April 10, 2020 Date: Subject: Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission supports the CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project (“the project”). Description of Recommendation to Council The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Vote: Attest:
AARC Workgroup meeting for the AAQoL Tuesday, March 10, 12:00pm -1:00 pm In attendance: Vince Cobalis, Sona Shah, Laura Esparza, Kirk Yoshida, Debasree DasGupta. Discussion on the AARC Phase 11 Master plan with special emphasis on Bridge funding: Since the AAQoL commission as well as the Network of Asian American Organisation was reluctant to use bond money to fund the bridge, the commission is considering other options, The Watershed Protection Department has been approached and are willing to consider it, but needs a budget and also cannot work on the bridge as an independent project. The commission is considering making a budget request of 450 K to the council for this project. Kirk Yoshida to provide a resolution to be submitted to the Council. Budget: Requests to be considered for AARC needs so far: $450K for the Bridge connecting the center to the Rutherford Campus. $200K for partitions for main hall so it could be divided into smaller rooms $20K for lighting for the stage area $? for an Administrative staff Schiller Liao expressed the need to consult with an expert regarding the quality of the partitions and cost as well as rentability with the partitions in use. The Center also needs a new projector. The department to figure out the cost for hiring an administrative assistant. be cancelled. Senior Programs/ Events: There were some cancellations due to worry about COVID-19, Some events could be also The Meals on Wheels contract needed amendments. A letter of support to be created by the commission for the City Council. The Celebrasia event in May would not be inviting community booths but AAQoL could participate as an entity of the AARC. Transportation: The Center has made arrangements to use the PARD Senior transportation group instead of doing a separate transportation program and the approved position has been transferred. There have also been cancellations by some seniors due to COVID-19 concerns. Performance reports: (please see attached) 5. HR Report: (please see attached) Meeting was adjourned at 1: 25pm.
April 10, 2020 Date: Subject: Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission supports the CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project (“the project”). Description of Recommendation to Council The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Vote: Attest:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20191217‐007d: Disparate Impact Analysis of the Land Development Code Revision and Community Engagement Plan WHEREAS, City Manager Cronk directed staff to produce a draft land code revision and accompanying maps within a 3 month process without intentional community engagement nor community planning efforts; and WHEREAS, City Council held only one public hearing on December 7, 2019 before voting to approve the first reading of the new land development code; and WHEREAS, City staff, consultants and experts have not presented any evidence that the additional housing capacity proposed would support true affordability for those below 60% MFI – and especially for those below 30% MFI ‐ including low‐income families and seniors attempting to age in place; and WHEREAS, concerns about affordability and displacement impact communities of color and low‐income communities the most, considering the historically inequitable investments by public and private sectors, as well as a history of systemic racism; and WHEREAS, Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza has proposed an equity overlay that, if adopted, would limit developers’ ability to tear down existing multifamily housing to build bigger, more expensive units ‐ which could help mitigate displacement; and WHEREAS, although Council directed on May 2nd that staff should avoid upzoning areas "currently or susceptible to gentrification," the consultant‐generated "Envision Capacity" data shows some of the largest numbers of increased zoning capacity in the Eastern crescent, in areas with predominantly Latinx populations; and WHEREAS, bonuses and high‐capacity zoning categories have been proposed in undeveloped parcels in or immediately adjacent to low‐income communities of color, but the new capacity for those units— including the income‐restricted units—would be far more expensive than what the median family income in those areas could afford, therefore having a gentrifying effect; and WHEREAS, no preservation, protection or conservation program initiative has been proposed by City staff for areas where gentrification of Latinxs, African‐Americans and low‐income residents in general has been widely documented or noted as a threat in the Uprooted Study; and WHEREAS, a lawsuit has been filed against the City of Austin, City Council members, and City Manager Cronk claiming the City has not followed the Texas Local Government Code during the process of revising the land code by not providing notice or protest rights to landowners; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office has adopted a framework for addressing equity within policy planning that …
A Musical Evening Celebrating Love A civic fundraiser initiative for COVID-19 Pandemic Virtual Event / April 28, 9PM CST HOST: Reshmi Chowdhury PERFORMERS: Babna Karim, Raka Bhaduri, Shubhro Banerjee, Pooja Paulchoudhury, Argha Guha, Chandan Jaman Ali, Reshmi Chowdhury Charities to Donate: Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (aachi.org) SpaandanB USA (spaandanb.org)
