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Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 7, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions Room. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:22 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Katrina Scheihing Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Maria Fernanda Veloz Salas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 10, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 7/10/2024 were approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion and seconded by Chair Tau on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Austen, Bissereth, Glasser, and Serrata were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 7, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the formation of a Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Working Group to devise recommendations in support of the CSCRM’s project objectives until completion. The motion to postpone the item was approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion, Chair Tau’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Bullard, Commissioners Austen, Bissereth, Glasser, and Serrata were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Update from the Documentary Film Screening Working Group. Commissioner Veloz Salas provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Dress for Success Presentation (Austen, Glasser) Update from the Documentary Film Screening Working Group (Tau, Veloz Salas) Update from the Quality of Life Working Group (Tau, Rattan) ADJOURNMENT Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:41 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 9/4/2024 meeting on Commissioner Rattan’s motion, Chair Tau’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Veloz Salas were off the dais. Vice Chair Bullard and Commissioner Serrata were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN July 10, 2024 AT 12:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401 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, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 5, 2024. 1. DISCUSSION 2. Austin Police Department’s Special Victims Intervention Unit (SVIU) on an overview of the work of the unit and identified limitations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission for Women’s annual report. 4. Approve Commissioner Scheihing as a representative to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan planning team. Election of the primary and secondary representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress of the Quality of Life study. 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 of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 5, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room-1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:37 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 1, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 5/1/2024 were approved on Chair Tau’s motion and seconded by Commissioner Harris on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 5, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Vice Chair Bullard provided a summary of the ceremony and reception. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. The motion to approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. The Recognition Working Group for the 2025 Hall of Fame will establish timeline and goals for 2025 Hall of Fame, including but not limited to: • reviewing and updating nomination process and application • determine marketing plan for nomination process and Hall of Fame event • updating Commissioner review process • determine date for applications/nominations to go live and when they will close. • determine date for 2025 Hall of Fame • continue collaboration with D3 office to prepare for Hall of Fame • expected final result will be 2025 Hall of Fame event. Chair Tau and Vice Chair Bullard volunteered to join the 2025 Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group. 4. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to postpone to the next meeting was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Austen’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. 5. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. The …
APD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT/ SPECIAL VICTIMS INTERVENTION UNIT (SVIU) Sergeant Tammy Varkony Tammy.Varkony@austintexas.gov APD Domestic Violence Unit • 2 Sergeants • Unit Management & Logistics • Case Assignment • Review of cleared investigations • SVIU • 16 Detectives Investigate cases • • Collaborate with Prosecutors • Alert SVIU to elevated threats • 1 Victim Services Counselor Supervisor • Case Assignment • Liaison with other agencies • 7 Victim Services Counselors • Contact victims of Family Violence • Safety planning • Coordinate resources to victims • Alert SVIU to elevated threats • 4 Officers (SVIU) • One detective position has been reassigned Investigative support for high-risk cases • • Safety planning support- install cameras, GPS checks • Serve arrest & search warrants • Attend weekly DVHRT meetings Types of Cases Investigated • The DV Unit is responsible for investigating approx. 27 different offenses/ title codes, including: • Any Family / Dating Violence Assaults • i.e. Assault w/ Injury, Aggravated Assault, Agg Assault Strangulation, Agg Assault – Motor Vehicle • Violation of Bond Conditions / Protective Orders • Kidnapping / Agg Kidnapping – Fam / Dating • Stalking (including stranger stalking cases) • Assault on Pregnant Woman • Burglary of Residence - Fam / Dating • Interference w/ Emergency Phone Call – Fam / Dating • Terroristic Threats – Fam / Dating • Unlawful Restraint – Fam / Dating • Injury to Elderly / Disabled – Fam / Dating SVIU MISSION • The SVIU is a plain clothes (no uniforms) investigative support unit under the Domestic Violence Unit. • SVIU’s priority are cases with an ongoing or escalating victim safety risk, or risk to the public. • The unit is comprised of one sergeant, one detective, and four officers. UNIT ORIGIN & PURPOSE • Originally known as CRASH • Established in 2015 with the primary goal of HOMICIDE PREVENTION • By taking a victim-centered approach the unit provides services to victims in all stages, from safety planning and investigative assistance all the way to suspect apprehension and protective order / bond condition enforcement. 6 THE SVIU ROLE IN THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HIGH RISK TEAM (DVHRT) • Two overarching themes of the DVHRT model: If intimate partner homicide is predictable, it should be preventable. The gaps in information are where homicides occur. The SVIU is an innovative model unique to APD that provides a coordinated response to high-risk cases through a The SVIU …
