20211018-6b.ii: Recognize the resilience and the hard work of the staff in the economic development department and the cultural arts division — original pdf

Recommendation

ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: (20211018-6.b.ii) Brief Description of the Topic: Recommendation to recognize the resilience and the hard work of the staff in the economic development department and the cultural arts division for their outstanding contribution to our city throughout these challenging times. WHEREAS, The United States is being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for over 20 months. WHEREAS, The livelihood of the members of our creative community has been seriously affected with job loss by the policy of “Shelter in Place” and the safety restrictions to limit public assembly. WHEREAS, The City of Austin has been trying hard to keep our city whole with the rescue funds from the federal government and other available resources. Whereas, The Economic Development Department and the cultural arts division staff has been working tirelessly to distribute the available funding to our creative community in a timely and equitable manner. Whereas, The staff has been dealing with the trauma of COVID-19 both at home and at work. Whereas, It is important to replenish the physical strength and revive the mental spirit of the staff in these extraordinary times NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Arts Commission encourages the Austin City Council to 1. Recognize the resilience and the hard work of the staff in the economic development department and the cultural arts division for their outstanding contribution to our city throughout these challenging times. 2. Allow a day off to the staff at the economic development department and the cultural arts division for them to be kind to themselves, to solely take care of their wellbeing and to nurture their spirit. Date of Approval: October 18, 2021 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 10-0 vote For: Chair Michelle Polgar Vice Chair Celina Zisman Commissioner Jaime Castillo Commissioner Lulu Flores Commissioner Felipe Garza Commissioner Acia Gray Commissioner kYmberly Keeton Commissioner Amy Mok Commissioner Heidi Schmalbach Commissioner Rick Van Dyke Against - None Abstained - None Absent: Commissioner Brett Barnes Attest: Anne-Marie McKaskle-Davis Arts Commission Staff Liaison