2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? <The Austin Fire Department (AFD) does not reflect the diversity of the Austin community, relative to Asian Americans Problem: What is the problem you identify? <From 2017 – 2019 there was limited increase of Asian American in the AFD applicant pool and academy participants. However, Asian Americans are still vastly underrepresented. In 2019, the department only received 179 Community Interest Cards from Asian Americans and had 83 Asian American applicants and six individuals registered in the academy. Source: Data provided by AFD. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? <Asian Americans represent 7.5% of the total City population but only .4% of AFD uniformed officers. When the community isn’t representated in Public Safety, there is less trust and poor communication. This can hinder prevention efforts and response effectiveness. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? 1. Provide recruitment funding specifically targeted to the Asian American community 2. Assure that Asian Americans are represented in the panel that reviews and scores applications 3. Encourage Asian American representation on the City Civil Service Commission After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? __Is there funding? Available within existing funding (assumed) __Which department holds the funding? Austin Fire Department ___How much funding is there? ___Which orgs receive it? __How is success measured? __What are the impacts, and gaps? __Check All
2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? <There is an increasing need for culturally and linguistically sensitive physical and mental health services to immigrants and Asian Americans. Funding from the City can help patients gain access to safety net services to augment the medical services they receive. Problem: What is the problem you identify? <Limited funding was provided in FY 2019 and FY 2020, but the data shows that it doesn’t meet the growing demand. The currently funded clinic is serving 917 patients and has had to drastically limit new patients because they are at capacity. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? <Most of the Asian Americans, immigrants and refugees served in the free health clinics have incomes below 200% of FPL. They face cultural and language barriers and, when given a choice between paying for housing, food or basic medical care, many will skip medical care. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? <We have seen how the limited funding currently available has impacted the lives of Asian Americans, immigrants and refugees. We know that individuals from these communities are more successful if they can access services that are sensitive to their culture and language needs. We propose additional funding for this program in the amount of $100,000 to increase the capacity to serve the Asian American and immigrant population. After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? __Is there funding? Yes, the reallocation of funds from the Community Health Worker Training program __Which department holds the funding? Austin Public Health ___How much funding is there? $175,000 currently available. $75,000 will remain after reallocation. ___Which orgs receive it? __How is success measured? __What are the impacts, and gaps? __Check All
2020-2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? This request is related to the RISE relief approved by Austin City Council on April 09, 2020 of 15 million dollars allocated to the Austin community to fill the gaps in the Austin community to either lower income communities, communities that are unemployed or underemployed. Furthermore, it is the mission of the resolution that, “RISE relief can be achieved by expanding the capacity and reach of community-based organizations that may already be in partnership with the City of Austin, but may also require new partnerships with specialized providers with existing models to reach particular populations in new ways that meet impacted families where they are. Services and direct assistance should target populations who are traditionally marginalized or typically face additional barriers to enrolling in assistance programs, such as, but not limited to, language barriers. Services and assistance should be distributed by providers that have a history of trust and success in reaching communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant communities, and other historically marginalized communities.” Problem: What is the problem you identify? There are few Asian organizations that are directly in place in Austin to direct this funding towards eligible members of the Asian community in Austin. Furthermore, there is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for the stimulus payments under the CARES Act signed into law by the federal government. This affects many Asian families here in Austin. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? There is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for the stimulus payments under the CARES Act signed into law by the federal government. This especially applies to employees of small businesses, restaurant employees, Asian immigrants, and other Asians in the community that are low income or unemployed. Furthermore, barriers to language access affects the Austin Asian population, resulting in difficulties in applying for the RISE relief payments or even knowledge that the RISE payments are available. Such payments will help the Austin Asian population with remedies such as: Improve food access; Provide rental or mortgage assistance; Provide assistance with necessary bills, such as utility bills to enable children to attend school remotely; Assist with medical expenses; Assist with the purchase of diapers and baby formula …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-04a): Support for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project. Description of Recommendation to Council • The AARC Oversight Work Group is tasked with overseeing the AARC facility, including the project. The Work Group meets monthly with AARC Cultural Arts & Education Manager Sona Shah, who is often joined by the Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) Division Manager Laura Esparza. The Work Group receives regular updates on the progress of the project from Project Manager Riley Triggs and other Public Works staff. • Work Group discussions with the project manager and staff have centered around project scope, finding, and timeline. The timeline is nearing a milestone when the project delivery method must be selected before the project can move on to the next phase. The project manager provided the Work Group with information on the CMAR delivery method, which, among other benefits, can shorten the time to complete construction when compared to the traditional project delivery method. The Work Group agrees with Public Works staff’s recommendation to proceed with the CMAR delivery method and recommended it to the full Commission. • The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission hereby supports the proposed CMAR delivery method for the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 project. Date of Approval: April 10, 2020 Record of the vote: Moved by Commissioner Cobalis, Seconded by Commissioner Chen. Unanimous on a 11-0 vote (Commissioner Yoshida, DasGupta, Saxena, Sethi, Yang, Patil, Huang, Stanton, and Radhakrishnan) Absent: Commissioners Chao, Wang, Conte, and Patel Attest:
