Grants and Sponsorships Private Sector Tap into local, state, and federal funding to support arts initiatives Seek partnerships with businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships for programs and events Engage with the private sector for donations, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions Crowdfunding & Fundraising Use crowdfunding platforms to finance specific cultural projects Organize fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for future programs 8 WHAT IS THE TIMELINE TO FULLY INTEGRATE ACME? Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 • Planning & Development • Growth & Expansion • Launch Programs • Establish Community Presence 9 ACME is committed to Building a Collaborative, Vibrant City. 10 10 Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment ACME@austintexas.gov 512-974-1624 Amplifying Austin’s Creative Spirit 11
Introduction & Overview: Office of Equity and Inclusion Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Presentation Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Agenda Introductions i. ii. The Office of Equity and Inclusion Vision iii. Office Overview a. Mission b. Functions c. Community Impact d. Ways to Connect 5/19/2025 2 Dr. Lindsey Wilson Director Office of Equity and Inclusion Shafina Khaki Human Rights Officer Office of Equity and Inclusion 3 OUR VISION: The vision for the Office of Equity and Inclusion is to help shape a community and city government where every individual feels welcomed and has the resources and services they need to thrive. We’re dedicated to transforming systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity, address discrimination, and foster a community where all identities are respected. 5/19/2025 4 Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) OEI Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Civil Rights Division Equity Division Human Rights Division Recruiting, Civil Rights Officer Vacant, Equity Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer 5/19/2025 5 Thank you! Office of Equity & Inclusion | AustinTexas.gov
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Stuart Reilly, Interim General Manager, Austin Energy DATE: May 15, 2025 SUBJECT: District Energy and Cooling System Review ____________ The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on Austin Energy’s District Energy and Cooling (DEC) system and inform you of an upcoming review of potential options for the system to grow and effectively meet new development needs in the future. The driver for this DEC system review is finding innovative ways to achieve the best environmental outcomes for our community and serve new customers. BACKGROUND The DEC system was established in FY 2001 to shift electric load off-peak and to provide an energy efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems in suitable areas. Instead of each building having a separate cooling system, DEC chills water at night and pumps this water through a network of underground pipes to cool large buildings. The DEC system is a valuable resource to the Austin community because it uses energy at night to chill water that is used for cooling during the heat of the day, which shifts energy usage to lower demand times and reduces the peak demand needs of Austin Energy. Fostering growth of the DEC system therefore reduces the need for additional summer peak generation needed to support customers. The DEC system operates in four districts, downtown, the Domain, ACC Highland, and Mueller, serving 73 customers under contract. It provides environmental benefits by being an alternative to individual air conditioning systems and is an attractive option for developers seeking to make the most of their buildable square footage, while receiving an efficient and reliable way to meet their cooling needs. With the rapid pace of growth in Austin, the DEC system is in need of expansion in order to meet customer needs or risk continued new development that is not capable of coming online to receive district cooling service. As such, Austin Energy has proposed looking at ways the system can grow and flourish, providing more environmental benefits, and more energy efficiency benefits, and continuing to reduce our summer peak demand needs – enhancing sustainability and affordability for all customers. PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 2 May 15, 2025 District Energy & Cooling System Review UPCOMING ASSESSMENT Following City Council feedback from last year, Austin Energy recognized …
2024 Texas Gas Service (TGS) Rate Case Update & Gas Utility Policy Discussion Marija Norton| City Controller 2024 TGS Rate Case Timeline June 3: TGS filed application with the City of Austin (COA) and Railroad Commission (RRC) for New Rates to be effective July 8. TGS subsequently agreed to extend COA effective date of new rates to August 1. Settlement meeting. Settlement meeting. July 18: City Council suspended effective date of New Rates by 90 days. July 25: Aug. 6: Aug. 8: Discovery ends. Aug. 20: City testimony filed. Aug. 22: Settlement meeting. Aug. 27: Staff testimony filed. Aug. 29: COA Public Hearing on New Rates. Sept. 10: Rebuttal testimony filed. Sept. 19: Hearing. Sept. 26: Austin City Council denies TGS’ proposed rate increase. Oct. 30: COA deadline for final action on New Rates. Nov. 19: Commission decision. Dec. 5: Deadline for RRC action. 2 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 3 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 4 2024 TGS Rate Case Settlement Overview 5 Gas Utility Customer Class Counts Customer Class Residential Commercial Industrial Public Authority Texas Gas Service Atmos Energy CenterPoint Energy SiEnergy 219,806 9,971 7 341 10,710 307 2 2,274 106 TOTAL 230,125 11,019 2,380 303 1 1 305 6 Gas Utility Service Area - TGS 7 Gas Utility Service Area – Atmos Energy 8 Gas Utility Service Area – CenterPoint Energy 9 Gas Utility Service Area - SiEnergy 10 Important Dates – Rate Cases Atmos Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in March 2025 Texas Gas Service – Settlement at Railroad Commission in November 2024 CenterPoint Energy – Settlement at Railroad Commission in June 2024 SiEnergy – Settlement approved by City Council in August 2023 Typically, we see full rate cases filed every 4-5 years. If a company has filed a GRIP (Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program), they must file a full rate case within 5 1/2 years. 11 Important Dates – Franchise Agreements Texas Gas Service CenterPoint Energy Expires May 14, 2028 Expires Dec. 24, 2037 Expires Oct. 15, 2026 Expires Feb. 22, 2035 Atmos Energy SiEnergy 12 Important Dates – Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) Filings Texas Gas Service – • Filed 2/11/2025, with original effective date of 4/12/2025 • Council approved ordinance on 3/17/2025 extending the effective date by 45 days to 5/27/2025 • Increase of $3.36 per month for Residential, $12.88 per month for Commercial, $461.83 per month for Industrial, and $25.96 …
