REGULAR MEETING of the ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION September 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. 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 Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Satyajeet Dodia Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Nayer Sikder Luan Tran AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 20, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Lee Sherman, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Asian American Resource Center stormwater improvements and pedestrian bridge. Presentation by Sari Albornoz, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Rain to River strategic plan. Introduction of David Magana, Community Liaison, Austin Police Department. Discussion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Committee 2025 meeting schedule and location. Discussion of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions. 6. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Approve changes to the membership of the Asian American Resource Center working group. Approve themes for upcoming meetings between the City Manager’s Office and Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders. Update from the Community Health working group on potential goals/topics and a list of community stakeholders. 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 contact Eric Anderson, Office or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 20, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on August 20, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyễn Nayer Sikder Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Satyajeet Dodia Hailey Easley Sonny Sin Kuo Yang Commissioners Absent: Sabrina Sha Luan Tran PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on July 16, 2024. Pius Wong – VotingWorks Accessible Voting Machines 1 The minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Yang was off the dais. Commissioners Sha and Tran were absent. Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin’s Undoing Racism training from Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity Program Manager, Equity Office and Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office. Withdrawn. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Laura Esparza, Executive Director of A3 (Art Alliance Austin) regarding the introduction of a new local arts agency that will raise and distribute funds to artists and performers, such as the musicians performing for the "Tones" music series at the Asian American Resource Center. The presentation was made by Laura Esparza, Executive Director, A3 (Art Alliance Austin). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the nomination of a community stakeholder member to the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission. The motion to approve the nomination of Zachary Dolling as a community stakeholder member of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission was approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Sha and Tran were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from the working group to plan for meetings between Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders and the City Manager's office regarding potential meeting dates and topics. Chair Huang provided an update. Update from the Asian American Resource Center working group regarding capital improvement projects and staffing. Chair Huang provided an update. Update from the Budget working group regarding approved budget recommendations and the budget process. Chair Huang provided an update. Update from the Joint Inclusion …
Asian American Resource Center / Rutherford Campus Stormwater Improvements Project Update Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission September, 17 2024 • Lee Sherman, PE, Watershed Protection Department Presenters: Agenda: • Background • Project Update • Public Engagement Opportunities • Brief Q&A (please hold questions until the end) AARC Workgroup Meeting April 14, 2021 AARC Vision Plan + Stormwater Improvements • Partnership City of Austin (COA) project • Builds portions of the AARC Vision Plan • Add pedestrian bridge and other recreational amenities to conserve limited bond funds • Increases traffic and community use of historically under‐utilized park area • Opportunity for water quality and drainage improvement AARC Vision Plan • AARC Phase 2 Improvements • PARD • Schematic design kicking off in the next month • Close coordination • WPD • PARD • AARC Management • BSD • Urban Trails AARC / Rutherford Stormwater Improvements • Project Elements • Wetland with boardwalk • Channel improvements • Raingardens • Pedestrian bridges • Urban trail Benefits Water Quality • Cleaner water will flow to Little Walnut Creek • Improved habitat for wildlife, pollinators, etc. Flood • Flood control for AARC / Rutherford campuses AARC Vision Plan • Provides required flood and water quality • Improved aesthetics of concrete channel • Provides Vision Plan elements • Pond • Nature play areas / landscaping • Trails and habitat • Pedestrian bridge Challenges Coordination Across Departments • Parking at Rutherford • Urban Trail Addition • Took More Time • “Dig Once” Operation and Maintenance • Maintenance crew involvement • Designing for maintenance Approximate Schedule • Preliminary engineering completed in 2021 • Public Meeting August 25, 2021 • Currently at 90% Design • Next Step: Permitting and Bid through 2025 • Construction estimated in 2026 Public Engagement Opportunities • Second Public Meeting Scheduled for October 22, 2024 at the AARC • Changes since August 25, 2021 • Urban trail scope added • Second pedestrian bridge • Wider and greener channel improvements • Coordination with BSD on parking impacts • Modifications to main pedestrian bridge • Also: Rain to River! • Austinites valuing water quality • Stream health Updated Pedestrian Bridge Alignment (Preliminary) Rain Garden Design Rendering Questions Why? Mission: Protect lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion and water pollution. CONCEPTUAL WATERSHED Reduce the damaging effects of urbanization on Austin’s watersheds WHAT IS URBANIZATION? • Paving of …