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-04b): The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission supports the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals for the Senior Program at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Description of Recommendation WHEREAS, the City Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides meals as part of their Senior Programs at many City Recreation Centers, Neighborhood Centers and Cultural Centers, and WHEREAS, PARD has contracted with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals to most Senior Programs, but not the Asian American Resource Center which provided culturally appropriate meals for Asian seniors through other vendors, and WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels and More has agreed to provide vegetarian meals and other meals specifically designed to meet the needs of Asian Americans, and WHEREAS, the AARC Oversight Working Group reviewed and supported the planned changes, and WHEREAS, PARD and AARC staff briefed the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) in December 2019 about the plan to modify the food service portion of the AARC Senior Program; WHEREAS, the contract with Meals on Wheels and More must be amended to reflect the additional services at the Asian American Resource Center. Supports an increase in the City budget for up to $50,000 for canvassing, media, and the need to NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISION: recognize ethnic subgroups among the AAPI population; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: the City of Austin to pursue the efforts of the 2020 Census that produces data representative of the AAPI Community and other minority communities. Date of Approval: April 10, 2020 The Asian American Quality of Life Commission strongly encourages and endorses the efforts by Record of the vote: Moved by Commissioner Cobalis, Seconded by Commissioner Yoshida. Unanimous on a 11-0 vote (Commissioner Chen, DasGupta, Saxena, Sethi, Yang, Patil, Huang, Stanton, and Radhakrishnan) Absent: Commissioners Chao, Wang, Conte, and Patel Attest:
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Asian American Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (2020410-04d): FY2021 Budget Recommendations. WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission was created to advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and will provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American quality of life initiatives, and WHEREAS, the AAQoL Advisory Commission, as part of its duties, annually submits budget recommendations each spring in support of programs of that promote equity and the quality of life of Asian Americans in Austin, and WHEREAS, the AAQOL Advisory Commission was in the process of finalizing its budget recommendations for submission to the Equity Office for consideration in the City’s Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget when the COVID-19 crisis hit the Austin area, and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis has and will continue to strain city resources during the response and recovery effort, and WHEREAS, City revenues from sales taxes are anticipated to be greatly reduced by the crisis, and WHEREAS, the complete picture of lost revenue and its effect on the FY 2020-21 budget is difficult to project at this time but it is expected to be severe, and WHEREAS, the City will need to direct additional resources in the current budget and the FY 2020-21 budget to provide relief in the form of health aid, housing, food aid, and other forms of assistance to those facing financial peril due to the spread of COVID-19, and WHEREAS, the City is planning to use a portion of its budget reserves to assist residents, and WHEREAS, City Council and staff are developing guidelines for the Relief in a State of Emergency (RISE) Fund for direct aid programs and health care services and related equipment, and WHEREAS, based on the City’s financial situation and the current and anticipated future resources required to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, AAQoL Advisory Commission made the decision not to submit any budget recommendations to the Equity Office that involve either funding for new programs/projects or additional funding for existing programs/projects, unless offset by reductions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the AAQoL Advisory Commission request that the City Council accept and review the attached list of unmet needs of the Asian American community in Austin, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the AAQoL Advisory Commission requests that the City Council prioritize equity, including the cultural and language …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQOLAC) SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES OF FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020 The AAQOLAC convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 Chair Vince Cobalis called the Commission Meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Vince Cobalis, Sarah Chen, Kuo Yang, Kirk Yoshida, Shubhada Saxena, Kavita Radhakrishnan, Hanna Huang, Debasree DasGupta, Pramod Patil and Pooja Sethi STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager Joshua Robinson, Commissions Liaison (Equity Office) CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: Sanjna Malpani – Asian American Health Initiative Reshmi Chowdhury – Virtual Music Event 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 2. OLD BUSINESS The Commission did not take up the minutes from the AAQOLAC meeting on February 18, 2020. a. Workgroup Reports: 1. Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Workgroup: See workgroup meeting notes in backup material 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup: No update provided. 