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Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 10, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas, 78752. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 5, 2024. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 10, 2024 The minutes from the meeting on 6/5/2024 were approved on Commissioner Rattan’s motion and seconded by Chair Tau on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Serrata was off the dais. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. DISCUSSION 2. Austin Police Department’s Special Victims Intervention Unit (SVIU) on an overview of the work of the unit and identified limitations. The presentation was made by Tammy Varkony, Sergeant, Austin Police Department; Deanna Lichter, Commander, Austin Police Department; and Christopher Leleux, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. Hanna Senko, Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) project manager answered commissioners’ questions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission for Women’s annual report. The motion to approve the Commission for Women’s annual report was approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 4. Approve Commissioner Scheihing as a representative to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan planning team. The motion to approve Commissioner Scheihing as a representative to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan planning team was approved on Commissioner Glasser’s motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 5. Election of the primary and secondary representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Glasser as the primary representative and Commissioner Melendez as the secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Austen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were off the dais. Commissioner Scheihing was absent. 6. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress of the Quality of Life study. Update was given by Commissioner Austen. WORKING GROUP UPDATES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2 Commission for Women …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN June 5, 2024 AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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. Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 1, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. Discussion on screening the documentary film An Army of Women and approve the creation of a Working Group to plan and put on the screening event. Update from the Working Group on the Quality of Life Study regarding progress on the 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Quality of Life Study. 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 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION FOR WOMEN June 5, 2024 AT 12:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Angela Harris Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas REVISED 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 1, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. Discussion on screening the documentary film An Army of Women and approve the creation of a Working Group to plan and put on the screening event. Update from the Working Group on the Quality of Life Study regarding progress on the 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Quality of Life Study. 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 …
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number [_____]: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“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; and WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family …
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 1, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room-1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Chair Melendez called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:14 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Melendez, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard Julie Glasser Pam Rattan Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on April 3, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 4/3/2024 were approved on Commissioner Bullard’s motion and seconded by Vice Chair Tau on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Glasser was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 1, 2024 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Presentation on the Office of the Community Liaison by the Austin Police Department. Presentation was given by Karen Hemby, Administrative Specialist, Office of the Community Liaison at the Austin Police Department. 3. Presentation on the resources and needs designated for women by David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer at Austin Public Health. Presentation was given by David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, Homeless Strategy Office. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Tau as Chair was made by Commissioner Bullard, Commissioner Melendez seconded, approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Bullard as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Tau, Commissioner Melendez seconded, approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth and Serrata were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Melendez adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. without objection. 2
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number 20240605-005: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“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; and WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family …
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Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 5, 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room-1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:37 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Rebecca Austen Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Maria Veloz Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 1, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on 5/1/2024 were approved on Chair Tau’s motion and seconded by Commissioner Harris on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 5, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the 2024 Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception. Vice Chair Bullard provided a summary of the ceremony and reception. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group, define the scope and approve membership. The motion to approve the creation of a Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Bullard’s motion, Chair Tau’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. The Recognition Working Group for the 2025 Hall of Fame will establish timeline and goals for 2025 Hall of Fame, including but not limited to: • reviewing and updating nomination process and application • determine marketing plan for nomination process and Hall of Fame event • updating Commissioner review process • determine date for applications/nominations to go live and when they will close. • determine date for 2025 Hall of Fame • continue collaboration with D3 office to prepare for Hall of Fame • expected final result will be 2025 Hall of Fame event. Chair Tau and Vice Chair Bullard volunteered to join the 2025 Hall of Fame Recognition Working Group. 4. Election of primary and backup representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to postpone to the next meeting was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Austen’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Glasser, Melendez and Rattan were absent. 5. Approve Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable childcare in the greater Austin area. The …
Commission for Women Community Interest Announcement Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony & Reception May 1, 2024 at 11am Austin City Hall 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Boards and Commissions Room A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Staff Liaison: Christi Vitela Liaison Telephone Number : 512-974-2792