Austin Resource Management Commission Anthony Brown, Manager of Rates and Regulatory Bryan Weeks, Director of Engineering May 20, 2025 Natural Gas Serves Every Area of the Economy Source: Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, 2024 2 Third-largest Natural Gas Utility in Texas Committed to Texans • Serves 706,000 Texans • Available in 111 communities • Employs over 1,000 Texans • Economic impact of nearly $137M in 2024 • Charitable giving: $524,335 in 2024 We've delivered reliable, affordable natural gas to our customers since 1906 3 Cities in the Central-Gulf Service Area • Austin • Dripping Springs • Lakeway • Port Arthur • Bastrop Rural • Galveston • Lockhart • Port Neches • Bayou Vista • Georgetown • Luling • Rollingwood • Beaumont • Gonzales • Marble Falls • Shiner • Bee Cave • Groves • Mustang Ridge • Sunset Valley • Buda • Hutto • Nederland • Westlake Hills • Cedar Park • Jamaica Beach • Nixon • Yoakum • Cuero • Kyle • Pflugerville 4 Mission, Strategy and Core Values Mission – Why we exist We deliver natural gas for a better tomorrow Strategy – How we get there • Safe Operations • Capital Investments • Delivering Foundational Energy • Serving Customers • Engaged & High-performing Workforce Core Values – Our compass Safety: We are committed to operating safely and in an environmentally responsible manner. Ethics: We are accountable to the highest ethical standards and are committed to compliance. Inclusion & Diversity: We embrace an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages collaboration. Service: We provide exceptional service to our customers and support each other. Value: We create value for all stakeholders; our customers, employees, investor and communities. 5 Committed to Safety & Reliable Service • Work When Safe philosophy • Following guidelines set forth by state and federal agencies • Investing in damage prevention technology ▪ Line locating ▪ Leak detection • Reliable service ▪ No significant outages during Winter Storms Uri (2021), Elliott (2022), Mara (2023), Geri (2024) and Kingston (2025) despite frigid temperatures 6 Austin System Maps 7 Consumer Price Index (CPI) Inflation Rate 10.0 Austin, TX CPI Inflation Rate U.S. General Inflation Rate 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8 Labor Inflation Rate 10.0 U.S. Labor Inflation Rate Austin, TX Labor Inflation Rate 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 …
Gas Utility Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins March 25, 2025 Texas Gas Service: $342 Million, 63% Plant Cost Increase in Only 4 Years But 5% Increase in Customers in Only 4 Years Unlike Austin Energy and Austin Water, City Council Was Not Allowed in Decisions on Whether to Allocate This Money $185 Million in New Infrastructure in 4 Years $4 Million in Developer Construction Fees Only 2% Collected From Capital Recovery Fees ( aka Contribution to Aid in Construction) Central Texas Region Galveston Region Central Texas Region and Galveston Region Combined for Rates Over Austin’s Objections
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR CALLED MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 The Zoning and Platting convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg Luis Osta Lugo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Scott Boone Alejandra Flores David Fouts Taylor Major Lonny Stern Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Felix De Portu Ryan Puzycki PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners De Portu and Puzycki were absent. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Rezoning: C14-94-0167.01 - 6500 River Place PDA Amendment #1; District 10 6500 River Place Boulevard, Panther Hollow, Lake Travis Watersheds Location: Owner/Applicant: G&I VII River Place, LP Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Drenner Group, PC (David J. Anderson) R&D-PDA to R&D-PDA, to change a condition of zoning Staff Request for Postponement to June 3, 2025 Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s postponment request to June 3, 2025, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners De Portu and Puzycki were absent. 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2025-0037 - City Initiated Rezoning of John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park to Public 9501 FM 969 Road, Colorado River, Walnut Creek, Elm Creek Watersheds Owner/Applicant: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (Ricardo Soliz) I-RR and SF-3 to P Recommended Beverly Villela, 512-978-0740, beverly.villela@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of P for C14-2025-0037 - City Initiated Rezoning of John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park to Public, located at 9501 FM 969 Road, Colorado River, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners De Portu and Puzycki were absent. 4. EV Variance: Location: Owner/Applicant: Travis County Facilities Corp, Zekelman Property II LLC, Zekelman SP-2024-0298D - Flatz - 130 7400 Zekelman Blvd, Decker Creek Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Property III LLC …