3. Arts and Culture Workgroup: No update provided. 4. Business Planning Workgroup: No updated provided. Budget timeline/process Budget Recommendations b. Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC): No update provided. c. Follow-up Items: 1. Update on AARC Masterplan: No update 2. Update on AARC Bridge: No update provided. 3. Results from prior Mini-Grant awards and Update on upcoming Equity Mini-Grant application and timeline – Commission Liaison, Joshua Robinson provided an update. Listen to audio 4. Asian language access to proposed Land Development Code revisions – No action taken. 3. STAFF BRIEFING 4. NEW BUSINESS Status of the Immigrant Affairs position in the Equity Office – Commission Liaison Joshua Robinson provided an update. Listen to audio. a. Discussion and possible action to provide a letter of support to utilize the Contract Management At Risk (CMAR) process for the next phase of Asian American Resource Center construction. (supported by the AARC Oversight Workgroup - Commissioner Cobalis moved the commission support the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Project Delivery Method for the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Master Plan Phase 2 Project. Commissioner Chen seconded. Vote was 11-0. b. Discussion and possible action to support the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals for the Senior Program at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Supported by the AARC Oversight Workgroup and reviewed by the Commission in December 2019 – Commissioner DasGupta moved to support the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and to …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 AGENDA The commission shall advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and will provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American quality of life initiatives. (AAQOLAC Bylaws, Article 2. Purpose and Duties) CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The citizens wishing to speak on the agenda and non-agenda related items will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Non-agenda related citizen communications will be discussed during this period and will be limited to the first five speakers. Citizen communications on agenda related items will be allowed after an item’s presentation has been made. Each citizen wishing to speak will be given three minutes to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQOLAC) meeting on February 18, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup Reports 1. AARC Workgroup 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup 3. Arts & Culture Workgroup 4. Human Resources Workgroup 5. Business Planning Workgroup Budget timeline/process Budget recommendations b. Joint Inclusion Committee (Commissioner Stanton) c. Follow-up Items: 1. Update on AARC Masterplan 2. Update on the AARC Bridge 3. Results from prior Mini-Grant awards and Update on upcoming Equity Mini- Grant application and timeline 4. Asian language access to proposed Land Development Code revisions Translated in Chinese (simplified) and Vietnamese 3. STAFF BRIEFING 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Parks and Recreation Department Budget review b. Status of the Immigrant Affairs position in the Equity Office c. Coronavirus update A flyer on coronavirus from APH is available in English, Spanish, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu and Korean. Please be aware of the publish date on all printed materials as information can change. a. Discussion and possible action to provide a letter of support to utilize the Contract Management At Risk (CMAR) process for the next phase of Asian American Resource Center construction. (supported by the AARC Oversight Workgroup b. Discussion and possible action to support the amendment to the Parks and Recreation Department contract with Meals on Wheels and More to provide meals for the Senior Program at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Supported by the AARC Oversight Workgroup and reviewed …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARD AND COMMISSION ROOM 301 W. 2nd St., AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 AGENDA The commission shall advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and will provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American quality of life initiatives. (AAQOLAC Bylaws, Article 2. Purpose and Duties) CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The citizens wishing to speak on the agenda and non-agenda related items will need to sign up ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Non-agenda related citizen communications will be discussed during this period and will be limited to the first five speakers. Citizen communications on agenda related items will be allowed after an item’s presentation has been made. Each citizen wishing to speak will be given three minutes to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Consider approval of minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQOLAC) meeting on January 21, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup Reports 1. AARC Workgroup 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup Budget Community Engagement event 3. Arts & Culture Workgroup 4. Business Planning Workgroup b. Joint Inclusion Committee (Commissioner Stanton) Budget timeline/process c. Follow-up Items: 1. Update on AARC Masterplan a. PARD response to Commission action on 1-21-2020 b. Projected timeline c. Workgroup recommendation 3. STAFF BRIEFING a. Strategic Planning follow-up and tracking (Marion Sanchez) b. Update on upcoming Equity Mini-Grant application and timeline 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Early Childhood Council Strategic Plan (Cathy McHorse) c. Information Sharing 5. FUTURE AGENDA a. Analysis of APD’s Racial Profiling Data joint report and update on the new Community Police Review Commission (Maya Guevara – Office of Police Oversight) b. Discussion and possible action on City budget recommendations 6. 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 two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Joshua Robinson, Equity Office, at (512) 974-9006, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please contact Joshua Robinson at (512) 974-9006.