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd, 2024, AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM, 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 Tabitha Taylor, (512) 972-5023, Tabitha.Taylor@austintexas.gov . CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Diana Melendez, Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Becky Bullard Julie Glasser Angela Harris Pam Rattan Maria Veloz Salas Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Jocelyn Tau AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting March 6, 2024. DISCUSSION 2. Presentation: Highlights from the 68th Annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, Cristina Ayala, CA Consulting, Strategies & Management, Principal 3. Quality-of-Life Study Status Update, Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Coordinator, City of Austin Equity Office DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame Plan and Recognition Date WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) regarding FY2024/25 Budget 6. Update from Working Group on Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls regarding recognition plan candidate selection process. 7. Update from Working Group on Quality-of-Life Study regarding the progression of the Quality Recommendations. Life Study 8. Update from Working Group on FY2025 Budget regarding funding allocations. 9. Update from Working Group on Joint Collective Sex Crime Response Model (CSCRM) Project regarding current financial allocations and project needs. 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 Tabitha Taylor at the Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 972-5023 …
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Commission for Women REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 3rd , 2024 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 3rd , 2024, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room-1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78701 Vice- Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:11p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard Katrina Scheihing Rebecca Austen Diana Melendez, Chair Vanessa Bissereth Pam Rattan Josephine Serrata Staff in Attendance: Julie Glasser Maria Veloz Salas Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Tabitha Taylor, Office of Civil Rights Christi Vitela, City Clerk’s Office Alejandra Mireles, City of Austin, Equity Office 1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 6th, 2024. The minutes from the meeting were approved at the April 3rd, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Tau’s motion and seconded by Commission Scheihing (6-0) vote. Commissioners Glasser and Melendez were absent from the vote. Commissioners Bissereth, Rattan and Serrata were absent from the meeting. DISCUSSION 2. Presentation: Highlights from the 68th Annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, Cristina Ayala, CA Consulting, Strategies & Management, Principal Discussion was held. 3. Quality-of-Life Study Status Update, Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Coordinator, City of Austin Equity Office Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame Plan and Recognition Date Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) regarding upcoming collaborative 6. Update from Working Group on Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls regarding opportunities within the community Discussion was held. recognition plan candidate selection process. Discussion was held. 7. Update from Working Group on Quality-of-Life Study regarding the progression of the Quality Life Study Discussion was held. Discussion was held. 8. Update from Working Group on FY2025 Budget regarding funding allocations. 9. Update from Working Group on Joint Collective Sex Crime Response Model (CSCRM) Project regarding current financial allocations and project needs. Discussion was held. 2 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commission for Women Elections Austin Police Department: Neighborhood Liaison Homeless Strategy Office ADJOURNMENT Vice-Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:58 p.m. without objection. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th, 2024, AT 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM, 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 Tabitha Taylor, (512) 972-5023, Tabitha.Taylor@austintexas.gov . CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Diana Melendez, Chair Rebecca Austen Vanessa Bissereth Becky Bullard Julie Glasser Angela Harris Pam Rattan Maria Veloz Salas Katrina Scheihing Josephine Serrata Jocelyn Tau AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting February 7th, 2024. 2. Presentation: Accessibility and Affordable Childcare, Catherine Mchorse, Early Childhood Council, City of Austin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve Women’s Hall of Fame Recognition Plan 4. Review and approve Collective Sex Crime Response Model (CSCRM) FY2025 Budget Recommendations WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) regarding upcoming collaborative 6. Update from Working Group on Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls regarding opportunities within the community. recognition plan candidate selection process. 7. Update from Working Group on Quality-of-Life Study regarding the progression of the Quality Life Study 8. Update from Working Group on FY2025 Budget regarding funding allocations. 9. Update from Working Group on Joint Collective Sex Crime Response Model (CSCRM) Project regarding current financial allocations and project needs. 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 Tabitha Taylor at the Office of Civil Rights, at (512) 972-5023 or Tabitha. Taylor @austintexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas …
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number [_____]: Fiscal Year 2024-25 Funding for Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Actions WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“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; and WHEREAS, in September 2019, the City Manager’s Office contracted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), in conjunction with the Women’s Law Project and the Wellesley Centers for Women, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the way sexual assaults reported to the Austin Police Department (APD) are investigated and processed; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2022, the final PERF report was released, Austin Police Department (APD) Review, Reported Sexual Assault Comprehensive Evaluation, and included comprehensive findings and over one hundred recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department worked with the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) to address the PERF recommendations and take actions, including revisions to APD policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) was established in early 2023 to coordinate the full response to the PERF report, and includes representatives from APD, SARRT, nonprofit and community organizations, survivors and survivor advocates; and WHEREAS, the Commission for Women and Public Safety Commission formed a joint working group in 2023 to support and track the work of the CSCRM and report progress to their respective commissions; and WHEREAS, the work of the CSCRM is significant in scope, spanning multiple working groups, and has identified serious unmet funding requirements and additional needs for fiscal year 2024- 2025; and WHEREAS, funding has been allocated to support APD comprehensive sexual assault/trauma curriculum development and delivery, additional detective hours on misdemeanor and cold cases, the hiring of a CSCRM project manager, the implementation of a survivor survey and a stipend for volunteer project members, among others; and WHEREAS, law enforcement staffing shortages and hiring challenges are impacting support for survivors of sexual assault, and training and increased financial support and innovative approaches are needed to overcome these shortfalls; and WHEREAS, the SAFE forensic nursing program is critically short-staffed due to underfunding and low salaries, not all sexual assault victims are able to have evidence collected and preserved and receive the medical help they need, and in 2023, …