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 20, 2025 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 20, 2025 The Resource Management Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723. Chair Charlotte Davis called the Resource Management Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioner Charlotte Davis, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Raphael Schwartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Joseph Gerland; Commissioner Danielle Zigon. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: General- N/A APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Regular Called Meeting on April 15, 2025. The motion approving the minutes of the Resource Management Commission regular called meeting of April 15, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins’s second on a 9-0 vote, with Commissioner Luecke absent and one vacancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continuation of the Better Building Energy Efficiency Lending Program for Austin Energy with Velocity Credit Union, to increase the amount by $5,000,000 and to extend the term by five years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $14,400,000. Funding: $600,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. The motion to recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continuation of the Better Building Energy Efficiency Lending Program for Austin Energy with Velocity Credit Union, was approved on Commissioner Silverstein’s motion, Vice Chair Robbins second on an 8-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Zigon abstaining, Commissioner Luecke absent, and one vacancy. 3. Recommend approval authorizing a contract for Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers program administration for Austin Energy with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 20, 2025 for an initial term of two years with up to three one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $11,000,000. Funding: $1,250,000 is available in Operating Budget of Austin Energy. The motion to recommend approval authorizing a contract for Strategic Partnership of Utilities and Retailers program administration for Austin Energy with CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., was approved on Vice Chair Robbins motion, Commissioner Silverstein’s second on a 7-0-2 vote, with Commissioners Gary and Zigon abstaining, Commissioner Luecke absent, and one vacancy. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff Briefing regarding Austin Water’s proposed Go Purple Affordable …
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 20, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the City of Austin, Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Sin called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Ahmed Moledina Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Nirali Thakkar COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Nayer Sikder PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of April 15, 2025, were approved with an amendment to correct spelling on Chair Sin’s title and Commissioners Sikder’s name on 1 Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Shrestha’s second on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Huang, Li, Sha, and Yang were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the strategic plan for the new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Briefing by Angela Means; Director; Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Presentation was made by Angela Means; Director; Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding the progress and impact of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session bills affecting Joint Inclusion Committee member commissions. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding updates and invitation lists for the July meeting between local Asian American leaders and the City Manager’s Office. Discussion was held. The date of the meeting has been set for June 17th, 2025, instead of July. Discussion regarding how the commission can advocate for and track progress on approved recommendations. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion and possible action to update the membership of the Budget Engagement, Asian American Resource Center, and City Manager’s Office Meeting working groups. The motion to approve updating the membership of the Asian American Resource Center members to add Commissioners Shrestha and Thakkar and remove Commissioner Easley, and to remove Commissioner Thakkar from the Budget Engagement Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Padmini’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Xiyi Chen was off the dais. Commissioners Huang, Li, Sha, and Yang were absent. Discussion and possible action to form a working group to develop …
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 20, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the City of Austin, Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Sin called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Ahmed Moledina Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Nirali Thakkar COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Nayer Sikder PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of April 15, 2025, were approved with an amendment to correct spelling on Chair Sin’s title and Commissioners Sikder’s name on 1 Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Shrestha’s second on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Huang, Li, Sha, and Yang were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the strategic plan for the new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Briefing by Angela Means; Director; Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Presentation was made by Angela Means; Director; Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding the progress and impact of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session bills affecting Joint Inclusion Committee member commissions. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding updates and invitation lists for the July meeting between local Asian American leaders and the City Manager’s Office. Discussion was held. The date of the meeting has been set for June 17th, 2025, instead of July. Discussion regarding how the commission can advocate for and track progress on approved recommendations. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion and possible action to update the membership of the Budget Engagement, Asian American Resource Center, and City Manager’s Office Meeting working groups. The motion to approve updating the membership of the Asian American Resource Center members to add Commissioners Shrestha and Thakkar and remove Commissioner Easley, and to remove Commissioner Thakkar from the Budget Engagement Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Padmini’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Xiyi Chen was off the dais. Commissioners Huang, Li, Sha, and Yang were absent. Discussion and possible action to form a working group to develop …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MAY 19, 2025 – 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78752 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/3UtQYxPm15 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) CALL TO ORDER Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Coordinator, Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Lindsey Machamer, Project Management Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Relief from Urban Life, Park Access for All). Presenter(s): Robynne Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 5. 6. Discussion and approve an appointment to the vacant seat on the Parks and Recreation Board Contracts and Concession Committee. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) Discussion and approve a nomination to the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) DISCUSSION …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on April 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Netherton - Pease Park Conservancy Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club Scott Cobb - Lifeguard issues Chris Flores - Thanks to Holly Reed for her service to the Parks and Recreation Board Kayla Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 11-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse department. David Hillers, Financial Services Division Manager and Ben Rustenhaven, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the evaluation of KPIs. The motion to approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 department was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on an 11-0 vote. 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. The motion to elect Stephanie Bazan to the officer position of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Reed abstaining. The motion to elect Kathryn Flowers to the officer position of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Board Member Becker’s motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on 9-0 vote. Board Member Reed and Taylor abstaining. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION May 19, 2025 – 6 P.M. Southeast Branch Library 5803 Nuckols Crossing Road Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig PUBLIC 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing on Summer at Austin Public Library and Kids Block Party, by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Language Access, by Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If you require Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 28, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the John Henry Faulk Building in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Sara Gore Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on March 31, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 28, 2025 The minutes of the regular meeting held on March 31, 2025, were approved with amendments at the regular meeting of April 28, 2025, on a motion by Commissioner Herrera Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Selig. The motion passed on a 7–0 vote. Vice Chair Mehta and Commissioners Frayjo and Davis were absent. The approved amendments were as follows: • On page 1, under "Call to Order," the word Commissions was replaced with Commissioners on lines 2, 4, and 5. • On page 1, under "Approval of Minutes," line 3, the name Segil was corrected to Selig. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Nature Smart Libraries Initiative by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 4. Staff briefing on the April APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Library Commission. A motion to elect Lynda Infante Huerta as Chair and Sheila Mehta as Vice Chair was approved on Commissioner …
REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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 via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll, Howard, and Wittstruck. Discussion on conducting an analysis of the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2-1-172. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair David Carroll Conners Ladner Jenny Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Marissa McKinney – Commissioner McKinney joined the meeting at 6:16 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 03/24/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner McKinney was off the dais. Commissioners Howard, Khan, and Luckens were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. 3. 4. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Wittstruck. There was a motion to recommend to City Council that the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025, complies with and elevates the City’s Sustainability Standards and substantially complies with the City’s Design Standards; however, with respect to the unique size and civic importance of the project, the Design Commission recommends that the project team continue to strengthen the urban design for the project specifically to more ardently and comprehensively address the following Urban Design Guidelines: PS.1 – Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street, including but not limited to providing more consistent and larger awnings protecting pedestrians around the full building rather than solely at building entrances. PS.12 – Provide General Street-Level Windows, including but not limited to providing more street level fenestration in general and avoiding major grade separations between the building plinth and street. PZ.1 – Treat the Four Squares with Special Consideration, including but not limited to more strongly articulating the plaza space’s relationship to Brush Square, including for future phases; and situating outdoor seating and retail uses facing the square. PZ.2 – Contribute to an Open Space Network, including but not limited to more …