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQOLAC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 The AAQOLAC convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at City Hall in Austin, Texas. Chair Vince Cobalis called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Vince Cobalis, Shubhada Saxena, Pooja Sethi, Ketan Patel, Kirk Yoshida, Nguyen Stanton, Catherina Conte, Sarah Chen, Pramod Patil, Debasree DasGupta, Molly Wang, and Kuo Yang Staff in Attendance: Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Deputy Director (Economic Development) Dusty McCormick, Economic and Business Development Liaison (Economic Development) Annick Beaudet, Assistant Director (Transportation) Laura Esparza, Division Manager (Parks & Recreation) Joshua Robinson, Commissions Liaison (Equity Office) CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: N/A 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Commission moved to approve minutes from AAQOLAC meeting on January 21, 2020. Commissioner Yoshida made the motion. Commissioner DasGupta seconded. Vote was 11-0. Commissioner Sethi was not present to vote. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup Reports: 1. Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Workgroup: Commissioner DasGupta provided an update on the AARC Masterplan, AARC Senior programs, and “Foundation Communities” providing tax services at the AARC. 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup: Commissioner Conte provided an update. The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission will be partnering with the Commission on Immigrant Affairs for the upcoming Community Budget Forum. The workgroup is currently planning the structure of the “Community Budget Forum. Mental Health Project: Commissioner Cobalis provided an update. Austin Public Health has issued a Request for Grant Applications for Asian American Mental Health services and LGBTQ Mental Health services. 3. Arts and Culture Workgroup: Commissioner Patil provided an update. The workgroup is partnering with Austin Councilmember Jimmy Flannigan and Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty for a “Diversity Band” performance on Saturday, February 1, at the AARC. 4. Business Planning Workgroup: Commissioner Cobalis provided an update. The workgroup is starting the HR project. Budget timeline/process b. Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC): Commissioner Stanton provided an update. The JIC December Commission meeting was canceled. The Commission will meet on Wednesday, January 22. c. Follow-up Items: 1. Strategic Planning Review (Marion Sanchez): Marion Sanchez and Cara Welch were not available to present at the Tuesday, January 21, commission meeting. Sanchez and Welch will present during the Tuesday, February 18, commission meeting. 2. Update on AARC Masterplan: a. Next Steps: Division Manager, Laura Esparza provided an update on the …
44762 151 6486 1440.5 2246 1685 Site: PM #8313 Visits to educaitonal and cultural facilities ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER Total # Surveys Received PM#8314 Total number of Free cultural special events sponsored by Museums and Cultural Centers PM #8196 (Learned Something) Number of participants who increased their knowledge and understanding of culture, history and art PM#8315 Attendance at Free cultural special events sponsored by Museums and Cultural Centers PM #8469 (Enjoyed the Program) Number of art and cultural program participants reporting an improved quality of life PM #8316 Hours of arts and cultural programming PM #8465 Number of patron (participant) Injuries at museums provided and cultural centers 98% 88% Attendance # of Attendance # of Attendance Number of Creatives (Artists) Employeed (Free or Paid) Number of Volunteers Numbers by Category/Type: # of Rentals Total City Business Community Use Rental Event Rehearsal Collaborations Co‐Sponsorships Partnerships 641 75 305 114 4 0 143 0 Programs Total Edu Activity/Class Edu Resource Center/ Computer Lab Use Performance Special Event Edu Tour Senior Meals 17546 2619 2952 6507 45 0 5423 0 Tourism Public Programs: Total Programs Tourism Public Programs: Attendance Total Tourism: Out of Town Visitors 700 289 211 0 3 5 192 13908 4022 897 0 138 105 8746 Public Programs Total PubPrg Activity/Class PubPrg‐Exhibit PubPrg‐Reception PubPrg‐Performance PubPrg‐Special Event PubPrg‐Tour CoSpon‐Rental Event CoSpon‐Rental Special Event Event 526 61 5 0 3 6 1 0 133 317 7765 1175 247 0 295 937 8 0 4878 225 432 423 378 1 526 7765 232 SITE Asian American Resource Center SURVEYS Total Number of Surveys Received PM #8196 (Learned Something) Number of participants who increased their knowledge and understanding of culture, history and art PM #8469 (Enjoyed the Program) Number of art and cultural program participants reporting an improved quality of life 328 325 307 99% 94% PM #8313 Visits to educational and cultural facilities 12757 TOTAL ATTENDANCE Total Daily Drop‐In Visitors PM #8315 Attendance at Free cultural special events sponsored by Museums and Cultural Centers (Taken from total Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) Total Number of Out of Town Visitors (Taken from total Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) Total Number of Out of Town Visitors (Taken from total Daily Visits to edu & Cultural facilities) 26 0% TOTAL NUMBER OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS Total number of programs and events held at Museums and Cultural Centers PM #8314 Total number of Free cultural …