N I T S U A F O Y T I C A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin’s Creeks and Communities Sari Albornoz –Planner Senior/Community Engagement Planner W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T What is Rain to River? A Strategic Plan to Protect Austin's Creeks and Communities N I T S U A F O Y T I C Guiding Blueprint for department Evaluation framework Communication Tool W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C What are our goals for the update? Reflect the vision and values of our community Incorporate equity, climate resilience, and population growth Be informative and accessible W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C Focused Efforts to Reach: Historically under-served groups Impacted groups Organizations with relevant expertise We are striving for a representative sample of the Austin community! W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C Broad Community Engagement • Launched RaintoRiverATX.com • Created a Community Vision Survey for people to share their experiences with natural spaces, waterways, and drainage infrastructure • Advertised the survey using yard signs at community gathering spaces and via social media and radio • Attended 60 + community events • Worked with consultant to conduct a statistically valid survey to validate Community Vision Survey results W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C Focused Engagement • Worked with MEASURE, a local black-owned nonprofit, to conduct five compensated focus groups designed by and centered on historically-excluded communities • Conducted 11 …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyễn Kuo Yang Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Sonny Sin Luan Tran Commissioners Absent: Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Introduction of David Magana, Community Liaison, Austin Police Department. David Magana, Community Liaison, Austin Police Department, introduced himself. Shubhada Saxena – Public Safety 1 Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Sin’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Sarah Xiyi Chen and Dolling were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED 2. Presentation by Lee Sherman, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Asian American Resource Center stormwater improvements and pedestrian bridge. The presentation was made by Lee Sherman, Supervising Engineer, Watershed Protection Department. Presentation by Sari Albornoz, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Rain to River strategic plan. The presentation was made by Sari Albornoz, Community Engagement Planner/Planner Senior, Watershed Protection Department. Discussion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule and location. Discussed. Discussion of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions. Discussed. Approve changes to the membership of the Asian American Resource Center working group. Commissioner Easley was added to the working group without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 9. Update from the Community Health working group on potential goals/topics and a list of community stakeholders. Commissioners Tran and Nguyễn provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS CONTINUED 8. Approve themes for upcoming meetings between the City Manager’s Office and Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders. Discussed with no action. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 1. 3. 5. 6. 2 Chair Huang and Commissioner Sarah Chen requested a presentation from the Central Health CEO. ADJOURNMENT Chair Huang adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the October 17, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyễn Kuo Yang Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Sonny Sin Luan Tran Commissioners Absent: Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Introduction of David Magana, Community Liaison, Austin Police Department. David Magana, Community Liaison, Austin Police Department, introduced himself. Shubhada Saxena – Public Safety 1 Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Sin’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Sarah Xiyi Chen and Dolling were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED 2. Presentation by Lee Sherman, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Asian American Resource Center stormwater improvements and pedestrian bridge. The presentation was made by Lee Sherman, Supervising Engineer, Watershed Protection Department. Presentation by Sari Albornoz, Watershed Protection Department, regarding the Rain to River strategic plan. The presentation was made by Sari Albornoz, Community Engagement Planner/Planner Senior, Watershed Protection Department. Discussion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule and location. Discussed. Discussion of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions. Discussed. Approve changes to the membership of the Asian American Resource Center working group. Commissioner Easley was added to the working group without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 9. Update from the Community Health working group on potential goals/topics and a list of community stakeholders. Commissioners Tran and Nguyễn provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS CONTINUED 8. Approve themes for upcoming meetings between the City Manager’s Office and Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders. Discussed with no action. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 1. 3. 5. 6. 2 Chair Huang and Commissioner Sarah Chen requested a presentation from the Central Health CEO. ADJOURNMENT Chair Huang adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the October 17, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an …
