REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 12:00 PM Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission for Women 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 or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 4, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing regarding maternal health by Laura G. LaFuente, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Fernanda Santos, Epidemiologist, Austin Public Health, and Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority and Medical Director, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding women’s mental health programs by Wendy Salazar, Practice Manager for Children and Family Services, Integral Care. 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular called meeting held in June 2025. 6. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission events. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. 8. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve the Commission for Women 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report. 10. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. 11. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Katrina Scheihing Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rabia Shaik PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on April 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on April 2, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zayan was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on April 23, 2025. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3. 4. 5. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Update presented by Commissioner Scheihing. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Update presented by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Department. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion of City of Austin Budget and formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Vice Chair Bullard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. The motion to add Commissioners Anderson, Bullard, Tau, and Zayan to the Budget Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Bullard as Chair was approved on Commissioner Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 4, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Shaimaa Zayan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vanessa Bissereth Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bissereth was off the dais. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular and special called meetings held in April and May 2025. Chair Bullard and Commissioner Anderson provided an update. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 3. Discussion regarding questions to ask Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, at the Joint Inclusion Committee meeting on June 25th, 2025. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Commissioner Melendez provided an update Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group on the progress towards project completion. Commissioner Scheihing provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Recognition Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioners Harris, Melendez, and Zayan to the Recognition Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was off the dais. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioner Anderson to the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. Approve a Recommendation to Council to discontinue the use of the automated license plate reader surveillance program. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council to …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Commission for Women ____________________________________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The purpose of the commission is to serve as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the city council and city manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls. The commission shall develop goals and coordinate research for planning, programming, and action relating to opportunities, needs, problems, and contributions of women in the city. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) A. Recommendations: The Commission for Women researched and approved the following recommendations aligned to the mission. These were submitted for consideration in the FY2025-26 budget cycle. The recommendations on the Funding for Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Actions was also included in the Joint Inclusion Committee's aggregate budget submission for FY2024-25. i. Recommendation 20241204-004: Support of Sunday Sessions ATX: Recommendation to Council to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX. ii. Budget Recommendation 20250305-004 - 2025-26: FY26 Funding for i. The Collective Sex Crimes Response Model - with a focus on ensuring its formal completion and closure and a seamless transition to a future governance body such as the Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) ii. Menstrual equity supplies in public libraries iii. The Family Stabilization Grant Program iv. The Workforce and Childcare Division v. After-school programming geared toward building positive mental health in girls in Title 1 schools iii. Recommendation 20250604-008 - Opposition to Austin’s Automated License Plate Reader Surveillance Program B. Working Groups: The Commission for Women focused on issues regarding gender and race equity, economic equity, safety, and health for women and girls, with the following active working groups. i. Film Screening Working Group coordinated planning and sharing of information on the screening of Army of Women. ii. The FY26 Budget working group was established for commissioners …
Maternal Health in Austin/ Travis County July 9, 2025 D R . D E S M A R WA L K E S , H E A LT H A U T H O R I T Y F E R N A N DA S A N TO S , E P I D E M I O L O G I S T L A U R A G . L A F U E N T E , A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R D O N N A S U N D S T R O M , A S S I S TA N T D I R E C TO R Travis County Maternal Health Indicators 2018-2022 Data source: Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Service †Non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity category also includes cases with unknown race/ethnicity and includes multiple race responses Maternal Infant Outreach Program Peer support to African American/Black women who are pregnant or have a child under 1 of age. Services Include 1:1 Home visits • • Maternal health education • Resource navigation assistance • • Psychosocial support Sisterhood FY24 Achievements • 71 Clients Served • 83% babies born at-term • 83% babies born at a healthy weight • 91% of MIOP moms screened for • Intimate Partner Violence FY25 Grant Funding - $569,048.44 Family Connects Evidence-based, Registered Nurse Home Visiting Model Serves anyone who: • • Delivered a newborn at St. David’s South or Ascension Seton Main hospital -OR- Eligible and/or receiving WIC services -AND-Infant under 12 weeks Provides: Home visit around 3 weeks postpartum; • • Maternal-infant health assessments • • • • • Clinical education addressing maternal high blood pressure, depression/anxiety, infections, bleeding Lactation support Communication with healthcare providers Direct support and referrals to community resources Touchpoint at 4-6 weeks after visit to assure referral connection Funded by grants and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Highlights: • • • Direct supports include HEB gift cards, diapers, cribs, car 1,000+ families 180+ follow-up visits seats, breast pumps/supplies and transportation Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Serves: • Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 Low and moderate income families (< 185% federal poverty level) • • Travis and Bastrop counties Provides: • Nutritious foods • Health assessment • Nutrition education …