AARC Workgroup meeting for the AAQoL Tuesday, February 11, 12:00pm -1:00 pm In attendance: Vince Cobalis, Sona Shah, Sumit DasGupta, Liana Kallivoka, Assistant director, PARD), Laura Esparza, Riley Triggs (Public Works Project Manager), Christina Bies, Kirk Yoshida, Debasree DasGupta. 1. Discussion on the AARC Phase 11 Master plan with special emphasis on Bridge funding: The discussion stemmed from concerns the Commission had regarding using the Bond funds towards construction of the pedestrian bridge that would connect the Rutherford Campus to the AARC grounds. The PARD team provided a preliminary draft schedule that provided comparison in the difference in time and cost with the bridge included. Initially the Watershed Protection Department had agreed to fund and work on the bridge but it would be a longer process. The PARD could provide the product earlier but it could take as much as 500 K from the Bond funds which the Commission members and members of the NAAO board were reluctant to use. Also, it was agreed that unforeseen circumstances could slow down the process. . PARD has contacted WPD regarding funding for the bridge and provided the commission with the following information: WPD cannot reimburse PARD for the bridge due to rules regarding Drainage Utility Fee expenses. In order for WPD to fund the bridge, it would need to be a part of a larger water quality project. However, if requested, WPD will work on it, fund it, and try to expedite the process. WPD is working on the preliminary report on drainage as there have been issues with drainage. However, they are still in the feasibility stage of work and cannot guarantee the start dates. Funding will need to be approved for WPD to proceed with design and construction. The feasibility will be completed in November, 2020. Discussion on the prepared scope and budget estimates provided: Schiller Liao (NAAO) is in conversation with Councilman Jimmy Flannigan’s office regarding reimbursement for the bridge. Sumit DasGupta (NAAO) brought up the possibility of reducing the number of parking spaces since connecting the center with the Rutherford Campus would also enable shared parking. This would also reduce some of the building cost. Commissioner Kirk Yoshida spoke of making a request for separate funding for the bridge. HVJ has possibly already spent some money on a survey for the bridge. A recommendation could also be placed with WPD to pursue the CMAR strategy and look for …
COMMUNITY BUDGET FORUM ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) CONVERSATION: LDC is a very long and complex document LDC needs to be translated in multiple languages Advocating for affordable density Further outreach to the community Better quality/ quantity of LDC information There are parts of the community that are not receiving the LDC info. Immigrants communities are being pushed out of the City of Austin LDC info. needs to be presented in an objective format BUDGET RECCOMENDATION CONVERSATION: Language access Cultural understanding of Mental Health Educating health providers Helping Asian‐American/Immigrant communities build trust with the healthcare system Finding places for Asian‐Americans/Immigrant communities to get treated Affordable health services Constant/sustainable funding for initiatives (i.e. health, housing, etc.) Non‐profits having difficulty reporting performance measures back to the City of Austin
Business Planning Work Group Notes – February 2020 Summary The Business Planning Work Group did not meet this month. HR Project Lead: Sarah Chen Other participants: Kirk Yoshida, Vince Cobalis Status: Sarah is in the process of scheduling a meeting to discuss the recruitment of Asian Americans at the Austin Fire Department (AFD). The meeting will be with Chief Baker as well as Assistant Chief Pablo Ruiz, who oversees recruitment. This meeting will take place the week of March 2. Budget Community Forum The forum was held on Thursday, February 13 at the AARC. Notes about the forum are included in the Community Engagement Work Group notes. Other Budget Notes Quality of Life Budget Workshop scheduled for February 29 Possible FY 2021 Budget Items: o AARC Existing Facility Needs: Ballroom Divider / Outdated Equipment Replacement / Lighting Upgrade o Additional Programming for the Austin History Center o Fire Department Recruitment of Asian Americans o Additional funding for AARC Master Plan Phase 2 Construction Possible Project ‐ Equitable Chamber Funding Report Input to Consultant/Economic Development Department