Overview and Resources Presenter: Wendy Amozurrutia-Salazar, DBH,MA, LPCS Practice Manager About Us Integral Care supports adults and children living with: • mental illness • • substance use disorder intellectual and developmental disabilities We help people build health and well-being, so everyone has the foundation to reach their full potential. What We Do - Provider Care Coordination 24/7 Crisis Response Integrated Behavioral Health Residential Services Homelessness and Housing Services Jail Diversion Substance Use Treatment Prevention and Wellness What We Do - Authority Utilization Management Quality Management Ombudsman Network Development, Credentialing & Management Local Service Plan & Local Network Development Plan Single Point of Entry Education & Training Integral Care’s System of Care Our Partners Our Services Where We Provide Services • Over the phone • In clinics and • Via telehealth • On a street corner • At home • In jails residential facilities • In emergency rooms • In schools We go anywhere a 46 FACILITIES SPREAD OVER person 16 CAMPUSES needs help. Our Care Approach • Person-Centered • Trauma-Informed • Culturally Competent • Multiple Languages • Integrated Care • Community Partnerships Adult Behavioral Health Services Integral Care helps adults living with mental illness and substance use disorder rebuild and maintain their mental and physical health. Counseling to support emotional health Drug and alcohol treatment to help with recovery Housing to regain health and independence Wellness services for people who want to learn ways to lead a healthy life Child & Family Services Integral Care helps families build their health and well-being so they can meet their everyday needs at all stages of life. Our experts ensure that children and families have the skills and resources they need to thrive. Help children build strong brains and bodies Support emotional health through counseling Teach families to communicate better Help families find a safe and affordable home Crisis Services Integral Care offers mental health crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – on the phone and in the community. Our crisis services help people recover from a mental health crisis and rebuild their well-being. A helpline for anyone who needs immediate emotional support Tools and resources to prevent suicide Teams that go anywhere someone needs help Mental Health Urgent Care Helpline Calls FY2022 FY20 72,363 calls FY21 77,749 calls FY22 73,342 calls FY23 83,393 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular and special called meetings held in April and May 2025. 3. Discussion regarding questions to ask Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, at the Joint Inclusion Committee meeting on June 28th, 2025. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. 5. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group on the progress towards project completion. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Recognition Working Group. 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council to discontinue the use of the automated license plate reader surveillance program. 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 requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Katrina Scheihing Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rabia Shaik PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on April 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on April 2, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zayan was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on April 23, 2025. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3. 4. 5. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Update presented by Commissioner Scheihing. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Update presented by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Department. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion of City of Austin Budget and formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Vice Chair Bullard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. The motion to add Commissioners Anderson, Bullard, Tau, and Zayan to the Budget Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Vice Chair Bullard as Chair was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20250604-008 Date: June 4, 2025 Subject: Program Motioned By: Seconded By: Opposition to Austin’s Automated License Plate Reader Surveillance Recommendation The City of Austin Commission for Women urges City Council to discontinue Austin’s automated (AI) license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance program . Description of Recommendation to Council The trial period for the Austin Police Department’s use of automated (AI) license plate readers is ending, and now Council must decide whether to make the program permanent. It is the recommendation of the City of Austin Commission for Women that Council discontinue the automated license plate reader surveillance program. Rationale: From March through December of 2024, automated license plate readers (ALPR) scanned more than 75 million license plates across Austin as part of an APD trial program. While council’s approved policy stated that license plate data must be deleted within one week, that has not been the reality of the program. According to a recent audit, contractor Flock Safety retains "non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free right and license" to indefinitely use license plate information scanned across Austin.1 1 https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/government/2025/05/20/75m-license-plates- scanned-under-rebooted-austin-police-program-audit-reveals-successes-concerns/ What this means is that the data connected to the millions of license plates scanned under this program is not protected. This program puts the data of Austinites at risk. Consider what Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, who represents much of Austin, said on the floor of the Texas Senate just last week during the hearing for HB521: “We’re in the process of creating a number of lists, and this is of great concern. We have a number of bills this session… that create lists of people as if we are preparing to shoot fish in a barrel… We have lists of individuals who are public servants who are trying to assist people to vote. We have lists of judges who are using their discretion to release people on bail. We have lists of prosecutors who are – within their discretion – choosing not to pursue cases. We have lists of vendors who sell books that are disfavored. We are entering into a time period of surveillance and lists and disfavored groups by statute… We had a priority in this legislative session to look at the scourges of communism. That was one of the scourges of communism. Lists of public servants that were disfavored, lists of judges that were disfavored, lists of books that were disfavored, lists of people …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20250604-008 Date: June 4, 2025 Subject: Program Motioned By: Commissioner Zayan Opposition to Austin’s Automated License Plate Reader Surveillance Seconded By: Vice Chair Tau Recommendation The City of Austin Commission for Women urges City Council to discontinue Austin’s automated (AI) license plate reader (ALPR) surveillance program . Description of Recommendation to Council The trial period for the Austin Police Department’s use of automated (AI) license plate readers is ending, and now Council must decide whether to make the program permanent. It is the recommendation of the City of Austin Commission for Women that Council discontinue the automated license plate reader surveillance program. Rationale: From March through December of 2024, automated license plate readers (ALPR) scanned more than 75 million license plates across Austin as part of an APD trial program. While council’s approved policy stated that license plate data must be deleted within one week, that has not been the reality of the program. According to a recent audit, contractor Flock Safety retains "non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free right and license" to indefinitely use license plate information scanned across Austin.1 1 https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/government/2025/05/20/75m-license-plates- scanned-under-rebooted-austin-police-program-audit-reveals-successes-concerns/ What this means is that the data connected to the millions of license plates scanned under this program is not protected. This program puts the data of Austinites at risk. Consider what Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, who represents much of Austin, said on the floor of the Texas Senate just last week during the hearing for HB521: “We’re in the process of creating a number of lists, and this is of great concern. We have a number of bills this session… that create lists of people as if we are preparing to shoot fish in a barrel… We have lists of individuals who are public servants who are trying to assist people to vote. We have lists of judges who are using their discretion to release people on bail. We have lists of prosecutors who are – within their discretion – choosing not to pursue cases. We have lists of vendors who sell books that are disfavored. We are entering into a time period of surveillance and lists and disfavored groups by statute… We had a priority in this legislative session to look at the scourges of communism. That was one of the scourges of communism. Lists of public servants that were disfavored, lists of judges that were disfavored, lists of books that …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 4, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Shaimaa Zayan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vanessa Bissereth Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Bissereth was off the dais. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular and special called meetings held in April and May 2025. Chair Bullard and Commissioner Anderson provided an update. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2025 3. Discussion regarding questions to ask Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, at the Joint Inclusion Committee meeting on June 25th, 2025. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Commissioner Melendez provided an update Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group on the progress towards project completion. Commissioner Scheihing provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Recognition Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioners Harris, Melendez, and Zayan to the Recognition Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was off the dais. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioner Anderson to the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Shaik and Veloz Salas were absent. Approve a Recommendation to Council to discontinue the use of the automated license plate reader surveillance program. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council to …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Maria Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on April 2, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on April 23, 2025. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion of City of Austin Budget and formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 7. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 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 requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:29 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Diana Melendez Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on March 26, 2025. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Postponed without objection. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality of Life Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Anderson, Veloz Salas, and Zayan to the Quality of Life Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone the officer elections to the next meeting was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recognition Working Group Update Film Screening Working Group Update Quality of Life Working Group Update Joint Inclusion Committee Update Budget Discussion ADJOURNMENT Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. without objection. 2
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Katrina Scheihing Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rabia Shaik PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on April 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on April 2, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zayan was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on April 23, 2025. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3. 4. 5. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Update presented by Commissioner Scheihing. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Update presented by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Department. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Postponed to June 4, 2025, without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion of City of Austin Budget and formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to draft proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Vice Chair Bullard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. The motion to add Commissioners Anderson, Bullard, Tau, and Zayan to the Budget Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Bullard as Chair was approved on Commissioner Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Rabia Shaik Maria Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Distinguished Service Award - Rebecca Austen – To be presented by Council Member Duchen and former Council Member A. Alter 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on March 5, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on March 26, 2025. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality of Life Working Group. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 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 requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jamie Smith – Girls on the Run Austin Michael Ward Jr – Austin Urban Technology Movement APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 5, 2025. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on February 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. 2. Update from Commissioner Scheihing regarding attendance of a recent meeting of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Planning Team. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding the research and writing of Fiscal Year 4. Approve Recommendations to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The motion to amend was made by Commissioner Scheihing and seconded by Commissioner Veloz Salas. The amendment was to add: “Enhancements that particularly impact women and girls in Austin.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to approve the recommendation as amended was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to Reconsider Item 4 was made by Chair Tau, seconded by Vice Chair Bullard and approved on an 8-0 vote. The motion to amend the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Bullard, seconded by Chair Tau. The amendment was to insert “as well as enhancements” after “unmet needs.” The amendment was to also add a bullet point under Description of Recommendation to Council as follows: 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 “After-school programming geared toward building positive mental health in girls in Title 1 schools” The amendment was also to delete the word “citizens” and replace it with “residents” under Rationale. The …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:29 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Diana Melendez Shaimaa Zayan Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on March 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the JIC meeting held on March 26, 2025. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update from the Film Screening Working Group on the screening of Army of Women. Postponed without objection. 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the recent work towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality of Life Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioners Anderson, Veloz Salas, and Zayan to the Quality of Life Working Group was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Bissereth, Scheihing, and Shaik were absent. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone the officer elections to the next meeting was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 6-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recognition Working Group Update Film Screening Working Group Update Quality of Life Working Group Update Joint Inclusion Committee Update Budget Discussion ADJOURNMENT Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. without objection. 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 2, 2025 The minutes were approved at the May 7th, 2025 meeting on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zayan was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez, and Veloz Salas were absent. 3
